There is nothing more disappointing then having more vacation than money. This is particularly true in Las Vegas. I can't tell you how many times I've driven home with just enough money for gas and Taco Bell. But, that was in the past. Now, I have a relatively simple and logical approach to making my money last through out my vacation. These steps work for me and I'm sure they will work for you.
The most important step is to budget your money. It goes without saying that you must have money for food. First, you must decide how you would like to dine. You must be aware that some places have meal deals and others do not. If fine dining is an aspect of your vacation experience then budget accordingly. My rule of thumb is $7 per person per meal for fast food, $10 for family style fare and $20 for finer dining. Personally, I don't care to spend more than these amounts. Remember, I'm in Vegas to gamble and take in the atmosphere. However, if my bankroll was such that I could afford more I probably would occasionally frequent really fine restaurants. There are so many places to eat in Las Vegas that finding reasonably priced fare is pretty easy.
Next, as I've mentioned before, you must decide how much you are going to gamble per day. Since, I like to gamble, I usually do 2 sessions of gambling each day. I usually play a $100 per day. Therefore, each session is $50. Once having met that amount, I visit my room or take a walk or find something else to do. There are so many new casinos that finding a place to walk through is not difficult. I play nickels on Video Keno so often my money can last 3 to 4 hours. Plenty of time to have fun for me. Plus, it is very rare where I play and can not win a little something so I can keep playing.
Now, what happens if you are in a busy casino with a limited availability of machines? That's not a problem if the machine you could get is paying out. But, what if it isn't? I usually choose a Video Keno Machine that has multiple games. You will know within the first 20 minutes how the machine is playing. If it isn't really paying out, I play each game with the same numbers. I rotate games after about 12 to 15 plays. I found this stretches my money due to the smaller amounts won on the bonus Keno games. Of course, my goal is to hit something on the Keno games that pay out more. Using this method, I can usually play that machine for 3 to 4 hours even if it is paying out poorly.
Remember, you're in Las Vegas to have fun and try your luck. Don't come with the attitude that you'll strike it rich. This attitude will make you veer from your plan. With the right attitude and budget, you'll maximize your vacation in Las Vegas. Having said all that, maybe you will hit a nice jackpot and pay for your vacation. That is all one could hope for in Las Vegas. Until next time, I wish you and your family much good fortune.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
What to Play?
Those that have read my blogs know that I enjoy playing video keno and bingo. Plus, those that know these games are aware that these games are ones with the lowest odds of winning. Why would any one play these games? Well, to be honest, I used to play blackjack. However, the price to play a hand has increased. Having said that, I still enjoy it now and then but with no regularity. The odds of winning something in blackjack is better than most but your bankroll has to be commensurate with your decision to play this game and your understanding the game itself.
Video keno is pretty easy to understand. Also, the bet amount can be fairly small. I play 20 to 60 cents a bet. You put your money in and pick up to 10 numbers and play away. Your odds of hitting something should be fairly consisitent with any other casino slot machine. However, there are those, as do I, that believe there are things you can do interactively that can increase your odds of winning. As in video poker, the player has some influence over the outcome of the play. This influence is marginal at best. You don't think large casinos are built because they love to give away money, do you? However, if any influence can be exerted over the game then, I think, it's worth the attempt.
Most casinos profess that their machines win randomly. However, this "randomness" is adjusted to win within certain predetermined percentages. This is how the casinos can determine their cut of the play in the long run. But, anything can happen in the short term. That is where my style of play comes in. First, I make sure I determine how much money I'm going to play at any given session. I also decide how much each bet is going to be. Then, I pick my numbers. I like to pick numbers that are clustered together. I feel that although it is possible for spread numbers to win, clustered numbers are in a better position to win. I then play these numbers steadily with patience. Sometimes, I play the numbers for 100 to 200 plays then change the cluster position. Generally, I keep the same cluster shape. I have used this technique for the last 2 years and it has improved my winning percentages. I won $1400 in January. Prior to this technique, I used to win smaller amounts with my "winning" number combinations. I really do believe that the cluster shape is more influential then the numbers chosen.
The amount of numbers and which type of keno games played can influence winning. Although 10 numbers can be played, I would not play that amount. I found out fairly quickly in my keno experience that a smaller amount of chosen numbers wins greater than many numbers. It is possible that in the long run 10 out of 10 could happen. But, usually I don't have that much time nor money. I like 7 numbers. They win smaller amounts with regularity and 7 out of 7 is more likely in the short run. The games I like are the ones where the amounts that be won are fairly large comparatively speaking. Having said that, I know the winning is less often. Bonus games like Caveman or Cleopatra Keno hit more often but for considerably less amounts. I play these games but only as a change of pace. 4 card and 20 card keno games are quite fun. You can win greater amounts of money but they require a larger bankroll. The most money I've won has been on 4 card keno.
I also have techniques to make my money last a bit longer when the machine is not really hitting. I use these techniques when casinos are crowded and machine access is limited. Although, I'm patient while playing, I'm impatient to get a machine to play. Well, I hope some of my ideas work for you and maybe you can share ideas that work for you. I forgot to mention that I almost exclusively play nickel bet keno. Until next time, happiness and good fortune to all of you and your families.
