So..you like to gamble huh? Is that why you are on this page or is it the title that caught your attention? Firstly, let me explain why this blog is named 'Screw Lady Luck. When gambling of course there is always the element of luck, especially where RNGs are concerned (more on that later). However, in my experience there is a lot more to gambling than that.
Currently, I live in Las Vegas. While I am not a millionaire (wouldn't that be sweet?!), I have a few tricks that will at least keep me playing and understand how to stretch my dollar even further.
The best advice I, or anyone could ever give you is this (at the risk of sounding cliche):
Never risk more than you can afford to lose
This is extremely important! If your mortgage, rent, or other important bills are due DO NOT run the risk of losing the money to pay your bills. Many become deluded into thinking that they are just one lucky pull away from becoming a millionaire. This is what the casinos want you to think and it is WRONG!
Only leave the house with a what you can afford to play with
If you can only afford $100, then that is what you should leave with. In addition, leave the credit/debit cards at home! It is very tempting to try to rationalize how you can cover spending an extra $100 when the card is right there in your hand..don't tempt fate.
Break down your bills BEFORE playing
For instance, if I have $100, I break down the money to $90 worth of $5 bills and $10 for drink tips. This ensures that you are not just feeding the machine relentlessly. When you have to peel off another $5 bill, it helps you to gauge more easily what you are spending because mentally you are going through the motions and have to constantly look at your bankroll.
Save winning tickets
My rule of thumb is generally this..any win over $100 I stick in my wallet until the end of the night. Sometimes I will even save a ticket of $80. The reason for this is: this will ensure that at the end of the night you at least leave with something. resist the temptation to feed any large tickets back into the machine.
Watch out for penny machines!
Penny machines can be very deceptive. Many of them have a .60 minimum bet and I have seen the maximum bet go to upwards of $3.50! Wouldn't it make more sense that if you were going to do max bet to get to a higher denomination .25-$1 machine and dump your 3 bucks there? Your return would be much better and you have a much better chance of winning something substantial.
Go big or go home
If possible play the larger denomination machines. It has been my experience that they are much looser than smaller denominations.
Know when to fold them
Years ago, I went to a casino in Atlantic City. I was doing really well on a 5 cent machine. All of a sudden, men in black suits swarmed around me telling me that they needed to service the machine. i knew something was wrong but I did not listen to my instincts. before they arrived, I was getting bonus-after-bonus and even bonuses within bonuses. However, after they opened the machine, I did not get one bonus and the machine took its money back. While there is a such thing as RNGs, I believe it must have been reset when they opened the machine (because we wouldn't dare accuse them of sabotage would we?). I believe I was close to hitting the jackpot but oh well..you live and learn. From now on..once that machine is opened..i'm out!
Play by the heavy foot-traffic areas
I have heard about this before but it is true. It seems that these casinos put their best next to these areas BUT if a particular machine by a certain area isn't paying well..leave it alone, I don't care where it is..it may be on a losing streak.
Mix it up
Although the heave traffic areas are good, I have also had some success checking out the machine in a dark, deserted corner. Casinos are full of these little gems and sometimes you can do pretty well with these.
Get a player's card
You are spending money so you may as well get rewarded. I have gotten free shows, hotels, money, food, popcorn, and even ice cream..these clubs ROCK!
Well..that is all for now. I have many more tips that I will be posting shortly. Stay tuned and even find out where some of my favorite haunts are here in Vegas and why. I will also show you the best places to stay and eat!
HAPPY GAMBLING!
