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3 craps heaters, good food, and debauchery!

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Okie21, Mar 1, 2015.

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  1. Okie21

    Okie21 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2012
    Messages:
    116
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    8

    My Trip Report

    Preview:
    People: My Brother and I, Oklahoma boys in our late 20s.
    Lodging: SLS and MBay
    Dining: Charlie Palmer, Wolfgang at Crystals, Border Grill, RedSquare, Ri Ra, 550 Pizza
    Spa: Four Seasons
    Gambling: Craps, blackjack, NL Hold em Aria Daily Tourney, VP, Pai Gow

    My brother and I took a trip to Vegas in late September, Friday through Tuesday, with him leaving on Monday. We flew from different airports and met in Vegas. Flight was uneventful.

    We stayed at Mandalay Bay on a comp in the standard room for Saturday through Tuesday. Due to scheduling changes with our jobs, we opted to arrive a day early on Friday, but last minute bookings at MB were $400/nt. Since I didn’t feel that was worth it, we opted to check out the new SLS for just the Friday night.

    Brother beat me to SLS, and I got there at about 9 pm. He had already checked in and said it was painless. I really liked the room, which was a Story Double with a great view south to Wynn and beyond. It was the most ‘modern’ room I had ever stayed in, but everything was in perfect condition. Huge TV to compliment the large lit up mirror on the wall of the room. Bathroom was well designed and well appointed with nice soft towels and good toiletries. Also had an intimacy kit, so what more do you need? Would definitely stay in this room again. One complaint – the wallpaper in the hall was really trippy. Don’t do acid and stay here – it could have nasty consequences.

    After dropping my bags in the room, we were off to the casino floor.

    The place was packed and the vibe was great. It was somewhat difficult walking around with that many people, but it was worth it for the suspenseful people watching – for many of the women, I was unsure if it was gonna fall out the top or bottom first! I felt it was my duty to keep an eye out to warn anyone of wardrobe malfunctions. Just doing my part, you guys.

    Started out at craps. I was surprised for a Saturday night that two of the tables were $5 min and were packed. We nudged in, and I bought in for $200. It was a bleeding session, never getting ahead. An hour later, we walked away and I was $100 down but 3 beers ahead. Combined with those on the flight, I was feeling decent.

    It had been awhile since either of us had been downtown, so we cabbed it there. Again, it was hopping. We ducked in and out of each casino making our way from The D until we got to the Golden Gate. Craps was packed but had two spots relatively close together, so we hopped on and just yelled across the gentleman between us (Sorry sir!). Before I even had my chips back, the waitress was already taking my order, so I knew we were going to make great friends. Had a Guinness within a couple of minutes, and I asked her to bring another by whenever she had a chance. 2 minutes later she was back! Per casino policy (her story, not sure if it was the truth or she was just trying to peer pressure me) I could only have 1 glass at a time, forcing me to chug the first. Not being one to back down (unsure who was my nemesis), I asked her to bring another next time she came by. This time she was nice enough to wait 3 minutes, then we were off to the races.

    I don’t remember much more from this night, but I do remember losing $100 at craps within 30 minutes and walking over to play blackjack. No seats except at the $25 table, so I went to Freebet blackjack. Different waitress, which didn’t work to my advantage, but I guess that’s what makes you appreciate the good ones!

    Also saw Derek Stevens, which is always cool. He was smokin a fattie and drinking with his entourage, but was kind enough to shake my hand and accept my extremely drunken compliments of his establishments (The D and Golden Gate).

    Won a quick $160 at Freebet by betting $10 pressing as high as $50. I was missing my brother (and my new generous friend!) so I went back to craps and ended up essentially even, winning another $40. By this time it was 3 am, so we headed back to SLS and went to bed.

    Will write up more tomorrow!
     
  2. TIMSPEED

    TIMSPEED Money’s on the way, with CashNetUSA

    Joined:
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    That SLS is pretty slick huh?
    I got my cousin in there for our wedding in October (on a comp from a host offer match) and she put him in the Lux King...and you're right...the wallpaper is weird all over the property, LOL.
     
  3. Riders

    Riders High-Roller

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2012
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    Location:
    GA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
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    Great start. Looking forward to the rest.
     
  4. archie

    archie Tourist

    Joined:
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    high wycombe uk
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    more please!
     
