Guides & Articles
From first-time visitor tips and tipping etiquette to game rules, winning strategies, and bankroll management — everything you need to feel confident walking into any casino, card room, or racing track.
Latest Articles
The High Roller Experience: What to Expect (2025)
The High Roller Experience: What to Expect (2025)
What does it take to be a casino high roller? Learn about VIP programs, what perks to expect, how casinos treat their biggest players, and whether the high roller life is worth pursuing.
Best Casinos for Beginners (2025)
Best Casinos for Beginners (2025)
Some casinos are better for new gamblers than others. Find out which properties offer low minimums, friendly atmosphere, and the best experience for learning the games.
Planning Your First Vegas Trip (2025)
Planning Your First Vegas Trip (2025)
Making your first trip to Las Vegas? Here's everything you need to know—from which casinos to visit to budgeting, shows, dining, and avoiding tourist traps.
Live Poker Tells: Reading Your Opponents (2025)
Live Poker Tells: Reading Your Opponents (2025)
Physical tells can give you an edge in live poker. Learn the most reliable tells, how to spot them, and how to avoid giving away information yourself.
Sports Betting Line Shopping (2025)
Sports Betting Line Shopping (2025)
Line shopping is the easiest way to increase your sports betting profits. Learn how to compare odds across sportsbooks and why half a point can make a huge difference.
Bankroll Requirements by Game (2025)
Bankroll Requirements by Game (2025)
How much money do you need for a casino session? The answer depends on what you play. Learn specific bankroll recommendations for slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and more.
Understanding Variance in Gambling (2025)
Understanding Variance in Gambling (2025)
Variance explains why you can lose while making good decisions and win while making bad ones. Learn how variance affects different casino games and how to plan for it.
Introduction to Advantage Play (2025)
Introduction to Advantage Play (2025)
Advantage play turns gambling odds in the player's favor. Learn about card counting, hole carding, shuffle tracking, promotional exploitation, and whether these techniques are worth pursuing.
Poker Position and Table Selection Guide (2025)
Poker Position and Table Selection Guide (2025)
Position and table selection are two of the most overlooked skills in poker. Learn how to use position to your advantage and find the most profitable tables in the room.
Card Counting Basics: An Introduction (2025)
Card Counting Basics: An Introduction (2025)
Card counting can give players an edge in blackjack—but it's harder than the movies suggest. Learn how counting works, whether it's legal, and what casinos do about it.
Casino Gambling Taxes: What You Need to Know (2025)
Casino Gambling Taxes: What You Need to Know (2025)
Yes, gambling winnings are taxable income. Learn when casinos report your wins, how to offset losses, what records to keep, and how to handle taxes on jackpots and poker winnings.
Managing a Losing Streak at the Casino (2025)
Managing a Losing Streak at the Casino (2025)
Every gambler faces losing streaks. Learn how to handle them mentally and financially, recognize when to walk away, and avoid the mistakes that turn bad sessions into disasters.
Baccarat Strategy: Complete Guide (2025)
Baccarat Strategy: Complete Guide (2025)
Baccarat has one of the lowest house edges in the casino—if you make the right bets. Learn optimal baccarat strategy, understand the odds, and avoid costly mistakes.
Poker Hand Rankings: Complete Guide (2025)
Poker Hand Rankings: Complete Guide (2025)
Learn poker hand rankings from highest to lowest. Understand what beats what, how to read hands, and the odds of being dealt each hand in Texas Hold'em and other poker variants.
Casino Tournament Strategy (2025)
Casino Tournament Strategy (2025)
Casino tournaments require different strategies than regular play. Learn how to approach slot tournaments, blackjack tournaments, and poker tournaments for the best chance at the prize pool.
Reading Slot Machine Pay Tables (2025)
Reading Slot Machine Pay Tables (2025)
Slot machine pay tables tell you everything about a game—if you know how to read them. Learn to find RTP, understand paylines, spot bonus features, and identify better-paying machines.
Roulette Betting Systems: Do They Work? (2025)
Roulette Betting Systems: Do They Work? (2025)
Martingale, Fibonacci, D'Alembert—do these roulette systems actually work? We analyze popular betting strategies, explain why they fail mathematically, and discuss how to actually approach roulette.
Video Poker Strategy: How to Play Optimal (2025)
Video Poker Strategy: How to Play Optimal (2025)
Video poker offers some of the best odds in the casino—if you know how to play. Learn optimal strategy for Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and other popular variants.
