As a casino regular for a few years, and now a croupier, i can say that such Hollywood-esque luck, rarely works out for most. Most people who walk in, lose big in the first hour and feel crappy for the rest of the night.

This guide is not meant as a "how to win big" guide, but more of a set of rules to follow if you want to make the most of your money, minimise your losses, minimise the bad moods, and have the most fun, which is what gambling and the casino experience should be.

1. Don't see gambling as a source of income.

   Something to remember is that money you gain from gambling - whether at a casino, betting shop or friendly poker game - is money won, not money earned. It is a pleasant surprise rather than something you deserve. As soon as you depend on gambling to earn money, you'll make the mistake of thinking you deserve to win, so its harder to take losses, and the worse you feel, the more mistakes you'll make. Remember, its a game that should be played for fun, not a job.

2. Don't get drunk

   This should be obvious. Drinking impairs your judgement. You'll take risks you might not be able to afford, and mistakes you certainly can't. Also, the drunk guy on the table always puts everyone off their game. If you want to drink at a casino, do it after you've cashed in your winnings and celebrate.

3. Only bet what you can afford

   Another fairly obvious one. It's all too easy to get carried away with the image of the high roller throwing huge amounts of money on the roulette wheel, a one in 37 chance. The people who do that can afford it, and everyone has different limits. One way I like to think about it, is that as soon as you swap cash for chips, that money has been spent. What you come out with at the end is a bonus. Also, its surprising how little money you need to have a good time at a casino. £20-30 is perfect for low limit tables. I have never once spent more than £50 in a night.

4. Know the rules of the games and the casino

   There are hundreds of resources online and in books that teache you how to play the more popular casino games, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Roulette etc. However, many casinos have slight variations or extra rules that are worth knowing about. Its worth doing a bit of research, and if you've never played a game before, practise at home. Also, check what the limits are on a few games. If you can only afford £20 all night, you don't want to find out the minimum bet is £10.

5. Find a friendly table

   This is very important. Some tables are full of really uptight serious gamblers who don't take kindly to the casual bunch of us. I was sat on a low limit Blackjack table once, and this guy next to me made a mistake which cost a few people their hands. That few people then got really angry and started insulting this guy. It turned out, regardless of what he did, everyone would have lost. But it goes to show, its important to find a table of people who dont mind you making a mistake or two. A bad table only makes you feel bad. If you find your on one, get up and leave everyone to lose on their own.

6. Take regular breaks

   I cannot stress this one enough. When you start the night at a casino, you will tend to win a little, and you feel less bad about losing, because 'the night is still young'. But as it wears on, and you lose a bit, you may find yourself losing over and over. WALK AWAY. Go for a walk outside, have a drink of water or anything to get your head back together. And do it regularly. Every hour or so. It will keep you fresh and alert and at the top of your game.

7. Go with a few friends

   Similar to 5). If you visit a casino with friends, you can celebrate each others winnings and console each others losses. If you get a few of you on the same table, you can build a really good atmosphere between you all and the dealer, which is going to make you feel good, not care so much about losing a bit and above all, have a fun time. Mostly, don't go on your own. That way you've got no one to pick your spirits up if you lose big, or stop you while you're ahead.

8. If you're up, play with your winnings

   By this, I mean, if you've won enough extra to play with on its own, put you're original stake in your pocket, forget about it, and play the rest of the night with your winnings. A good thing to do, is get the highest value single chip you can and keep hold of it. You'll be less inclined to break into it again. For example, if you came in with £25, and you've doubled you're money, change £25 worth of chips into a single £25 chip (called a Pony), put it away and play on with the other £25, your winnings.

9. If you're down, dont be reckless

   If you're down to your last £10, does it make more sense to play one last big £10 bet in the hope of getting lucky, but doubling the blow if you lose, or playing two £5 bets, keeping you in the game for longer, and doubling your chance of winning, if not as much? Of course, the second option. Just because you're on a losing streak, dont assume you'll come good on your last bet. Either string it out as long as you can, giving you more chance to win, or just walk away.

10. Get a 'feel' for the table before you sit down

    I feel this is very important. Sometimes, you'll watch a table where no one seems to win, the dealer always wins, and the morale is very low. Dont sit down yet. You'll just be getting into a negative mindset before you've placed a bet. Wait, or find a table where people seem to be winning and having fun. Luck does even out, you just need to jump in when its on the way up, not down.

11. Set your limits

    Either in terms of money, bets or time, decide before you spend any money, how much you'll spend. Are you going to give yourself an extra bit of cash if you really need it? Are you going to play the high roller tables or the lower limits? Are you going to play with minimum bets? How long are you going to spend at any one table? How long are you going to spend gambling? The more you know about how youre going to play, the better of you'll be.

