Gambling...

[JoshEEE]

I love Vegas and go a couple times a year. I'm a true low-roller, and I'm not comfortable betting more than $2-$3 a hand at blackjack. I prefer a $1 minimum table, of course.

Ok, I'm assuming you were off the strip....but where?

I looked and looked for 5 dollar tables last time I was down there, and I was lucky to find tables with 10 dollar minimum bets.

Where did you find 1 dollar and 2-3 dollar tables???  I need to try those next time, that sounds fun.

[Nicklab]

That sounds like it might be one of the places on the North end of the strip.  Those are the older places, generally.  Pretty much from the Stratosphere north.

Also, those table rates are probably only in effect on weekdays.  Weekend table rates tend to be higher in Vegas and Atlantic City as a general rule.

[JediMAC]

Ok, I'm assuming you were off the strip....but where?

I'm assuming Carrie was probably "Downtown" on Fremont Street, which as Nick mentioned is a bit past Stratosphere (probably .5 to 1 mile beyond it).  That's the only place you can find table under $5 anymore, and not even much on the weekends at that.  The general Blackjack table rates have gone up significantly in recent years, especially on the Strip where you'd be lucky to ever find something under a $10 minimum hand.

But like Carrie said, if you can find a cheap table and just sit there and drink for free for several hours while hanging out and having fun with a few friends - it just doesn't get much better, regardless of whether you're winning or losing.  One of my all-time favorite times in Vegas was one time where me and a buddy sat down at a table with just the coolest bunch of people ever (including some great, friendly dealers), all of which really knew their Blackjack.  We probably played for 5-6 hours straight, drinking the whole time.  I had some horrible luck that sitting, and the alchohol probably didn't help my judgement later on in the session, but it was the funnest time I've ever had at a table, despite losing almost $200.

Vegas is about more than just the gambling.  The glitz, glamour, lights, free stuff, late night/early morning hours, loss of all inhibitions, shows, attractions, etc.  Too fun!

Nick's got some good suggestions there as well, for anyone contemplating hitting the tables.  And Josh, I've seen some ads for that Comic Con, and am contemplating trying to get out there for it.  You going?  I'll keep you posted on my status for the event if you are!

[Ben]

I've only spent about $10 on Powerball tickets, when the jackpot gets to be over $100 million. Never hit a single number.

I don't like card games like blackjack, so I avoid them. And I've heard bad tales about the addictiveness of one-armed bandits, so I stay away from casinos. I waste enough scrib on my hobbies.

[Carrie M]

The Sahara on the far north end of the strip almost always has $1-$3 tables, as well as the Flamingo, which has I believe $2 tables at certain times. You'll be able to find cheap tables downtown consistently, but as already mentioned, it's far easier to find them anywhere during the week. My favorite place to play over the past few years has been the Sahara, it's a pretty nice casino, for having such low table minimums. Off-strip casinos like Terrible's, and the Station and Coast casinos usually have low minimums as well, and I've found those casinos to be good places to hang out. It's nice to avoid the tourist crowds sometimes and just hang with the locals.

[JoshEEE]

See...I went to the Flamingo (do you mean the Flamingo Hilton?) in July remembering I had gambled there on the cheap once, and the tables were all 10 bucks.

I FINALLY found my 5 dollar tables at the Barbary Coast the morning of my departure on this last trip.

Something tells me I should go off the strip, but that's kind of a pain in the butt. I actually like the hustle and bustle. I don't go to Vegas cause it's a "cozy" place, but it might be something to try once. Maybe this next trip.

Which brings me to this Q:

And Josh, I've seen some ads for that Comic Con, and am contemplating trying to get out there for it.  You going?

Yes indeed. Myself and several members of the Seattle 501st guys will be there for the big Halloween partay in our gear. However, I'm hearing buzz that the con is not going to be as big as previously announced. This makes little difference to me, as I booked the trip on the super cheap, I'm staying at a sweet hotel, and it's going to be a fun trip whether there's a convention or not.

[dustrho]

I'm not much of a gambler, but I've been to Vegas 4 times now and I've gambled every time out there.  I have only played Slots , Video Poker and Keno, because I just feel a bit intimidated at the tables.  I love playing slots the most.  What I usually do is take $100 with me (leave all other money in the hotel room), dump it into slot machines until I have either gone broke or have at least doubled my winnings.  If I can double my winnings (or more in one shot), then I am done gambling.  You just have to have a gameplan when you go there.  Just don't bring a bunch of money at one time, so that you can blow it all in a matter of hours.