Introduction to Casino Games

by James Carter on February 19th 2015.

Playing games at a casino can be both profitable and fun, and the latter is almost always true if you approach your session with the correct mindset. For those who are new to the experience, this page is meant to serve as a basic introduction.

List of Game Guides

5 Important Terms to Remember

Gamblers have their own lingo, and it’s important to learn these words so you can follow along in real-life conversations or forum discussions. Some words are more important than others, of course, and knowing the following five should always serve you well.

Withdrawal Requirements – Before you can withdraw money at an online casino, you’ll usually need to wager a certain amount of money. This is especially true if you receive a sign-up bonus. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to familiarize yourself with these stipulations, and keep in mind that you may have to wager as much as 100 times the value of the original bonus.

Rogue Casinos – This term refers to Internet gaming establishments that employ unethical or illegal methods to gain an even greater advantage over the player. These sites should be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, a number of sites are devoted to identifying their behavior and publically calling them out.

Bankroll – This is the amount of money you have for gambling. It’s always a good idea to keep a careful eye on your bankroll, otherwise a few unlucky hands could see your gaming session come to an abrupt end sooner than you’d like.

eCOGRA – This organization monitors the casinos that bear its seal, ensuring that players receive a fair and quality experience. When selecting a place to play, it’s always a good idea to choose one that’s affiliated with eCOGRA.

Random Number Generator – Contrary to popular belief, online games do not get hot or cold. Each spin of the reels or roll of the dice is independent of one another thanks to the random number generator. This ensures a fair game for everyone, and it also prevents players from memorizing patterns or otherwise gaining an advantage over the house.

Most Popular Casino Games

No matter which casino you choose, you’re likely to find the following popular games of chance represented. Keep in mind, however, that establishments usually feature other alternatives to satisfy your gambling sweet tooth.

Slot Machines – Also known as “fruit machines,” these popular games draw throngs of players with their colorful lights and captivating graphics. Many have themes tied to popular TV shows and movies, as well as various pop culture figures. Progressive slots link numerous machines together, and each spin adds to the growing jackpot.

Video Poker – The player attempts to make the best five-card poker hand possible. On most versions of the game, the user must get a pair of jacks or better to receive a payout.

Blackjack – A casino classic, the objective is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.

Roulette – A small ball is spun inside a wheel and eventually dropped into a slot corresponding to a number. Players may attempt to predict the specific number, a range of numbers, or even the associated color (a 50/50 proposition).

Baccarat – Often played with high stakes, this comparing card game pits the player’s hand against the dealer’s hand. Three popular versions exist, with punto banco being the most popular in North America.

Craps – Wins or losses are determined by rolling dice. A wide variety of betting options exist.

Poker – The player tries to create a better hand than the opposition. The most popular style is Texas Hold’em.

Pai Gow – A gambling game using specialized dominos, Pai Gow enjoys massive popularity throughout China.

Keno – Just like the lottery, players select numbers and get paid based on the matches obtained following a drawing.

Bingo – Numbers are called out and players mark off corresponding digits on their bingo card. When one or more lines are filled in, the player may claim victory by shouting “Bingo.”

Getting the Most Out of Your Online Gaming Experience

If you want to maximize your fun at an online casino, I suggest following these four rules:

Manage Your Bankroll – Always keep an eye on the money you’ve designated for gambling. When your bankroll is depleted, walk away from the casino until you can replenish it. Otherwise, you risk driving yourself into debt.

Emphasize Fun Instead of Profit – The objective of any session should be to have fun. If this isn’t the case, then you’re approaching the hobby the wrong way.

Select a Reputable Casino – Before you open an account, do some research and make sure your casino of choice has a solid reputation for customer service and paying on time.

Play the Odds – Some games (like video poker) offer better odds to the player. Play these to increase your chances of winning.

That concludes our overview of playing casino games. If you’d like to know more on the subject, be sure to read the various articles found on this website. Good luck and happy gambling.