I used to play a lot live poker and did quite well. I even moved to vegas to play professionally. I did well there as well when I was sober. But drinking and gambling were my downfall.

About 5 years have passed since I last stepped foot in a casino. And I'm ready to give it another shot.

My plan is to start taking trips to AC.

For my first trip I need to save up $800.

$116 for a round trip bus ticket to AC if I book seven days in advance. Cheapest method possible from NC and the station is two blocks from the boardwalk. (Near Ceasers Palace if I looked at the map correctly)

Two nights midweek at the Showboat will be less that $60 bucks if I go through the total rewards site and will come with a $20 food and beverage comp. (That is without any activity within the last 5 years on my card, so anyone can get that rate. And, as long as you play at a total rewards casino [Ceasers, Harrah's, Bally's, ect ect] every six months or less your points, comps, offers, and such stay up to date. So the rates should get better and better until my rooms are free. (at least during the week, apart from holidays)

$100 for my room deposit. As long as you pay the deposit in cash when you arrive they give it back at checkout so that will ensure that if I go bust I don't travel home broke. (If you pay with your credit/debit card they have 30 days to refund your money back to your card and will often take their sweet time)

$400 for poker. I will try to break this up into 3 or 4 buy ins. (I'll go into more detail about how I will pick my games in another post)

$100 spending money. Food, entertainment, tipping, incredibly inexpensive hooker, you know just whatever...

Currently I have -$500 (yea, that's negative) Priorities first, I have a dog that needs to go to the vet. But, my current living situation leaves me with close to zero obligatory expenses. And I have a part time bartending gig where I work 3 nights a week but could probably pull some extra shifts to push things along. That, living frugally, and an upcoming tax return makes me think I can do this sooner than later.

My tentative date for leaving is the 9th of febuary. I'm almost positive that will get pushed back, but no worries. When I do get up there if I bust, I will immediately start saving for another try and set a goal of returning in 2 - 3 month. If I do well I will try to return in 2-6 weeks and go from there.

I'll post more soon. I'm excited!