Website / Podcast Recemmendation - "Gambling With an Edge"

Bob Dancer is a video poker expert and gambling author best known for his book "Million Dollar Video Poker," which recounts six years of video poker experiences. Currently he writes a weekly online article for www.lva.com. More than 400 of Dancer's articles are archived on www.bobdancer.com.

Whether it's in the car, by the pool, or at the fitness center, I like to listen to some of my favorite podcasts. Currently, Bob Dancer co-hosts, with Richard W. Munchkin, (Black Hall-of-Famer), a weekly hourlong radio program called "Gambling With An Edge," on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. on KLAV 1230 a.m. in Las Vegas. This podcast is for the serious gambler, or those who are very interested in the business and industry of gambling. It's purpose is to make you a more informed gambler and closer to being an advantage player - a player looking for the best positive advantage in gambling.

Every week, Bob & Munch host guests that give in depth looks into many aspects of the casino world that are not usually discussed. Here are some of my recent favorites:

• Michael Gaughan - owner of Southpoint Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and son of the famous gambler and Vegas entrepreneur Jackie Gaughan, famous for Binion's Casino and the World Series of Poker.
• Ray Konder, CPA - how to file taxes as a professional gambler; insights into promotion and legal problems with casinos; tax info for all gamblers
• "Old-Timer" - an anonymous Las Vegas professional gambler reminiscing about video poker teams and gambling promotions; changes in gambling and casino security.

The information provided is amazing. From looks into the historic "good old days" of Las Vegas gambling, to the latest suggestions on how to best maximize current promotions, such as Atlantic City's Revel and their recent $100,000 rebate.

It's a highly rated podcast by its listeners - obviously the serious gambler, gambling historians and the like. If you want to hear it live, the Live Air-Time is: 7 PM Thursday nights on KLAV Talk-Radio 1230am In Las Vegas. You can listen live http://www.klav1230am.com

As for me, I prefer to have my Bob Dancer & guests accompany me to work.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Casino City - A Wealth Of Casino Information

If you look for casino info on the net, there is so much to sort through. But today's post reviews a website that I find very informative, and the more I dig, the more I find.

Casino City is a wonderful website that covers, well, just about everything in the world if gambling.  Casino City has four main categories.

1) Casino & Gaming Directory - a global directory of 6,234 casinos and other gaming properties. This includes news on all the major casino meccas, including Las Vegas Casinos, Macau Casinos, Reno Casinos, Biloxi Casinos, Atlantic City Casinos, and every other gaming destination in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, and worldwide

2) Gaming Business Center - For those who work in the industry or for those who are interested in the casino business. The Casino City Press has gaming directories and almanacs. Search gaming properties and executives with our Gaming Directory Online service and their Who's Who directory of gaming executives. It even includes gaming suppliers in their directory of over 14,137 Casino Vendors.

3) Internet Gaming Directory - Covers online gambling sites, ranked by popularity, as well as a directory of 5,180 online slots and our poker dictionary.

BUT MY FAVORITE PART, AND MOST INFORMATIONAL, is
4) CASINO CITY TIMES, which you can get to directly by Googling "Casino City Times." Want to study up before you hit the casino floor? Or get the hottest tips and Playing Strategy on your favorite games with thousands of articles from over 50 top gambling authors and experts? Then, this is the place to visit.

There is a great weekly e-newsletter you can sign up for. And it also includes a section they call "Gaming Gurus." An all-star cast of gambling experts have numerous excellent articles covering everything any one would wonder about. Just think getting your questions answered by the likes of Frank Scoblete, John Gronchowski, Aaron Todd, & Henry Tamburin.

So, take a few minutes and check it out. Some say ignorance is bliss, but the info at Casino City Times is gaming info delight.

That's all for now! Casino City is a Royal blast!

Binbin

"Sting" Review @ Mohegan Sun

A Great Concert and a Not-So Great Audience

Place: Mohegan Sun Arena
Event: A Concert
Performer: Sting

First Review - The Concert
I have loved Sting's music from his beginnings with the Police to his years of eclectic music post-Police. His performance was with a minimal group of outstanding musicians and was two hours of music that was both rocking and cerebral, spanning the simplicity of "Do Do Do, Dah Dah Dah" through to the complexity of "Seven Days." It was truly an incredible 2-hour concert.

I think Sting's music is truly an aquired taste - especially his solo volumes. From a jazz musician's point of view, the combination of odd time signatures, complex chordal structures, and solos that travel beyond rock's limited expected "riffs" provided entertainment for the mind, body and soul. It would have been one of the best concerts I have ever been, if not for the audience.

Second Review - The Audience
Audience concert standards have stooped to a new low. Mohegan Sun, listen read:

Suspect #1 - Some crazy "whack-a-doo" dressed in a cowboy hat, green outfit with green superman cape who was allowed to run, dance, and travel thoughout the dark arena - both sides, up and down the stairs, and quite distracting. Hello, Mohegan Sun, have you assessed the possible liability of this? Poor guy - 40 years old and needs the attention of 12,000 people. Where is Belleville Hospital when you need it?

Suspect #2 & #3 - Two guys talk loudly constantly behind us. I guess they think that their conversation is more important than those of us in a 20 feet radius. It was so bad, security had to ask them to stop, the couple behind me left they were so frustrated, and police were ready to remove them if we asked. Have we come to be such a self-obsorbed society that we can't let others around us enjoy a show they bought expensive tickets for? But there's more...

Suspect #4 - after being 1/2 hour late, and as the concert begins, she asks the row that I'm in to stand for her group of six to stand and let them by. She did it again later because, heaven forbid, she should be allowed to sit down at a time that didn't bother others.

Suspect #5 - aah, "Mr. Device Man" (Suspect #4's boyfriend sitting next to me). He was so interested in the concert, that he had to tweet, check mail, and find the Bruins score. Not once, not twice, but often. So, it wasn't enjoyable trying to enjoy the concert while shielding my eyes from the bright white light next to me over and over again.

