Best ways to Seven Stars or "Diamond in a Day" for Caesars properties around the US

[Dan Druff]

Illinois (Updated January 17, 2020)

Harrah's Joliet has three video poker variants worth looking at, though none are great.

9-6 Double Double Bonus Poker, $1/$2/$5 per credit, as well as $5/$10/$25 per credit, 1-play (98.98% return). If you don't have the patience to play the $1 progressive below, you can play at higher denominations and get this done faster. There are $1/$2/$5 slant top machines near the bar, and more $1/$2/$5 in Game King and Superstar Poker bartops. The high limit area also has $5/$10/$25 machines like this (slant tops). There's a few $1 machines located two rows from the bar, but if you're going to play $1, you might as well do the progressive (see below).
Average loss getting to Diamond: $510
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5100

9-6 Double Double Bonus Poker, $1/credit, 1-play with progressive (98.98% return or MORE). This is a "progressive" machine. These are new "Game King" machines located outside video poker alcove near left hand side of the bar. To figure out the actual return, look for the royal flush payout for max credits. For every $20 over $4000, add 0.01% to the return. Then look at 4 aces with any 2/3/4. For every $16 over $2000, add 0.01% again. Sadly, this only a 1-play, $1 machine, so it will still take you 10 hours to earn 2500 tier credits.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $510 (less with progressive as described above)
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5100 (less with progressive as described above)

Double Bonus Poker: $1/credit, 3 play (99.11% return). Located outside the video poker alcove. This will earn tier credits faster due to the 3-play. Note that this is Double Bonus Poker, not Double Double Bonus. The paytable is 9 for a full house, 7 for a flush, 5 for a straight, quads at 50/80/160, and 50 for a straight flush. Verify these payouts before playing. You will find these on the "Triple Play" machines right outside the video poker alcove.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $445
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $4450

[Dan Druff]

North Carolina (Updated December 29, 2022)

There are two Harrah's Cherokee casinos in North Carolina.

One of them, simply called Harrah's Cherokee, has a number of very good (albeit somewhat high variance) machines to rack up tiers at minimum average loss. This is also a fairly nice place to visit, as it's right at the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and isn't too far from scenic Asheville.

The other one, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has no good games, aside from some super-high-limit ones.

Below is a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee. All are located in the "new high limit room" (next to the table games area), unless otherwise indicated.

These machines have $1/$2/$5 denominations, but only the $5 variation has the good pay table!

Also, Harrah's Cherokee changed these games to $25 per tier credit sometime in 2019, but changed it back recently to $10 per tier credit. However, make sure to verify it's $10 per tier credit, by watching your tier credits build as you play.

25-16-10-4-4 Deuces Wild ("Not So Ugly Deuces") $5 per credit, 1-play (99.73% return): Find these in new the new high limit room next to the table games area. Strategy for this game is here. Do NOT play the one near the center atrium spiral staircase, as that is $25/tier credit.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $135
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1350

The below machines can also be found in the new high limit room:

9-6 Bonus Deluxe $5 per credit, 1-play (99.64% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $180
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1800

9-5 White Hot Aces $5 per credit, 1-play (99.57% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $215
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2150

9-6 Double Double Bonus Aces and Faces, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $270
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2700

9-6 Double Double Bonus Plus, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.44% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $280
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2800

[terri995]

North Carolina


Below is a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee. All are located in the "new high limit room" (next to the table games area), unless otherwise indicated.

25-16-10-4-4 Deuces Wild ("Not So Ugly Deuces") $5 per credit, 1-play (99.73% return): Six machines here. Also four others located in the second room on left side of aisle after entering from parking garage escalator. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance. Strategy for this game is here.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $135
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1350

Thank you for all the great info!!
My husband and I did go to Harrah's Cherokee and did manage to get the diamond status, but never id find the "Not So Ugly Dueces" game described here. We may try to get back there before the end of the year since I got a notice that the diamond lounge requirement is changing in 2018:

Diamond members will continue to receive:

$100 Celebration dinner
Priority lines at hotel check-in, restaurants, cashiers and Total Rewards® Centers
Complimentary resort fees for all stays
Complimentary valet and self-parking
Complimentary 4-night stay at Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas
And more great benefits

In 2018, Diamond Lounge access will be complimentary for members who earn at least 25,000 Tier Credits in 2017.2

My question is - can anyone confirm this game is still there?
Thank You!!
Terri

[Aces]

First time poster here. I read through the entire thread and didn't see this mentioned. You can get a FoundersCard for $495 through The Points Guy link. One of the benefits is you get Diamond status with Total Rewards. I haven't done it as I wouldn't use it enough to make it worthwhile, but it seems like a better option than likely spending over $1000 and 5-10 hours on VP to get the same thing.

