Dateline Dayton — The Las Vegas experience continued:
On Saturday we had breakfast at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino. That was part of my brother-in-law Willie’s comp package. We just spent our time in the Casino prior to his tournament time of 10:15. After he completed his first session, we waited in the room for my 11:15 round.
I completed a very successful round, scoring over 6,600 points, and then we headed to the Pawn Shop. We also wanted to visit Gamblers Paradise. Since Willie didn’t play again until 2:15, he suggested we head over to the gamblers store and visit the pawn shop on our way back.
We got off the bus approximately at the gamblers store. However, because we hadn’t planned on going there, I didn’t bring the advertisement. So we only knew the address as Main Street.
Once we found Main Street, we went the wrong direction, which meant we did a fair amount of walking, with no luck locating the store. Since we had spent so much time trying to find the store, we had to return for Willie’s second round. We got back on the bus and headed back to the Casino. Willie did a little better this round. I fared just the opposite way. At the end of the day, I was in twenty-fifth place. They only paid off up to twenty. I had a chance — if my final round would be close to matching my first.
A 50-50 Split
After I played at 3:15, we went to the Strip for supper. Usually we visit Hooter’s for one meal, and this was going to be that occasion. The food was great; however eye food wasn’t.
After our meal, we proceeded to Planet Hollywood where I wanted to cash in some Strikes I had won last year; however they no longer would accept them for redemption. The casino had taken their Strike Machines out of play some time after January of last year. I now have them on display in my building.
Upon leaving Planet Hollywood, we went over to the Cosmopolitan, the newest casino on the Strip. This is some place, so we did what is required. We got a players card, which they even put in a little cardboard envelope. After playing one machine in the Cosmopolitan, it was time to cross Las Vegas Boulevard to catch the bus back downtown. Willie went back to the poker machines at the Four Queens and I walked Fremont Street a couple times before heading to the room.
Sunday was another terrific breakfast, especially when you didn’t have to pay. Our playing times were the same as Saturday, so we just stayed in the casino until 10:15. Willie was able to improve his score, while mine was much lower. At that point I knew I was out of the money and would finish much lower than twenty-fifth.
So Many People
After completing my session, we walked to the Pawn Shop, and you wouldn’t have believed the crowd. We had to walk through the store single file in order to view the merchandise. I did purchase a few mugs and postcards and we were on our way now walking to Gamblers Paradise, a few blocks west of the Pawn Shop.
At the gamblers store, a girl came up to me and told me I was losing it. I really didn’t know what she talking about. I knew I wasn’t winning and I wasn’t going to finish in the prize money for the tournament, but how did she know? Actually she was talking about the bag of mugs I was carrying and she was offering me a shopping bag.
I was able to find a mug in the store with my name and Las Vegas, so I spent four dollars for one. The girl then asked me to spin a wheel that was on the counter and I also got a set of playing cards. Very nice people work in this store. If you are ever looking for gambling supplies, they have everything you need.
At 2 on Sunday afternoon we had the awards banquet, with cake and champagne. I ended up in 70th place, which I thought was neat if I couldn’t win any money, since that will be my age this year.
After the awards ceremony, we caught the bus to Sam’s. We spent a couple hours there, with me playing the Silver Strike Machines and Willie on video poker, and we took in their buffet.
Monday we were on the airplane heading back to the real world!
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