Have we gotten so selfish, inconsiderate, and entitled that our own personal needs trump the needs and general audience expectations of a generally civilized group of people? I hope not. For those few who didn't pay attention, they missed one heck of concert.

That's all for now. That's enough don't you think?

Binbin

Rhode Island Prepares for Table Games

Twin River Operates Successful Soft Opening
Twin River stripped it's reputation as "the Lincoln slots parlor" this week as it expanded into the realm of live Las Vegas-style games including blackjack, roulette and craps.

Friday’s soft opening was for invited guests only was a test run before the grand opening set for next Friday. According to Patti Doyle, a spokeswoman for Twin River it was a successful start. ‘‘We worked so long for this day so to have it arrive is really gratifying,’’ Doyle said.

Another soft opening is set for Monday, when members of the public will be allowed to participate. A formal ribbon-cutting is planned for Wednesday.  Low limits should still be expected.

Last Thursday, newly hired casino regulators toured the floor containing the 66 new table games. Twin River spent the winter and spring hiring hundreds of workers, renovating space for the new games.

"We are excited to open," said Twin River Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Craig Sculos. "After six months of renovation and construction, we're getting very close to showtime. Staff is in place, the facility is looking good. We're ready to come out of the gate and open up the new era of Twin River." Sculos added that "...the addition of table games and Twin River's focus on customer service will help the casino differentiate itself from the existing Connecticut casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, and help get a leg up on the three casinos planned for and currently undergoing discussions in neighboring Massachusetts."

Anti-Cheating Bill Passed
In reaction to the tables games opening at Twin River, the RI Senate unanimously approved an “anti-cheating” bill described by the Chafee administration as critical to the launch of live, state-operated casino gambling at the privately owned Twin River Casino.

Basically, the bill that Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin introduced for the Chafee administration defines a “casino crime” and the penalties for it. It also creates a gaming enforcement unit within the state police, and gives the unit the authority to enter and inspect the casino at any time, inspect its operations and records, eject anyone violating laws, and enforce the new laws relating to table games.

Any cheating by a patron — or employee — would be subject to a potential 10 years in jail and $100,000 fine. That could include everything from “intentionally taking advantage of a malfunctioning machine” or placing “plastic, tape, string or dental floss” inside a coin receptacle to “infiltrating a computer system.”

“The stiff penalties included in the bill will serve as a deterrent to criminal activity and protect the integrity of games at Twin River’s facility. Since the state will take 18 percent of revenue from those games, it has a significant interest in deterring cheating,” Goodwin said.

Let the games begin!  Before you go, know your "table manners" - check out my post on Table Game Etiquette before you go.

That's all for now

Binbin

Great Gambling Books

A while back, I reviewed "Roll The Bones" by Dr. Dave Schwartz. I loved it! I'm reading it again because their is so much to sink in.

Then I was wondering what other gambling books I have read and enjoyed - books I would suggest. Well here's a short list of suggestions I have enjoyed and hope you will, too.

"American Casino Guide" by Steve Bourie - I buy this book every year. Not only does it have articles about different games, statistics, and coverage of every state's gambling offerings, but it comes with over $1000 worth of coupons. Using a few of these pays for the book each year, wherever you normally gamble, or with a trip to the top five gaming areas in the US.

"The Frugal Gambler" by Jean Scott - Learn the low-roller secrets for: Staying free at hotel-casinos, beating casino promotions, eating and drinking on the house, playing video poker for profit, getting bumped from airplanes and flying for free. And now THE FRUGAL GAMBLER is completely revised and updated. New information includes a completely revamped chapter on video poker, updated coverage of getting the most out of slot clubs, recent examples of exploitable gambling promotions, and a brand new Resources section, identifying the best sources of player information available from books to software to the Internet. It gives a great perspective on why using your rewards card for every casino is important all the time.

"Million Dollar Blackjack" by Ken Uston - Uston's book has great descriptions of team BJ play. Extremely entertaining and was THE book to read for BJ teams years ago. A bit dated in spots, but not a bad place to start learning about card-counting and advantage play

"Video Poker-Optimum Play" by Dan Paymar - This was the first serious book I read to learn about Video Poker. I had finally realized the benefits of correct strategy, Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun had just been built and it changed my VP play forever. Some say it's simply the best book ever written on Video Poker (and probably the only one you'll ever need).

"Casino Gambling for Dummies" by Kevin Blackwood - Want a good overview of Casino Gambling? This book is a great place to start. Kevin Blackwood has used his considerable casino and casino games knowledge to create what’s more than just a beginner’s guide. Insider secrets and tips for maximising profits while minimising losses when playing all of the major casino games are just the basis of this comprehensive casino guide. In addition, Blackwood explains odds as well as detailing winning strategies, bad bets, how to manage your money and how to gamble online. A "How-To" book that you don't have to read cover to cover!

"Bringing Down the House" by Ben Mezrich - The tale of how MIT students won millions of dollars in Las Vegas is sure to excite and inspire. This is fun reading and includes references to play at Foxwoods as well for a New England flavor.  Reads well, well enough for you to forget that it isn't fiction.

"The Video Poker Answer Book" by John Grochowski - John Grochowski addresses common player concerns in his complete guide to video poker. This is a nuts and bolts book that answers questions that every VP player asks or wonders about. Perfect for players who want to understand the mechanics behind video poker, without becoming overwhelmed by facts and figures

"Zen and the Art of Casino Gaming" by Miron Stabinsky - This book discusses basic rules & strategies, as all gambling books do. But this differs in the way Miron covers the psycology of being successful - or at least enjoying gaming more by realizing what you actually DO control. This book teaches acceptance of gambling reality to help get the most enjoyment out of your play. It's a little different, but I liked it.

Finally, any book about systems to beat slots is a good book - a good book for the author that is. There is NO SYSTEM to beat slots. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! If you consider buying any such book, drop it and run - run fast and run far!