  5. Okie21

    Okie21 Low-Roller

    Joined:
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    Yep absolutely. Felt like I was getting a psychiatric eval with the Rorschach test!
     
  6. Okie21

    Okie21 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2012
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    Trips to Las Vegas:
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    Saturday:

    Woke up at the crack of noon, to make the move over to MBay via cab. Checked in at about 1:30 pm with no line and accommodating my high floor request. Tipped the attendant for her help.

    Room was the standard 2 queen room, high with a view to the south, in other words, not much. It was large and nice, but a bit worn. Bathroom was nice and large with a soaking tub and shower. French doors from the room into the bathroom had a pretty good crack between the two, so I wouldn’t recommend sharing room with someone who’s gonna try to look at your junk without your permission. Would stay here again on a comp if I didn’t have a better offer, but no desire to stay again.

    We hit up Ri Ra for lunch. Both had fish and chips with a Guinness, which didn’t go down as well as the prior night for some reason. It must have been the nitrogen. Food and atmosphere was delicious, will definitely return in the future.

    Headed to Luxor afterwards for craps. Brother was wanting on a $5 table, which they had one, but was full. So we went for some bartop VP at that center bar. It was almost empty so service should be great, right? Nah, barkeep was too busy washing dishes to get us drinks. We had 2 rounds here, and both took awhile to get. However, it was worth it, because we got to see the drunkest guy of the trip. Yes, worse than me. When we got to the bar, he was “sleeping” at a table. Soon, he woke up, and just started dancing, nerdy white guy style, all by his lonesome. He was sure to ask every female that walked by if she’d like to join him. It was hilarious. The barkeep said he had already kicked him out once, but he found his way back. Unfortunately, security soon removed him, thus ending the matinee showing.

    Hit 4 fours, and broke even. We then made our way to the craps table. Bought in for $200. First couple of shooters were rough, so I lowered my bets to $26 or $27 inside, with $5 pass and max odds. My brother and I were also playing $2 on each of the Small, Tall, and All. I shot next and won a few bucks but nothing serious.

    My brother was up next, but frustrated that no one was getting close to the feature bets, he didn’t bet them. Of course, he goes on a major heater. Made only 3 points, but hit numbers like crazy, finally hitting the All. Table went nuts, especially the guy with $25 on each, who then tipped him $100. Two others tipped him $25. That had never happened to him before, so he thought it was pretty cool and helped him feel better about not betting the features. By the end of his roll, I had quarters across except $54 on the 6 and 8. We stuck around for another couple rounds of shooting, not winning or losing any. Came out $750 ahead when we walked. Would have been more if I hadn’t dropped my bets.

    We went back to get dressed for the evening. We had dinner that night at Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons, which is a place I hit every visit. Cut of the week menu with ENDLESS WINE, steak, sides, bread, salad, and dessert for $48. Hell, I drank $48 worth of wine. Steak was a ribeye and cooked perfectly with great flavor. Sides were mashed potatoes, which were delicious, and broccolini, which was so-so. Can’t remember the dessert, which means it wasn’t memorable. Service was spot on, as always. I’m a big fan of waiters who know what you need without asking, and are never seen until you do need something. I know I could never accomplish that.

    Following dinner, we went to Holly Madison’s Prohibition Bar. The bouncer informed us that it was $25 cover for guys. I shot an uninterested look at my brother, then the bouncer quickly said “$25 for both.” I said we didn’t need in that bad and started to turn. Bouncer then said, “Just buy a couple of drinks out here at the outside bar and I’ll waive the covers.” So you’re saying I have to buy a drink that I was going to buy anyways? I’m in!

    The inside was decently decorated, but relied upon darkness and lots of black curtains too much. I would have liked to see more 1920s décor and architecture. It was not busy, surprising for a Saturday night. Maybe ¼ capacity. We sidled up to the bar. 30 seconds later, the barkeep informed us that it was a $50 minimum per seat at the bar. Since we were not planning on staying for that long (beers were $9 I think, which is what we were having), we stood up. I asked her where we were allowed to seat, thinking I was being facetious. Unfortunately, it was a legitimate question, as her answer was “Nowhere. Those tables are all reserved and those tables are $75 minimum per person.”

