waterfordpcguru wrote:
Well, it looks like I'm leaving the vp fraternaty.
So, why am I quitting? Well, in my mind...I only win one jackpot in
a particular forum. I hit the 3 digit lottery...so, unless I play
1000 numbers, I'll never hit again.
Well, when you're talking about the lottery, walking is a sensible
decision (personally, I didn't wait for a jackpot 
And, if you're playing negative expectation vp (when cb and cash
bonuses are accounted for), it's a rational decision as well - unless
the joy of the play justifies the expected cost.
But if you're playing a "winning" game (say 9/6 Jacks with .7% in cash
benefits) and enjoy the play, hitting your first RF is a poor reason
to leave the play. For the active player, the non-cash
benefits/premiums can be substantial and make it a rewarding past-time.
But the proviso is that you're adequately bankrolled for play -- which
for typical $.25 play outside of LV means setting aside at least
$8K-$10K to see you through game swings. (Play full pay DW in LV with
.25% cb and you can get by on half that.) Play short-bankrolled and
you're more likely than not in for a miserable time at some point.
And even if I do hit again, I can't see how it could possibly match
the thrill of the first. Meanwhile, I would be bumming about the
money spent chasing it.
Thus the importance of knowledgable play (good games with accurate
strategy and strong promotions). If you're comfortable that your play
will see you favorably through the rough times, the losses become much
more tolerable.
As far as subsequent royals, I'm near the 100 mark and I still glow
with each one. Your first dealt royal is the true mind-blower!
A story I have to share from last month: I'm pretty much a $.50/$1
player, but I've been on a fairly extended downswing so have been
restricting play most to $.50. However, a good promotion last month
prompted me to jump back to dollars.
It was a real thrill when 3 hours into my play I nailed a royal. But
the real killer was when I hit a second one just 14 minutes after my
machine was reset for play! I was laughing so hard (I remarked to the
guy next to me going into my 3 card hold that this thing is so easy I
should be able to do it again 
that in turning to respond to a
"Congrats!" from behind me I literally fell out of my chair. I had to
sheepishly reassure a supervisor who ran up to my play area,
apparently alerted by the guys watching the cameras and was afraid I'd
had an attack, that I was fine.
VP makes for good times, good comraderie, and a decent occasional
getaway. Give some thought about your decision to leave with your
winnings. But if you continue to play, play smart!
- Harry