5 Ways How to Gamble and Never Be in the Red

Losing is part of every game, games of chance included. It is one of the first experiences once you start playing, and it has happened to everyone at some point. The truth is you can’t avoid it, but the thing you can avoid is going over your budget limit.

This is easier said than done, though, considering all the excitement one feels when entering a casino, whether it is land-based or not. Truth be told, physical casinos have more power to entice with atmosphere - the incessant buzzing of the machines, the rustling of chips, the chatter, the music. It all makes it very easy to lose yourself in the game and forget about the consequences. All that combined with the anticipation of that big win may cloud your judgement more often than not, and you are likely to regret your decisions.

This is why we have selected top ways for you to stay within your budget and have a truly stress-free gamblig experience.

Pick the right casino

Choosing the right casino requires a different approach when it comes to land-based establishments and online casinos. As you might imagine, online casinos might be a bit trickier, since they involve online payments and withdrawals which some may find uncomfortable.

Safe online casino websites will ask you to go through a two-phase registration, within which you will be asked for your personal as well as payment information in order for everything to function as it should. However, reputable sites will never ask for this information more than once. If they do, it’s a major red flag and you should avoid any kind of cooperation.

Other signs of well-reputed casino websites are:

• Fast payouts

• Helpful and responsive customer support

• Certification by different third-party casino regulatory authorities

• Trustworthy reviews by industry experts

If it’s a land-based casino you’re after, choose the one with the best rewards program, i.e., how quickly you can earn points that enable you free play. Another thing you should pay attention to is what discounts you’re eligible for with your card. You may get a certain percentage off from purchasing food or a complimentary hotel stay.

Another thing that may vary from casino to casino is the height of minimum as well as maximum bets. Whether it’s a table game or a slot machine, look for the one that you feel most comfortable with, budget-wise.

Choose the right games

Picking the game is a major part of the overall casino experience. Online casinos often have a wider variety of games on offer, but the brick-and-mortar ones are not far behind. If you notice that you’re on a losing streak at the same machines or tables, it’s time for a change. This is the point at which you should check the house edge, i.e., the statistical prediction of how much on average you can lose on every bet in the long run. The lower the house edge, the better your chances of walking away with that big win.

Among the abundant games you can play, Blackjack has the best odds. The house edge here tends to be less than 1% or lower. Video poker machines operate at the house edge 3% or less, while slot machines have 5% - 30%.

Do not be afraid of switching if, for example, you have played slots for a while. Video poker may just prove to save you money when you consider its considerably lower house edge. Also, pay close attention to the wagering requirements, which are closely connected to the bonuses you have available and represent a number of times you have to wager that bonus.

Always have a plan

In order to avoid excessive loss in gambling, you have to do more than just follow your instincts and make frequent visits to the ATM. You need a plan. First thing you need to do is set a reasonable budget for gambling that won’t affect your lifestyle. This comes after you have deducted all important expenses from your monthly income, such as rent, bills, money for food and the essentials, or any installments that you need to pay. Then, withdraw money from your regular ATM and not the one at the casino, since those have abnormally high fees more often than not.

Never bring more than you can afford to lose. If you feel you may not be able to resist withdrawing more money, bring only cash with you and leave your credit card at home so you won’t be tempted to use it. Break up your cash into smaller denominations so you can control the amount and the number of times you place a bet.

Know the rules inside out

This should go without saying, since otherwise, you may not even realize whether you’ve won or lost. Games of strategy, like Poker or Blackjack require you to familiarize yourself with the rules, common mistakes to avoid and strategies so you can come up with the best possible gameplay.

There are numerous ways in which you can expand your knowledge, whether it’s online or not. There are online games on streaming platforms you can follow, or even be a spectator in a live game more reputable casinos will allow you to attend. Also, there are books you could read, tutorials on YouTube, online communities that will give you advice and support. Learning in person is also an option. Visit a casino at times when it’s not crowded and find a table at which you’ll be able to observe the gameplay.

Luck-based games such as slot machines don’t seem to require any strategy, but there is something you could do to improve your odds. Check how big the payouts on your chosen machine are. Simpler machines tend to pay out more frequently, but the payouts are lower.

Quit while you’re ahead

It is very easy to get carried away and caught up in the atmosphere of a casino, especially if you have scored a win and think it’s your lucky day. The truth is - it might be, but only if you stop and walk away with the profit.

Otherwise, if your luck turns, you’ll find yourself chasing your losses and be penniless or even in debt before you know it. Make good decisions and take care of yourself. There are no clocks in the casino, so set your mobile phone alarm to remind you when you should head home and hit the hay, or have something to eat.

The takeaway

The most important thing to remember is how to have fun gambling. This means that you’re truly stress-free, not losing money, not starving or drinking excessively and not chasing your losses. It is possible - with some discipline and a well managed budget you’ll be a player that’s never in the red.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes