Okay, some simple basic tips.
1) Do not drink while you are gambling, or at any time where you have money in your possession. You will loose it all.
2) Slot machines are for suckers, and aren't really all that much fun.
3) Buffets at $15? Yowza. Usually they'll be between $5 and $10, unless you eat at one of the trendy places.
4) Do not even let the girls who walk the strip *breathe* on you or you'll catch something you'll have a difficult time explaining later.
5) Always tip EVERYONE at the place you're staying. Well. Word gets around, and you'll get better treatment, better service, and have a better time if you ever need something.
"Well" in this case would be $5 a day, per station (doorman, maid, waitress (per meal), etc). I don't care if the meal only cost you $11.95 - you should tip $5.00.
6) Don't play blackjack unless you can keep a handle on the true count into an eight-deck shoe.
7) Roulette is a good game where you'll get lots of action over a long period of time - especially if you play the line.
8) No, the slots by the doors don't pay off better. None of them pay off well. The machines have no memory - so no machine is ever more "due" than any other. Each pull of the lever (or push of the button, these days) is an independent event.
9) The same goes for roulette. And don't pay any attention to the "history" board of previous wins. It's there just to throw you.
10) Never take "insurance" if the dealer is showing a ten. That's a sucker bet.
11) If you win, even a little, walk out. There'll be time to play more later.
12) I was going to post to tell you how to get a free upgrade to a suite, but I think it's borderline illegal. PM me.
13) If your wife doesn't find out about it, it never really happened.
Good luck.