I didn’t think in my late 40’s that I’d have to research a different kind of pull-out method, but, here we are. Card pulling–in the context of slot machines– is a tactic used by some players where they remove their loyalty card from the machine just before a bonus round or significant win. This article delves into the mechanics, advantages, and disadvantages of this practice.
Understanding Card Pulling
When players use their loyalty cards in slot machines, the casino tracks their play to offer comps and rewards based on their activity. Card pulling involves removing the loyalty card before a bonus round in hopes of influencing how their play is recorded by the casino’s tracking system.
Mechanics of Card Pulling
- Tracking Play: Slot machines track metrics like coin-in, coin-out, and the duration of play when a loyalty card is inserted. These metrics are used to determine the player’s comps and rewards.
- Card Removal: By removing the card before a significant event, such as a bonus round, players attempt to manipulate these metrics to either mask their wins or present a different pattern of play to the casino.
Advantages of Card Pulling
- Potential Comp Benefits: Some players believe that card pulling can help them appear as less successful gamblers, potentially increasing the comps they receive as the casino may see them as more in need of incentives to continue playing.
- Privacy of Wins: By not recording large wins under their player profile, players might avoid attracting attention or scrutiny from the casino.
Disadvantages of Card Pulling
- Risk of Detection: Casinos have sophisticated tracking systems and auditors. Repeatedly pulling cards can flag suspicious behavior, potentially leading to reduced comps or even being banned from the casino. It’s like card counting: legal, but frowned upon.
- Loss of Accurate Tracking: Accurate tracking of play can benefit players in the long run, offering better comps and rewards tailored to their actual gambling habits. Card pulling disrupts this and can lead to fewer benefits.
- No Proven Advantage: There is no concrete evidence that card pulling effectively increases overall benefits. In many cases, the practice might only provide marginal gains, if any, while risking significant downsides.
- Probably Not Worth It: It’s all about the THEO loss, not actual loss.
That being said..
Card pulling is a controversial and often misunderstood practice in the realm of slot machine play. While some players believe it offers advantages in terms of comps and privacy, the risks and potential drawbacks often outweigh the supposed benefits. Casinos continually improve their tracking and auditing systems, making it more challenging to game the system without repercussions. Ultimately, consistent and honest play, combined with understanding the loyalty programs, is likely the best approach for most players seeking to maximize their casino rewards.
For more insights, you can explore Las Vegas Advisor and Know Your Slots.
