Vegas Survival School: The Comedy of How I Ended Up Teaching Tourists And Gambling Newbie's How Not to Go Broke!

 Years ago—back when the old Hilton Sportsbook still had that “vintage Vegas” aroma of cigar smoke, cheap cologne, and crushed parlay tickets—I ran a YouTube gambling show. Every week I’d sit there predicting sports scores like I had a crystal ball (I didn’t) and interviewing professional bettors who made me look like I was still learning how to shuffle a deck of cards!

Shockingly, the show did well. After a few seasons in, a major U.S. publication hired me to ghostwrite gambling content. That’s right—someone actually said, “Let’s pay this guy to talk about betting.” And I said, “Absolutely, before you change your mind.”

Fast‑forward to early 2024. I wandered back into writing about travel and casinos, mostly because I enjoy casino games a little too much. Slots, table games, poker—you name it, I’ll play it. At this point, I’m basically a gamble‑holic writer who loves the action, the stories, and the occasional miracle win that keeps you believing that the universe might actually like you!

I’d post pictures of my slot machine adventures—some wins, some losses, and a few “don’t ask” moments. My publisher saw the photos and said:

“Gary, it’s time you spilled the real secrets. Tourists need help. Beginners need help. Honestly, the casinos need help too.”

And they weren’t wrong.

After decades in Vegas, I’ve collected more insider tips, pit‑boss wisdom, and “you didn’t hear this from me” stories than any sane person should have. I’ve learned how the games work, how the players think, and how the casinos smile politely while taking your money.

So, I struck a deal with a publisher: I’m writing a weekly—or bi‑weekly if I’m not too busy losing at slot machines, 21, or poker—column called "A Gamble-Holic Writer's Guide To Casino Gambling 101." It’s for beginners, tourists, and anyone who wants to walk into a casino and walk out with at least some of their bankroll still alive.

Because at the end of the day, I’m just a guy who loves casino games, loves writing, and loves helping newbies avoid the classic “I lost my rent money, but the buffet was good” disaster.

If my advice helps you win a few chips—or at least lose them slower—then hey, I’ve taught you a thing or two! Maybe!

{My Take}

At the end of the day, I’m just a casino‑loving, slot‑spinning, card‑slinging gamble‑holic writer trying to help the newbies to gambling, and the rookies in Vegas keep their wallets intact. If I can teach even one tourist not to chase a slot machine like it owes them money or convince one beginner that blackjack isn’t played with “vibes,” then I’ve done my job. Stick with me, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll walk out of the casino with more money than you walked in with. Or at least with a good "should a' would a' could a' been a' win story!

Good Luck!

Gary England

Which Casino Games Can Be Played Professionally: Easy Money You Think?

Besides writing, If you know me. You know that I'm heavy into the gambling scene in Las Vegas.

Over my 26 years living here, I've experienced pretty much every aspect of gambling life, including lessons from pro gamblers and pro poker players. I've covered blackjack, poker, and slot tournaments. I've covered and have played in the World Series of Poker. I've interviewed the top professionals in many of the games that Las Vegas has to offer. And the slot machines in Vegas have been a learning experience for me. 

Over the years, I've written many articles about these games and a blog or two (Or A Hundred) about which games have the best odds of winning and which games someone could actually make a living at playing. 

Today's blog is about which casino games can be played professionally.

Several casino games can be played professionally, meaning skilled players can gain an edge over the house or other players. Enough edge to make a living at playing them.

Here are my top 5 games that you can cash in on if you have the edge.

Poker.

Poker is played against other players, not the house, making it one of the best games for professional play. Skilled players can consistently profit by making mathematically sound decisions, reading opponents, and exploiting weaknesses.

Blackjack (Card Counting)

Using card counting, shuffle tracking, and advantage play techniques, skilled players can gain a small but consistent edge over the casino (usually 0.5%–1.5%). However, casinos actively monitor and ban card counters.

Sports Betting (Arbitrage & Handicapping)

Professional bettors (or "sharps") analyze statistics, betting lines, and trends to find +EV (expected value) bets. Some use arbitrage betting to guarantee profit by wagering on different odds across multiple sportsbooks.

Video Poker (Perfect Strategy & Promotions)

Certain video poker variations, such as "9/6 Jacks or Better," offer over 99% return with perfect strategy. When combined with casino comps and promotions, players can turn a small profit.

Craps (Controlled Shooting – Highly Controversial)

Some claim to have mastered controlled dice shooting (also called dice setting) to influence the outcome slightly. While debated, a few players have profited this way.

Other Games.

Add Baccarat to this list of casino games that it's possible to make a living at. There's really no strategy or skill involved. And with some of the best odds in the casino. Many players make money with this game.

Also, Slot Machines, if you have nerves of steel and a big enough bankroll.

In my opinion. Poker, Blackjack, and Craps rule!

While poker and blackjack are the most viable long-term options, the other games can also be profitable under the right circumstances.

Good Luck!

GE

World Series Of Poker Final Table Payouts: What The Players At The Final Table Took Home After Taxes This Year

 Horseshoe Las Vegas - Paris Las Vegas

World Series Of Poker

May 27th - July 16th, 2025

----------

This year's WSOP Main Event kicked off on July 2nd with 9,735 poker players from all over the world hoping to win the championship bracelet, along with 10 million dollars in cold hard cash. 

{Daily Play}

Playing five two-hour levels (10 hours of play) plus 20-minute breaks after each level, and a 75- or 90-minute dinner break, added up to a grueling 13-hour day from the start to finishing play, getting down to the final nine players.

The finish (Final Table) was played on July 15th & 16th.

That adds up to a lot of poker, folks!

So, what is the final pot at the end of the rainbow worth to the final nine?