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/05/fou...two-new-perks/

Edit: Just saw this listed in another post. Sorry if repeat. Still pretty easy to get value back just from resort fees alone if you go often enough. I would assume you will still get other perks just from playing, I get comped now quite often and I'm only a Platinum.

[go_buccos]

The ONE playable machine left in New Orleans (The 25 cent 8/5 BP Spin Poker Deluxe) is now $20/tier credit.

Worse, there’s no sign on the machine indicating the change. You have to figure it out on your own.

[Lanman122]

So the games at valley river won’t let you get diamond in a day?

North Carolina

There are two Harrah's Cherokee casinos in North Carolina.

One of them, simply called Harrah's Cherokee, has a number of very good (albeit somewhat high variance) machines to rack up tiers at minimum average loss.

The other one, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has no good games, aside from some super-high-limit ones.

Below is a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee. All are located in the "new high limit room" (next to the table games area), unless otherwise indicated.

25-16-10-4-4 Deuces Wild ("Not So Ugly Deuces") $5 per credit, 1-play (99.73% return): Six machines here. Also four others located in the second room on left side of aisle after entering from parking garage escalator. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance. Strategy for this game is here.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $135
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1350

9-6 Bonus Deluxe $5 per credit, 1-play (99.64% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $180
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1800

9-5 White Hot Aces $5 per credit, 1-play (99.57% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $215
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2150

9-6 Jacks or Better $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Six machines here. Four others located in the middle of the casino, close to the circular beverage station. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $230
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2300

9-6 Double Double Bonus Aces and Faces, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $270
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2700

9-6 Double Double Bonus Plus, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.44% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $280
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2800

[Dan Druff]

So the games at valley river won’t let you get diamond in a day?

North Carolina

There are two Harrah's Cherokee casinos in North Carolina.

One of them, simply called Harrah's Cherokee, has a number of very good (albeit somewhat high variance) machines to rack up tiers at minimum average loss.

The other one, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has no good games, aside from some super-high-limit ones.

Below is a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee. All are located in the "new high limit room" (next to the table games area), unless otherwise indicated.

25-16-10-4-4 Deuces Wild ("Not So Ugly Deuces") $5 per credit, 1-play (99.73% return): Six machines here. Also four others located in the second room on left side of aisle after entering from parking garage escalator. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance. Strategy for this game is here.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $135
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1350

9-6 Bonus Deluxe $5 per credit, 1-play (99.64% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $180
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1800

9-5 White Hot Aces $5 per credit, 1-play (99.57% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $215
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2150

9-6 Jacks or Better $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Six machines here. Four others located in the middle of the casino, close to the circular beverage station. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $230
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2300

9-6 Double Double Bonus Aces and Faces, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $270
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2700

9-6 Double Double Bonus Plus, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.44% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $280
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2800

You can earn Diamond in a Day at Cherokee Valley River, but the games there are lousy, and it will cost you a lot more (on average).

I would suggest driving the extra distance to regular Harrah's Cherokee.

[tahoediamond]

I earned Diamond in May 2017 — it sounds like it’ll expire in Jan 2019, right?

If I hit 15k tier credits again in 2018, does that mean it’ll expire in 2020?

[Dan Druff]

I earned Diamond in May 2017 — it sounds like it’ll expire in Jan 2019, right?

If I hit 15k tier credits again in 2018, does that mean it’ll expire in 2020?

That is correct.

BTW, there may be a MAJOR change to Seven Stars benefits in 2018. The free room benefit might be gone!

So I would hold off on earning 7 Stars if this is important to you, until more info can be obtained.

