People ask me “what’s the best game to play in a casino”. There’s no simple answer to that question. I usually say “it depends”. The first question I ask them in return is “what do you enjoy?” Gambling is recreation — and if it’s not fun there’s no point in doing it is there?
That leads me to mention that my purpose in writing this blog isn’t to get you to play at casinos. However, if you’re going to gamble, I want to give you information that will allow you to spend less and get more in return, including both comps and winning sessions.
Two weeks ago I posted a transcript of an email conversation I had with someone who plays slot machines. In it, I mentioned that people who enjoy playing machines may want to consider video poker. If you hate machines and prefer table games then I have other recommendations, but that’s a different story. 
What’s so good about video poker? For one thing, it’s the only game where a typical person with average dedication can teach themselves a basic strategy that sometimes has a slight advantage over the casino. But wait, doesn’t the casino always have the advantage? Yes and no.
For example, when played correctly, the “Full Pay” version of Deuces Wild returns 100.7% to the player. How can casinos offer these games and still make a profit? Well, you’ll notice I said “when played correctly”. Most players play so poorly the casinos still make a nice profit on even the best games, and on some they make as much or more than they do on slots!
So don’t rush out and start feeding bills into the nearest Video Poker machine. First you need to learn to differentiate the GOOD machines from the mediocre and lousy ones. Then, you need to take the time to study basic strategy and be able to play correctly. These topics are too broad for a blog post to cover, and I don’t need to because there are many resources available for you to learn from:
Free Online Resources
vpFREE is one of the best sources of free video poker information on the web. They have an extensive listing of links to additional information too. In fact, there’s so much information that you may get lost in it. A good place to start may be their FAQ page, although it’s very long as well. In addition, they have a very active Yahoo! group. Jean Scott, Skip Hughes, Bob Dancer, and other top VP writers hang out here to answer questions.
5-Card’s website is another place to find a wealth of information about odds and strategies.
The Wizard of Odds gives an overview of video poker and reliable information based on sound mathematics.
Linda Boyd’s video poker forum on the Midwest Gaming and Travel website. Linda is a noted gambling author (I recommend her book below), and several other industry experts visit the forum too.
Recommended books and software
Jean Scott’s Frugal Video Poker is a complete video poker learning system in two parts. Each of them is good alone, but I recommend having both. 1) The FVP software will let you learn to play video poker on your home computer. It also includes a valuable feature — you can create and print strategy cards for any game and carry these with you to the casino. 2) Jean also has a book out by the same name Frugal Video Poker, and it’s an excellent video poker textbook for both new players and experienced alike. Comps are also an important part of any strategy. They help offset your losses, and can turn a slight disadvantage into a break even or positive situation. If you want to learn about comps, and other ways to get the most out of a casino, then read two books by Jean Scott. The Frugal Gambler, and More Frugal Gambling. These are all available on Jean’s website: http://queenofcomps.com/
Linda Boyd’s book The Video Poker Edge is a great text that will take you from complete novice to skilled player. Linda presents strategies in a different format than most other writers, and some find hers easier to learn, remember, and apply in the casino. Her book includes free strategy cards, and is available at www.squareonepublishers.com
That’s it for todays Gambling 101 class. Post any questions you have and I’ll respond.
Happy and safe travels on this Memorial Day weekend, and good luck in the casinos.
NOTICE: I have no financial interest in any recommended commercial product
If you feel that gambling has become a problem for you and is no longer fun please visit Gamblers Anonymous