Beginner's Guide to Casino Gambling December 2024

There's a saying among dedicated gamblers that finding a reliable casino, both in person or online, is like finding a reliable mechanic or plumber. Once you find one, you keep them close to the vest.

For new bettors, learning all the gambling rules, tips, and tricks of American casinos can be daunting. In this guide, we'll give you all the information you need to know about the most popular casino games and placing bets in both Las Vegas and real money online casinos.

Whether you're into sports betting, European roulette, or blackjack, please don't forget that the golden rule for gamblers is to have fun. As you work on your roulette betting strategies or set your budget to win a hand or two with card games, know that all casino games have a house edge. So, while you should strive for optimal play with the common casino games, please don't slip into the gambler's fallacy that you have the power to determine wins and losses. This will help you avoid picking up unhealthy playing disorders and, ultimately, problem gambling.

If you plan on visiting a casino like Atlantic City, Reno, or Las Vegas, you might consider leaving the credit cards at home because once your bankroll is up, that means you tap out. Regarding bankrolls, most casinos have great casino bonuses, especially online casinos like BetMGM. For example, with BetMGM's $25 no-deposit bonus, you have more money to get betting chips to win with a slot machine or a table game like craps.

Casino Gaming History

When Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, the entertainment world and the US casino scene were permanently altered. With the rise of Hollywood films and romanticizing gambling in films, early gambling meccas like Reno helped to usher in the hotel resort phenomenon. It's not enough to let the chips fall where they may; you also have to do it in style!

With the wild success of movies like the original Oceans Eleven glamorizing the Las Vegas strip and songs like the Rolling Stones' "Just a Shot Away," casinos lured gamblers from around the world with discount deals on hotel rooms and other perks to glamorize spinning the roulette wheel. This led to the birth of comp points and reward points. 

In the 1990s, riverboat casinos experience a rebirth, beginning in Iowa, giving players a new reason to make a bet with luxurious panoramas of the water. With today's luxurious cruise liners, players can book a floating hotel room with all the trimmings for the ultimate casino experience.

With so much popularity and casino profits at an all-time high, it was only a matter of time before retail casinos grew beyond the Vegas Strip and Atlantic City. Tired of the economic poverty on reservations, several Native American tribes lobbied and won to take charge of their economic destiny. The centerpiece was the ground-breaking passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or IGRA, in 1988. With this passage came the rise of tribal casinos throughout the country. Through tribal compacts with state governments, Native American casinos can legally operate.

Following the lead of Vegas and Atlantic City, Native American gambling parlors heavily invested in casino projects worth hundreds of millions, with luxurious hotel suites and free meals as a calling card. Thanks to these developments, gamblers can now enjoy built-in spas and fine dining. Any time iconic casinos like the Ocean Resort and Mohegan Sun in Atlantic City go through renovations, they advertise new and more luxurious hotel rooms to players.

In 2012, when Delaware became the first state to legalize virtual casinos, the great American iGaming boom was born. New Jersey soon followed, then Pennsylvania, with members having the chance to build comp points for online wagers towards perks like free hotel stays. When the Supreme Court overturned the PAPSA ban in 2018, sports betting lovers found a renewed purpose to booking hotel stays to make bets with the latest odds on their favorite teams, parlays, and prop bets.

Casino Tips for Beginners

With so many games at your fingertips, it might be overwhelming to know what to do. We have a few tips for you as a beginner casino player! you might be tempted to jump in with both feet, thinking that a lucky winning streak is a spin away. Please resist the temptation. All casino games are determined by chance, not by your lucky pair of socks or a particular skill. To increase your winning odds, make wagers with lower house advantages. For slot players, consider only those with an RTP of at least 95%. Return to Player (RTP) is the percentage of money you can potentially win on average from a specific game.

Above all, gamble responsibly. Control the game, and don't let the game control you. Fortunately, our exemplary online partners care about your mental health, so please take advantage of the responsible gaming tools.

A Quick Guide to Your First Casino Game

With some games at your beck and call, it's easy to lose control and blow it all. Don't worry. With these expert tips, you can stay in the game for the chance to win it all.

1. Take a moment to learn: Thanks to YouTube and our in-depth guides, you can learn the nuances and rules of marquee casino games. Understanding the basics, like "soft 17" and when to hit and stand, will help you make the most sound bets.

2. Practice online: Some online sites like DraftKings or bet365 let you go through practice rounds so you can get the hang of things. Consider practicing before reaching into your wallet.

