I appreciate all the valuable input since the Comment feature has been working again. I believe many of you will find kernels of information there that will help you with your goal of improving your gambling results. And, of course, I welcome even more comments on the recent subjects.
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.
Got back from 4 days comped at the Las Vegas Hilton. Gotta love the “Go Green” promotion, where you get a $10 voucher for any of the food places for each day you don’t use maid service. 6 free buffets, good bounce back cash and 5X points on many video poker machines. A slice of heaven. My wife and I both had mailings from the LV Hilton for 4 more free nights and even more bounce back cash. Saw the Nathan Burton show AGAIN, with the free coupon you can find on line.
Jean, just came back from Lake Tahoe and Reno. I won around $2,800 at blackjack for the first time in years, but that’s not the real story. I hit no less than FIVE 4 deuces playing $1.00 NSUD VP at the casino you and I have discussed in Reno…all withing 4 hours time. Four of them on one machine at the bar next to the blackjack pit! And one in the High Limit area playing Illinois Deuces.
Now to the point: I’m not an advantage player. I know what I’m doing but I’m too lazy to study enough and practive enough to be one. I am good but I was also very lucky. This was my first time at this casino, and thanks to you I had an excellent host who made me an instant Platinum Premier w/suite and free steak dinner even before I played.
But in talking to my host in Lake Tahoe, whom I’ve known for 20 years, he indicated that the reason his casino had reduced the pay schedules for VP over the years was exactly because certain “advantage players” were ruining it for everyone else. He was sorry to see it but understood why management did it.
By the way, “traffic” in the Reno casino was excellent – lots of people for a Tuesday! But then, this casino still has 100 percent machines.
I usually suggest people concentrate their play at one casino so they might get future mailings that include free or discounted room offers. But if you don’t plan to return within a few months, there is nothing wrong for someone to come to Vegas and just play whatever and wherever you please. And in the short term, with a small bankroll, the best advice I can give you is to play at the lowest denomination you can find so your gambling entertainment time will last longer.
I haven’t been to Vegas in several years, but am wanting to go so badly, but from all the comments I am sort of scared to go. I’m not a big roller or anything; just probably a couple hundred dollars a visit. I would like to win a little; loose a little (break even would be a good thing). I was just wondering if machines are so tight that I wouldn’t have a good time? I usually go from casino to casino; is this a good idea or should I stay at one casino and spend my little dab of money? Am wondering if I’m the only one that feels this way or is it just me? Thanks for your response; enjoy your postings.
Jean this sunday the 10th the Travel channel is having a Vegas day we get to see you and Brad ride your scooters!
Jean,
You are correct, the issue of the advantage player versus the recreation player, will never be solved.
I would reference an old Jim Croce song lyric “You don’t spit in the wind” for the advantage players to consider.
The Travel Channel Vegas specials will indeed live on in reruns. I have Frugal Gambler story, Anthony Curtis with Bethany, and the Wayne Newton specials recorded and view them occassionaly when I need a “Vegas fix.”
Too bad the Travel Channel doesn’t update these as they were GREAT!
Looking forward to more updates on Brad and his gambling stories.
Thank you
Personally, I think it’s a shame what casinos have resorted to against “Advantage Players” in other businesses, retail as an example, you are only kicked out if you are a danger to yourself or others. Sure, a store such as Target or Walgreens doesn’t like to lose money if too many people take advantage of their discounts, but all they have to do is raise their prices and be done with it.
I guess where I am getting at is, if these people were so concerned about their games, why don’t they just stop offering those “beatable” games, Video Poker, Blackjack, etc. Seems the casinos want it both ways, which seems childish and “pickers can’t be choosers”, espicially in a recession.