One of My Favorite Slot Machines-China Shores

Last month playing with the One Cent slot machine, China Shores( manufactured by Konami from Japan), with a bet of 60c, I won 381 free games that resulted into a $350 cash win at our local Casino here in Northern California. This win arose my curiosity on the payout percentages of slot machines. My article on pay out percentages and manufacturers of slot machines was published yesterday on this blog.

The following video shows how this anonymous player won $770 choosing the free games instead of the cash price with a 0.90c bet and winning more than 500 free games. So which is better, the cash price or the free games? Watch this video and judge it for yourself.




In a rare cases you can win up to $150 with the minimum bet of 0.30c in some Slots. In general, the bigger you bet the more you win...


This is another video showing a big win, but the gambler was betting $2 per push. I never bet more than $1 in a One cent Slot machine, so my chance of winning big is zero. I do not really go to the Casino to get rich, but just have a good time. I can not afford a $2.00 bet per push in any of the One Arm Bandit Machines.

ATTENTION: Slot Machines Playing is very addicting. So before you play the slots, be sure it is your extra money, not the money you will need to buy your groceries or pay for your electric bill or house payment. Your chance of getting rich playing the slots( one-arm bandits) is almost nil or very near zero.

Slot Machines Manufacturers and Pay Out Percentages

If you have been following my blogs you already know that my wife and I go to the Casino every other week for our entertainment. We usually play the Slots and partake the delicious and reasonably price food offerings of the buffet and other restaurants inside the Casinos. We usually take our neighbor who is also a slot enthusiast. One day my neighbor ask me if I know the pay out percentages and return to player (RTP)of the slots machines. I told her I really do not know except that the slots are run by the computers based on the Generated Random Numbers (GRN). I promise my neighbor I will do some Internet search on it and asked questions from Executives in the Casinos that we patronize here in Northern California.

My questions are: Can you gave me the percentage pay out of your slot machines?
Who manufactures the most popular slot machines in your Casino? My favorite slot machine is China Shore made by Konami? What do you know about Konami slots?

I sent this to the four Northern California Casinos including the newest one opening this week. I only received an answer from one. Here's the answer on pay out percentages and on slot machines manufacturers from one of the local casino we patronize.

1.Regarding the payback percentages or RTP of our machines, this information will not be provided by any casino here in the US. Just as with any other privately held/owned company in this country we do not share any financial, operational or revenue data.

2.Regarding payout- There is a regulation in most States that says the difference in payout percentage between the minimum and maximum bet can’t be more than 4%. That means if you’re playing a machine that allows you to bet 1 credit minimum up to 5 credits maximum the payback percentage for the one credit bet cannot be 4% less than the payback percentage for 5 credits bet. That keeps the machine manufacturers from forcing a player to bet more to get a better payback percentage. But there is very little regulation from State-to-State regarding minimum and maximum payback percentages allowed.

3. With regards to slot machines manufacturers: Most of the slot machines today have the software developed by the manufacturer that allows the casino to select from several payback percentage options. And, depending on the game, there are options from as high 97- 98% to as low as 88%. There are machines on the floor in our Casino that are set to over 98% payback. I know of other Casinos that has had game software developed specifically for them with payback percentages as low as 84%. The rule of thumb for just about every casino operator is that the more the player bets the better the payback percentage offered. That’s why someone playing a dollar game betting $5 at a time would get a better payback percentage than a player on a penny machine betting $3 at a time. That’s a generally accepted rule but I’m sure there are casino operators that don’t follow that rule.

4. As far as the gaming manufacturers, there are probably 20 – 25 different slot manufacturers in the U.S. and more around the World. We currently have machines on our floor from 15 different manufacturers most in the U.S. but with two coming from Australian owned companies and two from Japanese owned companies. Konami is just one of those. And while their machines perform well they are not the best machines on our floor. The machines from IGT make up the largest percentage of the floor. Konami would be somewhere around the 4th or 5th as far as how many machines they have on the floor in our Casino.

