I hadn't been to London since 2009, but I went to visit/meet my mother-in-law for the first time over Thanksgiving weekend. My new mother-in-law is fantastic! I honestly couldn't have gotten any
luckier. It was a great few days, full of wonderful food and company.
Can't wait to go back!
After a few days in Shevington (i.e. near Wigan) my husband and I went to London. We stayed in Leicester Square while in London (i.e. which is the equivalent of Times Square in New York City)... When did all the casinos pop up? It's almost like the Las Vegas Strip now...
Coincidentally, there was added excitement that Saturday night, since Ricky Hatton was back in the ring fighting a Ukrainian in Manchester. I'd never actually watched Hatton fight before. I was in Vegas on December 8, 2007 when Hatton fought Floyd Mayweather. Specifically, I was sitting in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino's sportsbook watching a bunch of men from the UK lay some late money on Hatton. Needless to say, those men and Hatton lost that night and they would've lost if they bet the same way for Hatton's comeback fight. Hatton was knocked out by Vyacheslav Senchenko in the 9th round.
Hatton's boxing comeback is/was over. As for London, I'll be back... Lastly, MTV has Geordie Shore (i.e. the UK equivalent of Jersey Shore) over there?!!? Really?!?! Who knew... THE WIRK
Let's see... Where to begin. Yes, I finally did it. They say that the 3rd time's a charm and I have to say, that they're right. I am MARRIED. Earlier in November, in front of my mom, dad, brother, and a few close friends I tied the knot in Las Vegas.
No, I'm not changing the name of this blog. It'll always be http://www.TheWirk.com, although I think my friend Ricky (aka The Rick) is hedging his bets and buying a URL with my husband's last name in an attempt to sell it to me at a later date.
The ceremony was 6 minutes long and we did it at the Little White Wedding Chapel. I'm not one for wedding planning. I don't enjoy it one bit. Roseanne was our wedding coordinator, and she made the entire process easy enough for me that it was a completely painless and enjoyable experience.
Aside from making sure my husband to be was happy, the only things that really mattered to me on my wedding day were: (1) having my immediate family and close friends there and (2) making sure I had great pictures. Thanks to my friend Richard Wilk, who I believe to be the Santa Claus of Las Vegas, we found Tony Cordell.
Tony was gracious enough to take pictures of my husband and I up and down the strip, while we were in our wedding attire. They turned out fantastic! If you ever need a photographer in Vegas, I highly recommend him. Here are a few of his best!
So, Pete Rose wants to join the world of reality TV. I don't know about you, but I think this is another "bad bet". Yes, the pun is intended. I met the "should be" Hall of Famer briefly many years ago in Las Vegas. He was signing autographs and taking pictures at Field of Dreams. Being an Ohio girl, I waited my turn and went through the motions. I had to. I'm an Ohio girl, who grew up going to Cincinnati Reds games. I want to remember Pete Rose on the baseball field or as a manager. I don't want to have to resist the urge to tweet about his life on a reality TV show...
So it's the advent of my return to Las Vegas for March Madness and aside from watching a few conference tournament games, I can honestly say I have no idea what's going on this year. Last year, I hit the road and jockeyed cities to watch the games. This year, frankly I don't have the energy to travel that much right now. Sooooooo, it's just easier and more fun for me to visit with my friends from Portland et al, and sit in a sportsbook to wager.
Based on what little I know and from my past experience here are a few bullet points for what I think:
I'm not taking Louisville to go far. There seems to be little incentive for Coach Pitino to win, so I'll look forward to seeing Louisville's head coach on the sports panel(s) commentating as soon as his guys get bounced.
If I have to pick a 12 to beat a 5, I'm picking Harvard University to pull off the upset.
If UNC goes against FSU anywhere in the draw (i.e. can you tell I have yet to look at a bracket), I'm taking Florida State University. The Seminoles are the Tarheels' kryptonite.
Everyone I'm talking to seem to like the Kentucky Wildcats to win this year.
I'm not joining any pools this year. I've been out of the country for about 6-7 months, and you're not getting my "easy money".
I'm in Singapore and the lockouts are still ON... Just like last year, it's tough to keep a blog about sports going during the summer (i.e. especially since I can't follow baseball as closely here). However, with the Marina Bay Sands (i.e. think Venetian and Palazzo) close by, I can definitely talk to you about gambling.
