Odds - Downtown Las Vegas Compared to the Strip. (Video Poker)?

Question

I have a few questions here mostly pertaining to odds. First off what I would like to know is if the video poker machines in downtown are generally more "loose" with less patrons frequenting this area compared to the strip or are the odds/payouts comparable. Is there any difference at all that I could expect? The reason I am asking: I am taking a trip in a few weeks and staying downtown which I have never done before. I have been to the strip numerous times. I plan on basically playing poker tournaments and cash games most of the time. On my off-time I do like to sit down and play video poker so that is why I was curious if there was a difference. Also, any suggestions on how I should "hit it big" downtown would be inspiring! Although I know most of the time luck succeeds. Thanks everyone in advance!

Answer 1

The odds are basically the same, checking the pay table is the most important thing.  However from my experience they do seem a little bit more on the "loose" side if you will.

The one major advatage downtown has is that the stakes are usually lower.  For example most blackjack min bets on the stripe during the weekend are $10-$20... Dowtown its $5-$10.

If your playing poker downtown, Golden Nugget or the grandaddy of them all Binions.  For table games check out the Four Queens.  As for Video Poker... which ever lucky machine with a good pay table.

Overall downtown is great if your going to Vegas on a budget.  Less phoney people and those full of themselves and more people ther just to have fun.

Answer 2

Any game in a casino has a house edge that can't be manipulated and it is about luck. The only exception to this is card counting on blackjack. Its the only way to turn the house edge into a negative. I would stay away from slots or gaming machines. The odds are that bad they are actually illegal in some countries almost considered theft. The best game for odds in teh casino is craps followed by pai gow, baccarat, roulette, blackjack. I'm not sure which games you know.