Trying your hands at gambling for the first time can come with this excitement, whether it’s in a physical casino or an online platform. Likewise, winning some good cash while playing a game at a casino may seem like it’s an easy fix; after all, it’s like being paid to have fun. But as simple as it sounds in theory, it’s quite different in real life. It’s pretty easy to lose so much money as a first-timer if you go in without a clear strategy. Thankfully, you can keep your money, make some more, and have a good time if you know how to navigate casinos as a new player. Let’s look at seven tips and tricks to help you do just that.
Choose the Kind of Casino You Want
The first thing you’ll want to do is to choose what kind of casino you will feel more comfortable with for the first time, as there are several platforms out there. For instance, you can visit a brick-and-mortar location, complete with games and entertainment. Or try online casinos on your mobile phone or computer, which is a digital version of a conventional casino. And if you’re a crypto enthusiast, consider making your gambling debut at a crypto casino, where you can wager with popular coins like BTC, ETH, BNB, MATIC, USDT, and CHP. What’s great about this platform is its blockchain technology which will give you a decentralized, transparent and secure gaming experience while keeping your identity anonymous.
Money Management Is Non-Negotiable
It’s pretty easy to enter a casino with wads of cash and exit with no money and regrets, so stay on top of your money management to prevent this. Before going anywhere, be specific about how much you can afford to wager without feeling it. Also, don’t spend all your cash in one place because the risk of losing all will be much higher. Instead, test as many games as possible. With how unpredictable these games can be, you’ll not feel the loss that much if you have your eggs in many baskets. A trick that will help you here is to allocate 1 to 3% of your bankroll on each bet. Let’s say you have $200 to spare. You can use $6 each on craps, blackjack, roulette, and other games.
Be Particular About the Games You Choose
As a beginner, you want to go easy on yourself when casino games are involved. You’ll quickly find out that several games with a higher house edge (gross profit casinos make from each game) won’t be in your favor. For instance, slots may be fun but some have a house edge of 15%, meaning you will likely lose more with them. The same applies to Sic Bo, Big Six Wheel, and Keno. So try to stay away from them for now, and instead, look for games with a lower house edge. Blackjack, craps, baccarat, video poker, Pai Gow poker, and Spanish 21 will be great for your first time.
Take Advantage of Bonuses and Comps
Your advantage as a beginner is the array of bonuses waiting for you. For instance, most online casinos will want to win you over with welcome bonuses, which can be in the form of free spins. Or you can get a 20%, 30% or even 100% bonus on your first deposit, which you can use on your gambling debut while your original funds remain intact. If your choice is a physical casino, you may be welcomed with free meals, drinks and hotel rooms (if you’re touring a new area). You can even get lucky with a casino operator that offers cash bonuses.
Don’t Gamble When Drunk
Do not get buzzed when you are in a casino, especially as a first-timer. Casinos have a habit of keeping their patrons glued to their seats with constant alcohol refills. But, one shot can quickly turn to ten, and you’ll find yourself messing up big time. For instance, you may throw all caution to the wind and gamble impulsively, causing you more losses. Aside from this, you may become emotionally unhinged, especially after losses. So politely decline frequent alcoholic refills; instead, parch your thirst with water and non-alcoholic fizzy drinks.
Know the Games Well
Sure, you’re a first-timer, but you can boost your chances of winning if you are familiar with the games and how to play them. For instance, blackjack has its strategies in place, and following them well can help you cash out on your first day at a casino. Likewise, you’ll want to learn pot odds, hand raking, and other elements of poker. Thanks to the internet, you have so many learning resources at your disposal- use them to your advantage.
Know When To Stop
Knowing when to stop will make all the difference when gambling. It’s important to set a win-and-loss limit before you start gambling. If you’re winning hard, you’ll want to stop, cash out and enjoy your gains. Resist the temptation to keep going, because all can vanish before you know it. Also, don’t try to redeem your losses, as you may lose all. Instead, call it a day (or night), and strategize for another time.
To Conclude
Getting caught up in the excitement of gambling is understandable, especially if it’s your first time. But it’s easy to lose your money if you’re not strategic. So, take your time to learn some skills, and be disciplined to enjoy your first casino experience.