Cost of Poker Entertainment

I think the one thing that keeps a lot of people from really sitting down at a poker table in a casino – those that are close enough to do it, of course – is the assumption that you’ll need a sizeable amount of money to come in and be willing to lose. That’s simply not true.

Most places start the tables at $2/4 for Texas Hold ‘em – and some in the Seattle area are even as low as $1/3. $100 to buy into a $2/4 game is plenty, believe me. (For more on the bet structure and what exactly “$2/4″ and such means, see ‘But what does that mean?’) As long as you’re playing a proper strategy, that is. If you’re a hard-core bowler, for instance, you’ll easily spend that much a week trying to perfect your spin (plus beer). And don’t even get me started on the inanity and ridiculous costs involved with golf.

Not to mention how much cheaper (and usually better) the food is at a casino compared to a bowling alley or golf course (ok maybe the food’s better at a golf course, but come on, you can get practically free booze at the casino – golf courses sure don’t have that).

I’m not trying to get you to waste your money, or risk it unnecessarily. I’m just telling you that

1. It’s not as expensive as you think, and
2. Don’t ever think of it as anything but entertainment. You aren’t there to win, or to lose, you’re there for the fun.