AP wives/girlfriends

[hitthat16]

It took a while to prove to my girlfriend that what I do isn't gambling. Each trip to the casino got me some skeptic looks. Nowadays she understands that I know what I'm doing and can win money, but I'm still working on getting her to understand that I want to go to the casino quite often. She doesn't want me to become "obssessed", in her words.

How are everyone else's experiences with their significant others? How do you show them that we aren't degenerates? Any advice on buttering my girlfriend up to the whole thing?

[stopgambling]

It will be hard as anyone can get caught up in the action very easily. She does have a very good point. You will find out after losing a few session and remember what you did and how you felt.

[Ouchez]

Hit,

That is a normal fear and she is only looking out for your welfare, and her own, as she probably wants you for a life mate and doesn't want you to become, "obsessed" as she says.

Let me say something else, even though you are an AP in BJ, I just don't buy the general belief that you, we, I, are not gambling, for in essence you are, to some extent,, and it can be very dangerous on a number of levels. Especially today with the poorer games, like h-17, etc., it is far more risk than in the past. We really should not delude ourselves, reality is that we are, to some extent, still gamblers.

You want to "butter up" your girlfriend,,,hmmmm,,I can thing of several great ways

Best,
Ouchez

[hitthat16]

Oh I know what it's like to lose as well. And she knows I've lost plenty of sessions. Sometimes the game tests my stomach.

Anyway, I know she's just looking out for me. And ouchez, you have a good point. There is still very much an element of gambling, seeing as how a major part of AP is dealing with risk of ruin. And yes, there is a little gamble in all of us I'm sure.

[21forme]

It's funny. My wife has been around me in the casinos long enough to understand the game, spot other APs, etc. However, if I'm having a positive variance day, she'll suggest I stop for the day. Of course, my response is, "do the casinos close when they have a big win?"

Another time, I convinced her to play M Stud with me and she won several thousand at her spot (with me telling her what to do). She was so excited she wanted to tell her friends. I suggested she refrain.

[Coyote]

I tend to get obsessed with my various endeavors and then set them aside. My wife was quite worried about my obsession with counting cards too. But, blackjack was different. It has gotten a hold and has never let go. My wife has seen the variance of blackjack; the ups and downs of my bankroll. Now, she understands enough of the game and encourages me to go more often. It has taken me some time (4 years) to prove to her that blackjack was not just another obsession or passing fad.

[Ouchez]

I tend to get obsessed with my various endeavors and then set them aside. My wife was quite worried about my obsession with counting cards too. But, blackjack was different. It has gotten a hold and has never let go. My wife has seen the variance of blackjack; the ups and downs of my bankroll. Now, she understands enough of the game and encourages me to go more often. It has taken me some time (4 years) to prove to her that blackjack was not just another obsession or passing fad.

Coyote,

You had best do as told, it is not every man that can be married to Brittney Spears double!

[Baberuth]

My wife is part of my cover. She likes to play slots while I play BJ. We have a great time, free rooms, fine food, romance, drinks and fun. I figure her slot losses equal the comps and she often goes to the room early and lets me play. She knows I do well and enjoys herself without ever badgering me. Without my play we couldn't afford to go on so many getaways. Although she rarely wins, she is still beautiful and worth bringing. Did I mention she doesn't make the trip to Vegas every year.

[The Suburbs]

In this particular regard, I was a little lucky in that I had been APing for about a year prior to meeting my girlfriend and already had a significant (mid 5 figure) cumulative win. It didn't take too much convincing after that. Still, she's taken an interest and I've explained the math behind the endeavor. Also, she likes hearing about crazy/silly/exciting stories from the felt.

If your girlfriend is sharp, I'd probably approach explaining it mathematically. Maybe you can show her some of the more entertaining documentaries/videos on youtube regarding APing/CCing (Breaking Vegas comes to mind). Somewhat mainstream entertainment/media (21, Bringing Down the House) is pretty accessible and will give her a basic understanding of how/why it works.

[Stealth]

It took a while to prove to my girlfriend that what I do isn't gambling. Each trip to the casino got me some skeptic looks. Nowadays she understands that I know what I'm doing and can win money, but I'm still working on getting her to understand that I want to go to the casino quite often. She doesn't want me to become "obssessed", in her words.

How are everyone else's experiences with their significant others? How do you show them that we aren't degenerates? Any advice on buttering my girlfriend up to the whole thing?

Interesting question.

My wife likes to play at the red chip level and has a hard time betting a green chip. I taught her BS and to count at a level that she know when to raise her bet, which she will do up to 3 or 4 units. She is uncomfortable watching me play due to the bet sizes. Not a financial issue, just a comfort issue. It is a social event for her and her play at her skill level is less expensive than not having the knowledge. She is very bright and having taught her to this level makes it easy for her to understand what I am doing.

At any rate, having here as a supporter is very important in helping me keep my focus. It would be a difficult life without her understanding. Variance is the only ***** I want to have to deal with.

As I have said before in various post, suggest she read Nathaniel Tilton's book Blackjack Life. It will give her a great insight into what you are doing without out the boring math stuff and it is a good "story". Afterward, she will at least been exposed to the issues and it will give you a basis for discussion with her.

Good Luck
Stealth

[Intermediate]

I was already an AP when I met my wife. She has an MBA and is a Corporate Executive, so once I showed her the methods and the math, she understood completely but was still skeptical about long term success. What made her comfortable was the fact that the Bankroll was totally physically separate from all our other funds and investments. She learned BS and how to do a running count. She's very social at the tables, engages the dealer and pit, and we have a great act. Besides, she's likes playing up being arm candy. Unfortunately, her tastes for hotel and food far exceed my betting and comp levels, so normally it would be -EV when we go to Vegas together, but the BR doesn't have to bear all those expenses.

[Ouchez]

I was already an AP when I met my wife. She has an MBA and is a Corporate Executive, so once I showed her the methods and the math, she understood completely but was still skeptical about long term success. What made her comfortable was the fact that the Bankroll was totally physically separate from all our other funds and investments. She learned BS and how to do a running count. She's very social at the tables, engages the dealer and pit, and we have a great act. Besides, she's likes playing up being arm candy. Unfortunately, her tastes for hotel and food far exceed my betting and comp levels, so normally it would be -EV when we go to Vegas together, but the BR doesn't have to bear all those expenses.

Sounds like you and the wife are having a great time, that is really the most important, kudo's to you.

Ouchez

[Coyote]

Coyote,

You had best do as told, it is not every man that can be married to Brittney Spears double!

That I do!!! haha