Las Vegas is perhaps the most unique city in the entire world because of its perpetual gambling casinos, mega hotels, and the thousands of bars, micro-casinos, and strip joints that go 24 hours a day in and around the city. Even the mini markets, grocery, and discount stores have slots. Going to the store for a loaf of bread can cost you a hundred bucks if you can't leave the one-arm bandits alone. As a Vegas transplant, after a few years here I've learned that the only things that move as fast as the flow of money in Vegas are the motorists.
Nevada is known for it's silver mining, but the silver in Las Vegas comes from the U.S. Mint. True, Las Vegas has created more instant millionaires than Wall Street, but there's a thousand hard luck stories for every crap table, poker table, and slot machine in the city. These stories are about people who were so sure they could beat the system, they put everything on the come-line or doubled their bet every time they lost at 21...only discover their scheme didn't work or that the lucky feeling was just gas. Many lost everything they owned, ruined their marriages, and life got real nasty for them.
THE TRUTH ABOUT GAMBLING SCHEMES:
There is one system, and one system only, that will grant you a winning day in Las Vegas. It's pure, unadulterated LUCK. Having entertained hundreds of millions of patrons in the City Of Glitter, does it not reason out that all gaming odds are on the side of the house? This great city did not prosper by being stupid and careless, and by not studying all facets of the games to find all the loop holes. If there were ways to force a win, they would not be games of chance. That's what casinos want to make sure of.
Casinos do not take kindly to "giving" money away, nor do they lose gracefully to system players, which they loath and fear. Every statistic and every possible cheating scheme or odds-altering device, or system of beating the odds ever thought of by man and computer has already been thought-out, devised, tested, and tried and retried by the casinos. And they still are testing and learning every day in casinos and in slot manufacturing and programming companies. You cannot beat, defeat, or cheat the games of chance in Las Vegas. There are enough bankrupt and imprisoned people to prove it.
You can indeed have a great day in the sun by being lucky. It happens everyday to many visitors and residents. That is as true as anything can be, but the smart gambler, like professional gamblers, know that when you start getting serious with gambling, betting until it hurts because you just know you're going to eventually win, Fate is likely going to teach you a lesson you won't soon forget. And right when you least expect it. Another sucker down for the count. If you don't believe it, it's because you're one of those I'm talking about.
Here are some gambling rules you should consider before you gamble.
Stick to them and you'll find that Las Vegas, Mesquite, Lake Tahoe, Reno, an Indian Reservation--wherever you gamble--your vacation will be far more memorable for the enjoyment rather than because you lost your savings in a casino.
Many years ago, I wrote a "how to play and win" keno program simulator and devised the SGR [Sensible Gambling Rules] which I sold via mail order. Many, may people won-- those that followed the rules that is. They are all just common sense rules. For what it's worth, I'll share them with you. They can help you to win by knowing when play and when to walk away, but cannot make you win. Sorry, but Fate has the exclusive on all games of chance.
SENSIBLE RULES FOR CASINO GAMBLING:
If you are addicted to gambling, best you stay out of the casinos. And if you can't control your betting, don't gamble.
Play only the game(s) you know best or learn the rules of a new game until you understand the rules. It's your money you betting. The best way to run everyone off a 21 table is split a pair of tens. Don't be stupid. All that can beat it is a 21 [black jack]. Splitting two 10s is flag to every player and the dealer that you are either greedy, or an ignorant smart-ass that thinks he/she knows the game. You do this and you unnecessarily take the next player's cards on the hits while you have the best hand possible next to a 21. But hey, don't take my word for it, do it...but be prepared to piss the other players off. Most will quickly migrate to another table and may leave you with some unkindly, but well deserved glares and remarks.
Never, ever make a bet on intuition--not unless your subconscious can read the future.
Always predetermine how much you can lose before it becomes painful before you ever start gambling.
Never, ever bet until it hurts, and you're a fool if you continue betting when it hurts. Get up and go see the sites or try something else less painful.
