FinsRule
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January 31st, 2010 at 8:22:27 AM permalink
I figure with the old technology used, Sigma Derby must be beatable.

Maybe there is a certain number of odds combinations, and whenever that odds combination comes up, the same horses come in.

Thoughts?
Wizard
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January 31st, 2010 at 11:17:46 AM permalink
I once designed a similar game for an Internet casino. The way I did it was to randomly determine a power rating for each horse, and then set the odds commensurately, with the probability of winning proportional to the power rating. The probability of coming in second or third was a bit more complicated. I imagine Sigma did the same thing, or something similar. If there is a weakness, it would be in a random number generator with a short cycle. My best guess is that even given its age, it is good enough for the purpose it was designed for. If anyone feels differently, better hit it while you can, there are very few left. I just know of the one at the MGM.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
DJTeddyBear
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January 31st, 2010 at 2:04:26 PM permalink
Man, Wiz! You've got articles on just about EVERYTHING.

I didn't know what you were talking about, so I searched the your site and found this: https://wizardofodds.com/derby

I also looked this up on Wikepedia. Here's their page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Derby


After reading these articles. I remembered seeing one of these at Showboat A.C. back in the early '90s.

But I saw an electronic version of this at Mohegan Sun this past winter. I almost walked past it. It looked a little like the Speed Roulette setup where there were 10 or 12 betting positions in an oval surrounding 2 large back-to-back monitors where the race took place. I wish I would have thought to take a picture. A race took about 30 seconds, followed by 60 seconds to bet on the next race.

It was the silliest thing I ever saw. But I was humored by the fact that it was set up right outside the sports book. After reading the Wiz's page, I guess that's kinda normal!
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
tsmith
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January 31st, 2010 at 3:27:20 PM permalink
The Hollywood casino in Tunica, Mississippi used to have one of these crazy machines a long time ago, back when it first opened.

We spent the night in the hotel there once and all night long I kept hearing this clunkety-clunkety-clunkety sound. I thought it was a noisy air conditioner and didn't get any rest at all.

The next morning we noticed that our hotel room window faced the casino and was pretty much in a straight line with this horse-racing machine. The noise that kept me awake was the horses "running" around the track. We never stayed at that hotel again.

The machine was still in operation up until just a few years ago.
boymimbo
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January 31st, 2010 at 11:09:15 PM permalink
I loved that game and saw it in Vegas once; bet on it and lost, but what a fun way to gamble.
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cardshark
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February 1st, 2010 at 9:11:10 AM permalink
These are popular in Quebec casinos (last saw them in Lac Leamy a month ago and in Montreal 3 months ago), but they are not the Sigma brand. I believe they are called "Royal Ascot" and are manufactured by Sega. They are also quite old. Same $0.25 min bet to play, house edge unknown, has around 20 seats (has theatre like seating so every one can see the action), and they are almost always crowded.
Wizard
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February 1st, 2010 at 12:30:44 PM permalink
I think the Derby game has a small but loyal following. However, given its size, slow rate of play, and small denomination, I could picture a corporate bean counter say that they don't pull their weight on a square foot basis. I've seen fancier versions of horse racing games at the World Gaming Expo. In Monte Carlo I saw a very fancy one with a big screen, and seats for about 30 players.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
vegastaco39
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February 19th, 2010 at 4:19:17 PM permalink
they also have on in south lake tahoe at the mont blue casino
Toes14
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June 29th, 2010 at 7:58:09 PM permalink
I played a version of this game at the Luxor back in 93-94. It had Nile boats instead of horses. Must have spent 4 hours dropping in a few quarters every race, getting free drinks regularly. Started off by myself with a few strangers and several hours later about 10-12 of us were all new (very tipsy) friends. On top of it all, I probably won $75-100, because I was having good luck hitting the longshots.

I looked for this game when I was back in Vegas in 2008, but couldn't find it. Never have seen it here in St. Louis or in Tunica either. This is the kind of game my wife (not much of a gambler) would enjoy. I'll have to look for it the next time we hit Vegas.
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Wizard
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:10:04 PM permalink
As far as I know, the only one left in Vegas is at the MGM, near the sports book. It seems to be well played. Yesterday, on a slow Monday afternoon, there were about six players on it.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
DJTeddyBear
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June 30th, 2010 at 7:12:05 AM permalink
Thanks for the thread bump. I meant to bump it myself but forgot.


Quote: DJTeddyBear

I saw an electronic version of this at Mohegan Sun this past winter...

