Be Respectful to the Dealer: Dealers are professionals doing their job. Be polite, casino and if you're winning, a small tip is always appreciated. Rules for the Floor
Know the Rules Before You Play: Don't sit down at a table without understanding the basics of the game. Handle Your Chips Correctly: Don't touch another player's chips. When making a bet, place your chips neatly in the designated area. Limit Phone Use at the Table: Most casinos frown upon using your phone while at a table game. It slows down the game and can be a security concern. Decisions are yours alone. Watch for a bit first or play online for free to practice. Don't Ask for Advice: Do not ask the dealer or other players how you should play your hand.
Beyond the official rules of the games, there's a code of conduct, or etiquette, that ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Following these social norms will help you fit in and avoid any awkward situations with dealers or other players. Playing by the Unwritten Rules Walking into a casino for the first time can be intimidating.
The extra pocket nearly doubles the house edge to 5.26%. Types of Roulette Wheels and House Edge
European Roulette: Features numbers 1-36 and a single zero (0). Let's look at the probabilities and payouts for common bets on a European wheel. French Roulette: Similar to European Roulette, but includes rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison” that can reduce the house edge on even-money bets to as low as 1.35%. The house edge is 2.7%. American Roulette: Features numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). For this reason, informed players always prefer European or French Roulette when available.
Beyond the Spinning Reels Slot machines are the most prevalent attraction in any casino, both online and offline. Their straightforward nature is a major draw, but there's complex technology working behind the scenes. Every modern slot machine uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to guarantee that every spin's outcome is completely random and independent of previous spins.
This ensures fairness. Slot Terminology
RNG (Random Number Generator): A computer algorithm that produces sequences of numbers with no discernible pattern. Low volatility slots pay out small wins frequently, while high volatility slots offer larger wins but less often. RTP (Return to Player): casino A percentage that indicates how much of the wagered money a slot is expected to pay back to players over a long period. Volatility (or Variance): Describes the risk level of a slot. A 96% RTP means it pays back $96 for every $100 wagered over millions of spins.
Poker Don't talk about a hand you're not in. Never touch your cards in a game where they are dealt face-up. Act in turn and don't “splash the pot” (throw your chips into the middle). Activity Important Rule
Blackjack Use hand signals to indicate Hit or Stand. Roulette Wait for the dealer to remove the dolly (marker) from the winning number before placing new bets or collecting winnings. Keep your hands out of the way when the shooter is rolling the dice. Craps Don't say the word “seven” at the table.
Bet Type Numbers Covered Payout Chance to Win
Straight Up 1 35 to 1 2.70%
Split 2 17 to 1 5.41%
Street 3 11 to 1 8.11%
Column/Dozen 12 2 to 1 32.43%
Red/Black (Even Money) 18 1 to 1 48.65%
Notice how the probability of winning is always slightly less than what a “fair” payout would be. That difference is where the casino makes its profit.
Late 1700s: Casinos achieve popularity in spa towns like Baden-Baden and Monte Carlo. Significant Events
1638: The Ridotto opens in Venice. 1931: Gambling is permitted in Nevada, paving the way for Las Vegas. 1994: The first online casino is launched, changing the industry forever. 19th Century: Saloons with gambling become widespread in the American West.
Grasping how these work is key to properly evaluating a bonus. Not All That Glitters Is Gold Online casinos use promotions to attract new players and retain existing ones. However, they almost always come with terms and conditions, the most important of which are wagering requirements. These offers can seem very generous, promising free cash or spins.
Offer Example Playthrough Calculation
$100 bonus 20x the bonus $100 x 20 = $2,000
$100 bonus (from a $100 deposit) 30x the bonus + deposit ($100 + $100) x 30 = $6,000
50 Free Spins (winnings are bonus cash) 40x the winnings If you win $20, casino you must wager $20 x 40 = $800
Always read the terms and conditions. Look for wagering requirements, game restrictions (some games contribute less to wagering), and casino time limits before accepting any bonus.
Aspect Live Dealer Games Traditional RNG Games
Realism Very immersive - real dealers, cards, and equipment. Social Interaction Enabled - chat with the dealer and other players. Fast - player controls the speed. Smaller minimum bets, including free play. Not available - typically a solitary experience. Pace of Play Measured - follows the dealer's pace. Betting Limits More substantial minimum bets are common. Animated - based on software graphics.