If I may tack one more thing on my list of vices, I have to declare I am a fan of gambling. Well, maybe not so much the poker or Black Jack kind of gambling; instead I prefer the blind luck of the slot machine. I can certainly understand why some choose the card games over machines, seeing as how you have at least SOME control in a card game. However, there's nothing quite like the instant gratification you experience when those lights go off and loud music starts to play from your machine, all pointing to you as if to say, "There is a winner right here!"
In fact, I'm a sucker for any kind of gaudy lights and fixtures, which brings me to my second love: the casino.
Over the years I have been able to visit several casinos ranging from the cheapest to the most extravagant. But while the casinos themselves may differ vastly, what hasn't changed much is my strict spending policy. Whatever cash I have is game, but after that, I call it quits. Well, at least, for the most part...
Anyway, I was really excited when I first heard that the law had passed for casinos to be built in Maryland, and even more so when the first one opened not too far away. Joe and I had been waiting for the opportunity to finally visit, and come Valentine's weekend, we finally had our chance.
We both woke up and dressed fairly early. I even took a few extra seconds to put an outfit together and fix my hair nice. We kissed the puppy goodbye and got on the road, figuring it would take about 45 minutes to get there. As we drove we discussed our plan; whether to eat first or play first, how long we ought to stay, our budget, etc.
When we finally pulled up, Joe looked around and said, "Wow...it's kinda small."
He was right, in fact we both agreed that it must've been the former movie theater for the area. This wasn't a bad thing, as we have seen casinos on the modest-side, but this was brand new, and looked like the only thing in town.
As we walked in, I immediately felt WAY over dressed. I don't know what gets into me- I practically shlub to work in old jeans, yet to sit in stiff chairs next to Grandma Smokes-a-ton and Bobby Blow-My-Retirement, I feel the need to dress to the nines.
We decided to opt for the brunch buffet, since it was still going on, and after a few plates we were dying to start playing. Of course, I was unprepared and without cash (a cardinal casino rule I hated to violate) so after eating a $4 ATM fee we split off to find our fortunes.
I stalked a few machines before I played, taking a look at the minimum bets. I usually like to stick to 2 cent or 5 cent slots, so I can spread my cash out. Unfortunately, in many cases here, the minimum bet was around 80 cents- not horrible, but really not great. I even sat at a machine that had a minimum bet of $1! That's fine if that's how much you were thinking to play anyway, but this was at a 5 cent machine! Worse, these slots simply swallowed your money with only an occasional small belch back. They were so bad in fact that Joe came back strolling over to where I was sitting before 45 minutes had passed.
"I'm out, already" he said simply. I nodded in agreement as I sent my last fruitless bet into the machine.
We walked out, disappointed at our bad luck, but even more so at how little the games let you play. Typically one of us is at least somewhat ahead, if not at least breaking even. Instead, it was as if we simply handed over our cash for nothing. I guess that's the biggest trick in a casino- to pay for however much you want to be entertained. You can't go in thinking you'll win.
Still, it feels soooo good when you do.....
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