12. Realise one thing...

    THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS! The sooner you realise this, the better. Casino's are designed in everyway to make you feel wealthy and make you spend as much money as you can. The bathrooms are full of marble, you're waited on hand and foot, the atmosphere is palacial, everything is there to make you part with your wallet. Which is why 11) is so important. Dont be sucked in by thinking, "Im in such a nice place, if i can afford to be here, i can afford to play with a bit more money." You can't.
    Also, of course, the games are in favour of the house. No game in any casino anywhere in the world is going to give you the advantage. You're fighting against the odds. In the short term, you might win, but in the long term, theres no way you will. The House Always Wins. 

13. But above all...

    Have fun, be responsible, and if you find a dealer whose been nice to you and given you a few big wins, be nice in return, say thank you and leave a tip. =)

Between Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York, you can find three completely different casinos:

Casino Niagara - Niagara Falls, Ontario

This is the original casino on the Canadian side. It boasts three floors of gaming, which structurally allowed them to have an entire floor of smoke-free gaming. Now the entire Province is smoke-free indoors. Many older slot machines, but they still have some machines that can spit out coins.

Fallsview Casino - Niagara Falls, Ontario

This is the newer of the two casinos in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. It's much bigger than older sister, and is all on one floor. They have many newer games, and the attached hotel is very modern.

Seneca-Niagara Casino - Niagara Falls, NY

This is the smallest of the three casinos near Niagara Falls, but an American doesn't have to cross the border to go there. It looks much like a sports arena from the outside, but has a true casino feel inside. Best part is - complementary drinks for players. You can't get that across the border.

Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun - Southeast Connecticut

Foxwoods - Mashantucket, CT

Foxwoods is a large facility. It has separate casinos, including the newly opened MGM Grand. Entertainment and gaming is really all there is to do here; they typically have a decent band or act playing. They also have a large selection of fine dining. See my restaurant recommendations.

Mohegan Sun - Uncasville, CT

Everybody I have ever heard say that they went to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun say they have better luck at Mohegan Sun. I know that's just hearsay, but it's my hearsay. I did much better at Mohegan Sun. Again, this casino has decent entertainment, but not as many dining choices as Foxwoods.

Turning Stone Casino Resort - Verona, NY

This casino/hotel is the biggest and best (Indian) reservation casino in NY. It has quite an array of amenities, more than one would expect in central NY; Four golf courses, (one hosts a PGA event) a top notch spa, a NYC style night-club, and two venues for concerts and shows. If you're into gaming, there is a poker room, high stakes bingo hall, countless machines, and many table games. This casino is almost in the upper echelon of smaller casinos in the country; but an almost entirely smoking gaming floor, coupled with no alcoholic beverages, are the anchors keeping this ship from sailing.

Atlantic City, NJ

There are a number of casinos in Atlantic City. You have an endless selection of gaming and entertainment options. Finding a suitable restaurant is no problem. It's almost like a little Las Vegas, but this spot seems outdated in comparison, and crime can be a problem there. If you consider value, than Atlantic City would be my last choice on this list.

Read my advice for tips on getting the most for your money in Reno.

Skimp on a Room

If you're just visiting, and don't know anyone in town, you'll need to find a place to stay. There are thousands of hotel rooms in Reno and Sparks, and prices vary widely. If you have your heart set on a fancy suite, then that's what you'll pay for. But check out motels (some offer rooms by the week, if you're staying that long). It's easy to get around in Reno, even on foot, so don't think you have to have a room in one of the downtown casinos. This is the easiest way to save money during your trip, giving you a larger gambling budget.

Travel Off-Season

Winter is cold, there's lots of snow, and there are bargains galore on rooms. Yes, summer is nice and warm, and there are events nearly every weekend. Hot August Nights, the big celebration of classic cars, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. For this event, rooms are booked a year in advance, and you will definitely pay the highest price all year.

Establish a Relationship

Casinos love to reward loyalty, and there's lots of competition for the all-mighty tourist dollar. There are ways to become a preferred guest at any casino. The first thing you need to do is sign up for a player's card. This is essential, no matter where you choose to play. Nearly every downtown casino boasts “the best comps in town,” and comps vary, so don't be afraid to ask what comps are offered to player's club members. As always, it depends on the amount of play on your card. If you find a casino you enjoy, play there. The more you play, the more comps you will be offered.