[Dan Druff]

So yeah, this is pretty bad.

Here are the changes for 2018. All of them are negative, though the biggest one is not yet confirmed.


Diamond

- No more Aspirations #1 at 40,000 tier credits, meaning you lose your 4-night stay at any Caesars property with $100 folio credit

- No more Aspirations #2 at 80,000 tier credits, meaning you lose your $750 airfare credit and 4-night stay at any Caesars property

- No more Aspirations #2 two-night suite stay at any Caesars property

- Redemption of RCs to freeplay changes from 1.75:1 to 2:1 ratio.

- Access to Diamond Lounges now requires 25,000 tier credits. If you have 15,000-24,999 tiers, you will need to pay 1000 RCs (worth $10) to get in.

Basically, low Diamonds (15,000 tiers) get treated the exact same now as high Diamonds (80,000+ tiers)!



Seven Stars

- No more complimentary room benefit!! This a huge degradation, as this was by far the best benefit of the Seven Stars program. Up until 2018, you were able to get a 4-night stay complimentary at any Caesars property, with no blackout dates. You could also do this as many times as you wanted, as long as 48 hours were between reservations. This appears to be gone, but it's not totally confirmed.

- Redemption of RCs to freeplay changes from 1.25:1 to 2:1 ratio.

- Two of the four Signature Events are now only available to players with 500,000 or more tier credits. Seven Stars members with fewer than 500,000 tier credits can only go to Atlantic City or Las Vegas for their Signature Event. (These are kinda lame anyway, but it's yet another degradation.)


So there you go.

Brutal.

[mbrown205]

Are these still good for Cherokee? It's only about 3 hours from me, and was planning on doing a weekend trip

North Carolina

There are two Harrah's Cherokee casinos in North Carolina.

One of them, simply called Harrah's Cherokee, has a number of very good (albeit somewhat high variance) machines to rack up tiers at minimum average loss.

The other one, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has no good games, aside from some super-high-limit ones.

Below is a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee. All are located in the "new high limit room" (next to the table games area), unless otherwise indicated.

25-16-10-4-4 Deuces Wild ("Not So Ugly Deuces") $5 per credit, 1-play (99.73% return): Six machines here. Also four others located in the second room on left side of aisle after entering from parking garage escalator. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance. Strategy for this game is here.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $135
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1350

9-6 Bonus Deluxe $5 per credit, 1-play (99.64% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $180
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1800

9-5 White Hot Aces $5 per credit, 1-play (99.57% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $215
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2150

9-6 Jacks or Better $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Six machines here. Four others located in the middle of the casino, close to the circular beverage station. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $230
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2300

9-6 Double Double Bonus Aces and Faces, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $270
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2700

9-6 Double Double Bonus Plus, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.44% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $280
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2800

[B.Allen]

Hello Dan, this is my first post
I have a few questions regarding this.
I will be in Cherokee on Friday Jan 10, 2020 for about 15hrs.

Do you suggest playing the Deuces Wild (NSUD) at $1, $2, or $5 and do the 5bet
Which comes out to $5, $10, and $25 per bet?

Do you know if they still have this set of video poker machines you are referring to?

I would like to get diamond and possibly seven star ASAP this year.

Do you have any suggestions for me before I go this weekend that might help me get to the Diamond or Seven Star?

I only have about $1200 to take with me this time, but I only live about 1hr and 45min away from Cherokee Casino and plan on going again in a few weeks.

Thanks,
Brian

North Carolina

There are two Harrah's Cherokee casinos in North Carolina.

One of them, simply called Harrah's Cherokee, has a number of very good (albeit somewhat high variance) machines to rack up tiers at minimum average loss.

The other one, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has no good games, aside from some super-high-limit ones.

Below is a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee. All are located in the "new high limit room" (next to the table games area), unless otherwise indicated.

