Casino Player July 2022

IN THE NEWS

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At the same time, different game mechanics like hold-and spin, free games and frequent wheel spins became wildly popu lar with players.When it comes to payback percentage, though, this presents a double-edged sword.To pay for all those special features,the payback percentages in the penny denomination are the lowest on the slot floor. And because of the low denomination,maximum bets rose to hundreds of credits. Players now are faced with wagering the same $3 they did on that classic dollar reel-spinner for a game with a house edge typically over 10 percent, and often much higher. But even equipped with that knowledge, players flock to the penny games. Over the years, I’ve had trouble wrapping my brain around this fact.I still play the traditional games when I play slots.(I prefer video poker,actually.)Why,I have wondered,would anyone pick a game with a 12 percent house edge over one with a 5 percent house edge? The answer to that conundrum is that I’m a gambler. I play to beat the house, to win money. Fans of the penny games are a different breed of slot player.They choose the higher house edge because they love the features those games offer.They play to be entertained. If they win money, great—but the main point is they’ve had a great time playing the slot machine. And that’s a fine philosophy for playing. Thus,when readers nowadays ask me where to find the best slot games to play, my answer depends on one aspect:Why do you play slot machines? If you’re in it for the gamble,go for those simple three-reel, high-denomination games.Those give you the best overall shot to overcome the inherent house edge. But it’s OK to play for the sheer entertainment of the expe rience as well. Gamblers like me enjoy the contest against that house edge.And that’s the key—play what you enjoy. If you enjoy those hold-and-spin penny games with all the dazzling features,go for it. Even with the big house edge, you’ll enjoy the experience. In the end, that’s what it’s all about. ´ I play to beat the house, to win money. Fans of the penny games are a different breed of slot player. They choose the higher house edge because they love the features those games offer. They play to be entertained. If they win money, great— but the main point is they’ve had a great time playing the slot machine.

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Dragon Link HD $1 Million In-House Progressive Slot Machine Debuts at Mohegan Sun M ohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, is known in the casino

industry for cutting-edge tech nology, beautiful,state-of-the-art casinos, and a variety of the most popular machines, and is now home to the Northeast’s first $1 million in-house pro gressive—Dragon Link slot game. Located in the High Limit

Slot section, the new Dragon Link HD $1 million progressive jackpot allows for jackpots to be built up solely from action placed on the Dragon Link slots at Mohegan Sun. “We’re thrilled to roll out the Dragon Link in-house progressive games for our guests and to be the first destination in the Northeast to have them is also very exciting,”said Jeff Hamilton,president & GM of Mohegan Sun.“Mohegan Sun regularly has jackpots that exceed $1 million and these new Aristocrat games will certainly contribute to more.” The Dragon Link $1 million jackpot game has a $25 minimum bet and a $2,500 max bet. Aristocrat’s Dragon Link HD is one of the most popular slot games in the world.The title Dragon Link Happy & Prosperous was named Top Performing Premium Game and Top Performing Propri etary Branded Game in the recent EKG Slot Awards. Mohegan Sun is home to nearly 4,000 slot machines and nearly 300 table games across two unique casinos (Casino of the Earth and Casino of the Sky) and of fers various promotions throughout the year.

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