In this article, I’ll share my top tips and advice for playing slots, blackjack, roulette, poker and more. Follow this guidance and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvier casino player. I’ve also included specific recommendations on where to play each game to get the best experience. So let’s dive in and explore how to play casino games the right way.
Understand the House Edge
The first thing every casino player needs to accept is that all casino games have a built-in house advantage. This means that over time, the casino will always come out ahead. That’s just how math works. The exact house edge varies by game, but it’s usually in the 1-5% range.
However, this doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to lose. In the short term, results are driven by variance and luck. You may win during one session and lose during the next. The house edge is a long-term average that plays out over hundreds of thousands of bets.
Smart players understand the house edge on their game of choice and factor it into their expectations. They know that gambling is entertainment and that you have to pay for that entertainment in the form of the house advantage. If you can’t accept occasionally losing, you shouldn’t play.
Manage Your Bankroll
Bankroll management is perhaps the most important skill for any casino gambler. Your bankroll is the total amount of money you have set aside for gambling. You should only ever bet with this allocated bankroll, never dip into life savings or money needed for living expenses.
I recommend dividing your total bankroll into session stakes of around 20-30 bets each. So if you are playing $10 blackjack, a session stake would be $200-$300, play here. If you lose that amount, stop playing and come back another time. This prevents you from chasing losses and digging yourself into a deeper hole.
Also consider setting aside some winnings when you’re ahead. For example, if you start with $300 and run it up to $500, put $100 back into your pocket and only play with the remaining $400. This guarantees you’ll at least break even for that session.
Choose the Right Games
Not all casino games are created equal. Some offer much better odds than others. In general, you want to avoid gimmicky games like Wheel of Fortune or slot machines with a bunch of bells and whistles. These are the games with the highest house advantages.
Instead, stick to the classics – blackjack, craps, baccarat and single deck video poker. These games have some of the lowest house edges in the casino. Blackjack can get down to 0.5% if you use perfect basic strategy. Craps has 1.4% odds bets that pay out at true odds. Baccarat has a low 1.06% house edge on the banker bet.
Of course, you should pick games you enjoy. There’s no sense in playing a “better” game if you don’t like it. The increased odds only help if you’re going to play for a long time. But all else being equal, opt for the games where the math is more in your favor.
Learn Basic Strategy
For skill-based games like blackjack and certain video poker variations, you can decrease the house edge even further by using basic strategy. This is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand depending on the dealer’s up card.
Basic strategy can be memorized using a strategy chart. However, it’s not that hard to learn the fundamentals. For example, in blackjack you should always split aces and 8s, never split 5s and 10s, double down on 11 and hit 12-16 against a dealer 7 or higher.
You can find free basic strategy charts online to take to the casino. If you’re not sure how to play a hand, refer to the chart. Over time, you’ll start to internalize the right plays and won’t need the chart anymore. Using perfect basic strategy can reduce the house edge to under 0.5% in blackjack.
Take Advantage of Comps and Bonuses
Casinos offer all sorts of complimentary items and bonuses to lure players in and encourage them to gamble more. You can get everything from free drinks and meals to discounted hotel rooms and cashback on your losses. Look for a casino that has a good player’s club and rewards program.
Make sure you always use your player’s card when gambling so the casino can track your play. They use this data to calculate your average bet size and time played, which determines your comp rate. If you play long enough at high enough stakes, the comps can add up to a significant amount of value.
Online casinos also offer lucrative sign-up bonuses to new players. These usually come in the form of deposit matches, where the casino will match a percentage of your first deposit up to a certain amount. Make sure to read the terms and conditions, as there are usually wagering requirements before you can withdraw the bonus funds.
Quit While You’re Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes casino gamblers make is not knowing when to quit. They think they need to win back losses or that their hot streak will last forever. As a result, they often give back all their winnings and then some.
Smart players set a win goal before they start playing and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is to stop playing when you’re up 50% of your session stake. So if you buy in for $200, quit when you get to $300. This ensures you’ll at least have a winning session most of the time.
The bottom line is that you need to be disciplined enough to walk away when you’re ahead. Statistically, the more you play, the more likely you are to lose due to the house edge. Locking up winnings is the only way to come out ahead in the long run.
Know When to Fold’em
There will be times when luck just isn’t on your side and no amount of skill can change that. Losing is an inevitable part of gambling and you need to be prepared both financially and mentally for it. Don’t chase losses or let your emotions get the best of you.
If I’m really not feeling it during a session, I’ll often just quit and try another time. Some days the cards are just cold and there’s no sense in fighting it. Remember, casino gambling is supposed to be fun. It’s not worth getting upset over or risking money you can’t afford to lose.
If you feel like your gambling is starting to get out of control, don’t be afraid to seek help. Many casinos have self-exclusion programs you can sign up for. You can also call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with a counselor anytime.
Where to Play Casino Games
If you’re looking to put these casino gambling tips into practice, I highly recommend starting at one of the top online casinos. Online gambling sites offer a huge selection of games, lucrative bonuses and the convenience of playing from home.
When choosing an online casino, make sure it is licensed and regulated by a reputable gaming commission. This ensures the games are fair and your money is safe. I also recommend reading reviews from trusted sources to get an idea of the user experience and customer support.
If you’re ready to play casino games online, check out my top recommended gambling sites below. You’ll find generous sign-up bonuses, a wide variety of games and fast payouts. Click here to play at my favorite online casinos and use the tips from this article to maximize your chances of winning. Always remember to gamble responsibly and have fun!