When I was at Mohegan Sun on Memorial day, I noticed that this had been replaced by a Roulette system. NOT Speed Roulette, but one of the multi-player dealerless systems. I don't remember if it had a real wheel and ball or virtual.

But the horse race system is gone.
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
Nareed
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June 30th, 2010 at 7:59:12 AM permalink
I had meant to look it up at MGM, but I forgot. I didn't even set foot in the MGM this time around... Maybe next year.
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deedubbs
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February 2nd, 2011 at 11:11:44 PM permalink
The Wizard does indeed know all. You can count me as one of the Sigma Derby faithful. In my opinion, it is one of the most social games in Vegas and the best value for your entertainment and gambling dollar. Everyone is in a good mood and if they're losing, they're not losing big. I always make a pilgrimage to it when I'm in Vegas.
Wizard
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February 3rd, 2011 at 3:28:26 AM permalink
Somebody should bring that game back. Lots of companies are trying with a video format, which just isn't the same. There was something very corny and fun with the original. I think they need to take dollars to pull their weight. In 1986, when I turned 21, they were taking quarters, and still are.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
JIMMYFOCKER
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February 3rd, 2011 at 5:42:01 AM permalink
Good topic, as I have enjoyed playing this game over the years.

Does the game at the MGM accept slot cards?
FinsRule
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February 3rd, 2011 at 7:39:39 AM permalink
Quote: JIMMYFOCKER

Good topic, as I have enjoyed playing this game over the years.

Does the game at the MGM accept slot cards?



Unless it's been changed in the last year, which I highly doubt, No.
RonDiaz
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March 30th, 2011 at 11:27:08 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Somebody should bring that game back. Lots of companies are trying with a video format, which just isn't the same. There was something very corny and fun with the original. I think they need to take dollars to pull their weight. In 1986, when I turned 21, they were taking quarters, and still are.



I had never heard of this game until someone referenced it today. Spent 30 minutes now scouring the internet reading all about it. Sounds like a classic hoot. You are right someone should bring it back, probably with dollars. I hope this is still at MGM next time I make it out, I'd love to try it. I love seeing what classic things of Vegas are left. In 1986, when the Wiz turned 21, I was 3 :-o
JIMMYFOCKER
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March 30th, 2011 at 12:35:12 PM permalink
Game is best played with numeroud players.
JoeTheDragon
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November 13th, 2012 at 8:39:16 PM permalink
Quote: RonDiaz

I had never heard of this game until someone referenced it today. Spent 30 minutes now scouring the internet reading all about it. Sounds like a classic hoot. You are right someone should bring it back, probably with dollars. I hope this is still at MGM next time I make it out, I'd love to try it. I love seeing what classic things of Vegas are left. In 1986, when the Wiz turned 21, I was 3 :-o


I have see the video dog one at min bet per bet 0.25 and total min bet ?? also 0.50 min per and $1 total min bet. also 0.50 and $2.50 total min bet.
coilman
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November 13th, 2012 at 8:48:31 PM permalink
I thought I read once that the races were based on actual races run at different tracks over the years....just the names of the horses were changed so you couldnt look it up on some data base before the gates opened for the race
98Clubs
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November 13th, 2012 at 11:14:31 PM permalink
I don't think so for Sigma Derby... that would entail "software upgrades" (Remember we're generally talking 80's-90's). I used to play this at Foxwoods in the early 90's and it was a real hoot for a few quarters. The cheesy galloping sound with volume turned up was over the top. I agree with the Wiz, we need this one back for a buck... way too much fun. Peeps yellin at the horses half drunk, gettin nosed at the wire. Can't beat it with a stick.
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ThatDonGuy
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November 14th, 2012 at 8:26:49 AM permalink
Quote: coilman

I thought I read once that the races were based on actual races run at different tracks over the years....just the names of the horses were changed so you couldnt look it up on some data base before the gates opened for the race


This sounds like a video quarter-horse race machine I saw in Reno around 1985; it was a single-player stand-up, where the horses had (fictional) names and odds, and then the machine played a video of a race from an internal laserdisc. I assume quarter horses were used as the races only take about 20 seconds each.

I think all of the "screen-based" horse racing games now use computer-generated animations rather than video of actual races.
Buzzard
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November 14th, 2012 at 8:49:44 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I think the Derby game has a small but loyal following. However, given its size, slow rate of play, and small denomination, I could picture a corporate bean counter say that they don't pull their weight on a square foot basis. I've seen fancier versions of horse racing games at the World Gaming Expo. In Monte Carlo I saw a very fancy one with a big screen, and seats for about 30 players.




