THE EVERYTHING CASINO GAMBLING BOOK
Feel confident, have fun, and win big!
Meg Elaine Schneider
SECOND EDITION
Copyright 2004, F+W Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.
An Everything Series Book.
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Published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company 57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A.
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ISBN 10: 1-59337-125-X
ISBN 13: 978-1-59337-125-8 (paperback)
ISBN 13: 978-1-60550-468-1 (EPUB)
Printed in the United States of America.
J I H G F E D
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Schneider, Meg Elaine.
The everything casino gambling book / Meg Elaine Schneider.
p. cm.
(An everything series book)
ISBN 1-59337-125-X
ISBN 978-1-60550-468-1 (EPUB)
1. Gambling. 2. Gambling systems. 3. Casinos. I. Title. II. Series.
GV1301.S382 2004
795 dc22 2004008222
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.
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Casino Gambling Book
S ECOND E DITION
Dear Reader:
Casinos are theme parks for adults. Everything about them is designed to transport you far away from everyday life, for a few hours anyway. You can't be a slave to the clock in a casino; there aren't any clocks. You don't have to worry about the weather; there are no windows to show you what nature is up to on the outside. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you are a Very Important Person, and everyone from the doorman to the beverage server to the casino host to the dealer focuses on your comfort and enjoyment.
I am but a casual gambler myself. When I go to the casino, I spend as much time watching the other players and taking in the grand, celebratory atmosphere as I do placing wagers. But I admit to feeling a sort of smug satisfaction at being in the know about the various games, and this knowledge adds to my enjoyment when I watch others play.
It is my hope that this book will allow you, too, to savor the feeling of being in the know the next time you find yourself on the gaming floor.
To Bear
Someday I'll beat you at poker
Acknowledgments
This book never could have been completed without the help and support of Bud Schmunk, David Hollis, and the countless people who taught me both the rules and the nuances of various games; my agent, Barb Doyen; and my editor at Adams Media, Kate Burgo. Many thanks for your faith, encouragement, and practical advice.
Top Ten Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Gambling Experience
- Know the difference between games of chance and games of skill.
- Understand the house edge on each game you play.
- Study strategies for improving your chances of winning.
- Practice to improve your skills.
- Set a reasonable gambling budget and stick with it.
- Establish goals for your winnings and limits for your losses.
- Avoid sucker bets.
- Don't let alcohol, fatigue, or other factors impair your judgment.
- Know where to get help if you think you have a gambling problem.
- Treat gambling as a recreational pastime and have fun with it.
Foreword
AS A WRITER, EDITOR, AND PUBLISHER in the gambling field for some thirty-five years, I have often been asked, What is the secret to winning at gambling? The answer is really quite simple, and, if you think about it, you will realize it is the same answer to any question regarding succeeding in life: available and usable information. The secret of this little book, which covers so many topics, is that the author presents the right kind of information. Of course, there is another way to profit from gambling not covered here, and that is to go to the biggest casino of all, the New York Stock Exchange, and invest in some of the many public companies that own and operate casinos.
This book provides not only the essential information for winning at those games that can be beaten, but also offers solid advice for those games that cannot be beaten, except by Lady Luck herself. Along with nuggets of valuable information, this book gives essential guidance for developing the proper attitude on handling yourself in the tempting and somewhat terrifying atmosphere of a public gambling establishment.
For those who develop a problem with gambling, there are references in this book to places where you can seek help. If you have difficulties with anyone in a public gaming hall, you will find guidance for lodging a complaint, if that is necessary.
When you have thoroughly digested this primer for beginners, there are reference sources listed for books, periodicals, and even Web sites where you can find much more detail as you find those games that grab your interest the most.
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