Casino gambling information: A beginner's guide to casinos

Over the past few years, casino players seemingly haven’t gotten enough of the most popular casino games, dropping an estimated $200 billion on the industry’s total handle. If you happen to be ready to get involved but need help figuring out where to begin, you’ve come to the right place.

Committing your patronage to a casino is a more significant investment than you realize. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The following guide outlines everything you’ll need to know before you commit to casino gaming.

How to Gamble at a Casino

The first step is to ensure the establishment is reputable. Retail casinos must be licensed before the public can play casino games. However, online casino gambling is a different kettle of fish.

We strongly recommend dealing with our licensed affiliates, such as Fanatics Casino, bet365 Casino, FanDuel Casino, and Caesars Palace Online Casino. These are some of the best online casino apps available in the United States and operators you can trust.

Savvy online gamblers enjoy certain protections, like a guarantee of receiving your winnings. Make the safe bet and stick with our esteemed and licensed casino partners.

What to Know Before You Start Casino Gambling

If you plan on playing an exciting game of roulette or baccarat or preparing to be the last one standing after card game tournaments, always remember the golden rule—have fun. But no matter which game you choose, the playing odds always have a house advantage. The smart move is to concentrate your bankroll and find games with the lowest house edge.

If you’re a poker player with variants like Seven Card Stud, the house’s advantage comes from the players’ rake. But even if you are on a fantastic case of lady luck, the wise gambler knows when to walk away even from a hot streak. If you’re playing at a fast-paced casino, like most people, only bring enough cash you can afford to lose. While playing online, consider setting playing and loss limit sessions to prevent a losing streak from developing into a full-blown gambling addiction.

A real money online casino‘s clear advantage over retail casinos is the generous casino promotions and bonuses it can offer. Bonuses provide new members with the perfect opportunity to join, quickly build up their bankroll, and master casino gambling games. Also, consider that your wagers count differently for the rewards program when you play casino games. All licensed iGaming sites have a loyalty program where players enjoy additional perks like faster payouts and free luxury vacations.

10 Tips You Should Know Before Playing Your First Casino Game

Before you sit down at the table to play roulette and bet your casino chips, take a moment to learn casino gambling. From picking games with a low house edge or slots with favorable RTPs to finding the right video poker or poker game to get a royal flush, we hope you consider these ten essential tips before you make your first bet and get caught up in all the flashing lights and the crowd’s roar.

Know Your Limitations

The wise player knows their limitations and only spends money they can afford to lose. So, please, set your budget before you set to play craps, baccarat, or other games like poker. If you’re going to a retail gambling parlor, carry only cash and leave the credit cards at home.

For online players, reputable sites, like our affiliates, all have a dedicated, responsible gaming section to help you stay in control while enjoying the most popular casino games.

Do Your Research

While each licensed iGaming site shares the same commitment to iron-clad online security and trusted financial payment methods, each site offers something different. Take a moment to research whether your preferred site carries your desired games. For example, if you plan to play roulette, does the site offer the American, European, or even the elusive French version? Does it support blackjack variants like perfect pairs or card games you want to play?

Be Wary of Side Bets

If you plan to play poker or video poker, the goal is to get hands like a full house or hit for better cards to get the highest payout possible. However, the variant can sometimes support side bets for card games like baccarat and blackjack and, on occasion, craps. Because side bets significantly increase the house edge, avoiding gimmicky side bets is wise. Side bets are generally not associated with those who play roulette.

Don’t Cheat

To maintain your account in good standing, avoid trying to rig video poker machines or slots, as in the case of Oceans Eleven, or trying to count cards. If you play craps, please don’t try to swap the dice for something rigged to win more money because there is plenty of casino security watching you and other players like a hawk.

If you play roulette, you place your bets, and the dealer spins the reels. However, edge sorting is also frowned upon if you play poker or baccarat in addition to counting cards.

Keep It Simple

If this is your first time betting, consider starting with slots. Slots are very budget-friendly and don’t require strategy. If you play roulette or blackjack, make a simple bet. Betting on even and odd numbers is simple if you play roulette.

Baccarat players might want to stick with betting on the player’s or banker’s hand to win. Poker players, especially new ones, might consider betting on variants that support two cards or options with three or four cards.

Stick with Favorable Games

The odds of winning table games matter if you play roulette, craps, poker, among other casino games. If you play roulette, consider passing on American roulette because the double zero means the odds slightly reduce your chances of winning.

Depending on the gambling parlor, it might host blackjack variants like Atlantic City and Vegas Strip. To try to beat the house edge, playing classic blackjack is wise.

