"Gambling Budget" as a side line to AP Bank.

**mushin** · 07-31-2015, 09:16 AM

I am toying with the idea of how I want to implement a Gambling Bankroll to play along side my AP Bankroll. My main idea for this is to use this "gambling bank" on side bets, insurance bets (When count) does not call for it, on CSM tables, etc. This is in part to start building up more cover and quite honestly to have a bit more fun at the table. The other day I tested out playing $1.00 side bet for every player at the table. It was great fun as everyone paid more attention to the $1.00 side bets than the actual hands. Anyway with a small bankroll for "entertainment" I can see how I could play some hunches on insurance, give CSM games some "action" just in case that would help provide longevity and overall just create opportunities to paint the picture of a gambler.

Essentially I just buy in for say $20.00 more and get pink and white. Then start having fun with it. I can imagine all kinds of cover opportunities but I don't plan to track that money from my AP bank. (I know, I know it is all the same in the end) Still, I would rather allocate that money as an entertainment cost rather than anything else... kind of like how I don't count slot play as part of my BJ bank.

All this being said. What are your ideas how this could have positive or negative impacts. (Keeping in mind that this is a separate bank)

**LVBear584** · 07-31-2015, 09:38 AM

I think this would be a waste of time and money.

**mushin** · 07-31-2015, 09:58 AM

On the time side... I don't see how that would be a factor since I'm already at the table. On the money side... sure it is a waste of money. But side bet play on blackjack used creatively with $1.00 chips has to be worth some intangible amount if not just the fun. Ok CSM play would be a waste of time and money... granted. If it could garner some longevity may not be a total waste.

This brings up a question..... If playing rated... is the game selection tracked. Do they care that you are playing some 6/5 CSM and would help label you as a non AP because no self respecting AP would play CSM 6/5? Thinking in terms of Part Time Recreational player after longevity.

I guess I am just trying to be much more dynamic overall. I guess I am looking at it like this. My AP play is like a job but there is no reason I can't have an entertainment budget either. Just like when I drop a $20.00 in a slot machine. I don't care that I probably won't come out ahead because I know I am gambling that is not BJ bank money it is Meals and Entertainment money.

**LVBear584** · 07-31-2015, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by mushin

On the time side... I don't see how that would be a factor since I'm already at the table.

Reduced hands per hour because of the side bets.

**mushin** · 07-31-2015, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by LVBear584

Reduced hands per hour because of the side bets.

I'll give you that... for me I would be ok with the trade off. I really don't care for speed racer play. But I also don't care for super slow turtle time play where I can take a restroom break and come back and witness first base cards being scooped up when I come back. The main reason I don't worry too much about the speed is that I often hit my local on the way home from work. Play a bit and then go home. For me it is like watching TV but the time has a better opportunity cost than TV.

**Dieter** · 07-31-2015, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by mushin

This brings up a question..... If playing rated... is the game selection tracked. Do they care that you are playing some 6/5 CSM and would help label you as a non AP because no self respecting AP would play CSM 6/5?

If you're playing a trivial amount on bad games (side bets, CSMs, 6:5), and a significant amount on a real game, don't you think they'd notice?

**mushin** · 07-31-2015, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Dieter

If you're playing a trivial amount on bad games (side bets, CSMs, 6:5), and a significant amount on a real game, don't you think they'd notice?

That's the unknown. With regard to blackjack do they even treat games differently in their tracking. I would welcome some knowledge from casino staff on this.

**ZenMaster_Flash** · 07-31-2015, 11:15 AM

INDEED, I think this would be an utter waste of time and money.

**Shadowless** · 07-31-2015, 12:09 PM

The table you played at is tracked only if you cash out an amount that requires verification.
The cage will ask where you played and will call that pit to verify your play and record the table you played at.

For blackjack, it's typically BJ# or SH#. BJ is just any blackjack and SH means it's a shoe game. The number after is the table number.
For craps and roulette, I believe the letter C or R is used; just look at the table number/name that is on the table, typically a brass plate.

As for your rating, it doesn't matter which blackjack game you're on. The rating system is different for craps, baccarat, and roulette -- just take a look at the monitor.

Going back to if it's actually worth the time and effort, I would say no and agree with the others that it's likely a wasted effort.

**Avincow** · 07-31-2015, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Shadowless

The table you played at is tracked only if you cash out an amount that requires verification.
The cage will ask where you played and will call that pit to verify your play and record the table you played at.

For blackjack, it's typically BJ# or SH#. BJ is just any blackjack and SH means it's a shoe game. The number after is the table number.
For craps and roulette, I believe the letter C or R is used; just look at the table number/name that is on the table, typically a brass plate.

As for your rating, it doesn't matter which blackjack game you're on. The rating system is different for craps, baccarat, and roulette -- just take a look at the monitor.

Going back to if it's actually worth the time and effort, I would say no and agree with the others that it's likely a wasted effort.

Are you saying 6:5 BJ gets rated the same as 3:2 BJ?