For several days now I have been checking my last post and was so disappointed that there were no comments; no one seemed to be interested in our “big decision.” In fact, I started wondering if anyone was really interested in my babblings here. Maybe I should continue with my gradual retirement and discontinue this blog.
However, today I did a check of the blog Spam file, something I have to do every few days. I clean out all the e-mails ads for Viagra and multiple other drugs that would solve every problem in the medical tomes. There are always a ton of e-mails promoting online gambling. And, of course, there are the persistent e-mails determined to educate me about how to achieve sexual happiness in ways I barely can imagine much less actually want to try.
But, spam frustration quickly turned to real joy. For some reason – I’ll never understand computer gremlins – everyone’s comments ended up in the Spam file. So I quickly read and “approved” each one – something I have to do to keep the Comments section free of junk e-mails – and now all of you can read those many many good guesses to the puzzle!
Most of you guessed right – we did take the trip. We also did many of the things that were suggested: We looked for other games to play and found a blackjack machine that had good rules – actually better than the live table games. It was one of those big multi-player machines and for several hour sessions of low-denomination play we had fun laughing with the other players as we “talked” to the virtual dealers.
Someone suggested we do the math – and, of course, we always do that. Although our 9/6 multi-line JoB machine had been downgraded, we did find a $5 single-line 8/5 Bonus machine that we decided to play since with the bonus money we were given at check-in and 3 x points, it was at least an even play. But we set a low win/loss limit since my psychological bankroll in such circumstances is very low. Fortunately, I was DEALT two specials within the first 15 minutes. (Where are those dealt hands when we are playing multi-line??)
We did go to the concert and we had a good time visiting with our friends. Plus, because of short-term luck, we came out about $700 ahead on the gambling plus the bonus money and lots of slot points.
But what if we hadn’t won – and that is always more likely in the short term. Was going on this trip really a wise decision in the first place? In a couple of days, I will discuss this trip more in detail and analyze some important issues that I have been wanting to discuss here anyway.
Stay tuned – and be reassured that I will continue babbling about gambling, probably until my fingers can no longer trip along a keyboard!
Queen Jean,
Since 1988 my wife and I have visited Vegas 2-3 times a year. It would have been more but we live in snow country and you never know when the “big storm” will hit. All those years and never a ‘royal’ many four of a kinds but the big one always a card away. Then Nov 2009 my first,WOW how exciting. Only quarters but still the feeling was great. Now April 2010, not one but TWO, ONE $1 and one quarter royal flush all in the same visit. Short term- long term I was excited. Thanks to you and all your advice over the years I stuck with it, knowing it would happen one of these days. Keep up the blog Jean, your fans love you.
I’ve been reading your column for years, I would really miss it if you gave it up. There are a 1/2 dozen websites I check faithfully every day and this is one of them. I find your personnal stories interesting, it adds a balance to the craziness of that city! Please keep it up! The Las Vegas Advisor keeps me connected with Las Vegas happenings in between visits.
Thanks!
Jean,
We have read your books and avid fans of your articles. We were at TI last October when we competed in the drawing for the free play Saturday night. You always said your chance to win is based on a deal of luck. Well my wife and I won a $1000 free play that night with 3 tickets. We follow your advice on all of our trips to Vegas. Please as my wife says from 1 kinder gardener aide to a teacher keep on writing because you have a very big following.
Jean, Please know that this is the first time I have sent such an e-mail to anyone. Just know that if you choose to stop writing your articles, it would be a tremendous loss. I have read them, and purchased your books, for 11 years, and find it all invaluable. Keep it coming, please!
Thanks, Darah
Hi Jean,
I subscribe via RSS – Google Reader, of which I have 711 blog subscriptions with 3,500 – 4,000 posts per day. Hard to believe but true. So, sometimes I miss a post as I scroll through the headlines.
I want to add to the chorus on this subject. You are one of the most reliable sources of information for Las Vegas locals. Your posts are not just informative, but validating of what so many locals see in our visits to Las Vegas casinos. If anything, I wish you would post more often.
Whomever I interact with here in Las Vegas, Realtors, hair stylist, friends, condo association meetings, waiters, bartenders, fellow poker players, strangers you meet while playing VP – everybody local, the subject of Las Vegas casinos always comes into the conversation. Because I am in Palms, Orleans, Rampart, Hilton, Suncoast, South Point, Silverton and Ellis Island way more than I should, everyone asks my opinion on machines, downgrades, drawings, restaurants, most recently service quality given the staff cutbacks and on it goes. Whenever I can, I quote Jean Scott, the known authority for Las Vegas.
I also LOVE to read about your amazing wins. My favorite post was your $100,000 win on a 100 play VP machine at The Palms!
So please, keep the blog going. Also know, and I say this from experience and being 59 in semi-retirement, that if you don’t use your mind for a useful purpose, then your are setting yourself up for deteriorating mental processes.
You have too many years of experience and hard work to drop this now. I say please, continue until your dying day. You are sharp as a tack, so that is a long way off!
You are truly one of Las Vegas’ local jewels.
Best regards,
Lane
Please don’t quit with your blogging. You are one of the few “normal” people I love to read. As an “older” american I enjoy your perspective, not just on gambling, but also on life itself. Thank you.