That's all for now. Tomorrow is NE Gambling Entertainment Wednesday!

Binbin

Table Games on the Horizon in Rhode Island This June!

It's Time to "Roll the Bones," Spin the "Little Wheel, " and "Color Up" in Rhode Island!
Table games at Twin River casino will be open to the public a full 12 days ahead of schedule. The chairman of the Lincoln, Rhode Island gaming venue confirmed that table games will be open on June 19, almost two weeks before the projected opening date of July 1.

Twin River will mark its progression to a full-scale casino with an invitation-only event Friday, June 14 at the new table gaming area inside the Lincoln facility. The tables games will shut for two days after the June 14 party, reopen for low-limit betting June 17 for up to 24 hours and shut down again for a day.

The table games kickoff will be celebrated with a formal ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m, at the entrance to the table game's first floor space, followed by a Blackjack tournament in which dignitaries will play for a charity of their choice. Twin River also plans to donate $20,000 to 6 Rhode Island charities as designated by the winning players.

"We're thrilled to open table games sooner than expected and it is a true reflection of the incredible level of cooperation we have received from our regulators, town officials, unions, Twin River staff and our construction team from Gilbane Building Company," said John Taylor.

Along with the new games comes new jobs. Twin River said the casino is adding 500 to 600 jobs with the addition of table games. As promised during the campaign leading up to Election Day, Twin River Chairman John E. Taylor, Jr. said 80 percent of those jobs created will go to Rhode Islanders.
Twin River officials say the addition of the tables is expected to help slot revenue increase by between $5 million and $7 million dollars a year through what's known as companion gambling.

Just a reminder, be knowledgeable of the table games rules and traditions before you go. Check out my "Etiquette on Table Games" post. It will give you a foundation for "do's & don'ts" at the tables.

Finally, be patient. If you're expecting the smoothness of Vegas, and the efficiency of other well known casinos who have had table games for years, then you'll be disappointed.

Anyway you look at it, a great month to visit your Rhode Island Casinos. Check out Wednesday's New England Entertainment post on Wednesdays to check out the entertainment Twin River and Newport Grand, which often includes Free concerts in it's Event Center.

That's all for now!

Binbin

Mohegan Sun "Sun-day"

Here's the news from Uncasville:

Mohegan Sun continues PowerPlay Bonusing.
PowerPlay Bonusing delivers promotional games like Virtual Racing, Power Winners Progressive Jackpot and Power Winners Instant Hit directly to your slot game while you're playing. You have more ways to win instantly as you play your favorite games! Check website for days and times

Beautiful Blue Glass Structure Damaged
A Massachusetts man was arrested Sunday at Mohegan Sun after police said he damaged the 25-foot-tall River Blue glass sculpture created by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.Police said he did about $1,500 in damages. The 10,000-pound, 14-foot-wide sculpture is composed 2,500 colored glass components hand-blown by a team of artisans in Seattle and assembled on site in 2001. Other casinos that display his work include Bellagio in Las Vegas, Borgata in Atlantic City and Resorts World in Singapore. Dale Chihuly is an American glass sculptor and entrepreneur. His works are considered unique to the field of blown glass, and according to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, "moving it into the realm of large-scale sculpture."

More Shopping Planned
Mohegan Sun is planning to build a new shopping plaza of between 10 and 30 stores. The tribe and its casino are close to signing a partnership agreement for the building of the new plaza, but declined to name the venture partner. The plaza will be located near the casino’s Winter Entrance, the entrance that was Mohegan Sun’s original customer front entrance when it opened in 1996.
The plaza is a key part of Mohegan Sun’s drive to add amenities to make it stand out from gambling only casinos in nearby states,such as Twin River. It is also similar to the project that has already begun, creating a new shopping plaza at Foxwoods.

Sun Grid Improving for the Future
The Mohegan Sun, has selected Tantalus as the exclusive smart grid communications provider for the facility. Mohegan Sun will deploy the Tantalus Utility Network (TUNet®) for precise, real-time meter reading via a high-performance fiber backbone. Mohegan Sun joins a small number of casinos around the world to deploy a fully operational, independent smart grid solution at its facilities. (The casino’s electrical load requirement currently tops 25 MW, enough to power a small town.) Mohegan Sun will immediately utilize TUNet for meter reading automation and administration with the ability to incorporate future advanced energy management applications. With the addition of TUNet, the organization furthers its commitment to adopt the most efficient, technologically advanced solutions available while implementing the groundwork to accommodate future growth.

It looks like Mohegan Sun & Foxwoods are not taking the additional gaming & resort options in New England lightly. Plans to the future are already on the drawing board, being built or already in place.

That's all for now. One of the best ways to beat the heat of CT's first heat wave of 2013 is to make some royal flush heat of your own in the coolness of the casino. Remember:

1. only BRING the amount of money you can afford to bring
2. people watching doesn't cost money, (but please check out my posts on casino etiquette first), and
3. only SPEND the amount of money you can afford to spend!

Binbin

Slot Machine & VP Etiquette - Final Part

The Final Chapter......
I hope you enjoyed this series. The fact is there are many things anyone should be aware of when visiting a casino. Each game has it's own set of rules and expectations. It's important to be knowledgeable, considerate and aware. I hope this has been helpful. And now... the final chapter in the series of
Casino Etiquette.

