Create your idea or get a patent first?

[LotsOfOuts69]

I have an idea for a product, it is poker related. It does not involve any original technology or anything but it is an original idea conceptually.

The problem with it is that as soon as I tell anyone about it, or showed a working model to anyone it could be easily duplicated in a very short time.

Should I submit my idea for patent first, or build a working model first?

I have almost no business experience, but I read online how patents cost thousands and are hard to get not to mention I read that some could take years (yes I understand this is why we have *patent pending*)

Is there any other way to protect your ideas? What should be my first step in the process?

I'd like to hear any thoughts people had on the procedure.

Thanks in advance.