VIRTUAL POKER EXPANSION WILL MAKE A FULL HOUSE

If you've been standing in line on a Saturday night for a chance to play one of the virtual three-card poker or blackjack machines at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, those days soon might be over.

Casino executives have submitted a plan to the state Gaming Control Board to add 45 of those games as part of an expansion that would take the slots facility to 2,320 machines.

John Newman, vice president of slots, said he is awaiting gaming board approval, but he hopes to have the new machines in play by early June.

The three-card poker and blackjack machines are designed to provide the look and feel of table games in a state whose law provides for slots only.

The existing 20 machines, near the Hollywood on the Roof lounge, are among the most popular in the casino.

Each console has five betting positions with a flat-screen monitor supplying a taped "dealer" who starts the game just as in the real thing.

The difference is that although the games don't look like traditional slot machines, they are.

Unlike real table games, your hands and decisions on your cards in the virtual versions have no impact on the other players.

There is a communal atmosphere but it's all for show.

Newman said he'd monitor play of the new games and add more if business warrants, possibly in July.

The minimum bet on three of the units now in place is $10; the other starts at $15.

The casino is adding video poker machines, which Newman said also are popular among Hollywood Casino's players.

"We came in a little light [on video poker]," Newman said of the initial mix of machines.

Most of the new units will be machines that will start at 25 cents and allow players to change the denomination upward.

"We listen to the customers and try to give them want they want," Newman said.

Gaming questionWe have space for one trip to the mailbag this week.

Q: I've been to Hollywood Casino and haven't seen any Wheel of Fortune machines. Have I missed them or aren't there any there?

Joe, Marion Heights

A: No, Joe, you haven't missed them. Several other readers have mentioned the lack of Wheel of Fortune machines. John Newman, vice president of slots, said it was simply a business decision not to include those machines in the casino's mix, noting there is a wide selection of slots to choose from. Newman said when the casino opened it had all state-of-the-art models, many among the newest and most popular on the market. He said he constantly reviews the selection of machines and comments from customers. He said he wouldn't rule out getting Wheel of Fortune if there is sufficient demand for it.

News Added: 08 May, 2008

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