Machine Selection - I wonder how this casino decides how many of each title should be ordered. In most 2000 slot casinos, they might buy 5 machines with the same title if they feel it is a "hit" (usually they get to try the machine at the gaming shows, and they put in an order). So, I guess the Konami game "Billionaires" must be a major hit -- because there are over 20 of this machine. Hey, the game is fine --- but with so many other Konami themes and titles from the same time period (think of Mariachi Madness, Sgt Fritter, Money in the Bank, 3 Wild Bees, etc etc) -- why 20 of the same title. They are not connected to a progressive -- in fact, there is no rhyme or reason. Strangely, there is an old IGT machine ... at least 15 years old, called, "Triple Bucks" --- this is still the most popular machine in the casino ... with at least 20 machines ... nearly always filled to capacity. It's a good game ... but when people play old games over new releases, you know something is really wrong.

Mixing Denominations - Going back to those Billionaire machines ... have you ever seen 1-cent machines mixed with 5-cent machines ... alternating in a row. This is routine in this casino. There are no "multi-denom" machines ... they are fixed denominations -- and they are all mixed up.

Paying out in Coin - Okay ... so there is no good way to know if the slot you are on in going to pay out in coin ... or with a paper slip. If it is coin, you will be paid in quarters --- regardless of the denomination. Unfortunately, if you have an odd amount ... it will necessitate a visit to deal with that fractional 15-cent or 20-cent amount remain in the machine. This was not isolated. On of their newest machines, Konami's "Rocky" progressive ... still had the issue. When a casino decides to go "paper slip" ... they should retrofit all machines ... and get rid of the machines which are too old to handle the technology (like the SEGA horse racing game called, "Royal Ascot").

I don't know what the "payback percentages" are --- but they seem dismal. Sure, they have a few 1-cent denomination machines --- but often in places where it goes not make sense (eg. 9-line machines). There are no frequent hit modern 40, 50 and 100 line games.

For a slot destination, I'm sure you can find a few fun machines to park your money in ... but don't go looking for big payouts on low-denomination machines. The machines are older (which is good, if you are into the 5-cent video "Wheel of Fortune" game --- where you have to keep plugging in nickels until you solve the puzzle).

On the night I was there ... certain machines were busy, and the rest of the place was virtually dead. I can understand why. They need a slot manager who knows something about what the slot players want. I wonder if the management is the same at the Casino Du Montreal --- because I noticed similar trends there. Finally ... apparently Quebecers really like playing, IGT's "Wild Bear" (not the more modern "Salmon Run" ... but the original, "Wild Bear") ... because they have at least 30 to 40 of these machines. Seriously!

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