East Coast Gambler -

The term Video Lottery Terminal, or VLT, is thrown around often in articles about gambling now.  This comes along with the rise of the racino.  Wikipedia offers an nice and simple explanation of what, exactly, VLT is.

A Video Lottery Terminal or VLT is a gaming machine that allows gamblers to bet on the outcome of a video game.

A VLT is similar to a slot machine, except that it is connected to a centralized computer system that determines the outcome of each wager using a random number generator. Although the outcome of each wager is random, VLT operators are able to program in advance the total amount and number of payouts that its central computer system will allow at its connected VLTs. In this manner, VLTs can be thought of as computerized scratch-off lottery tickets.

Further, Racino VLT’s are treated differently than others.

Racinos differ from traditional VLTs in that all video lottery games are played on a Class II gaming machine. Class II games are played in a traditional Bingo format.

Other states that have legalized Class II VLTs in racinos are Delaware, Rhode Island, Louisiana, New York, and West Virginia.

And even more close to home for most gamblers.

Currently, only Oregon and South Dakota employ Class III gaming technology into their VLT games. This means that unlike any of the Class II states, Oregon and South Dakota lottery players compete against a house edge rather than other lottery players. This is the same type of gaming offered in Nevada, Connecticut and Atlantic City. Currently, the state of Oregon offers its players a 91-95% payout on each of its games. South Dakota offers an 88% payout.

Most US jurisdictions do not allow VLTs and those that do have attracted the same criticism the Canadian provinces have. However, some non-players have expressed tolerance for the machines.

I have plenty of reasons to stay away from VLT’s, and given the choice I’d stay away from them because I’m not very familiar and because of that don’t trust them.  Everything I read about VLT’s has a negative tilt so I’ll just stay away.

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This was a slow week after a fun time in Atlantic City last weekend.  I waited outside of Harrah’s for a cab, without a coat for 15 minutes, and caught a cold.  Oh well, such is life.  I ended up about even and didn’t pay for a meal so the trip was good.  The next few weeks will be off and on since I will be away on business.  I’ll forward out any interesting articles I see on twitter, so follow me in you like.

• Meadowlands Begs New Jersey To Let Them Have Slots
• It’s Official: TropIcahna Approved
• Trip Notes In Pictures
• Sands Isn’t Killing Anyone Besides Itself
• Seven Stars Insider: Feb-March

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Meadowlands Raceway in East Rutherford, NJ asks state lawmakers, again, to allow them to have slot machines at racetracks in New Jersey.

Assemblyman Vincent Polistina, R-Atlantic, said after the hearing that he felt the discussion missed the significance of Atlantic City. “I recognize how critical the complex is to New Jersey’s economy. In determining the best course of action to help the Meadowlands, it is just as critical that consideration be given to the vital role that casinos play in New Jersey’s economy.”

I think I hear similar pleas a couple times a year.  I understand how having slot parlors at racetrack would cannibalize gamblers that might visit Atlantic City, but with all of the increased competition from other states I think New Jersey should look at the overall tax dollars gained.  Allowing racinos may actually keep gamblers, and tax dollars, in the state instead of allowing the money possibly going elsewhere.

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Here are my trip notes in reverse chronological order via pictures on my tumblr page.  I caught a cold on Saturday night and it’s been slaying me and I don’t expect to get many more posts up this week.  For now, enjoy my trip in brief.

• Medicine
• Straight Flush!
• I found 1 of 3 quarter 9/6 Jacks or Better machines
• Time Machine Slot #2
• Time Machine Slot #1
• Handi-capable Toilet
• Club Cap Now Serves Lavazza Cofee
• Grey Goose + Soda + Lotsa Lime and Lemon
• Chillin in the 19th floor lobby
• View of Borgata from 19th floor lobby in Waterfront Tower
• Extreme Slots Winner!
• Cheeseburger with fried egg. Great Hangover cure, but looks nasty!
• Penny Slot.  No idea what was happening here.
• 4 of a kind! Good morning!
• Sign says up way too early
• Arriving at Harrahs
• 79 Miles to go!

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I like to play slot machines and I know that the lower the denomination put in, the lower the payout.  I like to think of myself as a somewhat intelligent gambler.  Well, when it comes to the loud noises and bright lights of penny slots I become zombie-like and move forward slobbering for a new penny slot.

Dr. Dave Schwartz at Die Is Cast has a breakdown of which slots are most played and make the most money.  The answer this year is penny slots.

The information is from Las Vegas and I’ve certainly contributed a few bucks to the totals for 2009.  Dr. Dave has more information on the subject and economy on Die is Cast.

Even though I know penny slots will take my money, I’m pretty sure I’ll keep on playing.  Thankfully I have the one bill rule per slot now to quell my losses.

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The major news this week was Harrah’s takeover of Planet Hollywood.  There seems to be lots of hate towards Harrah’s from everything I read and hear in podcasts.  I like whoever treats me best.  Harrah’s treats me ok.  Not great and not awful.  I’ll give this time to unfold before making judgement.  I’ll be able to experience the change, first hand, at Planet Hollywood when I visit Las Vegas in April.

I, finally, caught up on most of my December trip to Las Vegas.  See the gambling fun below.

• Roundup from East To West
• Planet Harrahswood Commence!
• MGM Looking To Improve Players Club
• Las Vegas Gambling – Everything Else
• Gambling In Las Vegas – Video Poker
• Gambling in Las Vegas – Slots
• Maybe Atlantic City Will Expand
• Daytona 500 Odds

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Harrah’s officially begins their takeover of Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas today.  Some things about the takeover are starting to trickle out.

…the property should be integrated into Harrah’s Total Rewards database by the end of March.

Harrah’s also plans some physical changes to the property, such as moving the high-limit room away from the front entrance and removing some of the slot machines.

Harrah’s acquisition of Planet Hollywood does not include some restaurants, Privé nightclub, the Miracle Mile Shops or the new 1,201-room PH Tower By Westgate.

A licensing agreement also allows Harrah’s to brand other casinos with the Planet Hollywood name internationally.

So effective immediately will be the movement of some slots and Total Rewards will get going by the end of next month. With a trip in early April, I’d like to see Total Rewards to kick in a little quicker.  I’d still like to stay here if possible.  A friend called reservations last night and they weren’t sure when the players club switchover would take place.  Now we have an idea.

I’m sure pay tables for video poker will be switched out over the weekend.  Can’t wait to play 7/5 Jacks or Better.  At the same time, maybe they’ll add the $5 9/6 Jacks or Better which they have in every other casino on the strip.

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