My visit here was my first to a NY state racino where all of the gaming machines are operated by the NY state lottery. It looked like a regular casino and the video gaming machines also looked like the same machines you would find in any casino, such as in Nevada or New Jersey. However, I knew that they operated differently and I was curious to see if there was any signage that revealed this fact to the public. The video gaming machines do not operate like regular slot machines. Instead, they are similar to scratch-off-type lottery tickets with a pre-determined number of winners. This isn't too important when playing a slot machine, but it is extremely important when playing video poker. The reason is that VP is normally a game of skill and it matters what cards you keep and which you throw away. However, in all NY racinos, there is no skill involved because it's pure luck as to whether or not you win. I did try playing some video poker and, to test out this theory, when I was dealt a winning hand I threw it away and got five new cards. Every time I did this I was always re-dealt a hand that paid at least as much as the hand that I threw away. Therefore, you really don't need to know how to play your hands, you can just hit the re-deal button every time and you would do just as well as a skilled VP player. The public should be made aware of this fact, but I saw no signage to let anyone know it. The situation is worsened because the games have excellent pay tables (9/6 Jacks or Better for nickels) to make it look like they are good VP games, but they are not! This is sort of like "bait and switch" advertising and I am surprised that it is allowed to happen. Other than that very big problem, the casino seemed to be okay.

I love going to Fairgrounds Gaming! Their promotions are great. I win free play all the time on their game board promotions and I get a lot of free play in the mail. Of course I spend a ridiculous amount of money to get it. I wish I could win more. But that's why they call it gambling, right?

Their food is mediocre at best. They keep talking about a new chef but it never gets any better. The staff is great though. They do have valet parking and I think horse racing starts in January.