# I'm a frequent and sometimes foolish gambler from the midwest, ask me anything! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 17, 2024, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391 "2024-07-17T17:14:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/21 "2024-07-19T12:19:34Z")
Nope! In fact, I think comped rooms might be easier to score outside of Vegas. That city and its casinos can stand on their own merits. They’re fun regardless, therefore people are willing to pay for shit. Outside of Vegas, many casinos need something to lure in guests. Free luxurious rooms, and yes - meals, are two things. Actually Joliet is a destination for high rollers, frequent gamblers, and professional gamblers. Right outside of Chicago. And a Caesars property. I dont fool around in Joliet however. I was kicked out for a day, once. I want to stay off their radar. I don’t want to get permanently 86ed. The thing with Caesars properties is that if you’re banned from one property, you’re banned from all. There’s many Caesars properties across the country. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/22 "2024-07-19T12:22:38Z")
> [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](#): > > Good questions, Dinsdale. But very specific questions, maybe. I think some of them may go beyond the scope of gambling and casinos though. Oh, so “Ask me anything” means something different to gamblers than others? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/23 "2024-07-19T12:39:17Z")
Do you count cards? Do you use any helper gadgets you use that you can conceal from cameras and scanners? What’s your biggest payoff? Loss? ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/24 "2024-07-19T12:40:12Z")
Technically, he didn’t say “I’ll answer everything.” ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/25 "2024-07-19T13:13:42Z")
So you’re just playing games with established odds? [Seinfeld]And you call yourself a gambler?[/Seinfeld] ---
**Author:** ![zimaane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a3d4f5/32.png) [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/26 "2024-07-19T13:39:05Z")
Do you carefully track your wins and losses ? Have you won more money from slot machines than you put in them? ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/27 "2024-07-19T21:06:03Z")
> [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](#): > > I dont fool around in Joliet however. I was kicked out for a day, once. I want to stay off their radar. I don’t want to get permanently 86ed. The thing with Caesars properties is that if you’re banned from one property, you’re banned from all. There’s many Caesars properties across the country. So that you don’t get banned from Ceasars properties you stay out of them? ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/28 "2024-07-19T21:19:51Z")
> [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](#): > > Sportbetting is the one form of gambling I haven’t dabbled in…yet. I’m in a SportsBall pool, and I’m continually astonished at how random NBA/MLB/NFL games can be. You can spend a week researching every little detail and come Sunday, the Browns end up beating the Chiefs! I’ll always remember the guy at the next barstool saying “Well, I did my homework, but I’m already down $3000 this weekend…” (And this was with all the Sunday afternoon and Monday night games still to go!) My point is… RESIST! ---
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/29 "2024-07-25T18:50:11Z")
Nice try, Ohio Gaming Commission. I’m on to you all! You all are not going to catch me slipping! Hehehe, I’m kidding! Ok, I will answer some of Dinsdale’s questions and the rest of the questions in this thread on my next break. How do I use the quote function? Midwest Degenerate Gambler -Today, the first video on my YouTube shorts feed was titled “How to Stop Being a Degenerate.” Could that be a sign? ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/30 "2024-07-25T18:54:09Z")
> [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](#): > > How do I use the quote function? Recently discussed here [Test thread — to test things out. Do not lock! - #583 by needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-thread-to-test-things-out-do-not-lock/956736/583)? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/31 "2024-07-25T18:57:42Z")
Uh oh. Are you on the end of your “degenerate” run? Better run the odds! ---
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2024, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/32 "2024-07-30T02:54:20Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Fascinating existence! > > So, if I hear you correctly, you have no residence of your own, and live entirely in comped hotel rooms? Is that correct? Do they also comp food? > > What sort of “day job” accommodates your flexible schedule? > > How long are you able to stay in a comped room before having to move on? And how regularly must you gamble to retain that comped room? What is a regular “work” schedule? > > How frequently do you relocate over a month/year? Do you own a car and drive from location to location? How much effort do you have to put into “planning” your schedule? Or do you just decide it is time to move on and look for who else has a comp to offer you? > > Do you identify a permanent residence for tax and other purposes? > > If you are able to describe generally: How old are you? How long have you been doing this? How long you you anticipate keeping it up? What (very broad range) is your average yearly income? > > My personal experience is that I find casinos - um - depressing environments, seeing so many folk losing money they clearly can’t afford to lose. Or, if I DID have a fun stretch - say at a craps table - I wouldn’t exactly want to come back and do it