    So we stood. Awkwardly, in the way, with the majority of the people there. So there were a bunch of empty tables and a bunch of standing people in the walkways. It was weird, and a poor business model. The show was awesome though. After a few beers, we left, underwhelmed. It was a cool place, but nickel and diming every patron for a chair after a cover charge?!? Come on people. Glad I went, but will not go back, because of this reason. If I pay $9 for a beer I can get for 80 cents at the store, it should come with a chair.

    Afterwards, we trammed to Dixcaliber and then walked to NYNY for craps. Good thing I didn’t have to drive that tram, because I don’t think I could have kept it between the lines, er, tracks. Broke even on the session, but wasn’t having as much fun with a fuddy dud table. You know the kind. So I went over and played some blackjack, ranging from $10 to $40. Played for a couple of hours before ending down $100 but had a grand ole time.

    It was getting late, so we decided to make our way back to MBay. The allure of the Trashy Castle was calling, so we went in and threw some more dice on a $5 table. Didn’t like the vibe, as it was a bunch of people who couldn’t keep the hands out of the way, even though the dealers and boxman was telling them EVERY THROW. After the third touch resulting in a 7 out, we decided to walk. Luckily with the low limits I only lost about $20.

    Made it Luxor, but wasn’t feeling any of the tables. The lineup for LAX was ridiculous though. Went on to MBay, swinging by the tables which were all $25 and up. Brother doesn’t play for that amount, so we went to bed.

    More to come tomorrow night, including back to back heaters!
     
  7. Toshyoung

    Toshyoung Newbie

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Great trip report will check back tomorrow
     
  8. Okie21

    Okie21 Low-Roller

    Joined:
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    Trips to Las Vegas:
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    SUNDAY

    Woke up around 11 am and made our way to Border Grill for brunch. Had never been there, but will definitely return. We just told our waitress to bring us 8 of her favorite dishes for starters, then ended up getting a couple more. I ate enough to feed a small elephant. Everything was delicious with lots of novel combinations of flavors. Will definitely return.

    We left there unsure what to do. I mean, what in the world is there to do in Vegas?

    So we gambooled. Went to Luxor and found a $5 craps table. Played for maybe 30 minutes before losing $100 as well as any interest in playing craps. So we walked to the center bar again for some VP and screwdrivers. Pro tip – the definition of an alcoholic is someone who drinks more than their doctor, so if your doctor tells you you’re an alcoholic, just find a new doctor who drinks more!

    So there I was, my non-alcoholic self, drinking a screwdriver and degenning on some bartops at 1:00 pm. Ahhh life is great! Service was much better this time around too. Played long enough to get a few drinks in, then headed to Luxor sportsbook. Placed a few absolutely ridiculous parlays, 3 bets or more on all of them. I’ve found that only making one bet at a time is just too easy, and I would hate to bankrupt all those sportsbooks. Also threw in a PGA tour bet, because why the hell not, that’s why. (Spoiler alert: none of these bets won.)

    Headed over to MGM and settled into a nice $10 craps table. I started with my standard $10-$12 on 5-6-8-9 along with $10 pass and max odds, playing $2 on All-Tall-Small. Had a couple of shooters that about broke even, then my brother was up.

    And man, did he get on fire. He hit at least 6 points, if not more. But on the way, he picked off the All and I bet he did it in less than 24 throws! It was insane. A good portion of the table was playing the features, including a guy with quarters on each. When the All hit, he ran from the other end of the table and high fived my brother! It was a great environment with everyone hooping and hollering. I just love it when you get those other tables staring at you with longing eyes, wishing they were standing next to you haha.

    I shot next, just coming out a hair ahead. 3 more shot behind me, the last being the gentleman playing quarters on features. I ended up losing about $100 between the 3 of them, so I decided to walk. Cashed out with $1080 after tipping the boys. It is always a fun walk to the cage with a banana chip in your pocket! Unfortunately, no one asked, “Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” BECAUSE THE ANSWER WOULD HAVE BEEN BANANA.

    So we cash in and kinda mosey around MGM for awhile, looking for some more trouble to get into. Perused the blackjack and carney game tables, but nothing jumping out, especially to the brother as he is almost only a craps guy. I finally sit down at a $15 blackjack table but brother elects to stand behind and watch an NFL game, Jets - Lions, one of the subjects of parlays. I played all of about 30 minutes before standing up. Was one of those sessions where you win a little at a time only to press bet to $50, get an 11 vs a dealer 6, and lose. That probably happened 3 times before I noticed the trend. I’m a slow learner, what can I say.

