The Games Gamblers Play: Casino Gambling 101

Casino gambling. The first thing that enters our mind is Vegas, slot machines, bright lights and chips. If youe not a gambling person and you don know a lot about casino gambling, then read on...

According to the Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia, a casino is a building that accommodates casino gambling. Customers may gamble by playing slot machines or other games of chance and some skill. Casino gambling games usually have mathematically determined odds built in that ensure the house retains an advantage over the players. This advantage is called the dge? ayout?is the percentage given to players. Some statistically even games may take a commission or tax, a "rake" on bets customers make against each other.

There are a lot of casino gambling games which can get you hooked in no time. First of all, you have the classic slot machine. A slot machine is a coin-operated casino gambling machine with three or more reels that rotate when a lever on the side of the machine is pulled. It includes a currency detector that validates the coin or money inserted to play. The machine typically pays off based on patterns of symbols visible on the front of the machine when it stops.

Sadly, casino gambling games often offer the player the illusion of control in which the player is given choices, but these choices do not eliminate the player's long-term disadvantage. This disadvantage is caused by the casino not paying the full amount that would be expected for the odds wagered. For example, if one game was played by betting what number a roll of a die would give, instead of paying 6 times the amount bet for winning, the casino only pays 5 times the amount bet.

This system is often found in famous casino gambling games like Poker, Craps, Roulette or Blackjack.

Poker is a very popular casino gambling card game. The players, with fully or partially concealed cards make wagers into a central pot, after which the pot is awarded to the remaining player or players with the best combination of cards.

Like Poker, Blackjack is also a very popular casino gambling card game. Much of its popularity is due to the mix of chance with elements of skill and decision making, and a practice called card counting. It is a skill in which players can turn the odds of the game in their favor by making betting and strategy decisions based on the cards that have been dealt. Players suspected of card counting are usually banned and blacklisted by casinos.

Craps is a famous casino gambling game using dice. Players wager money against the casino on the outcome of one roll, or of a series of rolls of two dice. The rules vary slightly from one casino to another, but the expected value of most bets is only slightly negative. All bets have a negative expectation, except the "free odds" bet with an expectation of 0, that the player is allowed to make after a point is established on a flat bet. Unlike in Blackjack, there is no possible winning strategy over any given period of time.

Roulette is a signature casino gambling game. A croupier turns a round roulette wheel which has 37 or 38 separately numbered pockets in which a ball must land. The main pockets are numbered from 1 to 36 and change between red and black, with number 1 being red. In addition there is a pocket numbered 0 of green color. In most roulette wheels in the United States but not in Europe, there is a second zero compartment marked 00, also colored green. If a player bets on a single number and wins, the payout is 35 to 1. The bet itself is returned, so in total it is multiplied by 36.

Be very wary though, these casino gambling games are highly addictive (as they are intended to be). A lot of lives have been ruined by casino gambling and although it might be fun, please do try to regulate yourself.

ONLINE GAMBLING GUIDE ...TO A BETTER GAME

When gambling online, select the casino site carefully to avoid being scammed. Review the site wisely. Don't just give your credit card number to the first site you find in the net. Take the time to ask yourself these questions:

• Is the site authentic? Look if it is government licensed. If not, go locate another site.

• Does the site have a twenty four hour toll free customer service support? If not, look for other sites.

• For slot machines and pokers, what is their smallest denomination? Look for a variety in denominations. They should have nickels, quarters, dollar as well as five dollar machines.

• How many versions of video poker do they offer? They should have at least three, because this will be your basis that the site has money for the software, therefore it can afford to pay you your winnings.

• Does the casino site have a place to record and keep track of purchases and cash out?

• What about customer care? Test them. By sending them an email with a question, you can assess their customer service.
  

• Does this site have a good reputation? What software does it use? Know how to collect your winnings. They should have detailed information about this.

• How many days will it take for you to claim your winnings? Certain sites require you to send them email stating your request. Others give payouts only once a month, and others every two weeks.

• What are the rules about bonuses?

When gambling online, here are a few pointers that should be of help:

• Do your homework. Play only at authentic sites.

• Allot a budget for a day's game. Never go beyond that budget.

• Gamble only with money that you can afford to lose. Don't gamble the money allocated for your home rental. You'll be needing help if you play this way.

• Never mix alcohol and gambling. They simply don't work together.
  

• Your data is to be protected at all times. When signing up, note that the casino should have a secure and data encrypted link. Identity theft is rampant on the internet.

• Spend ample time reading to familiarize yourself with the game.

• Play by statistics. Know the odds of the game. Study it by numbers. Hunches have no part in gambling.

• Just stick to the game. Never mind the gimmicks. Side bets, insurance and the "crapless craps" are offered in order to lure you to spend more so that the casino will make more money.

• Know when to call it quits. If you are already winning, stop. Don't try to win more, you may end up a big loser. If you are already losing more than your allocated daily budget, stop. There is always another day.

• Expect that you can lose the game. Casinos are in the business because they set the rules in such a way that the house's win is important. Generally, they have the edge over you.

A fact is that ninety eight percent of casino gambling is designed for recreation. Therefore, play to enjoy. To be entertained, you spend money. If it gets to a point where it is no longer fun to you, where you play beyond your means, then stop now, or else, you may not be able to stop later.