Things to Remember
- Play games with small bets and good payouts, like video poker, blackjack, slots, and baccarat.
- Use bonus offers when you join or add money to an online casino. Bet small to make your money last.
- Decide when to stop if you win, so you don’t keep playing and lose everything.
1. Gamble at a reputable casino
Some casinos are not safe and may cheat or have weak security. Before you play at any casino, whether in person or online, check reviews to see what other players say. Look at their website to see if they have a proper license and security. If you find bad reviews, no license, or a website that asks for personal details without protection, do not use it.
- If you want to gamble online, try trusted sites like Slots.lv, BetOnline, or Las Atlantis. But first, check if online gambling is allowed where you live.
- Before signing up or adding money, make sure online casinos are legal in your area. As of April 2023, they are legal in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, but not in other states.
2. Take advantage of online bonus offers
Many online casinos give extra money as a bonus when you join. Check if they have a welcome bonus that gives you free credits to place bets. Some casinos also give extra money when you add money to your account, so you can play longer and win more.
Always read the rules before accepting a bonus. Many casinos ask you to bet a certain amount before you can take out your winnings. For example, if you get a $500 bonus and the rule says you must bet 10 times the bonus, you need to bet $5,000 before you can withdraw your money.
3. Play games with high return to player
- Physical casinos may not show RTP, but you can search online for the game’s average RTP.
- Online casinos usually have an info button that shows RTP.
Try to play games with an RTP above 95%. This means if you bet $1, you’ll get back about $0.95 on average.
Best casino games with high RTP:
- Video Poker: 97–99.5% RTP
- Blackjack: 98–99% RTP (with good strategy)
- Baccarat: 98% RTP (if you bet on the banker)
- Slots: 95–97% RTP (look for high RTP slots)
- Roulette: 97% or higher (depends on the wheel)
- Craps: 99% or higher (best bets: Pass Line & Don’t Pass Line)
4. Follow betting guides for the game you’re playing
Guides help you know when to bet and when to stop, based on how you are doing. Gambling games are always a little random, but sometimes you have a better chance of winning. Before you start playing, read a betting guide to learn when to bet and when to stop.
- Video Poker: Keep cards that make a strong hand, like four of a kind or a royal flush. Throw away weak cards.
- Blackjack: If you have 8 or less, take another card. If you have 17 or more, stop. Check a blackjack chart for more tips.
- Baccarat: Bet on the banker’s hand because it has a slightly better chance of winning.
- Slots: If you win, increase your bet a little to try for a bigger prize. If you lose, lower your bet.
- Slot Bonuses: Don’t play just to earn free rewards. Casinos use these to keep you playing. It’s okay to use rewards if you are already playing, but don’t let them trick you into playing more.
5. Place smaller wagers
Betting small lets you play longer. Look for games with very low bets, so you don’t lose all your money fast. If you win a jackpot, the amount depends on your bet—smaller bets mean smaller winnings. But with small bets, you also avoid losing too much at once.
- Change your bet size based on your wins and losses. If you’re betting $1 and have lost $5, try lowering your bet to $0.50.
- In roulette, you can try the “Martingale System.” Bet the smallest amount on red. If you win, you double your money. If you lose, double your next bet on red to recover losses. Be careful—losing many times in a row can use up your money quickly.
6. Try different games if you’re on a cold streak
If you keep losing on the same game or table, try switching to another one. If you lose more than 5 times in a row, move to a different machine or table to see if you get luckier. Winning is always random, but sometimes changing games might help you win more.
- In an online casino, try a different game to see if your luck improves.
- Even if switching games doesn’t change your chances, taking a break after losing a lot can help you stay focused and avoid mistakes.
7. Set a limit for when to stop
Set a limit so you don’t spend too much or lose all your winnings. It’s easy to keep playing, hoping to win a big prize or get back lost money, but you might lose even more.
Decide how much you want to win, and stop once you reach that amount. Or, set a loss limit, and stop playing when you lose that much money.
- If you start with $20, a good win or loss limit is $100–200.
- Win limits are better than loss limits because you are more likely to stop when you’re winning and not keep gambling.
8. Try different online casinos
Opening several accounts gives you more chances to get promotional offers. If you’ve only tried one gambling site, consider making accounts on others that interest you. They may have new games and could give you bonus money for signing up or making your first deposit, so you have extra money to play with right away.
- Some other good online casinos to try are BetUS, Wild Casino, and Cafe Casino because they have low deposit limits and big bonus offers.