again the next day and the next… If you would, what is your general attitude toward casinos/and fellow gamblers - as where you spend large amounts of your time? Have I stayed in hotels _100%_ of the time? Nah. That “day job” is not a typical 9-5. Comped rooms are usually 2 or 3 days per week per month. But i know people who can get full week room comps, they are high rollers. I’m not a high roller. But theoretically, anyone can bounce from casino to casino filling up a whole week with comped rooms. Yep, I identify a permanent residence for tax purposes. And to collect my brochures. These brochures tell me if/how many comped room nights I have, if/how many comped meals I have, promotions, drawings, gifts that I can pick up, and freeplay. This ties into… How I make travel arrangements? Whoever is offering the best stuff, I will head there. The dates of the comped nights and my work commitments have to coordinate with each other. I also make arrangements surrounding poker tournament schedules. I generally do not have a high opinion of typical gamblers, and even some so-called professional gamblers. I find them to be very reckless and shortsighted people. They tend to be full of vices. Oftentimes their gambling is the least of their problems. Alcoholism, anger management issues, sexual deviation, harder drug use, etc. Nicotine abuse! OMG the average gambler smokes like a crematorium. I don’t think addiction alone is what keeps problem gamblers coming back. I would think they would get tired of losing money, eventually. They are ruled by greed, oftentimes if they win big, they won’t cash out (like I do), they keep gambling trying to win more money. Many gamblers are superstitious and gullible. They believe there are such things as machines “running hot” or “running cold”. Not uncommon to see someone dumping large sums of money into a slot if they think it is running hot. A related belief, if they see someone hit a large win, they think the game will run cold afterwards and they refuse to play after them. That stuff is nonsense of course. The pRNG on these slots are almost as random as shooting dice. The closest thing to these myths that are true is that some machines are hot or cold in general. This is due to payback percentages. In non-tribal casinos slot paybacks run 80% (or is it 85%?) to 101%. There are a few exceptions, which the paybacks can be outside of those ranges, but thats another topic. Tribal casinos do not have to have a minimum payback requirement, and they aren’t required to post the casino’s average payback. Good luck trying to gain access to the payback percentage of an individual slot though. I mean, it’s not impossible but it is improbable for the average gambler. I try not to network with people who are the typical gamblers. I prefer to associate with blackjack card counters, (winning) poker players, retirees, and small business owners who are educated about gambling. ---
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2024, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/33 "2024-07-30T03:02:45Z")
> [@Knowed\_Out](#): > > Do you count cards? > Do you use any helper gadgets you use that you can conceal from cameras and scanners? > What’s your biggest payoff? Loss? On occasion. Im not a big fan of card counting though. Too high in variance. Too risky, cc is generally very frowned upon by casinos, and I simply don’t have the attention span. When I do count cards I do not use any devices. Those are illegal and could land me behind bars. I would also likely be permanently barred from that casino if caught. ---
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2024, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/34 "2024-07-30T03:07:42Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > > [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](#): > > > > I dont fool around in Joliet however. I was kicked out for a day, once. I want to stay off their radar. I don’t want to get permanently 86ed. The thing with Caesars properties is that if you’re banned from one property, you’re banned from all. There’s many Caesars properties across the country. > > So that you don’t get banned from Ceasars properties you stay out of them? That particular casino, pretty much. As for the rest, I will game at those places but Im extra cautious and try not to overstay my welcome. Im trying to get the highest players club card, thats my goal. Caesars comps are pretty sweet, especially at the upper tiers. It would be bad if I were banned from all properties. ---
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2024, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/35 "2024-07-30T03:11:21Z")
> [@digs](#): > > > [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](#): > > > > Sportbetting is the one form of gambling I haven’t dabbled in…yet. > > I’m in a SportsBall pool, and I’m continually astonished at how random NBA/MLB/NFL games can be. > > You can spend a week researching every little detail and come Sunday, the Browns end up beating the Chiefs! > > I’ll always remember the guy at the next barstool saying “Well, I did my homework, but I’m already down $3000 this weekend…” (And this was with all the Sunday afternoon and Monday night games still to go!) > > My point is… > > RESIST! Yeah. You can make profits from sports betting, but I heard it is very hard. I also heard if you win too much at one location, the casino or book will back you off or set limits to how much you can win. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2024, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391/36 "2024-07-30T11:35:59Z")
Thanks for answering my ??? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-frequent-and-sometimes-foolish-gambler-from-the-midwest-ask-me-anything/1004391.md?page=1)