For most people I believe that gambling is just a form of entertainment. It's a way to pass the time if you have a little money to spend. I don't expect to walk out a major winner when I visit a casino. I don't expect to win the jackpot when I play the lottery. I don't pin my hopes on winning. If you do that then maybe you should ask yourself why you are gambling. Be honest. You'll make more money from a part-time job than you will from gambling. I really truly believe we should only gamble because we enjoy the feeling of not knowing if we just lost a bet or won a small prize.
While I may not live and breathe in the casinos the way some of my older friends used to, I've spent a few weekends gambling away the hours. It's fun when you go with a group of friends. They are sharing the experience with you. I don't like to gamble when I am alone. Half the fun is watching other people play, too. But here are a few ideas I think everyone should follow when visiting a casino.
1. Only Take Cash You Can Lose
My number 1 recommendation whenever I talk about gambling with people is to limit how much money you can risk. Just put the credit cards and the check books in a safe place and go have fun with some cash. This should be fun money, not the rent check.
As far as real gambling advice goes, the only other thing I'll say here is that you should place small wagers so your money lasts. Sure, there are people who "play for real money". They lay down $50-100 on every game. You'll see them win some big prizes but they are going deep into their pockets.
I've watched many people burn through a few thousand dollars and then walk out of a casino feeling cheated. Well, guess who cheated them.
2. Eat the Food
If you're in a large casino, I don't care which state you're in, go eat at the restaurant. The nicer casinos hire full kitchen staffs and professional chefs. I've eaten some of the best food at casino restaurants.
But even if there is only a sandwich shop, get up and walk around and go eat something. If you're in a casino long enough to feel hungry or other needs, take a long break. The games aren't going away.
3. Take In a Show
Many casinos now bring in entertainers. It might be a sports match or a rock band. Maybe they'll offer a dance club.
Treat the casino as a full night's entertainment. The larger, more competitive a casino is the more likely it will have 2-3 entertainment venues.
4. Drink Water Instead of Alcohol
Although modern casinos invest in very good air conditioning systems there are usually a higher percentage of smokers in a typical casino than you will meet elsewhere. People can become dehydrated quickly in an air conditioned environment, but the smoke can dry you out even more quickly.
Although casinos may offer cheap or free alcoholic drinks, they want you to be just tipsy enough to make bad decisions. Well, even if you don't drink you can make bad choices when you are tired and dehydrated.
Be sure to drink bottled water when you spend a few hours in a casino. Save flavored and/or alcoholic drinks for special treats. Don't just suck down the same liquid over and over (unless it's water). Stay hydrated, move around, and keep a clear head.
5. Watch the Time
Casinos have a way of making you lose track of time. They do that intentionally so you'll keep playing the games.
So take a watch and check it occasionally. Or look at the time on your smart phone. Don't trust to the casino to put a clock where you can always see it.
Keeping track of the time is not just good sense. It will allow you to stop gaming and go see a show when you need to. Or maybe you will agree to meet someone for lunch or dinner in a restaurant. Do that to ensure you keep checking the time.
While it's great to immerse yourself in the entertainment experience, you want to be the one calling the shots in your own life. Control your day by making a schedule and sticking to it. There's nothing quite like knowing you're in charge when the other guy thinks he has you.
6. Go Outside Every Couple of Hours
This really depends on the casino. I've noticed some of the really nice Native American casinos have beautiful landscaping. Sometimes my wife and I will walk around the grounds and relax from the intense gaming experience.
The best casinos are resorts and they'll have shops, museums, and gardens for their guests to enjoy. If the casino goes to the trouble of helping you get away from the constant noise of the gaming rooms, why not do that?
Some casinos have lounges with beautiful window views. You may have to order something to eat but if you can just sit and watch nature in all its glory, I think that enhances the casino experience.
7. Shop for Small Gifts
Sure, it's just another way for the casino to get your money but at least you're walking out with something. Branded merchandise helps you share your memories with friends and family.
Depending on where they are located some casinos may sell local arts and crafts, books by local authors, and other non-standard merchandise.
Look beyond the usual selection of caps, cups, and personal accessories for items that reflect the local community's heritage and culture. Some casino shops may offer genuine works of art that are affordable.
The fully modern casino experience is about more than just gambling. There may be more to do at your local entertainment venue than you realize. Check out the options and look for casinos that offer a lot of variety to their customers.
Conclusion
For years I thought all you did in a casino was play the games and get drunk. It took a very special lady to show me that life is more interesting than that. She invited me to a large Native American casino for a weekend visit. I took lots of money thinking we'd need it for gaming. Sure, we played the slots and blackjack. But I had the most fun watching the show, eating the food, and walking through the garden.
If your local gambling venue doesn't yet offer all these amenities then plan your next vacation around a full resort experience. It's more expensive but I think you'll be pleased with the outcome.
