An Unusual Vegas Trip

[case]

We are frequent Vegas visitors and have seen it all over the years. However this trip was different. It was one of the few times both my wife and I were ahead. Often one of us wins and one loses or we might both lose. I hit a royal and had some good kicker hits for my wins. But the unusual part was that my wife was ahead every day and did not hit a royal. She did not have a bad day and this was after 7 days. Often she was on slightly negative games as well. Had free rooms and free food to boot. Never set foot on the strip.

We were in a video poker tournament at Sams Town (missed the money by 100 points) for 3 nights and downtown for 4 nights. Brought home almost double what we took.

It has been a hard year on our family. Our oldest son was diagnosed with cancer in January. He has had radiation, chemo and two operations since then. Doctors are optimistic because of his young age and he is now ready to go back to work. We are all thinking positive and knew a Vegas trip would be a good escape for my wife (and me). In past years we did a drive out west for a month or two but had to skip it this year due to our son.

We also booked another trip to Vegas for January. On Black Friday Spirit Airlines had a one day special and we got tickets from Detroit for 50 dollars each way per person. The total was 200 dollars return. Will stay at Boulder Station, California and Orleans.

So things are looking much better and we look ahead to a good year.

[alpax]

The odds of coming out ahead in a days worth of play are not good (about high 30%), but for seven days is indeed unusual. The kicker quads are high variance and will need a fair share to make it through a lengthy trip.

On a bigger note, thanks for sharing a heartwarming story with your son on this Thanksgiving weekend, where everyone takes the time to be thankful for something. I cannot imagine how difficult it was for your family, this years Thanksgiving must been above all others.

Hope you and Mrs. have another great trip to relieve the stress, but moreso hope that your son can make a recovery in his career and do great things to erase the debt revolving around cancer treatment.

[butchp]

I have seen so many miracles in our prayer group. Pray and believe as many will.

[billryan]

Here is hoping your family's luck and good fortune continues

[FAA]

The odds of coming out ahead in a day's worth of play are not good (about high 30%).-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I know that you are great with statistics. Can you elaborate on this point? This sure explains why seven of ten trips I come home enraged and devastated. I will consider just monthly trips from now on and aim for four good ones a year. It's all become too much emotional and financial pain.

[alpax]

The odds of coming out ahead in a day's worth of play are not good (about high 30%).-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I know that you are great with statistics. Can you elaborate on this point? This sure explains why seven of ten trips I come home enraged and devastated. I will consider just monthly trips from now on and aim for four good ones a year. It's all become too much emotional and financial pain.



The only thing you can control is making the right plays, and saving up some income to go back to able to make visits to the casino. Some of the hands that pay really well, the odds of the outcome is so high that it cannot be achieved in a single day or two worth of play. Maybe on the third day you will reach the odds to get the jackpot outcome. Some days you will not be able to get any quads, some days you will be able to get a good amount.

The day you win, the amount on average will be more than the amount on average the day you lose.

[FAA]

LOL. Right, I know all of this. I wondered if there was anything behind the 30% stat beyond a guesstimate. It does sound accurate, and it's a good rule of thumb. So I welcome that as far as it goes. Yesterday's quad free day was frustrating. I will definitely make less visits. Return to enjoying my immediate area more and deriving that value instead of chasing quads and royals. I'll spend more time and money when I do show up and appreciate the casino experience more. It's pretty devalued and has lost its luster. I must unwind from the grind.

[alpax]

It is a mathematically proven guesstimate so it is a strong figure to look at if you (I hope you are) believe the math is never wrong like MarkInCA stated.

The best way to mitigate your loss is to go for a short time when your casino free play is available. The places I go give it out once that is good for a whole week, I will not go to the same place two times in a week.

Video Poker is a grind, I hope you can remain patient and not lose faith though the 70% makes it mentally tough.

[FAA]

I must have missed the math proof data, but okay. Like I said, I'm inclined to buy the stat. The best way to mitigate is probably to leave the ATM card home and use the Lock Box as a convenient coaster at the outset so I remember to insert whatever $50 FP winnings that I derive each visit. It also helps me remember to take the phone when done playing. Usually distracted, either elated by a quad or devastated to tap out. I have forgotten the phone and run back like a bolt for it. I can always hide out at  a hotel instead of killing bankroll. You stay you pay, either by exacerbating the cold cycle or giving back winnings. 

[olds442jetaway]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Case...just remember miracles can and do happen.