1dcde4Ever since they first emerged, casinos have been popular among people looking to have a good time. Nowadays they are increasingly stepping into the spotlight as many markets around the world are legalizing and regulating online casinos. Whatever the case, they have always been associated with a certain status, an image of an exclusive club that is difficult to access. Luckily, that image is changing now as mainstream culture is embracing it more and more. If you want to dip your toes into the world of casinos but don’t know where to start, this article will provide you with all the essential information you need to have a great time.
What is a Casino?
A casino is a paid entertainment venue which consists of at least four or more gaming tables for different types of games, such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, etc. Although featured in many movies, casinos aren’t just places for gambling. Most of the casino revenue is made through drinks and catering to guests, rather than gameplay.
A typical casino will also feature an assortment of mechanical games, such as slot machines or other electronic devices for gaming. Many are now adapting to the internet era by including online gaming, offering users a chance to play straight from their smartphones. One of the biggest online casinos is Casumo, with a ton of different games to choose from. It’s legal to play here in many countries, and it offers a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
What are the Most Common Casino Games?
There are so many different casino games that it would take too long to describe them all here. Nevertheless, all of them can be categorized into three types: table games, electronic gaming machines, and random number games. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular games from each category.
Table Games
These are the games played on tables, where a dealer is involved in the process, and the gameplay is pretty much the same throughout the years. Of course, there are many different variations of these games, but the most popular ones are:
Blackjack
Blackjack is literally a game of numbers. The objective is to get a number of points equal to 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. Each card has its own value: numbers from 2 to 10 according to their value, faces (King, Queen, and Jack) are all worth 10 points, and Aces can be either 1 or 11.
The game starts with the players getting two cards each, and the dealer revealing one card. If the total value of your cards exceeds 21, you’re out and need to pass the round.
Each player has the option to either hit (ask for another card), stand (end the round), double down (double the bet and receive one more card), or split (if you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands).
Once all the players have decided to stand, the dealer reveals their second card and draws additional cards until their total is 17 or more.
If the dealer goes over 21 points, it is called a “bust”, and all players remaining in the round win.
Roulette
The roulette is a wheel with a tilted circular surface with a groove in which a small ball is thrown tangentially. The wheel has numbered pockets in different colors, typically red and black, and certainly, a zero or even two, depending on the type of roulette. Once the ball lands in one of the pockets, depending on which number or color it corresponds to, the winners are decided.
There are several types of roulette, such as American, French, or European, which differ in the number of zeros and, consequently, the odds of winning.
Poker
Poker is a card game that consists of five cards dealt with each player, hand-crafted by the players themselves. The gambling action takes place during each round, where players have the option to either match the existing bet, raise it, or fold.
The winner is decided by either getting all the other players to fold, or having the best hand at the end of the round, requiring all players to show their cards.
baccarat
Baccarat is a card game where players try to predict which hand will score 9 points, theirs or the dealer’s. Although it’s a game of chance, there are certain strategies involved. Cards from 2 to 9 are worth their face value, Aces are worth 1, and 10s and faces are worth 0 points.
The game starts with two cards being dealt with the player and the dealer. If the sum of the cards is 10 or more, the 10-value is dropped, and the remainder is considered. For example, if you have 8 and 7, your hand equals 5.
The player has the option to draw a third card, depending on the total of the first two. This is mandatory if the player’s hand is less than 4.
Electronic Gaming Machines
These are games like slots, video poker, and electronic blackjack. They are games of chance, meaning that it all comes down to luck. Generally, the house edge is much higher than with table games, sometimes even doubling or tripling the advantage. Here we will take a look at the two most popular electronic gaming machines:
Slots
These are by far the most popular type of gaming machine found in casinos. Generally made of three or more rotating reels, which spin when the game is activated, slots feature a variety of symbols on each reel and pay off according to these symbols.
Video Poker
It is a game that offers a taste of both worlds, bringing together the strategies of poker and the mechanics of electronic gaming devices. Usually, these are based on basic five-card draw poker, where the player’s goal is to get the best hand possible.
Random Number Games
These games are typically played by placing a bet on one or more numbers, colors, or categories. Once the bet is placed, a random number is generated, and if it matches the criteria, the player wins. These games are purely based on chance, and the only strategy involved is choosing the type of bet you want to place. The two most popular random number games are:
Keno
Keno is a lottery-like gambling game often played at modern casinos. It involves a ticket with a set of numbers, usually 1 to 80. The player can choose anywhere between 1 and 20 numbers and place a bet. Once the bet is placed, 20 balls with numbers are randomly drawn. Depending on how many chosen numbers the player manages to guess right, they will receive a payout.
Bingo
Bingo is a game in which players try to mark off numbers on a card, forming a pattern. The numbers are announced by a caller, and the player with the winning card must call out the word “bingo” loud enough for the caller to hear. The winnings are usually split between multiple players, but it depends on how many people are playing.
Casino Games – A Beginner’s Guide
Now that you know what kinds of games you can play at a casino, let’s take a look at how you can approach them as a beginner. Below you will find a brief overview of tips and tricks that will help you navigate your first time in a casino, whether it is an online site or a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Core Strategies for Casino Games
Money Management
This is essential for all casino games, especially when playing games of chance. Before you start playing, you should set aside a certain amount of money that you will use for gambling purposes.
It’s always wise to limit your losses by setting a limit on how much you are willing to spend. Stick to that amount and don’t get tempted to increase it, even if you win.
Do Your Homework
If you want to increase your chances of winning, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the games before you start playing. By doing research, you will learn about the different types of games, the strategies involved, and the odds of winning.
Remember that knowledge is power, and the more informed you are, the better your chances of winning will be.
Start Small
There is no need to rush things when you are just starting out. It’s best to start with smaller bets and games that require a low minimum deposit.
This way, you can get a feel for how the game works without risking too much of your money.
Practice Makes Perfect
Many online casinos offer the option to play for free, with so-called “play money”. This is a great opportunity to practice your skills and learn the ins and outs of the game before you start playing with real money.
It’s always better to make your mistakes while playing for free so that you can correct them once you start betting your own money.
Manage Your Bankroll
Your bankroll is the amount of money you have set aside for gambling purposes. Effectively managing your bankroll means that you will retain more winnings, and as a result, be able to play longer.
A common strategy is to divide your bankroll into smaller amounts, each representing a separate bet. For example, if you have $100 to spend, you could divide it into 10 separate bets of $10.
This way, you will be able to manage your risks and minimize losses.
Choose the Right Games
Not all casino games are created equal, and some offer better odds than others. It’s important to do your research and choose the games that give you the best chance of winning.
For example, games like blackjack and video poker have an element of skill involved, which can increase
