I visited a casino this week for the first time in several years, and noticed that the payout for a blackjack is down to 6 to 5. Used to be 2 to 1, then 3 to 2 for many years. Lost 50 bucks and left. Not interested in gambling any more.
I like casino gambling every now and then but in recent years, it appears that the slots have gotten tighter, the table games more rigged (in favor of the house) and the food and drink are way more expensive. The "free drink" service for those playing at a table or slot machine has also gotten spotty and I've learned to order beer in a bottle because everything else is watered down.
Here's a tip for those going to Las Vegas. Plan to hang out more on Fremont Street (the old Vegas). It used to be a dive but they've really cleaned it up recently. The slots are a little looser, the table games are fun and the food and drinks are much more reasonable then what you find on the strip. Also much more of a party atmosphere. I like the way they light it up at night.
Those huge casinos on the strip are nice to walk through and look at but because they have such huge overhead, they need to tighten up the slots and other games in order to pay the bills. Many of the high rollers are now taking their money to Macau.