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Ever since the first casino opened its doors to the public, millions of people have walked through them wanting to test their luck, and many of them found themselves leaving with a newfound fortune.
Today, casinos are more popular than ever thanks to the booming gambling industry, which only continues to grow as time goes on.
Whether you’re an experienced player or a complete newcomer, there’s always something new to learn about casinos and the many games they have to offer.
That’s why we’ve created this handy guide, to give you a bit of insight into the magical world of casinos from afar and to teach you some of the strategies and tips you’ll need if you want to maximise your potential while playing some of the most popular casino games out there.
Let’s take a look.
What is a Casino?
The first casino in history was founded in 1638 in Venice, Italy, and was originally called the “Casinó di Venezia”. Today, it’s still in business and is considered one of the most famous casinos in the world.
Throughout the years, casinos have been subject to a lot of change, and they’re no longer just places where you can play a few casual games of blackjack or roulette.
In fact, the modern casino industry is a robust network of gambling establishments that are continually developing to appeal to a wider audience and keep up with the latest trends.
Casinos can be found all over the world, from the lavish casinos of Las Vegas to the luxurious ships of cruise lines, and they all tend to follow a similar formula that involves attracting customers with lucrative games, flashy attractions, and irresistible hotel deals.
In essence, casinos are primarily businesses, and they rely on a certain mathematical formula that ensures they will always be in profit in the long run.
This formula is embedded in the rules of each game they offer, and it often dictates how the outcome of a certain bet will be determined.
Of course, casinos also make money by charging an entry fee or enrolment fee from their customers, as well as a commission on each and every bet that’s made in their establishment.
While this might seem unfair, it’s important to note that these rules were crafted to ensure that casinos will always be able to provide their customers with a thrilling experience while also keeping their doors open.
Casino Games – How Do They Work?
Walk into any casino around the world, and you’ll likely find many of the games mentioned below. These are true classics that have been favourites among casino-goers for decades, and they usually attract the most attention from newcomers and seasoned players alike.
We’re going to explore some of the rules behind these games, as well as some strategies that you can employ to get the most out of your experience.
Roulette
Perhaps the most iconic casino game of all time, roulette is pure simplicity at its finest, and it can be a lot of fun once you get accustomed to the many betting options it has to offer.
The premise is straightforward: all players at the table, including the dealer, get a chance to place their bets on the roulette table, which contains a grid with numbers on it.
Once the bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction. Eventually, the ball will land in one of the numbered pockets on the inner wheel, which determines the outcome of the game.
If the ball lands on a number you’ve placed a bet on, you’ll win a sum of money according to the odds associated with that specific number.
For example, if you placed a bet on number 21 and the ball lands on it, you’ll receive a 1:35 payout, which means that you’ll get back your original bet plus 35 times more.
Here are a few quick tips for roulette:
Avoid placing bets on 0 – Although it might seem like a lucrative bet to place on 0 for an experienced player, the odds are tilted in favour of the house, which means that the casino will always make money off you in the long run.
Bet on colours or odds/evens – These outside bets (bets that cover half or more of the potential outcomes) pay out 1:1, which means that you’ll get your money back plus the same amount again if you win. It’s a safer strategy, and one that’s likely to result in more wins than losses.
Play at casinos with European tables – The 00 on an American roulette table significantly lowers your chances of winning, which is why European roulette (which contains only one 0) is more player-friendly.
Blackjack
Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular card games in casinos worldwide, and it’s also one of the most strategic games out there.
The objective is to reach a score of 21, or as close to 21 as possible, without going over.
The dealer deals each player at the table two cards face up, and the players then have the option to stick with the cards they have or to take another card (or multiple cards) to reach the desired score.
Card values in blackjack are as follows:
Number cards (2-10) – These count as the numerical value displayed on the card.
Face cards (J, Q, K) – These cards are worth 10 points each.
Ace – These cards can be worth either 1 or 10, depending on the player’s preferences.
Special rules in blackjack:
Players can choose to “hit”, “stand”, “double”, or “split” during their turn.
“Hit” – This means taking an additional card from the deck.
“Stand” – This means sticking with the cards you have in your hand.
“Double” – This means doubling your original bet and receiving one additional card.
“Split” – This means splitting your hand into two separate hands and placing an additional bet equal to your original bet.
For example, if you were dealt a pair of 8s, you could split them into two separate hands, which would then be scored individually.
The dealer must continue to take cards until their hand reaches a score of 16.
If their score goes above 21, anyone with a score of 21 or less automatically wins.
Here are a few valuable tips for blackjack:
Study basic strategy – There are many “basic strategy” charts available online that detail the optimal moves you can make based on what cards you have in your hand and the card showing in the dealer’s hand.
Bet big when you win big – If you’re confident in your abilities, you can exponentially increase your earnings by betting larger sums of money after winning a big hand. This is a common strategy often referred to as “riding your wins”, and it can be very effective when done right.
Bet sparingly and wisely – Blackjack is a game that can easily dull your senses, especially if you’re not accustomed to the flow of the game. Betting sparingly and only when you feel that you’ve got a good chance of winning is generally advisable for beginners.
Poker
Poker is a type of card game that boasts many variations, all of which are played in casinos worldwide.
Regardless of which version of poker you choose to play, the objective is mainly the same: to form a combination of cards that ranks higher than the combinations of your opponents.
Poker is a game that involves some luck, but it’s predominantly a game of skill, strategy, and psychology, which means that practice and study are essential if you want to become proficient at it.
Here are a few key tips for poker:
Understand the strength of your hand – You can find detailed charts online that show you the strength of each potential hand you could get in poker, and these charts are a good starting point for beginners.
Practice, practice, practice – Poker is a game that takes time to master, and the only way to get better at it is through regular play. Fortunately, there are many online resources that can help you learn the game and test your skills against real opponents in a low-risk environment.
Study your opponents – It’s often said that poker isn’t only about the cards you’re dealt with but the people you’re playing with. Learning to read your opponents and picking up on behavioural tells can significantly impact your ability to play the game effectively.
Craps
Craps is a dice game that involves multiple players betting on the outcome of a dice roll or a series of dice rolls.
It’s a game of pure luck, which means that strategy isn’t as important here as it is in other casino games.
However, understanding the rules and nuances of the game is still important, as this can impact how you bet and help you make better decisions during the game.
Here are a few craps tips:
Understand the layout – Learn the craps table layout like the back of your hand, as this will help you place your bets quickly and confidently.
Avoid betting on “Big 6” and “Big 8” – These bets might seem lucrative, but the odds paid out on these bets are less than the odds of winning, which puts you at a disadvantage.
Place combination bets – Many experienced craps players prefer to place combination bets to increase their chances of winning. A good example of this is betting on both the pass line and the odds at the same time, as this gives you a slight edge over the house.
Baccarat
Baccarat is often considered a high-stakes table game, as it’s associated with sophisticated players and a lot
