Beat the casino on your next trip.
Roulette
Craps
Blackjack
Slots
Video Poker
Horse Racing
Casino Gambling: The Absolute Minimum
Part 4 of 4 by George Backus
Can You Really Make A Living Doing This?
So, you want to be like Maverick, huh? Move to Las Vegas, spending your days
sipping champagne at the baccarat table with other high-rollers like James Bond in Dr.
No, right? You can admit it. I won’t laugh.
My first advice, though: Don’t quit your day job just yet. There are quite a few
professional gamblers to be sure, but usually only the best of the best attempt to make
gambling their sole source of income. I doubt very seriously that Jimmy the Greek ever
turned down his network salary, or that the writers of gambling books regularly return
royalty checks to their publishers. By and large, the pros work on paper-thin margins, and
they know their games better than you, or I, or any fifty of our friends all put together, ever
have or probably ever will.
But if you really want to give it a shot, hey, go for it. I wish you the best of luck. But
if I may be so bold as to offer a few suggestions and things to consider (and a lot of these
are appropriate for the casual gambler, too):
 Reread the “first advice” paragraph above. Have some other form of income that’ll
at least pay the day-to-day expenses (housing, eating, and transportation come to
mind). If you become moderately successful at it, go ahead and make gambling
your only income source - but not until you’ve built up a cushion to last through the
losing streaks (and there will be losing streaks).
 In the same vein, have enough of a bankroll - separate from your living expenses to last through the inevitable beginning missteps and turns of luck. Some
authorities recommend $10,000, some recommend $25,000, some recommend
more. You’ll have to be your own authority on this one.
 Don’t be a one-trick pony. Develop at least some expertise in as many games as
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you feel comfortable with. You’ll have your favorites, and ones that you’re better at
than others. But no matter how much you think you luuuuuuuuuv one specific
game, if it’s all you play, it’s gonna get old eventually. (Besides, you can become a
semi-expert in a lot of them within 15 minutes.) In NYSE/NASDAQ lingo: Diversify.
Know your game(s) cold. If you have to think real hard about what the correct move
should be for any given situation, you’re not ready. Practice, practice, and practice
some more (preferably at a simulation program or just with a deck of cards or a pair
of dice and some free change). Read the books on your games - some of them will
be pure hogwash, but there are usually some good hints and tips in even the worst
of them.
It’s assumed here that you currently have an employer who’s picking up at least a
portion of your 401(k) and/or health insurance. Keep in mind that these kinds of
things will henceforth be your responsibility, as will such things as Social Security
and Medicare.
There may be tax advantages to things like filing under “Schedule C,” where you
can start deducting things like mileage and other “costs of doing business.” Check
with your tax advisor about this one.
In addition to the tax situation, it’s a good idea to keep track of your wins and losses
anyway - to look for trends, places for improvement, and the like.
Discipline, discipline, discipline. Let me repeat that: Discipline, discipline,
discipline. If you’ve set a loss limit for any particular game at three losses, or five
units, or a certain dollar amount, or time spent at the table, or the current phase of
the moon, or whatever, stick to it! Don’t get caught into a “just one more
hand/spin/roll” habit. It’s like eating potato chips, and “just one more” can easily
lead to “just one more more” which leads to… You get the point. This is what often
turns a guaranteed winning session into a guaranteed losing session.
Tied closely to Discipline is Focus. When you’ve got $500 on the table is not the
time to be thinking about where you want to have dinner. You’ve got one job, and
one job only, ahead of you - and it’s hard enough as it is.
Don’t get cocky. Just as soon as you think you know everything and you’ve got it all
figured out is when some game, someone, or something will come along to prove
just how little you do know. And if you need another shot of Anti-Cockiness Serum,
consider that “Gambler” ranks just above “Lawyer” and “Politician” on lists of the
most-respected professions. (I think they’re all still ranked above “Mass Murderer”
and “Pond Scum”, but I wouldn’t bet on it.)
Don’t get greedy. Pride goeth before a fall, and all that.
Read Gambling for a Living, by David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth, published by
Two Plus Two Publishing at http://www.twoplustwo.com. (See the “Books” and
“Web Sites” sections for further information.) If I haven’t scared you off, and you
still want to give it a shot, these guys can nudge you in the right direction.
Keep a low profile. I’ve mentioned this before. This may be considered more a
personal preference of mine than an ironclad rule-of-thumb. But there are also
practical reasons. Flashy players attract attention. But while some players may be
thinking of the possibility of attracting the attention of their favorite celebrity or the
latest Playboy (or Playgirl) centerfold, I’m thinking more here of the possibility of
attracting the attention of robbers and the Taxman. So if you’re really set on
making a grand entrance with an entourage, at least make a bodyguard and a tax
accountant part of it.
Etiquette
Some of this may come under the title of “Forced Etiquette.” Think of it as always
having your mommy there, ready to slap your wrist if you transgress. Dealers won’t slap
your wrist (usually), but they will, if necessary, gently point out that “that’s not the way we
do things here” and you’re expected to listen and learn. Many of these have a basis in
common sense (which I’ll explain as we go along)…

Once you place a wager, guess what? It’s not your money anymore. It’s not the
casino’s money either. It’s in that limbo called “action,” where it can go either way.
Casinos get rather testy when people start reaching for chips that are out there in
the betting locations, whether they originally put them there or not. The point?
Don’t you dare touch those chips once they’re put “in play.” Not even in a game like
Let It Ride, where you can withdraw bets. The dealer will handle it.

In a similar vein: If the cards are dealt face down, it’s obviously okay to pick them
up to see just what on earth you have. But if the cards are dealt face up, they’re not
really to be touched by you. In Blackjack, if you want a hit, tap your finger on the
cards; if you want to stand, wave your hand, palm down, over the cards; if you want
to go to the bathroom, raise your hand and ask to be excused. (One of the reasons
for the hand signals is so the “eye in the sky” can later review them on tape in case
of any serious disagreement.) If you’re playing a game where you actually touch
the cards, keep them in view of the dealer and any other players at all times. Not
that you’d keep a few spare Aces in your shoe or anything (would you?), but why
risk the wrath of the casino and the other players? In Craps, keep those hands in
view at all times when you’re rolling the dice - and keep them off the table when
someone else is rolling.

Speaking of disagreements, I would not want to be the one to engage a dealer or
pit boss (or any casino employee, for that matter) in a heated disagreement - even
if I was right. This is where casino security would step in. Consider that their job is
to “keep the peace” around there, pardner, and would you want to sit next to some
frothing-at-the-mouth maniac berating the dealer? (It’d be bad for business, and
casinos are a business.) This doesn’t mean that you should sit still for an obvious
mistake - but it behooves you to pursue it in a low-key fashion.

That “free” drink the cocktail waitress brought you wasn’t really “free” - not to her,
anyway. Many casinos basically charge her a minimum amount - fifty cents or so,
sometimes more - for every drink she picks up. So when you’re tipping the
waitress, you’re tipping her and reimbursing her for the cost of the drink. Just
something to keep in mind. Helpful dealers (and the vast majority of them are)
deserve a tip now and again, too.