• Slot machine etiquette teaches that you should never touch the slot machine of another player. You should also not lean on their chair or shoulder as this motion could cause them to jerk and hit the wrong button.
• Slot machine etiquette allows a person to play two slot machines that are right next to each other as long as the casino is not overly crowded. There will be times in which people are waiting to sit down that a slot attendant might ask a player playing two slot machines to end one of their sessions.
• Slot machine etiquette frowns on those people that pound the buttons on a slot machine rapidly for good luck. Also, many casinos will frown on this since this wears the slot machines out over time. Plus, this is just distracting to other players around.
• If you are going to watch a person play a slot machine, do not sit in the chair next to them unless you plan on playing yourself. This takes a seat away from someone else. Slot attendants will usually be quick to ask you to please move. This is a true no-no of slot machine etiquette.
• Understand the rules before you sit down. Is the slot machine progressive? Is it a community game involving other players? How do you get the bonus(es)? Take time to watch the game from afar or how about this - check the menu and actually read the game rules and pay table! Don't be lazy and expect others to teach you on their time.
• As an act of courtesy, you must not leave the slot machine reserved for several minutes. Get back to the machine immediately.
• Playing multiple slot machines or video poker machines simultaneously is not encouraged whether the casino is crowded or not. But, it is more tolerated when the casino isn't busy. Besides, it does not improve your odds to play more than one machine at a time. Give someone else a chance to play.
• There are times that some players have forgotten their players card within the slot machine. When you found this out, it is a practice that you must put the card on the top of the machine where the previous player can easily see and get the forgotten card.
• Slot machine etiquette frowns on those people that pound the buttons on a slot machine rapidly for good luck. Also, many casinos will frown on this since this wears the slot machines out over time. Plus, this is just distracting to other players around.
• Do not watch others play over their shoulder if they do not know you, that's just creepy !!!! In small casinos it seems to be accepted to do that once your money runs out...just wander over and watch a total stranger play. Like I said - CREEPY!!

Well, that's all from this soapbox. That basically covers it. Bottom line is have fun, but not at somebody else's expense.

Binbin

Table Game Etiquette

Here are a few suggestions for table games I have found from many, many sources. I hope they are helpful. Since I seldom play table games besides Blackjack or Three-card Poker, and dabbled a bit with Roulette, I have to rely on the "world-wide-web" for most of the following suggestions. I'm sure there are more, some very specific to the particular game. Forgive me if I am not all-inclusive, but it's a good addition to the previous "Etiquette posts."

General

• Do not smoke in non-smoking areas. You have a perfect right to smoke where permitted, but non-smokers also have a right to expect the designated areas to be smoke free. I'm not sure why this is a difficult concept for some.
• It is always a parcel of casino etiquette to play any casino game with enough knowledge how the game is played. Most players in casinos are professionals and even beginners in casinos are also expected to act professionals even in their manner of playing the game.
• When looking to join the game, look for an empty chair at most other games - it means there is room for you. For craps, look for an empty space on the rail and belly up to the table.
• Do not ask the dealer for advice. Dealers do not want to be blamed if you follow their advice and you lose so they will usually give a vague answer if you ask. An exception is pai gow and pai gow poker, where you may ask the dealer how he would play his hand according to the "house way."
• To buy into a game, you must convert your cash into chips when you play table games. Dealers are not allowed to take cash directly from your hands. You must put your money on the table and ask for change or chips. They will take your money and give you your chips. Wait for the hand being played to be over before buying in. If you’re playing craps wait until the shooter has rolled the dice. Never put your money on the table in the middle of a throw. Roulette tables use special chips for that table only. When you buy in you tell the dealer what denomination chip you want. Roulette chips must be cashed in at the table where you are playing.
• If you become upset with the play of others, leave the table.

Craps

• Make sure you know the rules of the game before you start playing. Relying on the dealers and other players to give you instructions and advice isn't fair and disrupts the play. Take advantage of free lessons that many casinos offer before standing at a real table. Try some craps apps tutors - many are very helpful.
• Don't be the guy who gets angry after somebody craps out. Like he did it intentionally.
• Blowing on the dice for good luck can seem pretty gross to other players who may have to handle them after you.
• When you are the shooter, roll so that the dice hit the back wall of the table. That's required to assure random rolls.
• Avoid leaning over or placing your hands in the table area when the shooter is rolling the dice.
• Cheer the shooter, root for the point to come up, be as loud as you like -- provided you are betting with the shooter. Don't Pass bettors are not encouraged to join in the revelry. They are betting opposite most of the players at the table, and right bettors have been known to take it personally when a wrong bettor openly roots for them to lose. A player who lets loose with a loud "Come on, seven!" is likely to endure glares or worse from the rest of the table.

Roulette

• Wait until the dealer lifts the marker off the previous winning number before starting to make bets on the next spin. Until that marker comes off the layout, the dealer is paying off bets from the previous spin and wants no confusion over what is an unpaid bet and what is a fresh wager.
• It is prohibited to eat or drink at a table. Otherwise you may either disturb other players or spill food or drink on the layout. Some casinos even use fees for spoiling the table layout.
• When the bets have already been placed and the croupier has announced that no more bets can be made, the players cannot touch their chips any more.
• While placing their chips, the players should not throw them to the layout. This way the chips may displace other players' chips. If it is hard for the player to reach the place for the bet, he or she should ask the croupier to make it for them. Thus it will be a call bet.
• All changes for color or cash chips should be made between the spins of the wheel. The players have to change their color chips for cash chips before leaving the table. Otherwise the chips will lose value.

Poker

• Good poker etiquette is about showing respect for your fellow poker players and the venue you're playing poker in, whether it's in someone's home, at a brick-and-mortar casino, or online. Although informal, some poker etiquette rules are universal, while others are specific to where you're playing the game.
• Don't be the condescending guy who can't believe you outwitted him in poker. At most levels of poker, skill wins, not arrogance.
• Don't be the fidgety guy who can't stop playing with his chips. It can be used as away to annoy opponents, but the players you need beat won't be bothered by it.
• Don't play poker and eat dinner at the same time! I mean, do you really need to gamble that badly that you can't break for 15 minutes to eat a sandwich? (And then there's the whole health issue: I don't even like sharing oxygen with some of the people who play poker in this country, much less touching cards and chips that they touched when they were eating. Yuk.)
• Don't ask for a new deck of cards just because you keep losing. Yup ... like it's the cards' fault.
• Play in a timely fashion. You can take the time you need to think at the climax of the game, but don't drag out every play.

