Las Vegas: 7 Tips on How Not To Lose

A trip to Las Vegas. It conjures up images of hitting huge jackpots, breaking down your opponent in poker, getting comp-ed free stuff, and coming home a winner. And these are only the images from the first 10 minutes of the plane ride out there. Anyone that has made multiple trips to Vegas can tell you how difficult it is to actually win money. The experienced gambler, however, can spend a good amount of time in Vegas, have fun, and "not lose." Here are seven tips to follow on your next trip to Vegas.

Tip #1 - Don't ever....EVER pay for a drink. I found this one out the hard way. As I sat there on my first trip to Vegas, sitting in the Sports Book at the Luxor, paying $6.00 a beer, I saw people exchanging these "tickets" to redeem for free drinks. I asked my waitress what those "tickets" were, and I was informed that they were free drink tickets that the casino gives you when you bet on sports. When I asked the waitress why I hadn't been given any of these tickets, even though I made many a sports bet that day, she replied with a phrase that has stuck with me ever since...."Did you ask for one?" This bit of advice goes hand in hand with Tip #2. Remember, as long as you are gambling (or standing near people that are gambling for that matter) a cocktail waitress will come up and offer you free drinks.

Tip #2 - If you want something for free, you'll have to ask for it. This is a simple rule that most people don't follow, for the same reason people are afraid to ask out members of the opposite sex, they are afraid of rejection. A casino, however, doesn't just give out free stuff willy-nilly. If you've been playing blackjack for many hours, call the pit-boss over and ask what he/she can do for you. I have gotten free cigarettes, meals, even a free nights stay. All of these things I would never had gotten had I not asked.

Tip #3 - Wherever you are staying, ask for a "Players Plus Card" and use it every single time you gamble. This tip goes hand-in-hand with Tip #2. If you have a "Players Plus Card", throw it down on the table whenever you sit down. This will serve as "proof" of how long you've been gambling.

Tip #4 - Remember, it is a marathon, not a race. People that lose big in Vegas always think that when they lose a couple bucks, they can make it back with a couple big plays. If you have the money to back it up, then it is OK to go all out as soon as you enter your first casino. For most of us, however, we cannot afford to get down big on our first day, it only makes the rest of the trip miserable. Start out playing for minimal amounts of money. If you start winning big, then go for the gold with the money you have made. If you start losing, at least you are not risking large sums of money. One common misconception of Vegas is to "quit while you are winning." This is not a good way to make money. You should quit when you start losing.

Tip #5 - Only stay at a hotel that offers some sort of credit to something in the hotel. For example, many casinos on the Strip will provide you with a $30 credit (the amount varies) to a steakhouse or towards that casino's spa. If you don't get some sort of bonus with your room, find another place to stay.

Tip #6 - Don't play slots. The slot machines are the easiest way to hit it big. They are also the easiest way to lose a lot of money in a short amount of time. Just ask John Daley, who claims to have lost 1.65 million in less than three hours trying to win at the slots. If you want to enjoy yourself for a long period of time gambling, get free drinks doing it, and meet a bunch of new people, play Blackjack. You may not "hit it big" playing Blackjack, but if you play properly, it should take you a good amount of time to lose any significant amount of money. Craps is a good game to play as far as odds are concerned, however, it is easy to lose a lot of money quickly playing craps. Remember Tip #4, "It is a marathon, not a race." If you are a good enough player, some No-Limit Texas Hold 'em is another good way to spend a long time in a casino without losing too much money.

Tip #7 - Don't settle for a table where the minimum bet is higher than you want. Just because the casino you are at raises all their tables to a $25 minimum, does not mean you have to play at a $25 minimum table. The cab ride (or walk) to another casino will be well worth it, and save you money in the long run. Also, O'Shea's (next to the Flamingo) has $5 Blackjack and Craps 24/7. Good Luck!!