Nareed
Nareed
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May 22nd, 2015 at 11:42:12 AM permalink
Good video poker is dying in Downtown Vegas.

Consider:

Last year the Four Queens removed the 9/6 JoB paytable from the multidenomination machines near the sports book. This year the bank of $1 progressive 10/7 Double Bonus was gone.

Binion's advertises 98% paytables on little signs by the entrance.

At the D, where good paytables were plentiful on the second floor, a bank of quarter 10/7 DB was removed last week (replaced with video slots, yuck!). A cocktail waitress told me there is a pan to phase out all coin dropping machines. All the good paytables are in such machines. This includes my beloved nickel 101.67% Loose Deuce machine <sigh>. She says the only exception will be the Sigma Derby machine.

There are still some good options. The Four Queens still has a bank of quarter 9/6 JoB, and the bank of quarter progressive 10/7 DB still seats right under Magnolia's. MSS has good offerings still, and they're advertising the scratch card promo for all natural 4oaK.

But the trend is clear.

Play it while you can.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
Greasyjohn
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May 22nd, 2015 at 11:47:42 AM permalink
Quote: Nareed

Good video poker is dying in Downtown Vegas.

Consider:

Last year the Four Queens removed the 9/6 JoB paytable from the multidenomination machines near the sports book. This year the bank of $1 progressive 10/7 Double Bonus was gone.

Binion's advertises 98% paytables on little signs by the entrance.

At the D, where good paytables were plentiful on the second floor, a bank of quarter 10/7 DB was removed last week (replaced with video slots, yuck!). A cocktail waitress told me there is a pan to phase out all coin dropping machines. All the good paytables are in such machines. This includes my beloved nickel 101.67% Loose Deuce machine <sigh>. She says the only exception will be the Sigma Derby machine.

There are still some good options. The Four Queens still has a bank of quarter 9/6 JoB, and the bank of quarter progressive 10/7 DB still seats right under Magnolia's. MSS has good offerings still, and they're advertising the scratch card promo for all natural 4oaK.

But the trend is clear.

Play it while you can.



Re: The Four Queens still has a bank of quarter 9/6 JoB. Are they still the ones near the security desk?
mcallister3200
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May 22nd, 2015 at 11:58:29 AM permalink
The 4 queens 98.9 0.25 deuces progressive is often a better play than the 9/6 jacks, and the 10/7 DB game at the D was also more often than not not the highest returning game at quarters at the D anyways. Gradual decline in good pay tables is just the trend in LV and not specific to downtown by any means, similar to the spread of 6/5 blackjack.

Sad trend, but we can talk all we want about what used to be, or we can just play the good ones we still have and work harder to find something better if that's your goal. Just a comment in general about deteriorating game quality.
tringlomane
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May 22nd, 2015 at 1:15:42 PM permalink
Considering how big of a PITA it was for me to play the loose deuces last month (wouldn't accept bills and wouldn't always accept nickels), I can't say I'm surprised. I thought to myself it might be the last time I'd play the game, but after the annoyance from it, I'm okay with that. I'd be impressed if they had the balls to keep that payable though (they won't) lol.

And of course they'll keep the sigma derby, that holds 20%! lol

I know this will hit you harder nareed because you like to play nickels mostly. What are the best nickel units beyond the loose deuces machine downtown? Nickel 9/5 JoB at four queens, anything else? Downtown has some decent quarter games, but nickels, but so much, but I really haven't looked hard there either. Last trip was a record for us, 5 hours downtown!
texasplumr
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May 22nd, 2015 at 2:02:58 PM permalink
I was surprised by all of the nickel VP in the El Cortez when we were there on Tuesday morning. I went there to play BJ but saw a UX VP nickel machine and of course had to see if anything was left on it. I even played it for a few minutes. The first nickel machine I think I've ever played too.

That place is full of penny and low denomination slots and VP though. I didn't look at any pay tables though since I wasn't planning on playing.

And they still have a couple of rows of multi denomination 9/6 JOB at the Plaza. The lowest denomination was .25.

