I was recently teaching a free video poker class at the South Point. One of my students was accompanied by his 28 year-old son who normally lives near Cleveland. The son was considering moving to Las Vegas to be a professional gambler and wanted my opinion/advice as to whether or not he should. Continue reading “Should I Be a Gambler?”
Author: Bob Dancer
We Make Too Many Wrong Mistakes
A version of this column originally appeared several years ago in Casino Player magazine. Since the title refers to a quote by Yogi Berra who passed away in late September of this year, I thought I’d resurrect the column as a tribute to him. Rest in peace, Yogi. Continue reading We Make Too Many Wrong Mistakes
Bonnie’s Freeroll
As I’ve mentioned previously, Bonnie and I married in May of last year. Bonnie has no interest or ability in gambling, but she accepts that this is what I do.
Continue reading Bonnie’s Freeroll
It’s a Matter of Money
Money is an integral part of gambling at video poker. Some people can probably enjoy the game just as much when playing at home on a computer program, but most of us want money involved in the equation. The chance to win or lose is part of the excitement.
Continue reading It’s a Matter of Money
When to Show ID
Another excellent post by James Grosjean in his Las Vegas Advisor blog called “Beyond Numbers” occurred in mid August. Continue reading When to Show ID
Dad, I’m Going to Marry a Professional Gambler. We Want Your Blessing!
Recently on the videopoker.com internet forum there were some posters saying they would hate to hear such a phrase from their daughters. That forum is primarily frequented by recreational gamblers who don’t know any, or many, successful professional gamblers. Continue reading Dad, I’m Going to Marry a Professional Gambler. We Want Your Blessing!
If I Were a Slot Director
I’ve heard a great many players complain about the way certain slot departments, primarily involving video poker, are being run. I thought it would be an interesting thought exercise to decide how I would handle the job as a slot director if I were given that opportunity.
Continue reading If I Were a Slot Director
Whatever It Takes
When I moved to Las Vegas in 1994, I was 47 years of age and weighed 210 pounds — which was the heaviest ever for me. My exercise and weight management attempts fluctuated over the years and by 2010 I was up to 260 pounds. The combination of all the free food I wanted from casinos and a relatively sedentary life added up to obesity.
Continue reading Whatever It Takes
Why I Don’t Play Progressives
A month or so ago on vpFREE a poster asked why I don’t play progressives. I thought about my answer for a while and decided to write about it here.
Before I start, I should say I “usually” don’t play progressives. There have been exceptions, which I’ll mention. Continue reading Why I Don’t Play Progressives
An Invisible Promotion
I recently wrote how I played during the $600,000 July Money Madness promotion at the South Point. To summarize, there were two progressives running at all times during the month. One between $10,000 and $25,000 — where, in addition to the one lucky winner, all players playing with a card inserted when it hit received $25 in free play. The second between $1,000 and $2,500 — where no additional money was given away to players playing when someone else hit the jackpot. Continue reading An Invisible Promotion