Topic of the Week question:"How have your gambling habits changed"

[Steve]

Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week" Question:

"How have your gambling habits changed, if they have, since your first visit?" ( Do you play different games, switched from slots to vp or table games or stayed with what you are familiar with, play in different casinos, have a bigger, smaller, or the same budget, etc.)

[monsterpocket]

started with $5.00 BJ now when I play BJ it is for $100-200. Biggest change is about 5 yrs ago I switched to playing mostly poker (80% of my total gaming hours). Haven't played a slot in 15yrs and dought that I ever will again. Other large change is I truelly became a student of gambling to try to close the odds. eliminate mistakes, and avoid the sucker bets

[Boston_Bill]

I used to play just low-limit blackjack and roulette and now Im mostly a slot player. I like to gamble when its less crowded like early in the morning.
I guess I hurt myself in the long run because I do like to try the different casinos instead of building points at just one.
My budget for gambling has gotten smaller over the years.
The last two trips I have spent less time gambling and more time doing other things

[HeyNow]

My first trip to Vegas in 2000 I played 30+ hours of blackjack over 4 days all at $5 tables except for the hour at a $10 table at the Venetian. I didn't play any other games the entire trip.

One thing about that trip that is funny is I was going out there thinking I would get comps, but obviously I didn't because I was playing $5 per hand.

Now when I go I still mainly only play blackjack, I played 35-40 hours over 6 days. I also played about an hour of roulette and about an hour on a Megabucks slot.

The only difference is now I play high enough to get comped.

[JMVegas5866]

When I was 21 and able to gamble in Vegas for the first time I played the Big Six Wheel and Casino War because I wasn't sure how to play other games at that time. I didn't spend much time or money on those games. The majority of the time I would sit next to my uncle in the high rollers pit and try and learn how to play blackjack. The first couple years I went to Vegas I always watched my uncle play blackjack. That was worth the time and very entertaining cause you would occasinally see people throw $1,000 cash in play up on the bet circle to go along wih the people betting tons of black chips per hand.

By 2001 I started playing basic strategy blackjack for "fun". By 2005 me and a friend learned how to play beyond basic strategy and it has become sort of a hobby for us. I wish what I knew now I would have known then cause I could have showed my uncle a better time at the blackjack tables.

Damien
South Jersey

[redstar]

Starting going to Vegas in '82 and played slots and video poker for about 15 years going to LV about once every two years, hitting only only one jackpot of $10,500 on a quarter machine. Slot odds got higher and machines payout worse and worse so switched to blackjack using a basic strategy card I got online. The last 10 years I have made money playing blackjack on $5 or $10 tables paying 3:2 (won't go near the 6:5 payout). I manage my bankroll much better now and get up and go when up which I didn't do years before. I just put the money back in slots! I now play limit poker and find that the tables are where you can make much more money and they are much more fun (with better service) than slots and vp machines. I have learned that even though it seems hard to start your session at a "real" table game with $200 to $500, I come out ahead instead of the constant $20 here and $20 there in machines and can at least cover the cost of my trips and have enough to plan for my next trip. I try to go at least 2 or 3 times a year now from Canada.

[Nevada]

My first time in Vegas eight years ago played non stop for three days now set a budget for each day there that way i don,t lose everything right a way. I do a lot more sight seeing during day and keep the nights open for gambling till the we hours.

[Kaytieeldr]

Well, I stopped playing the slot machines at the airport... I've done a fair amount of reading since my first trip; I manage my gambling money now; and I've gotten 'brave' - I actually play some table games :D

[Souette]

I think I've mentioned this before but I have a SEVERE learning disability in math. Barely can add or subtract. I have to use my fingers or hash marks if I don't have a calculator. No multiplying, dividing, fractions, at all...ever.
I'm a smart person...my brain just cannot do math.
Seeing numbers on a handful of cards makes my head swim.
Anyway, you can see how this would affect any kind of Vegas table games.
I've tried to watch Blackjack, but I can't count fast enough to know who beat who.