25-16-10-4-4 Deuces Wild ("Not So Ugly Deuces") $5 per credit, 1-play (99.73% return): Six machines here. Also four others located in the second room on left side of aisle after entering from parking garage escalator. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance. Strategy for this game is here.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $135
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1350

9-6 Bonus Deluxe $5 per credit, 1-play (99.64% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $180
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $1800

9-5 White Hot Aces $5 per credit, 1-play (99.57% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $215
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2150

9-6 Jacks or Better $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Six machines here. Four others located in the middle of the casino, close to the circular beverage station. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $230
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2300

9-6 Double Double Bonus Aces and Faces, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.46% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $270
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2700

9-6 Double Double Bonus Plus, $5 per credit, 1-play (99.44% return): Same strategy as Double Double Bonus Poker. As this will be $25 per hand, expect some variance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $280
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $2800

[Dan Druff]

Hi Brian,

$1200 is a bit of a thin bankroll for earning Diamond, but of course you can try.

You should attempt to earn at least 2500 tiers on this trip, so you should play the $5 denomination and 5 credits at once.

Make sure you know the proper Deuces Wild strategy, and keep the strategy page I linked up on your phone at all times.

I am not sure if the full pay Deuces game is still there, but make sure you verify the pay table before playing.

Let me know what you find there. Good luck.

[B.Allen]

Dan,

If the pay table on the NSUD is not (25-16-10-4-4 for 1 coin) which is (125-80-50-20-20 for 5 coins) do I stay away from it?

If it doesn't have this pay table, what is your suggestion of play on this machine or other machines?

I just want to find the best machine to try and get to Diamond and then Seven Star even if it takes me a few times of going to Cherokee.

Thanks,
Brian

[Dan Druff]

Dan,

If the pay table on the NSUD is not (25-16-10-4-4 for 1 coin) which is (125-80-50-20-20 for 5 coins) do I stay away from it?

If it doesn't have this pay table, what is your suggestion of play on this machine or other machines?

I just want to find the best machine to try and get to Diamond and then Seven Star even if it takes me a few times of going to Cherokee.

Thanks,
Brian

Brian, yes, stay away from it if it's not that paytable. Also make sure to check every machine in the high limit area and switch the denomination to $5 before looking, because the $1/$2 denoms are sometimes worse. At Cherokee, apparently only the $5 has the good paytable.

Here's a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee, though I'm not sure how current it is: https://www.vpfree2.com/casino/harrahs-cherokee

Other than the Deuces, the rest are kind of exotic games where you'll have to look up the correct strategy.

You also don't want to take "a few times going to Cherokee", because you want to earn exactly 2500 or 5000 tier points on each day you play. Otherwise you get screwed on the bonus.

Here are the tier bonuses you get:

1000-2499 points -> 1000 bonus
2500-4999 points -> 5000 bonus
5000+ points -> 10000 bonus

So you see, if you earn 2000 points, you'll only get 3000 total. If you earn 2500, you'll get 7500 total. Huge difference!

That's why you should bring more than $1200.

[B.Allen]

Dan,

If the pay table on the NSUD is not (25-16-10-4-4 for 1 coin) which is (125-80-50-20-20 for 5 coins) do I stay away from it?

If it doesn't have this pay table, what is your suggestion of play on this machine or other machines?

I just want to find the best machine to try and get to Diamond and then Seven Star even if it takes me a few times of going to Cherokee.

Thanks,
Brian

Brian, yes, stay away from it if it's not that paytable. Also make sure to check every machine in the high limit area and switch the denomination to $5 before looking, because the $1/$2 denoms are sometimes worse. At Cherokee, apparently only the $5 has the good paytable.

Here's a list of games at Harrah's Cherokee, though I'm not sure how current it is: https://www.vpfree2.com/casino/harrahs-cherokee

Other than the Deuces, the rest are kind of exotic games where you'll have to look up the correct strategy.

You also don't want to take "a few times going to Cherokee", because you want to earn exactly 2500 or 5000 tier points on each day you play. Otherwise you get screwed on the bonus.

Here are the tier bonuses you get:

1000-2499 points -> 1000 bonus
2500-4999 points -> 5000 bonus
5000+ points -> 10000 bonus

So you see, if you earn 2000 points, you'll only get 3000 total. If you earn 2500, you'll get 7500 total. Huge difference!

That's why you should bring more than $1200.

Thanks Dan for the reply and information
I will play it as you suggest with more bankroll also.