    Decided the brother was not drinking enough nor having enough fun, so I talked him into going back to the craps tables. Wouldn’t you know it, the scene of the earlier heater still has exactly 2 open spots next to one another. So we hop on, and I was betting my normal inside bets and pass with odds and features. I get up $100 with first shooter, then kinda hover and bleed through next 5 or 6 shooters until it gets to my brother, aka the Dice Doctor. He just earned this nickname 5 minutes prior, thanks to 2 heaters this trip and copious amounts of imagination juice (that’s alcohol for you less imaginative types out there).

    So he throws a couple of 7s to start off, paying that pass line, and I’m thinking we are starting back right where he left off. Sets a point, and wouldn’t you know it, 7-out. Now I’m thinking, even the great ones like MJ miss a game winner now and then but dammit he’s my brother, and he’s not gonna hear the end of this for a while.

    Next up is yours truly. I continue my normal betting, and start off by short arming the dice 1 foot short of the wall, and up comes ace-ace. Not a word from the box on the short arm though. I establish a point, hit 3 or 4 numbers, then hit my point after short arming it again. And then the box is all over me. I’ve never been berated like that before in a casino. But you know what, I just made a point and some jingle so I didn’t let it get me down. Resume shooting, set my point as a 4. Immediately turn around and hit it. Next point, 5. Following roll, I throw the dice and one bounces off the alligator teeth while the other hits the curved part right where they meet the felt and bounces a couple inches back. 5, point is hit! And the boxman tears into me again for short arming it! I told him I hit the green and he can’t ask for anything more, but he lets me know he wants some force behind it.

    However, I’m not one to give into pressure like that, and continue aiming to land it just short of the back wall and hit the bottom rail where the teeth meets the felt. Each time I'm successful, he gives me a little grief for short arming it but nothing to bad. Finally, I hit the All bet as well! I end up right at $1000 after my 7-out, gain of about $900 on the roll. My second best roll personally.

    We stuck around for a couple more shooters that were cold, and ended up cashing $900. Now I was tipping the crew the entire time and threw a little extra after cashing up, but I really felt like it wasn’t warranted with the box treating me like that. A couple of eye rolls by the dealers during his tirades is what earned the tips.

    By this time, it was time to head back to MBay to get changed for dinner. We then took a cab to Mandarin Oriental and hit the bar on the 23rd floor. It was about 6 pm by now, and they had a jazz band playing. It wasn’t too crowded at all, so we walked right up and sit at the bar. After liquor all day, I figured it was time to switch to Guinness to avoid passing out by 9 pm. Brother, being the stout man that he is, had Woodford neat. We had 2 drinks here, and brother paid the tab, perhaps as an olive branch to try to get me stop berating him on that last point-7-out he had, so I did stop.

    We headed down to Crystals for a dinner at Wolfgang Puck Cucina or whatever it is called. I had gotten the MyVegas wine pairing for 2 people so we wanted to try it out. I’ve never been accused of being one to turn down free wine. I had the chicken piccata and Caesar salad for an appy. Both were quite delicious. Again, the wine pairings were a bunch of small production wines that I had never heard of and were just decent. For reference, I’m a guy that usually spends $20-35 a bottle at home. These were none that I would try again.

    After dinner, we trammed to Bellagio and cruised through, stopping to play blackjack long enough to get a beer then resume the walk. We went caddy corner via broken escalators and sky bridges to Barbary Bill Cromwell’s Gansevoort Resort and Casino. The BBCGRC was hopping with a crowd. This was my first time to see it since the redo and I was quite impressed. We didn’t see any tables that piqued our interest but did vow to return later that night (spoiler alert, didn’t happen.)

    We continued walking through the Dirty Bird and Margaritaville on down to the Linq. (Sidenote: how much cooler would it be if they called it the Link and it was Zelda themed?) Also the first time for me to see this, while I had been in town since the redo, didn’t have a big desire to hit it up. But brother and I moseyed all the way to the back to jump on the High Roller, but not before stopping for a double Woodford on the rocks and a double Captain and diet for myself. Well, there goes the no liquor resolution. Damn.

    The High Roller was cool but I was underwhelmed, perhaps because I was expecting a little more. For example, it was shorter than the nearby casinos. WTH? They should have made it at least 1000 ft taller; after all, this is America.

