Page 7 - December 2005 • Southern California Gaming Guide

Gaming Gifts: The Gift of Knowledge Tby Bill Burton
he holidays are here again and if you are like me, you are probably searching for the right gift to give someone on your list. I suggest you give the gift of knowledge. If you have someone on your list who enjoys visiting casinos, why not give a gaming-related gift to
is a fun way to learn any game. For years video poker and blackjack players have been honing their skills by playing on their computers before going to the casino. Not all software programs are for learning the games. If you just want entertainment you can nd software programs with some of the latest slot machine games. It’s a fun way to play your favorite game when you can’t make it to the casino.
If you want to learn more about video poker, you should look into the reports and software o ered by this magazine’s columnist, Bob Dancer. Dancer is an expert at video poker and his products have turned many novices into winners.
ere are several national gaming magazines published around the country. A subscription to one of those magazines would make a good gift that lasts all year long.
ere are plenty of products available that will make a great gift for that special person on your list who enjoys casino gambling. You may even give yourself a little gift as a reward for your own hard work this past year!
Happy Holidays!
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, located at http://casinogambling.about.com He is the author of 1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets and Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em available online at www.billburton.com. He is an instructor for Golden Touch Craps, http://www.thecrapsclub.com.
help them learn more about their favorite game?
Years ago when I wrote my rst gaming column, I wanted to end it with a thought that would convey my philosophy about casino
gambling. I nally decided
that will teach rules of the games, to more advanced
on the phrase, “Luck comes andgoes...KnowledgeStays
Forever!” ose words have
appeared at the end of my
columns for the last eight
years and they mean more
to me than just a catchy way
to end an article. Whether
you are dealing with casino
games or other situations
in life, the knowledgeable
person will usually have a
than someone who just relies on luck to get him or her through. Learning all you can about a casino game is not di cult because there is a wealth of good books, software programs and videos.
Numerous books are available covering any game played in the casino. ey range from the very basic
“Tutorial software makes a great gift because it can be both educational and recreational at the same time. There are software programs available for blackjack, video poker, Texas Hold’em, Let it Ride and several
other casino games.”
books that explain game
strategies requiring more skill. Many table games have basic strategies that reduce the house edge if followed.
Has someone you know been bitten by the poker bug that is still sweeping the country? Poker is a game of skill, and players who study the game will be leagues ahead of other players who never learn the game
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
better chance at success
well. Poker players who get their education at the tables will nd it a very expensive way to learn.
Tutorial software makes a great gift because it can be both educational and recreational at the same time. ere are software programs available for blackjack,
video poker, Texas Hold’em, Let it Ride and several other casino games. Playing on the computer at home
December 2005 Table Game and Slot Tournaments
SYCUAN RESORT & CASINO MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS
Slot Tournament Trifecta in Sycuan’s Bingo Palace
Every Monday through Thursday after evening bingo (approximately 11 p.m.) Sycuan Casino hosts three slot tournaments in the Bingo Palace: Blackjack, Draw Poker and Krazy Ball Keno. Buy- in for each tournament is $20, and the 1st place winner takes home 50% of the total buy-in, 2nd place receives 30%, and 3rd place receives 20%. Sycuan adds $75 to the tournament prize pool.
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Video Poker Tournaments at Sycuan Resort & Casino Tournaments are exclusively for Club Sycuan members. $20 buy in earns $1,000 in Video Poker Tournament credits, for 30 minutes of paying time. Mondays: Jacks or Better (12 p.m.), Jacks or Better (1:30 p.m.), Jacks or Better (3 p.m.); Wednesdays: Jacks or Better (12 p.m.), Deuces Wild (1:30 p.m.), Jacks or Better (3 p.m.); Thursdays: Jacks or Better (12 p.m.), Deuces Wild (1:30 p.m.), Jacks or Better (3 p.m.).
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS Blackjack Tournaments at Sycuan Resort & Casino
Through January 13, 2006. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. $22 buy-in, and
all players receive two $5 Blackjack match play coupons.
TUESDAYS&THURSDAYS
Pai Gow Tournaments at Sycuan Resort & Casino
Through January 13, 2006. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. $22 buy-in, and all players receive a $10 match play coupon.
GOLDEN ACORN CASINO
SATURDAY, December 17 at 6 p.m.
$5,000 Guaranteed Blackjack Tournament
Buy-in is $25 for $200 in “tournament chips,” and rebuy(s) are $15. Six winners will split $5,000, and the
1st place winner will take home $2,500 in cash! Free hors d’oeuvres will be served. Registration starts at 4:30 p.m., play starts at 6 p.m. First come, rst play.
CASINO PAUMA
WEDNESDAY, December 14th at 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, December 28th at 6:30 p.m.
Joker’s Wild Blackjack Tournaments
Play in Casino Pauma’s Joker’s Wild Blackjack Tournaments the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! e addition of jokers used as “wild cards” makes these blackjack tournaments fun and unique. e tournaments are limited to 54 entries each week, and have a $25 entry fee. All entry fees are returned in prizes
with the 1st place winner receiving 50% of the entry pool (with a $500 minimum guarantee)! e 2nd place winner receives 25%, 3rd place receives 15%, 4th place receives 10%, and the 5th and 6th place winners receive a free entry into the next tournament. Call Casino Pauma at 760-742-2177 for more information.
HARRAH’S RINCON CASINO & RESORT MONDAY, December 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Rewards Plus Slot Tournament
Free tournament for Rewards Plus members, with over $2,000 in cash and prizes. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Promotions Center. Tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Slot Tournament Area, and awards begin at 5 p.m. at the Promotions Center.
TUESDAY, December 27 at 4:30 p.m. Rock ‘n‘ Roll Slot Tournament
Win your share of $10,000! Registration begins at 3 p.m.–6 p.m. at the Promotions Center. Tournament play continues in 5-minute rounds from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and awards are presented at 9 p.m. Free for
Platinum and Diamond Total Rewards card holders. Freewith8hoursoftrackedTuesdayplay.$20entryfee for Gold card holders.
December 2005 Page 7
About Gambling with Bill Burton December 2005 Tournaments