As promised, I’ve fallen behind my desired post level. I have a good excuse this time though, but I’m sure in the future I’ll let lesser things get in the way.

This last weekend I was in Las Vegas for a bachelor party. Yes, I know what happens there stays there or whatever. But I thought I’d take this time to share my opinion as a non-Vegas guy.

This was my second time there. The first time was about 8 years ago when I went in December to watch UW play Boise State in the MAACO Bowl. It was freezing cold, most of the weekend revolved around the football game and going out clubbing at night with college friends. I had a pretty good time.

This time was similar, in that I went with several friends (childhood friend’s bachelor party). The main difference was it was summer and the group is older and far more subdued.

The majority of us, including me, aren’t really gamblers. We played some but as an example, my gambling limit i.e. the cash I brought was $275. I ended up coming back with something like $225 so I did fairly well. The bulk of our casino time was spent following around the few who chose to gamble and dabbling in our own hands. I got the ins and outs of slots, but didn’t make anything, not surprising to me. I learned how to play Baccarat, which I think is the high point since it was fun AND I won $150. I skipped the blackjack tables this time, but went in on a few hands in Roulette - I won $60 here.

I think one reason I don’t like gambling is the relative cost per time of entertainment. I enjoy a long poker game because if you enjoy the hours playing, then losing everything was like the cost of playing the game., Whereas, in many other gambling methods, you can lose a lot in a matter of seconds.

Maybe another day I can do a little research and discuss the methods casinos use to keep you playing, the psychology, etc.. That sounds interesting. Maybe the basics of game probabilities. Idk.

As for the food; let’s say I was disappointed. I had some good meals but nothing mind blowing, but the costs were kept down. I had a vision of Vegas as a foodie destination but it looks like that comes with a price and you have to seek it out.

All in all, it was a good time spent with friends. Will I be going back any time soon? Probably not unless another friend decides to have a bachelor party there.