Hi Folks:

Consider this the first of a series of reviews for the Ontario (Canada) Race track slots. The size of these race track slot casinos can range from 100 machines to over 2000 machines. I will review the "commercial Ontario casinos" in a separate entry.

There are some generalities I can make about the Ontario Race Track slots. The payback percentage on a nickel machines run around 91.5% (this is by my own observation as slot techs are working on a machine). At the time of this writing (Aug 2007), virtual all machines at all locations have been converted to a coinless environment. The machines still tend to run behind the release of new machines in the US. The Ontario racetrack slots were once about 2 years behind the release of US machines. This has been improved to a much better 6 month delay for installing new machines. The racetrack slots have been slow to adopt multi-denomination machines. Certain manufacturers, such as WMS, KONAMI and ATRONIC have been able to place their machines very aggressively in the Ontario racetrack slot floors. The delay for machines installed by these manufacturers is much less (if any). The slot layout can make (or break) a good slot place ... so check out my review of some of the popular destinations (BTW - all of the race track slot operations are non-smoking):

MOHAWK - There are around 750 machines at this location. In the spring, this place underwent a needed infusion of new machines -- along with more one cent and some new two cent denominations. This is a good place to get a variety of machines ... but it is rare to have more than two of any multi-line machines. The restaurant here is cafeteria style. The food is edible, but full service would be a welcome bonus. There are "high roller" areas -- and the low denomination paybacks are poor (as they are at most sites -- that's why they are so popular with casinos). There are machines (like old multi-line quarters by IGT) ... or new multi-line quarters which get no play. I thought they would learn from the multi-line WMS games which were never played --- but they don't get the message --- a max nickel bet of $5 a spin will drain your bankroll quickly enough ... most people do not need to lose $25 a spin. Multi-denom machines will make everyone happy ... but until then, it will likely continue to fall on deaf ears (how about a nickel version of Texas Tea, My Rich Uncle, I Dream of Jeannie, Texas Tina, or Super Sally's Shrimpmania??). Regardless, there is plenty of overall variety (and we realize nobody is perfect). The 2 cent Giant "Wheel of Fortune" has 40 lines, but you have to double your bet to qualifyfor the big wheel. Can you say, big money? The minimum bet is $1.60 per spin -- much more than the bargain price of "2 cents" sounds. The Monopoly 9-line (but you have to play 12 lines to qualify for the bonus game) are almost irresistably innovative. While I love the idea ... and it is fun ... to be sure ... it's similar to a progressive, without the huge payback potential ... so I mostly avoid playing for more than a few $20's.

There is a live band that plays on Friday and Saturday nights (the busiest times at Mohawk). While the banks play a study diet of serviceable cover songs, it is loud -- and if you like to hear your machine over another version of "Margaritaville" --- I would suggest you steer clear. On these nights, you are luckly to find many machines available.

Overall, this slot destination was tired for a long time ... but it is now one of the better Ontario racetrack slot destinations.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\