Don't be afraid to compare comps. For example, some casinos offer 2x comp points on certain days of the week, or 5x, or even 10x. If you can get 10x points for the same amount of coin-in, that is a much better deal.

When you sign up for a player's card, be sure to ask about any couponsbeing offered. Many casinos will give you a two-for-one buffet, for example, or match play at table games.

Also, be sure to get on the casino's mailing lists. Many casinos will mail you offers after you get home, offering everything from free rooms to free meals on your next visit. Take advantage of these offers and you can almost pay for your trip. Give them your e-mail address and check for frequent e-mail only offers in your inbox. Be sure to check dates, as most of these offers are good for certain dates only. Also, be sure to ask when your comp points might expire. At some casinos, if you don't use your comps, you will lose them.

Once you have a card, be sure to use it. Don't forget to insert it each time you play. If you lose it, simply return to the player's club desk and get another one. NEVER play without your player's club card in the machine!

Choose Your Games Wisely

The variety of games available in casinos varies as much as the casinos themselves. Some have much better odds than others. While some of the newer games offer a lot of bells and whistles, they may not be the best way to win. Be wary of “penny slots.”These are big, loud, colorful games being touted in almost every casino. They boast signs such as “play longer, play pennies,” or even, “win a million for just a penny.” This is deceiving. In order to win a “jackpot” on penny slots, you must bet the maximum bet, which in some cases is as high as 300 pennies, or $3. For my money, on slots, you're better off playing that $3 on the dollar slots--the rewards are much higher in many cases.

When choosing which games to play, always keep your budget in mind. You never want to risk more than you can afford to lose, but you can increase your odds by choosing the right games. When selecting a denomination, remember to always play maximum bet on each machine. If your budget is very limited, nickels are always a good choice, and the rewards can be substantial.

Most gambling experts agree that the best odds in any casino are on Blackjack. While this can be fun--and substantially rewarding--you must know how to play. If you haven't studied Blackjack and don't feel comfortable playing, I would suggest you stay away from the table. If you're a beginner, other players may lose patience with you, and some dealers move very quickly, making it difficult to concentrate. If you want to learn Blackjack, there are many good books and study courses available, but learn it before you actually sit down to play.

Another game with very good odds is Video Poker. This also requires a bit of studying, and there are several different versions available. If you're a beginner, choose Jacks or Better and play nickels. Maximum bet will vary from machine to machine and casino to casino, but most are 10 nickels max. That's just 50 cents a bet, and the return is higher than on most slots.

Of course, there are other games in the casinos as well. Everything from live poker to roulette to sports betting. Just be sure to choose what you are most comfortable playing.

Drinking and Gambling

While you are gambling, you will be offered “free” drinks. This is part of the money-saving strategy. Why pay for drinks at a bar when you can get them free while gaming? The choice of whether to drink while playing is strictly up to you. Just remember, the more you drink, the more it will affect your decision-making process. Why do you think the casinos offer free alcohol to gamblers in the first place? And always remember to tip the bartender or cocktail waitress…$1 per drink is acceptable, more is appreciated.

Have Fun!

It is safe to conclude that Las Vegas has successfully changed its image from a desert city full of gamblers and ostentatious hotels, to a world class destination for people seeking new adventures. An evening stroll to take in the neon lights is unforgettable. This is a place to take in show with top talent, try your luck at casino games they don't have in Kansas, eat in truly wonderful restaurants and soak up the sun in surroundings of some of the world's most incredible hotels. And when you've had enough of gambling and razzmatazz there's still some serious shopping to be enjoyed.

Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world, and you can't visit without trying your luck at least one of the casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard, better known as The Strip. By day these casinos are breathtakingly opulent but at night they are out of this world as millions of neon lights transform the city into a shining vision. Nowhere is more dazzling that at the north end of The Strip on Fremont Street. And the choice of where to gamble, eat or see a show is truly mind-boggling.

At the Bellagio hotel, modeled on Italy's Lake Como, you can lose your shirt on gambling tables while being mesmerized by its dancing fountains. Or try The Venetian, where you can take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal before hitting the slot machines. Circus Circus has its own theme park, trapeze artists and juggling cocktail waitresses. Then there's Excalibur, which recreates King Arthur's Camelot, complete with sword swallowing knights. Caesar's Palace is the quintessential Vegas resort and huge stars such as Celine Dion and Elton John have performed in its spectacular Roman Colosseum theater. The Luxor is home to a 36 story pyramid, a golden sphinx and a tomb of Tutankhamun.You can even pretend you're on an island in the Pacific if you visit The Mirage. There's you'll find an erupting volcano, dolphins and a tropical themed casino. At the Mandalay Bay you can watch predators in the shark reef before enjoying the international hit musical MAMA MIA. All these casinos are really resorts with everything you need-restaurants, shops, health spas, art galleries and theatres-all under the same roof.