That's all for now. Tomorrow is Foxwoods Friday!

Binbin

Stupid Human Tricks - Casino Etiquette, Part 5

"You Can't Fix Stupid!" - Ron White, Comedian
Even though this member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour may be correct, I will try to reach out and maybe bring awareness to Stupid and Inconsiderate Human Tricks in the casino.  Get your imagination ready.....

Sometimes, humans in a Casino transcend past the line of good/bad manners and into the the realm of

(cue echo) Sheer Stupidity, Stupidity, Stupidity, Stupidity.....

For them, it's a different reality. It's a light-speed dash to an entirely different planet, in a galaxy far beyond our imagination (cue music from "Star Wars" or even "Twilight Zone") - it's a planet called "Stupidus Horendus."

Ok, so, we've all probably been there at least once, probably more often than we would like to admit. Luckily, we make it back to Earth, hopefully safe and unscathed!

The following are some of those parallel universe experiences we see and unfortunately rub elbows with - figuratively AND literally.

First, it is improper to count your money out in the open. Not only that, but it's just plain stupid. If you are so naive that you think everyone is wrapped up in their own fun not watching you, then you have just visited "Stupidus Horendus." There are people that visit casinos to steal, not gamble. Be humble about your winnings or bankroll - it'll keep you safe and not alienate people around you (get-it? alienate? different planet?) . Casino etiquette would have you take your money up to your room, or into a stall in the bathroom to count it.  Wherever the place is, don't broadcast your win!

Those that have lived by casino etiquette for years know that there are cameras all over the place in a casino. They laugh at those fools that think that it is necessary to point out every camera in the place. Plus, casino security might wonder why you are doing this as well. Do you want them thinking that you have something to hide?

If you see a seat leaning up against a slot machine, leave that machine alone. This is done if a person needs to leave the slot machine for a few minutes and they feel that it has been lucky for them. However, if you don't have someone who you know watching it for you, I wouldn't do this myself - don't trust this long tradition of holding your seat in today's casinos. The clientele of today's casinos have not grown up with these things. It's the cynic in me that says "you shouldn't do this anymore," but, I still think it's stupid to be so naive in today's casino environment.

If you're going to lunch or to play another game, free up your spot. If you're going to be gone for more than a few minutes, it's not fair to other players or to the casino to tie up the game. And, for goodness sake, don't do the chair trick.

By the way, don't pressure someone around you to watch your machine. It's presumptuous to think that they should do that for you. It tends to keep a person there longer then they usually want to be and you don't even know them! Leave them alone!  (But I digress...)

Yeah - free drinks! Who doesn't like free drinks? But drinking to excess while gambling is just another trip to Stupidville. Please don't let me go into the well-known effects of alcohol on human decision-making! Monitor your alcoholic beverages before it's too late and your money is gone after more than expected runs to the ATM, you can't find your car (or the doorway to the parking garage) and you've just left your fly down for two full hours!

Very important - don't drive away from the casino unless you're sober. You're Stupidity of drinking intoxicated could harm or kill someone.

Finally, stupid and annoying machine tricks:

• Rubbing the screen of the slot for luck - how many people do you think have already touched that screen with dirty, germy hands? Google "Random Number Generator (RNG) - it might save you from certain health problems
• Rubbing the machine to make friends - REALLY? If you want a positive relationship, go home to your spouse and kids.
• Believing that a machine is "hot" or "cold." Again, google RNG.
• Telling people that you "just played that machine, and it didn't hit anything. It must be a tight machine." See previous sentences.
• Taking your players card out and then in to change your luck. Aaaaaaaah - stupid, stupid, stupid. All your card does is collect data such as time played, denomination played, and accumulation of points. Really, you're not tricking the machine nor the casino!
• Give ignorant information as if you are an "expert." I had one lady tell me, unsolicited of course, that I needed to play my machine at the $.50 denomination, because after playing it herself, that's what she found it was programmed at. She also told me that ALL slots are programmed to hit better at certain bet amounts. So, once you find out if it hits at $.50, $1.00, etc, you can play professionally. Obviously, she was a native from the planet.

That's all for now. Be considerate and aware of those around you, and don't fly away to the planet Stupidus Horendus - you never know who else you'll find there, or if you may ever come back!

Binbin

Casino Etiquette Part 4 - Smoking Etiquette & other Health Concerns

Smoking Etiquette

First of all, Let's talk first about Non - Smoking etiquette.
To the non-smokers in the audience - smoking and gambling, as well as drinking, have been part of the history of gambling for hundreds of years. (Quick Book Plug - "Roll the Bones" reviewed March, '13) If you sit down next to a smoker, in a smoking area, don't complain! They were there first. And especially let it go if they are using an ashtray and trying to be considerate.

Now, Smoker's etiquette
To the smokers in the audience - times have changed! We are aware of the health risks of second hand smoke. It's reality. Smoking is a big issue of concern when it comes to playing slot machines and is always subject to the casino etiquette and policies.

• Please follow signage requesting non smoking areas and tables.  There are casinos that allow smoking in specific areas while other casinos totally prohibit smoking at the slot machines. 
• If you are smoking while playing slots, blow the cigarette smoke away from other slot players. Your smoking might annoy other people. (You think!), never mind be a health hazard. And if you sit down next to a non-smoker, remember they were there first. Be considerate how you smoke, even though smoking is permitted in that area.
• If you're smoking while playing video poker or the slots, use an ashtray. If there's not one at the machine, ask an attendant to bring one to you. Do not use the coin well to drop your ashes or butts. Players who follow you have a right to reach in for their coins without getting your ashes all over their hands.
• Be considerate of the wait staff, and especially staff behind the cashier cages. NEVER smoke while cashing in or taking out money. The people behind the cage might as well be working at a toll booth.
• When you exhale do not do so in the face of other players, dealer, or casino staff.  When you are done with your cigarette please fully put it out, not letting it emit smoke from the ash tray. I respect your right to smoke, even at my table, but try to make it as painless for me as possible.

