AboutPhillip Boucher Expertise Author of the book, "Slot Machines: Fun Machines or Tax Machines? A Technician Reveals the Truth About One-Armed Bandits", ISBN 1-55270-049-6 published by Productive Publications under the pen name Ian B. Williams. I can answer any question related to the concept, design, marketing, programming, operation, installation, repair, and maintenance of slot machines, video poker machines, and video lottery terminals, and their related equipment and machinery, within the regulated gaming industry. I WILL NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS WHATSOEVER RELATED TO THE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF GAMING MACHINES, INCLUDING QUESTIONS SUCH AS "I JUST BOUGHT A SLOT MACHINE AND IT DOESN'T WORK...". I can help dispel all the myths and misconceptions that have permeated the print and news media about slots over the years. I can also answer questions related to gambling addiction in general and slot machine addiction in particular. Each question will be answered truthfully, without bias, whether the answer is what the questioner wants to hear. I will not propagate the myth that there are secrets to winning or beating slots, because there are none. There are no methods or tricks or other such nonsense that a lot of people think there are. I`m sorry, but reality in regard to slot machines can be a big letdown! I won`t lead anyone on. Want to know the real truth? Just ask. I can also answer general questions related to casinos except for table games.
Experience I have over eleven years experience as a slot machine technician for two major North American casinos, one racetrack slot facility, and am a Certified Gaming Machine Repairperson. I am the author of, (writing as Ian B. Williams), "Slot Machines: Fun Machines or Tax Machines? A Technician Reveals the Truth About One-Armed Bandits", ISBN 1-55270-049-6 published by Productive Publications.
Question I have become somewhat addicted to video poker. I am not certain, but would guess that after playing this game for a little over a year at various casinos all over, I am pretty close to even, maybe a little bit up. I have managed to hit 6 royals in that time and only recently have been reading about various games, pays, etc. and believe I am more intelligent about which games to play, etc.
My question is about the RNG for video poker. Do you think it is legit in most casinos, i.e. does it simulate a t draw off the "top" of the deck and when you draw cards, would it simulate the "next" cards in the deck, or does it actually randomly put 10 cards up...5 that you can see and 5 "behind" those cards, so that your draw is predetermined based on which cards you elect to throw away.
Do you believe that properly played video poker, with proper paylines, can, indeed return over 100% if played "correctly?"
Thanks for your time and I hope my questions made sense.
Answer Lynn, video poker is just like playing poker at a table game. The computer acts as the dealer and yes does simulate a draw off the top of the deck. Essentially, the 52 cards are assigned to 52 numbers. The computer generates ten random numbers for each spin. It shows you the first 5 cards (that represent the numbers drawn) in order of generation. When you hit, it shows you the next card or card, in order of generation which equals next card on the top of the deck.
These games, like video and reel slots, are 100% random, with the chips inspected, verified, and sealed by the gaming authority. If you could do a perfect play for each hand, ie make the absolute best choice possible, not making any mistakes, then yes, just like real poker, you can go over the 100% theoritical payback calculation.
Thanks for asking and I hope this answers your question. Ian
Ian B. Williams, author of "Slot Machines: Fun Machines or Tax Machines? A Technician Reveals the Truth About One-Armed Bandits", ISBN 1552700496, available at bookstores and other retailers of gambling books, online and in the real world. Find it at
- Barnes and Noble bookstores throughout the U.S.
- Indigo bookstores throughout Canada
- on the web at amazon.com, booksforgamblers.com, chapters.indigo.ca, bn.com, sportsandsoccer.com, half.ebay.com, greenbaycasino.com, gambleresource.com, pokeritits.com, casinobookreview.com, books.ontheweb.co.uk, bookfinder.com,
Can't find it? Then order directly from the publisher, Productive Publications, 416-483-0634, or visit their website at:
www.productivepublications.com or www.productivepublications.ca (in Canada)
Please visit my website at ibwilliams.tripod.com
Please visit my experts page at allexperts.com
I have been interviewed on the following radio stations: WVMI, WKRC, KEEL, WOAI, KFRU, WDEL, CHQR, CJAD.