3. Ask for advice: Don't forget that the dealer and croupier can advise you about game rules. So, make friends with them.

4. Try different casinos: While all casinos bring many similar things to the table, there are slight differences. For example, does this site or establishment have more loyalty levels? Do they have the games that you want to play? Take a moment to study before dropping your money.

5. Remember the bonuses: New online members have many welcome bonuses to help them pad their bankroll. All members usually benefit from rebates and cashback bonuses to help keep them in the game.

How Do I Gamble at a Casino?

The table games are located in the pit, usually in the center of the casino. Depending on the venue, you might have special high-limit tables for VIPs and those with deep pockets. The slots are around the pit floor. One section might contain progressive options, while another has one for vintage three-reel games.

For slot machines, you can insert your credit card directly into the machine or purchase tokens at the cash cage. You can usually buy casino chips directly from the dealer or croupier for table games. Staying true to these beloved games, premier iGaming sites like Fanatics and Tipico Casino follow the same layout and rules, especially in the live dealer section. Read our Fanatics Casino promo code and review for more details on how to get started.

Find the Games With the Best Odds

Fortunately, casinos have options where you stand more than a puncher's chance against the house. Games like American Blackjack only favor the house up to 1%, or sometimes less, depending on the venue. If you want to roll the dice on a pass line bet with craps, for example, the advantage only goes to the house up to 1.41%. But no matter what, the odds always favor the house. Learn more about the casino games with the best odds here.

Casino Games Available to US Players
Retail casinos strive to have a competitive balance of slots and table games. Depending on the site or establishment, you might have sports betting options. Get up close with the common casino games.

• Slots: Slots make up the bulk of the gaming inventory. Depending on the slot, it can have three to five reels. You can pad your bankroll with side bonuses like free spins or multiple jackpots. It is recommended to play the ones with at least a 95% RTP.

• Blackjack: Classic Blackjack is a staple at the casino table. Venues in Atlantic City might have variants like Atlantic City and Vegas Strip Blackjack. American Blackjack, especially, has an RTP of 99% or sometimes more—perfect for the average player looking to make a quick buck while trying to get to 21.

• Baccarat: This card game has variants like Punto Banco and Chemin de Fer, the goal of which is to get to nine or at least eight. Players can make the tie bet with a house edge of 14%, the banker's bet with a 1.06% advantage, and the player's bet with a 1.24% house edge. 

• Keno: For those who like the lottery, Keno is available online and in person. You fill out a card and submit it to the keno winner before the deadline. Variants like Super and Progressive Jackpot Keno swing the house advantage north of 30%.

• Roulette: Most casinos, including virtual ones, have at least the American version of roulette on their casino floor. Roulette supports even money bets like gambling on a number or a color and more complex ones like dozens and column wagers. Some live dealer table options include Auto and Lightning variants.

• Poker: Of all the games, poker has the most variants. Most poker games have players dealt hole and community cards to help them for the strongest hands. Also, the payouts range based on the type of hand, for example, straight and royal flushes, five or four-of-a-kind, and tens-to-the-ace. The odds depend on the particular variant, including video poker. 

Avoid These Games on Your First Trip to the Casino

All games have a house advantage, some more than others. Slots are usually a safe bet because they are relatively inexpensive to join and require no strategy. However, options like American roulette have a house edge of 5.26%. For those on a tight budget, it might be best to avoid them. European and French versions have a more favorable house edge of 2.70%. Keno, a lottery-style game, has a deceptively high house advantage between 20% and 35%.

Read more: New Online Casinos

Casino Etiquette Tips

It's not enough to plan to win. The sophisticated gambler makes bets in style and with proper casino etiquette. To establish yourself as an honorable player, follow these simple etiquette steps.

• Don't forget to tip dealers and servers: Casino employees work hard to give you an unforgettable experience. If you have a windfall, consider leaving some chips behind to thank the dealer and servers for bringing you food and drinks.

• Beware of cell phones: Unlike at home, where it is just you, players are often deep in concentration, trying to work their strategies. Try to stay off the phone as little as possible, or better yet, leave it at home. 

• Follow the dress code: While most retail casinos don't mind casual dress, there is usually some form of dress code. Before visiting, learn the dress code so you don't stand out or be denied entry and gambling.

• Sit only if you mean to wager: The casino tables are meant for those serious about making a wager. If you sit, that means you're in the game. Otherwise, join the other onlookers who are looking on, otherwise known as railing.