If you choose, you don't need to set foot out of your hotel. But that would mean missing out on some extraordinary sights and experiences, not to mention the opportunity to get a tan. Las Vegas is in the middle of the Mojave Desert so there's not much chance of your holiday being a washout in terms of the weather. In fact it rarely rains there. The summer can be very hot, but if it's too warm by the pool, you can always visit one of the many shopping malls.

Don't miss the outlet centers, with some 250 shops and name brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana. Even while you are out shopping, then entertainment goes on. Inside the huge Fashion Show Mall, there are snowstorms, fashion shows and The Cloud-a massive steel structure projecting movies and images above the heads of the customers.

If shopping is not for you, hit the heights on one of La Vegas's top rides. The Roller Coaster at New York-New York is scary enough but it pales in comparison with X-Scream at the Stratosphere, which whizzes through the air at up to 30mph before dangling riders 900 feet above The Strip.

Back down on the ground, don't miss one of Vegas's legendary shows. Nowhere on earth does razzle-dazzle like here, with big name stars, favorite musicals and dancers in eye-popping costumes. The popular Cirque du Soleil has several shows running in Las Vegas, but book early. It's virtually impossible to get tickets at the last minute.
Many people go to Las Vegas to "tie the knot" and certainly have a wedding to remember. At the Las Vegas Hilton, wedding are out of this world. Ceremonies take place on the Star Trek's USS Enterprise with alien Klingons as witnesses. And, of course, there are the drive-thru wedding chapels which go from tacky to hilarious in their attempts to out-do one another.

If you thought Las Vegas was just for night owls and gamblers, you were wrong. As the city continues to develop and expand, you can bet on a different experience each time you go. There is a famous saying that "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," but there is one thing you are allowed to bring home-and that is a set of amazing memories.

A friend of mine suggested looking in Brookside, a small section of Tulsa, and so we planned on starting our search there. All dressed up and ready to dance, I met Kaytie at her house. As we set out, we hoped to experience something other than our routine small-city lives, and maybe catch the smallest glimpse of what teens in New York City or Chicago get to experience. But despite our best efforts, the only new experience we had that night did not involve partying like the big cities do. Through the course of events, we managed to wind up in a smelly casino: a veritable magnet for broken souls, empty wallets, and annoying security guards.

At the start of our evening, we cruised down Brookside, expecting to see club after club. What we did see were a few nice restaurants and a couple of unkempt looking bars, but no clubs. Disgruntled, and wanting to find somewhere new to visit soon, we searched for some sign of a nightspot we could visit. After an hour or so of driving, Kaytie and I had seen neither hide nor hair of any clubs, although we had seen some beautiful and some slightly scarier parts of downtown Tulsa. Some of the parts of downtown were grungy. Scattered in them were homeless persons, dark alleyways and broken-down buildings way past their prime. The better parts of downtown were well-lit underneath towering skyscrapers. However, downtown Tulsa did not present any possible place we could both have a new experience at, so we began to consider other promising venues we could visit.

Stepping out of Kaytie's silver Ford Taurus, the two of us were immediately greeted with an intense smell of cigarette smoke and greasy foods, reminiscent of bowling alleys. Walking into the Creek Nation Casino, we had our wallets ready with our ID's, presuming that we were to be carded as we walked into the door. Soon we found out that this wasn't the case. We were both disappointed - having just turned eighteen, we were ready to show off that we could legally enter the casino. Instead of security ready to check our identification, we were welcomed by the sight of tacky red carpet and ugly mauve walls. Not to mention slot machines. The slots were everywhere, wall to wall, huge, flashing beacons, ready for unsuspecting victims with pocketfuls of money to be drawn in. The smoke was visible in the air. Light smog wafted ubiquitously, an inescapable fog of potential lung cancer. Kaytie and I quickly stepped into the much smaller non-smoking room, and as we stepped in, I observed a man with a pipe in his mouth stepping out. So much for smoke-free.

