I don't know if the VP here in Maryland is legit or not. I got 2 different answers from the powers that be. We have had slots now for 2 years with live tables coming soon. Currently have the video Shuffle Master BJ $5 - $100 buy ins. Real dealer tables will all be constant shuffle type in the future I'm speculating.
Anyhow, I am suspicious of the VP IGT bar top games. I have seen 'hand pays'. Best game for APers is 9/6 JoB , 8/5 Bonus at $1 level and up. So a while back I emailed the local casino and IGT about my concerns. Here is the response.
From IGT Support:
Greetings,
A basic definition of a VLT can be found on Wikipedia.com stating, “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.”
These machines are different from those you will find in Atlantic City and Nevada as the outcome in an Atlantic City or Nevada casino is determined by a random number generator in each game as opposed to the centralized computer system found in a VLT location connecting several games. Also, in Atlantic City or Nevada, operators are not able to program the total number of payouts for each game, but instead can minimally control the payback percentage over the lifetime of the game, which is regulated by the presiding Gaming Authority and usually around 98%. This type of gaming, usually referred to as Class III, is not legal in all states and therefore not present in Maryland where the lottery is legal so you have machines mimicking those of Class III gaming, but in fact act as a scratch off card because each pull of the lever on a VLT is another card.
Thank you for contacting the IGT Support Center.
From Casino Vice President here in Maryland:
It seems like there is some misinformation that you received from the IGT service center and I wanted to reply to clarify. This is unfortunate since IGT manufactured the games.
I think you’ll be happy to know that all of the slot machines in Maryland are true Class III commercial slots, the same class of slot machines that you’d find in Atlantic City or Las Vegas. Hollywood Casino, Perryville offers 65 video poker games, 52 of which are Action Gaming (multi-hand) type games. I can also tell you that Hollywood Casino in Perryville, MD requested and received waivers so that all our video poker games can offer paytables with payback exceeding 95%. We operate at a 67% tax rate here in MD, so we won’t be offering full pay games. That said, our paytables are generally consistent with what you’d find in in Atlantic City and I think our selection of progressives and multi-hand games is some of the best!
I hope this helps.
John S.
VP of Operations – Hollywood Casino – Perryville
*(Maryland Legislators as of August 2012 have changed the 'tax' rate to 58 % FWIW)
So, how could IGT be so misinformed or worse, am I being out right lied to by the 'Casino' ?
I have deliberatly broken up flushs, straights etc and winning hands do NOT (usually) return on the draw.
I do get to Vegas (GVR) for a week every January and A C 3-4 times a year.
Thanks
Ron, Maryland
Hope this was posted in the right place.