• Keep tabs on your chips: Some table games require buying chips directly from the dealer or croupier. Always follow the procedure of placing chips correctly on the table and on time.

How To Find the Best Casino Games Online

You must have an account to play online games like poker. However, make sure to only deal with reputable brands like BetRivers, which have tremendous name recognition and a sterling reputation for safeguarding their members' private information. Once you've made your choice, head to their official website and follow these basic steps.

1. 1. Start the registration form: Locate the "registration" or "join" link in the header. Click to launch the form.

2. 2. Fill out your info: You will be asked to enter your full legal name, residential address, phone number, birthday, username, password, and social security number, specifically the last four numbers.

3. 3. Read the terms and agreements: After checking everything over, ensure you understand each casino's rules and terms. You can find them on the terms and conditions page. Confirm you agree and press send.

4. 4. Verify the details: To help prevent fraud, reputable online casinos require you to upload a photo identification, such as a Passport or Driver's ID, and compare it with your social security number.

5. 5. Make a deposit: Once your account is verified, make a deposit and prepare to win!

Usually, after making your first deposit, you qualify for the main welcome bonus, like Borgata's welcome package worth up to $1000. It's a good idea to check the promotions section for the latest promos to play your favorite games.

Retail casinos let you create a membership to help you rack up comp points that can be redeemed into cash and other perks like free hotel stays. You can do the same at online casinos like Caesars Palace and BetMGM, where you can directly link your land-based reward and VIP points and perks with your online account.

Why Should I Try Gambling at Casinos?

With so many features at your fingertips, like the live dealer and over-the-top bonuses and promotions, the sky is the limit whenever you log in to an online casino or go in person. Here are a few reasons why you should give marquee iGaming sites like Caesars Palace Online Casino a try:

1. The Bonuses: Great deals from sources like the BetMGM bonus code and Borgata Casino bonus code give you no excuse not to join the sites. With no-deposit bonuses, a world of unrivaled gaming entertainment is at your fingertips. For example, Caesars Palace offers members 5,000 reward points for referring a friend to sign up!

2. The Games: So, what will it be? Poker or live dealer baccarat? Why not both with slots in between? Sites like DraftKings do blackjack justice with nearly 40 options, including proprietary and live dealer play. PokerStars, part of the Party Poker Network, and through its legendary 88 poker software engine, has fantastic turbo sit-and-go tournaments daily.

3. Flexible Betting Options: You don't have to be a high roller to make a bet. Our partners have casino games that support all budget levels. Also, many live dealer games let players make an original bet, sometimes for under a dollar.

4. Many Ways to Pay: Because not every bank honors credit credits, superb iGaming venues like PlayStar and Betway offer a superior lineup of payment gateways. Play+ and PayPal are highly reputable and process deposits instantly. Some sites, such as Golden Nugget Online Casino, also process same-day withdrawals depending on the amount and time of day.

5. A Chance to Bond: For those who want to compete in tournaments or other games in person, don't forget to take a moment to chat with the croupier or dealer. The dealers might give tips that can guide you to a winning bet.

Personal Play Rules for Casino Gambling

To maximize your casino experience and help you not lose money, please consider these tips to make a successful pass-line bet.

1. 1. Only bring a reasonable amount of money that you can safely lose.

2. 2. Study the rules of your games to gauge the true odds to make a wise bet.

3. 3. The goal is to play for entertainment as opposed to placing a bet to win.

4. 4. If possible, don't drink too much because it clouds your judgment.

5. 5. Play fairly. Casinos monitor everyone, and nobody likes a cheat.

Casino Gambling Responsibly

The gambler's golden rule is to have fun and not chase losses. Betting on slot machines or other gambling games like blackjack is a game of chance. In other words, you win some and lose some. Try setting a budget and gaming limits. Knowing when to leave while you're ahead is a sound strategy, even if you are winning.

Online casinos allow members to set playing and betting limits. If you're going to play in person at a casino, you might want to leave your credit cards at home, so once your paper money runs out, it's time to call it a day. For those who are battling with unhealthy betting disorders, there are reputable problem-gambling organizations that are ready to help get your life on track.

• National Council on Problem Gambling: Get help by dialing 1-800-522-4700

• Gamblers Anonymous: Seek professional help by visiting their website

• Gam-Anon: These reputable workers can help you by visiting their website

Each state that regulates gambling has state-run organizations. Players can also place themselves on the self-exclusion list.