    We headed from there through the Link casino not stopping along the way.





    Then things got hazy. I’ve left space above if any one can fill in the blanks.

    One way or another, we made it back to MBay. We may or may not have walked and/or gambled on the way back. I do remember being on the MBay casino floor at 2 am and discussing with my brother whether or not he should nap before his flight leaves at about 6:15 am. With sound drunken logic, we went to the craps table. We played until he went upstairs around 4 am to shower and pack. We said our goodbyes and I headed to the DD blackjack table on the floor that had lowered to only $25. I played there til 6:30 am before heading to Subway for a snack. It was no Earl of Sandwich but still served its purpose. Went to bed at 7 am, with a 9 am wake up since I was heading to the spa in the morning.
     
  9. travelling_greg

    travelling_greg Tourist

    Joined:
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    Fun Read... :) Thanks for your time/efforts.
     
  10. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Great read, thanks for taking the time.
     
  11. booker

    booker VIP Whale

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    Good stuff, Mr. Short Arm! :)
     
  12. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Great report!
     
  13. Okie21

    Okie21 Low-Roller

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    Thanks everyone. Working on finishing this up tonight but may not be done til tomorrow. Been working like crazy lately and haven't had the time! But thanks for the kind words.
     
  14. Dr Nostron

    Dr Nostron VIP Whale

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    One of the more enjoyable reports I have read thanks!!
     
  15. Okie21

    Okie21 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2012
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    Trips to Las Vegas:
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    Thanks doc!

    OK, finally got her finished up, just as pretty as a button!

    MONDAY

    Woke up at 9am after two hours of sleep, but not hungover. Maybe Subway puts enough steroids in their chicken to cure hangovers?

    Went down to the Four Seasons spa 1.5 hours before my massage appointment. Started with a warm shower and a sauna session, followed by some cucumber water. I love that stuff, but the only time I drink it is at a spa. Hmm, need to do that at home too. Maybe I can get the recipe next time.

    After getting nice and hot, I went outside to cool down in the pool. Since there is no jacuzzi in the spa, they give access to the Four Seasons pool area. It was super quiet, only about 6 people, and all singles so no conversation. 3 pool assistants there, so service was attentive to say the least. Went back and fourth between pool, which was pretty chilly (kinda like George Costanza, had a little shrinkage), to hot tub. The place was in dire need of renovation (for a 5 star place), which I just read they were starting soon.

    Next I headed back inside about 30 minutes prior to my massage and had another good sauna session. Then took a hot shower and sat drinking some more water to rehydrate. I had lots of catching up to do from the prior night’s festivities. Finally, got my name called and headed back for a Swedish massage. Masseuse was named Kori or Kory. She was decent but not the best. However, I was on a train to relaxation station, and oh baby did it get me there. Hung out in the spa for a while longer afterwards, hitting sauna and shower again.

    Overall, I was underwhelmed by the Four Seasons Spa. I had heard so many good things about it, seen its super high ratings, etc. I have to give the nod to Aria Spa for being the better spot. These are the only two I’ve been to in Vegas. Aria just has so many more features with the 4 jacuzzis of varying temperature, the coed hot tub balcony, the hot stone beds, the salt room with vibrating chairs. Even though it is always busier, I prefer it by a long shot.

    Next I wanted to play in the Aria Daily $125 NL tourney, so I headed there via cab to catch it in time. Arrived 20 min prior to start and signed up, then headed to 550 pizza for a quick bite. Sat at bar and had their pizza and beer special, along with an extra slice. Had one pepperoni and one specialty that was spicy, but both delicious. Had the 312 from Goose Island for an accompaniment, which I had been deprived of until that point. Now I see it all over, even in Oklahoma. Good stuff.

    Headed back to Poker Room. Started off hot, catching lots of pocket pairs that were all 9-9 and lower. Won a couple pots by betting pre flop and after the flop with none or one over cards. My table was really soft starting out, having people go all in with second or even third pairs. I doubled up through a guy when my suited A-5 turned into Aces and fives on the flop and finally beat his kings, the second of which he caught on river – he was holding K-3. Normally it would have been a difficult call, but since he was overplaying so many hands prior, it was easy to call.

