In the modern world we are faced with limitless possibilities on a daily basis. Just go to the supermarket and you’ll find 30 different types of cereals. Want to get a haircut? Try deciding from the 20 local hairdressers in your neighborhood. Need a new jacket? Good luck picking what store to go to first, and then decide which of the 100 options you find works best for you.
Deciding which casino game to play is no different, and it is a dilemma faced by rookies and experienced casino players alike. Although variety is one of the major reasons why casino gambling is so popular with so many people, it can also feel overwhelming for beginners. While one option is to try as many different types of casino games as you can and then choose which feels best, not everyone has the time (or money) to spend on this option.
If you’re someone who has no idea where to start, or perhaps you’ve dabbled around but still haven’t found the one game that you feel a connection to, let’s look at a few tips and game elements that you might want to consider when choosing what to play in an online casino or land-based one. Keep in mind, however, that at the end of the day, each game is going to have its pros and cons and it’s ultimately going to come down to personal choice.
Level of Skill Required
While luck is a huge factor in all types of gambling, you may find yourself wanting to play a game that requires more than just a lucky draw or spin of the wheel. While chance is an inherent part of all casino games, some require a higher level of skill than others.
Let’s start with the games of luck, where the outcome is going to be purely random. Slot machines, bingo, roulette, scratch cards and the lottery are all games where the house always has the edge and it can’t be reduced by the player applying their skills. These games require hardly no knowledge at all and can be played by virtually anyone.
In games of skill, veteran casino gamblers analyze previous outcomes using mathematical skills and memorization in order to try and predict future outcomes. Add to this the player’s in-depth knowledge of the casino game and how it’s played, and in some cases these savvy casino gamblers can almost eliminate the house edge all together. The casino games that involve the most amount of skill are blackjack and poker (keep in mind that in these games, some luck is still required!)
Potential Payouts and House Edge
People decide to gamble for all different reasons. Some enjoy the social aspect, while others prefer the thrill of the possibility of winning substantial amounts of money. Before getting into the potential payouts, it’s important to understand the house edge, which is the name given to the casinos profit expressed as a percentage of the player’s original bet. Depending on the house edge, players can determine if the odds are good or not.
The games with the best odds (the games that offer you the best chance of winning), are all forms of table games. There is a higher chance of winning a high payout from table games such as blackjack, craps and roulette.
The games with the worst odds are actually two of the most popular casino games, the wheel of fortune and slot machines. It should be noted that the jackpot for slot machines can be huge, bigger than a lottery win sometimes, and although your odds of winning are extremely low, this potential payout makes the game a favorite among beginners.
Simplicity of the Rules
Many beginners opt for games that are the easiest to learn. The most straightforward game of all is undoubtedly slots. All you have to do to start is put your money into the machine, and push the button. Another game that’s slightly more complex but still easy to learn is roulette. Here there are several betting options to consider, but the rules themselves are relatively simply.
Blackjack is a game that from the outside is wonderfully simple to play, the entire premise is that you have to try and beat the dealers score by scoring more than them without going over the blackjack score of 21. Yet the player needs a solid understanding of at least basic blackjack strategy, and in reality it is a game that is both subtle and complex, requiring a deep understanding of complicated strategies.
Fun Factor
No matter your skill level or experience in the gambling world, personal preference is going to draw us towards one game or another. While some people may find a slot machine thrilling and exciting, others may be put off by the idea of sitting at a machine for an extended period of time pulling a lever or pressing a button. Having fun can be equally as important as trying to win a large sum of money. So while you may be more interested in the previously-discussed factors, for most people casino gambling should really be about enjoying yourself, with the money as an added bonus.