Writing for ViewsHound was a Pleasure

Photo from allowwomenstalk.com

Positive comments and feedbacks to my articles are the reasons why I keep writing for ViewsHound (VH). However, if by a twist of fortune and luck, I win a couple more awards, it will be icing on the cake and will be highly appreciated.

I started writing for VH last August. As of today, I have submitted more than sixty articles and photographs. I have over 23,500 views, 22 followers, 9 badges, a gold and bronze winning articles. The following are my favorite commentators and their comments: M. Abott, D. Hamilton, G. Maoli, L. Arota, J. Bird, S. Ozmore, D. Page, D. Reynolds, J. Willoughby, S. Powers, S.C. Joy, L. Silverman, M. Dragoo, F. Lachica, V. Vizarra and G. Buesnel.

Mark Abbott.UTEP- Comment to, You have to fail on order to succeed.

I think this is the most positive thing I've read all week and possibly even all month. I wish everyone had the "can do" attitude that you have. I've been struggling like hell to perfect it for some time now and as discouraging as it can be at times, I think I've made a great deal of progress. I remember reading someones quote once (can't remember who it was) that said if you fail 999 times out of 1,000, you actually succeeded in finding 999 ways NOT to do something. Thanks so much for posting this. It makes a world of difference to see the necessary little reminders in the work of other writers.

Deb Hamilton · Top Commenter · Chicago, Illinois- Comment to, The best Christmas gift I have ever received.

I really loved this story! You must make friends easily... or I don't think your support system would have been this strong. You deserve some of the credit here, for sure. Very sweet tale.

Gianandrea Maoli · Top Commenter · Freelance writer at ViewsHound- Comment to, Am I a born or made writer?

Wow! One of the most encouraging pieces I've seen on VH! I would say that as far as great writers are concerned, I think there's a combination of being born to be great and being made into one. I think that even if your are born into it, it does take a writer a lot of time, patience, and even courage to keep writing and learning until they find the right way to express themselves. I do agree with you that it has great therapy tools to express your thoughts which is what I try to do with short stories in general. You did that very well in this work and I hope to see others from you in the future.

Lorna Paroginog Arota · Chinese Gen. Hospital school of nursing -Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American war in the Philippines-Part 2


You captured the WWII story through your wife's perspective in such an emotional and personal way. Your mother in- law lost a sister very dear to her heart from the hands of merciless Japanese soldiers who by no means will not spare any lives if you're in their way. I don't blame your mother for hating the Japanese, as my mother also did. That is the cruelty of war. Great article! you deserve another gold prize Dave.

Jan Bird · Top Commenter · College of Ripon & York St John -Comment to, Am I a born or made Writer?

This is the first article I've read today, David and it's a good one! I'm flattered to be quoted but I've never thought of myself as a "born" writer. I'm not fishing there, it's just not how I think of it. I think you can always learn and that we're all learning, constantly, from everything we write and everything we read, whether it's fiction, other writers' articles or mainstream journalism. We learn both how to do it and how not to do it. It is a craft and we can spend a lifetime perfecting and refining it. That's going to be one of life's pleasures for me for the rest of my life. I'm delighted for you that you've discovered such a love for writing and such a talent for getting your personal thoughts into words. You followed your heart and it shows. Your pieces are always deeply personal and reflective and I really enjoy that.

Susan Ozmore · Top Commenter- Comment to, I have an inferiority complex writing for ViewsHound

I really enjoyed your article. I'm a math/science person and also feel a sense of inferiority when compared to people who have spent far more time writing than I have. Although, I've done quite a bit of technical writing and have been told I do a very good job "translating" complex things into understandable prose, I still haven't gotten up the nerve to write for ViewsHound. I have started a blog though, and knowing that I'm not alone in feeling inadequate, maybe I'll get up the nerve soon to write for VH. The only thing is that your article is Excellent! I don't know if I can compare :-) Keep writing!

Dennis L. Page · Top Commenter · Onondaga- Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American war in the Philippines

You have presented the reader with a gut wrenching and true to life experience that only those like you, who experience such things can relay to the rest of us. My deceased father served in the United States Army in combat during WW II. First he was in New Guinea and then in the jungles of the Philippines. He was also taken from the front lines to learn how to do the initial land invasion of Japan. That, of course, never happened, but my dad always spoke highly of the Filipino people.

