Why do you play VP? - Do you go solo or with your significant other or someone else.

[OTABILL]

Back in October I started a thread entitled “The Recreational Forum Has Been "Hijacked."” One of my posts there listed several topics I thought would be worth discussing. Webman encouraged me to start a discussion on some of them. I wasn’t ready to do so then but for various personal reasons.

The topic, “why do you play VP? - Do you go solo or with your significant other or someone else” is a good place to start. I never played VP until I met my wife. She had found it an enjoyable activity that a single woman could do in a safe environment at a reasonable cost. When we got together, we both found it something we enjoyed doing together. After work, on a weekend, we would go to the casino, find the VP we preferred (DDB $0.25 progressives), and try and find adjoining seats so we could play, talk and chill out. We would show each other drawn hands and final hands and discuss them. Sometimes we would play relatively quickly, other times more slowly. Sometimes we would talk with folks near us. We found it the decision making a positive reason to play VP as opposed to slots. After a strenuous work week, it was also a way to alleviate stress. Except for rare occasions, we always went together though sometimes, in Vegas, we would play different VP banks. We continued to enjoy our pastime after our retirement until smoke-related health issues curtailed our VP play.
I would appreciate keeping this discussion to recreational play and within the parameters of this forum as outlined by Webman, “The lighter side... playing for entertainment, less concerned about "the math."” Thank you.

[billryan]

I go to casinos to play. While I may go to a casino with friends, I play solo. If at a machine, I rarely interact with others. At a bartop,, or table game, I am much more social.

[FloridaPhil]

I play video poker as a hobby. Boating, fishing and muscle cars took up much of my leisure time until about ten years ago. My wife and I are both in good health, but we aren't up to sitting in a boat all day. I still have a few old cars, but I no longer race them. We drive them to car shows and cruises, usually followed by dinner.

Video poker is something we can both do together. I have friends who enjoy the casino as well. If my wife or my friends can't go along, I go by myself. We use comped rooms to take frequent mini vacations. A few times a year, we take fly and drive road trips and use comped rooms along the way.

I get a lot of enjoyment from playing video poker. I leave my house around 8 AM and don't get home until around 5 PM. I play to break even. I can't think of anything else I would rather do with my time. When I am not playing for money, I play for free either on the Internet or with my software. If I lived closer to a casino, I am sure I would be there most every day. I don't, which is probably a good thing.

[Jstark]

Gambling is about trying to win money or anything of value. Casinos are the ones who associated the ridiculous "entertainment" word with it.

[FloridaPhil]

Gambling is about trying to win money or anything of value. Casinos are the ones who associated the ridiculous "entertainment" word with it.

Many of my friends play golf. There is always a little gambling involved. It adds to the fun of the game. I don't need money to enjoy playing video poker. However, playing video poker is more fun in a casino.

[case]

I usually go with my wife but not always. I am off tomorrow for two nights alone as she is busy. When we are together we play side by side maybe half the time. She moves around a lot more than I do. If we spend the night and we usually do it is like a small getaway that we enjoy. Our casinos are non smoking with beautiful rooms.

[olds442jetaway]

I think I answered this one before but usually I play solo but enjoy the company of my wife on many of the trips

[mightwin]

I like to go to the casino alone. I don't want to keep track of friends. I don't want to explain why I play the way or machine I do. I don't want to be followed around or be asked where next. If I loose they want to leave, if I win they want money. I'm not done until I'm done or out of money.

I'll join my friend for dinner - but when it's time to play I'll go in a different direction.

Las Vegas is fun with friends - but again I don't like someone sitting next to me watching or whining.

The casino is my place to not think of work or problems. To enjoy myself and I know it has a cost.

Makes me sound like a witch - but I like to play alone - me against the machine. And I enjoy it.

I'm glad for couples that like to play together. Whatever makes you happy you should do.

Here's hoping for royals for everyone.

[FloridaPhil]

I like to go to the casino alone. I don't want to keep track of friends.

You brought up some good points. My drive to the nearest casino is about an hour and a half each way. I enjoy having company on the drive. It makes the time go faster. When we get to the casino, we go our separate ways. We may meet up for lunch or check on each other throughout the day. I don't like chatting while I play VP. I enjoy being by myself. I am annoyed when I am forced to play around chatty people or with someone who talks on the phone while they play. I don't want to explain how or why I play. I may make a comment or two, but nothing too lengthy. Most video poker players are solitary gamblers. If I wanted company, I would play table games.

[FAA]

You're always better company after yet another hand pay. Also table free.