    After first hour of play, I was at about 1.5 times the average stack, so just decent. I pretty well just stayed there for next 3 hours, not catching any hands. I had more pocket pairs than I ever have before, but the best was multiple 10-10. I would inevitably run into at least one if not two overs, and have someone bet into me. Can’t call that at any point. At one point I did have Q-Q, bet pre flop and on the flop of under cards, but turn was an ace and a guy bet into me that had been checking. Unsure if I made the right choice by folding but was really feeling he had it.

    Finally around hour 4, I raise 4x BB with my 8-8 in second to button. Button calls, everyone else folds around. Button is a good player, close to chip lead and has not missed a call tonight from what I could tell. Never lost a big pot, but took down a bunch of them. So its just he and I, out comes A-8-3, two of which are clubs (can’t remember which two). I bet into him, 8x BB, wanting to run off a flush draw. He raises back over top of me to put me all in. I’m thinking the only thing that has me beat at the moment is A-A, and he can’t have that right? Maybe he’s got an Ace with a good kicker and is trying to run off my flush draw? So I call, and he flips over K-K, so I’ve got him beat. 2 outer or runner-runner for a flush!

    Turn is a K. Damn. That will leave a mark.

    I wish him the best, as he truly was the best at the table even if I don’t agree with his last move. Maybe it was a semi bluff, or maybe he didn’t respect my betting at all. Unsure.

    It’s 5:30 pm now, so I head over to Bellagio to find a good BJ.

    No, not that kind. I sit down at a $10 table that was 3:2 and dealt from a shoe. I buy in and when the pit comes over, he raises it to $15. Just in the nick of time! I average $25 or $30 usually when I play, but love to fluctuate my bets so I like a $10 base.

    As far as alcohol goes, I’m feeling better since my cucumber water got me all refilled and decide to order some Merlot (pronounced MER-lut for you non-wine connoisseurs). You learn these things after you’ve read 2 or 3 Wine Enthusiast magazines while waiting at the dentist’s like I have. I ask the waitress for the above varietal, and what types she may be offering?

    Me: “I’d like a merlot. What kinds do you have?”

    Her: “Uhhh, the house.”

    Me: “What’s the house?”

    Her: “Bellagio.”

    Me: I’m thinking no way she just said that… “I know, I’m sitting in it. What’s the house wine?”

    Her: “Merlot or Chardonnay.”

    Me: “I’ll have a rum and coke.”

    I was clearly getting nowhere with her and something had to be done. I continue to play some awful blackjack, where you lose every double and split hand. Split Aces 4 times that session, won 1/8. Ended up losing $100 after going all in with last $50 and winning. She did end up bringing me 3 of the house rums and coke, so good on her.

    I then head back to MBay by way of tram to MC, then walking to tram in front of the Tragic Kingdom back to MBay. Headed straight for Red Square for happy hour. Had one of the half price wines, I think finally a merlut. Also had the so called “slider” and truffle fries. The fries were delicious! Would return in a heartbeat just for them. Ahem, now the slider: the thing cost $6, but literally a pickle slice covered the whole patty! The beef may be “kobe” but the price is “bullshit!” I ate it in two bites, trying to savor the flavor as much as I could, but there wasn’t much there and should have thrown it in the air to catch in my mouth.

    Still hungry (hell, even one of Snow White’s little buddies wouldn’t have filled up on that), I ordered the salmon “pizza.” It was freaking amazing! It wasn’t actually a pizza, but rather a cracker that was about 8” in diameter (that’s 20.32 cm for our European viewers!) topped with thinly sliced salmon and capers and some other tapenade type stuff. Just delicious. So next time I’m in Vegas, will return for just the salmon pizza and truffle fries. Also struck up a convo with the guy next to me, who was a State Farm rep and had a great time. Had three merluts here with him.

    After he left to go to a social function for the conference he was at, I headed to the pit. Since this was my last night, and I was ahead a little over $1000 it was time to go balls out!

    Started off at some $25 DD BJ. I must’ve sat at that table for 4 hours on my $200 buy in. People came and went, babies were born, taxes were paid and even refunded, and I still remained. At one point I got a fun group of guys from Boston that kept me entertained. There were 3 and myself. One was loud and obnoxious but in a hilarious way, one was nice but still funny especially alongside his buddy, and the third was quiet and just kept trying to be civil. He apologized for his loud buddy almost every time he opened his mouth. Quite comical. I must have had 8 nicknames in just the time they were there and I think 2 of them might have even been non-vulgar. And every dealer that came got one or two as well but these were always vulgar. I think he liked me.

