I’m pausing my book-report series to address a subject that is causing some heated discussion online: a video that has popped up on YouTube, one in which I was interviewed by Steve Bourie.
The first problem is that many viewers didn’t read the explanation that came with that video, that it was an edited re-post from 2016. Steve has re-posted some of his older videos, since he has a new American Casino Guide website.
Many of you have been following Brad’s and my 39-year casino adventure for a long time, have seen this video before, and know many of the stories of our journey. Many of you are also long-time video poker advantage players, having been on the same path and dealing with the same problems I talked about in 2016. And you know that it has been a steady decline since that time, especially exacerbated by the pandemic.
To those who point out that what we did back then is impossible these days, I agree. However, many of the techniques I talked about in this video are still valuable for casino visitors today. Casino gambling has never stayed the same. However, most players have always entered the casino with the same unchanging goals: stretching their bankroll so they have longer fun time and, if they can’t always win, losing as little as possible.
I’m reading all the comments from those who watched this rerun from 2016 and there are an amazing number of them, way over 270 the last time I checked. I ignore all the negative rants, but many have posted thoughtful comments and honest questions that deserve an answer. I especially enjoyed hearing about the positive experiences of those who have been traveling with Brad and me on this path of wise gambling, validating the facts that this was something that could be and was done by many players back in the time period I described in the video. It always warms my heart to hear when my words have helped someone have a better casino experience. (I think this is the main reason why I keep putting off retirement! 😊)
First, some answers to technical questions. The white car we won at the Stardust was a Mercury Mystique. (Actually, we didn’t need a new car at the time, so we sold it back to the dealer.) And yes, you do need to take into consideration the tax implications of gambling. Once we started serious play, we filed as a business and that allowed us to deduct our losses and expenses and pay taxes only on the net win. Recreational players have never been able to do that and recent tax changes have made that even a more severe hindrance for many. The book Tax Help for Gamblers will help you navigate those treacherous IRS waters.
A couple of updating items. I actually didn’t revise the first two Frugal books, as I mentioned I’d do at the end of the video. I soon realized when I started that project that there were just too many changes in the casino environment, so I had to write a whole new book. In The Frugal Gambler Casino Guide, I suggested new paths for the wise gambler. Also, I no longer have my own website, but I am still continuing to look for helpful information to put in this blog.
Perhaps for some people the biggest problem with the video is that they misunderstood that flashy title, “How She Made a Million Dollars Gambling in Casinos!” That “million” did not happen on one lucky trip to Las Vegas. In 2016, we’d been playing in casinos for over 30 years, living in Vegas for the last 16 of them. Yes, we hit some big jackpots; anyone who plays a lot will have some lucky hits. But I was careful to explain that we also had to suffer through many long losing streaks. Almost all successful gamblers will talk about “grinding out a win,” sticking with the best mathematical plays through thick and thin, whether you’re winning or losing.
Some wondered whether Brad and I are still playing video poker or did we go broke. We rarely visit casinos anymore, because we moved from Las Vegas in 2020 when Brad’s physical and mental health was declining, and there are no casinos nearby where we live in Georgia. But not only did we not go broke, thankfully we remained financially frugal during all the years of our casino life and now our gambling winnings help support our stay in a lovely senior-living home.
We’re planning to go to Harrah’s Cherokee the weekend of March 24. And that answers one last question from a video viewer. “Are they dead?”
That advice is still relevant today! Actually just came across those videos yesterday. I haven’t paid for a room in years in upstate NY and north east PA region. As an avid player I only find it hard to get Saturday nights comped but definitely still discounted! Ain’t nothing better than eating at a fancy steak house and saying I’d like to use my vouchers. And getting a $200-$300 meal for $80 ( generous tip) even if you’re down on the night (etiquette) haha! The higher the card holder the better the comps. The closest one to me is a grind joint haha but actually have my biggest hand pay there! I’ll be 40 this year so will see how the next 39 go! Best wishes Jean & Brad I could only imagine the stories! ✌❤️
Well, Jean, I never heard of you until I just watched the YouTube video you taped a couple years ago; I was sad to hear that you and Brad retired; Harrah’s trip coming up? What a joy it was to listening to you; I believe in you, and see why you must have been a good teacher at school, as well. We’ll take your gambling tips into the future, taking what we can in an ever-changing world, and say, boy, what a pleasure it might be to truly be her friend. Sounds like you got one in “the husband.” Hugs, kisses, and love
I watched the video and knew it was an earlier interview and I did ask when was it originally done. The biggest problem with the viewers is that they are looking for a silver bullet. You quite clearly articulated the time and effort that was involved in achieving that milestone. The neigh sayers,however, want a 6 month to one year plan to win. These are the viewers that lack foresight, persistence, passion and most importantly an innovative approach. Instead of learning from your experience they will probably ignore it and continue to lose.
I still use a lot of your strategies.
From the first day I read your first book it was like a kid being let loose in a candy store. The information you share was amazing but also not in your best interest. Yet, you told all and basically told the world how easy it was to at least break even and get a great bang for your buck! You have always been kind and generous with both your time and information. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you and Brad have done. You are the epitome of a queen in many many ways. Stay safe and well.
Read your book many years ago, before our first trip to Vegas…the only one we paid full price for, thanks to you. Now, we travel to Vegas and Loiusiana mostly, with comped room and food, concert tickets, etc. Thank you for all the great info.
” I made a million bucks working at Starbucks, and I just retired!”
“How old are you now?”
“114!”
Hooray for you and Brad…..!!! I can’t believe how people are..shame on them…You are pretty healthy,,,and wealthy..?….and so much wiser..!!!….I have followed every word you ever put on paper……Thank you ,,so much…for fun,,,happiness,,,,and a little more$$…than I ever expected….Stay well!!!!…Virginia
There is no doubt that I am a better player thanks to you. I have followed your advice for 20 years reading your books, following your blogs and even personal advice when I met you and Brad in Vegas at the Orleans. Armed with the playing knowledge I have learned from you maximizes the opportunities for success and minimizes my losses. Even the losing streaks are much more digestible knowing that I have approached the game applying the best info there is and that this is the price you pay for entertainment. Thanks for keeping me on the right path throughout my gaming journey.
We were playing in NOLA several years ago when I heard someone hit a jackpot and then that familiar voice from the many interviews. Was so excited to meet you after following you all those years and reading your books. We played for over 25 years all over the US, thanks to the tips from you and others that came before. After NOLA pulled the last of the good JOBs and deuces, we decided it was a good run and time to hang up the players’ cards. Thanks so much for the memories!
Not sure why people want to be negative when all you do in your books and blogs is help low rollers get their just desserts. I enjoyed the video when I saw it back years ago, just as I have enjoyed your books and blogs over the years. My wife and I never pay for rooms in Vegas (comped rooms for us), and barely ever pay for food. Since we are going to play anyway, we maximize are bankroll and work to play games that minimize our losses, all the while having a blast playing together. Thank you so much Jean, for setting us up on the right path to being low rollers. We love it!