Tips to Win at Penny Slot Machines

The odds on any casino game, including slots are always in favor of the casino. That being said, there are some guidelines to follow if you want to maximize profits and minimize losses. Never play with more money than you can afford to lose, and play with caution. Penny slots, with their low cost per game are a great option for those without a lot of money to spend, and the payoffs can be excellent if follow a few guidelines.

Take only as much money as you're willing to lose to the casino. Leave your credit and debit cards at home. It's easy to get on a winning or losing streak and think "just one more game". Gambling when you're desperate or even euphoric can cause you to lose focus and spend much more than you planned.

Choose machines with the highest payout percentages and bonus opportunities. By picking the highest paying machines, you are essentially maximizing your profits before you spend a penny. Bonus opportunities (usually prompted by getting a particular picture a certain number of times anywhere on the screen) can significantly boost your winnings. Winning a bonus can mean you get to play a short sub-game, or you might just be rewarded outright with extra winnings.

Play the maximum number of lines available. If you are betting one penny per line, the amount you are wagering for each play is equal to the number of lines you play. For example, betting one penny per line and playing one line will cost you one penny per spin, but playing 20 lines will cost you 20 cents per spin. You will up the odds per spin while betting the same amount per line. This does result in fewer spins, but increases your odds of winning.

Pay attention to the amount you bet per line. Playing the maximum number of lines per spin at the maximum bet per line can add up big time. As stated in step three, the minimum bet on a 20 line machine costs 20 cents per spin, but a maximum bet of 10 cents per line equals a $2 bet per spin. Playing the maximum bet will increase your jackpot on a win, but will also cause you to spend more in the long run.

Increase your bet if you are winning, but decrease it if you are losing. Don't expect to turn a winning streak around by making the maximum bet. Gradually increasing your bet as you win will increase profits, and decreasing your bet while losing will decrease losses.

Change machines if you get one that is not paying out. While you might suddenly hit the jackpot on a "dead" machine, you might be more inclined to maximize your bets out of boredom, thereby decreasing your total winnings. Change machines as frequently as you like.

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Tips to Beat Slot Machine

From movie-themed slots such as "The Addams Family" to the ubiquitous "Wheel of Fortune" machines, the floors of most casinos are filled with the popular one-armed bandits. Before entering a casino, you must realize that slot machines cannot be beaten. These devices are programmed with a specific house edge, and will pay back the preset percentage over time. You can, however, reduce the house edge and even win at slot machines if you use some techniques that can give you an advantage.

Step 1
Find a machine where you can play the maximum number of credits within your budget. Most machines allow you to bet more than one credit, and they are designed to entice you to play more than one coin by increasing the jackpot. The highest jackpot on one quarter machines might be $4,000 if you bet three credits, but you might receive only $1,500 if you hit the winning combination when betting two credits. Play max credits to ensure you aren't shortchanged when you hit a jackpot.

Step 2
Stick to dollar slots. The American Casino Guide reports that the house edge on dollar slots in Las Vegas in 2009 was about five percent, but increased to more than 10 percent for penny slots. Generally, the lower denomination on the slot the higher the house edge you must beat to win.

Step 3
Take advantage of free slot play. Many casinos offer bonuses such as slot credits for new players who sign up for a player's club card. Most vouchers allow you to play $5 or $10 of "house" money at the slots. You must first put in some of your own money, but can cash it out along with any winnings once you exhaust all of your free play. If you are traveling to a gambling mecca such as Las Vegas for the first time, you can earn plenty of free slot play by visiting many casinos.

Step 4
Participate in slot tournaments. Many casinos offer free slot tournaments for customers. You can win some money at the slots with no financial risk.

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How to Win Las Vegas Slot Machines Casino

Slot machines consistently amount for 70 percent of all the business in casinos. These games have been popular since the 1980s. The slot machine offers jackpot amounts that can make someone a million dollar winner with a simple $3 bet. The progressive nature of the game makes the casino player feel like they have a chance to break the bank. The simplicity of the game also draws people in as little skill is required.

Know the Payouts
Always look for machines with higher payout percentages. This can vary from game to game, as well as from casino to casino. Being familiar with the machines that pay out in the 96 percent to 98 percent range will allow the player to have the best shot at winning. Talking to the slot floor manager could also provide information on the best games to play. Casino specials are also a way to tell what machines might be paying out more. Machines that are shown in the advertisements are the machines the casino could be directing people to so they have people winning and telling others about those winnings.

Know Your Bankroll Limit
Make it a habit to only play slots with the money from your initial bankroll, and not from any credits you may have earned along the way. As soon as you have reached the limit you have set for yourself, walk away. Walking out with money will make you feel like a winner. If that strategy is not acceptable to you as a player, set a limit on the amount of winnings you will be willing to lose (not including your bankroll). Then walk away when you have reached that loss limit.