I followed a bugle call at G2E to an Aussie version that moved the horses determined by the suit of cards drawn from a shoe.

But really loved the display where you put on dark glasses to view a giant 3D TV. You could see the grass flying beneath the horse's feet as they raced. Fin would have been drooling . LOL
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reno
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October 21st, 2015 at 8:40:45 AM permalink
Just wanted to announce that the last remaining Sigma Derby in Northern Nevada (Montbleu Hotel & Casino, Lake Tahoe) has permanently closed.

R.I.P. Sigma Derby. :(
Joeman
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October 21st, 2015 at 10:42:33 AM permalink
That is sad news!

When Mrs. Joeman & I were there in July of last year, they had 2 functioning Sigma Derby machines. We had a blast playing it (won $80, too!) It's a shame they are gone.

I remember the first time I saw a Sigma Derby was my first trip out to Vegas for New Year's 1996. We drove out there from Florida, en route to the ill-fated (at least for the Gators) Fiesta Bowl. Of course we had no hotel room for New Year's Eve in Vegas, so I spent the night going form casino to casino. Early in the morning, I happened upon the Sigma Derby at the Hilton sports book, and played it for a while.
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Avincow
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October 21st, 2015 at 10:49:30 AM permalink
Why get rid of Sigma Derby? Whenever I go to the D, it always seems that people are enjoying themselves playing it. If anything, I'm surprised it is not located in more casinos.
GenWyzgy
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October 27th, 2015 at 12:51:29 PM permalink
I was just going to mention that the D (downtown Las Vegas) has one of these machines still going. It's upstairs next to the tiny sportsbook. My brother and I played it a bit last month and it always had a group of players gathered around and having a good time betting quarters.
MrV
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October 27th, 2015 at 12:59:54 PM permalink
MGM Grand had one last spring IIRC; is it still there?
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rxwine
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October 27th, 2015 at 1:38:44 PM permalink
Why doesn't someone update the innards of this game, but keep it looking as if it's the old game? Even down to the shakey action of the horses moving, sounds, everything. Like a Model-T completely hiding a modern engine.

No, I don't think modern versions capture the essence.

Sucks if everyone thinks the casino space should be used by better money drawing machines. Those you have to keep replacing.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
Pokeraddict
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October 27th, 2015 at 3:04:47 PM permalink
I called Royal River Casino in South Dakota where there was one a few years ago. It is also dead. The D and MGM Grand seem like the only two places left in U.S. to play Sigma Derby.
MaxPen
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October 27th, 2015 at 9:09:32 PM permalink
It is beatable, but definitely not worth it.
tringlomane
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October 27th, 2015 at 11:36:05 PM permalink
Quote: MrV

MGM Grand had one last spring IIRC; is it still there?



It was mostly functioning when I was there in late August. Maybe one busted console at worst?

Quote: MaxPen

It is beatable, but definitely not worth it.



I'd be interested to know how. Especially the D's version where Mike said the hold was a whopping 20%, the max that the machine could offer.
DRich
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October 28th, 2015 at 5:06:34 AM permalink
Quote: tringlomane


I'd be interested to know how. Especially the D's version where Mike said the hold was a whopping 20%, the max that the machine could offer.



I have a copy of the Sigma Derby manual and it lists five different possible payback configurations. They are 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, and 92%. Each pay percentage has 48 different sets of odds available.
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ThatDonGuy
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October 28th, 2015 at 8:39:00 AM permalink
Quote: rxwine

Why doesn't someone update the innards of this game, but keep it looking as if it's the old game? Even down to the shakey action of the horses moving, sounds, everything. Like a Model-T completely hiding a modern engine.


Because no matter how modern of an engine you put into the car, it's still a car, and it's still going to break down with repeated use.

It appears as if the game's main problem is the nature of the game - you need five different mechanisms for the five horses, and if just one of them breaks down, the game becomes unplayable.

Also, the mechanical nature of the game adds to its expense. There's a reason new pinball machines cost almost double what new arcade video games cost, and it has little if anything to do with licensing.

