Page 19 - January 2005 • Southern California Gaming Guide

Resolve to Play Smarter! by Bill Burton
Wow! Another year ew by and as 2004 heads into the history books, we start a new chapter in our lives entitled 2005. Each year, many of us begin the new year by making resolutions to improve ourselves or change some undesired habit. You know the ones
I’m talking about. We all have made and broken them year after year. ey sound good on New Year’s Day, but most resolutions go out the window within a week or two. Some psychologists theorize the reason this happens is we don’t have the passion required to give resolutions our
it is a game that you can have the edge over other players, if you learn to play well.
I resolve to have a game plan. Many players simply go to the casino with a pocketful of money and jump from game to game until all their money is gone. You can have a much better time if you just spend a few minutes to make a plan for your next casino visit. Know ahead of time how long you will play, how much money you want to risk, and what other activities you will do there.
I resolve to keep a gaming log. Smart players keep a log book. e law allows you to deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings. You can only do this if you have documentation of your losses. Keeping a diary or logbook is the way to do this. It is the beginning of a new year, so now is the time to start your log.
ese suggestions can help you play smarter in the upcoming year. You don’t have to do them all; just pick the ones you like, but do resolve to do one or two.
I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Until next time, remember, “Luck comes and goes... knowledge stays forever!”
Bill Burton is the Casino Gambling Guide and columnist for the Internet portal About.com. He also writes for several national gambling publications. He is the author of Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em available for $15 postage paid. Send checks to Bill Burton, PO Box 310299, Newington, CT 06131-0299 or online at www.billburton.com. Bill Burton’s website is located at: http://casinogambling.about.com
full e ort to make them work.
e resolutions and goals that do get achieved are the ones that we enjoy doing and nd pleasure in accomplishing. So this year why not just resolve to have more fun doing what you like to do. Since you are reading the Southern California Gaming Guide, one of your interests is obviously visiting casinos and playing casino games. is year you could make a New Year’s resolution to “Have more fun in the casino.” at sounds simple enough, but if you’re like me, the real fun in the casino comes from winning! In order to be a consistent winner you have to play smarter when you visit the casino. So let’s change the resolution from“Have more fun in the casino,” to
“Play smarter in the casino!”
ere are several ways you can accomplish your
goal to be a smarter player. And here are some suggestions. If they sound familiar, it’s because I wrote about several of them last year.
I resolve to always use my player’s club card. Not using your player’s card is the equivalent of turning away free money. e casinos give you comps for your play and the only way they know how much
to give you is by tracking your play. If you don’t use your card, they can’t track you.
I resolve to read a book about my favorite game.
Knowledge is power, and you can get your knowledge by reading about your favorite game and studying strategies to assist you to make the best decisions that will help you win at the tables.
I resolve to take advantage of casino promotions.
Many casinos run promotions to attract players. ese may include special drawings, tournaments or double-point days. Taking advantage of these promotions is a smart way to get a little something extra. Many promotions are listed right here in the
Southern California Gaming Guide.
I resolve to learn a new game. When you learn to play the correct strategies, table games have a lower house edge than slot machines. If you are a slot player why not give a table game a try? If you play table games why not learn a new game for a change of pace? Poker is hot right now, and
Thursday, January 20, at 8:30 p.m. Gladys Knight performs at Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort. Tickets $65. Call (866) 468-3399.
Friday, January 21, at 8 p.m.
The Steve Morse Band and The Dixie Dregs Band perform at Sycuan Resort & Casino’s Showcase Theatre. Tickets $35 at the Sycuan Gift Shop (619) 445- 6002 ext. 1139.
Saturday, January 22, at 8 p.m.
Little Texas & Ty Herndon perform at Trump 29 Casino’s Spotlight Showroom. Tickets
$30– $40. Call Ticketmaster at (619) 220-8497.
Thursday,January 27,at7p.m.and9:30p.m. HowieMandelperformsatSycuan Resort & Casino’s Showcase Theatre. Tickets $40 at the Sycuan Gift Shop (619) 445-6002 ext. 1139.
Friday, January 28, at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, January 29 at 8:00 p.m.
The Moody Blues perform at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Tickets $60–$85. Call the box
o ce at (951) 303-2527.
Dionne Warwick Performs at Sycuan Resort & Casino’s Showcase Theatre on January 20th!
Saturday, January 29, at 8:30 p.m.
The Doobie Brothers perform at Harrah’sRinconCasino&Resort. Tickets $75. Call Ticket Web toll free at(866)468-3399.
Sunday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Al Jarreau performs at Pala Casino
Resort & Spa’s Event Center.
Tickets $35– $55. Call Ticketmaster (619) 220-8497.
Thursday, February 3, at 8 p.m.
Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show performs at Sycuan Resort & Casino’s Showcase Theatre. Tickets $40 at the Sycuan Gift Shop (619) 445-6002 ext. 1139.
Thursday,February 3, at 8 p.m.
Larry the Cable Guy performs at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center. Reserved seating tickets $49–$69. Call (800)
827-2946.
Larry the Cable Guy performs at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center on February 3rd!
Every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Karaoke with Pete Pattynama in Casino Pauma’s Red Parrot Lounge. Call (760) 742-2177.
Be sure to contact the casino to confirm show times and reserve tickets. Many shows sell out quickly, so call first!
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
January 2005 Page 19
Column: Bill Burton About Gambling Entertainment (Continued)