My first gambling in Vegas was all slots. Get the same pretty pictures in a row and you win! Simple enough.
I've moved "up" to Roulette because I like the interaction of the people around me. Especially late in the evening when crowds gather around the table and cheers go out for the winners.
Ball falls on my number and I win! Simple enough.

I used to not know when to stop before all my money was spent in an hour.
Now I have an alloted amount per day. (...know how much you can afford to lose).

Oh, and on the slots I'd rather drop a dollar on the dollar machine than play 3 quarters on the quarter machine. Payoffs have been better for me when I do it that way.

I've never been to shows but I think I'll start this summer.
I'm gonna try Casino hopping too instead of staying in the same hotel casino.

[Steve]

I tend to be more stingy when I play when I am by myself. I will usually walk away from a slot if I am $50-$75 ahead. When I am with Eileen, we tend to keep playing more than walk away. I also play less $1.00 slots when I am by myself.

Steve

[Jacob36]

Been going for about 11 years now, started out just playing slots and some VP.

Now play 80-85% VP, the rest between slots and table games (still like let-it-ride, even though the odds are against me).

Play ~80% of my time at the place I stay at (which is who ever sends out the best marketing offer), then go and see the different hotels.

Bankroll went up also, as prices have risen.

[Jackpot22]

I first went to Vegas in 93 and only played slots. Now I love to play Roulette. Had some big wins and some big losses. Still the odds are better than Slots.

[Mr.C]

Years ago, I would think nothing of it to play 12 to 15 hours straight at a $5 BJ table. I never would walk away until I was completely broke. I knew the game, but nothing about money managment. I now play $25, and when I am ahead I walk away.

[KenoCaryl]

Mine have totally changed since I first started Gambling in Vegas! Totally play Keno Machines only ! After hitting a few good Jackpots..(Taxables) I found that my quarter goes much further, and I bring home cash!!...(I have noticed that many of the "Locals" play Keno too....hmmm..is there something to this? Once you hit one of the "Biggies"..it seems like everything else is forgotten!!
KenoCaryl:p

[wa8ckt]

First time in Vegas, with my wife, slots only. 1965 I think. Later on solo trips (early 70's) , tried BJ, did not have a clue how to play, thought 5 cards under 21 would win, wrong. So much for the local games and the silly ideas how Vegas really works. Back then they did not have VP. I hit my first RF at the old MGM in the late 70's. Did not have, AGAIN, a clue how to play but it worked! Finally, starting in the 90's, or so, started to learn the games BEFORE I tried them:) . A lot better results. Love craps and did study that game at home, although we all know it is a simple game. A little scary at first but it gets much better as you join in. The very minimum is just walk up to the table, act like you know what you are doing and, on the come out roll, place a minimum bet on the pass line (it is clear on the layout). As a starter, never mind the odds bet (for now) and don't even look at all the bets (hard ways, etc) in the center of the table. These are sucker bets. Just watch and enjoy, sip on your drink and act like you know what is going on. If they call a 7, after the number is made, and take your bet, just put another one out and start over. If they hit the number they will pay our, just pick up half and wait for the next roll. Ok now another sip of your drink.... First trip I took, gasp, $600 to gamble. Now, $4000. Not a high roller by any means but do ok. Until the last 25 years or so, they did not comp machine players, now with our modest VP play they comp our room and food. What a difference 40 years of going to Vegas has made, not to mention I always wore a suite and tie, now jeans and sneakers. More fun now.

[Marla Chi-to-Houston]

Some people never learn--ME. Strictly a slot player since 1981. The only thing that has changed is my bankroll. It's gotten bigger, but this trip in July I'm forced to reduce it. I've been practicing videa poker, still don't know what I'm doing, so if anyone knows any good sites....

I pretty much play at MGM properties, and I guess it will also include Harrahs' properties.

Slots relax me, and I don't have to interact too much---in my own world!

