Only by random chance did I end up at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem Monday night. It was about 8:30 p.m. when my boyfriend, Mike, arrived at the house and asked if I wanted to go. I had no intentions of making any kind of public appearance that night so, in an effort to look presentable much to Mike’s dismay, I quickly changed my rather bummy, lounge outfit to something a bit more appropriate.
Monday night was the first time either of us had seen the Sands since its opening in late May. It is quite the amazing spectacle driving up to it at night with its glowing lights of reds, yellows, and oranges. Even the Steel was lit up with hints of blues, reds, and purples–certainly a new installation since I’ve never noticed it before.
Neither of us knew what to expect, really. The parking garage seemed rather full for a weeknight–a Monday night at that. My trusty eye caught a parking spot on the first level so we parked and walked across the lot to the entrance, which was obscure in my opinion, with no “entrance” signs anywhere to be found. The vestibule area was also slightly confusing, as the huge sets of double doors didn’t seem very inviting, rather closed off and kind of intimidating. Upon entering, we were greeted with plush carpeting and friendly security checking for IDs.
I honestly can’t describe how overwhelmed I felt as we walked onto the gaming floor. I’ve never been to a casino. No Atlantic City. No Poconos. The closest thing I’ve ever gotten to gambling was placing a bet at the Down’s in Allentown, when I finally turned 18, on the Kentucky Derby horse race. I don’t know the first thing about slot machines. Perhaps you don’t really need to, but there must be some kind of strategy for playing. Card games? Forget about it.
We zig-zagged through the aisles, eyes darting from one machine to another and from player to waitress to player. It was beautiful. The construction and layout seemed incredibly well done. The restaurants, at which we did not yet indulge, looked wonderful from the outside looking in. I felt a strangeness about this place, like I wasn’t exactly in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Mike lost $14.96–to be exact–in a matter of 12 minutes. We were there a total of 25 minutes, I’d say. No drinks, we just walked around, pulled a couple of handles, and pushed a few buttons. I didn’t spend a dime. Maybe one day, although my lack of interest for the gambling world leaves me with little desire to return.
We ended the night with Italian Ice from The Cup on Lehigh’s Campus. Now that’s my idea of fun! Delicious, too!
