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Winter 2004
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Summer Newsletter 2003

Features:

Welcome to the summer edition of the Masque Publishing newsletter. We are currently busy working on two new titles that will be available in the fall. Here is a brief description of what to expect:

Masque Card Games - this will be a collection of classic card games, including spades, hearts, cribbage, gin rummy, solitaire favorites and more!

Masque Mahjongg - our version of the classic tile matching game, packed with a variety of tile sets, backgrounds and tile layouts.

We will keep all of our newsletter subscribers posted on final release dates. If you have not signed up for the newsletter, please do so by clicking on the link above.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Michael Merson
Mmerson@masque.com

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RNG - Random Number generator:

A computer chip placed inside the slot by the manufacturer which randomly selects hundreds of numbers and symbols every second, faster than you can pull the handle or push that spin button; working even when it is idle.

Each number corresponds to a certain symbol combination that is randomly chosen after the first coin is dropped or credit(s) played. Fewest programmed combos are for the top jackpot. This program computer chip is also designed to determine that particular slot's average payout %. No slot will pay back its preset payoff percentage rate every time because the final outcome of every spin is randomly selected.

Reels:

Number of wheels/reels showing on front of the slot with symbol combinations imprinted; usually three, but some slots have five or more.

Slot Schedule:

Posted information on front of slot tells you what type of slot, denomination and win amounts possible for each coin played. A must-read.

Loose/Tight Slots:

Loose slots will have better payoffs, as high as a "certified" 100%, on average over a period of time. Tight slots are the opposite.

Up/Down Slot Cycle:

Slot's average payoff percentage rate applies over the long haul, as long as one year. Therefore a slot with a 98% payoff percentage rate will sometimes pay off at 130% and other times at 50%. The lower percentages indicate a down cycle and the higher numbers an up cycle.

Slots Drop/Hold:

Drop - amount of money through the slot. Hold - amount not paid out as wins; these two numbers determine slot's payout %.

Slot Testing:

Playing through a single roll of coins without using accumulated credits to determine possible payout % of selected slot.

Slot-mix or Slot Placement:

Generally the loosest slots are placed in high-traffic areas where passersby's can see other players winning often.

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The featured machines for this newsletter are the popular "MultiPlay" Video Poker machines from Action Gaming. These can be found in our software called, " IGT Slots and MultiPlay Video Poker "

MultiPlay Video Poker is the top-rated video poker game in North America. It is based on traditional five-card draw poker with its most popular version, Triple Play, dealing three hands at one time. The game begins by dealing all three hands, with only one appearing face up. The player then chooses the cards to hold from the exposed hand, and those cards are held for all three hands. Hitting the " Draw" button will conclude the game by finishing all three hands, each hand drawing from its own 52-card deck.

Here is an example of the Triple Play machine:

After the machine deals five cards, choose which cards (if any) you want to hold. Clicking the cards or the hold buttons toggles each card between hold and discard. When a card is held, that same card is held in all hands. In this example we are holding the 2 of clubs (Wild), 7 of clubs and 5 of clubs.

When you have selected the cards you want to keep, click the Deal/Draw button. The machine will deal replacement cards for your discards, and will pay off any winning hands.

This example shows the Five Play variety (there are also variations in Ten and Fifty Play):

In addition, Spin Poker, an exciting variation of video poker and video slots is included:

The first hand is dealt on the center payline, with two other decks above and below it. The cards that you hold on the center hand is held on the top and bottom hands, too. This gives you the double-barreled variety of a multi-game and multi-denomination. The player can bet 1 to 5 coins on each of the 9 poker hands (pay lines).

After the spin, all winning pay-off amounts are shown.

To order IGT Slots and MultiPlay Video Poker, click here.

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Q: Why do I never get a top jackpot when I am playing your slots games?
A: Our slot machines are programmed to play exactly like the real machines in Las Vegas. That means, on average, the chances of hitting the 'TOP' jackpot is one in millions of spins. You can increase those chances in our games by turning on the Extra High Payouts function in the Preferences section of the Game menu.

Q: When I install one of your games, it tells me that I don't have enough room to install the program. I have plenty of room. What is the problem?
A: Usually this means that you are trying to install to the CD ROM drive. Change the setting in the installation procedure for the Destination Folder. Make sure that you are installing to the following directory: C:\program files\masque games

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Just a line to say how much I and my wife like the new Slots from Bally Gaming CD. We have seven of your game CD's, each one gets better. I still play Binion's Horseshoe Casino Game Pak, that's the first one I purchased, about 4 or more years ago and it's still tops for playing all types of casino games. Keep up the great work, can't wait for new slot names to come out.

-Bill and Ruth,
PA

Your Slots from Bally Gaming is by far the best on the market. We have purchased many games but Slots from Bally Gaming and Slots II are the best. My entire family is playing these games. They are the closest thing to being in a Casino.

-Bonnie
Tulsa, OK

I am an avid "addicted" fan of the Slots from Bally Gaming. I like this one much better than the Slots II as it has many more games and more fun bonus rounds...and I always play the "high payout". Why not...I can lose in Reno so I need to win at home! I am sooooo looking forward to the next Slots game. Keep up the good work. This game provides me hours of entertainment and is a good stress relief after work!

-Sue
Santa Cruz, CA

To submit your customer comments, email us at info@masque.com

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