Debra Copley Reynolds · Top Commenter · Consultant at Princess House, Inc. -Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American war in the Philippines

A fascinating read, thank you. My grandfather served on a supply ship during WWII and told a few stories, I wish I had listened closer. Consider writing your tale in book length, please!

Jessica Willoughby · Top Commenter · Hard to Define at Developmental Skills Center-Comment to, Why I have an inferiority complex writing for ViewsHound

David, thank you for your kind words in your article. I love that you wrote this from such an authentic and honest viewpoint of how you felt. However, I want you to know that you are not alone in that feeling. To be completely honest, I think we all feel that way about something at some point. The very people you were so kind to put me in the company of, leave me in awe with their words. I could only aspire to someday write half as well as them. I think that you are a good writer. I write about topics which feel comfortable and creative for me. I love to read the work of so many others people because I can gain knowledge on topics that I am naive on. I enjoy reading about the things you write about, and there is never a need to feel inferior to anyone else. Easier said than done, I know. I am much better at giving that advice, than living that advice. Thanks again for your kind words. Nice piece, and keep up the good work. The more we write, the better we become. You know the old adage, practice makes perfect :) Have a great evening David!

Sarah Powers · Milwaukee, Wisconsin- Comment to, Domestic abuse against men: the battered husband

Thank you for writing this article, I know of a lot of people who don't believe, excuse, ignore, or even laugh at abuse of husbands. It's unfortunate that society feels this way about the abuse, and even rape of men. Hopefully articles like this will inspire people to think critically about these issues and what equality really means.

Susan Creamer Joy · Top Commenter · Works at Freelance Artist- Comment to, Memorable excerpts from the writings of my favorite authors at ViewsHound

Leslie is correct, David. We'll need enlarged exits from VH now:)) As for me, I am flattered and thrilled to be among this talented bunch and am equally inspired by and impressed with the many other wonderful writers here, yourself included:) Now, will someone call my driver and fetch my wrap? :)) Thank you, indeed!

Leslie Silverman · Top Commenter- Comment to, Why I am writing for ViewsHound

As always, David - honest, and direct well stated. Thanks for the mention. Keep writing for viewshound so we have the pleasure of reading you!

Michelle Dragoo · Top Commenter · Supervisor, Anatomic Pathology at Edward Hospital-Comment to, Memorable excerpts from my favorite ViewsHound authors

I have never been recognized, so, thank YOU. This truly brought tears to my eyes. I feel blessed to be in this esteemed group of writers.

Fernando Ceballos Lachica · Top Commenter · Works at Triond-Comment to, I have inferiority complex writing for ViewsHound.

Your writing style is great and I loved it! I can relate to your article actually. A Gold for you today! Cheers David!

Vic Vizarra · Top Commenter · Technology Consultant/Managing Owner at Viz-Mart Int'l. Computers-Comment to-Afterglows in the sunset of our lives.

I am now beginning to follow your articles and blogs. Hopefully you could lead me to your article about the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. I was then an electrical engineering student in 1977 when I visited the nuclear power plant as part of our field trip requirement for graduation. I was pretty much impressed by the design and set-up of said power plant and was just sad to know it just got wasted and not utilized as intended.

**Gail Buesnel · Top Commenter-Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American War in the Philippines**

David thank you for this aspect of the war. My uncle was a British POW held by the Japanese and freed by General MacArthur the same day the Japanese sent in death squads to murder all prisoners. He has written a book and a portion of it deals with his POW experiences. It would be fascinating to have all aspects recorded in a book, yours as a civillian, the POW's, the liberating Americans and even a Japanese soldier. I am going to try to send this article to my uncle via my cousin. Congratulations on winning the prize.

I have several more positive comments from my other articles for the ViewsHound community. But this article is already long. May I reiterate that the above comments had inspired me to continue writing for ViewsHound-one of my favorite writing site. If you read ViewsHound, please continue your feedbacks and I will continue writing for ViewsHound.