[jbszmyd]

Just came back from 3rd trip to Vegas - went w/mother-in-law who loves blackjack and plays well; so I got brave enough to try since we were at Trop and they have $5 tables. Dealer was nice and so were folks at the table - LOL - they all knew she was "helping" me by indicating under table whether or not I should stay or hit when she felt I was unsure of myself. Played for about an hour and left with $42.50 - had bought in for $40, so that was fun! Planning another trip possibly in fall with hubby, so might get him in on the action. Used to just play slots - pennies, nickels, quarters - and still enjoy that. I go on the "envelope" system daily - what's in the envelope is the budget - if it's gone, I go back to room and read or watch tv, but I usually don't even use up every day's allotment :) Played some dollar slots this trip and hit for $230, so that was cool - took $460 to spend and came home with $260!

[Janine926]

I only played slots the first trip and maybe a little roulette. I started liking roulette and really got into that for awhile. I then learned BJ and VP and got into that for awhile. I have tried craps and didn't get it but my favorite is always the slots. I know my odds are not good but like the one poster said, "it relaxes me and I am in my own world" that is exactly why I like the slots. I like for my dh to leave me alone when I play the slots and not hover over me watching, lol.
I think next trip I will try some Texas Holdem because I love that game and see how I do but I know I will be sitting at the slots mostly especially if I get eaten alive at the poker tables.

[Lori R]

First time in Vegas, I was pretty broke and only played 25 cent slots sparingly. 2nd time, I went with a group of about 15 and two of the guys were playing craps. We were staying at Circus and they had $2 tables. I made them teach me how to play. Now I play whatever strikes my fancy--if I'm downtown, it's table games for sure. I have a much larger budget these days.

[jgalt1]

1988 played $2-5.00 blackjack and keno (?!?). Won $120 at blackjack and $90 at keno.

I have deleted keno and added craps, VP and I start every trip playing the ponies. (I handicap the day before I leave to give me someting to do.)

My bj base bet has increased to $25.

[parisbill]

I have mastered the science of money management and the art of knowing that win/losses more than often go in trends.

What I have not been able to master is to double up and stay in there when I'm winning. When I am winning a certain %...... I simply get up and leave.

Some of my gaming beliefs are that casinos never close and there is no harm in leaving when you have a losing streak as the casino.

Second... I never worry about comps.... I'd rather pay my own way and go where I want to go and decide if I want to stay or leave.

INteresting.....I still consult for a large LV gaming group and I tend to see reality from their perspective... chilling, cold and calculating.

I play $25 BJ and admit that I love the new slot video innovations.

It's great entertainment

[Ejathmer]

Wife, I and some times Family meembers, visit Las Vegas for at least 3 days. On a few occasions we would spend 6 days. We are into Great eating and mostly the relaxation of watching people. We have had out ups and down with the Slots. Mostly I come back each year to visit my money. I am so sorry about all this Gasoline problems that is effecting all of us. Am hoping to have the chance to come again this year.
Gene Athmer
P.S. A sad day is coming when the Imperial Palace will be no more.

[dog1dog2]

I now play tons of poker, where in the past, I used to primarily play blackjack...

[geosin]

When first visiting LV a few years ago, it was slots all the time. Then ventured into blackjack at $5 tables only. About a year ago, learned how to play craps. Luv craps. I only play craps now unless losing, then will wander off and play some 3-card poker til I'm ready to return to the table. I've stayed at 8-9 different casinos in LV but now my favorite and only casino is Imperial Palace, until it is no more....a very sad day indeed.

[sandlind]

Believe It Or Not I Always Play Bingo And It Always Pays For My Next Trip . I Go Twice A Year And Stay A Week Each Time.

[MissConduct]

In the early 80's I was perfectly happy with under $100/day gambling budget. Mostly $1 and $2 BJ and quarter slots. Then I began doing real well on $1 slots, stacking racks 2 deep 7 high alongside my machine. In the late 80s I was dealing BJ for fun (Florida) in a bar parttime after my divorce. There I taught myself to track cards. That gave me the courage to bet $25-$100 and more a hand, and I did pretty well. For some reason I decided BJ was too slow about the time I discovered VP. Ive yet to hit my first Royal, so Im still chasing that. Now I find I need minimum of $500-sometimes $1000 a day budget to quench my adreneline. Thank goodness for comp R/F/B. I do find when I make a trip needing to get a return on my investment, Im a BIG LOSER. When I go strictly for fun... Im a winner. Money management is still a skill I need to master.

