Sometimes a friend of mine - I call him Mr. Anonymous – sends me his ideas/opinions on a subject and I decide I can’t write something that would state it better. 

So I present a guest blogger today, a skilled video poker player who has spent many years “blending” in a casino! We both welcome your comments.

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Blending In 

As a smart gambler, one the things you should consider a priority is to try to remain welcome at all of the casinos at which you play. Here are a few tips for staying on the good side of casino management, or at least for not attracting unnecessary attention to yourself. 

Don't play two "good" video poker machines at once. This is the biggest "red flag" I can think of, alerting the casino that you are a skilled player out to beat them. There are a couple of exceptions. If you are waiting for a hand pay, it is okay to slide over to the next machine and play while you wait. Or if you are playing a high-denomination machine which generates frequent hand pays, and there are machines open, holding an adjacent machine is acceptable, so you can play it while your main machine is "locked up" with a jackpot. In any case, if someone asks you to give up a machine you are holding (but not playing), you should probably do so. Getting into an argument over a machine with another casino customer is a surefire way to attract unnecessary attention. I am aware of several instances where both arguing players were thrown out. 

Don't loudly discuss VP strategy, game or promo percentages, how much money you've won from the casino, and how much per hour the game you're playing is worth. Displaying how smart you are to all who are in earshot is not the best way to remain welcome. Also, keep that VP strategy card out of plain sight and learn the game well enough so you only have to consult it occasionally. Be discreet! 

If there is cashback at the casino, don't wait until you need a supervisor's signature to cash out your points. Cash out more frequently for smaller amounts. 

If you only play at a casino on multi-point days, you might consider occasionally playing for a short time on a single-point day. Several casinos have been taking action against players who only play the best games and only during multi-point times. At best, they will stop sending you mail. At worst, they will 86 you! 

Follow the rules. If an offer says, "One per customer," as on a coupon, or for a free gift, obey the rule! Most all of these redemptions end up recorded in the casino's computer, and eventually any abuse will be discovered. Some places will let you get away with multiple indiscretions, but some will take action against you immediately upon discovery. Why take a chance on getting barred from a casino for a few dollars, points, or an extra car care kit? 

Be friendly to everyone, especially casino employees. You might be out to extract every possible dollar from the casino, but you should avoid displaying an adversarial attitude towards floor people, supervisors, slot club personnel, hosts and anyone else you come in contact with. Be nice, or at least be civil! 

Tip when it is customary, especially at casinos where you play frequently. You don't have to be overly generous, but if you never tip floor people when you hit a jackpot, even when you are obviously winning big, word will quickly get around. And don't you want the casino employees you see all the time to be happy when you walk in the door? I know I do -- who wants to play somewhere he is not wanted.

So blend in as best you can, and when you win maybe they’ll hardly notice!

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