I have a feeling the main reason they don't just replace them with versions where the track is a video screen is, the main reason anybody plays it is its "kitsch" value. ("If I want to bet on actual horses, I'll go to the sports book!") It comes down to, does the game take in enough money to cover the repairs?
MrV
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October 28th, 2015 at 8:45:33 AM permalink
It seems that the same folks that play beer pong also gravitate to Sigma Derby: the young and the intoxicated.

Nothing wrong with that.
"What, me worry?"
Joeman
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October 28th, 2015 at 9:12:09 AM permalink
Quote: ThatDonGuy

It comes down to, does the game take in enough money to cover the repairs?

In addition to repairs, you also have to deal with the coins. IIRC, when I was at the Montbleau last year, it was the only coin-dropper in the casino. So, they had to have someone to do the fills & collections specifically for the Sigma. Not to mention having to pay to keep coin counters & change machines in working order. And there's the fact that they have to devote cage space to keep the coins on hand. All this for 2 machines?

I hate to see them go, but I can understand why.
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Wizard
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October 28th, 2015 at 2:41:56 PM permalink
Quote: reno

Just wanted to announce that the last remaining Sigma Derby in Northern Nevada (Montbleu Hotel & Casino, Lake Tahoe) has permanently closed.

R.I.P. Sigma Derby. :(



Both of them?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Pokeraddict
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October 28th, 2015 at 4:00:23 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Both of them?



The Sigma Derby FB group says both of them are gone:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/17881271705/
djatc
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October 28th, 2015 at 4:31:41 PM permalink
MGM still has it they moved it towards the poker room area I believe.
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kewlj
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October 28th, 2015 at 4:44:10 PM permalink
The big problem with Sigma Derby is that it is a very slow play, very low limit game. It is like 2 minutes between 'trail' and the bets are a quarter (.25). In addition to 'tying up whatever people are playing who in the eyes of the casino would be playing something else, for more stakes and more frequent 'trials', Sigma Derby usually draws an a number of spectators, so the casinos are losing even more players who are just standing and watching. It is probably the least inefficient game I have seen in a casino.

You might accept that inefficiency if you thought that the novelty of the game in question was drawing people to the casino, but in this case, is it really doing that? Is Sigma Derby drawing people to the casino or just amusing (at very little cost) people who are already there?
Wizard
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October 28th, 2015 at 4:54:11 PM permalink
Quote: kewlj

The big problem with Sigma Derby is that it is a very slow play, very low limit game. It is like 2 minutes between 'trail' and the bets are a quarter (.25). In addition to 'tying up whatever people are playing who in the eyes of the casino would be playing something else, for more stakes and more frequent 'trials', Sigma Derby usually draws an a number of spectators, so the casinos are losing even more players who are just standing and watching. It is probably the least inefficient game I have seen in a casino.



I think players like it for that reason. A great time killer. Yes, I'm sure it doesn't make much money per square foot for the casino but casinos probably look at is as a cost of getting people through the doors. Said Derby players might bring with them friends of family who lose much more elsewhere or spend on other things in the casino.

Nobody ever questions the fact that the hotel swimming pool doesn't generate a profit by itself.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
rxwine
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October 28th, 2015 at 4:57:37 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I think players like it for that reason. A great time killer. Yes, I'm sure it doesn't make much money per square foot for the casino but casinos probably look at is as a cost of getting people through the doors. Said Derby players might bring with them friends of family who lose much more elsewhere or spend on other things in the casino.

Nobody ever questions the fact that the hotel swimming pool doesn't generate a profit by itself.



Yup. If someone wants to play it, it could be the difference between a group of people deciding to go to one casino and not another, whereas almost all games exist in other casinos.
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kewlj
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October 28th, 2015 at 4:58:34 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I think players like it for that reason. A great time killer. Yes, I'm sure it doesn't make much money per square foot for the casino but casinos probably look at is as a cost of getting people through the doors. Said Derby players might bring with them friends of family who lose much more elsewhere or spend on other things in the casino.

Nobody ever questions the fact that the hotel swimming pool doesn't generate a profit by itself.



Agreed......IF....Sigma Derby draws people through the doors. The only one I am familiar with is at the D, and I don't think anyone is there because of Sigma Derby. That's just my feeling though. Maybe casinos have done the research. :/
Wizard
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October 28th, 2015 at 5:04:35 PM permalink
Quote: kewlj

Agreed......IF....Sigma Derby draws people through the doors. The only one I am familiar with is at the D, and I don't think anyone is there because of Sigma Derby. That's just my feeling though. Maybe casinos have done the research. :/



Mission likes it! The one at the MGM is very well played, often with every seat taken.