There are no places to play craps in Singapore. If you know of a spot, please pass the information on. Since I don't know and don't want to learn how to play Sic bo, I've primarily focused on playing blackjack.
The minimum table bet is $25 for blackjack. In addition the Marina Bay Sands offers $50 and $100 tables, in addition to other higher limit areas. There are some differences here as to how the game of blackjack is played, compared to the US.
The dealers deal the cards differently here. You know how in the US (e.g. Las Vegas, Atlantic City) the dealers go around the table twice and deal two cards to the players and himself/herself? Next, the dealer looks at the card under the face up top card to see if he/she has blackjack. Well, the dealers here in Singapore don't do that.
In Singapore, the dealer gets one card and everyone can take action if they wish. Only after the players have stayed/busted, does the dealer take his/her second card. For people like me who believe in luck and try to predict when a "ten" is coming, I think it's better here, because you can rely on your intuition to determine whether a 10 is likely to be pulled from the show. **** Of course there is not an exact science to this, but then again most gamblers believe in streaks and aren't rational when it comes to cards having a degree of randomness.
As of the two visits I've made to the casino, I've been successful. Personally, I prefer to play at the lowest minimum table and raise my bet at my own discretion. I've been playing with various wagering strategies and have been doing well.
Just as in any casino, you have to be careful about who you play with. The last visit I made to the Marina Bay Sands casino had me watching a woman who made some really strange plays. Some times she would hit/stand on 15 or 16 (i.e. regardless if it was hard/soft) and if the dealers was showing a 5 or 6. One other crazy play she made occurred when she split 10s, and the dealer was showing a "King". After the split, she ended up hitting on a hand of 13 and of 14. Karma got her and she busted on both hands...
Needless to say, she wasn't making any friends at the table. She was killing everyone. Just terrible...
I have a few days off coming up and as I debate among staying home and various destinations, it appears that Las Vegas always comes to mind.
**** Coincidentally, my friends Jeff and Maureen are there now. I was reminded of this, since Jeff sent me this picture last night/early this morning (i.e. the time difference doesn't work in my favor). Needless to say, it's good to see that they're having fun!
Recognize the view in the picture? It's the Vegas strip, and the picture was taken from the Bellagio.
For all my sports bettors and handicappers out there who are more interested in "the line/spread" than the actual game, here's a funny sound bite from the sitcom "My Name is Earl" (i.e. from the episode, "Born a Gamblin' Man").
For those of you without your headphones or earbuds, here's the line:
Earl Hickey: Hmmm, no, I don't have a gambling problem, I'm winning, and winning is not a problem. That's like saying Michael Jordan has a basketball problem, or Def Leppard has an awesomeness problem. So why don't y'all pour some sugar on that?
Sports betting. My friend, Jack, once confessed that he bet on WNBA basketball. I've never looked at him the same since. I've bet NASCAR before. I've seen a man dressed up as a jockey in a sportsbook with an inflatable horse. Sometimes, I wonder what the lines are for India v Pakistan in cricket...
I'm into trends. I believe in streaks. I like watching the games on the screens and have even tried the in-game betting (i.e. in-gaming, Pocket Casino) at the Venetian. For homework, I've been known to check Covers.com before a trip to Vegas or Nassau. In Vegas, I get to the sportsbook early to make sure that the Covers.com print outs aren't gone before I get there. Do you know what/who Don Best is? I do. Yeah.... Anyway.
It's like picking stocks. You have to know who and when to buy or sell.
I just scored my tickets to see Prince and his Welcome 2 America tour in New Jersey and in New York. I have 4 tickets to the Friday, December 17 show at the Izod Center and 1 ticket to the December 18 show at Madison Square Garden (aka MSG).
According to Rolling Stone, guests Maceo Parker, Cassandra Wilson, Janelle Monae, Sheila E., Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding, Sinbad, the New Power Generation and more will join Prince at the shows. I actually had Prince on the brain recently since I was just at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and remember his shows at 3121. I for one am very excited that he's back on tour.
Right now there are only a few dates that have been announced.
I spent the long weekend in Las Vegas with my dad and some friends to celebrate another friend's birthday. It was a fun time and I especially enjoyed the time away with my dad who I haven't seen since last Christmas. The craps tables were lucky for me and the sports book was good to me also!
I bet on the New York Rangers to defeat the New York Yankees in Game 6 for the ALCS. That's right, I bet againt the Yankees. What can I say? I just might want to go back to Dallas after all.