Thou shalt not touch the dealer in any way, shape, or form; nor shall you expect the
dealer to touch you. This is really pretty basic for all casinos and all games. If you
want to change money for chips, you put the money on the table - don’t try to hand
it to the dealer, they’ll politely tell you to just lay it down. Don’t expect them to hand
you the chips, either - they’ll put them on the table and slide them over to you. After
a roll, the dice will never be handed to you - they’ll be pushed over with the stick.
When and if you do any toking, the chip(s) go on the table - not handed to the
dealer. You’d be amazed how easy it is for a good mechanic to palm a $1000 chip
or a loaded die and pass it on to a confederate, so the casinos would just as soon
everything be transacted at arm’s length.
What About Internet Gambling?
Okay, so you can forget about the “Etiquette” section - you can scratch and burp
and curse and be socially unacceptable and even play in your underwear (or less) for all
your computer cares. Forget about memorizing anything - you can have your whole stack
of reference material and notes and cards and cheat sheets sitting right next to you.
Forget about that loudmouth sitting next to you giving you unwanted hints about
everything you do (well, probably forget about that loudmouth sitting next to you…).
Casino gambling without the casino - and without all those messy people around.
For the budding misanthropes among us, it sounds perfect - give these companies
a credit card number, download some software, and you’re off, pointing-and-clicking your
way to untold wealth (or bankruptcy, whichever comes first).
But not too fast, there, me bucko.
So far, gambling over the Internet is illegal in the United States. That’s why the
gambling sites are based in other countries. I doubt that agents from the government will
be knocking down your door if you sign up, but consider this:
Not being exactly legal also means that it’s not being exactly regulated. Say what
you will about Las Vegas or Atlantic City or Tunica, the casinos in those places are
watched very closely by the states to make sure everything is on the up-and-up. Should
an online/offshore casino decide to close up shop (and move to Argentina with all your
winnings), who ya gonna call? Hint: It won’t be your state’s attorney general - it’s out of his
jurisdiction.
So, caveat emptor once again.
Me, I rather like the hustle and bustle and humanity of a “brick and mortar” casino.
Besides… If you’re gambling at home, you’ve got to fetch your own drinks.
But, if you want to give it a shot, go for it. Just be careful!
Sites like http://www.OnlineCasino.com and http://www.888.com (Casino on Net)
are popping up every day - visiting casino web sites like the ones listed in the “brick and
mortar” casinos section will usually pop up quite a few more. Several sites in the “Web
Sites” section are also portals for online casinos. http://www.CasinoAdviser.com is a
good directory site specializing in online casinos. And there’s always the Yahoo! or
AltaVista or Google searches for “casino”. Many online casinos have an option to allow
you to play many games without risking any “real” money. If you’re attracted to online
gambling, definitely do that first.
Update:
CNN reported (on June 7, 2001) that there’s a movement in Las Vegas to get
Internet gambling legalized, at least in Nevada. I don’t know what legal ramifications that
would have for the rest of the country, but stay tuned.
Update to the Update:
On June 15, 2001, Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn signed the bill that permits
online gambling in Nevada - should the federal government allow wagering over the
Internet.
Yep, One More Update:
According to the Associated Press (thru CNN) on June 14, 2002, Citibank has
begun blocking all online gambling transactions, as part of an agreement with the state of
West Virginia. Bank of America, MBNA, and Chase Manhattan have also begun blocking
such transactions. In many cases, regulators have expressed the concern that it’s
apparently just all too easy for underage junior to get daddy’s credit card information and
gamble the family into a very, very deep hole.
Miscellaneous Tables, Notes, Etc.

Almost every casino has brochures available for the games they offer. Usually, they’ll
include playing tips, house rules, and what bets are available (but you’ll never see
what games not to play or what bets not to make, naturally). Still, it’s worth picking up
a couple on the games you’re planning to play and spending a few minutes in the
coffee shop looking them over.
Average Games/Hour
Craps
30
Roulette
50
Blackjack
60
Baccarat
80
Slots
400+
Video Poker 400+ *
(2 minutes/game)
(1 minute/game)
(9 seconds/game)
* Some Video Poker players have been clocked at from 500-600 games per hour.
Needless to say, standing between them and their machines may be hazardous to your
health.

Take a few minutes to “reset” yourself after a session - especially if you’re going to
jump into a different game. Like the erstwhile Roulette croupier (see that section for
details), you’ll probably tend to lock-in to a pattern of playing and/or betting - which
may or may not be appropriate for the game you’re going to. Take your time. The
casino’s not going anywhere.
Fairly-Standard Chip Colors
Chip Amount
$
1
$
5
$
25
$
50
$ 100
$ 500
$ 1,000
$ 5,000
Chip Color
White/Light Blue
Red
Green
Blue
Black
Purple
Orange
Gray
(When you hear a dealer say something like “black action”, they’re telling the pit boss that
someone at the table is getting serious and betting black ($100) chips. If it happens while
you’re playing, don’t get all weird about it. It’s as much for your protection as it is the
casino’s. Well, maybe a little more for the casino’s protection, since that’ll trigger a little
tighter scrutiny to make sure no one’s doing anything untoward, but their umbrella will
also protect you from the rain just as well.)

Accept the fact that you will have losing sessions. A person not prepared to lose
shouldn’t be gambling in the first place. On a brighter note, if you can pull in 5-10% of
your stakes relatively consistently, you’re doing pretty good.

If you’re gambling on a consistent basis, be sure to chart your progress - on a
game-by-game basis or an aggregate basis, whichever you choose. Often, it’s
considerably easier to work with things on an at-a-glance basis. If a trend is
consistently down, down, down, it’s probably time to give that particular game a rest
for a while until you figure out what’s happening. (I find that spreadsheets work well for
this. I have a few Excel 97 spreadsheets that I personally use pretty extensively, and
I’ll be happy to e-mail them to you - just e-mail gbackus@smyth.net with your request
and they’ll be winging their merry electronic way to you ASAP. They’re not particularly
elegant or ornate, but they work for me. Oh, and they’re free if you want ‘em…)

If you have any questions, corrections, glowing comments, effusive thanks, gifts of
money, love letters, hate mail, or suggestions, e-mail gbackus@smyth.net or snail
mail to:
George Backus
34207 Lee Hwy.
Glade Spring, VA 24340-4533

If you’d like to receive a semi-regular semi-newsletter containing updates, corrections,
new games, new information and the like, e-mail me (once again, at
gbackus@smyth.net) or snail-mail me (at the above address). Let me know whether
you’d prefer the print version (for which I’ll obviously need your mailing address) or the
e-mail version (for which I’ll obviously need your e-mail address). Either way, it’s free
for the people who’ve bought this book. (Your physical and/or e-mail address will
never be given or sold to anyone else. That’s a promise.)