When I get back or while I’m there I will let you know which machines have
are still the same or have changed since your original post.

[Dan Druff]

Iowa (updated January 17, 2020)

The best machines at Horseshoe Council Bluffs are three 100-play machines 25c machines. These are only 98.98% return, and the 100-play brings out some pretty high variance, so you are best off finding another option if possible.

9-6 Double Double Bonus 25c/credit, 100-play ($12.50-$125 per hand), (98.98% return). Located in the middle of the casino, about 50 yards due north of the players club.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $510
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5100

25-15-9-4-4 Deuces Wild ("LV Airport Deuces") $1/credit 1-play (98.91% return). Will take you 10 hours or so to earn 2500 tier credits -- maybe more if you're not that familiar with Deuces. Not a very good option. These are bartop machines near Caesars rewards.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $545
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5450



The same deuces game is also at Harrah's Council Bluffs.

25-15-9-4-4 Deuces Wild ("LV Airport Deuces") $1/credit 1-play (98.91% return). Will take you 10 hours or so to earn 2500 tier credits -- maybe more if you're not that familiar with Deuces. Not a very good option. These are at the TAG bar, just inside the casino entrance.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $545
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5450

[Dan Druff]

Indiana (Updated January 17, 2020)


Horseshoe Hammond

Horseshoe Hammond features some good games, but they all require $25 or $50 per tier credit, which makes most of them unplayable for reaching Diamond or Seven Stars economically.

However, a few of the games are still good enough to where they are okayish to use to reach Diamond or Seven Stars, even with the $25 requirement. Those are listed below. Still, you are better off with the $10/tier options.

8-5 Bonus Poker, $1 per credit, 9-play Spin Poker (99.17% return, $45 per hand). Regular, 8-5 bonus poker, but it requires 9-play in order to get the proper return for the Royal. On the bright side, this is the best machine offering $10/tier credit in Indiana, and it will get you to Diamond in a little more than 2 hours. Located near poker room.
Make sure to verify that it is still $10/tier credit before playing!
Average loss getting to Diamond: $415
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $4150

8-5-35 Bonus Poker, $5/$10/$25 per credit, 99.66% return, $25 per tier credit. I'm only listing this because the game is good enough to where the average loss is reasonable, but keep in mind that you'll be running 2.5x as much coin-in to get where you would normally. This machine pays 35 for all quads. Located in high limit room.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $425
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $4250

9-6 Bonus Poker Deluxe, $5/$10/$25 per credit, 99.66% return, $25 per tier credit. I'm only listing this because the game is good enough to where the average loss is reasonable, but keep in mind that you'll be running 2.5x as much coin-in to get where you would normally. Located in high limit room. Here is the strategy for this game.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $450
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $4500

9-6 Double Double Bonus $1/credit, 1-play,, (98.98% return plus progressive). Be aware that this will take you about 10 hours to earn 2500 tier credits. Not a very good option, though you will get a bit of a boost from the progressive. Located in the high limit room
Average loss getting to Diamond: $510 (actually a little less due to the progressive)
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5100 (actually a little less due to the progressive)

9-6 Double Double Bonus $1/credit, 100-play ($50 mininum per hand), (98.98% return). Located along a video poker aisle near the poker room.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $510
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5100


Caesars Southern Indiana (info from January 2018 -- please update if you know)

8-5 Bonus Poker $1 per credit, 1-play (99.17% return plus progressive). Located along the back wall of the 4th floor. It is not clear how many machines there are, please let me know if you find this and count them. As this is a 1-play machine, it will take about 10 hours to get 2500 base tier credits! However, this is the best returning machine at the property, especially because you get some added return from the progressive payout. Verify that you get 1 tier credit per $10 wagered. As of January 2018, this was the case.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $415 (actually a little less due to the progressive)
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $4150 (actually a little less due to the progressive)

Double Bonus Poker: $1/credit, 3 or 5 play. 99.11% return. Note that this is Double Bonus Poker, not Double Double Bonus. This is located on the 4th floor in the high limit area. It is not clear how many machines there are, please let me know if you find this and count them. The paytable is 9 for a full house, 7 for a flush, 5 for a straight, quads at 50/80/160, and 55 for a straight flush. Verify these payouts before playing. Also verify that you get 1 tier credit per $10 wagered. As of January 2018, this was the case.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $445
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $4450

