The first time I ever gambled at a Las Vegas casino, I doubled my money with only $50, a $5 minimum roulette wheel, and a bit of beginner’s luck. This was my first time in Las Vegas, my first casino, my first bet…my first time. First times are always a blast! 
But to the detriment of my bank account, I thought I had it all figured out. I had a system. My system… read the numbers and bet on odds. If three blacks hit in a row, well then, bet on red. Easy!
Not hardly.
My second time playing roulette I lost everything. Then, thinking my system was still flawless, I pulled out more money hoping to make my money backand then some and guess what, big surprise, I lost my ass on that too.
I tried to convince myself that it was all part of a good time but that loss hurt me bad! Not so much the money, but the fact that I lost to the house, they have my money, and I had to wait 30 minutes for my drink! (Cocktails in Vegas are slow by the way!)
Being in the hole a good $100, I vowed not to play roulette again… But that’s all I know how to play! So, my friend tells me “Don’t be a dummy! You have no business walking into the fancy casinos and throwing your pathetic $100 around! Go to Fremont Street, and put your ass at a $2.00 or ¢.50 tables.” This guy knows his stuff about 60% of the time, so I had to take his advice.
Fremont Street. Located downtown and is the old part of Vegas. Beware of seedy folks, cheesy entertainment, and the smell of old. We parked in the shady 
El Cortez casino parking garage at Fremont and 6th then strutted over to the old strip. We sifted through the various casinos, grabbing cheap drinks that were 80% alcohol from flare bartenders (only $4!), and avoiding the drunk middle-aged, and various “circus” characters. Lots and lots of options, but where were the cheap tables my friend spoke of? In and out of identical casinos we ran out of options except one Fitzgerald’s. OK friend, this is your last shot. And there it was, everything I needed in a table: a wheel, a cocktail, and ¢.50 chips, fabulous!
With a little artificial courage and $20 each, we sit down ready to have a little fun. The people were relaxed and casual wearing plastic beads around their necks and sandals on their feet. Not like the glossy people on the Vegas strip, this was smooth and comfortable. Everyone playing for fun… and maybe to win a few bucks.
An hour later and lots of fun, I walked away with $80! I still used my old system, but this time the minimum bet was $2 so the loss was not as painful.
So, what is my idea of a great night out? Free drinks, but going out, getting free drinks AND going home with more money than I had, that is divine!
yesfairy
