Here’s a fun exercise. A break from the analytical side of gambling, a breath of fresh air outside the stress of dealing with this or that. So join me here as I go through my favorites. Not Web sites, but Las Vegas-related favorites.

Favorite poker casino: The only casino, ironically, where my career win/loss is in the red, but Binion’s Horseshoe. The history, the aura, everything about it is something to be experienced by anyone who has even a passing interest in the game. And here’s why – there’s nothing visually special about it. Fewer lights and bells than the strip, the smell of cigar smoke fills the air more than the aromas coming from a dessert buffet. And the art on the walls is pictures of past champions, not million-dollar works of art.

Favorite blackjack casino: Mirage. For being one of the more well-known upscale hotel and casinos over the years, there’s something calming about the Mirage’s atmosphere. Maybe it’s the jungle-like atmosphere around the white tigers. I also like the rules offered at the tables here, and the Mirage chips rule.

Favorite restaurant: For the longest time it’s been Hugo’s Cellar. My dad took me when I was a kid (yes, a 10-year-old more interested in the games at Excalibur’s basement than it’s main floor), and all I remember was the best salad and juiciest steak of my life. Everytime I go back, though, I can’t seem to find the place. Hell, I don’t even remember what hotel it was in. Last time I was in Vegas, the Bellagio, I believe, had an incredible Japanese steakhouse. And I have to admit, I’m a sucker for the onion train.

Favorite show: Any big-name standup comedian. Yeah, the “improv” guys can be good, but they’re just as often horrible. I’ve seen Carlin, Madel and Dice in Vegas, and all three were incredible shows I wouldn’t trade for a hundred underwater circuses.

Favorite adult entertainment: Spearmint Rhino: There’s just no question here. There was a girl dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz that could’ve beat my Toto from here until 2025.

Favorite game to play: And to close with a big one, I still have to come back to seven-card stud. While the world jump on the Hold ‘Em train, you could still get a nice, relaxing game of stud in at any casino. Low stakes keeps the games fun but still gives you an opportunity to hone your skills. Plus, when given the opportunity, my own preference is the stud game over a community-card game at heart, anyway.