And once again, good luck.
Appendix A: Resources
First off, a(nother) disclaimer: I neither work for, nor am I associated with, the
sellers of books, the sellers of equipment, or any web sites listed. To my knowledge, I’m
not related to anyone who is, either. And if you obtain anything listed here, I won’t get one
penny out of it. These listings are things I’ve learned from, books I’ve found useful
(whether I agree with everything written in them or not), things I use or have used, things
that’ve given me ideas - nothing more, nothing less. Caveat Emptor, in all things.
Books
Books, books, and more books. If amazon.com, gamblersbook.com,
twoplustwo.com, lasvegasadvisor.com (see next section), or your local bookstore doesn’t
have it and it isn’t listed on any of the sites mentioned, you can probably get much of the
same information off the web sites themselves. Either way, this is a decent starter set,
even though I don’t necessarily agree with everything in each book. You’ll soon discover
that there are almost as many books on gambling as there are gamblers.
American Casino Guide
Also available through the http://www.americancasinoguide.com site.
Casino Gambling
Jerry L. Patterson
Perigee, 2000
Casino Gambling for Fun and Profit
J. Edward Crowder, Ph.D.
Writer’s Showcase (an imprint of iUniverse.com, Inc.), 2000
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Gambling Like a Pro
Stanford Wong and Susan Spector
Gambling for a Living
David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth
Available through the http://www.twoplustwo.com site.
the Unofficial Guide™ to Casino Gambling
Basil Nestor
Macmillan, 1999
Winning Strategies for Video Poker
Lenny Frome
Compu-Flyers, 1997
109 Ways to Beat the Casinos
Walter Thomason, editor
Bonus Books, Inc., 2000
Web Sites
If you don’t have access to the Internet (or don’t have a friend who does), most of
this section will unfortunately be less than worthless to you. If you do have access, you
may have already found these sites. Either way, I’m including them here mostly to show
that there is a wealth of information out there. (There’s also a wealth of misinformation
and uninformation. Take everything with a grain of salt until you’ve checked it out for
yourself.)
In any comments, I normally left out the fact that every site has links to lots of other
sites (and they have links, and they have links, and so on and so on…). That much goes
without saying. Many also offer e-mail newsletters. Don’t take the presence or absence of
comments as an endorsement or lack thereof. This is also why the list is in a nice, neutral
alphabetical order.
And this is only a partial list, obviously. One of the quickest routes to insanity is
trying to keep up with all the sites that pop up and die daily…
http://www.americancasinoguide.com
American Casino Guide
One of the best sources for information about where you can find casino gambling,
it includes the basic directory listings for casinos, and room rates (if you’re looking to stay
a while), phone numbers, games offered, and other miscellaneous information. The site
also includes gambling news, promotions, and products. You can order the print version
of American Casino Guide here.
http://www.bigempire.com/vegas/
Las Vegas on 25 cents a Day
From their own listings: Free Crap, Free Eats, Free to See, Cheap Eats, Gamble
Cheap, Sleep Cheap - and Trip Reports, too! Irreverent, to say the least. (But they’re
honest enough to point out that the only way to really do Las Vegas on 25 cents a day is to
win the jackpot on that first quarter.)
http://www.a2zlasvegas.com
A2Z Las Vegas Visitors Guide
In addition to their directory, this site also has a section on each casino/resort that
contains visitor’s ratings and comments. I sometimes wonder how many of the negative
comments were left by some of the competitors, but it makes for interesting reading.
Some of the comments are the type that make you go “Hmmmmm…”
http://www.bj21.com
Stanford Wong’s site. Lots of free information, in addition to the members-only
section. Excellent tutorials on many casino games (for which membership is not
necessary).
http://www.casino.com
A Casino Gaming Portal: Casino.com
This site also contains online gaming guides (for Craps, Video Poker, Blackjack,
Poker, and Roulette, as I write this) that cover some of the finer points.
http://www.casinoaddress.com
Addresses of Real Casinos Worldwide
http://www.casinobox.com
Gaming Rules of Real Casinos Worldwide
http://www.casinocall.com
Worldwide Casino Phone Directory
http://www.casinocenter.com
Casino Center
http://www.casinochipgallery.com
Casino Chip Gallery Home Page
Wouldn’t it be a hoot to play your next Wednesday-night poker game with genuine
(obsolete) $1, $5, and $25 chips from the Sahara casino? Well, you can. The $1 chips sell
for $4 (each), the $5 chips go for $6 (each), and the $25 ones are $12 (each). You could
always substitute $1 Bellagio or Mandalay Bay or Mirage chips - they’re only $3 each. It
shouldn’t cost you much more than $2,000 for enough chips to have a decent poker
game, if you limit your raises. Be sure to frisk your guests as they’re leaving.
Or, if you’re really feeling expansive, get yourself an old (obsolete) $1000 Dunes
chip - only $80. Tell people you forgot you had it in your pocket several years ago, and by
the time you discovered you had it, it was too late. They’ll marvel at what a high-roller you
are. Or they’ll marvel at what a dummy you were for “forgetting” you had it in the first
place.
http://www.casinocity.com
Casino City
They have an excellent casino directory, in addition to a bookstore, magazines,
playing strategy tips, a great collection of links to other sites, and a game information
section.
http://www.casinoclassifieds.com
CasinoClassifieds
Pssst… Hey, buddy…Yeah, you… C’mere… Wanna buy a casino?
Yes, there’s a category for that here, along with almost everything else you, as a
gambler, might want. (One of the casinos I saw was only $20 million. Cheap.)
http://www.casinogamblingedge.com
Jerry Patterson’s site
http://www.casinoguru.com
CasinoGuru: Learn to play smart for free!
http://www.casinojobs.com
http://www.casinomagazine.com
CasinoMagazine.com
Lots of news from the industry. For those interested in Internet gambling, they have
“The Black List” of sites that, for one reason or another, have earned their displeasure.
LOTS of links.
http://www.cheapovegas.com
CheapoVegas.com
“The CheapoVegas Guide to a Better Vacation” - brought to you from the folks at
bigempire.com (see listing above). Join Casino Boy as he reviews Las Vegas hotels,
casinos, and dining. As is the bigempire.com site, it’s also pretty irreverent - and pretty
funny and on the mark, too.
http://www.daveweiss.net/bartcop/vegas/
The bartcop.com Vegas Report
A spinoff from the bartcop.com political site, it’s written by a Las Vegas resident.
It’s very good at giving you a flavor of the place. Warning, though: There’s occasionally
some extra-salty language sprinkled here and there, it’s a little risqué at times, and it’s
probably not what you’d call apolitical.
http://www.flushingamusement.com
Flushing Amusement, Inc.
http://www.frankscoblete.com
Frank Scoblete’s site.
Rolling Good Times Online
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
Gamblers Anonymous
I would be worse than remiss if I didn’t mention this site. They have chapters in
every state. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 213-386-8789 (in Los Angeles) for further
information.
Gambler’s Book Shop
630 South 11th Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
A little bit of everything, and a great place for finding books specific to certain
games. Call 1-800-522-1777 to request a free catalog.
http://www.gamblersbook.com/
http://www.gamblersgeneralstore.com/cgi-local/Softcart.exe/?E+scstore
Gambler’s General Store
Along with the chips you bought from casinochipgallery.com (which is a subsidiary
of Gambler’s General Store), wouldn’t you also like a Blackjack or Craps table to put in the
den? Maybe a slot machine or two? This is the place to get ‘em. (But before you pick up
that vintage one-armed bandit during your next trip to Las Vegas, keep in mind that many
localities prohibit private ownership of such things.)
http://www.gamblingcommunity.com
Gambling Community Home
http://www.gamblink.com
GamblinK.com
GamblinK Online Gambling Magazine. Internet casino and sportsbooks, gambling
news, etc.
http://www.gamemasteronline.com
The Game Master Online
http://www.insiders.com/lasvegas/index.htm
The Insider’s Guide® to Las Vegas
http://www.lasvegas.com
lasvegas.com
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/
Las Vegas Advisor
3687 S. Procyon Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 252-0655
Anthony Curtis’ site, one of the best ones out there. His company (Huntington
Press, same address) also publishes cheat sheets (or, in more Politically Correct terms,
“strategy cards”) for just about all variations of Video Poker, in flavors from “Rank
Amateur” to “Knows-More-Than-Should-Be-Allowed-By-Law” (my descriptions). If you’re
into Video Poker, they’re highly recommended (and reasonably priced, too).
http://www.lasvegas24hours.com
lasvegas24hours.com
