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Compelling evidence that casinos really want you to learn is the proliferation of free casino-sponsored gaming classes. Most of the big casinos now have at least one full-time employee who conducts introductory classes on how to play the table games. These instructors are chosen for their patience and teaching abilities, and the classes are extremely popular and well-attended. Barney Vinson, the gambling instructor at Caesars Palace and author of the book "Casino Secrets," estimates that he teaches nearly 25,000 new players a year. The only drawback to casino-sponsored classes is that they usually don't provide much in the way of sound strategy advice. Casinos want to create players, but not knowledgeable players.
On the other hand, casinos don't seem to care much about what's portrayed in the gambling how-to books that they sell in the gift shops. Books like Vinson's "Casino Secrets" contain excellent information on game protocol, along with solid mathematical advice on strategy. If you want to pick up a book before you come to town, order a free catalog from the Gambler's Book Club (800/634-6243) or Huntington Press (800/244-2224).
Also check the television line-up in the casino you're staying in for in-room gaming instruction. These videos that play around the clock usually provide enough information to get you up and running--assuming they don't put you to sleep first (see "Hip Head Start" below).
And here's a novel idea. Watch a game in progress for a while. Pick a crowded table and take in the action. You'll get the idea soon enough.
DOWN WITH THE DEALER |
