For those of you who are planning on travelling to Vegas anytime soon, it’s important to know what games you should avoid, and why.
There are always exceptions to the rule, and sometimes you might encounter a game that is so exciting, or so frustrating, that it keeps you captivated for the entire duration. However, as a beginner, it’s advisable to remain cognizant of the games that are stacked against you. You’ll have a better shot at winning, if you know how the games work and can anticipate what will happen next.
Here’s a quick guide to who’s betting what in Vegas, and why.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a game that has been around for centuries, and is one of the most popular casino games in Vegas. It’s considered to be one of the simplest games to understand. You’re either getting closer to or further away from hitting the dealer’s hand, depending on whether you bet on red or black. You’ll usually want to stay away from this game if you want to win big because the odds are always in favor of the house.
The dealer will typically offer you a face-down card, with a value ranging from 2 to 10. The goal is to match the value of your bet with two matching cards, or stick with the original two cards if they’re the same value. For instance, if you bet $10 on red and the dealer’s down card is a 7, you’ll need a 7 to make it the same value as your bet, so you’ll win $10 back plus your original $10 wager. If you bet $10 on black, and the down card is also a 7, you’ll lose your original $10 wager since blackjack is a zero-sum game. It’s also a good idea to stay away from this game if you’re on a budget, as it’s one of the most expensive games to play in Vegas.
Poker
Poker is another popular game in Vegas, and it’s the simplest of all the card games to understand. You’re trying to beat the dealer’s hand, and the best way to do so is to take a closer look at what the dealer might be holding and use that to your advantage. There are five common poker hands, and the objective is to beat the dealer’s hand, which will be revealed at the end of the game. It’s also important to realize that the dealer’s hand is determined randomly, so even though you may have a good hand, it might not be reflected in the final outcome. It’s also worth noting that some casinos will limit the pot size in order to keep the game fair for the players. This game isn’t for everyone, as it requires a lot of concentration and a steady hand. If you’re looking for a quick game to while away the hours in Vegas, this isn’t the one for you.
Roulette
Roulette is another game that has been popularized in casinos, and it is one of the most widely played games in Vegas. If you’ve been to a casino in France, you might have encountered this game already, as it was one of the first casino games to be adapted from its original home. Just like poker, roulette is also all about probability and odds, but instead of trying to beat the dealer’s hand, you’re trying to beat the odds by placing a wager on a numbered slot, or group of slots. If you bet on black, the ball will usually come to a stop on a green slot, while a red slot will cause the ball to bounce back and forth between two fixed sets of numbers. The goal is to predict which numbers the ball will come to rest on, and the payout for matching three or more numbers is extremely high, leading some players to wager large sums of money without fear of losing. It’s also worth noting that some casinos will use a system of pseudo-scientific roulette, which is basically the same as conventional roulette, but the ball’s movement is determined by a random number generator instead of by physical forces, like gravitation or inertia. Just like with poker, this is not the game for everyone, as it can be extremely stressful to focus on for too long in the first place, and the betting limits can be extremely high, making it an expensive game to play.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a game that has been around for centuries as well, and it is one of the more popular casino games in Vegas. It is similar to roulette in that you’re trying to beat the odds by placing a wager on a numbered slot, or in this case, an all-white-noise roulette game. However, instead of using a ball, the game uses a cube, which will be randomly placed at the start of each game. You’ll need to match three items, such as a number, color and side, to win. It’s also called the ‘Banker’s Game’ due to the fact that the dealer will sit at the head of the table, while the players will be on the opposite side. If you’re looking for a game that can be both social and educational, this is one to consider playing in Vegas. However, it’s also one of the more expensive games to play, as the betting limits can be quite high.
Carbon Poker
Carbon Poker is a game that has been around for a while now, and it is similar to roulette, in that you’re attempting to beat the odds by placing a wager on numbered slots. However, instead of using a ball, the game uses a carbon fiber poker chip that is approximately the same size as a conventional poker chip. The dealer will initially deal out seven cards to each player, which they will keep in view until the end of the game. When it’s their turn to bet, they’ll reveal their hole cards, and the player with the highest hand wins. It’s also one of the more expensive games to play, as the betting limits can be quite high, and the carbon chips can break, leading to costly repair costs. If you’re looking for a game that will make you feel like a real poker star, this is the one for you.
Off-Peak Season
During off-peak season in Vegas, players can expect to win only 25% of their wagers. This is mainly due to the fact that there aren’t many people playing, and those who are usually don’t spend a large amount of money, as it’s a popular resort destination for vacationers and locals alike. It’s important to play during peak season in order to have a good chance at winning big. However, it’s also important to research the rules of the games you play, as some casinos will have specific minimums and maximums that you must adhere to in order to play, and sometimes these rules are hidden in the fine print. Always check with the dealer or casino personnel if you have any question about whether or not you’re able to play a specific game, as some establishments will keep restricted games for their high rollers, but will make them available to anyone during non-peak hours, mainly in the evening.
While most casinos enforce a dress code for their players, some don’t care at all. It’s important to remember the culture and business of the place you’re playing at, and whether or not you should dress up for the occasion. If you do choose to dress up, make sure that your outfit is appropriate for the occasion, as you don’t want to ruin your chances of winning. For those of you who are planning on staying in a standard hotel, it’s a good idea to check their website to see what’s available in terms of promotions and special deals for residents, as well as anyone else who might be travelling to Vegas for the occasion. This can help you save a lot of money, as well as give you the opportunity to try new things you wouldn’t normally get the chance to, just because you’re staying at a luxury hotel.