This is the official web site of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
http://www.lvrs.com
Las Vegas Reservations Systems Online
A subsidiary of Travelscape.com, offering discount hotel and airfare packages and
reservations.
http://www.lvol.com
Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide
Like a2zlasvegas.com, this site also has a “Las Vegas Trip Reports” section,
sometimes covering several hotels and restaurants in one posting.
http://www.midwestcasinoguide.com
http://www.movetolasvegas.com
Midwest Casino Guide
Move To Las Vegas Relocation Directory
http://www.philhellmuth.com
Primarily a Poker site.
Phil Hellmuth’s site
http://www.relocatinginlasvegas.com
Relocating in Las Vegas Magazine
http://www.searchdice.com
SearchDice.com
A little bit of everything - online gaming, casino hotel reservation availability, links
to casinos and hotels, travel deals…
http://www.skister.com/bj/
BJ Conditions and Specials
http://www.smartgaming.com
Smartgaming.com (Henry Tamburin)
http://www.suntimes.com/index/grochowski.html
John Grochowski’s column in the Chicago Sun-Times.
http://www.twoplustwo.com
Two Plus Two Publishing
David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth’s site. Weighted towards Poker, but they also
carry books and info on almost every casino game you might be interested in.
http://www.us-casinos.com
U.S. casinos by state
http://www.vegas.com
Vegas.com
http://www.vegasreference.com
Michael Bluejay’s Las Vegas Guide
http://www.thewizardofodds.com
The Wizard of Odds (Michael Shackleford)
I wish I’d thought of that name. Michael Shackleford is a mathematician who
specializes in deriving the odds for casino games to the nth degree. If you’re looking for a
way to pick up that extra 0.01% advantage, this is probably the guy who can help you do
it.
http://www.4players.com
4players.com
Software
Before you sit down at a table gambling real money, it’ll help to sit down at your PC
and risk some virtual money. Believe me, it’s a lot less painful - and keep in mind that
airlines won’t even let their pilots fly 777’s without some simulation time first. There are
many programs available that target one game, but these three seem to offer a decent
mix of what you’ll run up against. They all have their strong points and weak points.
I can hear some people now, though: “These are games, for crying out loud!”
That they are. But how would one classify Blackjack, Craps, and all the others?
You’ll never find a more dispassionate dealer than your computer. It won’t fumble
the cards, the payoffs are 100% accurate, and computers just love generating random
numbers to decide what the next card or the next roll of the dice should be. And even in
games with complex rules, your computer won’t even break a sweat deciphering who
wins, who loses, and how much. If the rules can be written down clearly enough for a
human dealer to understand them, they can be translated to computer code.
And one other nice thing: Many computer gaming programs have an option (that
you can turn on or off), that’ll tell you if you’re about to do something incredibly stupid. It
hurts less than having your partner whomp you upside the head.
Other than that, my advice - if you’re using programs and simulations as training
tools - is to play them as if you were playing for real. It’s easier to learn discipline and
focus in the comfort of your home than it is to learn it with $100 (or $1000, or more) in real
money at a real table. Set your beginning bank, use your increment and exit strategies (as
applicable), develop your own style and lock-in your basic strategies where it’ll only cost
you a few pennies in electricity.
The only part of these programs that won’t necessarily be true-to-life are the poker
games (not video poker, poker against human opponents). As of this morning, they still
haven’t found a way to simulate the vagaries of human nature. Yet.
All are available through amazon.com or your local friendly retailer. (And I still don’t
get a cut from any of them.)
Avery Cardoza’s Casino 2000
Cardoza Entertainment
One of the better game programs available (also, one of the least expensive).
 Windows 95/98, etc.
 Includes Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Keno, Video Poker, and Slots.
Hoyle Casino 2000 / Hoyle Casino 5.0
Sierra Attractions / Sierra On-Line, Inc.
 Windows 95/98/2000/ME and Macintosh (Power PC or Power Mac,
including iMac, System 7.5.3 or higher.
 Includes Poker, Keno, Roulette, Blackjack, Video Poker, Horse Racing,
Slots, Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud
Poker, and Craps.
Microsoft Casino: Mirage Resorts Edition
Microsoft
 Windows 95/98, etc.
 Includes Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, Video Poker, Pai Gow
Poker, Video Keno, Slots, Big 6 Wheel, and Caribbean Stud Poker.
Simulated play at The Mirage®, Treasure Island at The Mirage®, and Bellagio®.
Beautiful graphics and pictures, but it may cause some smaller machines to choke.
Additionally, a quick Google/Yahoo!/(Your-Favorite-Search-Engine-Here) search
for “gambling simulations” or “gambling programs” will usually bring up enough
downloadable software to fill up the hard drive on many computers. And nicest of all,
many of them are either free or reasonably-priced shareware programs.
(By the way, the last time I did a Yahoo! search for “gambling simulations” it also
found a lot of stock market simulation programs. Now why doesn’t it surprise me that a
search for gambling also dredged up the stock market?)
Appendix B: Selected Casinos in the U.S. (including Web Sites and Telephone Numbers,
where available)
There are, I believe, 38 states where casino gambling is legal. I’ve only listed
casinos in nine of them, and I know I didn’t even get all of those included. Some, I left out
on purpose (for example, if I knew that a casino was a slots-only operation, I normally
excluded it) - many, I’m sure I just plain missed. I have nothing for - or against - any of the
establishments listed (or not listed, as the case may be).
Those with Internet access are, once again, blessed with a slight advantage here.
Wherever possible, I’ve listed the casino’s web site, in addition to what appears to be their
main information number. Some of the web sites also offer gaming tips, online
reservations, online slot/players club registration, and e-mail newsletters. Most of the
sites are also perhaps a little prone to overkill, but remember that you’re dealing with a lot
of glitz and glamour here - would you expect a web site promoting a casino to be any less
flashy?
And keep in mind that some of the special offers that I’ve noted in footnotes (like
“Offers 10x odds on Craps” or “Offers single-deck Blackjack”) may or may not still be in
effect when you inquire. Casinos pick up and drop “specials” all the time.
This list is as up-to-date as I could make it, as of May, 2001.
Connecticut
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Ledyard, CT
Mohegan Sun Casino
http://www.mohegansun.com
http://www.foxwoods.com
800-PLAY-BIG
Uncasville, CT
888-226-7711
Illinois
Alton Belle Riverboat Casino
Alton, IL
http://www.argosycasinos.com
http://www.argosycasinos.com/property/st_louis/st_louis_home.asp
800-711-GAME
Casino Queen
E. St. Louis, IL
http://www.casinoqueen.com
800-777-07777
Empress Casino Hotel Joliet
Joliet, IL
http://www.empresscasino.com
http://www.horseshoe.com/joliet.html
888-4EMPRESS
Grand Victoria Casino
Harrah’s Joliet Casino
http://www.grandvictoria-elgin.com
847-888-1000
Joliet, IL
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/jol/location_home.html
Hollywood Casino - Aurora
Elgin, IL
Aurora, IL
http://www.hollywoodcasino.com
http://www.hollywoodcasinoaurora.com
Jumer’s Casino Rock Island
Rock Island, IL
http://www.jumers.com
http://www.jumers.com/documents/rockindx.htm
800-477-7747
Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino
East Peoria, IL
http://www.par-a-dice.com
Players Island Casino - Metropolis
Metropolis, IL
http://www.playersisland.com
Indiana
Argosy Casino and Hotel - Lawrenceburg
Lawrenceburg, IN
http://www.argosycasinos.com
http://www.argosycasinos.com/property/cincinnati/cincy_home.asp
888-ARGOSY-7
Belterra Casino and Resort
Balterra, IN
http://www.balterraresortcasino.com
Blue Chip Casino
Michigan City, IN http://www.boydgaming.com
http://www.bluechip-casino.com
888-879-7711
Caesars Indiana
Elizabeth, IN
http://www.caesars.com/indiana
888-ROMAN-4-U
Casino Aztar
Evansville, IN
http://www.casinoaztar.com
Grand Victoria Casino & Resort Rising Sun, IN
http://www.hyatt.com/usa/rising_sun/hotels/hotel_risun.html
800-GRAND-11
Harrah’s East Chicago
East Chicago, IN http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/ech/location_home.html
Horseshoe Casino Hammond
http://www.empresscasino.com
Trump Hotel Casino
Hammond, IN
http://www.horseshoe.com/hammond.html
866-711-SHOE
Gary, IN
http://www.trumpindiana.com
888-21-TRUMP
Iowa
Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs Council Bluffs, IA http://www.ameristars.com
http://www.ameristars.com/council_bluffs.asp
712-328-8888
Belle of Sioux City Casino
Sioux City, IA
http://www.argosycasinos.com
http://www.argosycasinos.com/property/sioux_city/sioux_city_home.asp
