Fearless Super Bowl XLVI Prediction

2012 - 02 - 05

Photo Courtesy (West Springfield High School)

This year's Superbowl is just a day away, and it's time to make my prediction. I'm obviously qualified to make a prediction because of my extensive background in football. As you can see from the photo above I played football in high school. I'm the one with the circle around his head. No, not a halo. That's something my mother added to point out the kid that most needed a haircut. You can also check-out professional Sports bettor Mark Franco's Super Bowl Picks if you doubt my ability.

As you can see, I'm part of a fairly large crowd. In fact, because of the size of the team I didn't get to play much during games. In fact, this picture is a lot like the actual games we played, because most of the action I saw was from the bench. Bummer!

However, if you are one of the millions of viewers who will be tuning in to Super Bowl XLVI - February 5 at 6:30pm ET on NBC, you might have a bet riding on the game, regardless of what the NFL says about gambling. Legalized sports gambling has been introduced and voted on in several states, but Nevada reigns supreme, having offered bets on every Super Bowl!

Sunday the Patriots will try to avenge their loss to the Giants just a few years ago in the Super Bowl. This year's contest will shape up much the same. The Patriots are on a long wining streak and the Giants struggled early in the year but are peaking at the right time. The Giants averaged 25 points per game and the Patriots gave up 22 points per game, I expect the Giants to score 23.

The Patriots averaged 32 points per game and the Giants gave up 25 points per game, so I give the Patriots a 28 point start. In addition, I give the Patriots a point for the longer streak and a point for the better road record. They also get 4 more points because they won 13 games this year to the Giants 9. I expect the score to be Patriots 34 - Giants 23.

Super Bowl Parties at Casinos

Now for the important stuff - like where to watch the game. Obviously we can't all make it to Indianapolis to see the game in person. However, aside from your best buddy's house (or the guy with the huge TV and great snacks), most casinos this weekend will have some kind of a Super Bowl party. Expect there to be crowds in many locations! And, remember to call ahead to your favorite casino and find out when the doors open, and what the fees are. Call the concierge desk or the player's club to find out.

My best advice is to show up around the time they open the doors and stake out a good table or seat, then leave your buddy in charge and hit the slots.

Fearless Super Bowl XLVI Prediction originally appeared on About.com Casino Gambling on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 15:28:12.

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Ghostbusters Slots Haunt Casinos

2012 - 02 - 03

Photo Courtesy (IGT)

Well, I never know who to call, so I'm telling our readers here, the new Ghostbusters slots are paranormal. That's good.

The new IGT slots first haunted the Vegas Strip at the end of September on a 30-day exclusive run at MGM properties. That engagement still allowed other properties to capture the slots for their own use well before Halloween. The games have been popular as part of IGT's new Center Stage Duo model, two machines sharing a 55-inch overhead LCD screen with loud MEGAfx Surround Chairs.

The slots play much like the new Batman: The Dark Knight machines, which are often combined as a group, sitting directly behind the Ghostbusters slots. The penny machines take up to 250 credits and offer plenty of Bonus screens, each of which prompts a film clip from the movie and a chance to win a nice bonus,

On the Ghostbusters game, bonuses include Ballroom Busters ("Don't look directly at the trap!") where you get five proton shots to blow up the ballroom, Stay Puft free games, Are You Psychic, and the best: Paranormal Pick, where five levels of Paranormal Pick Bonuses allow players to select phantasm clouds for a chance to win the progressive jackpot.

If you remember the movie you'll probably love the slots. They are a lot more fun than Betty Boop or Bewitched.

Ghostbusters Slots Haunt Casinos originally appeared on About.com Casino Gambling on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at 15:53:34.

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Yeah? What's Your Problem?

2012 - 01 - 30

Did you ever hear a really obnoxious store clerk asking somebody what their problem was? I was in a major department store and heard a buyer complaining about a sweater she had purchased. After she got it home she found some off-color spots on one of the arms, brought it back, and the salesperson treated her like she was a criminal. It made me want to skip my purchase and never go back!

Now granted, in a casino you don't always get to go home with your money, or a purchase, but sometimes you win - and you get treated pretty well. If you have a problem in your local casino resort there should always be somebody who is willing to speak with you. Any casino dispute, from a misunderstanding about taking a card at blackjack to waiting too long in valet can be an annoyance. And, if you want to talk to somebody, do it!

Nobody in the casino and resort industry wants to hear complaints - and that's why they work so hard to avoid them, by offering guests the best service they can. However, when something goes wrong, you can always talk to the pit boss, slot supervisor, restaurant manager, or even the casino manager. In almost every instance they will be cordial and happy to try and help. Unfortunately, when dealing with gambling issues, the answer is often "no," but that does not mean you can't ask!

One of the funniest complaints I ever heard centered on the game of Omaha high-low (eight or better ) split. A guy that claimed he played a lot of Texas Hold'em got into the lively Omaha-Eight game and made a great hand. Unfortunately, at Hold'em you can play your hand with one of your own cards, both cards, or even play the board, but in an Omaha game you have to use two cards and only two cards.

Anyway, the new player didn't understand that in Omaha high-low you can use any two of your four cards for the "high" hand and any two of your four cards for the "low" hand. The disagreement got to the point where not only was the poker room manager called in, but even players from other tables were weighing-in with their own disparaging comments about the noise, the disruption, and the newbie. So, the lesson is, make sure you understand the game you are playing - before sitting down - and when you have a dispute, don't be afraid to ask for help. But please, don't scream and cry when the players, the dealer, the supervisor, the poker manager, and finally the casino manager explain why you are wrong.

It's not a shoe store, sometimes the customer isn't right! Don't be afraid to ask, but take your answer with a grain of salt and go back to your game, they aren't all out to cheat you, honest!

Yeah? What's Your Problem? originally appeared on About.com Casino Gambling on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 15:08:30.

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