As for my other sports action, I had the Patriots +2.5 over the San Diego Chargers. I took the money line on the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Miami Dolphins. All winners. It would've been even prettier had I hit my 2 team parlay (i.e. San Francisco Giants and Oklahoma), but the Sooners just couldn't pull through for me. I lost a heartbreaker when the Vikings lost to the Packers, but what a game that turned out to be! C'est la vie.
I don't normally play the fire bet, but I did see a man make 5 original points. That was definitely interesting. Wish I'd found his roll earlier. **** I checked on my dad at the craps table during half-time of the Steelers game, so we could have lunch.
On the way back, John McCain was on my flight from Phoenix. This is actually the 3rd time I've run into him, so the novelty has worn off. However, this was the first time I decided to snap a picture.
Regardless, the highlight of my return trip was the TCBY chocolate frozen yogurt with extra strawberry topping! That stuff is so good!
Table games are still a novelty for the people in the DC/VA/MD area and being that I like to play craps I was curious to see what Charles Town, WV had to offer. There's a Hollywood Casino in Charles Town. I'm actually familiar with Hollywood Casino since there's one in Indiana that I've visited previously. Picture a Regal Cinemas or movie multiplex sans movies theater but add in the lights and sounds of slots machines and now table games.
I'd recently visited a casino in Harrington, DE. Here is the URL: http://www.harringtonraceway.com/ for Harrington Raceway & Casino. This particular casino only had 1 craps table and if I remember correctly, the table minimum was $15. That casino offered 3X, 4X, and 5X odds. I wasn't particularly fond of my experience, but at least I left even. With only one craps table it's either hot or not and there are no other tables to jump to when the dice are ice cold. I'm not exactly the most mobile person, but I do like having options.
Hollywood Casino is probably the shortest drive away and I was able to convince my friend, Pun, to go with me for a quick Saturday, day trip to check it out. Here is the URL: http://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/. Pun likes to play craps also so it was a perfect match. It took about 90 minutes to get to Charles Town, WV. He drove and I just checked out the scenery. **** FYI - There's not much to see...
Upon arrival to Hollywood Casino Pun and I bee-lined for the table games. After hearing horror stories about the high table minimums, we were pleased to see that the casino offered 4 craps tables and two each with minimums of $25 and $10. Three of the 4 tables were crowded and the $10 table I wanted to play appeared to be at capacity.
When I approached the table to further investigate who had chips in their rack and who was there just wasting space, I noticed a guy about my age and height just standing there. He was leaning against the table and following the action, but wasn't betting. I made eye contact with the dealer and asked if the space was open and he nodded. Then I tapped the guy who had no chips in his rack and asked if he was playing. "I'm learning," was his reply. I told him I wanted to play and asked him to move back. He replied by pointing to another table (i.e. a half empty $25 table) and telling me that I could go play over there. I informed him that I didn't want to play the $25 table, and that I wanted to play where he was standing. The man to his right could see that the guy wasn't moving and politely moved over so I could get in. Within 5 rolls of the dice, I'd boxed the kid out, and he was standing behind me.
**** Here's your first lesson: If you're not playing, you need to move so someone else can gamble. This rule is for slots and all table games. You can learn online, by reading a book, or standing behind someone.
**** Here's your second lesson: I'll approach you politely and tell you what I want, but if you don't listen, I'm not afraid to tell you how it is. Very little scares me, when I know I'm in the "right".
When I got to the table it was about 1PM. I went ahead and cashed in my $20s. I don't like $20s. I prefer $100s. With $180 in my rack, I was in the game at the $10 table. The first thing I noticed when I got to the table was that the odds offered were only 2X. I've played many casinos and I've actually never seen 2X odds offered. I'm used to 3X, 4X, and 5X odds. I've seen 10X odds and higher - but let's face it, I get cheap with my cash and I will never put 10X odds behind my pass line bet. I don't care how hot the shooter is ~ 10X odds is a mental hurdle I don't want to jump. I was chatting this over with my dad earlier today and he thought that was funny when I mentioned it. Whatever. I just can't do it.
At the craps table I noticed that no one could make their points. Awesome. I'm not a "don't pass" person, so I just picked up and left. I headed over to the roulette table, and Pun hit the slots. Roulette. Simple game, right? Well I guess to some, not really. There was a young couple sitting at the $15 min table. Here are two examples of the conversations that I overheard.