Bluffs Run Casino
Council Bluffs, IA http://www.harveys.com
CasinOmaha
Onawa, IA
(Note )
Catfish Bend Casino
Fort Madison, IA
(Note )
Dubuque Diamond Jo Casino
Dubuque, IA
http://www.diamondjo.com
Harvey’s Casino Hotel - Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, IA http://www.harveys.com
Isle of Capri Casino - Bettendorf Bettendorf, IA
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Bettendorf
888-782-9582
Isle of Capri - Marquette
Marquette, IA
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Marquette
800-4-YOU-BET
Rhythm City Casino
Davenport, IA
WinneVegas
Sloan, IA
(Note )
Kansas
Casino White Cloud
White Cloud, KS
Golden Eagle Casino
Horton, KS
http://www.goldeneaglecasino.com
(Note )
888-GO-4-LUCK
Harrah’s Prairie Band Casino
Mayetta, KS
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/top/location_home.html
Sac & Fox Casino
Powhattan, KS
http://www.sacandfoxcasino.com
800-990-2946
Louisiana
Argosy Casino Baton Rouge
http://www.argosycasinos.com
Baton Rouge, LA
http://www.argosycasinos.com/property/baton_rouge/baton_rouge_home.asp
800-676-4847
Bally’s Casino Lakeshore Resort New Orleans, LA http://www.ballysno.com
Boomtown Casino Westbank
Harvey, LA
http://www.boomtowncasinos.com
http://www.boomtowncasinos.com/neworleans/index.html
800-366-7711
Casino Magic - Bossier City
Bossier City, LA
http://www.casinomagic.com
http://216.82.150.207/index.html
Casino Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA
http://www.casinorouge.com
800-44-ROUGE
Cypress Bayou Casino
Charenton, LA
http://www.cypressbayou.com
Grand Casino Coushatta
Kinder, LA
http://www.gccoushatta.com
318-738-1370
800-58-GRAND
Harrah’s New Orleans
New Orleans, LA http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/nor/location_home.html
Harrah’s Shreveport
Shreveport, LA
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/shr/location_home.html
Hollywood Casino Shreveport
Shreveport, LA http://www.hollywoodcasino.com
http://www.hollywoodcasinoshreveport.com
Horseshoe Casino Hotel - Bossier City
Bossier City, LA
http://www.horseshoe.com
http://www.horseshoe.com/bossier.html
800-895-0711
Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel - Bossier City
Bossier City, LA http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Bossier_City
800-THE-ISLE
Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel - Lake Charles
Westlake, LA
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Lake_Charles
800-THE-ISLE
Paragon Casino Resort
Marksville, LA
http://www.grandcasinoavoyelles.com
Players Island Hotel & Casino - Lake Charles
Lake Charles, LA http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/lch/location_home.html
Treasure Chest Casino
Kenner, LA
http://www.treasurechest.com
504-443-8000
800-298-0711
Mississippi
Ameristar Casino - Vicksburg
Vicksburg, MS
http://www.ameristars.com
http://www.ameristars.com/vicksburg.asp
601-638-1000
800-700-7770
Bayou Caddy’s Jubilee Casino Greenville, MS
(Note )
Casino Magic - Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis, MS http://www.casinomagic.com
http://www.casinomagic.com/bay/Default.htm
228-467-9257
800-5-MAGIC-5
Copa Casino
Gulfport, MS
http://www.thecopacasino.com
800-WIN-COPA
Grand Casino Gulfport
Gulfport, MS
http://www.grandgulfport.com
866-GULFPORT
Harrah’s Vicksburg Casino Hotel Vicksburg, MS
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/vic/location_home.html
Isle of Capri Resort & Casino - Lula
Lula, MS
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Lula
888-782-9582
Isle of Capri Resort & Casino - Natchez
Natchez, MS
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Natchez
888-782-9582
Isle of Capri Casino - Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS
http://www.casinoamerica.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Vicksburg
800-THE-ISLE
Rainbow Hotel Casino
Vicksburg, MS
http://www.rainbowcasino.com
800-503-3777
Silver Star Resort & Casino
Philadelphia, MS
http://www.silverstarresort.com
800-557-0711
Mississippi - Biloxi
Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino
Boomtown Casino - Biloxi
Casino Magic - Biloxi
Grand Casino Biloxi
Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino
http://www.beaurivageresort.com
228-386-7111
888-595-2534
http://www.boomtowncasinos.com
http://www.boomtownbiloxi.com
800-627-0777
http://www.casinomagic.com
http://www.casinomagic.com/biloxi/index.htm
228-386-4600
800-5-MAGIC-5
http://www.grandbiloxi.com
866-4-BILOXI
http://www.ipbiloxi.com
228-436-3000
Isle of Capri Casino - Biloxi
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
Palace Casino Resort
President Casino Broadwater Resort
http://www.broadwater.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Biloxi
800-THE-ISLE
http://www.newpalace.com
228-385-3500
800-THE-PRES
Treasure Bay Casino Resort
http://www.treasurebay.com
800-PIRATE-9
Mississippi - Robinsonville (Tunica)
Bally’s Saloon/Gambling Hall Hotel
Fitzgerald’s Casino/Hotel
Gold Strike Casino Resort
http://www.ballysms.com
800-38BALLY
http://www.fitzgeraldstunica.com
800-766-5825
http://www.goldstrikemississippi.com
888-24K-STAY
Grand Casino Tunica
http://www.grandtunica.com
Harrah’s Tunica
Hollywood Casino Tunica
866-4-TUNICA
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/tun/location_home.html
http://www.hollywoodtunica.com
http://www.hollywoodcasinotunica.com
Horseshoe Casino Hotel
http://www.horseshoe.com
http://www.horseshoe.com/tunica.html
800-303-7463
Isle of Capri Casino - Tunica
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com
http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Tunica
800-THE-ISLE
http://www.samstowntunica.com
662-363-0711
800-456-0711
Sam’s Town Tunica
Sheraton Casino and Hotel
http://www.sheraton.com/property.taf?prop=16&lc=en
662-363-4900
Mississippi - Tunica
(see Mississippi - Robinsonville (Tunica))
Nevada
Avi Resort and Casino
Barley’s Casino & Brewing Co.
Barton’s Club 93
Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino
Cactus Pete’s Resort Casino
Carson Nugget
Carson Station Hotel/Casino
http://www.carsonstation.com
Laughlin, NV
http://www.aviresort.com
800-AVI-2-WIN
Henderson, NV
(Note )
Jackpot, NV
(Note )
Primm, NV
http://www.primadonna.com
Jackpot, NV
http://www.ameristars.com
http://www.ameristars.com/cactus_petes.asp
800-821-1103
Carson City, NV
http://www.ccnugget.com
775-882-1626
800-426-5239
Carson City, NV
877-519-5567
Carson Valley Inn
Minden, NV
http://www.cvinn.com
CasaBlanca Resort & Casino
Mesquite, NV
http://www.casablancaresort.com
Colorado Belle Hotel & Casino Laughlin, NV
http://www.coloradobelle.com
Commercial Casino
Elko, NV
http://www.fh-inc.com
Edgewater Hotel and Casino
Laughlin, NV
http://www.edgewater-casino.com
800-677-4837
Eldorado Casino
Henderson, NV
http://www.boydgaming.com
http://www.eldoradocasino.com
Eureka Casino Hotel
http://www.eurekamesquite.com
Mesquite, NV
702-346-4600
800-346-4611
The Fiesta Henderson
Henderson, NV
888-899-7770
The Flamingo Laughlin
Laughlin, NV http://www.flamingo-laughlin.com
800-FLAMINGO
Gold Strike Hotel & Gambling Hall
Jean, NV
http://www.goldstrike-jean.com
Golden Nugget Laughlin
Laughlin, NV
http://www.gnlaughlin.com
Hacienda Hotel and Casino
Boulder City, NV
http://www.haciendaonline.com
702-293-5000
Harrah’s Laughlin Casino & Hotel Laughlin, NV
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/lau/location_home.html
The Horseshu Hotel and Casino Jackpot, NV
http://www.ameristars.com/horseshu.asp
800-432-0051
Jokers Wild
Henderson, NV
http://www.boydgaming.com
http://www.jokerswildcasino.com
702-564-8100
Nevada Landing Hotel & Casino Jean, NV
http://www.nevadalanding.com
Ormsby House Hotel Casino
Carson City, NV
(Note )
Piñon Plaza Casino Resort
Carson City, NV
http://www.pinonplaza.com
877-519-5567
Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall Laughlin, NV
http://www.santafecasino.com
Primm Valley Resort & Casino
Primm, NV
http://www.primadonna.com
Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino
Henderson, NV
http://www.railroadpass.com
702-294-5000
800-654-0877
Ramada Express Hotel & Casino Laughlin, NV
http://www.ramadaexpress.com
Red Garter Hotel & Casino
W. Wendover, NV http://www.fh-inc.com
Red Lion Inn & Casino
Elko, NV
http://www.redlioncasino.com
River Palms Resort Casino
Laughlin, NV
http://www.rvrpalm.com
Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino Laughlin, NV
http://www.riversideresort.com
Saddle West Hotel/Casino & RV Park
Pahrump, NV
http://www.saddlewest.com
775-727-1111
800-433-3987
Stagecoach Hotel & Casino
Beatty, NV
http://www.stagecoachhotel.com
State Line/Silver Smith Hotel Casinos
W. Wendover, NV http://www.statelinenv.com
702-664-2221
(State Line)
702-664-2231
(Silver Smith)
Stockmen’s Hotel & Casino
Elko, NV
http://www.fh-inc.com
Sunset Station Casino
Henderson, NV
http://www.stationcasinos.com
http://www.sunsetstation.com
Topaz Lodge & Casino
Gardnerville, NV
http://www.enterit.com/topaz3338
775-266-3338
Virgin River Hotel & Casino
Mesquite, NV
http://www.virginriver.com
800-346-7721
Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino Primm, NV
http://www.primadonna.com
Winners Hotel/Casino
Winnemucca, NV
http://www.winnerscasino.com
800-648-4770