[andrea]

http://www.vptruth.com/articles.cfm

visit the free strategy pages on this site. they work.

andrea from las vegas.

[joannek1]

When I first visited Las Vegas in the mid-70's I only knew how to play
slots. Gradually I learned about playing craps, roulette and blackjack, with
BJ becoming my favorite.

That was in the days when I could play for 50 cents a hand downtown.

Over the years the minimums for table games have definitely increased
while my gambling budget is about the same.

With the advent of paper-in-out, the penny and nickle slots with their fun graphics have become my favorite pastime which explains why we recently were in Las Vegas for 7 days and I never sat at any table (except to eat).

Guess it's true "what goes around comes around".

JoanneK

[Aub]

It really depends on who I am with what games I play.

My last two trips I just did a little slots. When my best friend and I get there together we play some table games.

Aub

[tigrace507]

Im stay at one casino Ceasers in AC. I use to play only BJ and never won, I win a hand lose hand and back and forth. I started to play slots 5 years ago and I have done extremely well. Every year my accountant gets a big kick out of my w2's adding up to any where from $30,000 to 56,000 in a year. I only play 25 cents slots, 10'xs and now mostly 12'xs. I don't understand why people play $1 slots and $5 dollar slots and when they hit, I win more then them. They are not playing the right machines. If you play a $1 slot or a $5 slot you need to look at the payouts, why would you play a $5 dollar slot at usually $10 or $15 dollar max bet when the top payout is $4,000. I play the 12'xs machine with a 75 cent max bet and top payout of 50,000 coins (for a payout of $12,500....I have hit for $5,400 dollars 4 weeks in a row on the 12's machines at 75 cents a max bet. Well my point is its not the demoniation that pays the highest, its the particulair type of machine you play. If you stick to 10'xs and 12'xs machines you can make a lot of money even with quarters, but if you play the $1, or 5 ten or 12 times machines you will do great. I do stay at one casino because I like knowing where the good machines are and the comps are better when you stick to one. It always aggrevates me when I see people playing 75 cents a pop for a top payout of 1,199 coins. I am playing next to them at a 12 time machine for the same bet to win 50,000 coins. Check the payouts before you play a machine....

[hipster818]

When I was 21 would only play slots. Now almost 30 I tend to like playing blackjack. When i play I tend to play in the morning to avoid the cut throat play that you find in the evening. Money wise I'm still a low bidder. $20 a hand is a lot for me, but I think that's because my wife and I enjoy doing other things like relaxing by the pool or checking out other casino's. The one thing that my wife and I both know is when to walk away. :)

[SandyA]

First trip to Vegas (in the early 70s), I think I might have played $20 or $30 in slots. We were so busy going to shows, sightseeing, etc. that we had very little time to play and the people we were with were not into gambling. As I continued visiting Vegas my budget got bumped up to about $100 a day and I was still just playing slots. In the 90s I discovered video poker and have been playing that ever since. I shudder when I think of the first few times I played double bonus with no concept of strategy! I read a few books by some well known authors; I bought WinPoker and played at home for hours, I discovered my budget lasted a lot longer when I knew what I was doing<g>. I have since had some really good winning years and some not so bad losing years and I've increased my gambling budget. I do use money management - if I'm substantially ahead for the day I put the money in the safe and leave it alone...I spend only my bankroll for that day. We still spend time sightseeing, at shows and at the pool, but less time than when it was still very new to us.

