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Roulette to the rescue
I like gambling.
OK, I like it more than I like to admit.
So when my husband said, "Let's go on a gambling ship to bring in the new year with some friends," I was all for it. All you can eat and gambling to boot, no need to twist my arm any further.
My level of excitement was high until I saw the ship. I'm used to grand cruise ships that sail to Mexico and the Caribbean with large casinos in them. This boat didn't come close. It looked like it was built in the 70s with a lounge decorated from that era. The food was edible, but not fantastic.
But the biggest disappointment was the casino. It was small, cramped and most of the slots didn't work, which hit me hard because I love slots.
So with the help of a friend, I played roulette for the first time. It was great! Black, red, odds, evens, all the numbers and so many choices to bet on had me hooked on the first spin of the wheel -- the white ball spinning, spinning, bouncing and landing on a number.
I didn't have to be a high roller to play, and kept within my gambling budget of $50. Did I win big? No. Do any of you have tips for winning big in roulette for those of us newbies?
I did find the one slot machine that was working and won $10. But had to call for help because the machine ran out of money when I tried to collect my winnings.
If any of you know of a gambling ship that's worth the trip, I'd like to hear from you.
NICK SORTAL began playing 3-card "gut" and "Indian poker" on high school band trips, early training for his...
Comments
If you are talking about Sea Escape, I've been on it a couple of times, but not in many years now.
It's not enjoyable. It's way too cramped and it's ridiculous that you kind of have to claim a game to play and then play it all night, cause you aren't going to get a spot at any other table.
Posted by: KCK | January 6, 2008 9:56 AM
I stayed off roulette after a really bad night on a cruise.
The story: I sit down to play blackjack and win six hands in a row boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-boom. The deck runs out and the dealers starts the reshuffle.
My wife is over at the roulette wheel, and I say, play "27," our wedding anniversary. We lose a buck. We play again, lose another. (You can see where this is going.)
So, I say, play $2. We go 30 minutes, no hit.
Being a math guy, I'm ignoring the each-spin-is-a-unique-event fact. WE'RE DUE, darn it!
So, I say, play $3... then $4, then $5, right on 27.
$280 later, it hits, by then, I'm back down to $3. Lose $160 on the night, less the plus-$60 on blackjack. And too tired to go back and play blackjack.
Posted by: Nick Sortal | January 7, 2008 7:45 PM
Roulette is a horrible game. I avoid it like the plague, after watching my buddies dump hard-earned winnings down the tubes chasing a number or set of numbers (they love the 12s).
"You cannot beat a roulette table unless you steal money from it." -Albert Einstein
As for the SeaEscape, I always found it to be adequate for gaming in South Florida. Yes, the ship is old, and they are definitely not maintaining the ship like they may have in the past. But, I've always had a good time. It's very easy to claim a spot at a table or machine before the ship leaves port. You just leave your ticket stub in the spot you want, and the dealer will hold the position for you when the gambling starts.
Unfortunately for them, they are going to get killed even more once the Seminoles start offering blackjack. I'd visit the ship ASAP, because I would bet they won't be around much longer.
Posted by: R P | January 10, 2008 1:48 PM
try the Palm Beach Princess, all ticket slot machines, great food, great table games, and my favorite, a complete sports betting lounge, love to bet the football,
betty
Posted by: Betty Swalloks | July 10, 2008 1:37 PM