Casino Health
Sudden injuries & long term health concerns can happen anywhere. A casino is no exception.

Now, I'm not talking about the old days in Vegas where if you were caught cheating, you might be taken to a secret room and have your knuckles smashed (if that ever happened). I referring to emergencies in our day that can occur at any casino. Consider this:

• Remember, people in a casino rush around, bring their kids, and basically don't look where they are going. Be aware of things and especially people around you such as vacuum cords, unleveled carpet, audio visual equipment, parking bumpers, poorly lighted parking garages, poorly lit stairs, etc.
• Beware of non-rug surfaces - the combination of free drinks, wait staff, and unaware humans causes spills. Many accidents happen concerning high polished marble, mopping without warning, melting ice, slippery stairs, defectively designed stairs, and escalators.
• Many kids are hurt every year when their parents don't watch their kids or leave them unattended. Please don't put your kids in harm's way where they don't belong.
• Assault & Battery attacks are typical in any highly populated places - especially at night. Be careful in parking garages and remember, anytime you win big, the casino will always be happy to escort to your car.
• If you or someone you are with have health issues, find out where first aid services are. contact your host if you have any information or questions. If you don't have a host, just ask a security guard or floor manager. 

Finally - believe it or not -  WASH YOUR HANDS!!!  as much as possible.  Take Purell, or hand sprays that will help clean your hand of the tables and machines others with tons of germs have touched before you.  You will help protect yourself and others.  Think of the following which you have seen so often - coughing, sneezing, tapping and wiping machine glass, then, you come along.  So, WASH YOUR HANDS - OFTEN!

That's all for now.
Tomorrow is Sun Sunday and Foxwoods Friday rolled up in one.  Tomorrow it's Royal Connecticut  Day!

Binbin

Casino Etiquette Part 3 - General Table Rules & The Blackjack Table

General Table Game Considerations
If the cards are dealt face down, then only touch your cards with one hand only! If you break this rule you will almost always get a sharp rebuke.

Be gentle with the cards; don't bend them or put drinks on them. Some players have tried to cheat by bending specific cards slightly, for example the aces, and the dealers have to guard against this.

When at the tables, if you are taking a break, make it short or give up your spot. Taking a bathroom break or taking a walk to stretch your legs for a few minutes is fine. But if you're going to lunch or to play another game, free up your spot. If you're going to be gone for more than a few minutes, it's not fair to other players or to the casino to tie up the game.

In some games the cards are dealt face up. If this is the case, never touch your cards.

At any table game, when betting chips of mixed denomination, stack them with the highest denomination on the bottom and the lowest on top. It makes it easier for the dealer to read your bet size, and also is a casino safeguard against casino cheats who attempt to cap a bet with a large-denomination chip after they know the result.

When playing at the table it is advised not to wave money in front of the dealer, as it is simply impolite. Players should be patient and wait until the end of the round and then ask to buy in. moreover, it is banned to hand the money to the dealer.

Dealers are working hard to provide players with the best services so it is advisable to tip them after the game. It will show good manners and dealers will definitely remember this token.

Blackjack Specifics
At blackjack, if you're playing a game in which your cards are dealt face up, do not touch them. In games dealt face down, such as single deck blackjack the situation is different. In those games, you pick up your cards.

When you join a blackjack game, especially at higher-denomination tables, ask if the other players want you to wait until the shuffle to start playing. It makes no real difference in the long run, but sometimes players who have been on a roll will want to finish out the shoe before changing anything. Don't expect the same courtesy at low denomination tables. Space is at such a premium that it's a bit much to expect someone to wait at a $5 table. However, if you do interupt the play mid-shoe, have your money ready - it's not as entertaining as you think to watch someone take his wallet out for 5 minutes.

Don't be annoying like the guy who keeps track of how much he's up/down at the blackjack table and keeps giving you a running update. Keep it to yourself.

If you bust then lay down your cards face up by your bet. Do not throw them in disgust, as it is very rude. If you can’t handle losing, then don’t play at all.

Blackjack involves hand signals to signify how you want to play your cards. You must use hand signals, verbal instructions are not enough. Please know them before you sit down, it is very annoying when a new player has to be instructed over and over.

Don't feel it's ok to give a blackjack lesson during the game.

Never criticize anyone else at the table for standing or hitting, doubling or splitting. It’s their money, they’re entitled to play how they want. If the want to take a card on 18, they can. Yes, it might have cost you your hand, but that’s just part of playing at a live casino.

Do not constantly take your basic strategy chart out, consult it and put it away only to take it out in the next round. If you want to play with it, leave it out so that it is readily available. If you are playing blackjack online, keep it open in another window so that you can readily check it to keep the game flowing smoothly. Leaving your chart out rather than constantly taking it out and putting it away will keep you from annoying other players.


That's all for now.


Binbin

Casino Etiquette, Part 2 - All In The Family

Socializing with the family & friends?

While many enjoy going to a casino alone, many of us also enjoy bringing family, friends and large groups. It is, after all, a place to share a meal, have a drink, enjoy each other's company, and of course gamble. Many times, this all happens at the same time - why not? The atmosphere of lights, sounds, and excitement are great for stag & bridal showers, birthday parties, etc. The only problem exists when socializing gets in the way of other patrons gambling.

Kids On the Casino Floor?
Kids - Gotta Love 'em - But Not necessarily if they're not yours!
It should be taken into account that casino is not a proper place for kids, so if parents want to spend time on the floor, they can do it without their children. It is done to prevent any misbehavior and respect casinos security.

Also, studies show that pre-teens who begin to gamble before their 18th birthdays usually become problem gamblers 3x as quickly as adults. So, if you want to protect your children from becoming the next members of Gamblers Anonymous, keep them far away from the casino floor.

