Should I Gamble?

OK, if you're reading this, you know I play games. Lots of games. Frequently.

Yet, I have never "gambled." That is, I have never gone to a casino and played the machines, or the tables. Yes, the Dudes and I play Texas Hold 'Em now and again (Shawn? May 15?) but while there is some element of "gambling" there, it's more about working the game, creating the strategy, analyzing the people.

And it's not in a casino.

Most of the casino games -- and the ones played by the people I know -- are these machines (Poker, slots, etc.) that we all know are fixed to give out less than they take in. Though Video Poker has some slight decision making, there is no "strategy." A couple of statistical rules of thumb. That's about it.

Anyway, here I am in Reno, and I have two more nights ahead of me. I have never "gambled" before, but I'm in a casino hotel. Should I take a shot? Some folks were talking about playing Blackjack (which can have a slight, long-term strategy, at least) but they mentioned $5/hand. That just seems so steep.

Shoot, there is a huge bowling alley in this same hotel. I could spend, what, $15-20 and bowl for a couple hours. Or I could sit down at a blackjack table and lose that much in 5 minutes.

I don't know. We'll see.