Casino Luck: For First- or Old-Timers

When my sister in law went to the casino, it was not to gamble, but to attend an event held at the casino's lounge. But all attendees were given free certificates that were good as cash and should be played that night at the casino. I believe that was in the hopes of convincing us to shell out some money.

My sister in law looked around and made a "ride-on" the bets of other players. She won the first time. And the next. And the third time. I think in all, she won three times the amount of the certificates given to her. The banker urged her to bet all that she won, but instead, she used her head, went straight to the counter and had her chips converted into cash before they turned into stone. Good thinking.

Although this is a very interesting story, something that might convince others to try their luck as well, it just doesn't work for me. You see I also have a story to tell.

The first time I made a bet for something was when I traveled to another city where cockfighting was going on. One of the gamers asked me to make a choice on which rooster to bet, since he said, it was my first-time in the cockpit and I might give him luck. With hesitation, I made a choice and in just a few seconds, he lost his money.

The second instance was when I was traveling Florida. We boarded this floating casino that came online when the ship has reached international waters. It was the first time I set foot inside a real casino. My aunt gave me $20 to gamble, with the instruction that I could keep it if I wanted. I used up $10 already and did not win. So instead of using up all the money, I went to the counter and encashed whatever chips left with me before I lose all of them. Then I went to eat at the buffet table for the rest of the evening. That way, I did not lose any more money.

The third event happened in my city. That same aunt came to visit us. She wanted to gamble so I accompanied her to the casino. She gave me some money to gamble again. This was the first time that I entered the casino in our city. She gambled while I also gambled. Like what happened in Florida, the same thing happened here. I encashed my chips before they all vanished.

Such is my story about gambling. No first-timer's luck for me. I believe that is to keep me from being addicted to it.

How about you? Do you believe in first-timer's luck?