Girl: Are there more even numbers than odd numbers? **** I learned today from my friend Sherry that 0 is actually an even number. Regardless, if you bet "even", you're still not going to get paid if 0 hits.
Girl: If I bet this 1/3 group of numbers what do I get?
Boy: You get any of those 21 numbers... **** Seriously?!?! There are only 36 numbers covered by 1/3s... 1/3 of 36 = 12. The question was raised and I literally counted the numbers in the 3rd in my head, because I couldn't believe that such a basic question was being asked.
After getting bored with roulette and Pun wanted a break from slots we hit the buffet. I like buffets. I'm not ashamed to admit it. 2 buffets cost about $40. There's nothing special on the buffet, but my expectations were reasonable. I wasn't expecting the spread at the Bellagio. There were no crab legs and no cocktail shrimp, but there was fried shrimp and a variety of other choices.
After eating Pun ran into some guys he knew and I went back to the craps table. I made $100. It doesn't sound like much, but you try making any real money with such low odds offered. One thing I don't enjoy about being one of the only (i.e if not the only) girl at the craps table is that there's always a guy who thinks he knows how to play better than me. "Better" is a subjective term. Just because I don't spread my bets and place numbers doesn't mean I don't know how to. In fact, I usually don't because I've been standing at the table and I know that it's cold so I don't feel like chasing my money and throwing it out there.
Sure enough, I was there and a man rolled up next to me with $75 in $20s, $5s, and $1s. Seriously?!?! Anyway, the man got his change and then proceeded to tell me that I could make more money by making place bets. I simply said, "The point hasn't even been set, so what numbers are you even going to place?" He looked confused. "You play your chips, and I'll play mine." was what I followed up with. Sure enough 2 rolls after the point was set the shooter crapped out. On the outside I was smiling. Inside I was laughing...
At about 6PM, Pun and I decided it was over. There really was nothing else I wanted to see.
Moral of the story: Just drive to Atlantic City or fly to Las Vegas.
Interesting unrelated trivia: My purple Lakers T-shirt attracts men, but not money...
I spent the past several days in casinos... I win.
I play craps... I win.
I've been to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and St. Louis... I win.
I'm a winner.
If you can't win with $200 you can't win at all and you need to walk away. Figure out who your cooler friends are and never gamble with them. Figure out who your lucky friends are and don't leave home without them. Look for a heavy table (i.e. with a lot of chips on it). Figure out who knows how to shoot dice and don't feel bad about skipping shooters who can't shoot.
By all means, if you can't make a point or like to roll 7s ~ pass the dice.
FYI - I played my first crapless craps tables in St. Louis, and I loved it.
AC
It's all about the Benjamins
The lone girl in AC, while the guys leave the beach during guys' week...
The beach in AC. I assure I'm not huge. The dress is flowy.
I went to watch NBA Summer League in Las Vegas this year. I've never been to Summer League before, but after spying my friend Mandy's pictures I decided I wanted to join in the fun.
I checked in the newly renovated Hard Rock Hotel and explored the new HRH Tower and pool during my "down time". My room over looked the main pool and the Sunday Rehab party.
Rehab
I watched various Summer League games and the final game between the NBDL Select team and the LA Clippers. I was sitting courtside and saw the buzzer beater that put the NBDL team over the Clippers for the win.
For anyone who's never been to Summer League and is interested in scouting new NBA talent, I highly recommend taking the trip. It is an international event and there are scouts, coaches, players, reporters and everyone is incredibly accessible. Trust me. In 2 days I sat behind Vlade Divac and played craps with Bill Laimbeer. How random is that?
Lithuanian fan in front of me
Vlade Divac
For about $25 you can get a ticket for the day's events. Games were held at both the Cox Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center.
UNLV retired jerseys
For you Ohioans out there, you might recognize the name Mike Gansey. He's a hard worker and plays tough. I had to look him up after watching him play, and yes - I might just have a little bit of a crush. He's super cute!
Yes, I am alive. It's just been a slow news week. George Steinbrenner died. As an Ohioan, I claim him because he's from Rocky River...
Other than that the National League finally beat the America League in the 2010 MLB All-Star Game. I'm pulling for the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves...
I'm off to Las Vegas for Summer League tomorrow... I don't normally like to telegraph my passes ~ but it's been almost a week since I've posted sooooooo there... I threw you a bone :-P
Vacation <-- One of my favorite words in the English language.