And I did spot a couple of 5.00 slot machines there this time too. So I stand corrected on my statement in November that the largest denomination slot I saw there at a dollar. Sorry for doubting you, Axel.
Stupid is a choice
Perdition
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May 22nd, 2015 at 2:11:20 PM permalink
The Plaza has been making a point of saying they have all 99% + VP. As of 1 month ago they had 10/7 DB up to dollars and 9/6 jacks. For nickel players, yeah it has been getting tougher.

To texasplumr yeah they kept the 5 dollar machines in the same row as the 1 dollars for a while. Now I think they put the 5 dollar machines in their own row by the wall in the high limit area.
Nareed
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May 22nd, 2015 at 2:58:08 PM permalink
Quote: tringlomane

Considering how big of a PITA it was for me to play the loose deuces last month (wouldn't accept bills and wouldn't always accept nickels), I can't say I'm surprised.



It doesn't like the new $5s, but otherwise I've never had trouble with it. I fed it $10s and $20s regularly.

Quote:

I know this will hit you harder nareed because you like to play nickels mostly.



I play quarters, too. But when you stay as long as I do in Vegas, nickel VP with an outstanding pay table is essential. It lets you play cheap for hours, day and day out.

Quote:

Nickel 9/5 JoB at four queens, anything else?



I'd rather play quarters 9/6 than nickel 9/5.

There were some 8/5 BP machines at the D, but they also pay in coin. I assume they'll be gone soon.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
HowMany
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May 22nd, 2015 at 3:35:06 PM permalink
I play 10/7 double bonus at- ELC, 4Q, Plaza, Cal, MSS.

And all have 9/6 Job for $0.25, except ELC @ $1.

But I agree, pay tables have deteriorated in the last 12 mos.
tringlomane
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June 11th, 2015 at 1:45:33 PM permalink
According to VPFree2, this old bucket of bolts was removed recently...I didn't get to play this game nearly enough. Gf really doesn't like downtown...



The best game the D now currently offers is NSUD...*thumbs down*
Wizard
Administrator
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June 11th, 2015 at 2:11:29 PM permalink
Quote: tringlomane

According to VPFree2, this old bucket of bolts was removed recently...I didn't get to play this game nearly enough. Gf really doesn't like downtown..



Say it ain't so. I'll confirm or deny my next downtown visit.

If so, what will be the next single best video poker machine in Las Vegas, based on return percentage alone? According to VPfree2, the El Corez has 100.92% Downtown Deuces. Does anyone know of anything better?

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
djatc
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June 11th, 2015 at 2:18:37 PM permalink
Nsud at d was either moved or taken out, used to be right next to the bar on second floor.

I wouldnt say downtown is losing good vp, its just shuffling from casino to casino. Plaza now has 10/7 db at quarters to $1, 9/6 jacks.

MSS always had 10/7 db, as well as their 4oak scratch cards.

Cal has 10/7 as well.

Lvc has full pay jokers 25c and 50c. Also double dw (99.62%)

Binions just put in a bunch of 8/5 bp. They have very high comp accumulation i believe 0.6125%.

4 queens same comp as binions but also 10/7 db $1.

The d still left a $1 8/5 bp progressive in there.

Ec still has their 25c 100.92% downtown deuces.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
MaxPen
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June 11th, 2015 at 4:26:35 PM permalink
The nickel deuce machine at the D was removed. I can confirm this 100%. Actually asked an attendant where it went. I have never played it but know a lot of people enjoy it, that is why I asked. It was not moved but removed.
abacabb
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June 13th, 2015 at 1:35:59 PM permalink
The D BP progressive may be on it's way out, considering they removed a lot of the other coin droppers. That said, those machines are very old and very slow. They're also so big I'm not sure if you could even play two at once (like I've seen some people do with the coin droppers at El Cortez)

Binions has good comp accumulation but you can only really spend it on an overpriced Keurig 2.0 (bleh) at the player's club or the steakhouse, and their freeplay offers are laughable. I gave them like 20k play in a day, was a pretty big loser, and then a few months later they gave me either $10 or $15 every half month. The next offer was $40 in freeplay but only if I paid for a room at the Four Queens ($28 I believe - not including any taxes/fees).

I didn't know about the MSS scratch card thing, but I've not played there much before. Anyone have current details on it? I can only find some old articles about it.

Also, doesn't the California have some sort of heart royal flush bonus?
tes3355
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June 13th, 2015 at 3:34:58 PM permalink
Quote: djatc

Nsud at d was either moved or taken out, used to be right next to the bar on second floor.