Study Others

For example, some of the best poker, blackjack, and roulette players earned their stripes by watching others play. So, watch accomplished and championship players play roulette, poker, and blackjack tournaments. Also, channels like ESPN broadcast poker tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker.

Consider Practice Play

Consider starting with demo play. Demo play lets you play for free slots and standalone games like roulette and video poker.

Take Up the Bonuses

All reputable iGaming sites have bonuses. But before taking up the bonus, understand the wagering requirements so you can cash out while claiming your bonuses.

Consider a Strategy

Beginner’s luck only goes so far if you play roulette, craps, or poker. Consider a strategy to help you win money more often than lose it. Common methods for roulette players include the Paroli, Martingale, and D’alembert strategies.

Popular Casino Games Available to US Players

If you’re roaring to play roulette and other games, please consider these expert tips and notes to go beyond beginner’s luck and the basic casino rules.

Slots: Slots are the majority of any game roster. The standard is five-reel titles, with many containing jackpots or even a progressive jackpot. Luck is highly involved with slots. Playing slots with an RTP of 95% or more is a smart move.
Blackjack: Unlike roulette, much strategy isn’t involved. Players are dealt two cards. Players choose to hit or stand because the aim is to get to 21 or as close as possible. With most blackjack variants, the dealer must stand at 17. If your cards go over 21, you lose. Single-deck blackjack favors the house at approximately 0.16% odds.
Baccarat: While baccarat and roulette’s gameplay is like comparing apples and oranges, much of the same strategies apply. Baccarat aims to use either the first two cards or, if you hit for a third card, to get to nine or eight to win. The banker’s hand has the lowest house edge of 1.06%.
Keno: For those who enjoy the lottery, keno shares many features. As you would with the lottery, pick numbers on the keno card and hope they are winners. Keno is also budget-friendly.
Roulette: For seemingly such a simple game, roulette offers a host of bets, including even and odd, columns, dozens, and corner bets. If you’re learning to play roulette, the basic rules call for wagers on the color or number the little white ball lands on. Roulette’s main variants are American, European, and French. American roulette increases the house edge to over 5% because of the additional zero. French and European roulette lowers the house’s advantage to 2.70%. If the European roulette game features En Prison and La Partage rules, the house’s edge becomes an incredible 1.35%. Most established roulette players work a strategy with their wagers.
Poker: Poker, by far, offers the most variants of all the games. Whether it’s Texas Hold’em or variants with four cards like Omaha, begin with the big and small blind wagers. Most poker variants, especially tournaments, have several rounds where players strive to bluff other members to fold. Many video poker variants follow poker’s basic rules.

Casino Tips for Beginners

If this is your first foray into online or traditional gambling, before jumping into your game, take a moment to understand the house rules. Also, remember that variants, like Blackjack X-change, offer side wagers or unique wagers that impact the house edge. Understanding these basics helps you emerge victorious.

Because of the simple wagers, it also helps players play games with favorable odds, like classic blackjack and Punto Banco Baccarat. Three-reel slots might be more affordable. Because of slots’ volatility, choose those with RTPs of 95% or more. Play responsibly and know when to leave the roulette wheel or slots.

Personal Play Rules for Casino Gambling

If you want the excellent old-fashioned gambling experience with the crowd and all, here are some battle-tested tips to consider before you sit at craps table or slot machines.

Only bring money: You can’t spend what you don’t have. So, leave the credit cards at home, and once you burn through the dollars, it’s time to go home.
Know your game: Make strategic betting moves based on payouts and percentages that are more likely. The first step is learning the game’s nuances. That way, you can make a high-percentage bet on the odds.
Be wary of drinking: The best way to stay in control and make intelligent wagers is not to drink at all. Too much drinking can have you making crazy and losing gambles that will leave you going through your budget fast.
Don’t take markers: While Hollywood films like The Cincinnati Kid and The Hustler glorify taking markers, they can cost you your life. Markers are debts that have to be paid.

Casino Etiquette

Going and finding success at a gambling establishment is much more than laying down your chips. There’s a method to the enduring madness that continues to drive the casino and online gambling industry into a multi-billion dollar industry. You can show off and win in the class by following this essential casino etiquette.

