Whether you are a seasoned gambler or gambling just for fun, one thing every gambler wants is to win money and walk away with more money than they walked in with. On the other hand, the ultimate goal of every casino is to make money. Casinos are designed to operate under the basic understanding that, over the long term, the house will come out ahead. This is achieved if the casinos take in as much as possible and pay out as little as possible.  We have all heard the saying, "the house always wins".

 

Fact: The casino has the mathematical advantage in every game. Whether you play slots, craps, blackjack, roulette or any other casino game. It is important to remember that games of chance are based on random outcomes and always favor the casino.

 

Our goal in this section of the lasvegas-how-to.com is to acquaint you with the rules and regulations for each game, which in turn will make for a better gaming experience.

 

The house advantage is the difference between the true odds and the odds that the casino pays you when you win.

 

It is important to know the house advantage for each game. House advantages also vary by region, casino and game. Today if you ask any Vegas gambler where is the best place to play, they will most likely say, downtown or off the strip.The reason is because people believe the odds are better the further away you go from the Vegas strip. In Las Vegas strip casinos, given the common rules, the approximate house advantage for each game are as follows:

House Advantage Explained >>

 

Casino House Advantage

	House Advantage	For Every $100 bet, the player can expect to lose.
Baccarat
Player/Banker	1.1%-1.2%	$1.10 - $1.20
Tie	14.4%	$14.40
Blackjack	0.5%-1.5%	50c - $1.50
Craps
Pass/Don't Pass	1.4%	$1.40
Prop Bets	10%-16.7%	$10 - $16.70
Keno and Sports
Keno 1-15 Spots	25%-30%	$25 -$30
Video Keno	8%-15%	$8 -$15
Sports Betting (Bet $11/Win $10)	4.5%	$4.50
Roulette
Single Zero	2.7%	$2.70
Double Zero	5.3%	$5.30
Slot Machines
Nickel Slots	7%-12%	$7 - $12
Quarter Slots	5%-10%	$5 -$10
Dollar Slots	2.5%-6%	$2.50 -$6
Video Poker	0.5%-5%	50c - $5
source: American Gaming Association
House Advantage Explained >>

 

Now you see why casinos consider slot machines their "bread and butter".

 

Look for games with a small house advantage. For the player, the best games to play are Blackjack, Craps and Baccarat. These are the games where the house advantage are most reduced, meaning in the short run you can beat them.

 

Learn to play casino games by clicking on the links below. Each link tells you a little about the game, the rules and gives you an online video on the game in action. Hope you enjoy them.

 

 

Quick Game Tutorial

 

 

Nevada State Gaming Rules

 

The minimum age for gambling in Nevada is 21 and the law is strictly enforced. Casinos can be fined heavily by the state or have their license revoked for allowing anyone under 21 to gamble or loiter in gaming areas.

 

Adults cannot play slot machines with kids looking over their shoulder, nor can they park infants in strollers besides slot machines or gaming tables.

 

Security guards will inform violators of the state law one time and escort them from the premises for repeatedly ignoring warnings.

 

Gaming Terminology / Phrases

 

Vegas Phrase	Meaning
All in:	When a player bets all of his or her chips.
Comps:	Free complimentary rooms, buffet passes, show tickets, and so on, given to frequent gamblers.
House edge:	The statistical advantage that the casino maintains over the player.
One-armed bandit:	A slot machine.
Pit boss:	A table games supervisor on the casino floor.
Cage:	Where casino cashiers exchange chips for money.
High roller:	A gambler who wagers large amounts of money.
Eye in the sky:	A casino’s high-tech camera surveillance network.
Let it ride:	To roll over your winnings into another bet.
Loose slots:	Slot machines with above-average pay outs.
Tapped out:	Broke, out of money.
Toke:	A tip or gratuity (short for “token”).
RFB:	Room, food, and beverage comps.

 

Responsible Gaming

 

This website encourages you to play responsibly by betting within your limits and by recognizing that over time the house will come out ahead.

If you wish to view a full copy of the AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, log on to the AGA website at www.americangaming.org.

If you wish to view the AGA’s win-loss brochure, “The Guide to House Advantage”, log on to www.americangaming.org

 

Copies of the brochure “When the Fun Stops – Understanding Compulsive Gambling” are available at most Casino Cages, and Players Club Desk.

 

Warning Signs of Problem Gaming:

• Gambling to escape worry
• Gambling to get money to solve financial difficulties
• Feeling unable to stop playing, regardless of winning or losing
• Often gambling until your last dollar is gone
• Neglecting your family because of gambling

If you feel you need help, please call the following 24-hour confidential national hotline:

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700

 

Recommended reading and merchandise