If you mean the ten uprights with 25c, 50c and $1 NSUD, they were there today right where they have been for a long time - beside keno on the 2nd floor. That's near the bar too.
tes3355
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June 13th, 2015 at 3:37:28 PM permalink
Quote: abacabb

Also, doesn't the California have some sort of heart royal flush bonus?

Yes, but only on three 50c machines and four $1 machines. vpFREE2 has the correct details - http://www.vpfree2.com/casino/california-hotel-and-casino
mcallister3200
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June 13th, 2015 at 4:20:09 PM permalink
Quote: tes3355

If you mean the ten uprights with 25c, 50c and $1 NSUD, they were there today right where they have been for a long time - beside keno on the 2nd floor. That's near the bar too.


He was referring to the four coin op ones by the bar. They are gone. I thought the uprights by keno still had 8/5 BP but deuces was downgraded last time I saw? Could be wrong there.

Another clarification to DJ's post. It is true that 4 Queens has 10/7 DB and strong cashback and comp accumulation, but the rate is cut in half on 10/7 DB so you get 0.16125% less cash and 0.3125% less comp than 9/6 Jacks or the 98-99% progressives. Can't say I'm aware of how playing 10/7 vs other options affects marketing offers there.
djatc
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June 13th, 2015 at 9:57:17 PM permalink
Quote: mcallister3200

He was referring to the four coin op ones by the bar. They are gone. I thought the uprights by keno still had 8/5 BP but deuces was downgraded last time I saw? Could be wrong there.

Another clarification to DJ's post. It is true that 4 Queens has 10/7 DB and strong cashback and comp accumulation, but the rate is cut in half on 10/7 DB so you get 0.16125% less cash and 0.3125% less comp than 9/6 Jacks or the 98-99% progressives. Can't say I'm aware of how playing 10/7 vs other options affects marketing offers there.



They must have changed it. 4Q had 10/7 db $1 0.3125% cashback and 0.6% comps, and i used to play it for dinner at hugos.

If the d still has nsud thats good to hear. Lva has a 1% cashback coupon up to $10k which is not great but still worth using.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
HowMany
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June 14th, 2015 at 5:33:19 AM permalink
Quote: djatc

They must have changed it. 4Q had 10/7 db $1 0.3125% cashback and 0.6% comps, and i used to play it for dinner at hugos.



Yes, they changed it. Mcallister's figures are correct.
terapined
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December 26th, 2017 at 10:10:04 AM permalink
Stopped by the Four Queens yesterday
I have been playing their quarter 10/7 DB progressive under Magnolias for many many years. These were my all time favorite video poker machines in Las Vegas. I would sometimes stay at the Four Queens just for these machines.

They are gone. WTF. Gone.
This really sucks. Cant believe it
At least Four Queens still has a lot of 99.54 JOB quarter machines by the cashier with an excellent view of the TV for sports above the nearby BJ tables.
Still
I cant believe they pulled the progressive bank under magnolias.
Damm
bobbartop
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RogerKint
December 26th, 2017 at 10:41:13 AM permalink
Quote: terapined

Stopped by the Four Queens yesterday
I have been playing their quarter 10/7 DB progressive under Magnolias for many many years. These were my all time favorite video poker machines in Las Vegas. I would sometimes stay at the Four Queens just for these machines.

They are gone. WTF. Gone.
This really sucks. Cant believe it
At least Four Queens still has a lot of 99.54 JOB quarter machines by the cashier with an excellent view of the TV for sports above the nearby BJ tables.
Still
I cant believe they pulled the progressive bank under magnolias.
Damm




I share your sadness over those lovely 25-cent progressives, but where've you been? Don't you keep up? They changed those within a year ago. Quit blabbing about Trump and other non-important crap and pay attention to what's really important in the world, VPFree2 and the state of video poker. Oh wait, maybe it was Trump's fault.

Have a good trip. Give us a report. Wish I was there with you.
'Emergencies' have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded.
donthedentist
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December 29th, 2017 at 6:54:54 AM permalink
The 4Q still has the best VP downtown. There are 4 $1 10/7 DB machines and countless $1 10/6 DDB machines at all three bars.

Don the Dentist
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