February 2003

Blackjack Update

January 2003

Blackjack

For those of you who have been following my articles. Here is an update to the last one concerning the playing of blackjack.

I have really been following our experts advice. My confidence level has been getting better and I have moved into the more advanced portion of there advice. I hate to admit itbut they have been right on with there advice. I have played again and came out ahead.

For you gamblers out there that would like to give blackjack a shot, it is well worth it to go the casinos and watch the game. Watch what others are doing and get yourself some beginners guide to blackjack.

I can tell you that our blackjack section has it all, from beginners working your way up to an expert.

Well.. I hope this will help you all… if you have any questions or would like to leave comments please feel free to do so. You know .. since I have decided to give blackjack a shot, it is now my favorite game to play!!

I feel it's time for the ramblin' gamblin' man to bring in another form of gambling: blackjack. Something I have just recently started doing and thought I might be able to give some pointers to some newbie’s out there like me.

First of all, I have followed the guides that are on our website from our card-playing experts. They make lots of sense and when you can get the simple rules in place in your mind you will be able to follow the table pretty well. It does get better after playing a few times and your confidence will grow. The dealers at the casinos are also willing to help out...some more than others, though.

Secondly, make sure you feel somewhat comfortable with the amount you're betting on the tables. The minimum I have seen so far is $3 a hand. That could be a lot for some people; so don’t bet if you are afraid to lose it!I remember walking around the tables for over a year, watching others gamble, and seeing how they handle certain situations. It helped me get enough courage to try it myself. It’s a fun game, once you get in the swing of it!

Finally, believe it or not, I have either won or broken even every time I have played blackjack so far. It’s been only a few times and I only play for around half-an-hour at a time. I know that the odds are against me, but I play for the fun of the game and the for the chance of winning!!

Your friendly guide!!

The Ramblin' Gamblin' Man

May 2002

Prairie Meadows

Well, fellow travelers, I have been on another adventure. I went to Prairie Meadows in Iowa last weekend, April 26-28^th, for the opener of horse racing. Had a great time and wanted to share my experience with you.

First I want to mention it was a long time in coming!! My brother and I set out on Wednesday afternoon to get down to the track early and get in some simulcast to warm up for the live racing on Friday night. We did ok, caught the last few races of a card and mainly had fun getting back into the swing of betting on the horses.

Second, on Thursday we took a day of rest, didn’t do too much, talked a lot about the horses and how we felt they will run, my brother said that they would probably be very unpredictable from the long layoff of winter.

Third, Friday, live racing!! It was a blast watching that first race, got the adrenaline just flowing!! Really made me glad that we went! Didn’t bet a whole lot, little on all the races. Lots of long shots came in. my brother was totally correct. The favorites usually came in the money but were very seldom the winners!

Forth, Saturday, second day of live racing. It was a terrible day because of the wet rainy weather. The horses ran fast on a muddy track. Had lots of long shots come in. Matter of fact on the last race it paid 132 dollars to win on a 2-dollar bet!

Was interesting watching them horses kick up the mud!!

Finally, Sunday, just a day of recap and we headed back on home and wishing we can all get back to the track as soon as we can!! There is nothing as enjoyable as live horse racing!!!

Your friendly guide!!

The Ramblin' Gamblin' Man

February 10, 2002

Thunder Bay, Ontario in January

I have been on another trip. This time to Thunder bay, Ontario. It was lots of fun with different things to see. They have a nice town with a small Casino in it. I will cover what I did on my way there and back and what I did in Thunder Bay.

First, we drove up along the shore of Lake Superior. It’s a beautiful drive. The lake didn’t freeze over this year and we saw lots of rolling waves.There are many small towns along Highway 61 as you drive north. It’s mainly a two-lane road. When you get up near the Canadian border, you reach Grand Portage and there is also a small casino there.

Second, Grand Portage.The casino at Grand Portage is real small and quaint. It was a nice place to stop, stretch our legs and gamble a little on the slot machines. My wife and parents really enjoyed playing a nickel slot called the Adams Family while I played a poker machine. Right after leaving Grand Portage is the border. Its interesting the questions that the guards ask you and all. But it was no problem getting into Canada.

Third, Thunder Bay. I have been to Thunder Bay twice in the last six months and enjoyed both trips. This trip I stayed a day longer than before and was able to catch more of the local sites. We went to the mall, local gift shops and just drove around looking at the city. We had one of Canada’s favorite things to eat, French Fries with gravy!! They are good!!

Well, finally, the way back. We did the same in reverse. Thought we might have had a long drive because of the snow the day before but it had warmed up, cleared the roads and it was smooth sailing home!!

So for now… good-bye and good luck!!

Your friendly guide!!

The Ramblin' Gamblin' Man

January 20, 2002

Cancun Mexico January 12–19, 2002

I have been away for a week to Cancun, Mexico. It was loads of fun with lots of things to do and places to visit. They have two zones, the hotel zone where the tourists stay and the downtown zone.

First, the downtown zone.I went there a few times.They have market places to go that you can pick up some nice souvenirs if you are willing to negotiate the price with them. Seems like all of the Mexicans like to negotiate on the prices.I did notice that after being there for a while that they seemed to get to know me and the prices came down a lot faster!

Also from what I figured, after going to their local Wal-Mart, prices in Mexico are about the same as they are here back home in the states.This also held true with the local restaurants. The food was fabulous!I ate downtown a couple of times after recommendations from the hotel staff.I went to a Mexican restaurant, La Parilla and to a seafood place called Cejas.

Second, the hotel zone. What can I say about the hotel zone? Well, I stayed at the Aquamarina hotel. It was a very clean hotel, but the food was also very lousy. Across from the hotel was a sports betting place. I went in and bet on a few horse races and also hockey, football and basketball. I bet to win on the teams, payoff is about 1 to 1, but they take a percentage for the house. You can bet on almost anything there. I know that with football you can bet on quarterback sacks, fumbles, first-half and second-half and of course the score.

The trip came to pass to quickly. There was so much more that I wish you could get to do. The weather in Mexico was fantastic! I was able to get some sun and still enjoy one of my favorite pastimes - gambling. So, for all of you gamblers out there: don’t be afraid to go to Cancun. You can gamble away while having fun doing other things, too!

So for now… good traveling and good betting!!

Your friendly guide!!

The Ramblin' Gamblin' Man

January 19, 2002

The biggest benefit of the local horse track is the ease at which you can find the time to get there. It is close, that way it can be just a day event. All of the other tracks you have to plan on staying at least one night. If you plan on drinking, its best if you ride with someone or find some other form of transportation. The downside of the local track is just what makes it convenient. It is close to home, and it is nice to get away sometimes. All of your plans will be just for the track. So when you are just up for horse racing and need a fix, the local track is a great place to go!

The benefit of the other tracks is the getting away, makes it a real vacation, and you get to do what you really enjoy!! Horse racing!! One thing I look for when going to the track is shuttle service to the track from the motel. Its best not to drive when having a few beers! We have found that not all of the information is posted at there websites but if you call, they are willing to give out all the information that is available to them! When heading to these tracks, the local cities have lots to offer. You can look into traveling guides for the cities or just wing it like I do!

Well, this is our first Ramblin Gamblin Article!! Please let us know what you think and send us an email as to other ideas that you would like us to cover.

So for now…… Have fun traveling and gambling at the tracks !!!

Your friendly guide!!
The Ramblin' Gamblin' Man