Eh, I’m a programmer and I go to vegas with other programmers fairly regularly. We know enough math to know the expected cost per entertainment•hour is comparable to many other pass-times.
But even so we’re actually all net-positive on the city, thanks to a couple “lucky” craps runs.
I agree that's the right approach. Have a budget, play fun games. When your money runs out, quit. In the meantime, enjoy the free watered-down drinks and unhealthy food. Just like when my friends and I would go to the arcade with a handful of quarters, except they charged money for snacks.
But even so we’re actually all net-positive on the city, thanks to a couple “lucky” craps runs.