Video keno is pretty easy to understand. Also, the bet amount can be fairly small. I play 20 to 60 cents a bet. You put your money in and pick up to 10 numbers and play away. Your odds of hitting something should be fairly consisitent with any other casino slot machine. However, there are those, as do I, that believe there are things you can do interactively that can increase your odds of winning. As in video poker, the player has some influence over the outcome of the play. This influence is marginal at best. You don't think large casinos are built because they love to give away money, do you? However, if any influence can be exerted over the game then, I think, it's worth the attempt.
Most casinos profess that their machines win randomly. However, this "randomness" is adjusted to win within certain predetermined percentages. This is how the casinos can determine their cut of the play in the long run. But, anything can happen in the short term. That is where my style of play comes in. First, I make sure I determine how much money I'm going to play at any given session. I also decide how much each bet is going to be. Then, I pick my numbers. I like to pick numbers that are clustered together. I feel that although it is possible for spread numbers to win, clustered numbers are in a better position to win. I then play these numbers steadily with patience. Sometimes, I play the numbers for 100 to 200 plays then change the cluster position. Generally, I keep the same cluster shape. I have used this technique for the last 2 years and it has improved my winning percentages. I won $1400 in January. Prior to this technique, I used to win smaller amounts with my "winning" number combinations. I really do believe that the cluster shape is more influential then the numbers chosen.
The amount of numbers and which type of keno games played can influence winning. Although 10 numbers can be played, I would not play that amount. I found out fairly quickly in my keno experience that a smaller amount of chosen numbers wins greater than many numbers. It is possible that in the long run 10 out of 10 could happen. But, usually I don't have that much time nor money. I like 7 numbers. They win smaller amounts with regularity and 7 out of 7 is more likely in the short run. The games I like are the ones where the amounts that be won are fairly large comparatively speaking. Having said that, I know the winning is less often. Bonus games like Caveman or Cleopatra Keno hit more often but for considerably less amounts. I play these games but only as a change of pace. 4 card and 20 card keno games are quite fun. You can win greater amounts of money but they require a larger bankroll. The most money I've won has been on 4 card keno.
I also have techniques to make my money last a bit longer when the machine is not really hitting. I use these techniques when casinos are crowded and machine access is limited. Although, I'm patient while playing, I'm impatient to get a machine to play. Well, I hope some of my ideas work for you and maybe you can share ideas that work for you. I forgot to mention that I almost exclusively play nickel bet keno. Until next time, happiness and good fortune to all of you and your families.
Monday, February 15, 2010
A New Image
Just like Las Vegas, I'm going to continue to try new looks. This blog now looks a bit different since the previous blog entry. I decided to change a few color schemes and add more information. Hopefully, this will catch a few more followers. I also want to mention that I welcome comments, questions and suggestions. I think it looks pretty good.
Speaking about questions, if you want to know something about Las Vegas or Laughlin, please ask away. I definitely have opinions and helpful, I think, ideas about making your trip to Las Vegas a more enjoyable experience. Although, I prefer certain casinos, I have views on all the other casinos. Plus, if I'm not familiar with a new one, your questions will give me a reason to visit it. I love Vegas.
Recently, I went Laughlin. I had a very nice time. My wife loves this place. In her view, it has a slower paced feel which she finds more relaxing. I tend to agree with her but I love the energy of Las Vegas because of the up pace. Although, I must say that Laughlin has it's own charm which is quite appealing. For those that don't know, Laughlin is nestled in between the Colorado River, Bullhead City, Arizona and the Mountains of Southern Nevada. Though, it is very hot in the summer, it is very picturesque all year long. We do plan to go back and visit some more.
Well, before I stop writing, I want to mention that we stay at the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin. There are many others but the Edgewater has given us free rooms based on a very low amount of play. If you read my other entries, you know that this is a very important requirement of my patronage of a casino. The only exception is the South Point Casino in Vegas. Sometimes, I do make an exception because of atmosphere and gambler room specials. Well, I got to run so til next time much good fortune and happiness to you and your family.
Speaking about questions, if you want to know something about Las Vegas or Laughlin, please ask away. I definitely have opinions and helpful, I think, ideas about making your trip to Las Vegas a more enjoyable experience. Although, I prefer certain casinos, I have views on all the other casinos. Plus, if I'm not familiar with a new one, your questions will give me a reason to visit it. I love Vegas.
Recently, I went Laughlin. I had a very nice time. My wife loves this place. In her view, it has a slower paced feel which she finds more relaxing. I tend to agree with her but I love the energy of Las Vegas because of the up pace. Although, I must say that Laughlin has it's own charm which is quite appealing. For those that don't know, Laughlin is nestled in between the Colorado River, Bullhead City, Arizona and the Mountains of Southern Nevada. Though, it is very hot in the summer, it is very picturesque all year long. We do plan to go back and visit some more.
Well, before I stop writing, I want to mention that we stay at the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin. There are many others but the Edgewater has given us free rooms based on a very low amount of play. If you read my other entries, you know that this is a very important requirement of my patronage of a casino. The only exception is the South Point Casino in Vegas. Sometimes, I do make an exception because of atmosphere and gambler room specials. Well, I got to run so til next time much good fortune and happiness to you and your family.
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