Nevada - Lake Tahoe
Bill’s Casino
Caesars Tahoe
Stateline, NV
(Note )
Stateline, NV
http://www.caesars.com
http://www.caesars.com/tahoe
888-829-7630
Cal-Neva Resort Spa & Casino Crystal Bay, NV
http://www.calnevaresort.com
800-CAL-NEVA
Crystal Bay Club Casino
Crystal Bay, NV
http://www.crystalbayclub.com
775-831-0512
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Stateline, NV
http://www.harrahstahoe.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/tah/location_home.html
Harvey’s - Lake Tahoe
Horizon Casino Resort
Stateline, NV
Lake Tahoe, NV
http://www.harveys.com
http://www.horizoncasino.com
800-648-3322
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Incline Village, NV http://www.hyatt.com
http://www.hyatt.com/usa/incline_village/hotels/hotel_tvllt.html
775-832-1234
Lakeside Inn and Casino
Stateline, NV
http://www.lakesideinn.com
775-588-7777
800-624-7980
Tahoe Biltmore Lodge and Casino
Crystal Bay, NV
http://www.tahoebiltmore.com
775-831-0660
800-BILTMOR
Nevada - Las Vegas
Aladdin Resort & Casino
Arizona Charlie’s Hotel/Casino
Strip
http://www.aladdincasino.com
702-785-5555
http://www.azcharlies.com
http://www.azcharlies.com/west/index.html
800-342-2695
Arizona Charlie’s East Hotel/Casino
Boulder Hwy. Strip http://www.azcharlies.com
http://www.azcharlies.com/east/index.html
877-951-0002
Bally’s Las Vegas
Strip
http://www.ballyslv.com
888-742-9248
Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.barbarycoastcasino.com
888-227-2279
Barcelona Hotel & Casino
http://www.barcelonalasvegas.com
800-223-6330
Bellagio
Strip
http://www.bellagioresort.com
702-693-7111
Binion’s Horseshoe Casino and Hotel
Downtown
http://www.binions.com
702-382-1600
800-622-6468
Boardwalk Casino - Holiday Inn Strip
http://www.hiboardwalk.com
Boulder Station Hotel & Casino Boulder Hwy. Strip http://www.stationcasinos.com
800-683-7777
Caesars Palace
Strip
http://www.caesars.com
http://www.caesars.com/palace
877-427-7243
California Hotel & Casino
Downtown
http://www.thecal.com
702-385-1222
Casino Royale & Hotel
Strip
http://www.casinoroyalehotel.com
800-854-7666
Castaways
Boulder Hwy. Strip http://www.showboat-lv.com
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.circuscircus-lasvegas.com
702-734-0410
877-2CIRCUS
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Downtown
http://www.elcortez.net
702-385-5200
Excalibur Resort Hotel/Casino
Strip
http://www.excaliburlasvegas.com
http://www.excaliburcasino.com
http://www.excalibur-casino.com
877-750-5464
Fiesta Casino Hotel
N. Las Vegas
http://www.fiestacasinohotel.com
Fitzgeralds Casino & Holiday Inn Downtown
Flamingo Hilton Las Vegas
Strip
Four Queens Casino Hotel
Downtown
Fremont Hotel & Casino
Downtown
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
http://www.goldcoastcasino.com
702-631-7000
800-731-7333
http://www.fitzgeraldslasvegas.com
800-274-LUCK
http://www.hilton.com
702-697-2900
http://www.fourqueens.com
702-385-4011
800-634-6045
http://www.fremontcasino.com
702-385-3232
800-634-6460
Strip
888-402-6278
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
http://www.goldengatecasino.net
Downtown
702-385-1906
800-426-1906
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Downtown
http://www.goldennugget.com
702-385-7111
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.hardrockhotel.com
702-693-5000
800-HRD-ROCK
Harrah’s Las Vegas
Strip
http://www.harrahsvegas.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/las/location_home.html
Hotel San Remo Casino & Resort Strip
http://www.sanremolasvegas.com
702-739-9000
Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino Strip
http://www.imperialpalace.com
702-731-3311
Casino Information:
800-351-7400
(Press “1”)
Jerry’s Nugget
N. Las Vegas
http://www.jerrysnugget.com
702-399-3000
Key Largo Casino & Quality Inn Strip
http://www.travelbase.com/destinations/las-vegas/quality
Lady Luck Casino Hotel
Downtown
Las Vegas Club Casino Hotel
Downtown
Las Vegas Hilton
Strip
Luxor Las Vegas
Strip
Main Street Station Hotel & Casino
http://www.mainstreetcasino.com
http://www.ladyluck.com
800-523-9582
http://www.playatlvc.com
702-385-1664
800-634-6532
http://www.lv-hilton.com
888-732-7117
http://www.luxor.com
888-777-0188
Downtown
702-387-1896
800-713-8933
Mandalay Bay
http://www.mandalaybay.com
MGM Grand Hotel Casino
Strip
Strip
The Mirage
Strip
Monte Carlo Resort & Casino
http://www.monte-carlo.com
http://www.mgmgrand.com
702-891-7777
877-880-0880
http://www.themirage.com
702-791-7111
Strip
702-730-7777
888-529-4828
Nevada Palace Hotel & Casino Boulder Hwy. Strip http://www.nevadapalace.com
702-458-8810
800-634-6283
New Frontier Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.frontierlv.com
702-794-8330
800-421-7806
New York-New York Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.nynyhotelcasino.com
Orleans Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.orleanscasino.com
702-365-7111
800-ORLEANS
O’Shea’s Casino
Strip
(Note )
Palace Station Hotel and Casino
http://www.stationcasinos.com
800-544-2411
Paris Casino Resort
Strip
http://www.paris-lv.com
702-946-7000
Plaza Hotel Casino
Downtown
http://www.plazahotelcasino.com
702-386-2110
800-634-6575
The Regent Las Vegas
N. Las Vegas
http://www.regentlasvegas.com
877-869-8777
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv
Riviera Hotel & Casino
Strip
Sahara Hotel and Casino
Strip
http://www.playrio.com
http://www.theriviera.com
800-634-3420
http://www.saharahotelandcasino.com
702-737-2111
Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
Boulder Hwy. Strip http://www.samstownlv.com
702-456-7777
800-897-8696
Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino
http://www.stationcasinos.com
http://www.stationsantafe.com
702-658-4900
800-6-STATIONS
Showboat Hotel & Casino
http://www.showboat-lv.com
Silverton Hotel Casino & RV Resort
south of the Strip http://www.silvertoncasino.com
702-263-7777
866-668-6688
Stardust Resort & Casino
Strip
http://www.stardustlv.com
Table Games:
800-824-6033
Room Reservations:
800-634-6757
Stratosphere Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.stratlv.com
800-998-6937
Suncoast Hotel and Casino
N. Las Vegas
http://www.suncoastcasino.com
702-636-7111
877-677-7111
Terrible’s Hotel and Casino
http://www.terribleherbst.com
Texas Station
N. Las Vegas
http://www.stationcasinos.com
http://www.texasstation.com
800-654-8888
Treasure Island
Strip
http://www.treasureislandlasvegas.com
702-894-7111
Tropicana Casino & Resort
Strip
http://www.tropicanalv.com
Vacation Village Hotel-Casino
Strip
http://www.vacationvillagevegas.com
702-897-1700
800-658-5000
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Strip
http://www.venetian.com
877-2VENICE
Westward Ho Hotel & Casino
Strip
http://www.westwardho.com
702-731-2900
800-634-6803
800-634-3488
Wild Wild West Gambling Hall and Casino
Nevada - Reno
Atlantis Casino Resort
Boomtown Hotel Casino
Circus Circus Hotel Casino/Reno
Club Cal-Neva/Virginian Hotel and Casino
http://www.clubcalneva.com
Comstock Hotel Casino
Eldorado Hotel/Casino
Fitzgeralds Casino/Hotel - Reno
Flamingo Reno
http://www.atlantiscasino.com
775-825-4700
800-723-6500
http://www.boomtownreno.com
800-648-3790
http://www.circusreno.com
http://www.thecomstock.com
http://www.eldoradoreno.com
775-786-5700
800-648-5966
http://www.fitzgeralds.com
800-535-LUCK
http://www.flamingoreno.com
775-322-1111
Harrah’s Reno
http://www.harrahsreno.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/ren/location_home.html
Peppermill Hotel Casino Reno
Ramada Inn Speakeasy Casino
Reno Hilton
The Sands Regency Casino Hotel
http://www.sandsregency.com
http://www.peppermillcasinos.com
775-826-2121
800-648-6992
http://www.ramada.com
775-329-7400
http://www.renohilton.com
800-648-3553
Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Sundowner Hotel Casino
New Jersey - Atlantic City
Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort
Bally’s Park Place
http://www.hiltonac.com
http://www.ballysac.com
888-537-0007
Bally’s Wild Wild West
http://www.ballysac.com/wild_west.htm
Caesars Atlantic City
http://www.caesars.com/atlantic_city
888-241-8545
Claridge Casino Hotel
http://www.claridge.com
800-847-LUCK
800-442-GAME
Harrah’s Casino Hotel
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/atl/location_home.html
609-441-5000
Resorts Casino Hotel
http://www.resortsac.com
800-336-6378
Sands Hotel and Casino
http://www.acsands.com
800-ACSANDS
Showboat Casino-Hotel
http://www.harrahs.com
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/sac/location_home.html
Tropicana Casino and Resort
http://www.tropicana.net
800-THE-TROP
Trump Marina Hotel Casino
http://www.trumpmarina.com
Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino
Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort
609-441-2000
800-777-1177
http://www.trumpplaza.com
609-441-6000
http://www.trumptaj.com
609-449-1000
800-825-8888
Appendix C: The Absolute Minimum of The Absolute Minimum
These are copies of the “Absolute Minimum” boxes from each of the appropriate
sections, stripped of any surrounding explanations and tacky comments. Well, most of
the tacky comments…
Blackjack1: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have a Blackjack (An Ace and any 10-level card)?


