Smart play in the
casinos can be habit-forming. Keeping your bet size proportionate to
your bankroll, choosing games wisely and avoiding chasing losses with
bigger bets should be deeply ingrained in any smart player.
Unfortunately, not-so-smart
play can be habit forming, too. From the things I see walking around
the casino, and from the feedback I get from readers, I know there are
many who aren't strictly betting with their heads.
As we head into
2006, let's review a few do's and don'ts that should be fundamental
for any player, habits that help make your trip to the casino fun without
gobbling your bankroll:
DO learn all you
can about the games you choose to play. If you're a blackjack player,
learn basic strategy. If you're a craps player, learn which bets give
you a fighting chance and which are just donations to the house. If
you're a slot player, you're strategy can't change the outcome, but
you're still better off if you know what to expect and how the games
work. Books, software, even online searches for information can help.
DO play from an
entertainment bankroll. Losing is part of the gaming experience, and
when the losses come, you don't want to be playing with the mortgage,
rent or grocery money. Consider them the cost of a day's entertainment.
DO keep your bet
sizes proportionate to your bankroll. If you've brought $100 to play
with, you don't want to be playing dollar slots --- a cold streak can
wipe out a hundred bucks in less than 10 minutes. With $100 on the slots,
better to start off on quarters, and be prepared to move down in denominations
if the bankroll slips below $50. Same deal on the tables. If you're
trying to make $100 last for a few hours, stay at $5 minimum tables,
and be prepared to walk away if the losses come early.
DON'T chase losses.
The saddest phrase I hear from players is, "I thought I was DUE
to win." Casino odds don't work that way. Past losses have no effect
on future outcomes. Trying to make up losses with bigger bets is a fast
road to bigger losses.
DON'T borrow money
to gamble. Even an advantage player --- a card counter in blackjack,
an expert video poker player sticking to the best games or a dice controller
in craps --- doesn't get a large enough edge to overcome credit card
interest rates. And most of us aren't advantage players. When you pay
interest on money used to gamble on games in which the house has an
advantage, your bankroll is under attack on two fronts. Borrowing money
to play is beyond a bad idea: It's downright dangerous.
DO sign up for player
rewards cards wherever you play. They're free, and they'll bring you
a little something extra, whether it's just a 2-for-1 buffet once in
a while or cash back. You'll earn rewards while you play, and also get
offers in the mail for comps designed to attract a return visit.
DON'T bet extra
for the sake of comps. Take whatever the casino is willing to give you
for your normal play. But don't play an extra hour, or move from quarter
slots to dollars, or bet $10 a hand instead of $5 in hopes of earning
a meal comp. You may find that free lunch costs far more than if you'd
just paid for it.
DO keep part of
your winnings. Don't go crazy after a big win just because you're playing
with "their money." Remember, as soon as you've won it, it's
not "theirs" anymore. It's YOUR money, and you don't have
to give it back. You can buy yourself a treat, go out for an evening
on the town, put a little away for the kids' or grandkids' educations,
pay bills - whatever you want.
I've told this story
before, partly because it was exciting to me and the experience has
stayed with me, and partly because it illustrates what you can do when
you treat the money as yours. My first video poker royal flush was at
the Tropicana in Las
Vegas, during National Finals Rodeo week. "Now ain't them PURTY,"
a fellow in full cowboy gear drawled as he saw the five high hearts
on my screen. My wife and I went Christmas shopping with $100 bills
that year. It felt great not to pad any credit card statements.
Stash away AT LEAST
half of any good-size hit. When you spend it later, it feels just a
little nicer to be using money you've taken from the casino.
DO go easy on the
alcohol. My casino beverage of choice is bottled water, but I'm no fanatic.
If you want to have a drink while you play, that's up to you. But keep
your intake moderate. There's money on the line and you don't want your
judgment impaired. Relax and have a good time but keep a clear head,
too.
DO have fun. Gambling
in a casino is not a way to get rich. It's a way to have a good time.
Of course, if we take a little extra home, so much the better.
Good luck!
