Expect to lose
The odds when you play casino games almost always favor the casino by a very small margin. But there will be times when you win and time you will lose. In the long term the odds are you will lose. That’s when the casinos small advantage kicks in. The secret is to play for short periods of time before this happens. If you won’t be happy if you lose then you shouldn’t play at all.
Don’t rely on hunches
Never rely on a hunch. Always make the mathematically best decision. The casinos have the mathematical odds on their side.
You’ll probably lose in the long run
Although most people will lose in the long run your money will go up and down in the short run. The exception to this are skilled players who follow a strict strategy and stick to it – With good systems it is possible to gain a long term edge. Blackjack basic strategy offers the best chance in the long term.
The harder the game – The better the odds
The best bets are the more complicated games of blackjack, craps, baccarat, and video poker, assuming you play them wisely. The worst bets are the simple games of pure chance like keno, roulette, and the wheel of fortune. The first part of any viable casino strategy is to risk the most money on wagers that present the lowest edge for the house. Blackjack, craps, video poker, and baccarat are the most advantageous to the bettor in this regard. The two types of bets at baccarat have a house advantage of a little more than 1%. The basic line bets at craps, if backed up with full odds, can be as low as 0.5%. Blackjack and video poker, at times, can not only put you even with the house (a true 50-50 proposition) but actually give you a slight long-term advantage.
Don’t gamble money you can’t afford to lose
The only motive for gambling should be entertainment. So bet enough to make it interesting but not so much that it would hurt if you lost. Always set a budget of how much you are willing to lose also and stick to it. NEVER gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Keep your winnings
When you do win and you are happy with the amount you have won then that is the time to walk away. Casinos thrive on players who get greedy and who acquire the ‘bet it all back’ syndrome as they think they are on a hot streak. Always have something to show for your good fortune. It never comes easy.
There is no system that can beat a game of pure chance
There are plenty of charlatans promising systems that can beat games of luck like roulette, craps, and even the lottery. Most systems trade a lot of small wins for a few huge losses. In the long run it is impossible to beat the house at games of chance only. Betting systems such as Martingale should be avoided at all costs.
Shop around for the best possible playing conditions
In many games, especially blackjack and video poker rules can vary from one casino to another and one state to another. Know what rules are favorable to the player and to seek them out. If playing Roulette then look for single zero tables (European or Monte Carlo tables) rather then the Las Vegas tables with a double zero. You can find single zero roulette at William Hill online casino and 32Red online casino.
Avoid the side bets and gimmicks
Good examples of side bets to ignore are those in Caribbean stud poker and let it ride. Yes, I know everyone else makes these bets but mathematically the house edge is huge. I have never seen a side bet that was a better bet than the game it was on. Gimmicks, like crapsless craps and commission free baccarat, have a higher house edge than normal rules in every example I have seen. Never take insurance in Blackjack also. When the casinos offer a change in a rule to your advantage you can be sure they changed another rule that is to their advantage, and that they are taking more than they are giving up.
Have fun
Don’t forget that gambling is supposed to be a recreational activity. Like many things, what is enjoyable in moderation can be disastrous in excess. If you lose the ability to walk away at will then you shouldn’t play at all.
And last of all – Good luck!
