7 Things to Avoid Like the Plague at the Casino

Every casino gambler has their way of doing things. Some players are superstitious to the point of lunacy; some adhere to strict betting rules; while still others like to cut loose and let the chips fall where they may.

No matter a punter’s gaming style, though, there are a few things that anyone with even the tiniest bit of experience will agree should best be avoided.

What follows is a list of casino offerings, activities, people, and behaviors that are guaranteed to disrupt both your fun and your bottom line.

Avoid them at all costs, focus on proper strategy, and you’ll be putting yourself in the best possible position for success at the tables.

1) ATMs

Casinos, especially first-class casinos, face an interesting paradox: of course they want to retain as strong a house edge as possible, but they also need to offer their players competitive odds! If they don’t, their clientele will go elsewhere.

A common solution? Find ways to make money off players when they are not making bets.

An ATM is a great example. ATMs can be found on most any casino floor, even though credit cards are usually accepted at the cashier’s station as well. These ATMs usually charge exorbitant fees, of which the casino gets a hefty cut.

A smart player’s best solution is usually to get cash before coming to the casino to avoid fees.

If this isn’t possible, credit card deposits are generally far preferable to using the cash machines – though a charge might be applied in this case as well, it will usually be much smaller than an ATM charge.

2) Getting (Too) Drunk

There’s a not-so-subtle reason why casinos comp alcoholic beverages for high rollers: alcohol impairs discipline, decision-making, and one’s ability to pay attention. It is impossible to be as good player drunk as one is sober.

Drunk players make more mistakes.

They blow past their bankroll limits. They play for longer. Concepts like the Gambler’s Fallacy, which are easily avoided by informed, clear-headed players, will start to seem like excellent ideas after one too many cocktails.

A cardinal rule of warfare is: if your opponent wants you to do something, do the opposite.

In this context, the casino is your adversary: they want you to play drunk. Defy them!

3) Others Who Have Gotten Too Drunk

Once a player has successfully avoided drinking too much themselves, the perils of drinking while gambling will become instantly clear.

Drunks are the bane of the skilled gambler.

They disrupt the rhythm of the game. In a group games like poker, they can ruin the quality of a table’s competition. They swear loud oaths they have no intention of keeping. They talk trash. They start fights.

When given the choice between a raucous table filled with happy, drunken players and a quieter one, choose the quieter one. Your future self (and your bankroll) will thank you.

4) The Sudden Attention of Beautiful Strangers

The glamor of casino gaming is part of its appeal, and players can be forgiven if they’re flattered by the arrival of a gorgeous stranger who seems to find them very interesting.

But beware!

Many casinos employ beautiful women and handsome men to talk and flirt with gamblers, to encourage them to loosen up, bet more, and play longer sessions than they otherwise would.

There are also other kinds of independent professionals drawn to casino floors.

No matter which kind of professional you’re dealing with, you can rest assured that it’s your bankroll, not your personality, that the sexy stranger finds interesting. Steer clear!

5) Empty Gaming Tables

Some times, a player doesn’t feel up for conversation… they just want to gamble in peace. All the same, it’s best to avoid being the only player at an otherwise empty table.

Why?

Over time, the house holds the edge in every game in the casino.

6) Double (or Triple!!!) Zero Roulette

Roulette is a subtle game, worthy of detailed exploration. But in a pinch, there is one thing players can do to help their chances immensely:

Don’t play American Roulette!!

This is not a political statement, but a mathematical one: American wheels feature not just one 0, but a 00 as well… this cuts players’ odds on even-money bets in half.

When possible, play French for the best odds possible. Head over to our sister site Roulette Vision for a comprehensive guide.

7) Disreputable Casinos

Perhaps the most important choice players can make is where to play. Whether playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, the gaming provider has a massive influence on player’s bottom lines.’

It must be said that, while casino gambling is a pursuit that can be immensely rewarding on multiple levels, it is also home to some bad actors.

Regulation is stronger than ever, and online providers can face stiff penalties for failing to live up to their responsibilities.

In fact, any provider worth its salt is strongly incentivized to keep play fair, and most will bend over backwards to do so.

Still, a little research will go a long way in making sure that no unwelcome surprises or suspicious charges. Use our site as a guide, use your best judgment, and keep both eyes open!