40 4 40 #24 Winstar

This is the latest in a series of entries chronicling my journey to try 40 new things before I turn 40 in March. You can read all the entries under the label 40 4 40.

I have been to Reno, Las Vegas, Tahoe, Atlantic City. I've gambled. I've watched others gamble (my preferred pastime at casinos). But in Texas, you go to Winstar. It is supposedly an experience in itself so I decided to call it a new thing. I have a friend, Mere, who goes regularly, and she offered to show me the ropes.

Four of us met at Mere's house and Mere drove the 20 minutes or so across the Oklahoma border to the massive building that is Winstar. The facade looks like a bunch of different buildings. Apparently they match the various "cities" that are on the inside. There are two hotels and a whole lot of parking.

I took $40 with me. I got a bonus of $25 because it was my first time there. We ate dinner at Toby Keith's and I walked out with $127 in my pocket. I did okay!! Winning was great fun!! All in all, we spent about 3 hours, including dinner. That was plenty for me!! I had forgotten how much smoke bothers me. And boy was it smokey!!

I didn't end up watching any of the table action because we were having too much fun winning at the slots - mostly pennies! I have been told though that the tables are different in that they are all card games, even Craps and Roulette. The slots were all digital though there were a few that you could still pull the arm, if you chose. I did. I didn't win anything on those though! The best ones, I learned for myself, but the ladies with me already knew, are the ones where you win free games. It was on the free games that I won the most money!! I actually won $60+ twice! Obviously, I didn't keep it all.

Although I had fun, and would go back, I don't know that it was really any different than any other casino I've been to. Except that it was big. Instead of walking from casino to casino like in Atlantic City or Vegas, you just keep walking through the building! I think the best part is the free Dr. Pepper at the self-serve beverage stations :)

And now I know! And I need a shower.

My first glimpse at the floor!

Dinner.

The ladies

What it looks like when you win!