Play Low Dollar Machines First
Play the machines that have a lower number of reels on them. The machines that have only three or four reels are easier to read and will cost you less money per spin. While it is generally true that the higher stakes machines pay out larger amounts over time, if they don't fit your budget then they should be avoided. Only play those machines when you build up your bankroll to a comfortable level.

Maxamize Your Bet
Playing all the lines on a slot machine will enhance your chances of winning. Slot machines reward the players who consistently play the maximum bet by offering higher payouts. If your bankroll will not allow you to play the maximum bet on a machine select a machine that better fits your budget.

Get the Reward Card
Most casinos offer membership programs or rewards for allowing them to track your play. It is free to join a casinos rewards club, which will entitle you to free comps and promotions even if you do not win. This way, you will insure you get back something of financial value for your time spent gambling. These cards show how much you gamble, which can help in budgeting your bankroll as well.

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The Baseball Card Shows Near Chicago

Baseball card and related sports memorabilia shows have struggled remained a staple in the sports collectible community throughout the years in the greater Chicago area. While many shows may have closed down, a few still exist to cater to both the casual and hard-core collectors These shows offer the opportunity to mingle with other collectors and examine baseball cards before buying.

Orland Park Civic Center
Orland Park, a southwest suburb of Chicago, has been running a baseball and sports card show at its community Civic Center for nearly two decades. Admission is still only $1 and there are typically 70 vendors showcasing a plethora of baseball cards and related merchandise. Vendors can purchase a 6-foot table for $35 or an 8-foot table for $40. The shows occur the first and last Saturday of each month. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

John Leary

708-423-1758

newpulse@comcast.net

Orland Park Civic Center

14750 S. Ravinia Ave.

Orland Park, IL 60462

708-403-6200

Schaumburg Radisson
Twice each month, Chicagoland show promoter Fred Copp hosts a baseball card and sports memorabilia show in Schaumburg, a northern suburb of Chicago. Admission is always $1. The Sunday shows showcase 40 vendors, while Saturday shows are a slightly smaller, with 30 vendors. Each show lasts from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Fred Copp

847-967-7824

fcopp@sbcglobal.net

Radisson Hotel

1725 Algonquin Road

Schaumburg, IL

847-397-1500

Brunswick Zone
Fred Copp also hosts a small baseball card show from 5-8 p.m. every Tuesday at the Brunswick Zone bowling alley in Niles, a suburb north of Chicago. Typically, there are only 10 tables to browse at this show, but it can serve as a great weekly meeting place for enthusiasts to buy, sell, and trade cards. Admission is free.

Fred Copp

847-967-7824

fcopp@sbcglobal.net

Brunswick Zone

7333 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Niles, IL 60714

847-647-9433

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Ways to Make Money in Casino

Between the slot machines, table games and video games, there are a great deal of opportunities to turn a small amount of money into a relatively large amount in a short amount of time. However, people more often spend more money in casinos than they get in return. It is for that reason that the best way, by far, to make money in a casino is to work there. Making money gambling is a matter of chance. Making money by working there is a matter of fact.

Go to the Human Resources offices of your local casino. Recruiters and other HR personnel are available to assist you in the application process. When filling out your application, match your qualifications with the requirements on the job description and include them in your application.

Apply to become a security officer. As of 2010, casino security can earn anywhere from $10 to $25 an hour on average. Playing a single hand of blackjack, your odds of winning are 43.31 percent. Working a single day as a security guard, the odds of earning are 100 percent. Gaining experience as a security officer at a casino also makes for significant resume fodder for future job searches. By demonstrating your ability to be trustworthy and professional around large sums of money, future employers will find you to be more appealing than those who lack that experience.

Apply to become a bartender or server. Bartenders and servers can earn significant amounts of money through tips alone. As long as people come to gamble, they will continue to purchase drinks and food. The better your service is, the better your tips can be.

Apply to become a dealer. As of 2010, a skilled dealer can make anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 a year. Players often tip a dealer after a good game. Many smaller casinos even offer in-house training for those who wish to become dealers. Dealers also have the opportunity for advancement within the casino. Dealers have the potential to become floor managers, then pit bosses and can work all the way up to the position of casino boss.

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Tips to Reset Japanese Slot Machines

Every Japanese city has amusement parlors featuring the vertical pinball machines called pachinko. These parlors also feature distinctive slot machines called pachislo. They differ form Vegas-style machines in that the player is able to stop each reel by pushing a button, creating the illusion of being able to win jackpots by skill alone. In reality, the odds of hitting the jackpot are pre-programmed, and in a Japanese parlor attendants adjust them daily, both to attract customers and to cash in when there is a full house. In some parlors, attendants reset the machines after every payout.

Insert the key into the keyhole in the front of the machine. Turn it counterclockwise to disable the machine and pull the front of the machine towards you. It is hinged and will swing out. If it is an older machine, you may have to jiggle the front to get the catch to release.

Look for the odds meter on the inside of the door. It will display a number from 1 to 6. The loosest odds are denoted by 6. Press the button next to the meter repeatedly to reset this number to the one you want. When you have chosen the number, press the play lever on the front of the machine to set it.

