Seven gamblers in St Louis, MO have filed a suit against the Ameristar Casino claiming they were cheated out of money food and reward points when the casino changed its video poker policy. They are seeking $150 million in actual and punitive damages.

In August 2006 the casino changed its program so that customers had to spend $8 to $16 at video poker to earn one point. The lawsuit said that was two to four times the amount of money it previously took to earn the point. The suit said the casino failed to alert customers to the change.

Ameristar vice president and general manager stated that the casino did not mislead players and he said, "We feel the lawsuit is very frivolous and without merit."

I don't feel that the players should win this suit. The casinos offer the players comps as a reward for their play and many casinos change their policies as they feel necessary. Because video poker is a game of skill that has a lower house edge than regular slot machines, most casinos require more play to earn points on the games. This is nothing new.