Colorado Casino Curiosities

Living in Colorado has advantages too numerous to mention in this medium. We have the opportunity of inhaling the spectacular Rocky Mountains on a daily basis, the climate is better than one might expect and we have every attribute that one could want in a state. One of the most surprising of these qualifications is the availability of gambling in three small gambling towns, two close to Denver (Black Hawk and Central City) and one approximately two hours away (Cripple Creek).

Having visited all locations, I've made a number of observations about the gamblers whom I've seen. There is probably no validity in picturing the "classic gambler," but I find myself surprised at the personality types that I continue to see inhabiting the gambling establishments I have visited.

Perhaps because the casinos are so different from each other, you would expect to see a different clientele as you go from one to another. In a sense, that's true. You're likely to see the diamond-drippers, stole-wearing elite at the more luxurious of sites. These are the clients who wouldn't be caught dead at the penny slots but are more likely to be seen at the high stakes tables, making certain to be seen.

The more interesting human snapshots, however, are to be found at the more humble, less glitzy casinos. What fascinates me is that they generally fall into a few categories. One is the venerable ladies group. My estimate is that they range from 60 to 90 years, in varying stages of health and mobility, always focused resolutely on their gambling activities. I am reminded of chairmen of the board, presiding over conference tables.

I've seen them with oxygen tanks, in wheelchairs, with canes and with various orthopedic or durable medical devices. They can be found perched at their machines, jealousy guarding the space around them and often looking very unhappy. I suspect that the run of their luck will have some impact on their faces but it often occurs to me that they feel as if they are sentenced to the fate of sitting at a slot machine and there is little than can be done to change it. I believe that there are twice as many ladies as men in this demographic. But they are always present.

The second group is the younger generation. In my estimate, they are 21 to 30, dressed with all possible make-up, leather, jewelry and ancient rock group tee shirts. No matter what day it is, they are ubiquitous, noisy and travel in groups. I always wonder what act of generosity funds their extravagant gambling and hope for their sake that it's not credit. Alcohol is always part of the equation, a condition that is exacerbated by the liberal distribution of free drinks in casinos.

But my favorite entity is the couple. In this case, it is always the wife who is gambling. She is generally middle aged or greater, accompanied by a male significant other. He never gambles, either because they are minimizing loss or because she has been provided the Gambler title, eliminating his participation. This is a great social phenomenon because he is a combination gopher, cheering section and sympathizer. When she loses, he shakes his head and looks despondent. When she needs more money, he sorrowfully visits the ATM to provide additional resources. If she needs to visit the restroom, he guards her chair from interlopers.

Certainly there are citizens at the casinos who are outside my characterizations. But no matter what, no matter which day of the week, I always see these social sectors. As a writer, I am inclined to want to know their biographies but will never have more information that what I can visually collect. In any case, it's fun to imagine the rest of their lives and what circumstances combine to product their roles in a casino. And who knows - they may be wondering the same about me.