Use a second key to reset the machine after a malfunction, usually denoted by the E1 code showing in the "credits" display on the front of the machine.

Turn off the main power button, usually located on the door or above the hopper, or unplug the machine. Insert the key into the reset keyhole located just under the hopper and turn it to the right. Leaving the key in this position, turn the power back on.

Close the door and note that the credits display shows the number 1. Push the lever once, and it will read 0.

Open the door again, turn the reset key back to its original position, and remove it.

Push the door closed, and turn the door key clockwise to return the machine to operating mode. If the key doesn't turn, wiggle the door so that the latch lines up. Verify that the machine is working by inserting tokens and pushing the play lever.

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Best Tips to Beat Keno

Keno is a lottery-type casino game with Chinese roots. Of the casino games, it is one of the easiest to play, and you can have an active Keno ticket while you eat or gamble elsewhere in the casino. Based on odds, Keno has a poor payout rate, but the possibility of hitting large prizes on a small bet makes it intriguing. In Keno, 20 numbers are drawn per game out of a possible 80, and the more numbers you select on your ticket, the better your chance of winning. It is really difficult to beat Keno, but a smart player can still walk away on the winning side.

Elements of Keno
See what number draw system the casino has. A mechanical draw system has a glass bowl filled with 80 numbered ping-pong balls. If you don't see this, your game is a Random Number Game (RNG), with the numbers picked by computer. Many Keno players swear the RNG game is not truly random (that the number generator gets locked into certain predictable patterns), though that subject is debated.

Sit down in the Keno lounge for five or 10 games and chart which numbers come up. Some will likely play more than others. Make note of the numbers which come up the most, and which ones the least.

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Choose the ticket you wish to play. Forget about playing anything higher than a six-spot ticket; the odds of hitting on anything larger are astronomical. A three-spot ticket is probably your best bet; hitting all three pays between $40 and $45 on a $1 bet in most casinos, and the odds of hitting are not terrible.

Select your numbers. You have several options here. You can choose the numbers that are "hot," or coming up a lot, or those that haven't shown up lately and are "due." In live Keno with the ball draw, none of this will make a difference anyway--it's a fresh start with every game.

Choose the number of games ("races") you wish your numbers to play. In most casinos, you must collect any winnings immediately after the end of the last game on a ticket of less than 21 games--or you forfeit your prize. If you play a ticket of 21 games or more, though, you have up to a year to collect.

Walk up to the ticket counter at the end of the last game, show your ticket, and collect your winnings.

Walk away after you collect on a big prize. Otherwise, the odds will catch up with you. And if you've lost the amount of money you set aside for Keno, walk away anyway. It's just not your day.

The Three-Way Ticket
Choose six numbers for your ticket.

Circle three of the numbers to form a group; the uncircled three will form another group.

Ask for the ticket to be played "all ways." Your six-spot ticket then becomes two three-spot tickets as well as a six-spot. This ticket will cost more ($3 at a dollar per way), but if three in a group come up, you will be paid for a three-spot win. This is a good way of hedging your bet.

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What Is Casino Marker

Casino markers are lines of credit that allow high-level gambling patrons easy access to large sums of cash. Candidates for a marker must apply to the casino credit department where the patron's financial worthiness is examined and final line of credit determined. Casino markers are short-term, interest-free loans. However, repayment must be prompt or the patron faces high interest fees and possible criminal charges.

Function
Casino markers allow patrons the ability to access a line of interest-free credit for quick and easy access to large sums of cash. Many gamblers prefer taking cash from a marker as a convenient and attractive alternative to carrying large sums of money in and out of a casino.

Benefits
Casino patrons use markers to avoid paying fees for automatic teller machine and credit card cash advances. The borrowed money is interest free and payment isn't due for 15 days to 30 days, depending on the amount and the casino's credit policy. Markers generally start at $500 and rise at the casino's discretion.

Time Frame
Patrons seeking a credit line must fill out an application requiring financial and banking information that is provided to credit card companies. Patrons have the ability to submit the information online or via mail and should do so approximately two weeks before their visit to the casino. Casino staff determines the patron's credit risk, examines the patron's ability to pay and approves the credit line amount. The decision takes about one week.

Features
Once approved for casino markers, patrons inform staff of their intention to use the credit line when they are seated at a table game. The table games supervisor accesses the patron's information via computer and fills out the proper paperwork. The patron signs the paperwork and is given the appropriate amount of credit in chips. A receipt is given to the patron to use when paying off the marker. It is customary for patrons to pay back the marker before leaving the casino if they have enjoyed a winning session.

Misconceptions
Many patrons believe obtaining casino credit is easy, particularly in Las Vegas. However, according to gaming expert Frank Scoblete, casinos in Atlantic City require in-depth financial information including a patron's net worth. Many people also believe a marker is totally interest-free. But, interest charges of 18 percent and higher are charged if full payment is not received within the agreed time frame.