Older people were everywhere in the casino; almost everyone seemed to be above the age of sixty. They would sit and press buttons for long periods of time, presumably not getting the results they were expecting. Their eyes seemed to glaze over as they stared at the flashing screens, scanning the computerized reels as they spun, with cherries and sevens and other bright images. Kaytie and I sat down to try one of the cheaper slot machines; we slid our dollar bills into the bright beacon and tried to figure out how the heck it worked. Mostly we pressed random assortments of buttons, trying to press the right combination in order to win. A helpful, but slightly annoying, security guard came to our rescue. He was young, overweight, and he spoke with a lisp. He showed us how to play the slot machines, and when he was done with his explanation, he stayed to watch us play for around ten minutes. Kaytie and I assumed that he stood chatting with us for so long because he thought we were attractive, because surely talking to two eighteen-year-old girls for ten minutes would be frowned upon by other security guards. Kaytie was much better at the slots than I was, or, as she put it, “better at pressing buttons.”

We didn't stay at the casino for very long, mainly because we found that it was just plain boring. It was quieter in the casino than I was expecting; I suppose it was due to the immense concentration that pushing buttons must obviously take. The slot machines seemed to be more work to figure out than they were worth, and winning a few bucks definitely did not seem worth the second-hand smoke inhalation from just standing inside the casino. Our night may have not ended with the excitement that I was expecting, but I did realize that, in life, it is probably better just to put in a hard day's work, rather than spend all of your time in a smoky, old person, tacky carpet-filled establishment.

For die-hard gamblers it is a mecca of delight guaranteed to send them into spasms of pure rapture. After all, who can resist the lure of flashing lights, the ringing bells of the slot machines, the exotic and complimentary drinks served literally on a silver tray, and, of course, the smell of money in the air. Money to be made and money to be lost. Got to remember the word moderation when you enter the hypnotic world of the casinos.

Fortunately Las Vegas offers plenty to do besides gambling. Why the sightseeing opportunities alone are enough to keep you occupied for days on end, not to mention the eating, drinking, and endless round of shows and various amusements available. Yes, it is true that Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world!

For my friend Lauren and I our journey to Las Vegas began on a Sunday evening, with a six hour nonstop flight from Philadelphia compliments of US Airways. Although still suffering from a touch of plane-fatigue, we immediately revived upon being awakened from our naps to hear that the plane was at last above Vegas, and it was time to prepare for descent. As the plane began its descent we could look out the window and see Las Vegas pulsating beneath us.

Even from the air the city was a visual feast, and Lauren and I began excitedly pointing out the various famous landmarks, The Stratosphere, MGM Grand, etc.

We landed in Las Vegas about 9:00 AM in the morning with our luggage, cameras, pamphlets and guide books, and a small budget earmarked mostly for entertainment which did not include gambling. This had nothing to do with any feelings of morality on our part, but was simply a concession to the realities of our financial situation. Sure we planned to do a little gambling, but we had to set strict limits for ourselves so as not to get carried away and spend more than we could afford.

Exiting the airport, we walked instantly into what felt like a dense wall of heat. The shock of these extreme temperatures , 90's and heading to triple digits , after the comfortable coolness of the airport interior was almost disorienting. We had to remind ourselves that this was to be expected, as we had arrived in the middle of the Nevada desert.

Checking into the Imperial Palace Hotel, we were glad that we had pre-booked a room. The clerk at the front desk informed us that due to an unusually high volume of tourists needing rooms immediately, we would've had to wait until next week before a room with two beds became available.

First Day in Vegas

The next day, our first full day exploring Las Vegas, we decided to learn the ins and outs of the land of glitz and glamour by taking the monorail to all the stops. Tickets for the Las Vegas Monorail are available in the hotels at machines, and at the stations themselves at machines. We each bought a one day (24 hour) ticket for $15, which is good for anywhere you want to go. The Monorail is the perfect way to get a bird's-eye view of this magnificent city, and its many offerings without wearing yourself and your feet out.

Now Lauren and I are both huge Start Trek fans, so out of all the marvelous attractions waiting for us, what do you think was the first place we set off for? If you guessed the Las Vegas Hilton and its famed Star Trek Experience, give yourself a pat on the back for being right.

And it is quite an experience, although for true devotees like ourselves only being rocketed directly into outer space on the Enterprise itself with Captain Kirk by our side would have provided complete satisfaction. We managed to make due, however, with the 2 available rides, The Klingon Adventure and the Borg Invasion, plus pouring over the Star Trek museum displays. These provided an interesting distraction for killing time while waiting in a long line.

The Klingon Adventure, a simulated ride, was quite lively and won't disappoint anyone brave enough to go on it. Here I feel I must add a word of caution, however, for those with weak stomachs as it can be a rocky road from beginning to end.

"The Borg Invasion," was in 4D, (for the uninitiated, that's 3D with a seat that bounces and jolts very realistically so that the physical experience matches the one seen on-screen). The special effects are remarkable, and Lauren and I enjoyed it tremendously.

