Page 5 - April 2002 • Southern California Gaming Guide

The Unknown Gamer Wins!
This past month was a great win month for the Unknown Gamer. Two big jackpots! As I’ve said, I play in all San Diego County casinos and I had a few really lucky trips. My wins were on $1 Triple Double Diamond spinners. I put in a $20, and my last spin gave me the top prize! And I like the $1 Blazing Seven Double Pay at Barona. But trying to get a machine there any evening is hard, although worth the wait. The night I played, my machine’s jackpot was up to $17k! (You notice I didn’t say I won it.) I’ll just say I got Blazing Sevens twice!
So I do win. But what makes me a consistent winner? Money management, luck, refusing to chase a jackpot, luck, knowing when to leave the casino, and more luck. Because I win a lot at slots, I’m
on $1 or quarters, but I like to play the new 5¢ video slots, like Regis’ Cash ClubTM and the BogartTM and BergmanTM Diamond CinemaTM games for fun.
asked to impart players’ tips— and even though I know I can’t make you a winner, I’ll list a few that seem to work for me:
“Most of the time, when I’ve won big jackpots, it’s been on
• Know that luck comes and goes. Even though I consider myself lucky, I also know when to cut my losses. My motto is
SAN DIEGO GAMING GUIDE
(I have a few good candidates—casino employ- • Don’t play just any machine. a single bill (usually a $20).” “Tomorrow is another ees who give exemplary service by going the
Findamachineyouunderstand
and like.
• Play the maximum bet when the top prize is only paid
for playing the max.
• Play on a slot that you know pays out. (This may
be hard to nd, but I know some that pay—not all the time, but consistently over time.) Check out the number of the machine (usually on the side) in the event the casino moves it around (which they do) so you can nd it again.
• Manage your money. Allocate so much for the big progressives, and don’t chase them! I usually win well
day!” And the casino is
always there tomorrow!
I read Mitzi C’s article on progressives (on page 15) and
the stories about how a lot of people win those huge jack- pots. Most of the time when I’ve won big ones, it’s been on a single bill (usually a $20). But there are no hard and fast rules. I’d like to hear about your winning slot stories. E-mail me at UnknownGamer@SanDiegoGamer.com. Tell me the game(s) you like or where you were playing and how you won.
I have to get my act together and decide who should get my rst “Golden Chip” award, so that will be coming soon.
extra mile.) And next month I agreed to go with the Gaming Guide staff to eat our way through the San Diego casino buffets. It’s a terrible job, but someone has to do it!
Editor’s Note: Thanks to you all who call and e- mail us telling us how much you like the SDGG. We have a packed issue this month so I gave up my space. But look for our May issue with a guide to San Diego casino buffets, and lots more!
And good and luck and have fun at the casino!
April 2002 Tournaments and Entertainment
Mondays
Video Poker Tournaments at Sycuan Casino
Starting at 12:00 noon, Sycuan offers ve hourly video poker tournaments, each lasting 30 minutes with a $20 buy-in for $1,000 in tournament credits. First place winners receive an entry into the nals held each month. Tournaments are held in the Kumeyaay Area. See a Sycuan Casino Floor Manager for complete rules and more details.
Tuesdays Casino Pauma’s Weekly Slot Tournament
Casino Pauma offers a free weekly slot tournament each Tuesday to Palm Club members who qualify with only 500 earned points. All weekly winners play in the monthly grand nals for $20,000 in prizes. Lightning Bingo Tournament at Sycuan Casino
Tuesday mornings at 8:30 a.m., Sycuan holds their 20- minute Supergold Bingo tournament where a $6 buy-in receives $20 in credits, as well as a free bingo coupon (Mat- inee I only) with a donut or muf n. Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. See a Sycuan Floor Manager for details. Wednesdays
Video Poker Tournaments at Sycuan Casino
Starting at 12:00 noon, Sycuan offers ve hourly video poker tournaments, each lasting 30 minutes with a $20 buy-in for $1,000 in tournament credits. First place winners receive an entry into the nals held each month. Tournaments are held in the Kumeyaay Area.
See a Sycuan Casino Floor Manager for complete rules and more details.
Thursdays
Video Poker Tournaments at Sycuan Casino
Starting at 12:00 noon, Sycuan offers ve hourly video poker tournaments, each lasting 30 minutes with a $20 buy-in for $1,000 in tournament credits. First place winners receive an entry into the nals held each month. Tournaments are held in the Kumeyaay Area. See a Sycuan Casino Floor Manager for complete rules and more details.
Fridays
Lightning Bingo Tournament at Sycuan Casino
Tuesday mornings at 8:30 a.m., Sycuan holds their 20-minute Supergold Bingo tournament where a $6 buy-in receives $20 in credits, as well as a free bingo
coupon (Matinee I only) with a donut or muf n. Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. See a Sycuan Floor Manager for details.
Entertainment Events
Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.
John Kay and Steppenwolf will perform in concert at Sycuan’s state-of-the-art Showcase Theater, with special guest Foghat. Tickets are on sale now at the Sycuan Gift Shop near the east entrance of the casino. Call 619-445-6002 for ticket information. Sunday, April 14, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.
Singer Chely Wright will perform at the Viejas DreamCatcher Showroom. Tickets available through the Viejas gift shop or through Ticketmaster. Visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 619-220-tixs for tickets. Wednesday April 17 through Sunday April 21, 2002 Women’s Professional Billiard Association Tournament at the Viejas DreamCatcher Showroom. Tickets are all general admission—no VIP or reserved seating is avail- able. Prices range from $5 for day play to $45 for a four- day pass. Tickets only available at the Viejas gift shop beginning April 16. No tickets available by phone.
April 2002 Page 5
Column: The Unknown Gamer Tournaments and Entertainment