July 17, 2008
Vegas, baby!
Written by RobynDeHart in Jaunty Post
It’s a place you either love or hate. If you’ve been there, that is. For a while (before The Professor) I went with my parents once a year. They’ve been regulars to Sin City since I was in elementary school. I was 23 the first time I went and could play and let’s just say I was bitten. I love the city. The lights, the noise, the slots. I can’t be there for very long, it’s too INYOURFACE! too loud, too bright, too full of people. But for a couple of days it’s pure fun. The shows are fantastic, the food (sans buffets, hate them) can be great and people watching is unparalleled. The different casinos with their themes and decor is just fascinating. I mean the chairs at New York, NY casino have tuxedos on for Pete’s sake. How cute is that? The light/laser show downtown is pretty awesome and there are fireworks every weekend. Lights, lights everywhere - even their golden arches are covered in lights.
And I admit I love the thrill, the gamble of putting some money in a machine and hoping that it’s my lucky day.
You get better odds with the table games, but I’m a writer which means I’m an introvert and therefore I don’t want to talk to anyone. So I play the slots. They’ve changed a lot since I first started going and was stuck with the nickel slots crossing for my fingers for cherries or sevens. Now you can play penny slots for hours on a $20 and they have fun bonuses with treasure hunts and leprechauns and mermaids. So fun.
I’m not a serious gambler, it’s pure entertainment for me and I never play with much money so I rarely win big. Okay I’ve never won big, but I have won and tend to leave a casino with about as much as I went with. I’d call that a win. The Professor and The Chief (aka my father) would call that “girl math” but hey you don’t get money back after you go to the movies so to get money back after you’ve enjoyed your entertainment, so hey, it’s a win.
So how about you? Are you the thrifty sort that can’t get passed the thought of throwing money away or are you like me and enjoy a game of chance every now and then?
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Laura Says:
Las Vegas is one of my favorite places to go - and I’m not a gambler. I do, however, allow $20 per day to lose as part of the entertainment there. Like you, I spend it mostly at slots. If I’m ahead though, I will move over to the tables. Played craps for the first time, the last time I was there. And I love visiting all the new casinos and even the older ones. I just love Las Vegas.
Okay, not sure that answered your question but there you go. And now I’m wanting to go back to Vegas. lol (Fun post, by the way.)
Emily McKay Says:
Hey, I’m all about spending a little money while on vacation, but I don’t think I’d like vagas. I’d much rather be in the caribbean some where and splurge for a massage on the beach.
Margo Maguire Says:
Emily - I’m with you! Never been to Vegas, and the thought of it doesn’t really appeal to me. Give me Paris … or NYC!
RobynDeHart Says:
Well, now I never said I would choose Vegas over the Caribbean or Europe. But hey, they have casinos on lots of those Caribbean islands.
Shana Says:
I’d rather come away with a pair of shoes or a new purse if I’m going to spend money. I think gambling is boring.
I’ve never been to Vegas, and I don’t think I’ll like it. USF loves it there, so I’m sure I’ll have to go one of these days. It just looks so gaudy and cheap. Yuck.
Jane Says:
I love Vegas. I played the nickel slots. I’m a thrifty sort, but my friend let me play with his chips at the $10 blackjack tables. I didn’t feel comfortable playing at the tables, but he says it’s all in good fun. I’ve always wanted to play craps.
RobynDeHart Says:
Jane, my brother plays craps and he seems to really enjoy it, but the whole notion of it makes me nervous. Does look fun though.
Shana, it is gaudy, but a lot of it isn’t cheap. The Venetian is one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever been to and the Bellagio fountains are a wonder to see. But if you’re looking for cheap and gaudy, you won’t have to look too hard. But when USF makes you go, just know that most of the casinos have lovely pools so bring some books and enjoy yourself outside away from the smoke and the noise.