Good morning everyone! It’s good to be back blogging after taking a week-long break as we went to the desert with some friends. Some golf was had, some gambling, food, cards, and some blazing hot temperatures. But, all was well, as we’ve vacationed with these people before.

I thought I’d just pick-out a few highlights.

Mountain Pete Dye

The Pete Dye Mountain Course is a stunning golf course located in the desert, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain for golf enthusiasts. Designed by the renowned architect Pete Dye, this course features striking elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, providing a thrilling and unforgettable golfing experience. Golfers can expect a unique and adventurous round as they navigate through the rugged desert landscape, surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice looking for an exciting challenge, the Pete Dye Mountain Course promises an exhilarating and picturesque day on the greens.

The course had many views, so prior knowledge of the layout was highly beneficial. I didn’t have this prior knowledge, so I had no idea where I could miss and where I couldn’t. Greens were rather suspect – meaning they could have been a lot better.

Gambling

I’m not big on gambling. I’m just saying that is probably the understatement of the year. I’ve lost maybe $30 in a casino, which was probably some Star Wars machine in Vegas. It became very comical that my wife would win the largest jackpot of her life, even if she had only gambled maybe $20 on this particular day. To not be outdone, her friend announced she was going back to the casino the next morning. She also won a jackpot.

Slot machines in Vegas casinos are notorious for having some of the worst odds in the gaming industry. While they may offer a thrilling experience with their bright lights, sounds, and promise of big jackpots, the reality is that the house edge is heavily stacked against players. In fact, the odds of winning on a slot machine are generally much lower than other casino games, making them a poor choice for those looking to make a profit.The worst offenders are often the penny slots, which have a notoriously low payout percentage. These machines are designed to take in a high volume of small bets, with the promise of occasional big wins that rarely materialize. According to industry estimates, the average payout percentage for penny slots in Vegas casinos is around 85-88%, meaning that for every $100 bet, the machine pays out around $85-88 in winnings, with the remaining $12-15 going to the house as profit. This translates to a house edge of around 12-15%, making it a bad bet for players.To put this into perspective, here are some approximate payout percentages and house edges for different types of slot machines in Vegas casinos:

• Penny slots: 85-88% payout percentage, 12-15% house edge
• Nickel slots: 90-92% payout percentage, 8-10% house edge
• Quarter slots: 92-95% payout percentage, 5-8% house edge
• High-roller slots ($5, $25, $100 denominations): 95-98% payout percentage, 2-5% house edge

For those looking for better odds, high-roller slots that accept denominations of $5, $25, and $100 tend to offer the best payout percentages. These machines are designed to attract high-stakes players who are willing to take on more risk in pursuit of bigger rewards. Additionally, nickel and quarter slots tend to offer better odds than penny slots, making them a slightly more attractive option for players looking to stretch their bankroll. However, it’s essential to remember that even with these better odds, slot machines are still a game of chance, and there are no guarantees of winning.

I’m sure I’ll recap more of the trip in the coming days.

Moving on….

Alan Shipnuck was on Rich Eisen talking about the current golf stories.

The insidious thing about sports washing is that it works

– Alan Shipnuck

Lastly…..

On a comical note, let me interject here. We have a usual Thursday meet-up with friends at our local spot, ‘The Junction.’ However, yesterday, during our golf game, I was informed that they couldn’t make it because one of them had a Dentist appointment scheduled for 4 pm. I mean, who schedules a Dentist appointment right before dinner? As we continued with the game, I couldn’t help but have a good laugh thinking about this peculiar situation. It seems like my friend must have really wanted that complimentary toothbrush with a side of fluoride, choosing it over the pleasure of my stellar company. Oh, the sacrifices people make for dental hygiene! 😂

Have a good Wednesday!