Roulette Lessons

I've been to casinos before, but I've never really done anything in them other then play the slot machines occasionally. That changed yesterday - we decided to go in and "practice" before our trip to Vegas. My big problem is I don't know the etiquette of gambling, so this was an opportunity to learn it.

I learned quite a bit last night. The most important thing I learned was that gambling can be a lot of fun when you're with your friends. Not so much if you're by yourself.

After about a million stops along the way, conejita_diabla, othelianna, thebrucie and myself made it to Grey Eagle casino on the Tsuu T'ina reserve. We were joined by IB, thekillerb69 and naughtynat07. The venue was chosen to allow IB to smoke indoors.

Grey Eagle casino was smaller then I imagined it would be - it was about the size of the other casinos I've been to in Calgary, but smaller then ones in other centers. Obviously smaller then the Vegas casinos, but also smaller then the Rimrock resort in Vancouver. It was busy though.

We all dressed up and there were lots of other folks dressed up too. There were a bunch of people who were not dressed up either, so it's obviously not a dress-up treat for everyone.

The casino has a bar & grill and a buffet. Neither are there for any reason other then to service the gamblers. The food and drink is just good enough to keep you from leaving, but not good enough to prevent you from spending any time there other then to satisfy your craving prior to gambling. You do not go to the Grey Eagle Casino buffet unless you're already going to Grey Eagle casino.

The casino is nice. Everything is clean and well laid out. The staff is discreet and professional. There seemed to have enough tables for the gamblers present on a Saturday night.

Walking through the joint, I was overcome with an immense feeling of nostalgia. It took me a few moments to put together why - it was the cigarette smoke. It's been so long since I've been anywhere that allowed indoor smoking and this reminded me of going to the Legion with my dad back when I was a kid. It would have been a lot of fun to sit next to the old man while playing roulette.

We found the others after sampling the buffet's wares. I watched IB and thekillerb69 play for a bit and then I bought $40 worth of chips. Each chip was worth 50¢, which was the minimum "inside" bet. That's when I started learning the rules - and not just the rules of roulette. for the most part, these rules are listed in the wiki article.

Playing at a table full of your friends is a lot of fun. People are joking, everyone is spreading their chips around. It's joyful even if you're losing because usually someone you know is winning. I was the big winner last night. I suspect beginner's luck as the cause.

First couple of bets, I was suddenly up $40. Every now and then I'd throw a $25 chip onto on of the outside portions (black, for example, or the second dozen). I did this about six times and only lost once. I was, by any reasonable measure, freakishly lucky. IB and thekillerb69 say I stole their mojo.

I outlasted all of my friends at the table. They slowly ran out of chips (or decided to cash out what they had) and went to the bar. I was the last one, with othelianna keeping me company. I bet $15 on the second dozen and placed the rest of my stuff onto inside numbers, reasoning I'd either lose all my chips (aside from the money I'd stashed in my pocket) or I'd go out with a bang. I lost, but it was fun while it lasted.

Here's the thing though, as my friends left, their spots were taken by strangers. The strangers were silent, dour and very very serious. No fun at all. I was happy to lose, just to get back to where it was fun. Would I have enjoyed myself as much if I had been losing? Probably not, but I'd have still had a good time. I did set aside $100 to "lose" at which point I'd have stopped. Never needed to get anywhere near that of course as I had won big on outside bets.

I walked away with $150 in chips in my pocket. A decent haul for two hours of entertainment and a $40 investment. I feel well prepared for Vegas, except that I'll be drinking, and likely my luck won't return. Who knows, maybe the fact that I'm unlucky in love means I'll me lucky in gambling.

I ended up spending most of my winnings being generous with people. I still made a profit on the evening though, so I'm happy.

I'd love to do it again sometime, but it likely won't happen until I'm in Nevada. The next time in Calgary won't be for awhile as it won't be fun unless I can convince a bunch of people to join me. I look forward to it.