I’ve read a ton of books on gaming and poker. Some of them were biographies. Some were on game theory. I got really intrigued by the culture of gambling.
I’m also frugal. I realized early on that gambling and playing poker can be a very expensive hobby or have the makings of a disastrous career path. Education and common sense are key.
Yes. There are many entertainment, nightclub and shopping opportunities in Atlantic City. But very few visitors can escape the alluring urge to at least put a 20 into a machine before they head home, no matter the reason they are in the city.
We also know that the roads of Atlantic City — as potholed as they are in spots — are paved with gamblers who had a system. You can go home a winner. But it is unlikely.
What you can easily do is budget your money, manipulate the comp system and have a great time. You’ll need some discipline to do this.
Below are some beginner tips that you can apply to your system of gambling to get some free stuff and stretch your time at the tables.
The first thing you should do is get a players card for every casino you visit. This is your lifeline to accumulating comps, participating in free events like slot tournaments and getting out of the parking garages for free or at a deep discount.
For those of you who like to gamble and also stay off the radar, if you hit a payable jackpot, “the man” is going to get your information anyway. You might as well think positive and collect the perks while you’re at it.
The only reason to not get the cards is if you are banned from a property. Or you have put yourself on an exclusion list. Obviously, you shouldn’t be in a casino in either case anyway.
Speaking of perks: Any that a casino offers you, take!
I’ve regifted the juicers, dishes and solar lights that I didn’t want. I’ve won $1,000 on free football pools. I’ve hit a slot machine for $500 with free slot dollars. I’ve won another $500 in a free blackjack tournament. I’ve bought lunch when the ball landed on black with a free bet.
It all adds up.
Don’t leave these offers on the table if you are planning to come to town anyway.
That being said, don’t plan a trip solely around a long-shot free tournament or an off-brand toaster. I also have walked away down three digits. Because I made a special trip in for some appliance that started smoking when I plugged it in.
Use plain old common sense.
Don’t play at all if you don’t know the rules and strategies of the game. There is a wealth of information online and at your local library. Where do you think I got all those gaming books at?
Don’t try to learn at the table. Don’t trust that the dealer has an expert understanding of the game. Don’t count on other players to stop their fun and relaxation to teach you. It’s rude. Do your homework.
One exception is slots. You can hit the button and know the machine won’t cheat you unless it malfunctions. But, still read the rules. Mistakes can be made.
One classic is betting the minimum wager hoping to win that huge jackpot at the top of the machine that you may be ineligible for. To have a chance at it, you need to be betting the max.
Another exception may be craps.
It can be a confusing game with lots of betting options. Tipping the croupier when you arrive at the table will buy you an ally that will prevent you from missing out on odds bets and help you along the way.
Now that you have decided to play, pick a good time.
The table limits are usually less in the daytime hours and during the week. Fridays and Saturdays you won’t find low limits anywhere. Keep that in mind.
Lastly, make yourself these promises:
Let me state that last one again: I won’t chase my losses!
When you take a loss, think of it as a cover charge for your entertainment that evening.
If you went bowling or golfing, it would cost you money for the pleasure of playing. Plus, you don’t ever get free drinks at the bowling alley!
Gambling offers you the chance to be up at the end of the night. But it’s only a chance. Remember that.
Look for more gambling tips in the coming months in this section.
Good luck!
