I stopped into the Showboat yesterday for a worthwhile promotion. I lost, but the offer was good in theory. Them’s the breaks, and I’m used to it.

I had no trouble getting on one of the eight video-poker machines that still has full-pay games. In fact, during most of my play, I could take my pick of several available seats.

But when I wanted to play some penny slots for diversion, I found my favorite ones were all occupied. I had to wait to play Reel ‘Em In: Big Bass Bucks, the penny game I like the most. And if I wanted to sit at the only $5 blackjack table the Showboat offers, forget it. There were half a dozen people standing around it waiting for their turn.

An article in Sunday’s Press of Atlantic City bore out my experience. While casino revenues have been declining, a report just issued by the Casino Control Commission found that the penny and 2-cent slots are making MORE money. That’s right, the hold on the penny slots went up over 8% in the first quarter of 2009.

Sounds like the casinos should take a message from that. People are hurting, but still want to gamble. There are usually plenty of penny slots to play, even if I can’t get on my favorite games. But it would be nice to see some more $5 blackjack tables while the recession is on. People will play them, as it will allow their more limited gambling bankrolls to last longer. And it’s sure better than having dealers standing forlorn at $10 and $15 games.

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