So what's all the hoopla over Megabucks?
Dear Mark,
Recently Megabucks surpassed the current record of more than
$11 million dollars. A few questions please. First, is there
an easy way to find out the current progressive amount without
going to a casino? Second, do you get paid half up front and
the remainder over the next 10 years? Finally, when it approaches
record levels, should I join the excitement and run out and
play? Lois H.
Lois, I have never quite understood the frenzy when the
Nevada Megabucks jackpot rises to a level where some fortunate
soul rewrites the slot jackpot record book.
Granted, it is a new milestone for IGT's MegaJackpot systems,
but most players don't realize that Megabucks is a tougher
beat than most state lotteries. Additionally, you also have
to buck up three dollars (3-coin bet) versus your one dollar
donation to state education. And what are the true odds
of hitting a Megabucks bonanza? 16,777,216 to one.
For those in the dark, Megabucks is an IGT (NYSE: IGT)
MegaJackpot slot system that connects 747 machines in 136
Nevada casinos to a primary jackpot that builds from a base
amount of $5 million. Now I don't care which state you live
in, but I will wager dollars to donuts that all state lotteries
have had more winners and given away more money than IGT's
Megabucks. So what's the big deal? No hidden camera investigation
here, just PR department without peer that hypes the hysteria.
You also asked, Lois, about following current jackpot
totals. All IGT Nevada MegaJackpot systems totals are available
by calling tollfree 888-448-2WIN (888-448-2946).
Finally, Lois, Megabuck winners do not receive a chunk
of change up front; instead, International Game Technology,
the Reno-based slot machine maker that created and operates
Megabucks, pays the winner in 25 annual installments.
Dear Mark,
What is the specific house edge when taking odds on a crap
game? Tom S.
Here are the percentages in favor of the house for pass
line and come bettors when you take full advantage of various
odds bets.
Pass line (Come) no odds 1.41%
Single odds 0.85%
Double odds 0.61%
Triple odds 0.47%
Five times odds 0.32%
10 times odds 0.18%
Minus being a sophisticated card counter, taking odds on
a pass line bet is the absolute "best bet" in
the house. The odds themselves have a casino advantage of
zero. A highly recommended wager.
Dear Mark,
What is a "Duke" in craps? Leo S.
A "Duke" is a monster hand on a crap game, which
all but casino owners wish would go on until the end of
time. "He shot the dice forever in the name of John
Wayne," a dealer would say after a lengthy roll concludes.
Those of us fortunate to work the south end of Lake Tahoe
know a "Duke" as employee Steve Ditchkus, who
worked at Bill's Casino. Unfortunately, our loss is someone
else's (players, fellow employee's) gain, since he's moved
on to work for Harrah's in Topeka, Kansas. I wish I had
2000 words just to share the fun times we've all had working,
playing, gambling, etc. with Steve, but suffice it to say
that if someone were to write a book on gambling at Lake
Tahoe and didn't mention "the Duke," they wouldn't
have done their research.
Dear Mark,
Do the casinos really care if you win? Jake M.
Win or lose, it makes no difference to the Lord's of Chance-just
as long as you're a player. Preferably a loyal returning
player willing and able to give it all back.
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