Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned gambler, there are a few essential things to know before heading to a casino. With around 75% of the United States offering some form of gambling—whether it’s slots, poker, or full-scale table games—each casino and state has its own rules and offerings. Knowing these basics can help ensure your casino trip is a fun and smooth experience.
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1. Minimum Age Requirements
Casinos have strict minimum age rules for gambling. In most states, you need to be at least 21 years old to play, but some Native American casinos allow gambling at 18. Be sure to check the age requirements before you go. And don’t forget your ID—no matter how old you look; casinos won’t let you play without it. Some casinos check ID before you enter the establishment, but some may not. But don’t think that just because they don’t check at the entry that you won’t be asked at all to show ID, so be prepared and have yours handy.
2. It’s All About Entertainment
While you might be trying to win money, casinos are designed to entertain. Gambling should be treated like a night out—just like going to dinner or the movies. The key is to have fun and never risk more money than you can afford to lose. Set aside an entertainment budget and stick to it. If you plan on staying overnight or a few days make sure you make a daily budget. Once you’ve used that gambling money then go have fun elsewhere.
3. Casinos Reward You for Playing
Casinos offer perks and comps based on how much you play. The more you bet (and the longer you play), the more rewards you can earn, such as free meals, rooms, or other gifts. Make sure to sign up for the casino’s player rewards program to start earning benefits. We have earned many a free room by using our player’s card not to mention free or deeply discounted meals. Even if you don’t win a jackpot, these perks help make up for the money you lose.
4. Save for your budget
It’s a smart idea to build a separate bankroll for gambling. Setting aside small amounts of money over time allows you to gamble without financial stress. If you win, consider saving your winnings to build your bankroll for future trips. This way, when the inevitable losing streak comes, you’ll have enough funds to keep playing responsibly.
5. Stick to Your Budget
You’re playing for real money, so it’s important to stick to your budget. It’s easy to access extra cash at a casino—from ATMs to credit card advances—but that doesn’t mean you should. Stay disciplined and avoid dipping into more money than you originally planned to spend. Walking away when you’ve lost your budgeted amount is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Not to mention using the ATM in a casino can really break you with the $15 or more charge to use the ATM.
6. Free Drinks Aren’t Really Free
Many casinos offer free drinks to players but be careful with alcohol consumption. Drinking too much can cloud your judgment and lead to poor betting decisions. Enjoy a drink or two but stay mindful of how it might impact your gameplay and bankroll. Ordering a water with your drink is a good way to stay hydrated from consuming alcohol and slowing down the drink orders by drinking the water.
7. You Have Some Rights
If you’re unsure about a game or have a question about a payout, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Dealers, pit bosses, and slot supervisors are there to assist you. If you don’t feel satisfied with their response, you can always ask for the Casino Manager. Be polite and respectful—they are there to help.
8. Casinos Have More Rights
While you have some rights in a casino, the house has even more. Casinos can remove you from the premises for inappropriate behavior, including excessive drinking, rudeness, or disruption. If you’re asked to leave, don’t argue—it’s within their rights to do so, and causing a scene can lead to getting banned or even arrested. Remember people are there to have fun. Being kind to people is never a bad thing and it makes your experience more enjoyable.
9. The Casino Always Has the Edge
Remember, the house always has an advantage in every game. No matter how well you play, you won’t win every time. Luck plays a huge role, and streaks of losses are part of the experience. The key is to accept the losses as part of the entertainment and never chase your losses by betting more.
10. Gambling is a Marathon, not a Race
One of the most important things to understand about gambling is that you don’t need to spend everything at once. Casinos are usually open 24/7, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to play again. Take breaks when you need them and remember that you have a lifetime to enjoy casino games. Play responsibly, quit when you need to, and make it a part of your entertainment, not your financial plan. I know sometimes when I go into the casino and see some of my favorite slots, I feel like I have to play them right away, but then I remind myself that they aren’t going anywhere and to take my time and enjoy not only the gambling but also the amenities.
Conclusion
I think the most important thing to remember is that you need to set a budget for yourself, stick to it and remember that you are going for entertainment not making money. If you do that, then your experience should be a great one! At the very least most casinos offer restaurants so you can take a break during your gambling. If you’re staying a night or two, especially at a casino hotel there are probably many other things to do once you’ve hit your budget. Remember to take time to relax and enjoy your visit.
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