You got to know when to hold em....

Okay, I didn't actually play poker, but i did spend my day at Barona Indian Casino outside of San Diego today. I had to drop off my sister at San Diego State University anyway, so it just made sense that I find something to do to make the trip worth going for me as well. Right now Barona has a pretty cool promotion going on where if you play slot machines for 2 hours, the Casino will reimburse you up to $200 dollars or double your winnings up to $200. I figured what do I have to lose, so I ventured in and signed up. I got off to a very slow start, as the Giant Wheel of Fortune game ate $40 from me really quickly. Seeing that I needed to space out my time so I don't exceed the $200 limit before the 2 hours were up, I went over to the "Deal or No Deal" slot machine. I was somewhat disappointed that Howie Mandell didn't loan his voice. I was able to play the bonus suitcase game 3 times. On two of the occasions I made a great deal, only one time did the banker get the better of me. I think i'm ready to give advice should NBC ever call John in for the show. Next I went over to some other random games before a seat at my favorite slot machine opened up....Star Wars Darkside!



On my first spin, I hit a bonus game and won 36 bucks (its a penny machine, so consider this big bucks). From here I was able to play a few more bonus games and chat with the people playing around me. I sat there for more than an hour before finally giving up on it. After a quick round of video poker, I checked in at the Club Center and was reimbursed for the money I had lost.

Not wanting to leave quite yet, I ventured over to the blackjack tables. All that was open was a $25 table, so I sat down, I made a little bit with Dealer #1. Next they sent over an older Russian guy to deal (2nd Russian dealer, and both were awesome!) The whole table made money with him and was having a good time. At this point, the pit boss noticed our cheering and sent over "The Closer." For those unaware, of what this is, its the Asian dealer that nobody wins with. True to form, she started taking back money left and right. AFter being beat 3 hands in a row by 1, I decided I needed to leave while I was still up. So I cashed out and left with more money than I had started with. Fun had by all!