Never allow your ego to place your bets, especially in sports book parlor; betting on horses, football, baseball, soccer, etc.. Just because you like a team or that a horse has the same lovely name as your spouse, it is not a determining win factor. Such a bet is called a fool's bet. It is both immature and irresponsible...but the casino will love you for it. I love people that do this. They're the ones who keep the food cheap free beverages flowing to us sensible gamblers.
Never pick numbers based on birth dates, anniversary dates, or any other commemorative date(s) when betting simply because you think they carry some mystical power or luck. It will not influence the outcome in any way. You may win and you may not, as with any numbers picked out of thin air or your date book.
As an ex-electronic circuit design engineer, I can tell you with absolute authority the rubbing, stroking, tapping, knuckle rapping, banging with fists, coins, or pecking the screens with coins [and anything else I've missed] does not work--period!!!! This goes on all the time at the keno and bingo slot machines [display screens]. These are computer driven devices and the computers are located deep in the heart of the slot machine chassis. Nothing short of blowing them up with dynamite or pulling the power cord with effect the outcome or operation of the machines. All you will do [and players do it regularly] is damages the screen glass by chipping the living hell out of it so other players can't see the numbers. It also advertises how scientifically ignorant you are and others around watch, thinking what a dumb-ass you are. It's like people kicking a soda machine because it's broken or out of sodas...immature.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE GAMBLING. Even one drink can impair your judgement. Why do you think casinos push the free booze? They also serve tea, coffee, milk, sodas, juices, milk, and bottled and water. But the casinos also know that you're on vacation, got a chance to win big bucks, you want to relax, have fun, and let your hair down. You wanna have some laughs, a few drinks, and forget about work, the old grind of a regimented daily schedule...sort of enjoy what you're paying for--right? Alcohol is expensive, but it's free when you gamble--all you can handle. Casinos aren't stupid. They know alcohol [even a few drinks] causes euphoria; the sense of feeling lucky. One drink can impair your judgement, I don't care how many years you've been drinking. You start rationalizing [illogically]. "The more I bet, the more I'll win if I stay at it long enough. With the law of average, surely I'll get lucky once at least once and it will make up for all my loses. Plus I'll still have bankroll left over. Then I'll simply call it quits and walk away." Sound familiar? The rule is, and trust me on this, leave the alcohol alone until you've finished gambling at a game where a clear mind is essential.
Good Casino Etiquette:
Don't stand in the middle of the isles to talk, gawk, or have a family reunion. This really makes people boil because it's purely self-centered, rude, and completely unnecessary. Being on vacation does not grant you the right of antisocial behavior.
Be courteous and polite to other players, and especially to the casino workers and cocktail waitresses. Remember, if the place is busy and oozing with people, imagine what they must be going through trying to serve you best they can.
Tipping: Many casino jobs are base minimum wage job and exist only because of tipping. Tipping is customary for drinks and for floor people that pay you the jackpots. They are the ones that do all the work. Not the change people. Floor persons are the ones responsible for filling out the paper work, making out cash vouchers, enter the data into the computer, filling out IRS tracking receipts and copying your ID. They also sign and verify the winning amount, arranging for the right personnel to pay you your winnings, and even opening the slot machines and filling empty hoppers with coins if necessary. Most people are ignorant of this fact and mistakenly tip the change-person instead of the floor person. WRONG! Change persons do nothing but make change--period. Floor persons do ALL THE WORK and DESERVE THE TIP.
Tipping: It is customary, by not required, to tip the floor person paying you the winnings. Many casino jobs pay about minimum wage [about $4.50/hour U.S.]. So, how much do you tip? Rule of thumb is $5 on the hundred. The Las Vegas gambling magazines recommend about twice what tipping should be. Keep in mind, the average casino worker makes about $10/hour [U.S.]. Those that make the most, but do the most walking, are cocktail waitresses, bellhops, and valet parking attendants. In high-roller gaming rooms [for millionaires], some dealers are paid $20 to $25/hour [U.S.] plus tips. The average for most card dealers is minimum wage plus tips. Floor persons jobs are not tip-dependent, but that's because, like I said, they are the ones who should be tipped, but usually do not get tipped out of visitors ignorance of the job tasks involved, thinking the change person does the work.
