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Understanding that the odds are never in a gambler_’_s favor in a Las Vegas casino increases the chances of going home with a little money in your pocket. But short of keeping all your dough in the bank account, there are a few things you can do to increase your odds of going home a winner.
Stick to a Gambling Budget
Before heading to the table or slot machines, decide ahead of time how much of the budget can go toward gambling for each gaming session and look at the amount as entertainment. Mentally preparing to walk out of the casino without this amount of money makes it easier to avoid overspending at the table or making an emotional bet – a sure recipe for letting the odds beat you. When the money runs out, walk away from the table or slot machine until the next budgeted gambling session and enjoy the many free things to do in Las Vegas. This rule goes for winning, too. Once your winnings equal the gambling budget, walk away to avoid losing the money as the odds turn back to the house_’_s favor.
Stick to the Best Odds
It_’s not unusual to find a crowd excitedly surrounding the roulette wheel, but the game has the worst odds of any in a Sin City casino. Live poker has the best odds, as it’s the only game that doesn’_t automatically favor the house, but the skills of the players.
Blackjack has the best odds of any of the games of chance, but the payoff received from getting a face card and a 10 at the table vary from casino to casino. Some casinos like 3 to 2 or 6 to 5, which means a blackjack wins $3 on a $2 bet or $6 on a $5 wager. Some casinos offer 3 to 2 payouts but charge minimum bets of up to $100 for the privilege. Head off the Strip to find some of the best payoffs and rules that increase the odds of winning at the table. Look to Fremont Street, Henderson and other areas of Las Vegas that offer 3-2 payouts and rules that allow a player to double down, split and surrender and require dealers to hit on soft 17.
Learn the Game
Not only do the odds of winning increase when you thoroughly understand a game_’s strategy, but you’_ll also enjoy time at the table much more than if confusion reigns. Find free online casino games that offer the same odds and rules as those at the casinos you intend to play. Or take a free live lesson at casinos such as Circus Circus, Luxor, Mandalay Bay and the Venetian to get acquainted with everything from craps and roulette to poker and blackjack.
References
Tips
- Sign up for a player’s club card in the casino and present it when buying into a game. This will allow the casino to track how much you wager and could result in comps such as free meals or rooms.
Writer Bio
Adventure & Immersive Travel: Indulging her passion for vacation vagary through the written word on a full-time basis since 2010, travel funster Jodi Thornton-O’Connell guides readers to the unexpected, quirky, and awe-inspiring.
