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Casino Games – An Intro
Casinos are glamorous, exciting, and maybe a bit daunting, especially to newcomers. The movies amplify the glitz and glamour of these places, making the experience seem somewhat unattainable to regular folks. But it’s a myth that only high-rollers can access the action.
Thanks to online casinos, accessibility is no longer an issue. But for many beginners, the plethora of games is somewhat intimidating.Fear not! We’ve got you covered with all you need to know about the world’s most popular casino games.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, our guide will help you navigate the elegant and thrilling world of casinos.
Before you dive in, keep in mind that practice is crucial when it comes to casino games. The more you play, the more you’ll get a feel for the complexity of these games, and with it, you’ll discover the best strategies for you.
Let’s get started!
What to Expect
If this is your first time playing at a casino, the plethora of games can be overwhelming. At the heart of it all are casino games that require players to wager money against the house. These games are usually based on pure chance, with some requiring skill and strategy.
Typically, casinos offer the following games:
* Slot machines
* Table games
* Video poker
* Specialty games
Slot machines dominate the virtual space and are usually the most extensive category. Table games are ubiquitous in their virtual form, too, with many online variations jumping on the bandwagon. Video poker is a fan favourite, particularly with those who enjoy poker tournaments.
Specialty games are a category all their own, a whimsical mix of bingo, keno, and lottery-style games.
Before you play, it’s vital to understand that each game has its own set of specific rules, along with strategic tips and tricks to achieve better results.
Casino Games Glossary
Action
The term ‘action’ denotes the total amount of money a player wagers during a casino session. For example, if you spend $50 on slots, you’ve taken $50 in action.
Bankroll
Your bankroll is the amount of money you have reserved for playing casino games. This amount should be exclusively for gambling and is not part of your regular finances. You should always set a bankroll that aligns with your personal finances, and play responsibly within that limit.
Betting Limits
Betting limits define the minimum and maximum amounts a player can wager on a specific game. Typically, these limits are broad to appeal to a wide range of gamblers. For instance, a slot game may have a betting limit between $0.10 and $100.
House Edge
The house edge is the casino’s advantage over the player in a particular game, usually expressed as a percentage. If a game has a house edge of 2%, then the casino will theoretically win $2 for every $100 wagered by all players combined.
Payout Percentage
Payout percentage refers to the amount of money (in percentage) that players receive versus the amount of money they wager over a specific period. If a slot game’s payout percentage is 95%, players theoretically win $95 for every $100 wagered. It’s important to remember that this metric is based on the total payout across all players and is not indicative of individual gameplay.
Random Number Generator
Random Number Generators (RNGs) are at the core of most casino games. This software generates random sequences of numbers, which translate into outcomes on the screen, such as slot reel positions or card deals.
Rules
Every casino game has a specific set of rules that govern gameplay. Understanding these rules is paramount to your success and fun.
For example, in roulette, you’ll need to understand the betting board, the types of bets you can make, and the payout ratios for each.
In blackjack, you’ll come across terms like hitting, standing, doubling down, and splitting, along with a multitude of rules that dictate when these moves are allowed.
If you’re looking for a little more complexity, baccarat is known for its sophisticated air, with convoluted rules that underpin the simplicity of the game.
Finally, poker is a game that takes time and effort to master. The rules are straightforward, but mastering the nuances of the game will take your skills to the next level.
Core Strategies
If you want to level up your gaming, you’ll need to implement casino strategies that align with your game of choice. While these tips won’t guarantee success, they’ll certainly help you play like a pro.
Slot Machines
* Play a variety of slots
Since online slots are based on software, the theory of ‘tight’ and ‘loose’ machines doesn’t apply. Instead, find out which slots have paid out recently and which haven’t, then vary your play accordingly.
* Bet max
While some believe that the maximum bet increases your likelihood of a payout, this is a misconception. The random number generator doesn’t take into account the size of your wager, so placing a max bet doesn’t affect the RTP (return to player). However, this is a good strategy if you’re looking to maximise your winnings.
* Take advantage of bonuses
Most online casinos offer a variety of bonuses to play slots. These bonuses come with wagering requirements, however, so tread carefully.
Table Games
* Blackjack
Blackjack, or 21, is a game of numbers, and mathematicians have devised several strategies for optimal play. These strategies tell you when to hit, stand, double down, or split, based on what the dealer is showing and the value of your hand.
* Roulette
Despite its complexity, roulette is easy to pick up and play. Live games put you closest to the action, but you can also apply specific betting strategies to improve your gameplay.
One such strategy is the Martingale system, where you double your bet after every loss, so when you eventually win, you’ll recover all previous losses and potentially turn a profit.
* Baccarat
Baccarat is a game of sheer chance, so there are no proven strategies that will improve your odds of winning. However, there are two dominant strategies you can employ: the banker bet strategy and the tie bet strategy.
The former implies that you always bet on the banker, which carries a slight edge over the player bet, albeit with a slightly lower payout. Typically, this strategy involves an incremental increase to your bet amount after each loss, coupled with a reduction after a win.
The latter, tie bet strategy, is riskier but can yield higher returns. It involves placing a tie bet while factoring in the number of decks used and keeping careful track of the cards dealt.
Specialty Games
These games don’t require much strategy, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t tips and tricks to give you an edge:
* Bingo
Online bingo is straightforward, so our main tip is to find a room with fewer players, as this increases your chances of winning.
* Keno
Keno is all about predicting the numbers that will be drawn. The more numbers you correctly guess, the more you’ll win. This game is purely based on chance, so our recommendation is to choose a game with better odds, even if the top prizes are smaller.
* Lottery-Style Games
Games like scratch cards and pull-tabs are instantaneous and offer a break from the intensity of casino games. There isn’t much strategy involved, other than managing your bankroll and choosing games that suit your budget.
Practical Tips for Casino Players
Bankroll Management
We’ve mentioned this already, but it’s vital to emphasize the importance of managing your bankroll responsibly. Only play with money you can afford to lose, and set aside a budget to cover your gambling for a specific period.
Welcome Bonuses
While attractive, casino bonuses often come with steep wagering requirements, which dampen your chances of winning. Therefore, it’s crucial to read the terms and conditions before claiming any bonuses.
Cash Out
If you’re winning, it can be tempting to keep playing and build your profits further. On the other hand, if you’re on a losing streak, you may be inclined to chase your losses and gamble more to win it all back. The ups and downs of gambling can affect your judgement, so if you reach a predetermined win or loss limit, it’s wise to cash out and walk away.
Free Games
Most online casinos offer the option to play for free. This is a great way to get a feel for a game and practice without risking real money. Take advantage of this option until you’re comfortable and ready to play for real money.
Play at Reputable Casinos
This almost goes without saying, but you should only play at licensed and reputable casinos. These sites use algorithms that ensure fair and transparent gaming, which means a fair chance of winning.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gambler, casino games are a thrilling and exciting pursuit. With the right strategy and responsible approach, you can have a fabulous time without breaking the bank.
Always prioritize playing responsibly and have fun while building strategies that suit your style and budget.
With time, you’ll hone your skills and develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies of casino gaming.
Game on!