[tryon4]

I would definitely say that my then our betting patterns have been adjuseted time and time again. My first visit to Vegas was 1977 (?) and my bankroll was $400.00 for 6 days. Next trip was on honeymoon in 1982 and the bankroll doubled. Saw Sinatra at Caesars. Next trip 1992 and twice or three times per year since. Bankrolls vary depending on the type of year. As far as, The What, that hasn't changed much over the years as we are both basically slot players although I babble a bit with BJ and now Texas Hold Em. What has changed is , The Where. We have always been willing to try newer places and if we like a place we will play there a lot. For instance, about 3 years ago we tried Tuscanny and liked it so we are there 4-5 times each trip. This past trip we fell in love with Silverton and made numerous (and profitable, the key word) return visits.

[PinkFloydActuary]

My first trip, I was in college so I had an extremely limited budget (which was OK, since I hadn't seen the sights before.) So it was almost exclusively nickel VP and maybe $1 BJ at Slots-of-Fun. The next few years were times of getting established, but I moved up to quarter VP and $2 BJ. I'm still on the quarter VP, but now I'm at the $5 BJ and maybe will play a few quarters in the slots here and there, depending on how much fun the bonus game is. I probably won't move up my limits until I'm forced to :)

[NoRisk]

I will never lose in a casino again. Have you ever heard this before? It is nice to dream.

Years ago there were ads in papers showing a person with a big smile. It said learn the secret of the pros. Learn what they know and how easy it is to beat the bookies, track and etc. Never lose a cent at gambling again with this foolproof method. Send $10 for easy instructions.

After sending in your money and anxiously waiting you got a envelop in the mail. You opened it to find the secrets. You pulled out a piece of paper and unfolded it. In big black letters it said

"DON'T BET"

I wasn't the person that got conned but it would have been worth the $10 just for the laugh of being suckered.

I don't try to beat them anymore. I just go out play a little and look at it as a cost of entertainment and to visit my investments. I bought stock in the casino companies. So I don't want to discourage anyone from playing because I want my stock to increase in value. Keep those dollars rolling in so I will be able to retire at a early age.

[cindyinnj]

Started just playing quarter slots then graduated to $1, $5 and sometimes higher slots! Then one day I finally got the nerve up to sit at a table game. I tried Roulette! Learned the game and now I love it. Then I sat at another table game...Let it Ride. This is still my favorite card game today! Then...Paigow Poker! I really like this game too. Finally, this past year, I tried Blackjack. I picked an empty table at O'Shea's, played $5 a hand with my instruction card and played for a couple hours and won $100! Haven't played since, but at least I got it out of my system! Next on my list will be craps! I watch my hubby play, but I'm very intimidated to play it, like I am Blackjack! Eventually I'll try it, but for now I'm happy with the other games that I play.:)

[talanhart]

My first trip to Vegas was in 1972. I was 12, so I wasn't old enough to gamble. When I was 21, in 1981 I went to Reno and learned how to play BJ, but not basic strategy. I still play BJ and a few slots and craps, but in the past few years, I have had some good luck at Hand Dealt Three Card Poker. I will only play a hand dealt game. I hate machine dealt games.

[hhs27]

Been doing Vegas for 18 straight years. Still miss the Sands, now use Harrah's
since wife is Diamond from A.C. play. Finding $5 tables decreasing on the strip
so I play more VP than in the past. Have had to increase the buget.

[fenway68]

started in 1996 going to vegas, have been i think 6 times, this june being #7...

1st year and second years..craps, slots, carribean stud..tables $5, slots 25c..oh and the ponies..

3rd year, craps c.stud, then on the last day learned blackjack, from a cousin who is a dealer in colorado...won!, bye bye c.stud forever...still bettin the ponies..slots but added DW VP-25c

4th trip, ponies, craps, black jack..still stickin to $5 tables, VP, some slots

5th trip, planned to play poker for the first time, but chickened out (2004)..same other wise, but played low limit tables at gold coast and IP and saharah

6th trip..POKER!!! played every day 2/4 limit...little to no blackjack, some craps, lots of VP, some slots

plan for this year...more poker!!!..but i am gonna try some Sit-andgo's and daily tourneys, and 1/2 NL ring games...will likely do some sports/race book action , and loose some slot and VP money...we'll see about blackjack and craps...oh and also roulette will be added, a buddy of mine who will be there wins in roulette every trip...gonna follow his lead for one day..(do i have sucker written on my forhead???)

