Casino Games Go Ahead - Play !

Most people are hesitant to try table games like craps or blackjack. They're afraid that, as a beginner, they'll look foolish to the dealer and other players. They assume that everyone at the tables is an experienced player and knows what they're doing. WRONG!

The fact is most people never bother to read anything at all about the games they play. They'll play blackjack and stand on 17 or more because that's what the dealer does. Every book on craps I've ever read says to ignore most of the layout yet it's covered with chips from these "experienced" players. Chances are, if you read the documents I have above, and spend some time practicing with Cardoza's computer game (mentioned below), you'll be the most knowledgable person at most tables. Keep in mind that 99% of the people at most tables are visiting from out of town just like you, not regular players. Typically, locals who do play more often don't frequent the Strip casinos because traffic and parking is such a hassle in that area.

REMEMBER: The dealers are NOT "the enemy". They don't get paid a lot yet they see "the boss" raking in millions. If you were in their shoes would you have a problem giving away some of the boss' money? Of course not, and neither do they. As a matter of fact, they want you to win. It's a known fact that winning players tip more, and tips are an important part of their income. Most dealers welcome new players. (Sure there's a few snotty ones and a few that are just having a bad day. They're people with personal lives just like you and I.) If it's your first time playing, let the dealer know. If you're not sure how to play a hand or place a bet, ask the dealer. They're more than willing to help.

When you approach a table look for a placard on the table top. (At a craps table they're usually fastened to the inside wall next to the dealers.) These placards will show the minimum bet level for that table. Note that these placards are often changed as minimum bet levels will usually be higher Thursday nights through Sundays.

When you get to a table and need chips, always place your money down on the table surface. Never try to hand a dealer anything directly. The "eye-in-the-sky" cameras need to monitor all transactions for security and in case there's a dispute between a player and a dealer. (That's also why you need to use hand signals in blackjack to indicate your play.)

If you don't like the bet levels normally associated with table games (minimum bet levels at the tables in most casinos is $5 to $10), check out some of the smaller places like Bill's Saloon (between the Flamingo and Bally's) or Casino Royale (between the Venetian and Harrah's). They usually have lower minimum bet levels. Some of the older places on the "north end" of the Strip and downtown often have lower minimums also. The Sahara on the north end of the Strip and Slots A Fun (just south of Circus Circus) have $1 tables most nights.

If you like playing slot machines, you may want to try your luck at places like O'Shea's (between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo), or Slots A Fun (just south of Circus Circus). These types of places rely on slot machines for their livelihood and can't afford to develop a reputation of having "tight" machines. The down-side of playing at these types of places is that you won't build up any comp points that could get you a free or reduced room rate (most don't have rooms), but for the average nickel or quarter slot player they may yield better results.

Casino managers aren't stupid. They offer you free drinks while you're gambling for a reason. The more intoxicated you get the more you are likely to bet. It's best not to drink a lot of alcohol while you're gaming. Most of the time I'll just ask for orange juice or a soft drink (they're free too).

If you're at a table and mother nature calls, you need to run up to your room, or you just feel like stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, you don't need to pack up your chips and take them with you. At the craps table, tell the dealer you'd like to "get covered". You leave your chips in the table rail tray and wait for a floor man or pit boss to come over and cover them with a towel or cloth. At blackjack or other tables tell the dealer you want to take a break. They will keep an eye on your chips for you while you're gone. This is particularly helpful if you're at a hot table and you don't want to lose your spot. (I've seen hot craps tables where it is literally impossible to try and sandwich into a spot on the rail.) Don't abuse the courtesy by being gone for long periods of time or leaving frequently. 15 to 20 minutes per break is usually the max.