How to beat the house on your next gambling trip with the guys
Usually, the only thing that actually stays in Vegas is your money -- and a little of your pride -- but quora.com has come up with a few tips that'll improve your odds on leaving a baller. Whether you’re headed to a bachelor party in Vegas, a brocation to Macau, or just a day-trip to your nearest Native American enclave, keep your cards (and this intel) close.
No drinking
There’s a reason casinos that might otherwise charge you for toilet paper double-ply you with free drinks (boom, tish); many things stop functioning when you’re wasted, and first and foremost is your card counting prowess. If you want to win, play the DD.
Bring your bearings...
Ever gotten lost in a casino? Yeah, sure, maybe the free booze is to blame, but casinos are also built to disorient. Their tricky, labyrinthine layouts break you from "I'm gonna head upstairs now" to "Jeez, I've been walking for miles -- lemme just sit down at a slot machine for a few" by design. Don't even bother booking a room at the big boys (seven of the world's ten largest hotels are in Vegas), as you'll spend more time walking the floor trying to find your room than actually sleeping in it.
...and a watch
Ever seen a clock in casino? We didn’t think so. Time flies when you’re losing big… just ask Terrance Watanabe, who lost $127 million at the Caesars Palace and Rio casinos in Vegas during a year-long gambling binge several years ago.
Always go for the underdog
Your chances at walking away with some money in your pocket increase ever-so-slightly at smaller, less well-known casinos. The games might be the same but the dealers aren’t -- smaller spots can’t afford the top dogs.
Practice that poker face
Poker is the only game where your skills (or lack thereof) dictate your winnings, as casinos don’t take money directly from you, but instead take a percentage of the pot. A trip to World Poker Tournament Bootcamp might be a sound pre-trip investment.
Roulette's for losers
Worst. Odds. Period. (There’s a 5.26% edge.)
Walk away, son
Stop while you’re ahead. Seriously. Set a limit to both win and lose, and stick to it for your best odds.
Where to win?
You might be surprised to learn the world's top gambling destinations, outside of Vegas and AC. Below we break down the five biggest by market, so you can start planning your next pocket-draining adventure with your pals.
Macau, China
That’s right: with only about a quarter the number of casinos as there are in Vegas, Macau comes out as top dog, earning three times the amount as its Nevada cousin.
Las Vegas, NV
With more options than any other destination, and a greater likelihood of filling at least one sick-bag on your Sunday afternoon return flight, Sin City wins the silver.
Singapore
With just a few casinos, but a gambling-obsessed local population -- and great connections to other Asian countries with similarly voracious appetites for gaming -- Singapore comes in at number three.
France
Casinos here turn over mountains of francs every year, and gamers are expected to be rude to their dealers. And servers. And waitresses. Because, you know, France.
Atlantic City
Ah, AC. Voted the East Coast’s Best Bad Decision Destination umpteen years in a row, the Jersey Shore’s a great place to lose your money, inhibitions, and sense of self-worth. In that order.