my table and slot limits havent changed much...we may step it up this year a bit...

tminus 10

[marmirdc]

My times in Vegas mainly consist of playing video Keno and most of the casinos. I can tell you where almost all of the video keno machines are located in each casino(at least on the strip) until they they get the hot idea to move them around or change out to new machines(hate the new Game King Machines). Now lately, I have gotten into Video Poker machines and so I split my time between the two games. Otherwise I occasionally play slots and some table games, but mainly Keno and Poker.

Mr. Keno

[Gail]

I used to play the .50 and 1.00 slots, but I find I'm playing the nickles more lately. I also discovered roulette and have fun doing that, but only when the limits are low. I also used to visit the Conneticut casinos at least once a month, but I don't go more than 2-4 times a year now. I'm sick of making them rich!! I think I'd rather save my money and visit Las Vegas more often!

[wiley]

I used to play quarter slots most of the time, but now stick mostly to penny and nickel slots, as much for the bonus rounds and cute themes as to conserve money. I also devote more time to sight-seeing and shopping (!). Hubby still spends most of his time betting on horse races, and plays penny and nickel slots with me at night.

[fungirl]

On our first trip to Vegas back in 94 when Funguy and I got married we were strictly slots players. Our next trip we learned how to play Roulette and then next trip was BJ. Now we play just about everything but craps! I love to sit at the bar and play bartop VP then sometimes I feel like being more social and playing BJ or 3 Card Poker! Our limits have increased also.

[YJAJJ]

Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week" Question:

"How have your gambling habits changed, if they have, since your first visit?" ( Do you play different games, switched from slots to vp or table games or stayed with what you are familiar with, play in different casinos, have a bigger, smaller, or the same budget, etc.)
*************************************************
Well from - $5:00 --- looking for a $1:00 table to a $100 plus a hand - on BJ!

From slots to no slots or very few!

And of course the budget went from a few hundred into the thousands!

30 plus years - I guess inflation and no since caused the increase!

From once every few year's to twice - plus a year -

But still under control!


jim MI

[Vegas Bob]

My first trip was in 1972 and the mob still had a very large presence. Although our bankroll was smaller, we didn't spend as much time gambling as we went to a lot of shows, spent time at the pool, went downtown. Note, you didn't walk between casinos then as there were few sidewalks, you cabbed it everywhere. By the early 90's our bankroll had gone up and so had the games. In the 70's $1 blackjack was available at all the casinos and if you played $5 that was considered a fairly large bet. My wife really enjoys the slots and video poker, and we both enjoy caribean poker even though it has a fairly large house advantage. When I am alone I usually play blackjack and craps as these two games have relatively low house advantage. I occasionally play poker but I can't do the marathons anymore a few hours at a time is my limit. All in all I would say we play for higher stakes which provides us some comps and we mix it up more than we used to.

[dreamcatcheril]

1974 the wife and I want to go on a trip. Where should we go? Some one said Vegas to which i responded never heard of it. Go you will have a great time. Ok where do I stay. Stay at the Stardust. Why? Your from Chicago the Chicago boys own the Stardust, if they know you from chicago no one will mess with you as long as you don't try to cheat them. Okkkk...I got the travel books and read up on Vegas a little. Total spending cash taken for a 3 night stay was $300 for food, shows, gambling,, we took the check book in case of emergency. We didn't spend as much time gambling. We went to dinner shows, spent time at the pool, Note, we were so cheap we walked between the Stardust and Ceasars some of the strip was a dirt path. Casinos then were spread out, you cabbed it everywhere. I played BJ only and poorly I might add. By the late 70's our bankroll had gone up. My sister had given me a paper back book "basic black jack stratagy". It cost $1.00. They still print the book and at last check it cost $6.00. I learned the stratagy kept a cheat card handy and played $5 so I didn't have to play with the novic player at the $2.00 table that didn't know basic by stratagy.

