The Inveterate Gambler a keen observer of people. After some recent casino trips he had some thoughts. Here are his rants and musing in no particular order or organization.

Casino Gambler – Money and Status

Recently while waiting to check – in at a top casino hotel, TheInveterateGambler was amused to see higher lever players card holders eschew the SHORTER, faster moving, hotel check-in line for “regular” players, just to stand in a LONGER slower “VIP” line, with fewer clerks. TheInveterateGambler could not help but think this was some ego play by these dopes.

Players using casino chips forget the value of money. The status level tier requirements manipulate many players to play more often and/or at higher than comfortable levels. As the end of the casino year approaches, players seeking to reach a higher tier level, or sustain their current status, rush to the casino to earn points. Most will shed many more dollars than the actual comps are worth.

Some players confuse casino status level with real life. Comps are a nice benefit of casino play. Sadly the bean counters are cutting them more and more every year. Unless you are extremely knowledgeable about the ins and outs of a particular casino comp system, you should never play for comps.
Unless you are playing in the casino that day, don’t take that player’s card out of your pocket. Any use will activate a “gaming day.” This includes parking, checking account balances, even buying ice cream with comps. Always remember, If you do not play while logged in as being present, you will dilute your comp worthiness to the casino.

Best way to raise your casino worth is LESS trips at a higher wager denomination. You should never gamble with money that is from any part of the budget other than entertainment. All current bills and responsibilities have to be addressed before stepping into a casino. The ATM and casino cash advance system is a colossal rip-off. Never use it! Casino credit, which in reality is basically a check cashing service, is a great convenience. Casino dealers have a difficult job, 90% do a great job. Please do not be rude to them. Remember they are working while you are playing. Also always remember to tip them.

People (and Dogs) and More

Since when did it become acceptable for people to take their dogs everywhere? The casino I was in the other day looked like the American Kennel Club. Dogs on leash, dogs in strollers, dogs in baskets. An actual “service” animal is not an “ emotional support” animal nor a companion. You fakers are abusing a system designed for those that genuinely need the assistance.

Just because smoking is permitted in a casino, it is still rude to blow smoke in the directions of the dealers face or other players.

When you go out to a casino you are out in public; please look presentable. Don’t go to the casino dressed like you are going out to paint the fence. Also, make sure you follow basic hygiene rules. Other than at the beach there is no reason for grown men to be walking around in open toe sandals with their nasty feet showing. Why do men dye their hair? It looks ridiculous. If you are a male over 50, balding with a belly, and a twenty-something attractive woman saddles up to you in the bar, she is working. She wants your wallet and watch. Don’t be a dope.

Do not waste food! When TheInveterateGambler is in charge, he will require a financial penalty for those that pile their plate to overflowing, with buffet food and then do not eat it. Perhaps some time jail time is also appropriate.

My casino parking tip, always park on the roof level, it will be easier to remember where your car is.

With the high season behind them, the Atlantic City Casinos will start to feel the effect of the Hard Rock and Ocean Resort openings.

Ask any five casino employees the same question, and you will undoubtedly get five different answers

It is only a matter of time until the new social norms change the style of casino cocktail server outfits.

Casino Gambler and Gambling

Craps (Dice)

Learning to play craps takes time, most players and dealers are generally very patient with new players. However, before you step up to the table, please learn some of the etiquettes. Craps players are notoriously superstitious, becoming acquainted with the culture will prevent any faux pas. It seems like, nobody ever makes hits a point of five in craps, ever. Some people, very few, perhaps less than 50 or 100 nationwide have some small ability, under limited circumstances, to somewhat influence the outcome of a dice roll. However, despite what some claim, there are no professional craps shooters. No one is making a living playing the game; They are like Bigfoot and ghosts, there are none, zero, nada. Final craps opinion – The “Iron Cross” craps strategy is a terrible way to play the game.

Also read: Casino Craps | Dice Control 

Blackjack

The blackjack basic strategy mistakes of other players at the table have no effect on your hand. It can just as much help as hurt you. It is surprising how many blackjack dealers do not know basic strategy 100%. You can be a great card counter in blackjack, and the count can be hugely in the players’ favor, but if the remaining cards don’t break in your favor, you are still going to lose. Luck still matters.

Also read: The Truth about Other Players Decisions in Blackjack

Hold’em, Pai Gow and Sports

– Texas Hold’em is as boring a game as they come. Trying to make a living in this game sounds like torture.
– “Pai Gow Poker” translates into English as “Slow Bankroll Death.”
– TheInveterateGambler strongly doubts many people actually can make a living betting sports. There are too many variables. Anyone offering to sell you sports picks is trying to rip you off. There are some great gambling podcasts available on the internet, and I look forward to the new episodes. The podcast scene is oversaturated with strictly “Las Vegas” shows. I have my favorites, and the rest have been deleted from my feed.

Finally, as the TheInveterateGambler also reminds you, “Gambling is just a fun way to spend money.”