Gambling has been considered a luck-based activity for some time now. New players think that gambling is about finding the best new online casino, placing a bet and hoping for the best.
But that’s where they’re wrong. Even luck-based games like slots and bingo require skills to win. So, to set yourself apart from “average” players at the best online casinos, use these seven nifty tips.
Tip #1. Choose a gambling site carefully
This one is a no-brainer. Smart gamblers play at new online casinos. These casinos offer player-friendly conditions and odds, which leads to more winnings in the long run. To find out if a gambling site is trustworthy, check the licensing information at the bottom of the home page.
Tip #2. Understand the house edge
Most novice gamblers don’t think twice about selecting casino games to play. They are attracted by the fame of poker or the high quality graphics of slot machines. Of course, these options are right for those who are looking for entertainment.
But if you are looking to win, then the house edge is important. For slot machines, any value below 96% is a big NO. On the other hand, there are many variations of table games, each with different house edges. So, understand the odds.
Tips #3. Don’t play slots online
As stated above, online slots can be cunningly deceptive with their high payouts and excellent graphics. But don’t fly blind, as these games can leave you bleeding, unlike table games like poker, blackjack and baccarat.
For example, baccarat (banker betting) and French roulette have a low house edge of 1.06% and 1.35%, respectively. It even gets better with video poker and blackjack, where the house edge can go as low as 0.50% with an optimal strategy.
Tip # 4. Use money management technique
The solid fact is that money management will not give you an edge over the casino. But with a well-planned money management strategy, players can contain their losses. It’s all about protecting your bankroll. The trick is to gamble only with funds you can afford to lose.
Also, the bankroll should be large enough to guarantee you at least four hours of play per day. And if possible, don’t lose more than 30% of your total bankroll in a single session.
Tip #5. Quit while you’re ahead
This is, in a way, a continuation of money management. Smart casino players usually have profit and loss limits. This can be $100, $200, $300 or whatever. If you are behind or ahead by these amounts, know that it’s time to quit.
In the case of wins, there is a good chance that the prize will go down the drain if you continue to play. Why? The house edge is always in play to ensure that your hot streak stops.
Tip # 6. Play at crowded tables
Do you know why experienced players choose to play at crowded tables? Slow is the way to go in the gambling world. Playing with a lot of players is best unless you are an advantage player looking to make quicker decisions.
Here’s the thing; the more you play, the more the casino house edge reduces your bankroll. And the same goes for slot machines. Playing on two machines is basically doubling your chances of losing.
Tip # 7. Avoid side and prop bets
Side bets are usually found in table games like Caribbean Stud and blackjack. They are attractive to most beginning players because they offer big additional payouts.
But the thing is, some people like the insurance of blackjack and Caribbean Stud jackpot bets are “sucker” bets. For example, the jackpot bet comes with a painful 25% house edge because of the size of the pot. At a craps table, side bets such as Yo (11.11%) and Horn (12.5%) should be avoided.