Now days, been there, done that, see it. Much mor relaxed. I do 4 nights Mon to Fri. no conventions no big sporting events, no holidays. I only go at the off times. Bank roll is over thousand times more then the first trip. I have learned to use slot cards, work the comps, money management, walk with a profit. We go to 1 show and have 1 nice steak dinner. I put some 20 hours in at black jack, the bets will range from $5.00 to $100.00 and I slide in another 20 hours in at VP over the 4 nights. Slots are only with my wife and when we are killing time.

Someone asked me,, How can you go to Vegas in August.
I answered,, Why not? it's always 73 degrees in Vegas.

[meldodds]

We have certainly changed over the years. Now with more free time we go to Vegas 5-6 times a year, and because we live 11 hours we drive once or twice a year for a site-seeing vacation. Try to take advantage of any free room offers we can.The very first time we went in 1988, I did not feel well the first day, so I spent most of it in the Hotel (Sahara) room watching the casino channel which explained all the games available (then) I knew right away I would need more of a thinking game then slot only.
Roulett became my game, then a few years later BJ. Advancing from $5 to $25 or more a hand. Then Let it ride, and 3 card poker. Well that became boring a few years back. On vacation with friends, I was introduced to 7- card stud, then graduated to Hold-em a couple years ago. 2-4 0r 3-6 limit. This last trip I started playing no limit and I actually did quite well. I am learning Patience, which is very important in Poker. My husband doesn't care for cards, so I play a little slots with him, but hate to waste my budget, so I ususally quit when I am ahead 5-10 bucks. ( If I get ahead!!) Usually for 3 nights we take $1000 to gamble and $300-500 fun and food. Just got back and can't wait to go again:D

[Eileen]

The first time I went to Vegas I had $300 to spend so I did not do much gambling and I was also very intimidated by table games. I just played twenty five cent slots. I did win $125 at the MGM on my first trip. Now my bankroll is a bit bigger :D and I play more dollar slots, horses, roulette and a couple of table games. I will still not play any table games where I am afraid the other players will yell at me. LOL

Eileen

[Tweeets]

Believe It Or Not I Always Play Bingo And It Always Pays For My Next Trip . I Go Twice A Year And Stay A Week Each Time.


Where do you play Sand? :)

[margekate]

First trip I took $150 ($50 for each day) That is all I needed.

Now I take $1000 for 4 nights and 3 days. I only lost that amount once. The first real trip was about 1981.

Last trip was in December 2005 and I spent a total of $200 on gambling, food, and transportation while there. Won some, Lost some. Had a good time.

I usually leave about $400. I play slot and VP. Years ago I played blackjack at our local casinos but everyone I travel to Vegas with does not play BJ and I don't feel comfortable sitting at a table by myself.

Marge

[cjm051]

Mainly play the table games( blackjack, craps, and recently have fallen in love with 3 card poker). Also in last 3-4 trips to vegas have played 2-4 or 3-6 dollar hold em. Once in awhile will play some VP. Do not like the slots, too boring.

If not at the tables I will be in the sportsbook (horses and sports).

In April took a gambling budget of $1500 for 4 days.

Nowdays I try to get out to Vegas from Ohio at least twice a year.

[legalois]

On our first trip in 1980 I mostly played nickle and quarter slots. I remember playing a quarter BJ machine that used an actual deck of cards. I tried roulette for the first time and spent $10 or $20. My husband played BJ and some slots.

I don't remember what our bankroll was, but bet it wasn't more than a couple of hundred dollars between us.

Over the years I learned to play craps, but will play only if I find a low-limit table.

Once I tried pai gow but didn't care for it.

Back when you could find $1 & $2 BJ, I played it because the only way I ever made any money was to ride the streak, when and if it came, by increasing my bets. I'm too chicken to play that way at a $5 or $10 table, so I stay away.

I also bit the bullet and sat down at a Texas Hold 'Em table several years ago. I held my own for a little whiel and didn't lose very much.

I absolutely love Let It Ride and play it every time.

