I first went to Las Vegas in 1960 and then frequently after 1965. In the early 70's. my wife and I would drive up from Orange Count almost twice monthly. I became good friends with a Casino Shift Manager at the Dunes so we almost always stayed there. That was back when you wore a coat and tie to dinner and a show. We were almost always comped to the shows at the Dunes and frequently went to the Sands or the Desert Inn for shows.

Back then, they wouldn't "color you out" and, if you got hot at blackjack, they would bring racks to the table for you to stack your chips. Blackjack was from a single or double deck, dealt hand-held by the dealer. Dealers talked to you and would frequently stop dealing to hear a story.

A cab anywhere was inexpensive and fairly quick. All the rooms smelled smokey (I never smoked) but it was the aroma of a casino that excited you. I had dice and cards given to me directly from the tables by the Pit Bosses.

Yes, I lost sometimes but I also won big sometimes. Those times are all from a favorite era to remember.

Rich