Readers Write

5 September 2002

By The Midnight Skulker

I think one of the things that makes money management in a casino so difficult for even the experienced gambler is the uncertain relationship between playing time and bankroll. When making other purchases one typically has a good idea of what one is going to get in return. What one will get from a casino visit is not so well defined, and if the cards, dice, balls, and wheels are taking no prisoners there is no way a player can "get his money's worth." Getting destroyed is never fun, and coping with such hopefully rare disappointments -- I've had two in over 35 years of playing -- is a skill learned only by experience, and not one everyone can acquire.

The Midnight Skulker

You bring up a good point. Losing is bad, but losing quickly is worse.

With a movie or baseball game or play, you know you'll get a certain amount of "seat time" for your money, although you may leave before the entertainment is over. There's no such guarantee at the casino.

A few times I've sat down to play and have gone through more than half my stake by the time the pit boss comes by to have me sign the marker. And one time I even had to ask for another marker when he came by to have me sign my first one!

John

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Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@comcast.net.

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For more information about slots and video poker, we recommend:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots by John Robison
Break the One-Armed Bandits! by Frank Scoblete
Victory at Video Poker and Video Craps, Keno and Blackjack! by Frank Scoblete
Slot Conquest Audio Cassette Tape (60 minutes) with Frank Scoblete
Winning Strategies at Slots & Video Poker! Video tape hosted by Academy Award Winner James Coburn, Written by Frank Scoblete
The Slot Machine Answer Book by John Grochowski
The Video Poker Answer Book by John Grochowski