If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by the idea of putting a sports bet, I feel your pain. I am intimidated by a lot of gaming options in Las Vegas casinos. Craps, blackjack–anything where I have to know the principles and perform them in front of the others that are more seasoned tends to confound me. (What will happen if I screw up? Can they shout at me? Will they snicker at me? How badly will I be ashamed?) This is why I’ve pretty much stuck with playing slots throughout my gaming sessions in Vegas: No witnesses.
But I have had a fascination for a very long time with horse races. Part of it is rooting for the underdog (or even”underhorse” as the case may be). Part of it’s that I love horses; they are such magnificent creatures. Part of it’s that horseracing is industry and such a fascinating subculture.
My June Vegas trip happened to coincide with the Belmont Stakes. For some reason, I took this as a indication that it was time for me to learn how to wager on a horse race. I mean, if you’re going to do it, it may also be a renowned race?
I did minimal research on the internet to learn about easy stakes and about the horses who’d be operating in the Stakes. I knew I did not need to wager on California Chrome, the frontrunner, because the chances were too heavily in his favor. And as soon as I saw the name Wicked Strong (a New England horsey title if ever I heard one), I knew that he was my horse.
That’s correct, I wager based on the horse’s title. I am the worst form of gambler there is. Do you see now why I don’t play anything other than slots? But in my defense, I did review Wicked Strong’s background and he had won some races, so it is not like he was always coming in tenth or something.
On the day of this race, I worked up my courage and walked into the girl working the desk at the Monte Carlo’s Race and Sports Book. “Hello,” I said. “I’ve never placed a sports bet in my life, but I would like to wager on the Belmont Stakes. Can you walk me through it?”
Seriously, it had been as easy as that.
“Sure,” she said. I told her I wanted to wager a horse to reveal.
She said”It is actually win, place or show, and you’re gambling your horse will come in first, second, or third.”
“Okay,” I said, and told her I wanted to bet on Wicked Strong.
She stated she needed the horse’s number, not name, and gestured to the listing of horses to the Belmont Stakes which has been sitting on the counter in front of me. Wicked Strong was 9, so I put my bet on 9.
The minimum bet was $2, she told methat’s $2 for every one of win, place and show, so the total would have been $6. I stated I’d love to bet $10. Certainly, my giddiness over putting my initial bet on a horse race had caused me to lose my mind. Betting the minimum could have been the smart play in this case, because I know nothing about horse racing.
The woman at the sports book looked at me as though I was suggesting I wanted to run contrary to the horses . She softly suggested”Why not just bet $5? That would be 15 total.”
I found the logic in this and consented.
So I put my bet and she gave me my ticket. “If my horse wins–and I understand that’s a long shot–when do I want to come pick up my winnings?” I inquired.
“We’re available until 11pm,” she informed me,”or you can come in tomorrow” I thanked her and walked away, gazing in my ticket and feeling very delighted with myself. The whole transaction took maybe five minutes (and might have taken less if I had not had so many questions).
I tweeted my encouragement to Wicked Strong (who, incidentally, is a really talented horse, because he tweets, also ). I was torn between staying and viewing the race or going to the Atomic Testing Museum, but decided I should visit the Museum as long as I was feeling up for this (since I was obviously coming down with a cold at that point).
In my way back from the Museum, I learned that Wicked Strong connected California Chrome–for fourth location. So I came very close to winning! But close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, not horse races.
I have no regrets, however. As far as gambling goes, it was a fun way to lose $15, and it had been an interesting new adventure for me personally. I would certainly take action. (But I’d probably bet the minimal next moment.)
It’s easy to see how people become addicted to”playing the ponies”. I likely would have been even crazier about it when I had actually sat at the sport book and watched the race unfold. (Or, you know, if I had really won.) I’ll have to try that next time.
At any rate, this must go to show you that there is no need to feel intimidated by sports betting in any way. If you go to it permitting the pros know that you’re a newbie and need some guidance, they’ll assist you.