I was asked on the GWAE radio show one time why I play for fairly low stakes ( mostly quarter video poker) in Las Vegas. I live in the Detroit area and flying to Las Vegas entails quite a bit of time and effort. My expected value on most trips is modest, definitely under $1000, so I was asked why I go through the trouble. Here is part of the reason.
A friend of mine passed away recently. His poker handle was FBI Bill. I got him started playing poker and not long after that, he became a much better player than I ( and frequently reminded me of that). We took a lot of trips to Las Vegas ( and a few other golf and gambling trips) and I could usually cover a good portion of the hotel and food expenses from casino comps. And that’s a pretty good reason for the hobby. On one of the trips, his youngest son came with us. We had a great time and I really didn’t think too much of it.
When FBI Bill passed away, his son wrote me the following, after I sent him my condolences:
Thanks Jimmy. You and Hailey Marie have always been great and its because of you that I have memories with him from Vegas which are definitely one of the ones I’ll cherish forever.
To me, those words are worth more to me than any casino hit I have ever had. Any that’s why I do what I do.
RIP, FBI Bill.
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It sounds like your friend had many fine qualities. One of which was rearing a solid and thoughtful son.
May your friend rest in peace.
Mark,
Sorry for the very late reply but thank you for your kind thoughts. I miss FBI Bill.