Kids in Public Casino Areas?
If you are wandering through a casino with a child, the child should be with you at all times. Many people head to a large resort or even the smallest casino in an attempt to get away from their kids for a short time. They do not want to deal with yours.

Casino etiquette states that you should never do anything that would obstruct the traffic flow inside of the casino. Stopping in the middle of the traffic flow for your family of 8, + 6 kids, is not a good idea. Not only are you being inconsiderate of others walking, but you are sitting ducks for others rushing through and not paying attention. Your kids are probably as over-stimulated with the casino ambiance as much as you - probably more! Keep them safe, keep them close, and keep them out of the main traffic areas.

If you are pushing a stroller in a casino, you should never push the stroller on the carpet near any of the games. There are even some casinos that will ask you to leave if you do not follow this mostly unwritten rule.

Your Family doesn't include the rest of the Casino Patronage.
Have a good time, but remember - you're not alone! Respect those around you. Appropriate casino behavior means keep your partying contained to your group. Remember in Part 1I mentioned the following general suggestions:

• "your fun should stay within your own group. Yes, we know that winning that first jackpot bonus of $23.35 is amazing, but you are not the only ones trying to have a good time. Other people are there to have fun as well, and I am sure that you would not want to be distracted by them."
• "never do anything that would obstruct the traffic flow inside of the casino. If you want to take a look at something, or take a picture, try to make sure that you are off to the side and out of the main aisles."

Finally, when showing newbies to the casino, find less populated areas to hover over slots. Yelling across other patrons to talk and give each other advice is definitely rude.

It basically means to be aware that others are around you. Enjoy yourselves, just don't force others to be part of it.

The next three days of posts include:

• Tomorrow is "Sun" Sunday
• Monday I will look at the latest Massachusetts casino news
• Tuesday - Casino Etiquette, part 3 - Blackjack Considerations

That's all for now.

Binbin

A Guide to Casino Etiquette; Part 1 - General Stuff

Hello, my name is Binbin, and I have high expectations when it comes to human beings and their awareness and consideration of others in a public place. Sure, I bring it upon myself.  But I'm not alone.  So, let's start with a tacky over-used introduction - the definition:

Casino - A public room or building for gambling and other entertainment.

Etiquette - The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular group.

Notice the important words underlined.

Besides being a venue for playing games and winning some money, the casino is also a venue for interacting with other people. Remember that the casino does not cater only to your personal and individual enjoyment, but to others as well. In other words, casinos are there for your entertainment, they're not there solely for you. Follow a few simple rules of etiquette so all can enjoy their trips to the casinos, but the most important is to be kind polite and show respect to everyone. Following casino etiquette enhances your involvement into making sure that the casino is an enjoyable place for everyone. Playing casino games is basically a form of social activity. Given that any form of social activity requires some courtesy, here are some general rules governing casino etiquette that you should live by while playing in the casino:

1) Don't Use Cheating Devices: Gambling is meant to be fun and entertaining. While everyone of course wants to win big, that doesn’t mean you should be dishonest in your attempts to cash in. Stick to your strategies and expertise rather than cheating.

2) Don't use Cameras: If there is one thing casinos and gamblers can’t stand, it’s people taking pictures while gambling, especially while at slot machines. Remember your immediate tweet of you at the casino may also in clude others in the same area. Be considerate. In addition to being used for cheating purposes, personal cameras can be annoying to gamblers, especially if you’re taking pictures with a flash feature. Players should not even take their mobile phones or cameras out of the pocket.

3) Do we need to say it - Don't bring Drugs or Weapons into a casino.

4) Don't Use Laptops: Casinos do not allow the use of laptops due to security reasons and to prevent hackers from carrying out untoward business. So, avoid being embarrassed by casino officials or stolen from by thieves and keep your laptop at home or in your hotel room.

5) Casino etiquette teaches that your fun should stay within your own group. Yes, we know that winning that first jackpot bonus of $23.35 is amazing, but you are not the only ones trying to have a good time. Other people are there to have fun as well, and I am sure that you would not want to be distracted by them.

6) General good manners requires you to be courteous not only to fellow players, but to casino attendants, employees and dealers as well (and don't try to hit on the casino staff - have more class than that!) It is extremely rude and tactless to show disrespect to the very people who have assisted in fulfilling your personal enjoyment.

7) Understand the rules before you sit down, no matter if it's slots, VP, or table games.
If you are unfamiliar with a certain game rather observe quietly until you can figure it out or play one
that you are familiar with.

8) Always fall in line and respect the queue in all places that require falling in line, such as money cages, slot machines, table games and other stations. And Casino etiquette states that you should never do anything that would obstruct the traffic flow inside of the casino. If you want to take a look at something, or take a picture, try to make sure that you are off to the side and out of the main aisles. (This will be a re-occurring theme throughout the series)

9) General Casino Etiquette - Remember to read, respect and follow the signs when inside the casino. Both smokers and non-smokers should respect the signs pertaining to smoking areas. Signs on the proper places to eat should also be strictly followed.

And 10) Refrain from giving unsolicited advice and commenting on other player's moves. You will find this extremely annoying if you are the one playing. Resist the urge to give unsolicited advice. (Blackjack players are particularly bad about this.) Whatever the game game, players have the right to make their own decisions, play their own way and make their own fun. Their money, their game!


Now, here are some "less than pleasurable" stereotypes of casino patrons that you might like to be aware of. Hopefully, you're not one of them:

People who pretend to be important - You find these people in casinos during major events (fights or concerts), usually agents, lawyers, PR people, promoters and so on, none of whom are even one-tenth as important as they want you to believe. When they feel they are being mistreated, you might hear them say "Do you know who I am?"   

People Who Rush Up On Others. These are the people that are walking on your heels. You might be making your way through the casino, searching for the next slot, table game or video poker machine to make you a millionaire. But while you’re looking for that magical machine, you have the equivalence of the driver that is one foot behind you on the road, trying to push you forward.