Vacation <-- What Mr. Wright talked me into, and I'm much more relaxed, tanner, and happier as a result of it.
Call it my 7th inning stretch. I started this blog in January to chronicle my sports, music, and travel adventures and give my 2 cents on any topic that interested me. After 6 months of INTENSE travel for work and Wirk, I needed a break ~ even if it was a short time-out.
I was in Panama City Beach, Florida on family vacation over the weekend. It wasn't my family, but hey ~ those are just details... I'd never been to PCB before, and I hadn't seen my friend in almost 2 years. So, when Mr. Wright asked me to join him on family vacation, I said YES.
I met Mr. Wright years ago when I lived in Atlanta. He and I built a friendship through the years (i.e. met in 2002). As soon as I saw him, I had a crush. He's handsome, it was inevitable. I shared an apartment with a coworker and whether I'd be out with her or out with friends, it just seemed like every weekend, he was always there.
We wouldn't really go out much, but we always had fun. My first trip to Turner Field was on Easter, when he took me to a Braves game. Mr. Wright loves baseball but hates professional basketball. Yes, even Mr. Wright is not perfect, LOL. We've seen Prince at Philips Arena. Remember Music Midtown in Atlanta? We were there for its final year in 2005. He wanted to see Common, and I wanted to see Kanye (i.e. sure enough they came out on stage together).
We went to Las Vegas to bet the Super Bowl. He had the New England Patriots, and I won on the New York Giants +12.5. He might be Mr. Wright, but I was Ms. Right, that Sunday! Vegas again for his 30th birthday. Why?!? Because, that's what you do for the people that matter in your life. You spend time and you take care of your friends and even though miles separate, you find ways to keep in touch.
My friend takes care of himself (i.e. eats right and exercises) so he looks great. His personality equals his appearance. His friends refer to him as a "Manther". When I first heard it I couldn't help but laugh. If you don't know what it is, look it up. I don't know whether I agree or not, but I will tell you that he's not old.
Manther coming out of the water
I can't spend a couple of days with all the people I want to in my life, but I am definitely happy I was able to a time out and focus on the waves of the ocean, hang in a pool, have dinner, and walk the beach while looking for ghost crabs with my friend, Mr. Wright.
I didn't see any tar balls or sign of oil along the beach,, but we did see a smaller shark that had two bites taken out of it. I assume it was by a bigger shark. Ever have your friend scare the hell out of you on a beach by acting like a shark or crab was going to get you? No? I have. I jumped out of fear and he cracked up laughing. Awesome. But anyway...
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Don't know what a ghost crab is? Neither did I, but they're a bunch of them in the shallow water on PCB at night. Kids are out there with nets and buckets trying to catch them. If you've never seen one, check out this video. **** No, I did NOT shoot this video. I just found it on youtube.
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"There are times.. when you'll need someone..
I will be by your side..
There is a light, that shines,
special for you, and me.."
--- "The Light" by Common
Thanks for making me take a much needed time out, Mr. Wright. See you next time!
By now we all know that Game 6 of the Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers series was a blow out. Being that the Lakers had to win or go home, it was a HUGE game for Laker fans. The ONLY place to be for a Laker fan with the means and a little bit of luck was the Staples Center!
I should've known that the Lakers were going to win when I was walking into the arena. I am usually good luck. Also, while walking into the building I heard the ESPN radio guys, say that Tom Izzo turned down the Cleveland Cavaliers job. **** Yep, you were right, Soup. I should've listened to you, from the start!
Christina Aguilera sang the National Anthem before the game. She watched most of the game with her husband in seats on the baseline.
Opening Tip
I posted my pictures from the game 6 last night, and a friend pointed out today that the score with 1:55 left in the 4th Q, was the final score of the game. NO buckets in the last 2 minutes of the game... I guess, why even bother. The Celtics had basically stopped competing and the number 59 seemed to live on the scoreboard for the longest time. 59 points. If you would've told me that the Celtics would have scored only 59 points, "For the Longest Time" (i.e. now I have that Billy Joel song in my head), I would've told you that you were crazy.
Kendrick Perkins' presence (i.e. or lack there of) was palpable. He left the game in the 1st, with what I hear is a hyper-extended right knee. I never really realized how much of an impact he made, until he was gone. Great. Now I have a song from the hair band, Cinderella, in my head. If you want more information on the injury or want to see the video, check out Sekou Smith's Hang Time Blog. According to everything I've read and heard, Perk isn't going to play in Game 7, Thursday night.
