Controlling Your Cash
Chill Out, It’s Only A Game
Casino visit should be a relaxing experience
by Bill Burton
 The future is here: About 20 years ago I read an article that foretold how computers would change our way of life forever. It predicted that by the year 2000 everyone would be working four days a week or less. The “experts” forecasted that computers would be doing the majority of work and we humans would benefit from the technology by having much more leisure time.
Well here it is 2006 and like many predictions for the future this one did not quite get it right. We have found that the technology which brought us computers and cell phones has actually changed us into a 24-hour society and most of us have less leisure time than we did before. Many of us are constantly “on the go” and find that it has become much more difficult to find the time to relax and enjoy ourselves.
We all need a little relaxation in our lives to counter-balance our stressful workloads. For most of us, we choose a leisure activity that gives us enjoyment and entertainment to help us relax. Since you are reading this issue of Strictly Slots magazine, it probably means that one of your favorite leisure activities is casino gambling. Your trips to the casino should be a relaxing time, however some players can turn it into a very stressful experience that is anything but relaxing.
Avoid slot frenzy: The other day I was in the casino and as I was walking past a bank of slot machines I saw a woman standing up playing a slot machine. Looking closer I saw that she was simultaneously playing her machine and the two machines to her right and left. While the reels were spinning on one machine she was reaching over to hit the spin button on the other two machines. This woman was definitely caught up in what I call slot machine frenzy. I thought to myself, how relaxing can that be?
 Playing slot machines (or any casino game) should be a relaxing experience. We can only make it that way by learning to slow down a little bit. Here are a few tips that will hopefully help make your slot playing a little more relaxing.
Don’t start playing immediately upon arrival: If you drive to the casino you should take a break before you start playing. Sometimes the trip to the casino can be stressful if you get caught up in traffic or it is a long drive. Don’t immediately run to a machine as soon as you get in the casino door. Sit down and have a snack or something to drink. It will help you unwind from your trip. If you don’t feel like sitting, just walk around for a while and unwind from your drive. If you are checking in to the hotel, take a minute to unpack. Don’t just throw your bags in the room and head for the casino.
Don’t play more than one machine at a time: Playing more than one machine just exposes you more to the house edge. In the long run you will just lose your money faster. Playing two machines involves standing or leaning out of your chair to reach over to the adjacent machine. Like the lady caught up in the slot frenzy, this is not very relaxing. Sit down in the chair in front of your machine and relax.
Slow down your playing: Wait a few seconds between spins instead of trying to set a speed record. This is not a tournament there is no reason to play at lightning speed. Don’t hit the maximum bet button. Take your time and press the bet-one-coin button until you reach maximum coins. This will take a little longer and expand your playing time. If you do want to use the maximum bet button then move your hand away from it while the reels are spinning.
Socialize with others: Unlike the table games where there can be camaraderie between players, slot machines can be a solitary endeavor. Visiting the casino with friends can make your visit more enjoyable and relaxing. If you are playing with friends seated nearby, stop for a few seconds and chat between spins. You can socialize and play at the same time.
Put in the lowest denomination bill: There was a time when you could hand feed coins into the machine to slow down your playing, but many of the new machines are now coinless with bill receptors and ticket payouts. If the machine you are playing only accepts bills, then put in the lowest denomination bill. This will slow you down by making it necessary to have to stop and feed more money into the machine. It will also give you a natural breaking point. If you have to keep reaching for more bills to put in the machine it may be time to switch machines.
 Take a break when you switch machines: If you want to change machines, take a break before sitting down for your next session. If you have been playing for a few hours you may want to get a snack or just take a walk. Walking around the casino is a good way to stretch your legs after sitting in one place for awhile. This will also give you the opportunity to look at new slot games that you might not have seen before. You may just find a new game to play.
Learn to relax: The main reason for choosing a leisure time activity is to help you unwind from the day to day stress of your daily routine. These tips are designed to slow you down and help you relax a little while you are playing slots. They may not help you WIN money but slowing down may help you lose less and relax more and that is what it is all about.
Until next time, remember: "Luck comes and goes...Knowledge stays forever."
Bill Burton is the Casino Gambling Guide and columnist for the Internet portal About.com located at: www.casinogambling.about.com He is the author of “1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets” and "Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold'em" available online at www.billburton.com. He an instructor for Golden Touch Craps: www.thecrapsclub.com
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