And that would be tragic how?

Anyway, don’t listen to those other guys. Casinos are for gambling, so if you don’t know how to gamble, figure it out, otherwise if you stick with “if you don’t know how to gamble, don’t” then you never will. Play at least a bit, otherwise when you get asked how you did and you say “I didn’t gamble, also I didn’t drink, I was just that sober guy that stood around and listened in on stories and watched, so as to keep my cool composure and find out what everyone really thinks.” then, whatever. Going out with coworkers is meant to be a bonding experience, a shared joy or misery. Don’t lose your paycheck, but at least dip your toes in the water. As for drinking, obviously my opinion is biased because I’m sort of an alchy, but getting drunk with someone is better than drinking with someone. Conversations become more open and honest, and can lead to new friends or outings. Unless you are just some sort of charismatic guy that is awesome anyway, in which case, whatever.

And I would agree, DONT GET DRUNK. Make that drink last a hour or more. The less you drink the funner the night becomes as your co-workers get shitfaced.

It becomes a great opportunity to see what they REALLY think about things.

As for gambling, very often you can find tables that will lead you through things without denting your pocket. Im personally not a table player (you get little to no comps from tables or poker, only machines) but my fiance is a nasty poker player and as shy as she is was able to jump right in. So it only takes a little bit of time to pick it up. Just be smart and if you dont feel good about it, check yourself right out.