Warning
Failure to pay a casino marker is a serious offense. In major gambling cities, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, failure to pay markers is considered a felony. Patrons who cannot pay markers within the specified time frame should contact the casino credit department. The casino will work with the patron to fashion a payment plan, with interest charges, rather than file criminal charges.

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The Michigan's Classic Lotto Rules on a Payout

The first Michigan Lottery was drawn the week of November 24, 1972. By 2005, the Michigan Lottery had paid out over two billion dollars in state winnings. The state offers several different lotto games, including scratch tickets, pull-tabs and ball games where lottery balls are drawn from a mixer. One of their games, Classic 47 Lotto is drawn every Wednesday and Saturday night. The jackpots for Classic 47 Lotto start at one million dollars.

Cash Option
Jackpot winners of the Michigan Classic 47 Lotto have up to 60 days to request the cash option from the Michigan Lottery. The cash option will be paid in one large lump sum. The cash option also equates to about half of the total jackpot amount once money is removed for state and federal taxes. To win the jackpot, all six numbers must be matched on one ticket. Jackpot winners have one year from the drawing date to claim their prize.

Annuity Option
The Classic 47 Lotto payout can also be made annually for a period of 30 years. If the winner does not request the lump sum payout within 30 days, then they will receive the 30-year annual payout. If the winner passes away during the annual payout period, payments continue to the winner's spouse and children in equal payments in accordance with the Michigan Lottery Act. The winner may also leave instructions in a will which can re-direct the money elsewhere. If no spouse, children or will exist, then payments are made to the prize winner's estate.

Taxes
The Michigan Lottery Board must report all winnings in excess of $600 to the Internal Revenue Service. Aside from that, Michigan Lottery removes 25 percent of the winnings for federal taxes and 4.35 percent of the winnings for state taxes for any prize of $5,000. Jackpot winners will receive a W2-G form for each when they win prize money from the state. Winners will then document their winnings on their federal taxes.

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Tips for Oklahoma Indian Casino Slots

Indian casinos offer a chance to gamble close to home for people in the Midwestern and southern states. States like Oklahoma have large Indian casinos that rival the acclaimed gambling joints in Las Vegas. Slot machines make up most of these casinos. Players will find penny slots, high stake slots, progressive machines and classic three-reel slot machines in any Indian casino.

Tips for Oklahoma Indian Casino Slots

Set a Bankroll
By setting a spending limit before you start playing, you can play longer and keep a better eye on your money. Divide the bankroll you have to spend at the casino by how many hours you plan to stay, and do not go over your total hourly budget. Remember that most of the slot machines in an Indian casino are penny slots, with the average minimum bet at 20 cents and the average maximum bet ranging from $2 to $4. Betting the maximum each round could cost anywhere from $120 to $240 a hour.

Understand the Slot Machine Before You Play
Before diving in to any new game, take a minute to read the instructions. Since most of the slot machines at Indian casinos are video slots, you can find the instructions by pushing the help button on the interactive screen. Read through the bet amounts, game rules and bonus features before you start playing.

Bet the Maximum on Progressive Slots
There is a row or two of progressive slot machines in every Indian casino. Every time someone places a bet in one of the slot machines, the jackpot rises for the entire row. However, to get the full jackpot you must bet the maximum allowed. If you do not want to bet the maximum, avoid these types of machines altogether.

Join the Rewards Club
Larger Indian casinos offer a rewards club. They are free to join and allow you to accumulate points, which convert into free slot machine play, discounts on hotel rooms or complementary meals. You will be given a rewards club card once you sign up. Insert the card into the slot machine before you start playing and you will rack up points quickly.

Considerations
Indian casinos, unlike Las Vegas, typically have a 18 and up age limit. Therefore, most of the casinos, such as WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma, do not offer free alcoholic drinks. However, they do have drink stations where you can get coffee and soft drinks.

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Easy Tips to Deal Poker Chips

Poker is a popular card game that is played in casinos, card rooms, and homes throughout the United States. When you are hosting a poker game, whether it is a cash game or a tournament, you will need to know how to determine the chip amounts and how many chips to give to each player. Although there are guidelines about chip denominations that you should follow, the value of each chip is up to you.

Easy Tips to Deal Poker Chips

Cash Game
Separate four chip colors. They typically are white, red, blue, and a wild card color such as black, yellow, or gray. Use the white chips for the smallest denomination, red chips for the next denomination, blue chips for the next denomination, and the wild card chips as the highest valued denomination.

Determine the big blind amount. Divide the big blind amount in half. This amount is the game's small blind and the denomination for your white chips. For instance, if your big blind will be a $1, then your small blind is 50 cents, making your white chip worth 50 cents. Make the red chip $1, the blue chip $5, and the wild card chip—we'll call it black—$10 or $20, depending on the size of the buy-in.

Give each player enough white chips for three rounds of small and big blinds. It helps to round up to the nearest dollar amount, so the ideal amount in this case would be 12 white chips, which would amount to $6.

Give the same amount of red chips as white chips and round up to the nearest $5 increment. In this case, you would be giving players 14 red chips.