Celtics team checking on Kendrick Perkins who's on the court
At the end up the 1st Q, the Lakers were up 10 on the Celtics with a score of 28-18.
At the end up the 2nd Q, the Lakers were up 20 on the Celtics with a score of 51-31.
Don't get excited. I have tons of rally towels for all sorts of teams...
As much as I'm not a Kobe Bryant fan, I have to admit he does put up excellent numbers. Numbers don't lie. He ended the game with 26 points, 11 boards, and 3 assists.
For you gamblers out there, here's some information. I was just in Vegas and the spread on the game is Lakers -7. If I remember correctly, the Money Line was Lakers -360 and Celtics +280. I also checked covers.com earlier in the evening and the consensus was about 60% Celtics and 40% Lakers. Just saying...
I was lucky enough to score a ticket at the last minute to Game 6. I was on my way to the Staples Center and ended up parking in the Venice garage on/around 15th and Figueroa for $12. The garage was just past the Convention Center. Thank goodness I got there early, since the parking lots (i.e. that weren't already full at 4PM) were filling up quickly.
At the arena, I immediately texted my friends and gave them my coordinates, but I wasn't about to get up and chase people around. I'd just finished my Mickey Mouse Scavenger Hunt, and I was exhausted. I wanted the game to begin, and I was surrounded by a sea of Lakers fans. That reminds me, I couldn't help but notice a Celtics fan who had a purse. I swear it was on his shoulder. Now I realize it's probably his wife's purse, but seriously?!?! **** Ladies, don't make your men carry your purse ~ it makes them look ridiculous. If you love your man at all, carry it yourself. The guy was getting ripped on by entire sections in the arena the entire game, and if you ask me he was asking for it. It definitely wasn't the smartest move he could've made.
Game 6 ended with a final score of 89-67. Lakers dominated.
Game 7 is Thursday night at 9PM EST. I won't be at the Staples Center, but I'll be watching.
****Sothis morning I decided that I'm not going to travel to Indianapolis for the Final Four. I'm not that excited about the games, and I've already been to Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium during the NFL Playoffs.
Later this morning, I received the following link from a friend about a hearing on sportsbetting in Atlantic City, New Jesey for a constitutional amendment to legalize sportsbetting in NJ. Similar to Vegas, back when you couldn't wager on UNLV etc., it appears there'd be restrictions against wagers being placed on college games that take place in New Jersey or on any game in which a New Jersey college team participates.
Obviously, and according to the article, the amendment would be "...predicated on constitutional amendment would be predicated on the reversal of the Federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, a law which prohibits sports wagering in all but four states throughout the nation."
I'm all for adding sports betting to the Atlantic City casinos. Sports betting is the only major gaming component that's missing from a Vegas adventure. Further, I've always felt that AC casinos are priced incorrectly. For the amount of money that it takes to stay at the Borgata or one of the other better casinos, I'd rather take that money and use it towards a flight to Vegas, where I can stay at a beautiful casino and get comped. AC is the option I choose when I'm going with people who can't/don't want to fly.
Incidentally, if anyone has any real insight into the comps structure/point equations, please fill me in. I've always been curious as to the specific details.
For more the full text in the article, I've included the link for your convenience.
I don't even want to talk about March Madness and brackets. I can't believe my eyes and hope that when I wake up it's all a bad dream.
On another note ~ for those of us that are fans of Rapid Roullette, check out Rapid Craps... According to its website, it's only at Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. I stumbled upon it today and fell in love.
Each player has his own terminal and there's a $5 minimum. For those of us that are anti-100% machine for gambling, you'll be happy to know that a human throws the dice and the dice move around the table normally.
Now, beginners don't have to be scared and call out their bets anymore, players don't have to worry about not being paid out properly, and dealers don't have to worry about people throwing chips at them. Everyone "wins" (i.e. actually, maybe not everyone ~ the technology might put some dealers out of work).
Ever heard of http://www.goldentouchcraps.com/? Now you can take classes that teach you "dice control". Um yeah... I don't know, but just in case you're interested: http://www.goldentouchcraps.com/midastouch.shtml. Personally, I NEVER touch the dice. Back in the days, when I'd hit the Bahamas, I determined I just don't have the "touch", so if you're ever playing craps with me and it's my "turn" to shoot ~ let me pass. Trust me, I'm cute, but can't shoot.