    Finally, my buy in ran out and I was ready for a change of scenery, so I went for some Pai Gow in the Lotus Room. Again, I believe it was $25 table but might have been $50. I was 6 sheets to the wind by this point. It’s kinda like when you are 3 sheets to the wind, but twice as good. I played here for I dunno how long, maybe an hour? But the slowness of Pai Gow that initially draws me to it for some relaxation eventually pushes me away with its bore.

    So I head to the craps table. $15 was the cheapest they have open, so I hit it up. I play my 5-6-8-9 with pass and max odds. After the first hit, I press to $25 on 5 and 9 and $30 on 6 and 8. Then I just press $5 or $6 each time til I get to $50 on a number then press $10 each time. Also would buy 4 and 10 for $25 if a shooter had done well for me. There were a couple rolls where I would get a couple numbers as high as $60 or $70 and make some good change, but the 4 and 10 had a pretty poor ROI for you Wall Street types out there.

    I play here for 2 hr 20 min. I know this because I asked the box man what he had me at. He says “$95 for 2 hr 20 min.”

    I replied with, “Uhh my minimum that I would start with was 60, or 75 if the point was 4 or 10. Then pressing aggressively to where I often had 200 and at times 350 out there. I was thinking a little higher.”

    “How high were you thinking?” he replied.

    “$180 is fair.”

    “Yeah you are probably right. I’m just so busy watching so many people blah blah blah.”

    So there you have it, just gotta talk to them. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told half of what I thought, and when challenged they change to whatever you tell them. More often though, they will just ask right off the bat, “What do you think your average was?” And those are the places that I will play the most, not because I am trying to game a system, but because I think I am getting a fair shake. Every slot and VP machine gives you points based upon exactly how much you bet. Why should table games give you points on half of what you bet unless you challenge them on it?

    I dabble around a bit more hitting quickly on BJ, VP, hopping from table to table. Finally went upstairs to my room around 2 am, which made for a long day on 2 hours of sleep.



    TUESDAY:

    Woke up, partook in the 3 S’s, checked out, and cabbed to airport.

    Since THE Royal Flusher does this with his reports and I really like it, I will give you my final tallies.

    Gambling - +$825 (up more, but gambling tips come out of this and I never count them for fear I will quit tipping as much when seeing the grand total) I was way ahead on craps, even on Pai Gow, and down on everything else. Actually, probably ahead on VP if you count the drinks. This is my only cash spending so I know exactly what I spend, but I think I may have bought some random drinks with cash too.

    Rooms – +$450 comp at MBay, which I value at $150/nt even though it was way more expensive for while we were there.

    Rooms – (-$174) SLS
    Cabs – (-$47)
    Spa – (-$190)

    Food/drink – (-$125) Since I had the rooms covered, brother wanted to pay for most of food and drinks. I came out way ahead on this deal, and appreciate his funding our drinking habits.

    Flight – points

    So grand total is up $739! That comes out to me getting paid $8.21 per hour to be in Las Vegas. I know that’s barely even minimum wage, but heck I’ll take that job any day!

    Thus concludes my first trip report. You stay classy, San Diego.
     
  16. TomTWI

    TomTWI Custom Title

    Joined:
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    Excellent trip report I really enjoyed it.

    Thanks for posting

    TomTWI
     
  17. Char1

    Char1 VIP Whale

    Joined:
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    Nice read , thanks for posting.
     
  18. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

    Joined:
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    Nice read!

    Sick poker tourney bustout. Unless you were deep stacked that dude was suicidal on the flop and came out like a rose. :(
     
  19. La$Vega$

    La$Vega$ Fun until cops show up, then we play Hide n' Seek!

    Joined:
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    Fun read!
    Nasty turn card, I had the same sort of thing happen tonight in an online tourney.
    Good heads up advice on asking the 'pit critter' what they had your average bet at.
    That is the time to have them fix it if you know it to be more or less. They always will in my experiences.
    I get a chuckle when the boxman :cuss: jabs :poke: the shooters for 'short arming'

    Any photos?
     
  20. archie

    archie Tourist

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2015
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    high wycombe uk
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    nice tr
     
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