Madden Mischief

No, it’s not easy, but highly possible.

When you pass by all those alluring tables and sparkling slot machines beckoning you over to bet, you can win in Vegas just by following songstress Dionne Warwick’s advice back in the 1960’s in her hit song “Walk On By.”

All the gaming sure looks friendly and inviting, but could be addictive, not to mention adversarial to your self-esteem and potentially, if you don’t Walk On By, but get too carried away, just might negatively impact your net worth.

So, try to think of those gambling attractions as fun over a proscribed time of say a few rounds, hands, lever pulls or button presses, but set a limit on what you can afford to lose. 

Yes, enjoy while keeping in mind that the most enticing games are out to ensnare you into believing your very next bet can win you a bundle, but odds are you’ll undoubtedly fumble. 

So best to set a limit on what you’re willing to part with, while keeping in mind there are so many shows, restaurants, shops and sites like the Eiffel Tower, and so many fascinating things to do and see in Vegas beside gambling.

For example, you’ll never feel as close to Dorothy and her pals, the Straw Man, Tin Man and Lion, or literally shake in your seat when the Wicked Witch flies right over your head where the classic film comes so vividly to life in that awesome giant globe, the Sphere.

If you still can’t resist betting over your head come hell or high water, then maybe it will help you to visualize slot machines as smiling con artists who’ll point your attention upward as they pick your pockets below.

If that doesn’t work, think of blackjack tables as cemetery burial plots.  View dealers as pallbearers who’ll take your wallet and credit cards to their final resting place in scenic Dead Broke City, near picturesque Stupidville.

Walk On By

But for me and my wife, Rita, Vegas is hip and entertaining as we attended the Five Rings Financial conference packed with educational and inspiring events during the day and fun-filled activities at night in that City of Lights that Never Sleeps. 

For the most part, I’d “walk on by” that sea of alluring slots and tables on my way to enlightening sessions.

I’m just sorry for people whose “entertainment” leads to losing their shirts in that stunning city you see in the picture behind us below, Vegas!  Note that under my jacket, there’s still a shirt because I had the courage and smarts to tell you not to keep me gambling but to WALK ON BY.

Foolish pride, that’s all that I have left
So let me hide
The tears and the sadness you gave me
When you said (to tell my $) goodbye
Walk On By!