Dear Mark,
Because you mentioned that slots operate using the same
computer chip as a video poker machine, why not stick
with slots as they are easier to play? Larry L.
True, Larry, the first part of your question is correct
in that most of today’s video games (video poker,
video blackjack and video keno) are derivatives of slot
machines and actually use the same microprocessor technology
and random number sequences, but, video poker, blackjack
and keno machines provide players with real options
and choices that require an
element of skill that
regular
slot machines don’t. With this skill, you can
hack away at the high house advantage that the average
slot machine holds over you.
Dear Mark,
Can a casino, or anyone for that matter, mess with
the computer chip in a slot machine so that a jackpot
will never appear on the screen? Morgan P.
Feel safe, Morgan,
that in your state, Missouri, gaming operates under
the strict Gaming Commission guidelines, insuring
that every chip will deliver random action each
and every time you insert a coin.
In Missouri, the Gaming Commission tests each e-prom
chip (erasable programmable read only memory) when
the machines are first installed to verify that
the machine will operate as proposed by the casino.
Then when large jackpots are hit, a Highway Patrol
Officer, who is an agent of the Gaming Commission,
“cobotrons” (detects if the chip has been
altered) the e-prom to make sure that it hasn't
been tampered with. This can amount to a dozen cobotron
tests per day, per boat. Sorry to bore you with
all this nerdy computer stuff, Morgan, but I do
plan a column soon on how the slots of today (computers)
work—in layman’s lingo that is.
