When I “play to win”, I like to play Blazing Sevens based on some advice from an industry friend of mine. But when I’m just playing for fun, I prefer Village People Party. Its sound effects may not be quite as elaborate as Star Trek or Wizard of Oz, but I enjoy the bonus rounds nonetheless. Having the bank of machines located near the escalator to the lower (smoking) casino makes the Village People easy to find as well. On this trip, I was playing for fun.
I settled in at one Village People Party machine and fed it $20. I alternated between betting 25 and 50 credits, mostly trading back and forth. I was a bit down at one point until I scored 500 credits, bringing back close to even at $18.75 at which point I cashed out.
Next, I decided to take a walk down to Trump Plaza. On behalf of my enthusiastic low-rolling buddy Ben, I wanted to check out what all the hype was about the $1 Blackjack deal. It didn’t take me too long to find the one table. I was surprised that it offer 3:2 odds but it was too crowded for me to see if the dealer was required to hit or stand at 17. I took a walk around the perimeter of the tables to see if there was anything else that interested me. Other than a couple restaurants at the downstairs entrance, there was nothing that particularly tickled my fancy, so I went back to the Boardwalk.
I decided to walk north from Trump Plaza and past Caesars and Bally's to confirm the answers I got to my previous question here about whether there was anything still open on the Boardwalk at this time of year besides the casinos. I was surprised to see that the majority of local establishments were indeed open for business. However, business wasn't exactly booming. I rarely saw anyone actually in the stores. One guy working a prize booth was practically begging customers to patronize him not to mention the staff at the ubiquitous Asian therapeutic massage shops. I made it up to Central Pier and thought I might let out the kid in me to play a few video games. I was disappointed to see only older slot machines reconditioned to spit out credits for prizes. I guess this is to train the kids for future casino play?
After a healthy stroll up the Boardwalk, I thought I might treat myself to one of those massage establishments, after all. I entered one where one of the two female staff curious walked me over to a menu of services in an attempt to upsell me. When I said that I was actually interested in the $20 special, she feigned confusion while her associate pointed out to the sign outside to "remind" her of the deal. Suddenly "remembering" the sign, my masseuse agree to perform the 20-minute (fully clothed) service.
Considering that much of the next twenty minutes were spent with the masseuse alternately impaling her palms and elbows into my back, I decided that either: a) she was *really* unhappy about my declining that upsell, or b) Chinese massage is not meant to be a relaxing experience. Eventually, her touch would get lighter as she approached my legs. I have to even admit that as I walked out, I felt a lot looser. No pain no gain, I guess.
I should note that walking up and down the Boardwalk may not be for everyone. Fortunately, there are other options. One would be renting a scooter from your casino home. Another would be to hire one of the rolling scooters; the hard-working attendants happily accept tips.
I was getting a little hungry at this point and decided to head back to the Pier at Caesars for a bite to eat. The Game On sports bar intrigued me last time and, without a value-focused running buddy to limit my dining choices, I decided to check it out.
Notwithstanding rap mogul Jay-Z's 40/40 Sports Club, which I’ve yet to visit, Game On appeared to be positioning itself as a casually upscale place to hang out. Yet the food prices were pretty reasonable. I sat the bar and enjoyed looking at the multiple screens while I ate. I was mostly watching the NBA opening night game between the Celtics and the Heat but I caught a little hockey action as well. I found it interesting that the bar was able to subscribe to Rogers Sports Net, a Canadian channel, and I enjoyed watching the local commercials from Up North in between puck drops. I ordered a Sloppy Joe with fries and, since I drink like a fish, multiple orders of ginger ale. The bill came to about $15 and I told the bartender to keep my $20.
I wasn’t feeling 100% so I returned to my room after dinner to rest up for the business ahead the next day.
Next: To the Tropicana, Gosh Darn it!
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