Despite what the phrase “Internet Zillionaire” might suggest, we are not the typical Vegas high rollers. While the thrill of moderately high-stakes gambling is exhilarating in its own regard, the Internet Zillionaire finds as much intoxication in the subtle interaction with fellow players, the wry banter with the dealer, the verbal sparring with the pit bosses, and of course, the massive consumption of free cocktails.
As with anything, location plays a crucial role. And when it comes to gambling, we don’t compromise our standards. While the other Las Vegas “whales” will frequent the ritzy and classy establishments, (the kind with marble toilets and velvet toilet paper,) we tend to stake out accommodations with less opulence.
Our criteria are simple. First, the hotel must have a roller coaster. This is non-negotiable. Second, we insist that the hotel staff completely ignore our social status and forgo any special treatment, as we just want to be regarded as ordinary people. (This request is always granted.) Third, the pit bosses must be so desperate for paying players that they will ignore standard gambling etiquette and decorum at the table, and in some cases, ignore the rules entirely. In other words, only the casinos that allow “do-overs” and “take backs” and permit us to call timeouts or technical fouls and request instant replay will earn our business. Finally, and most importantly, all of this must be had (via priceline) for under $39 a night.
Once in the casino, the most critical decision for an Internet Zillionaire occurs before a single chip is laid down. One must scout for a table that is fit for a zillionaire. First, it must be a table with ridiculously low minimum bets, absolutely nothing over $5 a hand. This is to insure longevity more than anything else. You see, part of our gambling strategy is not just to maximize our winnings, but also our consumption of free cocktails.
While the Internet Zillionaire prefers card games to all else, sometimes he can be found at a slot machine. This usually occurs when a zillionaire, strolling through a casino, spots a cocktail waitress taking orders, and immediately jets to the nearest gambling apparatus to put forth the illusion that he’s been gaming at this spot for hours. With an incredulous look, the waitress approaches and begins this exchange:
Cocktail Waitress: “Anything for you?”
Internet Zillionaire (pointing to whoever ordered the most exotic-sounding drink at a nearby slot machine): “Absolutely… I’ll take three of whatever he’s having… on the rocks.”
Scoring multiple free drinks for a 30 second stint at a nickel slot is basically the greatest feat an Internet Zillionaire can write home about, and certainly one for the books. Of course, the Internet Zillionaire always tips generously, and addresses the waitresses by name.
Internet Zillionaire: “Thanks Mandy, I can’t tell you how nice it is to gamble in a place that knows how to take care of their highrollers… That’s why I keep coming back here.”
Naturally, the Internet Zillionaire generates a lot of eye rolls wherever he goes.
After meandering through the casino long enough, the Internet Zillionaire will eventually find a worthy table to set up shop. Of course, an Internet Zillionaire cannot just unobtrusively sit down at the table. Unfortunately, a spectacle must be made. You must make every effort to show anyone within earshot that the actual gambling is secondary to the showmanship of acting like a highroller. It’s good to have an opening line, and get the dialogue going early with the dealer:
Internet Zillionaire: “How’s the drink service at this table?”
Dealer: “Good…”
Internet Zillionaire (deadpanning): “Well, that’s excellent, because I tend to work up quite a thirst raking in all the chips.”
Basking in that moment of levity, the Internet Zillionaire finds a seat and turns to one of his fellow players at the table.
Internet Zillionaire: “Well, I see you’ve won quite a nice pile of chips for yourself… You must have bought my instructional gambling video. I’m glad to see it’s paying off for you.”
To the annoyance of everyone else at the table, the Internet Zillionaire straddles a seat and stakes out plenty of elbowroom. He then begins a protracted series of twists and turns at the waist, arches his back, bobs his head and begins to loosen up for the task at hand. Similar to the warm-up routine of a prizefighter, the Internet Zillionaire is equally meticulous in his preparation.
The first order of business is cashing in. It is important to whip out a sizeable amount of cash to instill a sense of awe amongst the other players and let them know they are squaring off with a true high roller. Twenty dollars (in ones) should accomplish this. Of course, the dealer needs to be made aware that “there’s more where that came from,” lest he doubt your high roller status.
Never one to sit idly by and allow someone to just do their job, the Internet Zillionaire reminds the dealer that he’ll need a receipt from this transaction. With chips in hand, the Internet Zillionaire begins the all-important task of psyching out the others at the table. Instead of neatly stacking his chips, the Internet Zillionaire will use them like Lego’s, and construct a replica of Stonehenge at the table.
With the game about to begin, the Internet Zillionaire gives little concern to strategy. He always adheres to his foremost gambling philosophy: “Bet the minimum, Drink the maximum.”
