What do I really feel? Well I know what you are getting at....a little attempt at reverse psycology. The truth is what I feel is the same as a lot of Native people.....that from the day that the invaders landed on Turtle Island the Native people have been used, abused, lied to, cheated and especially manipulated. There are many Native Reservations who have turned down the idea of a casino because although it would provide a lot for them in the white man's estimation and relieve the white man of a little more from their obligations, it is also the wrong thing to get into. Alcohol is legal and look at the devastation it has caused through history both to Native people and many other races. Gambling is now legal but it too is taking it's toll. So just because something is legal....that does not mean it is a good thing......just a profitable thing.
All this could not be done if people were taking money out of the casino.
True.
Gambling is an art in many ways. Certainly there is a large amount of luck, or chance, but you also have to learn how to alleviate those and position yourself for better odds. I’ve sat at a table and watched a man lose 8 Grand in a matter of about 15 min. I’ve also sat at a table beside a woman (nice Italian grandma) who was talking to her friend at the next table and paying no attention to what she was really doing and she still won again and again. Card games can have a lot of both luck and skill in them. Those who learn the skills …win. But that takes a lot of learning and it can be very expensive.
If you have ever been in casinos there is the almost ancient game of Blackjack, or 21. It started back in the late 1500’s or there abouts. When casinos opened there were many tables of straight Blackjack….but not so much anymore. Now they have offshoots of the same game…and very ‘appealing’ to try. Ever wonder why? Because they are created to give the casino better odds and take away the skills of playing straight up.
Slot machines, they’re a sucker’s game. They are all now computer controlled and they are positioned and arranged in many casinos to not only keep you playing….but to draw every nickel out of your pocket right up to as you leave for the door.
The house always wins….unless, you don’t let it.
A buddy of mine (he’s passed away at 78) was practically dragged to his first Casino by his visiting daughter. He had been a school principal, old school ideas and a man who watched his money. He had money, lots of it, but he would still darn his socks. So he goes reluctantly with his daughter and her friend and he plays the slots. He said it was entertaining . As they were leaving there were dollar slots near the door. He took a buck and played it. Yeah you guessed it……he won….. I think it was 16 or 17 Grand!
He goes back (of course) on other occasions and he won again and again but small amounts.
One day he had gone out to the casino and his wife was wondering why he was late coming home. She couldn’t get him on the phone so she called their son. The son went to the Casino and found his father sitting on a bench. The son asked “what are you doing”? The father replied “waiting”. The son said “for what”. The father replied “my cheque”. He had hit the jackpot again and I think it was around 25 Grand! Go figure!
I was in the casino one day and we were waiting for a table in the restaurant. Standing at the entrance there were a few quarter slots close by so I put in a buck. On the last quarter I won nearly 450 dollars.
Another time I we were at the casino my wife was playing the slots. She never wins but she finds it enjoyable to pass the time while I am at the tables. I took a break because the cards were turning bad and went over to see her. I put a quarter in the machine next to her and won about 175. I gave it to her to play with and of course…….she lost it. But I had a good day so it was no big deal.
Those are all fun stories but I have also known people who have spent their rent, mortgage money and much more, gambling. My wife has a cousin who lost his business gambling and it cost him his marriage. When my wife’s mother died the whole family was there, but after the funeral no one could find the cousin. Where was he?……….he went to the casino. He has another business now and a new wife and after talking to her at a wedding….I think she has helped straighten him out a lot.
Years ago a group of us use to play poker in a rented motel room. One night one of the players did not show up so we called his home. His wife answered the phone and she was upset! She said it was an argument about the gambling and he left, went for a walk but hadn’t returned. Myself and another player went over to the house and then drove around trying to find him. We found him, sitting on a curb and crying. Turns out he had lost everything gambling….house money and savings. So we took him home, gave him some money and then later we decided to stop the hotel games. I don’t know if he gave up gambling….I hope he did.....it wasn't his thing.