Remember to Tip: While you might consider it work figuring out if you should hit or stand, roulette croupiers and dealers work extremely hard to maintain order and sometimes explain the rules to you. The same goes for servers who hand you your drinks. So, don’t be cheap. Tip them.
Try to Stay Off the Phone: Unlike gaming at home, where it’s just you, your phone and texting can distract the hustle and bustle on the gaming floor. Also, too much on your phone can throw you off your game.
Follow the Dress Code: Unlike gaming at home, where you can play in your sweats and pajamas, most reputable gambling establishments have a dress code. To ensure entry, please follow their rules and dress as part of a successful high roller. While you can get away with jeans and a shirt, some high-profile establishments wear black ties.
Don’t Sit Unless You’re Serious: While you’re free to sit at any table, understand that sitting down means committing to play. Because only a finite amount can play at one time, please don’t waste anybody’s time or rounds because you have a change of heart. Tensions can quickly rise.
Keep Your Chips Close: With so much attention placed on the roulette wheel, it’s easy to lose track of your chips. Also, there’s a specified time to place your chips. You can only take your wagers and chips back during this period.

US States with Legal Online and In-Person Casinos

Currently, seven states offer legal, regulated iGaming via real money gambling apps. If you live in one of the states below, here’s what you can expect.

Michigan

The Great Lakes State sanctioned iGaming in December 2019. But the first wave launched in January 2021. In 2023, Michigan hauled a record $1.92 billion in gambling and sports betting revenue.

New Jersey

In 2013, former Governor Chris Christie made the Garden State the first to legalize iGaming. Today, New Jersey offers 30 licensed iGaming sites.

Rhode Island

Little Rhody became the seventh and last state to offer real money iGaming. Live dealer casino play is currently online.

Pennsylvania

The Keystone State became the fourth state to offer real money iGaming in July 2019. In 2023, Pennsylvania‘s iGaming sector topped $2 billion.

West Virginia

In July 2020, West Virginia went live with online poker and other iGaming options.

Connecticut

In 2021, Connecticut finally got over the hump, passing bills to sanction iGaming and sports betting.

Delaware

The state with no sales tax opened iGaming operations way back in 2013. Delaware’s Lottery division oversees gambling operations.

How to Find the Best Casino Games Online

If you plan on gaming at a retail gambling parlor, you don’t have to have an account to let the chips fall where they may.

However, they offer a rewards system with the same perks as iGaming loyalty clubs.

Consider setting up a membership and receiving a card to tally your wagers.

Some casinos, like MGM and Caesars, link their retail locations with their iGaming sites, so you can continue building points with one account.

For online gambling, you have to create an account. Creating an account requires you to be physically present in a legal state and at least 21.

After entering your info like your legal name, address, and social security number, the site confirms your identity, and you’re good to go in minutes.

But creating an online account also opens the door to incredible bonuses and promotions, usually some form of a welcome package.

Retail gambling parlors have fewer promotions or specific new member prizes. Online wagers tie into the same rewards programs as land-based establishments.

Why Should I Try Gambling at Casinos?

Whether in person or online, the thrill of victory with any spin or hand can’t be beaten. While the reasons for trying your luck at premier establishments like BetMGM and FanDuel are endless, here are some of the top ones that will compel you to sign up or head to the floor in person.

The Game Variety: iGaming usually offers more table game variants than retail ones. Also, they provide more progressive slots and impressive mega ways like Gonzo’s Quest. FanDuel and DraftKings take the cake for the most roulette and blackjack variants.
Going Live Anywhere: You don’t have to get off your couch to match wits with a professional dealer. Evolution Gaming allows you to stream in 4k resolution exotic variants like Platinum and Lightning roulette without a hitch.
Make New Friends: Whether through a live dealer or in person, you can chat and pick up some invaluable tips while chatting with the dealer. In-person casino tournaments are perfect for meeting and sharing your passion with other gamblers.
A Protected Environment: Online players benefit immensely from strict cybersecurity measures so you can relax about your financial and personal information being unprotected.

Casino Gambling FAQs

Hopefully, after reading, you have some sites or retail parlors in mind to start playing. But before you dive in, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions about casino gambling.

How do you learn casino games?

Practice is always the key. If the online site supports demo play, try the game without financial risk.

Can you be taught casino games at the table?

It certainly doesn’t hurt to be on friendly terms with the dealer. You might pick up free gaming tips, such as roulette.

Is there a trick to playing casino games?

Understanding the nuts and bolts is a necessary stepping stone to gain confidence, let alone win.

How do people gamble in casinos?

For retail establishments, players can change money for tokens to play slots. Table game players need to purchase chips from the cashier.

Which casino game is the easiest for beginners to play?

Slots, mainly because they don’t require a specific strategy.

Can you gamble in an online casino and win?

Yes. The seven states mentioned all support real-money iGaming. You can process withdrawals with the cashier and sometimes receive your winnings that same day.