Here’s a breakdown of how much in taxes each of the nine finalists at the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table actually paid, along with their approximate after‑tax take‑home pay.

Click On Pic To Enlarge

These estimates are based on analysis by tax expert Russ Fox and published tax breakdowns of the final table prizes. Total prize fund at the final table was $31.05 million, with about $10.05 million withheld—an effective overall rate of ~32.37%

Notably, Hallaert (Belgium) and Bojović (Austria) paid no U.S. tax, thanks to favorable tax treaties that exempt their gambling winnings from IRS withholding

Other players, including all U.S. residents and Leo Margets (Spain) and Daehyung Lee (South Korea), were taxed heavily, some losing nearly half their earnings to U.S. federal tax plus local taxes elsewhere

In the end, the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table was as much about endurance and mental toughness as it was about the staggering payouts. With the top finishers walking away with millions, but not all of it stays in their pockets. While the winner (Michael Mizrachi) secured a life-changing 10 million dollars, players from taxable jurisdictions could owe as much as 30% to 50% of their winnings, depending on residency and tax treaties. Whether taxed in the U.S. or abroad, Uncle Sam (and other governments) always gets a piece of the action. 

At the final table, poker dreams come true, and so do some serious tax bills!

Good luck at the tables, and with your taxes!

GE

Are There Better Days Of The Week Or Better Times Of The Day To Play Slot Machines In Las Vegas Casinos?

 I play slots and video poker, usually about four days a week. It's my little side hustle to help pay the bills. I've noticed that playing on certain days of the week or at specific times of the day seems to increase my chances of winning. I understand that luck plays a big role in winning. But is there something to my theory about what time of the day, or what days of the week that I play, may be making a difference in whether I win or lose?

I asked two of my friends who are slot machine techs in Las Vegas if my theory held any water that certain days of the week, or certain times of the day better my chances of winning?

This is what I learned from our conversations.

Here's a breakdown of whether certain days or times offer better chances of winning.

Odds/Returns: Are Some Days or Times Better?

Technically, no.
Slot machines in Las Vegas are governed by random number generators (RNGs) and are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. This means:

Payout percentages are set by the machine's software, not the time of day or day of the week.

Casinos do not “loosen” or “tighten” machines depending on crowds or schedules (this is a myth).

Changing a machine’s payout percentage requires physically swapping out hardware or reprogramming, which can’t be done on the fly.

So, in terms of raw odds:

No time or day offers better actual payout odds.

BUT—Some Times May Feel Better to Play:

While odds don’t change, your experience and strategy can be affected by when you play.

Good Times to Play (Experience-wise):

Early mornings (2–6 AM): Fewer crowds, more machine availability, quieter.

Weekdays (Mon–Thurs): Less busy than weekends, meaning less competition for your favorite machines.

Right after a machine has had a lot of play without a jackpot, some people chase "due" machines, although again, this is psychological, not statistically proven.

Busy Times (Weekends, Evenings):

More energy, people hitting jackpots, free drinks flowing faster.

Promotions or drawings are often held on Friday/Saturday nights.

If you're playing for social vibes or comps, weekend evenings may actually be the best time.

Comps & Promotions:

Some casinos offer slot tournaments, bonus multiplier days, or tier point promos that can make certain days/times more lucrative in terms of rewards, even if the odds are the same.

Local casinos (off-strip) tend to do more player reward promos.

Sign up for the casino’s loyalty card and check the calendar.

{My Take}

In the end, while the odds of winning on slot machines in Las Vegas don’t change based on the day or time, your overall experience can vary greatly. Whether you prefer the calm of early mornings, the excitement of weekend crowds, or the perks of player promotions, choosing the right time to play can enhance your enjoyment and potentially maximize your rewards. So while there's no magic hour for hitting the jackpot, finding the time that best fits your style and goals can make all the difference in your Vegas slot experience.

One last tip: Check the player's club desk or app for daily slot promotions—that’s where you might really find a “better” time to play in a practical sense.

Good Luck ..

GE

Not All Casino Games Are Created Equal !

 When it comes to casino games, the house edge determines the odds of winning. 

The higher the house edge, the worse the odds are for the player. 

House Edge Explained < Here >

Here is how casino games stack up when it comes to the casino's edge versus the player's money.

Slot Machines

House Edge: 2% to 15% (sometimes higher)

Why It’s Bad: While slots are fun and flashy, they often have the worst odds, especially in high-traffic tourist areas like Las Vegas. The payouts vary wildly depending on the machine. Some are just Not worth the risks!

 Keno

House Edge: 20% to 40%

Why It’s Bad: This lottery-style game has some of the worst odds in the casino. The chance of hitting all numbers on a typical Keno ticket is astronomically low. It's a slow-moving game that's good for taking advantage of the casino's free drinks.

Big Six Wheel (Money Wheel)

House Edge: 11% to 24%

Why It’s Bad: The simplicity of this game hides its poor odds. The bets with the highest payouts have the worst probabilities.

American Roulette

House Edge: 5.26%

Why It’s Bad: The double zero (00) adds to the house edge compared to European Roulette, which has just a single zero and a house edge of 2.7%.

Craps (Proposition Bets)

House Edge: 5% to 16% (on certain bets)

Why It’s Bad: While the main bets like "Pass Line" have good odds, side bets like "Any 7" are terrible for players.

Games with Better Odds (If You’re Curious):

Blackjack: 0.5% (with perfect strategy)

Baccarat (Banker Bet): 1.06%

Craps (Pass Line with Odds): <1%

Poker has some of the best odds of winning. But it's really not considered a casino game because you're playing against other players and not the house (Casino).

Are you a gambler or are you an investor?

Either Way, Good Luck At The Casino!

GE