I was in Lake Tahoe in July and the two at the Mont Bleu were both very crowded at the time.

The D one is in an awful location on the second floor.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Pokeraddict
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October 28th, 2015 at 9:04:49 PM permalink
Quote: kewlj

The big problem with Sigma Derby is that it is a very slow play, very low limit game. It is like 2 minutes between 'trail' and the bets are a quarter (.25). In addition to 'tying up whatever people are playing who in the eyes of the casino would be playing something else, for more stakes and more frequent 'trials', Sigma Derby usually draws an a number of spectators, so the casinos are losing even more players who are just standing and watching. It is probably the least inefficient game I have seen in a casino.

You might accept that inefficiency if you thought that the novelty of the game in question was drawing people to the casino, but in this case, is it really doing that? Is Sigma Derby drawing people to the casino or just amusing (at very little cost) people who are already there?



Derek Stevens must think it draws people. They pulled every other coin op game out of that second floor at The D except that one.

Edit: And in case you think it may be going away at The D any time soon, they closed it one night and did some refurbishing to it in the past month.
Joeman
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October 29th, 2015 at 5:55:14 AM permalink
As to bringing people into the casino, when we went to the Montbleu last year, it was specifically to play Sigma Derby. We were actually staying the week in Reno, but took a day trip to Tahoe -- mostly to hike/swim/picnic -- but one of our goals was to play the Sigma, and that's why we went to the Montbleu.

However, with the exception of a few spins on a 1c Quick Hits slot while I was waiting for Mrs. Joeman to emerge from the bathroom, the Sigma was the only thing we played. So, while the Sigma Derby brought us into the Montbleu, we really didn't bring them much theoretical value. And in actuality, since we won $80 on the Sigma, not to mention hitting the 5 QH mini-jackpot for ~$25 on the slots, they lost money to us that day!
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
tringlomane
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October 29th, 2015 at 6:16:00 AM permalink
Quote: Pokeraddict

Derek Stevens must think it draws people. They pulled every other coin op game out of that second floor at The D except that one.

Edit: And in case you think it may be going away at The D any time soon, they closed it one night and did some refurbishing to it in the past month.



Yeah, I saw a pic of it broke down earlier this month. Felt bad for the guy posting it because he was looking forward to playing it.

But the age of the game units is a big, big reason it's nearly impossible to find now. Does anyone know of an active slot/VP machine older than sigma derby anywhere?
MrV
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October 29th, 2015 at 7:51:38 AM permalink
The D must think there is some value to keeping Sigma Derby, as they post a picture of it on their casino website homepage.



Looks to be well maintained.
"What, me worry?"
AxelWolf
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October 29th, 2015 at 11:46:57 PM permalink
As for slots, I don't know any game that looks more interesting to a red-blooded american guy in the casino than sigma derby.
You have to try it. Its like that toy you have to have when your a kid. Or that mechanical horse/car ride outside the Kmart. "Mom, mom PLEASE can I have a quarter to ride it?"

Owning one would make you the coolest guy on the block, that's for sure.

I have had the opportunity to play sigma derby on a promotion when other options had been excluded. Most people left but, i was not giving up. A few others thought i was crazy, perhaps I was, I had zero math to back up my theory, but i did well and as i said i just wasn't giving up on the promotion and it was a great excuse to play sigma derby and not feel guilty.

Unfortunately it gets boring really quickly, its so slow.

I really believe if they made a modern faster more exiting version of it, but kept it as close to the original as possible it would be played heavy.

And there is this https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fb/Sigmaderbytrophy.JPG

Apparently there was a Sigma derby handicappers challenge. That would be fun. Perhaps WOV should host a Sigma derby challenge
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Canyonero
Canyonero
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Joined: Nov 19, 2012
October 30th, 2015 at 5:39:09 AM permalink
Quote: kewlj

Agreed......IF....Sigma Derby draws people through the doors. The only one I am familiar with is at the D, and I don't think anyone is there because of Sigma Derby. That's just my feeling though. Maybe casinos have done the research. :/



Yeah, they have! Playing Sigma Derby at the D is one of the main draws to Fremont Street for me, and I know I am not alone. The D is well known for it - something the MGM Grand failed to pull off. There is a young crowd there every night with a budget too small for the tables that still want to have some fun and enjoy a few drinks. And before they know it, they are handing their last 20 to the blackjack dealer.


Btw you can bet up to 20 quarters on each winning combination.
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