Originally Posted by
Count Room
Alan: If I start gambling for higher stakes (>$5 machines) in the years ahead I would look at alternate arrangements. I only go to Vegas every year or two & markers aren't used in most of the casinos I frequent, but it does sound interesting to me. I just do things like Rob does in some ways: Simply head for the bank and finish all transactions there. Avoid ATM's & I use a debit card just for normal expenditures. Some of the casinos I go to used a "Global Payments" card which allowed only a small limit on check cashing (like $500-$1000 per week or somesuch), so I gave up on that idea.
I certainly wouldn't be happy if I was rolled for $4K, no, but I also would be thankful I still have my life in such a dire circumstance. I consider it an acceptable risk. I used to carry around a lot more (way too much) when I was younger & wilder. Maybe I am whistling in the dark, but I do think the risks of property crime are a bit overstated. I rarely drink and I always try to keep my wits about me.
On an unrelated matter, Alan: You've told Rob several times in the past that you might as well immediately play a $5 or higher machine to win a full house to achieve a small win goal instead of messing around with lower denominations.
I see your point on this and the 25-cent/50-cent denominations tend to 'bore' me after a while. My solution is:
Take $4K to win $300 minimum before going home (if you follow Rob's ideas).
25-cent...all 400 credits at TBP+ or DDB
50-cent...200 credits DB, 200 credits DDB/TBP+
$1...100 credits BP, 100 credits DB, 200 credits DDB/TBP+
$2...100 credits BP, 200 credits DB, 100 credits DDB/TBP+
$5...200 credits BP, 200 credits DB, 100 credits DDB/TBP+ (500 credit "last gasp" here)
The volatility layout actually lowers as I creep up in denominations. Once in a while I can get lucky with Aces right away at quarters (or a royal) and just forget about the whole damn thing. It's more suitable for a "day-tripper" like myself because I rarely stay overnight unless in Vegas or Philly/AC.
EDIT: Even on a day trip, sometimes those progressions can be really long sessions when deep into the levels. I've seen my share of 8+ hour sessions with them. Long, arduous fights that cease to become fun after a while.