Peter; Don't be so sure that what YOU believe to be a lock on a particular strike at this point in time will be the eventual winner. Have you ever witnessed a horse race? Many times, the favorite does not always win. In fact, the top First Place (Platinum) vote getter may not be voted SSOTY. Here is how the voting will be conducted AFTER all the nominations are received by the deadline.

The top ten Silver Strike nominees will appear on the official ballot as candidates for SSOTY 2001 and the ballots will be sent out to the judges only; along with color photocopies of all ten nominees. (Anyone who submits a nomination will automatically be placed on the judges committee and will receive a ballot).

Each First Place vote for SSOTY will receive 5 points. Each Second Place vote for SSOTY will receive 3 points. Each Third Place vote for SSOTY will receive 2 points. It is entirely possible (it's happened before) that a consistent 2nd and 3rd Place vote-getter may outpoint the strike/chip/token that receives the most First Place votes. In addition, this year - for the very first time, Second (Gold) and Third Place (Silver) plaques will be presented to the winning casinos in all three classifications (Silver Strikes, Gaming Tokens, Casino Chips).