Absolute Beginners Guide to Loving Casinos
I'm pinching pennies with my disposable income, and I never understood the allure of sitting in a windowless, smoky room, throwing away good money and - more often than not, getting nothing in return.
I'll admit it: I once hated casinos. I'm selfish with my own spendable money, and I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to spend their evenings in a windowless room full of smoke, blowing good money and - more often than not - getting nothing in return.
But then a few Vegas trips with party-loving friends and my attitude toward casinos has shifted. When my friends taught me the rules of the tables and how to play, I've discovered that I can see that gambling, if done responsibly, is on par with other types of entertainment expenses like going to a nightclub. And while I'd still rather go to the pool parties and the shows, I've learned to enjoy at the casino floor now and then as well.
Gaming revenue in Vegas has fallen from its peak, but it is still multi-billion-dollar industry. A trip to Vegas, Atlantic City or Macau is even more fun if you know your way around the casino that you probably have to go through just to get to your room. These recommendations will allow the casino-clueless to enjoy themselves and not bottom out their budgets too quickly.
Know your limits
It's common knowledge that the house advantage is heavily weighted in favor of the house. So don't enter a casino without having exactly the idea of how much you're going to be spending, and the mindset that chances are that you're not going to be taking it back.
Being aware of table limits is also to not gamble away all your money at once. The table minimum refers to the least amount of cash you can bet on a round, and it will generally be displayed on a sign at the table. A lower table minimum lets you play as long as you can. There can be lower table minimums at off-hours like morning and at off-Strip hotels.
Start with the games of sheer luck
- The slot machines require the least effort or skill from you--insert some money, push a button and see if you've won or lost.
- But if you are like me, you'll soon get bored with them and want to have a bit of control over your fate.
- So then it's time to look towards the whirring roulette wheel.
Roulette is a gentle way to try table games, and nothing says Vegas like the thrill of waiting to observe the white ball roll across a spinning roulette wheel. Like slots, there is no skill. Just place some chips on any spot on the board and hope the ball will stop in the spot where you placed it. But first, you need to know that a wager on a direct number (an inside bet) is the most dangerous with the highest payoff (35:1). A wager on a color, even/odd numbers or other large groups (an outside bet) has more favorable odds but lower payoff.
When you feel you know enough, learn the rules for the games of skill
You've mastered the slots and you've got roulette wheel covered. Now it's time to set your sights on the more challenging tables games - the ones requiring some rules acumen and strategy, such as blackjack and craps. Fortunately, most casinos are willing to bring in new customers by providing all the rules in free gaming lessons. You can also learn for free on the internet, or just sit in with a more skilled friend and let them explain everything.
When you feel comfortable to play at the tables, pick one that isn't full, and don't be afraid to ask the dealer questions regarding the rules. If for some reason they are being difficult, just go somewhere else.
Make sure to use casino etiquette
Otherwise, mere common decency is what you need to keep the dealer and other players in good stead. There are some rules, though, which you must be aware of to prevent scolding. Table seats are reserved for players only and no use of cell phones is allowed at the tables. Wait for the hand in play to end before participating. And if you do happen to win, don't collect your winnings until the dealer shoves them in your direction. You can simply watch the table a bit to learn each game's custom before playing--for instance, it's typically a rule that face-down cards are to be dealt with one hand.
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Don't forget to tip your dealer. Though whether and how much to tip is entirely your choice, some guidelines include tipping about half of your minimum bet per hour, or at least $5 per hour. Tip in chips instead of cash. You can also tip your dealers by playing for them.
Most importantly, have fun, stop when you are ahead (if you are lucky enough to make it that far), and don't be scared of the unknown -- chances are high enough you won't be the only amateur in the room and asking questions is a great icebreaker. If you're already a seasoned veteran of the casino, leave your tips for newbies in the comments!
