10 Things Casinos Never Want You To Know
Casinos are a hot house of fun – we all know that – but they are a business at the end of the day. So whilst making sure you have a fun is a priority, making money is even more important.
There are ways to minimize your losses against the house though, so read on to discover just how you can do that.
Here are some of the top 10 things they’d hate for you to know!
1. Not All Games Are Made Equal
You’ve probably heard of a thing called the house edge. The house edge is super important in working out how likely you are to win.
And whilst we know that the house always wins, it’s good to know that you’ve got a better shot playing certain games.
Slots might seem like a fun, cheap way to get your gambling fix but the house edge on these can be as high as 10 percent.
Games like blackjack, poker and bingo are a much better option with a house edge of around 3 percent. And to go one step further, check out video poker where it’s as low as 0.46 percent.
2. Dealers Make Mistakes
Just as games aren’t all the same, neither are the dealers.
A lot can be said for human error, and after all, the dealers are just human. Just like you and me, they make mistakes.
Bill Zender used to work as a casino floor manager and picked up plenty of pearls of wisdom for winning. He noted down his observations across 16 casinos and found 35 sloppy dealers.
Simply watch how the dealers dish out the cards. Sometimes they can be pretty complacent, flashing the face-down card by mistake.
If you try this method known as ‘card-holing’ you give yourself a 6-9 percent edge over the house! Zender made his living doing this for a while.
3. Card Counting Isn’t Illegal
You’ve probably heard of the MIT blackjack card counting team that made millions of dollars in the 80s and 90s counting cards. They eventually got busted because the casino cottoned on and put a stop to it.
Whilst card counting won’t make you any friends in the casino, it isn’t actually illegal (so long as you’re doing it in your head). As soon as you start involving external devices and machines it’s a different story.
The casinos will come down pretty hard on anyone they suspect is card counting, which again, they keep on the DL because they don’t want to seem like party poopers.
We don’t suggest trying it but if you do give it a shot you’ll need to understand how to count cards, tons of concentration and brainpower – not to mention nerves of steel.
Oh, and you’ll be in with a better shot if you’ve got a team.
4. The Eye In The Sky Is ALWAYS Watching You
Casinos take their security very seriously, so you better be prepared to be watched. There are cameras everywhere.
The security team watches live footage constantly, so every inch of the building is constantly under surveillance. In the bigger casinos that be as many as 20,000 cameras!
On the plus side consider yourself safe from theft and threats. On the flip side, you won’t find a safe corner to scratch your bum.
5. Private Poker Rooms Usually Don’t Have Cameras
So whilst I just warned you about smiling for the cameras, there is one place you can relax a bit. The poker rooms.
If you’re a high roller and looking for a good night of poker then rest assured your private room, with champagne, will be free from security’s scrutiny.
6. You Can Take Advantage Of The Newbies
To level the playing field a bit, make sure you sit yourself down as an equal. If you sit down at a table full of locals and regulars you’re putting yourself at a major disadvantage.
Why? Because they’re comfortable, they know the ropes, they probably know the dealer. All of this knowledge gives them an edge.
So you want to find a table where the rest of the players don’t look so sure of themselves; give yourself a chance and play against people in the same position as you.
7. You Won’t Make Money Playing Keno
Don’t bother with Keno.
Like, ever.
Seriously this game is not worth your time or dime, even if it is super fun.
Similar to the lottery, you choose numbers on a card from 1-80 and the casino draws out 20. If you match their numbers, you win.
But get this…it gives the house an edge of 35-50 percent. Eye watering, right?
If you’re looking to make some money, you’re best off sticking to those other games we mentioned above!
8. Vegas Has One Of The Highest Suicide Rates
Las Vegas, one of the famous places any casino lover wants to visit, is a mecca of flashing lights and fun times. Every year billions of tourists flock there for a party they’ll never forget.
But one thing you won’t read much about is how many people go there to die.
Wait, what?
Why’s nobody talking about it?
Because if this kind of news gets out, the industry worries that people will be less inclined to go there. That’s not good for business so it gets hushed up.
It’s not clear why people choose to kill themselves in Las Vegas. It might be after a big loss, or the search for anonymity that such a place affords.
Either way, if you’re struggling with a gambling addiction there is help out there and it helps to talk to someone.
9. You’re Constantly Being Manipulated
In a casino it’s easy to feel like royalty with a giant playground at your feet and people pampering to your every whim and need. But what if I told you that’s all there to trick you?
You might feel like you’re calling the shots but in reality, the casino’s got you wrapped around their roulette wheel.
From every color to every sound, to the layout of the gaming rooms and casino’s design, it’s all done with you in mind and how to best take advantage of your psychology.
The reason you spend more time and money there than you planned is because the casinos know how to get you to do that.
With great comps, attractive and attentive servers, and exciting deals all over the place it’s hard to say no.
10. Newbies: Look For Busy Tables
If you’re still getting a hold of the gist of a game it’s tempting to seek out quieter tables. After all, it’s way less pressure and the stakes feel lower somehow.
But, if you want to perfect your game craft then the best thing you can do is seat yourself down at a busy table.
Not only will you have more time to think between plays, you’ll also see more players in action and learn from what they do.
To keep it safe though, start with low bets. No point raising the stakes until you’re confident in what you’re doing.
So there you have it.
Now you’ve got all this info you can go into the casino with confidence and knowledge. Knowledge is power and now you’ll have the power to walk away when the time’s right.
