
Casinos are glamorous establishments that are often portrayed in movies and television shows as exciting places where anyone can strike it rich. However, if you’re a novice who’s thinking about trying their hand at a casino game for the first time, the reality can be a little daunting.
After all, casinos offer a wide variety of games, many of which have their own unique rules, strategies, and interfaces. Choosing which game to start with can be a difficult decision in itself. Not to mention that the environment may be intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you’ve never been to a casino before, online casinos can be a great way to get started. You can play from the comfort of your home and at your own pace, so it’s a great way to gain some confidence and learn how games work. Then, when you make it to the casino floor, you’ll have the basics down and can focus on enjoying yourself.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to get started in a casino, whether you’re planning to visit a physical establishment or try out an online casino. We’ll take you through some of the most common games found at casinos, explain the basics of how to play them, and give you some tips to improve your chances of success.
Table Games: The Main Types of Casino Games
Walk into any casino and you’ll see lines and lines of gaming tables, each staffed by a croupier or dealer, and each offering a different category of game. Some will be familiar to you from movies and TV, while others might be new. There are many different varieties within each category, but here are some of the most common casino table games:
Blackjack
In terms of popularity, blackjack is number one. You play against the dealer, with the object of the game being to score as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each card has a point value, with face cards being worth 10 points each and aces being worth either 1 or 11 points.
It’s a game of skill and strategy, so understanding the game’s rules and how to formulate the best strategy is key to being successful. Check out our article on how to play blackjack, as well as our tips and tricks for blackjack strategy.
<a href="https://remycasino.com/tag/roulette/”>Roulette
The object of roulette is to predict which number the ball will land on in the wheel. There are numerous ways to place bets, with payouts varying accordingly. For example, betting on a single number will pay out the most but is also the most difficult to predict.
Conversely, betting on colours, halves, or columns will pay out less, but the odds of winning are higher. Learn more about how to play roulette and some of the strategies you can use to improve your game.
Craps
In craps, players wager on the outcome of a roll of the dice. It can be a complicated game to understand as there are many different kinds of bets you can make. However, once you get to grips with the basics, it can be a really fun game to play.
One of the great things about craps is that it offers some of the best odds in the entire casino, although these bets are often overlooked by newcomers as they can be confusing to understand. Find out how to play craps, as well as the rules and strategies you need to know before you play.
Baccarat
This game is often seen as a game for high-rollers, due to its aura of sophistication. However, this is a misconception and all players can and should feel comfortable playing. The objective is to score as close to 9 as possible, with the player and the banker each receiving two cards.
You can bet on your own hand, the banker’s hand, or even a tie. Despite the complexities of the game, no strategy is required as bettors simply need to decide what they think the outcome will be. Discover more about how to play baccarat and some key baccarat terms to know before you get started.
Slots
Slots are one of the easiest ways for beginners to get started at casinos, both offline and online. Instead of requiring skill and strategy, winning at slots is down to sheer luck. You simply insert your coins or credits and hit the spin button to set the reels in motion.
If they stop on a winning combination, you’ll win a payout according to the game’s paytable. Online slots are increasingly popular, and you can find some of the best at Ignition Casino. There are also some great progressive jackpots offered at Ignition, where the prize pool increases over time, leading to huge wins.
Video <a href="https://remycasino.com/tag/poker/”>Poker
Video poker has a large fanbase, especially among players who enjoy wagering online. You receive five cards and get to decide which ones to hold onto and which to discard. The discarded cards are then replaced, and you’ll receive a payout based on the value of your hand.
Different varieties of video poker have different strategies, but what ties them all together is that the machine lets you know the payout for each hand, so you can decide whether to go for a risky option and try for a big payout or play it safe. Find out more about how to play video poker.
Keno
In terms of gameplay, Keno is similar to Bingo. You’ll receive a card with numbers between 1 and 80 and select a few of them. The casino will then draw numbers and if yours are chosen, you’ll receive a payout. It’s a slow-paced game that’s easy to pick up and you can while away the time enjoying a few rounds without risking too much.
Poker
Poker is a broad category, with many different varieties available. The most popular types are Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and Texas Hold’em, which is the most popular by far. The object is to make the best poker hand possible with the cards you’re dealt.
It’s a game of strategy and deception, as you try to work out what cards your opponents hold and bluff your way to victory. While it’s a daunting game to pick up at first, it’s incredibly rewarding once you’ve mastered the basics. Discover more about the basics of poker and the different poker hands you can make.
Sic Bo
Sic Bo is a dice game that features a table with a variety of different betting options. Simply place your bets on the desired combinations, then the dealer will shake the box, let the dice tumble out, and reward any winning bets. It’s fast-paced and a lot of fun, so it’s well worth trying out. You can read more about the game here.
Tips for Casino Players
If you’re new to casinos, it’s essential to understand that although casino games involve an element of luck, there are also some key tactics and strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning.
While these won’t guarantee a profit, they will certainly help to maximise your odds. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind.
Learn Basic Strategy
It’s important to know that different games have different basic strategies, which have been formulated through mathematical analysis to help optimise your play.
For example, in blackjack, it’s well-known that there is a best move to make in any given situation, and this is based on statistical probabilities. By following these guidelines, you’ll decrease the house edge as much as possible. Of course, this requires practice, so play for free online or with friends to hone your skills before risking real money.
Manage Your Bankroll
One of the most important things to be aware of when gambling is that you should only stake money you can afford to lose. This is often referred to as ‘bankroll management’ and is a key to keeping gambling fun.
You should set aside a certain amount of money exclusively for wagering with and ensure you’re not tempted to dip into other funds. Stick to this amount and don’t be tempted to chase your losses.
Take Advantage of Bonuses
Online casinos often offer incentives like matched deposits or free credits just for signing up, giving you more chances to play and win without risking any of your own money. However, these bonuses often come with wagering requirements, so always be sure to read the small print before signing up.
Always Play at Reputable Casinos
Whether you’re playing online or in a physical casino, it’s vital to choose somewhere reputable. This ensures that the games are fair, that you’ll be paid any winnings in a timely manner, and that your personal details are secure.
Always check that your chosen casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.
Pick the Right Games
Not all casino games are created equal when it comes to the house edge. As a general rule, the easier a game is to play, the higher the house edge will be.
While this doesn’t mean you can’t win on these games, it’s important to weigh up the level of complexity you’re willing to deal with. For example, blackjack offers some of the best odds in the house, but only if you’re willing to learn the appropriate strategy.
Slots are super easy to play but the house edge can be upwards of 10%, so you’ll need a fair amount of luck to get the upper hand. Always check the paytables and rules of a game beforehand so you know what you’re up against.
Take Breaks
It’s important to take breaks when gambling, particularly when you’re on a losing streak. This helps to avoid frustration and prevents you from making rushed decisions and betting more than you can afford.
Always bear in mind that you’re there