This past Black Friday was a completely different experience for me than the usual shopping spree many others had. My husband decided to take me to the newly opened casinos in Mt. Airy Lodge in Swiftwater, PA. (For those of you unfamiliar with Pennsylvania, this casino is located in the Pocono Mountain area.) Now, I have never been to any casino before in my lifetime, so this was a first for me. My son and his girlfriend had been visiting us for Thanksgiving, so they joined us.
Black Friday was a very windy and cold day. We had to park at the furthest parking lot, so we were able to take the shuttle bus up to the main entrance. Now this was no regular bus. This was a luxury bus. Comfortable seats, a chandelier was dimly lit, and felt more like a limousine than a bus. All this for just a 1 minute ride. Well, at least I can say I rode in a luxurious bus.
Upon entering the building, I saw chandeliers hanging over the stairs and escalators, an area for checking your coat, lots of blinking lights and heard many bells going off. There were also many security guards walking the floor. We decided to walk around the floor and check things out before deciding to play the slots. WOW!! It was really amazing for a first timer. Walking past some of the machines I noticed that some people were attached to the machines with a chord. My son made the comment that these people are attached with Umbilical cords to the machines. LOL. There was quite an assortment of machines to play starting with penny bets all the way up to $25 bets. (The $25 bets were for the Black Jack table.)
We finally decided to just pick a machine and start playing. Tried to put $1 bill in it and it did not accept it. Hmmmm. What's the problem? Tried another bill, and that didn't work either. Found out from one of the employees that the lowest bill it will accept is $5. OK. I place my $5 into the machine and now I'm set. Had no clue what to do. It had so many buttons to push. Slowly I started learning what each button meant. I went on a few machines and learned what to do. My favorite was the poker machine. At least with that one I knew what I was doing.
During our day, we got hungry and decided to grab something to eat. We decided to get the buffet. The cost of the buffet was $21. WOW!! I've never paid that much for a buffet! Needless to say, I ate as much as possible to get my money's worth. That's not easy after Thanksgiving. That made 2 days I stuffed myself.
All in all, the day was not a loss. We came home with a winning of $63. And we only bet a total of $35. I'd say that's pretty good for a first time. Especially since I spent part of the money learning the machines.
I also visited the New Casino at Mt Airy Lodge as well. I thought it was beautifully done as well. I did not know the buffet was that expensive though.
Thanks
Linda:
Thanks! I'm glad it turned out well that day. At least next time I'll know what I'm doing.
Gary:
It certainly was a "black" Friday for me. It felt good to walk away with a few extra dollars in our pockets.
Donald:
I think maybe the next time I'll pack a lunch. LOL.
Scott:
From my understanding, Atlantic City in NJ is starting to feel the loss.
I'm not one for sitting in front of a machine for long periods of time. The horses are my thing.
Wow you have some great info here,
could you post at http://www.pennjersey.info/forums
They are seeking some Realtors to build up their Pennsylvania and New Jersey Real Estate Classifieds as well as their Pennsylvania and New Jersery Community Blogs / Forums.
Check it out, it's free: http://www.pennjersey.info/forums
Paul:
Thanks for commenting. I will check it out.
Dan:
When I went to play the slots, I, too, was under the impression that they would pay in coins. I was dismayed at getting a ticket to cash in. I'm with you. I think it's more fun to receive the coins rather than a ticket. I guess that's progress.
My luck must have been beginner's luck because when I started out, I had no clue what I was doing. :-)
Teri:
I did hear, from a couple of others that I spoke to, that the buffets are about half the price where they are than here. I guess it's where you are located.
I'm one to take xx amount of $$ and just use that. I don't like to gamble it all away. I'm more of a saver than a spender.
Your experience sounds a lot more exciting than spending an hour in line at a retail store. I walked into Circuit City Friday morning and proceeded to walk back out. I hate big crowds. The sales just aren't worth it.
Tracy:
I avoid shopping on Black Friday. Like you, I hate the crowds. My experience with the slots was much better. Thanks for commenting.
Brigita - By design, haven't hit the casinos as of yet. Black Friday means one thing to me.....Stay Home.
By the way, $21.00 for a Buffet is quite pricey, hope the food was good.
Black Friday, everyone was at the malls and stores, and the traffic wasn't bad on the roads.
I agree, the buffet was pricey, but at least the food was good. I shouldn't have hit the dessert bar. (Loved that chocolate cheesecake.) Anyway, tried to get my money's worth there. Between Thanksgiving and Black Friday's buffet, I have a few pounds to shed, now.
BLR Guy:
It must have been. I was just pushing buttons, not knowing what they meant. We'll see how I do the next time.
Jim:
It's been about 10 years since my husband had played the slots and even he had no idea what he was doing. Shows how much it has changed.