So, you’ve been playing online casino games for a while now and you’re looking forward to your first visit to a brick-and-mortar establishment, but what will the experience be like? We can assure you that you’re more than likely to have a blast, but there are a few tips we can give you to make your outing even more enjoyable. So, let’s get the inside edge.
Pick an establishment
If you’ve been invited to an event at a casino then this decision’s out of your hands. But if you haven’t yet decided which casino to visit, here’s how to choose. First off, which games do you like to play? While your favorite online casino may offer everything from Slingo to live dealer games, brick-and-mortar establishments might not offer many of the options you’re used to accessing online.
Using a simple online search, you’ll be able to quickly figure out where to go to play the casino games of your choice. Also, keep in mind that many people visit casinos for reasons other than simply winning at the tables. If you’d like to spend at least some of the time on activities besides gambling, find a place that offers great restaurants and shows.
Casinos have rules of etiquette
As in most areas of life, rules or etiquette take the guesswork out of what’s expected of us in a given situation. It’s no different at casinos. The rules allow gambling businesses to operate their floors in a pleasant, orderly way that throws up as few surprises as possible. For this reason, one of the most important things you need to know for your first visit is to familiarize yourself with the rules in play at the establishment of your choice. You can usually find these on their website or do a bit of general research online.
For example, when playing casino table games, instead of handing cash directly to the dealer, it’s best that you place the chips you’re using to tip on the table. The dealer will then exchange these for cash tips. This way, every transaction can be seen by the floor’s security cameras and the dealer is protected from any accusations. Another bit of etiquette that holds true at most establishments is to never count your cash at the table. This is for two reasons. It has, for decades, been seen as impolite (or a bit too eager or even desperate,) and in the past, counting your cash at the table might have drawn the attention of thieves and pickpockets to your bankroll.
Create a gambling budget
This is another important piece of advice – create a bankroll even if you’re planning to spend only a few hours gambling. Even the best casino games that are based purely on chance are more enjoyable when you’re managing your bankroll responsibly. Here’s how to do it:
- Figure out how much money you can comfortably afford to lose and put this aside.
- Settle on the percentage of your bankroll that you’ll bet on a single game (no more than 5% is usually recommended).
- Make sure that you’re disciplined enough to walk away when you’ve bet your limit, no matter how lucky you’re feeling.
Remember to tip
Plan to put aside about 5% to 10% of your bankroll for tips. It’s polite and shows your appreciation to people who are often on their feet all day making sure your visit is as enjoyable as possible. Common practice in most casinos is to tip croupiers and dealers around 10% of a win (it’s perfectly acceptable to tip during play or when you’re ready to leave the table, though again, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the house rules). If you really want to impress your friends, you can place a bet on behalf of the dealer. This is often done, particularly at the blackjack table.
For wait staff, play it by ear. It’s acceptable to tip a couple of dollars to the person who brings you a beverage, but the person delivering a full restaurant table service deserves about 20% of the value of your bill.
It’s just human nature; staff are more likely to go out of their way to make your visit a particularly enjoyable experience if you are willing to show your appreciation with a tip.
Don’t get hung up on betting systems
There’s no shortage of so-called betting strategies that some gamblers will swear by, but don’t get taken in. Unless you’re a particularly skilled poker player, all casino games rely heavily on chance. A successful gambler is someone who understands that you’re unlikely to win big, but you’ll almost certainly get plenty of enjoyment when you play for the entertainment value and spend time bonding with friends. So, go ahead and try out the Martingale Betting Strategy or apply the Fibonacci sequence to your next bet, but always keep in mind that none of these strategies have ever been proven to work.
Dress the part
If you’ve been playing online slots in your socks on the living room couch, you’ll need to up your game a bit when it comes to dressing for your first visit to a casino. Don’t worry too much about it. Casinos are filled with people from all walks of life and with different tastes in fashion. Keep these tips in mind and you won’t go wrong:
- Casual clothes are acceptable in most US establishments but steer clear of leisurewear like sweatpants and vests.
- Avoid clothing that displays offensive images and messages, and don’t wear anything that’s too revealing.
- You won’t want to don an evening gown or tuxedo unless you’re attending an evening gala event or you’re planning a rendezvous with a secret agent man at a Monte Carlo casino.
Play at BetMGM whenever you choose
Now that you’re armed with advice for your first casino visit, you can relax and enjoy the experience. At BetMGM you can play all your favorites, from slots and online poker to live casino online games, wearing whatever you like at any time of the day or night. It’s simple and easy to join in the fun by registering with us online.