9-6 Double Double Bonus $1/credit, 1-play (98.98% return plus progressive). Be aware that this will take you about 10 hours to earn 2500 tier credits. Not a very good option, though you will get a bit of a boost from the progressive.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $510 (actually a little less due to the progressive)
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5100 (actually a little less due to the progressive)

25-15-9-4-4 Deuces Wild ("LV Airport Deuces") $1/credit 1-play (98.91% return plus progressive). Will take you 10 hours or so to earn 2500 tier credits -- maybe more if you're not that familiar with Deuces. Not a very good option. You will get a bit of a boost from the progressive, though.
Average loss getting to Diamond: $545 (actually a little less due to the progressive)
Average loss getting to Seven Stars: $5450 (actually a little less due to the progressive)

[Dan Druff]

The Best of the Best (partially updated December 29, 2022)

If looking to earn tier credits cheaply, your best bet are games with both a high return and low variance. Also, games higher than $1, single-play are preferred, to speed up the process (so it doesn't take 10 hours to earn 2500 tiers!)

Of all the games listed above (ignoring where they are located in the country), here would be my favorites to play for earning tier credits toward Diamond or Seven Stars:

#1 Choice: El Dorado Reno. Lots of games available at 99.54%-99.96% return, with the standard $10/tier credit earning. Silver Legacy in Reno is also good.

#2 Choice: Harrah's Cherokee, Not So Ugly Deuces (99.73%). You can earn tier credits quickly at this $5 machine, and you will only average a $1350 loss getting to Seven Stars with it! There will be some variance due to the $5/credit, but it won't be unbearable. If you can't play this game, the 99.64% Bonus Deluxe at the same casino is also a good choices.

[drmaheshrathi]

The Best of the Best

If looking to earn tier credits cheaply, your best bet are games with both a high return and low variance. Also, games higher than $1, single-play are preferred, to speed up the process (so it doesn't take 10 hours to earn 2500 tiers!)

Of all the games listed above (ignoring where they are located in the country), here would be my favorites to play for earning tier credits toward Diamond or Seven Stars:

#1 Choice: Harrah's Cherokee, Not So Ugly Deuces (99.73%). You can earn tier credits quickly at this $5 machine, and you will only average a $1350 loss getting to Seven Stars with it! There will be some variance due to the $5/credit, but it won't be unbearable. Definitely the best choice, if you can make it out to western North Carolina. If you can't play this game, the 99.64% Bonus Deluxe at the same casino is also a good choice.

#2 Choice: Harrah's Lake Tahoe, 9-6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) $1/$2 credit, 3/5 Play. Low variance, high return, and quick earning of tier credits if you want it. This machine has it all. The only downside is that Jacks or Better is boring.

#3 Choice: Harrah's Gulf Coast (Mississippi), 9-6 Jacks or Better (99.54%), $5 credit, 3/5/10 play. Variance is a bit high, since it's $75 minimum per hand given the 3-play. Aside from that, it's identical to the Tahoe machine listed in #2.

#4 Choice: Harrah's Southern California, 8-5 Bonus Poker Aces and Faces (99.26%), $1/$2/$5 credit. Not nearly as good as the others above, as you will lose nearly twice as much as Jacks or Better on average. However, this still isn't a bad option, as it will cost you $3700 for Seven Stars on average, and the variance on this game isn't too high.

Keep in mind that there are some better choices than #4 if you're willing to put in the 10 hours to play some of the $1, 1-play Jacks or Better machines, such as at Horseshoe Bossier City.

So, option 2 is no longer available, Dan! I am at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe this weekend and went through each machone in the High limit room. Then, I checked vpfree2 website and sure enough, it was not listed there.

So, playing the 50-play 25 cents machine (and, 50 play is not mandatory on that, minimum is 8 play ($10 minimum). I played 40-play and hit the royal from AKQ, so things looking good.

As always, thanks for this wonderful service. This blog has been number 1 on my list for the past 12 months. Must have lost unnecessary thousands before I discovered this!!!