Fill in the rest of the buy-in with the blue $5 chips, and black chips. This depends on your buy-in. If, in this case, your buy-in is $40, you should give each player two $5 blue chips and a $10 black chip. If your buy-in is $100, then give players four $5 blue blue chips, and three $20 black chips. This is somewhat about your feel for the game. If there is going to be aggressive play, make your wild card chips a larger denomination than if the game was more conservative.

Tournament
Separate four chip colors. They typically are white, red, blue, and black. Use the white chips for the smallest denomination, red chips for the next denomination, blue chips for the next denomination and the black chips as the highest valued denomination.

Determine the total amount of chips each player will get when they buy into the tournament. A good rule of thumb is 25 times the first big blind. So if each player will get $5,000.00 in chips, the first big blind should be 200.

Determine the value of each color of chip based on the total amount of the tournament and the amount of the first small blind. For instance, if the first big blind is $200.00, then the first small blind will be $100.00. If that is the case, make the white chips worth $100.00 a piece.

Distribute enough $100.00 white chips and $200.00 red chips to each player that they will have enough for the first round of betting when the blinds are at the lowest point. This is up to you and the tempo and size of the tournament. Typically, however, players will need three or four of the smallest denomination chips.

Make the red chip value twice as much as the white chip, make the blue chip value at least double the value of the red chip, and the black chip double the value of the blue chip. After the white and red values are determined, the blues and blacks should be in increments of $500.00. For instance, if the white chip is worth $100.00, make the red chip worth $200.00, make the blue chip worth $500.00 and make the black chip worth $1,000.00.

Give each player at least one of the largest chips. In the case of a $5,000.00 chip tournament, with the small blind starting at $100.00, it is recommend to give each player five $100.00 white chips, five $200.00 red chips, six $500.00 blue chips and one $1,000.00 black chip.

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Best Tips to Build Spellcaster Deck

Spellcasters represent the mystical and magical elements of the world from the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game. Spellcaster monsters are often mages, witches and wizards who possess a wide variety of abilities designed to work well with trap and spell card support. The first release of Yu-Gi-Oh! included this creature type and it was showcased as the backbone of Yugi Muto’s deck in the television series. Spellcaster decks focus on supporting one another and making the best use of spell and trap cards.

Best Tips to Build Spellcaster Deck

Guidelines
Step 1
Select at least 20 spellcaster-type monsters for your deck. The archetypal casters are the Dark Magician and Dark Magic Girl. Skilled Dark Magician can help to quickly get your other spellcasters into play. Sorcerer of Dark Magic requires high level tribute for summoning, but its massive attack power can quickly end the match.

Step 2
Choose at least 10 spell cards that require spellcasters. Secret Village of the Spellcasters prevents your opponent from casting any spells unless they also have spellcaster monsters on the field. Other strong choices include Dark Magic Attack, Sage’s Stone and Solidarity. Solidarity works very well with Dark Magic Girl to grant your spellcasters an additional 800 attack each on top of any other effects.

Step 3
Add at least 10 trap cards to lock down your opponent’s trap and spell cards. Trap Jammer prevents the opponent’s trap cards from activating, and Anti-Spell stops their spells. Sakuretsu Armor and Mirror Force can kill any opponent that attacks your spellcasters. These cards will give your casters breathing room to launch their own attacks without the chance of surprise effects causing them trouble.

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What is the Expected Value Probability

Expected value uses probabilities to determine what an expected outcome, such as a payoff, will be. Expected value multiplies the probability of each outcome by the possible outcome. For example, in a dice game, rolling a one, three or five pays $0, rolling a two or four pays $5, and rolling a six pays $10. In dice, the probability of rolling a one through six is 1/6 each.

Step 1
Write out the probabilities and outcomes into a chart. Use the left column for probabilities, the center column for outcome and the right column for probability times outcome. This provides a visual representation of the math.

Step 2
Multiply each outcome by the probability. In the example, for one, three and five, multiply $0 by 1/6, which equals zero each; for two and four, multiply $5 by 1/6, which equals 0.833 each; and for six, multiply $10 by 1/6, which equals 1.666.

Step 3
Add all the numbers calculated in Step 2 to determine an expected value. In the example, 0 + 0 + 0 + 0.833 + 0.833 + 1.666 equals an expected value, or expected payoff, of $3.33.

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Calculate Expected Value Probability

Expected value uses probabilities to determine what an expected outcome, such as a payoff, will be. Expected value multiplies the probability of each outcome by the possible outcome. For example, in a dice game, rolling a one, three or five pays $0, rolling a two or four pays $5, and rolling a six pays $10. In dice, the probability of rolling a one through six is 1/6 each.

Step 1
Write out the probabilities and outcomes into a chart. Use the left column for probabilities, the center column for outcome and the right column for probability times outcome. This provides a visual representation of the math.