People Who Sit And Observe Someone Else. This is the person who plops down next to someone at a slot (or video poker) machine, but doesn’t actually play it. How many times have you seen a fun looking machine, initially thinking to yourself that it was currently being played, but upon closer inspection realized the person was a ploppy! If you’re going to sit down at a machine, you’d better play it! Especially if it’s crowded!

People Who Stop and Watch you play because they have nothing better to do.  And it's usually right behind you.  I have turned around and given the evil eye many times to this kind of patron.  Funny though, until you stop playing, they just don't move.

People Who Have No Sense Of Awareness. OH MY GOD, THESE PEOPLE ARE THE WORST!!! Have you ever tried to walk through a casino, only to have people walk right in front of you, stop walking right in front of you, or otherwise act like they are the only person in the casino? It's as if they think they have the right of way - ALL THE TIME!  Once, someone stopped dead in their tracks - right in front of me - to check out the casino floor carpeting.  Probably the same people who like to discuss the casino restroom decor as well. Or, how about this - you’re trying to walk through the casino and you have to bob and weave through people because they’re clogging the walkways like a piece of human cholesterol! I can’t get to where I want to be, because you’re just standing their blocking the walkway.  If I wanted to gaze about the casino floor or stop right where I was to do something, I first do a quick glance all the way around me, see whom I might be blocking or otherwise annoying and I step away from the major traffic area to let people around me get through. I think there is nothing more inconsiderate than when I have to take an alternate route because you’re just blocking the thoroughfare.

People Who Beat Up The Machine. STOP HITTING THE MACHINE - WHAT DID IT DO TO YOU?  This I see more often with slot players than I do video poker players, but there are still incredibly brutal VP slappers.  These are the people who are slapping the “spin” button like they’re vigorously masturbating. I’m willing to let go the rubbing of the slot or video poker machine’s front glass as good luck, but I’m not willing to sit and hear the button be hit over and over again.Go home and get a punching bag, or maybe some counseling!

People Who Complain About Other’s Good Luck. Bad losers.  If you weren't suppose to eventually lose, the casinos would be out of business.  If you frequent a casino, and you can't take losing your money - go shopping at least you'll have something for it after you spend it.  Ever experienced this - You sit down at a slot machine and put my money in, hit the bet button and win something trivial like $1. The guy next to you says something about “Of course the minute I leave the machine, you sits down and hit something - it'll probably get hot, now.  I should never hang around a machine I just got up from.” Really? Not only rude, but stupid - people still don't know how a RNG works?


So, there is a look at general casino etiquette and issues connected to such manners.   More to come.

In Part 2, I write about family issues in the casino - especially when it involves children.  Yikes!


That's all for now.


Binbin

Casino Etiquette - Something For Everyone - a Preview

Once Upon A Time, at a Community Slot Game.....

Have you ever played a Community Slot Machine Game - games that consist of a bank of machines that contain the same game. Each player is playing on their own machine but at random times there will be a bonus event in which all players take part. The event is usually shown on a separate screen connected on top of the bank of machines. All players taking part in the bonus event will share in the jackpot. The amount won by the individual player is based on the amount they are betting per spin. Below are a few of the first popular community games to come out:




Well, this post is not going to help you know how to play these games, or even help you be successful at them - read on......

At times, you will get a multiplier boost, that lasts for a few spins then returns to your original bet. At the time you push the button, the multiplier is at a certain level. For example, playing 2X bet ($0.80) gives you a 4X multiplier at first, then after a brief moment it drops to two. If you play faster, you can keep the 4X going until the community bonus round randomly kicks in.

You see, while I was playing at the local casino, I decided to try a community Wizard of Oz game. As I was playing, minding my own business, the women next to me asked me how come this or that?, and how do you?  and how did you get that?   .......distracting me, slowing me down and basically being a huge pain in the......RNG. While they continued to bother me, being the gentleman I am, I  actually payed them some attention and gave some answers, while my multiplier dropped to a point lower than it would have been without these pests.  But it gets worse...
You see, at times on this particular community slot, an individual can get a special brief multiplier up to 15X - which is what I got just before their next question, my next answer and.....

Whammo! - it's bonus time! 

Only the big multiplier in that brief time already was back to 2X.  Yup, that's right - they actually cost me money, because they stopped my play with incessant rude interruptions, and timing as it was, my multiplier was 2X instead of 15X. By the time the bonus round had finished, they had cost me $130! Unbelievable! I cashed out grumbling, and she and her friend thought I was rude. AAAAHHH! I WAS RUDE?

It was that moment I sought never to forget. To go where gambling bloggers HAVE gone before. To research the biggest pet peeve of mine in the history of my gaming adventures. Yes, that's right.....

RUDE CASINO PATRONS & 
BAD CASINO ETIQUETTE!
(cue music - "dun, dun, Daaaaah)

This week I will start my march through the valley of dearth - a dearth of manners! (Look it up if you don't know the word - I'm not stopping my rant to explain it!) I will go high and wide to find the most complete list of Casino Etiquette ever assembled in the history of blogging!! MooHaaHaaHaa....

The categories will include but not be limited to the following:

• General Casino Etiquette or "General Nuisance"
• Etiquette When you Bring Family or "All in the Family"
• Tables Games Etiquette or "Know Your Table Manners!"
• Slot Machine Etiquette or "Machines bring out the Worst in People"
• Video Poker Etiquette or "The Royalty on the Cards act Better Than You!"
• and
• Smoking Etiquette or "Watch Your Ash"

So get ready. The series of teaching moments is coming soon. Probably next week - I wouldn't want to wait too long and smooth out my edginess.

That's all for now, but not for long. Tomorrow will continue as New England Casino Entertainment Weekly. But after that, I'm off and running. Leaping tall inconsiderate patrons in a single bound.
Look in the ceiling - it's a bird, it's a plane it's....

SuperMan-ners!

May the force of Ann Landers be with me.......and any other SuperHero / Sci-Fi help I can get!

Binbin