Quote Originally Posted by blackjackomaha View Post
I remember my first night gambling. A group of friends and I were out of town and wanted to have fun. We successfully got a $5 blackjack table all to ourselves. I plopped down $60 and was ready to go! I didn't notice, or care at the time, whether it was hand shuffled, ASM, or CSM. I didn't care about payouts, playing correctly, deck penetration, doubling restrictions, or side-bets. I was there to gamble - and if luck was on my side, I was going to win the gas $ required to make it home the next day. If not, no big deal. This was a casino and no one was 'supposed' to win. I had a great night (lost my $60) and had plenty to drink.

Fast forward to today. I don't get 'excited' to go anymore. I don't feel a rush when I am winning. I know the math, correct strategies, and what to look for in a good game. Do I still get enjoyment from winning? Hell yes. But is that general excitement ever there? No. I despise playing ANY casino game that I cannot obtain an edge at. If conditions are not ripe, I won't play. I don't get upset over losses anymore, as I know what to expect and know that I will recover. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely enjoy beating the house and tracking my results. My only urge now is to get as much $ out as I can. I know I can do it, and it's become more like a second job as opposed to a hobby.

I wanted to see if anyone else has similar experiences?
I am much more entertained when I win, and I win more often than I would if I just played by the seat of my pants. That said, I think someone who brings $100 to the casino and flat bets $5 playing perfect basic on a good slow double deck game at a full table who gets free drinks all night and maybe a free hotel room via a previous mailer offer is getting an advantage against the casino whether they realize it or not.