Step 2
Multiply each outcome by the probability. In the example, for one, three and five, multiply $0 by 1/6, which equals zero each; for two and four, multiply $5 by 1/6, which equals 0.833 each; and for six, multiply $10 by 1/6, which equals 1.666.

Step 3
Add all the numbers calculated in Step 2 to determine an expected value. In the example, 0 + 0 + 0 + 0.833 + 0.833 + 1.666 equals an expected value, or expected payoff, of $3.33.

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How to Calculate Powerball Jackpot

Powerball is a multistate lotto game, administered by the Iowa-based Multi-State Lottery Association on behalf of participating states. It offers a giant jackpot that changes with each drawing, plus smaller fixed cash prizes. Powerball tickets are sold in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Drawings are held in Orlando, Florida.

Jackpot Grows
Powerball jackpots start at $20 million. If there's no winner, the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing and continues to grow with each succeeding drawing until there's a winner. The jackpot must grow by a minimum $5 million per drawing until someone wins, but it usually grows by more. There's no upper limit to the jackpot size, and Powerball jackpots have exceeded $350 million. Odds of winning the Powerball jackpot with a single ticket in any one drawing are 1:195 million.

Calculating Value
The Powerball jackpot value advertised for each drawing is the total annuity value that will be paid to the winner in 30 installments over 29 years, before taxes. Powerball calculates the jackpot annuity value for each drawing by counting off into a jackpot cash pool 32.5 percent of the expected Powerball ticket sales in the current drawing cycle, adding jackpot cash pools rolled over from preceding winless drawing cycles and then multiplying that total cash amount by current market interest rates on the long-term investment securities that will finance the annuity. Powerball and its participating states assume all financial risks and guarantee that the advertised annuity value will be paid in full.

Lump-sum Option
Powerball jackpot winners have the option of taking the present cash value of the annuity in an up-front lump-sum payment. Those opting for the lump sum typically receive about 50 percent of the annuity value advertised for that drawing, before taxes.

Decision Deadline
Most states give jackpot winners 60 days to choose whether to take the annuity or the lump sum, but some states allow only 30 days, and a few require players to make the choice when they buy their tickets. Regardless of whether the winner is paid in one installment or 30, Powerball must withhold from each installment federal and state income taxes as required by law.

Unclaimed Jackpots
If a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket is never cashed in, the funds in the jackpot cash pool for that drawing go back to the participating states in proportion to their contribution to the pool. The deadline for cashing in a winning Powerball ticket varies from state to state but generally falls between 90 days and one year from the drawing date. Returned Powerball funds are dealt with according to each state's lottery rules for unclaimed prizes.

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Tips to Calculate Betting Odds

The term betting odds in gambling can be misleading. This is because odds in this context do not represent the actual odds that an event will occur but instead represent the amount of money that a bookmaker will pay out if you win. Because the bookmaker must reserve some room for profit, he makes sure that the betting odds are never the exact equivalent of the true odds of you winning. Instead, the bookmaker adjusts the numbers so the payout given to any winner is less than the real probability of the win. This profit margin that the bookmaker leaves for the house is expressed as a percentage and is called the over-round.

Step 1
Determine the probability that the event will occur. This is usually expressed as a fraction and represents the likelihood of the event relative to all the other possibilities. For example, the probability of it being Monday today is 1/7 since there are seven different days in the week.

Step 2
Convert the probability into a percent. To do this, divide the numerator of the probability by the denominator of the probability and multiply by 100. For example, if the probability of it being Monday is 1/7 then you would divide 1 by 7 to get 0.14. You would then multiply 0.14 by 100 to get 14 percent.

Step 3
Determine the over-round. The over-round is the percentage of profit that the bookmaker reserves for himself and varies depending on the bookmaker and the type of betting being done.

Step 4
Combine the probability of the event occurring with the over-round percentage. For example, if there is a 14 percent chance that it is Monday and the bookmaker works with an over-round of 6 percent, then you would combine 14 and 6 to get 20 percent. This means that if you place a bet on it being Monday the bookmaker will treat your 14 percent chance of winning as though it were a 20 percent chance of winning. We will call this percentage the betting percentage.

Step 5
Convert the betting percentage into the betting probability. To do this, take the betting percentage and place it over 100. For example if the betting percentage is 20 percent, then the betting probability would be 20/100 which can be reduced to 1/5.

Step 6
Convert the betting probability into the betting odds. The formula for this is: P / (1-P) where P= the betting probability. For example, if the betting probability is 1/5 then we would substitute 1/5 into the formula wherever "P" is located. This would give us the equation: 1/5 / (1-1/5) = 1/5 / 4/5 = 1/4. The solution of the equation is the betting odds. In a gambling situation this would most likely be expressed as "1:4 on" or "4:1 against," meaning that for every $1 that is bet the payout is $4.

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Fun Texas Gambling Cruises

While casino gambling may not be legal in the state of Texas, gambling cruises offers residents and visitors a chance to try their luck just off the coast of Texas. Whether departing from a Texas port of call or venturing east to Louisiana's famed riverboats, gambling cruises are a scenic and relaxing way to enjoy a little Las Vegas fun.

