The legend of free drinks and other casino myths dispelled

I made an $80 reparation payment to the Mohegan Indian tribe of eastern Connecticut last weekend, so I figured I'd share a few thoughts on casinos.

A lot of folks talk about getting free drinks at a casino, but that's certainly not the case. Even if you are lucky enough to snag some booze from one of the three waitresses working the 44-acre casino floor, you're paying for it alright, in the form of the house edge on every bet you make.

I've decided I prefer Foxwoods to Mohegan Sun, mainly because its smoke-free gaming area is much larger. For example, there are no craps tables in Mohegan's smoke-free areas. I also like the Foxwoods layout better. It's still sprawling, but it's easier to find your way around.

As you may know, Massachusetts is thinking about bringing in three casinos. I'm all for it, partly because I think I'd make a great pit boss. At the very least, the casinos would be closer, greatly reducing the long trip home after a loss, or, as I call it, "Trail of Tears."