So what's all the hoopla
over Megabucks?
26 November 1999
By Mark Pilarski
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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