Texas Treasure Casino Cruises
Slot machines and poker games are just a boat ride away on Texas' only gambling cruise. With more than 500 slot machines, 20 table games and bingo, Texas Treasure Casino Cruises lets cruisers experience Las Vegas-style entertainment a few miles off the coast of Texas. Departing twice daily from Port Aransas, Texas, this cruise sails 9.2 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, where gambling is not restricted by Texas state regulations.

Live entertainment, international buffet and complimentary drinks and cocktails round out this Las Vegas casino experience. The only catch is that no gambling can take place aboard the ship until it is 9.2 miles from shore in international water, so sit back and enjoy your time aboard the Texas Treasure until the gambling begins.

Texas Treasures Casino Cruises 229 Highway 361 South Port Aransas, TX 78353 1-866-GOT-LUCK txtreasure.com

L'Auberge de lac Casino Resort
Less than an hour from the Texas border, the L'Auberge de lac Casino Resort on Lake Charles in Louisiana has one of the largest single-level riverboat casinos in the world. 1,600 slot machines and more than 60 table games occupy 30,000 square feet of gaming space under a vaulted glass dome.

The contemporary hotel, with approximately 1,000 rooms, is luxurious and relaxing, featuring resort amenities such as golf, spa services, pool cabanas and shopping. Dining options range from the Le Beaucoup Buffet and Jack Daniel's Bar and Grill to contemporary Asian cuisine and snacks and deserts.

L'Auberge de lac Casino Resort 777 Avenue L'Auberge Lake Charles, LA 70601 1-866-580-7444 ldlcasino.com

Belle of Baton Rogue
Another popular Louisiana gambling cruise is the Belle of Baton Rogue on the Mississippi River. Located just three hours from the Texas border in Baton Rogue, this three-deck riverboat features more than 1,000 slot machines, poker, blackjack and craps tables, and video poker and keno machines. And just like Las Vegas, complimentary cocktails are included.

The Belle of Baton Rogue has a full calendar of live music and entertainment, professional boxing and other special events. If you're a Belle Player's Club Card holder, make sure to ask the concierge if you're eligible for complimentary seats to an upcoming show.

The Sheraton Baton Rogue Convention Center Hotel is located just across the street from the casino and boasts luxury suites, meeting space and a 50,000 square foot atrium. Both the casino and the hotel are walking distance from museums, restaurants and shopping.

Belle of Baton Rogue Casino 103 France St. Baton Rogue, LA 70802 1-800-676-4847 belleofbatonrogue.com

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The Non Smoking Casinos in Reno

Smoking has long been synonymous with casino gaming, but there is a push to include more nonsmoking casinos in Reno, Nevada, so that a night at the tables does not have to be detrimental to your health. If you desire smoke-free gaming, it may be difficult to find a location that bans cigarette smoke all together, but there are more casinos that prohibit smoking for the gamer concerned about a clean-air gaming experience.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Located just north of the Old Town Mall is Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. Featuring all the luxuries of traditional casino play, it also keeps its nonsmokers in mind with areas such as their brand new Poker Room, the outdoor Sky Terrace and a smoke-free slots zone claiming a sizable portion of the main casino floor. Patrons of Atlantis use their facilities for anything from casino gaming to weddings and business meetings. There is a spa and salon and some of the best dining and entertainment choices in Nevada.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa 3800 S. Virginia Street Reno, Nevada 89502 atlantiscasino.com 775-825-4700

Harrah's Reno
One of the most recognizable names in the casino gaming industry, Harrah's Reno is a place where you can go for a night on the town or a full week-long getaway. From overnight accommodations to slots and table games, a nonsmoker always has the chance to breathe easy while enjoying hours of smoke-free gaming, entertainment and some of the finest dining in Nevada from choices such as Steak House, Ichiban Sushi Bar, and the mouth-watering all-you-can-eat Carvings Buffet. You can even grab a cup of gourmet coffee at an onsite Starbucks for an early morning boost. Harrah's Reno also provides full-service spas and salons, a health club and pool, and even golf and ski packages to its guests, so you can rest assured you'll have access to clean air, both inside and out.

Harrah's Reno 219 North Center St. Reno, NV 89501 775-786-3232 harrahs.com

Silver Legacy Resort and Casino
For a smoke-free gaming experience, you may wish to check out the Silver Legacy Resort and Casino. Featuring more than 100 slots from which to choose, Silver Legacy is one of the truly unique nonsmoking casinos in Reno in that it offers packages that include licensed massage therapy for its casino room guests. Head over to The Mansion, formerly owned by Baron and Baroness Fairchild, to see if you can unlock the Baron's Vault, where you will have the opportunity to find cash and prizes. If you like competition, the Poker Room and any of the daily Sit and Go Tournaments are right up your alley.