As the game progresses, one cannot forget to have fun. There are a number of techniques available to prevent boredom at the table. Stop the dealer as he shuffles the cards and announce, “I’d like to buy a vowel,” or insist on using one of your three lifelines at tense moments in the game. If he does lose a hand, sometimes the Internet Zillionaire will remove his pants and fling them onto the table, forcing the dealer to clarify that the game is not strip poker.
When the cocktail waitress finally comes by, the Internet Zillionaire always seizes the opportunity to take care of his fellow gamblers:
Waitress: “Free cocktails, anyone?”
Internet Zillionaire: “Ah Mandy, perfect timing. I’ll have two whiskey sours… and a round of Zimas for everyone else at the table… extra ice in those. And send a bottle of Dom ’78 to those ladies at the blackjack table,” he says with a wink, “Oh, and how ’bout a Sierra Mist for the dealer, he could use it… thanks, sweetheart.”
Now, since the drinks are free, we make it a habit to order a round or two for everyone in the establishment whenever we play. Of course our “generosity” generates a lot of goodwill and usually a round of applause. Being modest, we barely acknowledge their fanfare, opting for an understated series of deep bows at the waist while standing on the Pai Gow table.
When the drink order arrives, the Internet Zillionaire always shows his gratitude.
Internet Zillionaire (raising his drink): “Thanks Mandy, you know, this is just how I like my drink: In a glass, and within reach.”
At various times throughout the game, the pit boss will wander by, peer over at the table and pass an approving gaze over the action below. The Internet Zillionaire always seizes this opportunity to inform the pit boss that “the dealer is doing a great job,” and adding how “he hasn’t knocked over my drink a single time!” The pit boss will nod, maybe utter a “thank you,” and leave you with an insincere “good luck.”
Now, for those that have never ventured into a casino, the phrase “good luck” is simply the most dismissive expression in Vegas. It really means “good bye.” It’s a nice way of saying, “Alright jackass, don’t talk to me anymore.” Believe me, I’ve heard it a million times. So, when you hear the words “good luck,” you know the conversation is over… unless of course, the Internet Zillionaire is on the receiving end of this verbal jab. At this point, the Internet Zillionaire has no other option than to escalate the dialogue. Playing clueless to the slight, the Internet Zillionaire shouts back to the pit boss in a happy, touristy voice, “Thanks, I’ll do my best! I am feeling lucky today!!!”
Anyway, after doling out praise for the dealer in front of the pit boss, the Internet Zillionaire then decides it’s time to call in a few favors.
Internet Zillionaire: “Hit me!”
Dealer: “This isn’t Blackjack sir, you don’t get any more cards.”
Internet Zillionaire (resignedly): “Then I’ll stay.”
Throughout the game the Internet Zillionaire will place a three-dollar bet and nonchalantly remark how he loves all the security in this particular hotel, as it makes his millions feel safer. Unfortunately, the Internet Zillionaire is just getting warmed up. Depending on how inebriated the Internet Zillionaire becomes, he may boast how his fortune exceeds that of Bill Gates and Scrooge McDuck.
At the outcome of every hand, the Internet Zillionaire maintains temperance and restraint, except for when either he wins or loses. In a loss, the Internet Zillionaire will demand a recount, inspect the dealer’s sleeves and pant legs, and ominously warn the dealer that he’ll receive his comeuppance soon. In a win, the first order of business is to taunt the dealer by tossing your cards in the air like a graduation cap, execute a “Chinese fire drill” around the table with your fellow players, and finally stand on the table and muster an impromptu, teary-eyed winning-hand acceptance speech.
While gambling is one of our favorite pastimes, it is merely one of the myriad interests skillfully pursued by the Internet Zillionaire. After spending all afternoon playing $3 Pai Gow in an off-the-strip Vegas hotel, it becomes time for the zillionaire to make his grand exit and attend to his plans for the evening. He tosses a chip or two at the dealer for his trouble and advises him to invest it in the bond market. He makes sure to get a to-go drink order, as the Internet Zillionaire doesn’t want to risk becoming parched during the long walk from the table to his hotel room.
Internet Zillionaire: “Thanks Mandy, you’re the best damn waitress in Vegas. You know, I’m opening a casino on the strip next summer… I want you to come work for me. I’ll double whatever they’re paying you! Think about it…”
He bids his fellow players a heartfelt good luck, reminds them to tip the cocktail waitresses and advises them to “keep it real.” And on that note, he gathers his chips and heads to the cashier, eager to use his winnings to finance a night of adventure and intrigue…