Our adrenaline high crashed soon after this, and jet-lagged and weary, we were more than ready to retreat to our room in the hotel and get some badly needed rest.

Day #2 in Vegas

The next day dawned with temperatures rapidly rising to triple digits, and heat so strong the entire city seemed enclosed in a capsule of haze. We had no trouble deciding to spend our day indoors touring the artificially cooled Wynn Hotel and letting the outside world manage on its own. After a quick breakfast, we walked over to the Wynn and immersed ourselves in its luxurious beauty.

We began by paying a reasonable fee to view Steve Wynn's private collection of Impressionist art and the painting Andy Warhol did of him. It was an interesting collection but surprisingly small with only about 10 paintings; a Rembrandt, 2 Picassos, a Degas, a Monet of lilly pads and a bridge, a Manet portrait, and a Mandrian. All of this, naturally, was topped off by Warhol's portrait of Steve Wynn.

Next came a visit to the Wynn Esplanade, a collection of unique and lavish boutiques, among them Oscar de la Renta and the world's first Rolex-only store, Wynn & Co. Watches. Lesson learned from visiting several of these stores out of curiosity , if you have to ask how much something is, not only can't you afford it, but you shouldn't be here, where prices go from exorbitant to over the moon in the blink of an eye.

We returned to our hotel for a short rest that afternoon, and by evening were ready for some dinner and entertainment. Unfortunately, the cost of a meal at Planet Hollywood put an end to any ideas we'd had about finding a cheap show to see. Even the price of a hamburger made our wallets tremble. But that's how it is in Las Vegas. The cost of food and entertainment is always triple what it would be anywhere else. It's just part of the town, much the same way the casinos and neon lights are.

Third Day in Vegas

Ceasars Palace was the destination for today, and we decided to begin with some shopping. The shops at Ceasars Palace Forum are a testament to architectural talent given free reign. The theme is Roman complete with large statues like those found in the gardens and homes of ancient Rome, and ceilings painted with breathtakingly lovely murals. Oh yes, there is plenty of atmosphere here! The entrance is four stories high and holds an enormous floor to ceiling atrium that is a wonder all by itself.

The carefully selected shops were definitely chosen for those with deeper wallets than ourselves, and contained all the famous brand names, such as Gucci, Versace, Lalique, etc. Although we couldn't make many purchases, we did have a grand time going from store to store and browsing to our hearts content.

Next we elected to see one of the light and sound shows that Ceasars is famous for. There are several to choose from.

The shows are unique in that they feature animated statues in the fountains in the rotundas that cover the length of the mall. Having seen these shows on television and been intrigued by them, I'd always wanted to see one in person. The last one in the back of the mall, built interestingly enough over a large aquarium, is also the best and most exciting, with explosions and marvelous lighting effects.

Day 4, Egyptian Vegas

The next day, our fourth in Vegas, Lauren and I determined to visit the Luxor, known, of course, for its Egyptian theme. Since we'd both had a fascination with ancient Egypt for several years now, we knew that we certainly couldn't pass up the opportunity to view Las Vegas' tribute to that long ago time and place.

At the Luxor we took turns having our picture taken standing between the giant paws of the Sphinx, then went inside and had a drink, cruised through the gift shops unable to resist picking up a few presents for our friends at home, and then went through the King Tut's Tomb exhibit.

They have authentic replicas of many of the objects found in King Tut's tomb, and a life-size "tomb" with viewing windows to peer through. There is no better way to get a feel for the size of the original tomb other than actually being there inside of it.

Afterwards we spent some time playing the slot machines, without having any success, but enjoying ourselves anyway.

Winding Up Our Stay

Saturday was our final day in Vegas so we decided to make the most of it. First we visited the New York, New York hotel/casino, which on the outside is an exact reproduction of the New York City skyline, with a miniature New York City built in great detail inside. They also have a roller coaster that runs all around the entire building with a terrific roar. We, or rather, I made the mistake of riding it, and while Lauren fared quite well, I became extremely ill. It didn't really surprise me though, as I have had a love/hate relationship with roller coasters for most of my life for that very reason.

Once I'd recovered enough to safely move around, we gave the place a quick once-over and played a few last rounds on the slot machines. Undaunted despite our winless status, we vowed that one day we'd be back and tackle the casinos once again.

We rode the Trolley home. The Trolley is really just as good as the monorail in its own way. It goes around the Las Vegas Strip circuit from the top of the Strip at the Stratosphere to the bottom of Mandalay Bay. You can get on and ride all the way around for only two dollars, which since the entire distance takes roughly two hours amounts to just a dollar an hour. Great deal!

