Need some tech help

[ukaserex]

I am reluctantly headed to a casino next weekend.

I know the math. I have no problem putting a little money at risk, but the more you play - (if you haven't lost everything already, or if you've won a small amount) - the more you're likely to give it all back.

So, what I'd like to do is take long breaks from the gaming action (on the Gulf Coast, not Vegas, so there aren't the plethora of shows that Vegas offers) by binging on various episodes on Netflix and/or Amazon Prime on my Kindle.

I have been to this hotel we're staying at before; but the internet there, while fine for e-mail and overall surfing, is sadly lacking when it comes to streaming videos.

Are there any types of "pre-paid" or contract wireless Internet service that I can get for my Kindle to access while I'm there? Even if it's 20 bucks for the weekend, that'd be a lot cheaper than sitting at a black jack table and forgetting how many 10's and Aces have already gone by.

I have searched the internet for this type of thing and have come up dry. I thought about using my cell phone as a hotspot, but my cell phone provider (Republic Wireless) will not allow my phone to be used as a hotspot. Not sure if it's the architecture of the phone, or their software, but it won't work.

Any suggestions (aside from freezing my cash and cards into a 3 foot block of ice) ?

[Vee]

Two words - pinball museum.

[ukaserex]

Never heard of it, but I'll look into it.

Looks like that would be in Las Vegas. A little far from the Gulf Coast. If it were Vegas, I'd have plenty to do besides gamble. Magic, comedy shows, etc. In Biloxi, not so much.

[Vee]

Woops, I should really stop half skimming.

[microc]

http://www.att.com/att/gophone-mobile-hotspot/en/index.html

[microc]

http://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/internet/about-xfinity-wifi-internet/

[microc]

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/mobile-broadband/broadband-2-go/netgear-mingle/features/

[microc]

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jiwire.android.finder&hl=en

[ukaserex]

I appreciate the links. The Xfinity, I think, would have been perfect, if they covered the area I would be staying in.

For now, I've just downloaded as much as I could fit;when I run out, I'll just have to drive to a better connection and download some more .

Thanks!

[TonyV]

If you do want to gamble, check out Keno, it's kind of like a state lottery.  The odds are terrible and you will almost certainly lose every drawing, but you can generally bet as little as $1, the drawings happen around every 5 minutes (so you lose around $12 per hour), and you get free drinks while gambling there.

If you actually want to play something with the intention of maybe winning a little pocket change, go with blackjack after memorizing Basic Strategy (a strategy based on math that minimizes your losses).  Most casinos will even let you keep a copy of the chart on the table while you're playing since even with the odds mathematically minimized, they're still favorable to the house.  And dealers will almost always honestly tell you what you should do (most of them have memorized the tables too), since their paycheck doesn't depend on you losing, but the possibility of you tipping them does depend on you winning.  (Oh, and it's courtesy to tip the dealer a chip or two if you come out ahead.)

Also, if you gamble, make sure that you not only have a losing threshold ("If I'm down $100, I'm quitting!"), but a winning threshold as well ("If I'm up $100, I'm quitting!").  The house really does have the advantage over the long haul, and they count on people being up and continuing to play until they lose it all, which they will eventually do.  If you don't have a winning threshold, you will inevitably lose.  If you do have a winning threshold, then you might get out of there and actually be able to treat your friends to a nice steak dinner.

[ukaserex]

I had some exceptional luck early on with a very exciting addicting game called Ultimate X Video poker.

The pay table for the current hand is atrocious - but if the current hand is good, it may result in a multiplier for the next hand.

For example, 10 credits in - resulting in a full house provides a 12X multiplier for the next hand.

In my case, three full houses in a row - resulting in

10 credits -- full house --- 40 credits paid
10 credits - full house -- 480 credits paid
10 credits - full house - 480 credits paid
10 credits - two pair - 120 credits paid.

Mind you it took several hundred credits ( playing quarter denomination) to get that lucky, but I did come away with a couple hundred bucks more than I put in. More than enough for the buffet which had the Alaskan Steamed Crab Legs - those things were humongous! Made me want to re-watch The Deadliest Catch.

Thanks for the tip about Keno - you're correct; horrible odds, but it would stretch the bankroll if I only lost a little bit at a time.

I'll likely stick with blackjack. I was able to take $50 bucks and it lasted a few hours. Never got more than 80 bucks; never went down below $20. There was a point when I knew I should have increase my bet with so many low cards having come out of the shoe. I wasn't counting, per se, but I knew it would be favorable. But, I didn't want them to think I was counting, so I didn't.  Shame on me.

[saipaman]

You could try the Las Vegas Drive-In Theater.  Just don't go on carload night.  They do insane business on those nights.

[ukaserex]

I'm guessing I'd have to be in Vegas for that....


 We have casinos on the Gulf Coast now, have for years. In fact, I think gambling has spread throughout the country lately. More states have it than not.

[microc]

look what happing to Atlantic City gambling. there were a lot of them making a lot of money. now there all closing up and leaving. there to many of them now on the east coast for all of them.