However, in the summer of 1995, we did go up to playing dollar machines.  This was not a hasty decision; Brad and I are both very conservative in financial matters.  Ever since we had started casino gambling I always had what I considered a “healthy” fear of going broke!  Guess that was the result of my frugal nature.

In fact, we had just gone through a long losing spell caused by a royal drought, embarrassingly during the period when we were being followed by the “48 Hours” TV crew for a story about how we could be so successful in Las Vegas by using the comp system. Of course, that story had a “miracle” ending with my winning a car in a Stardust drawing.

That event seemed to set off a wonderful series of royal flushes.  I remember two we had in short order, at the Sahara where we – and many other knowledgeable VP enthusiasts– enjoyed a double-your-royal promotion. $2000 instead of $1000 was a great bankroll boost for us quarter players.  Unfortunately, like we would find so often in future years, the casino would soon find it unprofitable for their bottom line and end this player advantage!     However, back home that spring in Indianapolis we made 3 trips over to Peoria, IL, where the Par-A-Dice gave us a royal every visit.

So, when we went back to Vegas that summer, playing mostly Deuces Wild all over town, a pro saw us playing quarters at the Four Queens.  “You two should be playing dollars; you could make a lot more money with these good promotions going on here.”

We knew about the promotions.  Four Queens would often have 2 or even 3 going on at the same time.  Brad and I discussed at length whether we should consider going up to dollars.  Our bankroll was getting bigger.  But were we ready to psychological take this risk?  We already knew, even playing quarters, about the VP roller coaster ride.  Would we be able to take that ride when the downside would be 4 times lower?

I need to stop here and give some insight into our particular circumstances.  Not every gambler comes with the same life details.  Particularly I am concerned about people who read about our past years of casino adventures and want to “do just what you did.”  First, I am talking about the past.  It is not as easy to do these days.  In fact, successful gambling is never easy. If any gambler tells you it is, you can be sure he is lying.  But the truth is that advantage play was easier back when the casinos were more generous with player benefits.

A second, and very important fact you need to consider in reading our casino story, is that we never “needed” to make money gambling.  When we started, Brad had a full-time job and I was still doing private tutoring.  And after we retired, Brad had a pension and later we both had Social Security.  These were modest amounts but enough to cover all our living expenses.  I never recommended that people depend totally on gambling income for basic life expenses.  Those that have done so successfully for many years are a rare breed that have had to work their tail off and most certainly have gone through some very scary desperate financial periods.  Many many more have fallen by the wayside, most sooner or later deciding to add a part-time “real” job or choose to pursue a career in another field.  Sadly a few have not given up until they have lost everything – their friends, their family, and a few even their life.

When we had to make our decision at the Four Queens, we already had 11 years of casino gambling under our belt.  We had learned how to cope with the emotional stress of the roller coaster ride. And we had become acquainted with many kinds of gamblers and were aware of the dangers that befell those that were not careful in their money management.  But, we had enough regular income to cover our expenses, our retirement nest egg was securely invested, and we had built up our gambling bankroll to what we felt was sufficient.

So, on July 6^th, excited – and maybe just a bit fearful, we hit the dollar machines for the first time.  I don’t remember exactly how the first hour or so went, whether we were winning a little or losing pretty fast, but I do remember my shock when I drew to four suited royal cards and that glorious 5^th one popped up.  I don’t remember what suit it was – all I could think about was that giant four-thousand-dollar jackpot. Yes, four times the risk but also four times the reward!

As soon as I got paid, we decided to take a break and celebrate with a comped dinner at Magnolia’s.  It was still early when we finished our meal, and Brad and I discussed whether we should keep playing.  Maybe we would lose bad and feel bad that we lost part of the big jackpot?  On the other hand, those juicy promotions were still going on.

Yes, we went back to the machines – and the unbelievable happened just a few minutes later.  I drew to 3 suited royal cards and the other two popped up!!!

I didn’t care what promotions were going on.  After they paid me the $4000 a second time, I told Brad that I had to go to our room.  My nerves were shot!

Concerning the subject of whether “advantage players” are “ruining” things for the casual gambler, I can see both sides of this issue  and I doubt that it will ever be “settled.”   It mainly comes down to your goals and the amount of effort you want to expend. 

I do think that some skilled players  bring casino heat on to themselves by doing unwise things.  I see a player pounding away on two VP machines and I feel they have a sign on their back:  “I am here to hurt you bad – you better kick me out!”  I hear of some players badgering their hosts constantly for more and more comps. I am known as the Queen of Comps, but I am very careful not to be a “comp hound,” using but not abusing  the comp system.  In fact, we way under-use the comps we earn, so much  so that we have hosts begging us to eat at a gourmet restaurant  once in awhile instead of at the coffee shop or buffet!

And to answer one more question that one reader asked:  No, we are not working on any new TV shows, on the Travel Channel or elsewhere.  The opportunities just aren’t there these days; more emphasis is now on live poker.  But it looks like the Frugal Gambler story will live on indefinitely in reruns.