Table of Contents
Like anything else, gambling involves some practice before you master the ins and outs. Fortunately for first-time gamblers like you, it’s easy to find some tips and tricks to avoid common gambling pitfalls. And that’s what this article is all about.
Below you can see what to expect when going to a casino for the first time. This guide will also help you find the best casino games for first-time gamblers and decide a budget for your trip. Even better, you’ll be delighted with many valuable tips to make your casino visit more lucrative and less devastating.
How Much To Bring to Casino First Time
There’s no one size fits all answer to how much to bring to the casino for the first time. Several factors influence how much budget you have to set. The ideal amount of money first-time gamblers should have depends on the type of player they are.
If you simply want to play for fun and bet small amounts, then at least $50 should suffice. But if you’re a high roller looking to make a big score, at least $200 is ideal. Meanwhile, if you think you fall somewhere between, around $50 to $100 is a suitable casino bankroll budget. To guide first-time gamblers further, here are some things to consider.
Why Are You Gambling?
First things first, decide whether you’re gambling for fun or profit. Whatever your reason is for gambling, it will significantly impact the size of your casino bankroll. A reputable sports bettor has a different motivation than a casual gambler just wanting to have a good time.
How Much Can You Afford to Lose?
It’s best to base your budget on the amount you’re comfortable losing. That means you have to ask yourself how much money you are okay throwing away in case you’ve had a bad game day. One of the most valuable tips for first-time gamblers is never to gamble beyond their means.
Are You In for High-Limit Games?
For first-time gamblers, high-limit casino games are those that accept wagers way higher than the standard range. Such games are not exclusive to VIPs or whales with a massive checking account. Some players enjoy the higher-risk element or chase larger payouts that come with them.
How Long Do You Want to Gamble?
Some players go for long sessions, while others don’t gamble much. The reason this is crucial is that the length of your playing time vastly impacts your bankroll size. You don’t need the same bankroll size on a 12-hour gambling session and a few hours of play. Moreover, the amount of time you play and how much it will cost you depends on outside factors such as dealer speed, game rules, and the number of players at your table.
Best Casino Games for First-Time Gamblers
Casino games can be intimidating for first-time gamblers. When you look around the casino, everyone else seems to know what they’re doing while you’re clueless. But don’t let that force you to sit out of the action. Dealers are super helpful, and some casino games are more beginner-friendly than others. With that said, here are the best casino games for first-time gamblers.
Slot Machines
Even non-casino goers know about slot machines, and hence, they’re the simplest casino games. But not all slots are created equal. Some are more complicated than others, but even a child can click a start button. You can find an extensive array of slot games, from steppers and classic slots to video slots and high payout games.
Blackjack
Another good option for first-time gamblers is blackjack. Here, your goal is to get your total as near to 21 as you dare sans going bust. While it can be tempting to play with caution, following a good blackjack strategy can significantly up your winning chances.
Roulette
Any player will recognize the roulette wheel, but the table might put you off. While you can place many bets, you can keep your roulette incredibly simple. You can start with 50/50 wagers, placing one chip on red or black. Alternately, you can try the 50/50 bet of predicting an odd or even number to come up.
Baccarat
This casino game is not the most straightforward to understand, but it’s incredibly easy to play. For first-time gamblers, all you have to do is put your money on one of three tiles: Player, Banker, or Tie. After that, the dealer deals a hand with the Player and the Banker.
Video Poker
While playing video poker needs some knowledge in poker hand rankings, it’s an easy-to-learn game for first-time gamblers. The best thing about video poker is the incredibly low house advantage. You get five cards dealt and determine how many to hold before drawing.
Advice for First-Time Gamblers
Now that you’ve set your casino budget and decided what game to play, it’s time to learn some tips for first-time gamblers. Check out all the advice below to make sure you’ll have a pleasant first casino trip.
Make a Bankroll
It doesn’t matter if you’re going to play regularly or just for the day, forming a gambling bankroll is a smart move. That can help establish the foundation of a successful betting strategy. For first-time gamblers without any idea on how to set one up for yourself, here are two easy steps you can follow. Start by pooling money you’re comfortable losing. After that, decide what percentage range you’ll wager on any single play.
Choose a Casino
Each casino has unique game offerings. Even basics like craps, roulette, and blackjack have different house edges depending on which casino you choose. If you want to put yourself in the best position to win, go for a casino that offers more favorable odds.
Drink Responsibly
For first-time gamblers, here’s a little secret: they’d love for you to play under the influence. When you’re intoxicated, it can be hard to make good decisions. In this case, your bad decisions mean more profit for the house. But that’s not to say refrain from drinking entirely. Just remember how it could impact you financially. Having some drinks here and there can be harmless.
Mind the Casino Etiquette
One thing first-time gamblers have to keep in mind is that casinos have their set of rules. Some basic casino etiquette includes refraining from using your phone while playing and avoiding taking photos of the casino. The first time you use your phone at the gaming table gets you a warning. However, violating the policy again could lead to you being out of the venue.
Know When to Walk Away
When playing at a casino, it’s so important to be disciplined enough to recognize when enough is enough. Never chase your losses or become too greedy. It’s best to set a limit on when you’d stop playing. That way, you can avoid losing more than you can afford.
Take Short Breaks
One psychological strategy casinos use is not to display clocks in the gaming area. While you have easy access to your phone clock or wristwatch, you probably won’t be checking them while playing. During a high-energy casino session, it’s best to take breaks every so often, so you have a fresh mind for every game. That can help improve your decision-making.
To sum it up, casinos offer a fantastic opportunity for entertainment. If you’re like most first-time gamblers who get anxious, remember that everyone had to start somewhere. Nobody was born a great gambler. All the advice mentioned here helps make your casino trip more fun and profitable.