Silver Legacy Resort and Casino 407 N. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89501 800-215-7721 silverlegacyreno.com

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Best Casinos for Blackjack in Las Vegas

The number of blackjack tables in Las Vegas is mind-blowing. With so many to select from, picking a good one can be a challenge. When picking the best casinos for blackjack, the best choice depends on what you're looking for. Perhaps you’re seeking the best odds of winning, maybe you’re interested in finding a table with low minimums, or it could be the atmosphere that makes a table good for you.

Good Odds
As of March 2010, the best odds for a blackjack player in Las Vegas, according to Michael Shackleford, The Wizard of Odds, were found at El Cortez. Specifically, The Wizard’s “Las Vegas Blackjack Survey,” found on wizardofvegas.com, indicates the single-deck game at El Cortez has a house edge of point 0.18 percent. These are great odds for the player. There were five tables with these odds at the El Cortez as of March 2010. El Cortez is an older property, located east of The Fremont Street Experience in downtown. It has a true old-Vegas feel to it. A locals’ favorite, the readers of the Las Vegas Review Journal picked El Cortez as the casino with the best blackjack in a 2009 poll.

El Cortez Hotel and Casino 600 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-385-5200 ecvegas.com

Lowest Minimums
The minimum on a blackjack table refers to the lowest dollar bet a player can make in order to play a hand. There were five casinos in Las Vegas that offered $1 per hand blackjack as of March 2010: Fiesta, Gold Spike, Poker Palace, Skyline and Slots a Fun. Only one of these is on the Strip, and it’s Slots a Fun, located on the north end of the Strip next to Circus Circus. According to the Wizard’s “Las Vegas Blackjack Survey,” Slots a Fun had 11 tables at $1 as of March 2010. The games paid three to two on a blackjack, which is important to note. Players should pay attention to what a blackjack pays at the table they select, particularly at low-limit tables, since casinos sometimes offer a stingier six to five payout. For example, if your bet is $10 and you hit a blackjack (21 made with just two cards), you’ll be paid $15 at a table with a 3-to-2 payout, but you'd win just $12 at a 6-to-5 paying table.

Slots a Fun 2890 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89109 702-734-0410

Atmosphere
Determining the best atmosphere for playing blackjack is purely subjective. Some people go for the old-Vegas kitschy quality found downtown, at places such as El Cortez, while others desire the excitement and polish of a Strip mega-resort. Blackjack is available at every Vegas casino, and it is a mainstay in the high-roller lounges at the premier resorts around town. High rollers find classic, posh surroundings and receive attentive VIP service. The minimums at the tables in these lounges can be $100 or higher.

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The Casino Bus Trips in Michigan

With the cost of gas eating into the amount left for playing the slots, bus trips are an inexpensive way to visit Michigan casinos. Bus companies provide transportation from prearranged pickup points and return gamblers after the trip is over. The bus companies receive vouchers for passengers from the destination casinos in return for a guarantee that passengers will stay at the casino for a minimum period of time.

Indian Trails Casino Trips
Indian Trails offers weekly bus trips to Detroit's Greektown Casino from the Michigan communities of Taylor, Southgate, Lincoln Park, Sterling Heights, Troy, Warren, Livonia, Westland, Dearborn, Clinton Township, Roseville, and St. Clair Shores. Wi-Fi is available on all of the company's buses and 110-volt electrical power is available on the full-size charter coaches. While the company can take walk-on riders if there are open seats, the bus will not stop in a city that doesn't have a registered ticket holder.

Indian Trails 109 East Comstock St. Owosso, MI 48867 (800) 292-3831 indiantrails.com

Parrott's Casino Bus Trips
Parrott's Tours offers overnight group trips to several Michigan casinos, including Kewadin, Odawa, Firekeepers, Four Winds and Soaring Eagle. Trips usually include visits to three of the above casinos. All packages include play vouchers and food coupons from the casinos. A Parrott's Tours representative accompanies passengers throughout the trip to offer assistance. Reservations and a deposit are required.

Parrott's Tours 3471 Ella Street PO Box 68 Deckerville MI 48427 (800) 276-8354 parrottstours.com

Starlight Tours Casino Bus Trips
Starlight Tours travels weekly to Greektown Casino in Detroit, monthly to Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan, and several times per year to Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Trips originate from the Michigan cities of Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion, Jackson, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Greektown Casino gives passengers additional credits for games, and Four Winds and Soaring Eagle give credits for both games and food.

Starlight Tours 400 Buckner Drive Battle Creek, MI 49037 (800) 290-0906 travelwithstarlight.com

Blue Lakes Casino Bus Trips
Blue Lakes Charter visits Motor City Casino and Greektown Casino in Detroit on a weekly basis. Pickup points for Motor City include the Michigan cities of Flint, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Okemos, Brighton, Novi, Southfield, Dearborn, Clinton Township, Roseville and Pontiac. Trips to Greektown begin from Saginaw, Clio, and Flint, Michigan. Group tour planning is available.

Blue Lakes Charters & Tours 12154 N. Saginaw Road Clio, Michigan 48420 (800) 282-4BUS bluelakes.com

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