A fun way to spend a few hours in a new town is visiting the local casino. The party atmosphere and amenities provide a wonderful way to relax as you try your hand at a few games. Before you test your luck, read this beginner’s guide to casinos to gain an edge and improve your chances of returning home a winner.
1. Know Your Budget
Before you go, know how much money you can spend and are willing to donate if luck isn’t with you. Know the table minimum to make your funds last as long as you have time to play.
2. Start with Slot Machines
If you’ve never played before, the slot machines are a good place to get comfortable. They require no skill as games of chance, and they allow you to test your reaction to winning and losing. These games won’t keep you occupied long, but they’re a fun way to start out.
3. Move on to Roulette
Roulette is the ideal way to move to the tables where skill plays a part in what you take home. However, in this game, no expertise is required. You just watch the little white ball dance across the wheel until it lands on a final resting place. Start out betting on broad categories like a color or even/odd numbers to increase your chances of winning.
4. Learn the Game Before Playing
Once you move to games of skill, make sure you understand the rules of how they are played. Watch others or play during the free lessons offered. You can also read up on the game online before going to the casino. Choose a table that has fewer players and a game you feel comfortable with to get started.
5. Sign Up for Rewards Cards
If you plan to make more than one visit to a casino, check out their rewards cards. Sign up and you could win points for hotel stays, complimentary meals and other rewards based on how much you play. This is a fantastic way to earn back some money even if you don’t have a winning hand. Just make sure you let the pit boss at all of the tables know you have one of these cards.
6. Find the Loose Slot Machines
You’ve watched the scene in a movie where the person puts in a coin and out comes all of this money as they cash in big-time. While this doesn’t happen often in real life, you will discover some slot machines pay out more often than others. These are called loose slot machines. They are often located in the back of the room with the flashier, more noticeable ones up front.
7. Know Casino Etiquette
While being courteous with the staff and other players is basic courtesy everyone should use, some games have special rules you’ll want to follow. For instance, you may only be allowed to pick up your cards with one hand. Watch a couple of games and pay attention to what the players do. Always wait to pick up your winnings until the dealer pushes them towards you.
If you follow these tips, you’ll find an afternoon or evening of fun at the casino, even if it’s your first visit. And you might even come home with some money in your pocket.