I also love all the goofy slot machines and every time we go I say I'm going to play the $5 ones, but then never do.

Meanwhile, my husband mostly plays BJ and Let It Ride, with a few slot machines thrown into the mix.

Our budget has increased over the years, mine more so that Mr. Cheap's, and I budget for each day, with a lot left over for emergencies or bail or whatever. I never leave it all there though.

Lois

[Bevhill1]

Well when I first went to vegas in May 2000, it was my first trip alone and I only played nickel and quarter video poker. Now with all of the penny slots with bonus games and more money to spend, I sometimes play dollar video poker and muli-line nickel slots.:D

[rlpal]

Our first trip to Las Vegas was a group trip to Circus-Circus (first and last stay there) in the early 70''s. They still had the big tent out front.

We played only slots with a little BJ. While waiting for the bus to take us to the airport (anyone remember the quanset hut terminal?), I got on a $2 dollar craps table. When I walked away, I had won $13 and was hooked. Came home and read everything I could find about craps. But I must admit, it has ruined me for other games. I play some BJ, but I get bored after a while and head back to the craps table. I cannot tolerate any game that does not give me the opportunity to make decisions about the game - even if I do make mistakes. Craps, Black Jack and Video Poker, but no slots (unless I am keeping my wife company there).

The greatest lesson I learned was at the old Sands Casino. It really taught me a lot about money management. There was a young dealer at the table that had a friend playing next to me. He kept telling his friend about what
sucker bets to avoid, and how to draw a little each time he won, but also to press his bet each time to win more. That lesson has been a tremendous boost to my gambling outcomes.

Although we now have 4 casinos in this are, there is no place like Las Vegas!

[Tweeets]

Fom Ripal:

While waiting for the bus to take us to the airport (anyone remember the quanset hut terminal?),

I do remember that! We were on a charter flight that included a shuttle to the airport. I recall having to, physically, take our luggage off the bus and carrying it into the far end the hut and put it on a conveyer belt. That was back in the day before luggage had wheels. :eek:

[Mrs Mac]

Our first trip to Las Vegas was in 1978 and believe me we were on a tight budget. We went on a package trip through AAA staying at the Flamingo. Our strip view room faced Caesar's and saw their marquee SAMMY was all it said.
The first morning we were up at 3:30 Vegas time and had gone through most of our daily budget by 6:00 am. Later that day hubby hit a nickel jackpot and coins were actually over flowing out of the coin tray. Thank you slot God we had money for dinner and to play. We met up with friends who lived in California and spent a lot of time in Vegas due to his business travels to that area. She gambled - he did not. They took us to our first buffet at the Haicenda. We saw Hoover Dam - for the first and last time. Got back, had dinner and using my half of hubby's jackpot sat down at a dollar machine and promptly hit $100.00. OMG! I was watching those coins drop out of the machine, grabbing them up as fast as I could. The coins stopped and someone was grabbing my arm. My heart started pounding. Here's my big win and I'm thinking I'm getting robbed. The man spoke very little English but through pointing he showed me the meter on the machine and I had been shorted $4.00. How nice of him to do that.

Strictly by coincidence we ran into my aunt - who was a roulette fanatic and also staying at the Flamingo. She took hubby to the tables and that's all she wrote. He fell in love with the game and now spends his time playing horses and roulette. I play a few penny slots, keno and the Fashion Place (Show?) Mall.

We've gone to Vegas twice a year for the past 15 years mostly Preakness and again Breeder's Cup weekends. We are fairly lucky and seem to come in under budget. (Knock on wood) We don't frequent the casinos in our area - just north of Detroit. We prefer to spend our gambling dollars in Vegas.
We've educated ourselves as to the games and money management. One thing we learned a long time ago was to listen to the dealers. Often their comments can teach a person good lessons as to how to succeed at the game they are working.

Good luck to all.
Trish

[Lackqueen]

I will still not play any table games where I am afraid the other players will yell at me. LOL

Eileen

I feel the same way! Wish I had the guts but I don't think I ever will :rolleyes: