The Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, Miss., glitters from the outside and impresses on the inside. The flashing lights and melodic chimes are hypnotizing. There are no clocks on the wall, allowing time to disappear into the brightly colored slot machine wheels. It’s a curious place, providing better opportunities to people watch than a crowded airport.
I made my bi-annual trip to see the bright lights for my father-in-law’s (FIL) birthday and mother-in-law’s anniversary. If you read my last column, you know that I’m definitely not a gambler in any shape or form. I work hard for my money and don’t particularly enjoy watching it disappear in a few seconds. My FIL is the experienced one and usually flirts with lady luck at the craps table for hours. He knows what he’s doing – I don’t. I prefer playing video Blackjack. There isn’t any pressure, you can take your time and no one is telling you what to do. But for the life of me, I couldn’t find one video blackjack machine in the whole casino.
I tried playing poker, but burned out quickly because I didn’t really grasp the concept. Parish was sitting next to me, and I think I made him a little crazy asking over and over, “Should I keep this one,” “Is this a flush,” and “Does this pair count?” Finally, he told me to cash out and move on. We walked around the casino floor and eventually found his mom playing at a slot machine. I started whining and spinning around in my chair. Parish shoved a $20 in the machine and ordered me to “have fun.” Playing with someone else’s money is great motivation, so I started pushing buttons and after about five minutes, relaxed. I had about $10 left and then it happened – I hit the big one.
The numbers started racing by and I tapped Parish on the shoulder so he could witness the excitement. I tripled my (Parish’s) money and let out a squeal. OK, so maybe $67 isn’t “the big one” but it’s the most I’ve ever won. Ha! Of course you know what I did next, I quickly punched the ‘cash out’ button and left the casino. The rest of the night was great. We treated Parish’s parents to the seafood buffet inside Gold Strike. I enjoyed a whole lobster, shrimp and catfish. It was delicious and a great ending to my winning day.
The next morning we went back to the restaurant for breakfast. I know it sounds like all we did was eat, but we also walked around a lot and took the stairs to our room every time. Our morning meal was delish and less of a workout since I didn’t have to wrestle a lobster. Parish and I shared a waffle and sipped on mimosas. After breakfast, I went back to the room to pack up and Parish stayed behind. An hour later, I was ready and sitting with the luggage, knowing that my husband would walk through the door any minute and compliment me for being prepared. That never happened.
I had to schlep my luggage down to the hotel lobby and call him on his cell phone. Turned out, he tried his hand at roulette and it sucked him in. He won back breakfast and some spending money for the rest of the weekend. He suggested I try it and I did. I don’t think I’ve ever lost $20 so fast in my life. The experience confirmed my belief – I’m not a gambler, I’m a spectator who likes to spend my money slowly, on tangible things.