Sitting alone in bliss...or losing it all with company.
There are rows and rows of slot machines. Old ones, new ones, Wizard of Oz ones (that one's a lot of fun) where you can sit alone and bath in the bliss of solitude and margheritas. Then again, there are the tables. Groups of people who seem to know what they're doing, but you wouldn't sit there would you?? It might be worth it - the odds are certainly in your favour.
Be Brave
Its not that scary up at the table, and here's why. No matter how many are at the table, its normally you (everyone individually) versus the dealer's hand. So don't worry, you're not gonna have to take on Big Don from Dallas, and the dealers are usually nice and helpfull. Its never as complicated as it looks.
Ask For Help
Sit down, tell the dealer you've never played before, and (certainly downtown where things are a little more relaxed) the dealer should talk you through how to play, maybe even help out a little on your first few hands!
The SImples Games and The Best Odds
If you really want the best odds in the house, blackjack is the game to play. It actually has better odds, and is fun to play, you've just gotta get closer to 21 than the dealer without going above.
Basics to Remember to Avoid Embarassment
Everything is about clarity. There is at least one camera above every table, and the dealer has to make sure every transaction is above board and clear. So if you want to give them ten dollars to turn into chips, you place the ten on the table, then take your hand away, then the dealer picks up the ten etc. When you want a card use your hand to tap the table, if you don't want a card do a little sideways wave and say 'no'. It is clearer than clear, and will make it easier to explain.
