Jean Scott's Frugal Vegas

Tomorrow  Brad and I have only one freeplay pickup  and one small promotion to do and that finishes off our November calendar.  Now it is time to tackle our December schedule. Read more… »

This is the final part of the 2001 Strictly Slots 2-part series about how to lose less/win more at VP:

10.        Last here, but perhaps first in importance, is this advice:  Have patience. Read more… »

I’m getting many questions about the Frugal Video Poker software so here is some up-to-date information.

Thousands of people down through the years have bought the FVP software and are still happily using it as their only or primary go-to VP software resource although other programs have come out since it was launched.    Many use it with the same-named book (Frugal Video Poker), which includes “lessons” in the back that help you get more out of the program.  These lessons especially help the beginner to learn the basic functions.  And many experienced players use the lessons for advanced functions, i.e., how to edit quads to figure out the value of some promotions or how to determine the added value of slot club benefits like free play and comps.

However, many of you are getting new computers, with Windows 7, and finding you can’t install the program from the original FVP disc.  Read more… »

More from 2001

9.      Supplement your video poker bankroll with other gambling activities that give you a big edge. Read more… »

With casinos, you would be wise to not depend on the word ”usually.”  However,“exceptions” is a term you do need to look for.

Usually when you get an e-mail offer from a casino or see it on their Web site, you don’t have to print it out. Read more… »

More from 2001 article – still just as good advice for 2010!

8.   Find ways to decrease the volatility of video poker and/or get to the long term quicker. One idea is to find a gambling buddy. Two people playing out of the same “pot” don’t need a bigger bankroll than one person; and, because they’re getting in twice as many hands, the roller coaster ride will be a little less breathtaking. Read more… »

I’m not really an animal lover, but Brad is enough of one to make up for my deficiency in this area.  And I am softening somewhat in this department in my “old age,” finding  a lttle crippled poodle  ”nephew dog” named Curly stealing my heart in spite of myself! 

So here is a news item for animal lovers who can’t bear to leave their dogs at home when they visit Las Vegas.  I found this tidbit in the excellent monthly newsletter put out by the Seven Star Insider.  (Here is a note from the editor:  While this newsletter was originally designed exclusively for Seven Stars members, there is useful information for anyone who has a Total Rewards^® player’s card and/or plays/stays at a Harrah’s property.) Read more… »

People keep asking us where we play these days now that so many casinos have either downgraded their video poker inventory and/or reduced their comp and slot club benefits.  I usually don’t like to mention specific casinos where we play because they might not fit your goals, your bankroll, or your location.  Some of the plays we do in Vegas are profitable only if you can go pick up the free play that is available several times a week.  Others offer denominations that are either too low for your financial goals or too high for your bankroll.

Brad and I are definitely slowing down because of our declining  energy levels – so we aren’t as concerned about the reduction of good plays that someone younger and/or healthier might be.  And we have always had adequate income from other sources so video poker has never been a financial necessity for us.  It is just a hobby that we have made  profitable by working hard at it.  This extra money has provided the “gravy” in our lifestyle and enabled us to help our families enjoy some luxuries that they otherwise couldn’t have afforded on their own. But most of all  it has provided us with more years of  fun than we could ever have imagined. Read more… »