Our return journey home began that night at what I considered to be the ungodly hour of twelve, with another non-stop 6 hour return flight. So much flying at one time left me feeling punch drunk when we deplaned in Philadelphia, but, nevertheless, happy to be back home. Both Lauren and I had had a wonderful time and didn't regret a moment or a dime spent on this fantastic trip. In fact, we were already making plans for our return trip, but home was home and we'd had enough of being tourists for the time being.

Yes indeed, it was good to be back!

For a few years I was a Security Officer for some of the most well known casinos and shopping venues on the Las Vegas Strip. During that time, I learned a lot about the nature of people, and how to protect yourself when you are visiting Las Vegas.

I have included 10 tips that you might find useful the next time you are visiting a casino or hotel in town.

1. Protecting Your Possessions:

   Unfortunately, not everyone comes to Las Vegas for a simple vacation like many folks. Vegas is known for attracting not only tourists, but also those people who would like to separate you from your money.
   
   Here is a short list of things to watch for: Do not leave handbags or purses laying on the ground or the next seat when you are gambling. Thieves are getting braver every day. They don't hide in the shadows anymore. They will walk right past you and take your belongings as if it belonged to them the whole time, and then dare you to say anything.
   
   Also, just because you leave valuables in your room does not mean they are safe. Always lock up your jewelry or money in the safe if the hotel provides one. Make sure if you have anything valuable in your luggage that you put it away. Thieves will always go for things that are the most accessible first.
   
   A common practice of hotel thieves is to walk down the hallway as if they are going to their room and push on each door to see if any of them open. When they find a door open they just walk on in and begin stealing your belongings. If they happen to walk in on you in the room, they will often just pretend they got confused as to which room was theirs because they all look the same.

2. The Art of the Trick Roll:

   Men, you especially need to pay attention to this. Let me give you a little scenario. You are at the blackjack table and are having a great time. After a while, you decide to take a break and go to the bar. While you are there, a very attractive woman sits down beside you and begins to strike up a conversation. You begin to think that things are going great and she suggest that you take her up to your room. You feel like nothing could go wrong and then you wake up and find it's the afternoon of the next day.
   
   As you try to clear the cobwebs from your head, you begin to realize that you are alone in your room and all your money and credit cards are gone. Now if you haven't figured it out yet, let me explain to you what just happened. While you were gambling the night before, you were being watched. And before you go thinking it was because you're such a stud, it was you were seen as an easy mark.
   
   Chances are you were drinking at the table and the woman who met you at the bar noticed that you were getting drunk and had already started losing control of reality. At some point she distracted you, and placed knock out drops in your drink. This often happens when you are in your room, and she suggests you go take a warm shower to relax and get ready, but some have even been brazen enough to put the drops in your drink right there at the bar. By the time you get upstairs you are just about out of it, and if anyone asks, she just tells them you had too much to drink and she is making sure you get to bed.
   
   While you are knocked out, she will turn the heat up on the thermostat a little bit to make you nice and comfortable. Then while you are sleeping away, she has full access to anything she wants, and by the time you wake up she is long gone. You may ask yourself, why doesn't somebody do something about it. I can tell you from experience that we make every effort to stop this from happening.
   
   The fact is that 97% of these “trick rolls” will not get reported to the police. I think you know why, but just in case you don't, it's because these men don't want their wives to find out.

3. Bucket or Voucher Thieves:

   Another common trick for thieves is that when you go to cash in your ticket at the Machine, they will be waiting right behind you and as soon as the money comes out they will grab it and run. They will also cruise through the casino to see if you may have left your credits on the slot machine, while you went to get a drink or to the restroom. When they see the credits, they just cash it out, and take it to be cashed in as if it was theirs all along.
   
   At some of the older casinos that still pay out in coins the thief will use a trick that was perfected in the old days. They will walk around with a few coins in their hand as if they are looking for a machine to play.
   
   When they see you with a bucket full of coins, they will casually drop a couple coins on the floor on the opposite side of where your bucket is, and then politely let you know you accidentally dropped your money. When you thank them and lean over to pick up the loose change they will move around to the other side and take your bucket of money, and just walk off. Chances are you are so busy playing that you won't even notice it's gone for a few minutes. By that time they are already gone, and out on the street.

4. Scams:

   It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway. If it looks to good to be true, then it is. There are many people out there, not just in Las Vegas, but probably in your town too, that are trying to run a game on people. But somehow, Vegas seems to attract a lot of them.
   
