It amazes me to see people sinking their money into a machine with out having a card inserted in the card reader. So, here is the Ultimate Truth About Casino Players Cards & Slot Machines. There are appropriate times to not your rewards card, but we’ll save that for a future post.
I sometimes ask people why they don’t use a card and have received several interesting answers. One day, someone was spouting off every slot myth in the book. He was trying to inform everyone around him, whether they cared or not. However, his biggest sin was that he had taken out his card to “get a bonus” for nearly 10 minutes of big play. His bet was over $8.00 a whack! Just think of the comps he missed due to his “Casino Paranoia.”
I Heard some rewards card myths
All of the following was either told to me or overheard. They are completely false and I provide an explanation why. But some slot players build their play on suspicions and conspiracy theories. Are you aware of that “switch upstairs.” You know that switch, the one that changes the machines from hot to cold and vice versa. I hope you don’t believe in any of the following:
“I don’t play enough to earn anything.” Rewards points can add up quickly, especially on multiplier day promotions. Take advantage of multiplier days to increase your points and tier status.
“When I use my card the machine knows and doesn’t pay off.” There is no connection between the card reader and the slot machine. There is NO WAY that using a card will affect the way a machine pays. They are two separate systems.
“I don’t want to give out my address to the casino.” The casino cannot send you any promotions if they don’t have your address. Some high rollers play without their rewards card at tables so they stay anonymous. But as face recognition software gets better, even that may become difficult.
“I take my card out and I get a bonus – explain that!” Again, there is no connection between the card reader and the slot machine. There is NO WAY that using a card will affect the way a machine pays. Two completely different systems that don’t communicate between each other.
“Playing with your slots club card decreases your chances of winning.” The theory is that the casinos want you to win less in order to recoup the perks and rebates that you receive from playing with the slot machine club. The reality is that the amount of money returned is negligible, and the casinos don’t mind paying it. Your perks depends on your theoretical value.
Related Post – Average Daily Theoretical.
More Crazy Talk -The Ultimate Truth About Casino Players Cards & Slot Machines
“When I use my card, I never win. The machine knows and it doesn’t pay off.” Although a very interesting and popular myth, this is absolutely false. The notion that using a casino club card lowers the odds of winning is a big misconception, and quite frankly illegal. Remember, the players club software is a different system and does not have a connection to the Random Number Generator working in the machine.
“The slot machine can tell the difference between playing maximum and minimum.” That’s why I take out my card when I change my bet.” The number of coins played has no effect on whether or not the winning symbols will line up. It only determines how much you will win or lose. Many players will vary the number of coins they play per spin because they believe there is a pattern that can make them winners. Some players will even cash out during their playing sessions so the machine will “think” a new player has started playing. Slot machines are computers and there is no way they “know” when a new player starts playing. The RNG is continuously running and is used only to select the next win or loss.
“Using a player card enables the casino to report my winnings to the IRS.” The fact is, it makes no difference. If you win $1,200 or more they will report it either way. If you have a net losing year, which you probably will, at least the casino will have evidence of it. Use your annual win/loss statements to declare offsetting loses to jackpot wins.
When Not to use your Rewards Card
When your amount of $$ played will be substantially less than a ‘typical’ day, don’t play with your card. If you are rated based on average of $300/day, $25 on the last day only hurts your Average Daily Theoretical. But, only if you are a second tier player or higher. Changes in your ADT will diminish your comps.
ADT has little to no effect on small stakes gamblers. If you are not going to be getting food comps and free shows anyhow, I’d recommend using your card all the time.
It’s Storytime
A friend of mine, with only a few years of casino experience under his belt made a huge mistake. He used to visit the local casino about 4-8 times per month. Most of the time, he stopped in only to play his free slot play and leave. Of course, he used his rewards card to access his freeplay. Every month after that, freeplay diminished month by month. It was the worst use of a rewards club card.
Another friend of mine with years of casino experience will also stop by his local casino about 4-8 times per month. This guy doesn’t use his card during short plays. He plays a little VP or Keno, enjoys a drink, and is on his way with no record of small play. He otherwise uses his card all the time.
And, yes, I’m sure you have realized by now both of these are me. Experience has a lot of worth in the casino world.
Beware of Chasing Comps
Please Note – One of the most-common mistakes in gambling involves chasing comps. Far too many players think that they should continue gambling just to earn a specific reward. A player may realize that they’re close to earning enough points for a free meal. Therefore, they continue spinning the reels two hours longer to reach this comp.
I have no problem with people continuing to play slot machines, but I hate to see gamblers play slots longer just for comps alone. The key thing to realize here is that the rewards are never worth the theoretical losses you’ll spend to reach them. You’ll rack up more losses when doing so. If you’re somebody who has trouble chasing losses and/or extending sessions too long, then you’ll likely have trouble with pursuing comps. Just don’t do anything that encourages you to gamble beyond your means.
Play sensible, play with knowledge, and play responsibly with your Players Card. For more information about The Ultimate Truth About Casino Players Cards & Slot Machines, click ob the link from Casino Player below.
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I’m writing a gambling confession today, but first a disclaimer.
Catherine has become a self-made expert in working the system. Her optimal approach to casino gambling and travel deals on a budget gives her the credibility behind her posts. Meeting her in person last year made me realize she knows what she writes about. Kitty is also an expert Video Poker player, with basic strategies on many games in her back pocket.