If so, you need go no further.
If not, go to Blackjack2…
Blackjack2: The Absolute Minimum
Does the casino offer surrender, and if so, do you have one of the requisite hands?


If so, surrender the hand.
If not, go to Blackjack3…
Blackjack3: The Absolute Minimum
Did the dealer announce, “Insurance, anyone?”

This one’s easy. Don’t take insurance. Go straight to Blackjack4…
Blackjack4: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have a pair, and if so, does the situation meet the requirements for splitting?


If so, split the pair and play each hand individually.
If not, go to Blackjack5…
Blackjack5: The Absolute Minimum
Based on whether you have a hard or soft hand, using the appropriate rules, do you have
a hand eligible for doubling?


If so, double-down and cross your fingers.
If not, go to Blackjack6…
Blackjack6: The Absolute Minimum
Follow the rules in the appropriate table and repeat this step until…


You’ve gone as far as you dare, within the basic strategy guidelines, or
You bust (go over 21).
Caribbean Stud Poker: The Absolute Minimum




“Bet” - if you hold any pair or greater;
“Bet” - if you hold an A-K-J or greater; or
“Bet” - if you hold an A-K and you have a card that matches the dealer’s upcard.
Otherwise, fold.
Craps1: The Absolute Minimum
Bet the Pass Line…
1. Make a Pass Line bet.
2. Cheer, yell, shout, cross your fingers, pray, whatever seems appropriate (within the
bounds of decency).
Craps2: The Absolute Minimum
Take odds on the Pass Line…
1. Take the odds on the Pass Line bet, after a point is established, by placing the
appropriate amount behind the original bet.
2. Keep cheering, yelling, shouting, crossing your fingers, and/or praying.
Craps3: The Absolute Minimum
Bet the Come Line and take the odds…
1. Bet on the Come Line, just as you did the Pass Line.
2. If a “point” number is rolled, take the odds on the bet after it’s moved to the appropriate
number - if you feel like it. (The dealer will take care of the physical placement of the
odds bet - don’t try to reach across the table and place it yourself…)
3. Keep cheering, etc.
Craps4: The Absolute Minimum
Place the 6 and/or the 8…
1. Bet on the “Place 6” or the “Place 8” or both. (Put the money on the table and ask the
dealer to place the bets for you.)
2. Don’t confuse this with the “Big 6” and “Big 8” bets!
3. You know the rest of the routine by now.
Craps/The Dark Side1: The Absolute Minimum
Bet the Don’t Pass Line…
1. Make a Don’t Pass bet.
2. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Craps players tend to be a superstitious lot, and
keeping a low profile is my recommended way of “playing the don’t.”
Craps/The Dark Side2: The Absolute Minimum
Lay odds on the Don’t Pass Line…
1. Lay the odds on the Don’t Pass bet, after a point is established.
2. Just stand there quietly, and don’t make catcalls at the shooter to make them lose
concentration.
Craps/The Dark Side3: The Absolute Minimum
Bet the Don’t Come and lay the odds…
1. Bet on the Don’t Come line, just as you did the Don’t Pass Line.
2. If a “point” number is rolled, lay the odds on the bet after it’s moved to the appropriate
number (optional, naturally).
3. Keep playing it cool…
Craps/The Dark Side4: The Absolute Minimum
Place the 6 and/or the 8…
1. Bet on the “Place 6” or the “Place 8” or both. (Put the money on the table and ask the
dealer to place the bets for you.)
2. Don’t confuse this with the “Big6” and “Big 8” bets.
3. Shhhhh…..
Let It Ride1: The Absolute Minimum
Let your first bet ride if:



You have a pair or 10s or better;
You have three consecutive cards to an open-ended Straight Flush; or
You have 3 almost-consecutive cards to a Straight Flush, with at least two high (10 or
higher) cards.
Otherwise, withdraw your first bet.
Let It Ride2: The Absolute Minimum
Let your second bet ride if:



