There are two casinos in my driving area - one is about an hour away, the other is closer, about 40 minutes. But I like to go to the one farthest away because I like the atmosphere better. They both have the same machines, and as far as I can tell the odds are about the same, but there is just something nicer about the one - the drinks are free, the drinks lady is nice, the staff seems friendly and I feel safe there. The other one is so very big that I feel lost and even though I have gone there many times, I still feel like a stranger.

I think another difference is in the other patrons - although both places attract a standard retired crowd, the big place also seems to attract a desperate-looking crowd, and I have been approached for a handout there, not a pleasant experience when I am involved in a game and just want to be left alone.

And I also judge a place on the condition, location and ease of access into the Ladies' Room. If I can't find it, it's dirty, or there's only one and it's a block away, I'm not going back there!

Kate the finicky