Gambling has likely been around since ancient times. However, its precise origin remains unknown. Yet, the lineage of the word most associated with establishments that provide this activity is less muddy. The term casino may mean several things, but its root lies in the Italian casa, meaning house. It wasn’t until the 19th century that it began to take on the meaning we accept today, despite, at that time, the word not being exclusively used to describe gaming venues.
Nowadays, the word – casino is synonymous with luxurious locales that provide games where anyone of legal age can test their luck. Naturally, since gambling operators are running a business, all these products feature a house edge. That is a mathematical advantage that favors the casinos over time, always keeping its players at a disadvantage. In the short term, anything is possible. In the long haul, the casino must ensure that it will turn a profit.
That said, they are ways for players to better the odds when gambling at a casino, land-based or digital. That entails reviewing guides on how to play casino games, learning about betting patterns and advantage play. Below, we explain four tried-and-tested approaches to use four different casino-style gaming products.
Use the Martingale System on Roulette
Regarding progressive betting systems, opinions remain divided, as some gamblers like utilizing them while others believe they are hazardous and can quickly deplete player funds. The Martingale is likely the most famous and rudimentary betting pattern out there. It got popularized in 18th century France, where it got commonly used on roulette. It relies on the probability theory that if a gambler flips a coin many times, it will eventually land on heads. Therefore, this system involves doubling a bet after each loss so that when a win occurs, a player will recover his lost funds and turn a profit.
Roulette is the perfect game for the martingale system. It is one of a few rare casino products that almost offers 50/50 bets, particularly in its European version, which only has one green pocket. If the little white ball lands on this position, that voids all outside bets. Those are red/black and odd/even ones, which feature almost 50/50 odds.
Play Low Variance Slots
All reel-spinning symbol combinations are a product of an algorithm called a random number generator. It is the job of this software to generate outcomes that no one can predict. Yet, these results still follow a pre-defined long-term overall pattern. The latter refers to settings that determine how regularly and in what amounts a game will churn out wins. This frequency with which a slot produces prizes gets called variance. A low one means that a specific game, in general, will only supply small rewards, which a player can come by with some degree of regularity.
Laypeople often link slot machines with massive jackpot prizes. Nevertheless, veteran gamblers know that the trick with these casino products, the same as with all of them, is to stay one step ahead of the casino. Therefore, playing low variance reel-spinners is a terrific investment.
Implement Strategy on Blackjack
Blackjack is the world’s most established table gaming option. It is a mainstay at venues in every corner of the globe and a game equally favored by both newbies and experienced players. That is so because its ruleset is super simple, and with optimal strategy, players can lower its house edge from 2% to 0.5%.
Everyone that has had so much as a fleeting interest in playing twenty-one has likely heard of blackjack strategy. However, few laypeople understand what it precisely is. It refers to memorizing what move to make in what situation. Some players have analyzed all the hands in blackjack and have discovered the winning probabilities of each one. Players that know these scenarios by heart understand what decision incurs the best winning odds. For example, a player must hit when his hand is 12-16, and the dealer has 7-Ace.
Use a Video Poker Move Chart
Video poker is a gambling genre that first appeared in the 1970s but became popular a decade later. Many players love these machines because they see them as less intimidating card gaming options than table games. In essence, they are a variant of five-card draw poker. But, the unique thing about them is that some, with proper strategy, have no house edge whatsoever.
The same strategy principle as the one discussed in blackjack applies here. Strategy charts exist, which detail the best move in almost all possible situations.
To Sum Up
Casino gamblers always face unfavorable odds. However, that does not mean that there is nothing they can do to better their chances of winning. Specific tweaks exist that can bring some balance to the gambling experience. The four techniques described above are a decent start on how gamblers can make things a bit fairer when wagering their hard-earned cash.
About the Author
Shelly Schiff has been working in the gambling industry since 2009, mainly on the digital side of things, employed by OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com. However, over her eleven-year career, Shelly has provided content for many other top interactive gaming websites. She knows all there is to know about slots and has in-depth knowledge of the most popular table games. Her golden retriever Garry occupies most of her leisure time. Though, when she can, she loves reading Jim Thompson-like crime novels.