If you walk slow, stay to the far right of the isles so others can pass you. And always try to walk on the right side of an isle or hallway.
Casinos are large, but they are not sports arenas so don't shout at people across the casino, and especially not beside other people of whom you will blast their ear drums. It's okay to jump and shout if you win, but it's not the same kind of shouting.
What where you are walking and try not to bump into the chair people are sitting in at the slot machines. If you do, please say "excuse me." It's one of the rudest things that go on in the casinos.
Gamblers in Vegas are generally some of the nicest people you can meet. Most will be more than happy to help you if you don't understand how a slot machine is played. Or you can ask a floor person or change person. It's part of their duties.
Tipping for free beverages on and off the Strip: $50 cents per drink if two are ordered. $1.00 for one. The drink is free. The tip is for the waitress. Or, you can go to the bar and get it yourself. It will only cost about $3.00 for the same size beverage; soda, highball, or beer. Some places less or even more.
Foul language: Be an adult. Be courteous and don't force it on others. Save it for a bar room.
KEEP YOUR CHILDREN OUT OF THE GAMING AREAS AND AWAY FROM THE MACHINES AND GAMING TABLES. It is unlawful in accordance to U.S. Federal gaming laws everywhere on U.S. Soil and U.S. Territories. Parents once warned, repeating the offence, can get you expelled from the hotel immediately, or even fined and followed with jail time...a lot more trouble than a big-city lawyer can get you out of. DO NOT TAKE THIS WARNING LIGHTLY. Failing to enforce this law will put the casino in jeopardy of extremely large fines, having their doors closed, and the owners can face incarceration in a federal prison.
Do not hog two or more slot machines for yourself if the casino is busy. Only greedy people feel the absolute need to play two machines or more at the same time while others are waiting to play as well. You are a guest of the casino, not part owner. Don't get angry or rude if someone want to play one of yours. Be considerate and surrender it with a smile. We have a enough rude people here without your help.
Contrary to what many believe, locals in Las Vegas love visitors. We love fun and gambling like everyone else and wish only to make visitors as comfortable and happy as we can. We want their visit here to be happy, safe, and memorable. And we like to see visitor win at gambling as well. Without visitors, Vegas would likely dissolve back into the hot dry desert from which it grew...and us along with it.
HELPFUL SAFETY HINTS:
Protect your wallets and purses and valuables ALL THE TIME. Make a habit of keeping a thumb in you pocket where your wallet is, especially in crowds or when someone is walking close behind you. Never carry a pack-purse on your back or a purse on your side anytime and anywhere if it is an open or easy open purse. In a crowd, hold it in front of you. Never travel around Vegas carrying an open or zip-top or flip-top purse.
If you carry a camera, keep it clung around neck, over your chest, with a hand on it when moving through crowds and near people. Pick pockets and purse snatchers abound here, especially so during the busy hot season; some of the best light-fingered social parasites in the world. They stay close to money the way lions stay close to zebras.
Never, ever carry all of your money on you. Hotels provide safe deposit boxes free to their guests. Use them. Don't let your vacation become a nightmare because you thought this could never happen to you. And always, just as a safety precaution, keep your car doors locked. Don't leave packages or luggage out in the open in your vehicle. It might tempt the unsavory. Las Vegas is a huge city and money draws bad people like honey draws flies. I strongly suggest valet parking, especially in the hot Summer [100 - 118 degrees (F)].
Enjoy Las Vegas. Click on http://www.lasvegas.com and find anything you want to know about Las Vegas, what's hot, what happening and when, classifieds, real estate, jobs, and more. See Las Vegas via the web cams over the city.[]