   Let me tell you about one particularly interesting scam. A young lady was sitting at a bar in a casino, when a man sat down beside her and ordered both of them a drink. They began to talk and got along quite well, actually talking to each other at the bar for a couple hours. At that point the man said that he was getting a little hungry. He told the woman that he had won two free meals at the steakhouse in the casino, and asked if she would like to join him.
   
   Since they had been talking for so long, she felt comfortable with him and agreed, not wanting to miss out on the chance for a free meal at the steakhouse. They ordered their meals, the best steaks in the place and a bottle of the most expensive wine to go with it. While they were finishing up, the man excused himself to use the restroom and, (you guessed it) never came back, leaving this woman with a bill for over $250.00. Let me say again, if it looks to good to be true, it is.

5. No More Freebies:

   You will hear the street vendors say it all up and down the strip and inside the casinos. Get this or that for free! It's free, just try it out. Let me warn you, there is no free lunch.
   
   If it is being offered for free, then there is a catch. Las Vegas has changed since the old days when, if you lost all your money, you could still get a meal at the buffet on the house. Those days are gone. Today it is all about the bottom line, and if anything is offered to you, you can be sure that somewhere, the house is going to make money on it.

6. 86'd (You're Outta Here!):

   It started with the Kefauver Commission on organized crime, and was known as the Black Book. It was actually a list of all the crime figures who were banned from going into any casinos in Las Vegas, and some were even banned from the casinos in Reno as well. As time went on, each casino would add to the list, any person who was caught in their place of business being disruptive or cheating. They would be 86'd or thrown out of the casino.
   
   In the past, this was done literally. If a card cheat was found out, he was lucky if he got out of the casino with only a few broken fingers. Today, of course, those methods are not allowed, but the list still remains. Now, let me tell you something about that list you may not know. Each casino is privately owned, and therefore private property. Many people come in thinking it is public property, but they would be wrong. The owner(s) of each property have the authority to ask you to leave for any reason they want.
   
   Normally, the owners will give the authority to 86 someone to the security department who acts on behalf of the owner. Once you are kicked out of a casino, it is for life! And here is something else you may not have thought of. Many of the major corporations own more than one casino, so if you are kicked out of one, you are 86'd from all the casinos they own.

7. Las Vegas Fever:

   This is something that occurs way too much, but in a place like Las Vegas it might really surprise you. Everyday we would see people who would get caught up in the excitement and everything going on around them, and forget to do one thing. They would forget to eat.
   
   We would always see people passing out in the casinos, because they would simply not take time away to replenish themselves. I even saw one young lady who passed out in the buffet line. She was so close! With all the food in this town, how is it even remotely possible that anyone would forget to eat. But it does happen.

8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings:

   I am seriously not trying to frighten you away. Things like this could happen in any city in the world. It's just that they happen with more frequency here.
   
   Always make sure you know what is going on around you. When you get out of your car, lock it. And always pay close attention to your children. Which brings me to my next point.

9. Do Not Leave Your Children Unattended:

   Forgive me, because I'm about to give you a list of dont's, but you would not believe what some people actually do with their children, in order to go gambling. Do not send your children to an arcade room alone. If they are going, make sure someone goes with them. The same goes for the restroom, do not send them in alone. Waiting at the door is not good enough.
   
   Believe me, there are pedophiles just waiting where you least expect them. If they are left in the hotel room, make sure there is someone old enough to stay with them. Do not leave your kids in the car, while you go inside to gamble (Oh, yes they did!). And under no circumstances, leave your kids with a stranger while you go cash in your chips.

10. If You Win, Leave!

    This may sound strange to you, but there is nothing worse than seeing someone lose everything they have on a chance.
    
    I once saw a man who had just come into town and had just placed his first bet on the craps table. This was his first experience in Las Vegas and the worst thing that could possibly happen to him happened. He placed his entire paycheck on a roll, and won!
    
    Now why do I say that is the worst thing that could have happened to him. It's because he now thought he was invincible. He went from his hourly job in the Midwest, to being a highroller on Fremont St in Las Vegas in less than a day. He actually won $10,000 on that one roll. And then he proceeded to lose it all.
    
    Several people encouraged him to walk away, but he wouldn't listen. He not only lost everything he had won, plus his paycheck, but he now had to go back home and tell his wife that he had lost their house.
    
    If you are winning, good for you. Take a break and walk away. Go get something to eat or get some fresh air. Save yourself a lot of heartache.

These are just a few tips from what I have seen during working in the casinos. Las Vegas is an exciting town and there is a lot to do here. Just make sure that when you come here, you are able to leave safe and sound.