THE SAVVY GAMBLER'S GUIDE TO SIN CITY
MAKE YOUR MONEY LAST

Casinos pick your pockets by tweaking everything from the height of their ceilings to the payouts on their slot machines. We’ve pulled together a collection of Vegas insiders to help you even out the odds.

1 FIND YOUR WAY
Labyrinthine layouts appeal to our explorer’s instinct, says Anthony Lucas, Ph.D., an associate professor of casino management at UNLV. Entrances are flooded with machines for a reason: You’re less likely to gamble if you encounter empty space or nongaming attractions first, says Bill Friedman, author of Designing Casinos to Dominate the Competition. Things you actually need—bathrooms, cash-out zones—are farflung and well guarded by gambling opportunities. Get a floor map at the hotel’s information desk.

2 CHOOSE YOUR SLOTS
Avoid themed slots (Wheel of Fortune) and aisle machines. Stick to out-ofthe- way slots or settle for quarter machines, says Kevin Blackwood, author of Casino Gambling for Dummies.Although RM5 slots lower the house edge to 3 percent, you’ll lose your money faster there.

3 BOOST YOUR BLACKJACK ODDS
Blackjack offers some of the best odds, but it’s fastpaced, meaning the casino’s meager edge (about 0.5 percent) has more chances to chip away at your kitty. “Your aim should be to get more bang for your buck and stretch your bankroll,” says Blackwood. Find better odds at games with fewer decks that force the dealer to stand on a soft 17. Extend gaming time by seeking out the most packed tables.

4 WORK THE PIT BOSS
It might be tough to score the penthouse upgrade, but the pit boss can grant you a free lunch. “They’ll comp you if they think it will entice you to stay and gamble,” says David deMontmollin, author of the Las Vegas Little Black Book.

5 PROTECT YOUR EARS
Faux coin hits and blaring sound effects make you think winning is more common than it is. Avoid the aural onslaught with an iPod and sound-isolating headphones.