Dear Mark, I received an advertisement in the mail that offered a book of coupons that I can use on my next trip to Las Vegas. They wanted $4.95 for $200 worth of coupons. Is that a good deal? Terry C.

Save your money, Terry. Not only is Las Vegas the hot dog and shrimp cocktail capital of the world, but for the coupon clipper, Las Vegas is the "half-off" city. Everywhere you look, or go, newsstands will be loaded with, and hawkers passing out, coupons with the latest bargains in Las Vegas. The favorite of many who journey to Vegas is What's On in Las Vegas. With a 130,000-per-issue circulation, you will find this FREE, coupon-laden publication everywhere. I'll be forthcoming here, Terry. I'm a big time tightwad. I won't, nor should you, pay full price for anything.

Dear Mark, I recently found your column on an internet site in Stockholm, Sweden. I enjoy your historic questions the most. I am doing a research paper at the University about the introduction of casino gambling in the state where you live, Nevada. Can you tell me when it became a legal enterprise? Stefan E.

A buckaroo politician for Humboldt County named Phil Tobin presented the assembly bill in 1931 making gambling both legal and taxable. Governor Fred Balzar, also known as "Friendly Fred," signed the open gambling law on March 19, 1931. Coincidentally, on that same day Balzar signed into law a bill that would drive tourism, he thought, far more than gambling ever would: the six weeks divorce statute.

Dear Mark, I am making my annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas next month. On my last two trips I believe I have paid exorbitant room rates-$89 a night. Both times the casino hotel wouldn't bargain on these high prices. I prefer not to get stung for a room, figuring they are going to get my money at the tables anyway. Any suggestions? Stephanie G.

I have booked at least a dozen trips to Lost Wages with Las Vegas Reservation Systems. Their toll free number is 1-800-222-0892. Las Vegas Reservation Systems guarantees the lowest prices at all the hotels, plus they offer air packages and car rentals. You can even book on-line at their internet web site (www.lvrs.com). As for Las Vegas Reservation Systems being the absolute cheapest, I can't say for sure, as I haven't verified their guarantee. I can state that over the past two years I've never paid more that $39 for a room, which is well below the rack rate.

Dear Mark, I have heard that Atlantic City casinos allow card counters but Nevada casinos do not. True? Jimmy C.

True, Jimmy, but a minefield of obstacles still hinders card counters on the Jersey shore. On September 15, 1982 the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court ruled that a player could not be discriminated against because of his playing skills (counting). In Nevada, laws allow casinos to operate as private clubs and you can be legally ejected for using your intellect. Brains need to be checked at the door. Atlantic City casinos still have an assortment of countermeasures to offset a counter's advantage. They lawfully impede skilled blackjack players by using eight-deck shoes, shuffle at will to thwart bet variance and instruct the dealers to move the cut card near the top of the shoe on suspected counters.

Casinos Online - Internet Gambling

Dear Mark, Next month I am flying to Las Vegas for the first time. Not only is it my first trip to Nevada but also my first visit to a casino. Any do's and don'ts you could recommend before I go? Mary S.

Here are some do's and don'ts, Mary, that everyone should know before they make their first flight to the mothership, Las Vegas. Learn them, live by them, and your casino experience can be very rewarding.

First, do decide ahead of time which games you are going to play and for what stakes.

Do plan other activities like shows, shopping, sightseeing, the health club or golf. Make it an enjoyable, entertaining trip, not all gambling.

Do comparison shop for the best buys on meals and accommodations.

Also, do comparison shop for bargains on the best rules and playing conditions for the particular games you're going to be playing.

Do monitor the status of your bankroll. At all times you should know where you are financially.

Do count your blessings. If you break even your first time gambling, that's a win in anybody's book.

Do check the many Las Vegas gambling guides found at newspaper stands for the best values and deals.

Finally, do keep up to date on both rule changes and different variations of your favorite game because casinos can, and will, change the rules all the time. The winning player is always the informed player. On the flip side, Mary, honoring these don'ts should put you in a position of gambling without tears. Don't bet over your head but only with what you can afford to lose. Don't play with scared money.

Don't borrow money from friends to finance your gambling or try to recoup your losses.

Don't press your bets if you're on a losing streak.

Don't be superstitious. Knowledge is the key, not luck. Like I've said many times in this column: "The smarter you play, the luckier you'll be."

Don't waste your time on games or wagers where the casino has a house advantage of more than 2%.

Don't play any game or make any bet you know little about. Learn it first.

Don't drink excessively and gamble at the same time. Sip for pleasure, don't gulp for effect.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Who's money is it? YOURS.

Don't be greedy. Be satisfied with a small win.

The above suggestions, Mary, should make your pilgrimage to the Mecca of gambling all that more enjoyable.