You have a pair of 10s or better;
You have four cards to a Flush; or
You have 10, J, Q, and K of any suit.
Otherwise, withdraw your second bet.
Pai Gow Poker: The Absolute Minimum
If you have…
Five Aces (4 Aces and the Joker)
Any Straight or any Flush (including a Straight Flush)
Four of a Kind
Full House
Three of a Kind
Three Pair
Two Pair
One Pair
None of the above
Go to…
Pai Gow Poker1
Pai Gow Poker2
Pai Gow Poker3
Pai Gow Poker4
Pai Gow Poker5
Pai Gow Poker6
Pai Gow Poker7
Pai Gow Poker8
Pai Gow Poker9
Pai Gow Poker1: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have five Aces (4 Aces and the Joker)?
If so: 5-card = A-A-A-x-x
2-card = A-A
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker2…
Pai Gow Poker2: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have any Straight or any Flush (including a Straight Flush)?
If so…
(with no pair):
(including 1 or 2 pairs):
(including a 3-of-a-Kind):
(including two 3-of-a-Kinds):
(including a Full House):
5-card = lowest complete Straight/Flush
2-card = 2 remaining cards
5-card = lowest complete Straight/Flush
2-card = pair or 2 remaining cards
5-card = complete Straight/Flush
2-card = pair
5-card = lower 3-of-a-Kind
2-card = pair from the higher 3-of-a-Kind
5-card = 3-of-a-Kind
2-card = pair
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker3…
Pai Gow Poker3: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have Four-of-a-Kind?
If so…
AAAA:
5-card = A-A-x-x-x
2-card = A-A
8888 thru KKKK without an Ace: 5-card = 2 of the 4
2-card = 2 of the 4
8888 thru KKKK with an Ace:
5-card = 4-of-a-Kind
2-card = A-x
2222 thru 7777
5-card = 4-of-a-Kind
2-card = 2 highest cards
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker4…
Pai Gow Poker4: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have a Full House?
If so: 5-card = the 3-of-a-Kind
2-card = the pair
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker5…
Pai Gow Poker5: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have Three-of-a-Kind?
If so…
AAA:
KKK:
222 thru QQQ:
(two sets of Three-of-a-Kind):
5-card = A-A-x-x-x
2-card = Ace and next highest card
5-card = K-K-x-x-x
2-card = King and next highest card
5-card = Three-of-a-Kind
2-card = 2 highest cards
5-card = lower Three-of-a-Kind
2-card = pair from higher Three-of-a-Kind
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker6…
Pai Gow Poker6: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have Three Pair?
If so: 5-card = 2nd and 3rd highest pairs
2-card = highest pair
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker7…
Pai Gow Poker7: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have Two Pair?
If so…
(one pair = AA):
(and one Ace):
(and no aces):
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker8…
5-card = A-A-x-x-x
2-card = lower pair
5-card = both pairs
2-card = A-x
5-card = higher pair
2-card = lower pair
Pai Gow Poker8: The Absolute Minimum
Do you have One Pair?
If so: 5-card = pair
2-card = 2 highest remaining cards
If not, go to Pai Gow Poker9…
Pai Gow Poker9: The Absolute Minimum
If you’ve got a Grand-High Nothing (and it appears that you do, if you’ve reached this
point), don’t despair. Try this:
5-card = highest card
2-card = 2nd and 3rd highest cards
Rank of Poker Hands, Highest to Lowest (Single-Deck Games)
(Aces are always high, except when used as part of an A-2-3-4-5 straight.)
1. Five of a Kind - Five cards of the same rank. (Occurs only in games with wild cards.)
2. Straight Flush - Five cards in sequence in the same suit. Between two such hands, the
highest-ranking cards wins: A-K-Q-J-10 (called a Royal Flush) beats K-Q-J-10-9, and
lower.
3. Four of a Kind - Any four cards of the same rank. Between two such hands, the four
higher cards win.
4. Full House - Three of a kind and a pair. Between two full houses, the hand whose
three of a kind are composed of the highest ranking cards is the winner.
5. Flush - Any hand of five cards all the same suit. Between two flushes, the hand
containing the highest-ranking card wins.
6. Straight - Any five cards in sequence but not the same suit. Between two straights, the
hand with the highest-ranking card at the head of the sequence is the winner.
7. Three of a Kind - Three cards of the same rank. Between two such hands, the higher
ranking three of a kind wins.
8. Two Pair - Two cards of any one rank and two cards of any other rank, with an
unmatched card. The highest-ranking pair is the winner; if these pairs are the same,
the hand with the higher of the two other pairs is the winner. If still tied, the
highest-ranking extra card is the tie-breaker.
9. One Pair - Any two cards of the same rank. The pair composed of the higher-ranking
cards between two players wins. If still tied, the highest-ranking unmatched card is the
tie-breaker.
10. High Card - In a hand with unmatched cards, the winning hand is decided by the rank
of the highest card. If tied, the second-highest card is used as the tie-breaker (and so
on, if necessary, down the ranks).
Slots: The Absolute Minimum






Study the payout chart on the machine! This will often determine whether you want to
play one coin (to make your money last), or the maximum amount allowed (to take
advantage of any bonuses).
In the same vein, though, I personally usually play “full coin” (the maximum allowed) if
reasonable and appropriate.
Avoid progressives. The odds against you are way too high.
If you’re in it just for the enjoyment of playing, feed the coins in by hand. This’ll slow it
down and make your money last longer.
Put aside at least half of a big win (which may mean that you’ll have to cash out the
entire amount and re-insert the remainder).
You cannot consistently win at slots. Keep that in mind.
Three Card Poker: The Absolute Minimum
1. Play any Pair or Greater.
2. If no Pairs, etc., but your hand is greater than or equal to Q-6-4, play it.
3. Otherwise, fold.
Video Poker: The Absolute Minimum
9/6 Jacks or Better Strategy *
Keep (in descending order):





















Royal Flush
Straight Flush
4 of a Kind
4-cards to a Royal Flush
Full House
Flush
Straight
3 of a Kind
4 cards to a Straight Flush
2 Pair
High Pair (Jacks or Better)
3 cards to a Royal Flush
4 cards to a Flush
Low Pair (10s or Lower)
4 cards to a Straight
3 cards to a Straight Flush
2 cards to a Royal Flush
3 High Cards (Jacks - Aces)
2 High Cards
1 High Card
(Everything else - discard all cards and draw five)
* This strategy also works with most 8/5 and 6/5 machines.
Video Poker: The Absolute Minimum




Learn the strategy for your game, or carry a cheat-sheet with you.
Play “full coin,” if possible and practical.
Don’t stretch the “double up” bet more than one play (if that).
Use your loss-limit and win-limit strategies.
Baccarat: The Absolute Minimum


Bet on the banker and pay the commission.
Don’t make the “tie” bet.
Keno: The Absolute Minimum








Get yourself a brochure or handout at the casino and shop around for the best payoffs.
Keep your bets low.
On a straight ticket, play no more than 8 numbers.
Play “way” tickets whenever possible. An employee will explain the casino’s process
to you, if you need it.
Larger bets do not mean “bonus” payoffs will be made (like in Slots or Video Poker).
Remember that in many casinos, winning tickets must be redeemed before the next
game begins. That’ll usually give you about five minutes.
Forget about shelling out any money for a “system.”
Sit back, order a drink, and enjoy the game. Just don’t expect to win enough to pay off
the mortgage. Or buy a Ferrari. (But if it happens, can I have a ride?)
Red Dog: The Absolute Minimum


If the “spread” is 7 or greater, make the “Raise” bet (which is equal to the original
“Ante” bet).
Otherwise, let sleeping Red Dogs lie.
Spanish 21: The Absolute Minimum

Play like “regular” Blackjack. Just use standard basic Blackjack strategy, if you don’t
have access to more detailed strategies - or just don’t care to learn them.
Beat the casino on your next trip.
Roulette
Craps
Blackjack
Slots
Video Poker
Horse Racing