Note: Updated 11 February 2019, by CoachKitty
The B Bar at Borgata is the only bar in Atlantic City that still comps top shelf drinks for playing full pay video poker on the bar top machines. The beauty of this is that while you are being comped for your drinks, you are also earning comps that can be used for something else, like the $12.50 entry fee for the Amphora Lounge (if you’ve got a Black Label Card.) These machines include full pay Jacks or Better!
Video Poker | Full Pay Jacks or Better (JoB)
Full Pay Jacks or Better (JoB), with the pay table shown above, is the most common video poker game that has both a low house edge and low variance (the amount of money that you have to risk to get to the long term theoretical pay back of the game). Over the long term, playing perfect strategy, the theoretical pay back of the game is 99.54% of the money you wager.
Even though Jacks or Better is a good gamble, you must play accurately if you want a better chance at that long term return. Also, and this is very important, the long term is not a set value. The swings, or the ups and downs (usually downs) of your individual play sessions can vary quite a bit before you realize that 99.54% return. (Also, you might want to read : Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner.)
Hit That Royal Flush
In all video poker games, you have to hit your fair share of all the paying hands so you don’t lose your bankroll, but in Jacks or Better specifically, you have to hit a reasonable amount of Royal Flushes to get your money back. Why did I say, “Get your money back” and not, “Win?” Because the game pays back less than 100%, even with perfect play. There aren’t many casino games that have only a half of a percent edge against you, though.
Look for 9/6 JoB
The pay table that you are looking for is one that pays 9 for 1 when you hit a full house and 6 for 1 when you hit a flush. That is why it is referred to as 9/6 Jacks (or 9/6 JoB). Also, you should be certain that you are getting double your bet for two pair, because that is a large portion of the pay back of the game, and it keeps you playing longer so you can hang in there and wait for a Royal Flush.
Do not play any machine that has a lower pay table than 9/6. Often on the very same bank of machines, some will be 9/6 and others will be 8/5. You can even find machines that go as low at 6/5, which is really ridiculous. You might as well play slots.
Comp Rate for Video Poker at Borgata
The basic comp rate on video poker at the Borgata is .20% and you must earn $5 in comps in a gaming day or you won’t earn anything. What that means is that for every $1 that you play in the machine, regardless of whether you win or lose, you receive .20 of one percent in your comp account.
To earn $10 in comps for the lounge, you need to put $5000 through the machine, which is the total amount of money that you wager or your coin in. So, if you’re playing $1 Jacks or Better at 5 coins a hand for a total of $5 a bet, you would need to play 1000 hands to earn $10 in comps. $10 in comps is also a nice goal because you don’t earn any free play, unless you earn $5 worth and free play is paid at .10% of coin in. (Technically in AC, it’s bounce back free play. You have to wait 24-48 hours after your trip to receive it.) It’s then valid for 90 days. Comps at Borgata expire after 180 days.
Questions? Thoughts about Video Poker in Atlantic City? Let us know in the comments below.
Learn more about video poker:
Video Poker | Not All Lessons Are Learned So Easily – Bob Dancer
Video Poker | Have You Got What It Takes? – Bob Dancer
Video Poker | How To Learn The Right Lessons – Bob Dancer
How To Play Video Poker The Smart Way
How To Solve The Video Poker Puzzle
Video Poker | Listening To My Mentor – 10x Points At Borgata
Why You Might Be Disappointed With A Straight Flush Jackpot
Be sure to check out some of our other articles on casino loyalty programs & casino gaming:
Casino Loyalty Cards are Similar to Those of Airlines and Hotels — But Not the Same
Video Poker vs. Regular Poker
Why I Prefer Video Poker To Slots
Video Poker vs. BlackJack
Note: Updated 16 February 2019, by CoachKitty
Catherine gravitates towards any activity that has to do with planning and lists.
This has served her well while trying to play optimally in casinos for over 10 years and traveling on a budget and working frequent flyer deals for over 30 years. Catherine’s affinity for tiny calendar stickers transformed into a love affair with the super cute world of Hello Kitty, which has been ongoing for more than 40 years!
More about the drink comps! Like how often do the bartenders offer you that next free drink? If you drink a beer every 20 minutes, are they going to tell you they can only comp you a drink every 30, or something like that? Do they treat the top shelf drinkers differently than the cheap liquor or beer drinkers? Do they pretty much comp you whatever as long as you tip them according to the amount of time they spent on your drink?
Chris, it’s just a beautiful situation! Yes, they pretty much comp you whatever (though there are top shelf items that are not comped). All the bartenders there are really great. The problem is getting a seat and then how crowded it can get. For now, the Borgata has set no specific rules for the comping at the B Bar.