My HOME is Tunder Valley Casino love it...

My home casino is Winstar in Thackerville, Oklahoma, a very large casino with tons of new games. Wife and I love playing there. Payouts seem to be often enough. We live in Texas and since we do not have any casinos yet here, we will continue to drive from Dallas to Oklahoma.

Posted by: fargoranger

My home casino is Winstar in Thackerville, Oklahoma, a very large casino with tons of new games. Wife and I love playing there. Payouts seem to be often enough. We live in Texas and since we do not have any casinos yet here, we will continue to drive from Dallas to Oklahoma.

Hi fargoranger:

Are there any rumblings about casinos in Texas? There are so many Texans who have to travel to other states right now. Do you think casinos will eventually be allowed in Texas?

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

I really can't call any casino "home", except the one that is the closest.We are able to come and go easier (1 hour drive) My real love is Mystic Lake,and we stay for 2-3 days thanks to room comps and FP, and Free Food, shows etc. Ho-Chunk is close, and has been relatively lucky for us lately, maybe lose one out of three visits. BUT, we are not there an extended period of time, nor carry a big bankroll. What is nice is that LOTR is always open, and my Konami machines are generally open, so can play and come out even. I have had some bonus luck and come home ahead. We also go to two casinos in Dubuque Iowa, and Marquette Iowa, which are much smaller and don't have Lord of the Rings at all, so not as attractive.Of course "Potty" in Milwaukee, is complete no go.

My Home casino is Hollywood in charlestown WV. It is very large, over 5,000 slots. Sadly they have alot of catching up to do though. None of the popular games come there. No Woz, LoTR, Wheel of fortune, WW, Buffalo. Its frustrating. Its only about 20 minutes from my house though, so I do go about once per week.

Living in Reno I have more than a few choices...I mostly play at Atlantis these days, with occasional trips to Grand Sierra, Rail City, and Peppermill. I used to play at the Siena but it closed about six months ago...They're reopening but I fear it's going too upscale (read: expensive) for my tastes.

Posted by: slottygirl70

My Home casino is Hollywood in charlestown WV. It is very large, over 5,000 slots. Sadly they have alot of catching up to do though. None of the popular games come there. No Woz, LoTR, Wheel of fortune, WW, Buffalo. Its frustrating. Its only about 20 minutes from my house though, so I do go about once per week.

Hi slottygirl70:

It's amazing that a place could be massive ... with 5000 slots ... but not have these newer titles!! What games are very common at that casino? Which games are most popular? Do they have banks of the same machine?

Curious as well -- I noticed slots in local stores in West Virginia. I assume they are different than the slots in the casinos? What are the rules?

Love to hear about how each state handles their slots.

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

Hi slottygirl70:

It's amazing that a place could be massive ... with 5000 slots ... but not have these newer titles!! What games are very common at that casino? Which games are most popular? Do they have banks of the same machine?

Yes, it is amazing...and VERY frustrating! This casino was formerly called "Charlestown races and slot." It was only bought by Hollywood not even a year ago. I will say since they bought they casino I have seen quite a few newer games come in. THe games that are most poplular? ANything that is fairly new! While under the old ownership there were NO leased games. This was the problem. I have a feeling things will slowly turn around for us though.

Curious as well -- I noticed slots in local stores in West Virginia. I assume they are different than the slots in the casinos? What are the rules?

Here is the latest on some changes being implemented in WV. (article below) Also, the law allows private stores and bars to own up to 5 machines. They can only be "Game King" machines to my knowledge, but these little side bar dives are Very popular and from what I understand can be home to some BIG winners. The most poplular being caveman keno. I will try to find some statistics I can accross regarding one of these little hole in the wall places recently.

"West Virginia Pushing To Extend Gambling Laws

The Senate in West Virginia has announced plans to extend the current gambling legislation. On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted for the possibility of gamblers being able to bet more within casinos in the state. The West Virginia Lottery, the Greenbrier and the four horse race tracks have been particularly vocal over this matter.

The Recent Struggle

The recent economic recession has had a major financial impact on casinos within West Virginia. This is not the only cause. The state has also had to struggle against increased competition from its neighbors. In 2010, Maryland opened its very first casino in an attempt to benefit from gambling and present plans are for setting up at least three more slot casinos, one pending and two planned. Pennsylvania, along with a multitude of northeastern states, has also decided to up the number of casinos available. Ohio plans to introduce new establishments within the following months.

This competition has had a major impact on the money being drawn in by West Virginia’s gambling establishments. In 2007, profits stood at $972 million. Last year, this had fallen to just $727 million. Wheeling Island and Mountaineer Park, two of the state’s panhandle tracks, have been hit badly by this competition with slot business revenue being reduced by approximately a third over the past three years.

The Proposed Bill

The bill has only been designed to affect the slot machines found at Greenbrier and the four race tracks. It will not cover the video lottery machines. Basically, it will allow players to bet larger amounts than they are currently able to bid. The current maximum stands at $5 but if the bill is passed, then this limit would be removed from around 10, 000 slot machines in these establishments. Currently, many other states have a higher limit, if one at all. For example, Maryland has a limit of $100 while Ohio and Pennsylvania have none. Machines in West Virginia would then be able to accept bills of $50 and $100. Presently, they only accept bills with the value of $1, $5, $10 and $20. This would also benefit the state as it would not be forced to order these specialist slot machines because these bill limitations are hardly used by other states anymore.

The bill would also give a certain percentage of track revenue towards improvements and upgrades within these gambling organizations. Around 2.5 percent of any net winnings would be placed into a fund and the money would then be matched in terms of profits made at the race tracks and by Greenbrier. The funds could then be used to purchase gaming equipment, slot machines and security features. In addition, the bill would allow Greenbrier to supply off track horse racing.

The Future Benefits

It has been estimated by officials that this bill could produce an increased yearly profit of approximately $19 million for the state. By placing themselves at a more even level with their competitors, West Virginia expects to see an influx of players into the region. These changes could be implemented as early as Friday.

0 Comments. Posted by OCE News on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 12:00 am.

As you can see we have to deal withsome frustrating and antiquated laws. No bets larger than 5 bucks...and no bills larger than a twenty in the machines. Its quite frankly a pain in the ass!

Chumash in Santa ynez

Hi Slotty:

Thanks for that information. It's interesting to note the rule differences between states. It must drive gaming companies nuts!

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