* ViewsHound was a UK writing site now defunct, but my pleasant memories writing for the site will never be erased in my memory.

Non-Filipino Choir Singing Philippine Kundimans

As a Filipino-American, hearing Filipino classics sang by non-Filipinos gave me the chills and hearing it makes me nostalgic of my high school and college years in the Philippines. The following videos and other in the sets is a must viewed if you like choral music. Enjoy!

Nutritional Supplement for Diabetics-My ABC Shake

My wife is taking a nutritional supplement for diabetics as prescribed by her doctor called Glucerna. This is similar to Ensure, but formulated for those who have diabetes. You could purchase Glucerna Shake in any store either in Vanilla or Chocolate flavor. It will cost you around $9.99 to $11.99 for a 6-pack 8 oz bottles depending on the store.

Today, my sister in law sent me a recipe for a homemade nutritional supplement, she called it the ABC Smoothie or Shake. A is for apple, B is for Bitter melon( ampalaya) and C for Cucumber or Carrots. Here's a very simple recipe. One Bitter Melon or Ampalaya (large size), One cucumber ( large) and One apple, yellow delicious ( large). Two carrots if you don't like cucumber. Blend all in the blender. Add water, the amount will depend in how you like the consistency of the shake. The shake taste good but a slight bitter taste because of the ampalaya. The bitter taste ingredient in the Ampalaya is known to lower blood sugar.

Tripe Soup-Caribbean versus Philippines-Italian Version

Cow Tripe Soup-Italian-Pinoy Style
Yesterday, my next door neighbor who was originally from Italy surprise my wife and I with cow tripe soup that she cooked. She said she just makes this soup once and a while, but she was very grateful with us taking her out to the Casino every other week so she makes the soup as a special treat. I once mentioned to her that in the Philippines, one of my favorite dish is cow tripe cooked in tomato sauce with garbanzo beans and plantains.

I also know that the best tripe soup is the Caribbean version that a former college mate once prepared during one of our pot luck parties while I was still in graduate school. I also am aware that tripe has to be pressured cook so it will be tender or boil for at least two hours. During the boiling process, the fat that floats at the top of the pot is removed so that it still be a healthy meal for people who are overweight, diabetics or have high blood pressure like myself and my wife. Here's the recipe that my Caribbean friend gave me. He said this recipe was from his mother a native of Jamaica. The following recipe will served 6 and takes about 3 to 4 hours to prepare.

Ingredients:

2 Tsp oil
1 cup diced onions( preferably sweet onions)
4 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
2 lbs cow tripe, cut up and thoroughly washed
Salt and pepper to taste
Water
1 lb pumpkin (calabaza squash), cut into small sized chunks
2 lbs half-ripe plantains, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch
8 -10 okra
Dumplings (optional)

Preparation:

Heat oil in pressure cooker. Add onions and saute until translucent, 3-4 minutes

Add 2 sprigs of thyme and saute for 1 minute. Add tripe along with salt and pepper to taste and saute for 4 minutes. Add 6 cups water, stir and cover pressure cook and let cook for 50-55 minutes. Time begins from the first whistle.

Add enough water to make soup, cover pot and pressure cook for 6 minutes. Time begins from the first whistle. Release pressure cooker valve to let out steam and open pressure cooker. Add pumpkin, plantains and remaining thyme. Cook until plantains are almost melting. (Do not close pressure cooker at this stage, just rest the cover on top of the pot).

Add okra and dumplings to pot, cover and let cook for 7-9 minutes or until dumplings are cooked thoroughly. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Stir and serve.

The Philippines-Italian version is much simpler. Instead of plantain, my neighbor used potato cubes and no squash and okra are in the recipe. The pure Filipino version is very similar to the Caribbean recipe, but instead of okra, garbanzo beans are used. This soup is one of my favorite dishes. It is considered a main dish in the Philippines, not just a soup. There is a restaurant in Marinduque that prepares a delicious version of this tripe dish. Have You tasted a tripe dish?