Question:    I often hear people referring to playing at a higher percentage, or at a higher total value because of extra points that particular day, a high progressive meter, etc. How do I go about analyzing such variables to determine the total expected value of my play?

Answer:    If you are playing Deuces Wild in online video poker at 100.75% payback on double points day in an online casino that normally offers 0.25% cash rebate on the slot club, and no other added benefits, then you are playing at 100.75% + 0.50% = 101.25% total payback, which translates into a 1.25% advantage. If you play 750 hands per hour in an online video poker on a 5-coin quarter machine, your action is 750 x $1.25 = $937.50 per hour, so you have an expected average win rate of 1.25% of $937.50, or $11.72 per hour.