From Atlantic City to Vegas

Having grown up in Atlantic City, I thought I knew everything there was to know about casinos. Borgata, with its glittering lights and non-stop action, was practically my second home. And one thing was certain—if you were playing, you were sipping. Free drinks at Borgata were just a given, like the salty ocean breeze or the sound of slot machines. You sit down, you play, and before you know it, a cocktail waitress materializes with a smile and a gin and tonic. Life was good.

But then I moved to Las Vegas.

Ah, Vegas—the land of neon dreams and 24-hour everything. I was ready to take my casino expertise to the next level. My first night out, I sauntered into one of the big-name casinos on the Strip, found a promising blackjack table, and settled in. A few hands in, I started looking around. Where was she? You know, the cocktail waitress with my complimentary drink?

I kept playing, figuring she must be busy with another table. But after a while, my mouth was as dry as the desert outside. Finally, I flagged down a passing waitress and asked for a beer. She smiled, took my order, and then hit me with, “That’ll be $15, please.”

Fifteen dollars? For a beer? My Atlantic City-born brain couldn’t compute. Back at Borgata, the only thing you paid for was your tip! I handed her the money, feeling a bit like I’d just lost a small hand to the house.

After that, I learned the ropes of the Vegas drink scene pretty quickly. Sure, you can get free drinks, but it’s all about where you’re playing, how much you’re playing, and sometimes, even who you’re playing with. In some places, if you’re not betting big, you’re paying big—or worse, not getting anything at all!

I started missing the straightforward charm of Atlantic City, where a gambler could always count on a free drink, regardless of whether they were betting $5 or $500. But then again, Vegas had its perks too. I mean, where else could you see Elvis, a flamingo, and a showgirl all in the same elevator?

In the end, I adapted to my new life in Sin City. I learned the delicate art of tipping early and often, found the spots where the drinks flowed freely, and made peace with the fact that sometimes, you’ve just got to pay for that martini.

So, does Borgata Atlantic City give free drinks? Absolutely, and boy, do I miss it. But Vegas has taught me that every city has its quirks—and sometimes, the price of a drink is just part of the adventure.