E-44: Finding A Casino For Your Skill & Bankroll

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If you are new to casino gambling, or even just want to try out a new table game, it is imperative that you find the right casino to try it at.

Although the allure of a big name casino might be tempting, it really may not suit your skill level. Casinos like Caesars Palace, Aria and Wynn are all aimed at the most experienced player, or at least a player with a higher bankroll. Most of their table games will be at least a $15 minimum or higher and if you wanted to try your luck at a new table game it really wouldn't be a smart idea.

Not only are the minimums higher, but the dealers are less likely to help you with any teething problems you may have. At the higher end properties, the dealers are encouraged to cater to the bigger gambler and will not have time to step you through your bets.



The slots and video poker will also be a higher denomination. The difference from a penny slot to a quarter is substantial and can put some serious pressure on your new bankroll. Be sure to play within your means, especially when you are still learning.

Some great options for a quality experience on the strip without breaking the bank are the lower tier Caesars properties, such as Paris, Planet Hollywood, Ballys and Flamingo. These hotels offer good service, with friendly dealers who generally have the time to help you if you are new to a game.

Some casinos even offer free training on games like, poker, blackjack and craps. Table games can be daunting and a one on one training session can really help you learn thee basics in an actual casino environment.

Another great option is the Las Vegas local casinos. These always have smaller table limits and the dealers are used to chatting with players and are more likely to help you out.

E-43: Finding Loose Slots

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When playing slot machines everyone wants to find the loosest machine. By dispelling some common myths and by following some of these tips, we hope to help you get the most from your gambling dollar.

Myth 1: Loose machines are surrounded by tight machines.
This is a common myth and comes from the fact that many slot players like to play more than 1 machine at a time. The thinking is that the slot manager will surround the loose machines with tight ones in order to lull players into playing them.

Myth 2: Loose machines are placed near the casino entrance.
This is an obvious myth and forms from the idea that players walking passed will see people winning and that will entice them in. This myth doesn't really have much validity as there are usually multiple entrances and they cant really be seen from the street.

Myth 3: Machines near the end of the slot banks are loose.
This comes from the idea that people seeing players winning will be more likely to go down the row and play a machine.

Myth 4: Machines near the table games are tight.
There are 2 reasons for the myth, firstly, the noise and activity will distract the table game players who are generally placing larger bets. An d secondly, the table game players will dump their remaining coins in the machine when they get up and head to the cage.

Myth 5: Slot machines near thee showroom and buffet lines are tight.
This is due to the fact that the people in those lines are stuck and are forced to watch the slot players. They will hopefully be tempted to play and by keeping the machines tight they are forced to play them because they can't stray too far from the queue.

Myth 6: Slots near the casino cage are loose.
The reasoning behind this is that the casino wants to see players winning while you are waiting in line. It creates more of a buzz and you may leave the line to try your luck.

Myth 7: Round carousels are looser than the rows.



This has formed because the carousels are visible from many more angles than the rows and again, the more visible a machine the more it should pay out.

Most of these myths you have probably heard and if you think a step further, so have the slot managers. If they know all these myths too, they are likely to switch them all on their head to increase profits.

That being said, most casino managers simply don't have the time and ability to move machines around regularly. The majority of machines are set at a payback of between 80%-95%





E-42: Bad Slot Characters

Slot machine etiquette is a very important factor to consider to ensure you and other players have a pleasant experience. Below is a list and brief description of the different slot characters you may come across.

There are quite a few bad habits that people seem to develop. These have formed because of superstition or a need to control the outcome of a slot machine. Some slot players seem to be oblivious to the people around them and will do just about anything, if they think it helps them hit that big pay out.



Button Slappers: This is the players that smashes the spin button with so much force that it vibrates the machine and the sound can be heard rows away.
These people are extremely annoying to sit next to and you should avoid becoming one off these players.

Machine Basher: These people hit the machine with a clenched fist and if a spin doesn't go their way they may give the machine a boot.
Casinos may have a lot of money, but this could be better spent on new additions as opposed to repairing damaged machines.

The Lounger: This is the player who can be found with his legs propped up on the slot bank or better still his legs on an adjacent chair.
This is not your living room, so have some respect for the fact that other players may want to sit down.

The Talker: This can be the most annoying player that you encounter. This person doesn't mean to frustrate you but they will often bore you with their losing stories.
Try to be polite with this character as they mean you no harm and are simply trying to be friendly.

The Newbie: This player will sit down right next to you, even though there are many seats available. These players are more common around video poker machines.
The best way to get rid of these people is to tell them to throw away that pair of queens and chase the flush.



Group Players: These are usually young guys or girls on a "Bucks Stew" who cheer on the player after every hand. They will frequently bump your chair and scream as the player hits 2 pair.
The best tactic here is to simply cash out and move to a quieter part of the casino.

The key with all these people is to remain polite and find a quieter machine if it really bothers you. Remember that everyone is trying to have a good time and these people aren't usually trying to annoy you deliberately.