Some tips for a 'bettor' 2012 at Colorado casinos

By Nancy Crimmins

Who invented New Year’s resolutions? It always sounds like such a good idea to make a list of stuff to improve about yourself. You know – goals that seem so attainable until you flip the calendar page and, well, it’s all downhill from there.

The top three goals of adults in America are: get in shape, save more money and be a better person (yeah, like that’s going to happen on Jan. 1). And the sneaky thing about a goal like getting in shape – it involves really “fun” stuff like working out and eating healthy and getting more sleep. Just shoot me already.

Now, when it comes to gambling, New Year’s resolutions don’t even stand a chance. But it doesn’t hurt to try to figure out a way to incorporate resolutions into the joy of gaming (coincidentally, the name of my new book that I’ve resolved to write in 2012.)

Let’s start with getting in shape. It would appear that the gaming version of a couch potato is someone who sits at a poker table for eight, 10 or 12 straight hours with the only form of exercise being the chip tossing and the occasional trip to the, uh, powder room. Casinos have thoughtfully placed those facilities close to the poker tables, so you can really only chalk up about 3 calories lost on those trips. Sitting at a favorite slot machine yields the same disadvantage to any type of workout regimen.

However, changing machines, changing tables and changing casinos can start you on the right path. Walking up from the Riviera to Bullwhackers or even on up to Central City – now we’re talking some serious benefits. Fresh air, Vitamin D-filled sunshine and getting that blood flowing – all good things. Taking those stairs up to the restaurant on the third floor? Knocks off a pound or two in no time!

Now speaking of restaurants, the casino towns have plenty to offer in the way of healthy eating. Those fabulous buffets offer not only unlimited desserts and mountains of calorie-laden delights – they also offer fresh salad bars, healthy veggie creations and even gluten-free and sugar-free offerings. Instead of drenching your crab legs in bowls of butter, try the delicious baked salmon with a splash of fresh lemon. Specialty restaurants range from Asian, Italian and upscale steakhouses to the new Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant at Bullwhackers. The many delis around the towns serve light lunches and dinners, including homemade soups and freshly baked breads.

Now we come to our next resolution – keeping an eye on our bank account and helping it grow in the new year. I resolve to:

1) Agree with my spouse on a set amount of money for the day, evening or weekend. Then stick to it. No trips to the ATM, no check cashing allowed. We just need to make sure it’s a reasonable amount that will cover the amount of time we’re up the hill.

2) Cash out my next jackpot, then continue to play with the money I’ve allotted for that gaming trip. I will allow myself up to 25 percent of my winnings to use as “mad money” for a purchase or extra gambling – the rest goes in the bank.

3) Thoroughly enjoy my time at the casinos and not crab about any money I might possibly lose. Hopefully it will all balance out and, if not, I’ll have enjoyed my time, dined on some great food and luxuriated in a comfortable room in a nice casino hotel.

Now for the tricky resolution: Be a better person. Now I know we all allow a little wiggle room when it comes to our behavior. The usual reasons for behaving less than saintly: “I’m tired,” “I’m hungry,” or “I’m not feeling well,” are pretty good excuses. But if I get more rest, eat healthier and quit whining, I have a feeling that will be a good start.

Taking it a step further, I resolve to be polite to all of those people who work at the casinos, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, bus companies – and my fellow gamblers. It will make them – and me – feel better.

Last, but certainly not least, when I hit those wonderful jackpots from time to time, it’s such an easy thing to take some of that money and give it to someone else. Charities and churches are constantly trying to make ends meet. It’s such an easy and wonderful thing to help them out in some small way. Or a big way. Whatever feels right.

So whether you’ve kept those resolutions from a week ago or not, it really doesn’t matter. It’s never too late to start a new list. Or just keep them pinging around in your brain. Good things can happen when you don’t even realize it: a few pounds drop off, a few extra dollars are saved, someone smiles when you say something nice. It really does come back to you.

- Nancy Crimmins is the former editor of The Deal.