The Rhode Island Bally's is nothing special. The casino gaming area is two stories tall and that's only because all the restaurants are on the top floor. It did, however, serve it's purpose years ago when my own Connecticut was awaiting it's Sports Wagering License. Running_Mitch and I could party and talk sports on the hour ride into the Mobster State.
Then I'd do what I'd always do. Hit a Blackjack table, play two hands, keep an Ace-Count, and leave when I was +$300. Then onto a Baccarat table where I would wait for a Banker or Player run and leave with another $300 profit. Buy Mitch a lunch and $100 for gas and we were on our way home. Repeat next week.
Now, I haven't been to RI for quite some time but they just continued to lure me with free $300 bet play. Finally I said to wifey, "Let's take a ride and wreck these bums". And we did. They claimed to verify my picture in their records so they gave me the free play. Bought in for $2K at a Baccarat table and proceeded to kick their azz for $3K (went 2-1 on my $100 free plays). Took my $5K to the cage and my family to dinner. Did I go back and play? Heck no. Mamma didn't raise no fools. And down the road back home we went.
Next week same thing. Except since wifey does the driving I forgot to take my drivers license. They accepted my Players Card, gave me my $300 free play (because they had my picture on line) and off to a Baccarat table I ventured.
By the way, these Baccarat tables are not cheap. Bally's has a $200 minimum wager on their Macau tables (where you can actually hold and squeeze your hand out). Same thing. Buy in for $2K, beat them for $3100 (going 3-0 on my $100 free plays) and head for the cage. Except this time my Players Card was no good. They insisted on my Drivers License for verification. Went back to the Pit Boss who verified my free play to begin with, he again admitted they had my photo on line, but claimed it was, "out of his control". And then I knew what was coming.
I led my wifey who was pushing my special needs son in a wheelchair over to a row of slots where we could sit down and talk. Immediately we were surrounded by security and one "White Shirt". He said to me, "No, your wife cannot cash the chips in either. Only the player can cash chips in". Yes, total BS but I was in no position to argue. A good man knows his limitations and it was time to walk out.
The next day I returned early with my Drivers License and cashed out my $5100. Mission accomplished.
The following day I received a certified letter from the RI Security Manager, "Banning me from all Bally's propery everywhere".
BWA-HA-HA-HA. Thanks for the money and memories Bally's!!!
The lesson of the story, my degenerate gambling friends, is to BEAT THEM TO THE PUNCH.