Craps for Beginners: Complete Guide (2025)
Craps for Beginners: Complete Guide (2025)
Craps looks intimidating but it's one of the best games in the casino. Learn how to play, which bets to make (and avoid), and how to join a craps table with confidence.
Blackjack Basic Strategy: The Complete Guide (2025)
Blackjack Basic Strategy: The Complete Guide (2025)
Master blackjack basic strategy and reduce the house edge to under 0.5%. Learn when to hit, stand, double, split, and surrender with our complete strategy charts and explanations.
What to Do When You Hit a Jackpot (2025)
What to Do When You Hit a Jackpot (2025)
Hit a big jackpot? Congratulations! But before you celebrate, there are important steps to follow. Learn what happens when you win big, how taxes work, and how to protect your windfall.
Casino Buffets: Getting the Most Value (2025)
Casino Buffets: Getting the Most Value (2025)
Make the most of your casino buffet experience. Learn about pricing strategies, the best times to go, how to use comps effectively, and which Las Vegas buffets are worth the price.
Understanding Casino Promotions and Offers (2025)
Understanding Casino Promotions and Offers (2025)
Decode casino mailers, free play offers, and promotional events. Learn which promotions have real value and which ones are designed to get you spending more.
Casino Comps Explained: How to Get Free Stuff (2025)
Casino Comps Explained: How to Get Free Stuff (2025)
Learn how casino comps really work and how to maximize your freebies. From free drinks to suite upgrades, discover what casinos give away and how to get your share.
Going to a Casino Solo vs With Friends: Pros and Cons (2025)
Going to a Casino Solo vs With Friends: Pros and Cons (2025)
Should you hit the casino alone or with a group? We compare both experiences, covering social dynamics, bankroll management, and tips for getting the most out of each approach.
Casino Safety Tips: Protecting Yourself and Your Winnings (2025)
Casino Safety Tips: Protecting Yourself and Your Winnings (2025)
Stay safe at the casino with these practical security tips. Learn how to protect your money, avoid common scams, and handle big wins safely.
Sports Betting for Beginners: Placing Your First Bet (2025)
Sports Betting for Beginners: Placing Your First Bet (2025)
New to sports betting? Learn how to read odds, understand bet types, and place your first wager. Our beginner's guide covers everything from point spreads to parlays.
Understanding Casino Odds: House Edge Explained Simply (2025)
Understanding Casino Odds: House Edge Explained Simply (2025)
Learn how casino odds really work. We explain house edge, RTP, and which games give you the best chance of winning in simple, non-mathematical terms.
Casino Payment Methods: Cash, Cards, and Digital Wallets (2025)
Casino Payment Methods: Cash, Cards, and Digital Wallets (2025)
Everything you need to know about money at casinos. From getting cash to converting chips, understand your payment options, fees to avoid, and the marker system.
How to Read a Casino Floor Map (2025)
How to Read a Casino Floor Map (2025)
Navigate any casino like a pro. Learn how casino floors are organized, find what you're looking for quickly, and understand why casinos are designed the way they are.
Slot Machine Basics: Beyond Pressing the Button (2025)
Slot Machine Basics: Beyond Pressing the Button (2025)
Learn how slot machines really work. Understand paylines, volatility, RTP, bonus features, and how to choose the right machine for your bankroll and playing style.
How to Join a Table Game as a Beginner (2025)
How to Join a Table Game as a Beginner (2025)
Step-by-step guide to sitting down at your first casino table game. Learn how to find a seat, buy chips, place bets, and communicate with dealers at blackjack, roulette, and craps.
Setting a Casino Budget: Smart Bankroll Management (2025)
Setting a Casino Budget: Smart Bankroll Management (2025)
Learn how to set a gambling budget and manage your casino bankroll. Practical strategies for deciding how much to bring, when to walk away, and keeping gambling fun.
Understanding Casino Loyalty Programs: Maximize Your Comps (2025)
Understanding Casino Loyalty Programs: Maximize Your Comps (2025)
Learn how casino rewards programs really work and how to maximize your comps. From tier status to point redemption, we explain everything about player's clubs.
Casino Dress Codes Explained: What to Wear in 2025
Casino Dress Codes Explained: What to Wear in 2025
From Las Vegas casual to Monte Carlo elegance, learn exactly what to wear to any casino. Our complete guide covers gaming floors, nightclubs, fine dining, and pool parties.
Your First Time at a Casino: What to Expect (2025)
Your First Time at a Casino: What to Expect (2025)
Everything you need to know before your first casino visit. From arrival to departure, we walk you through what to expect so you can focus on having fun.
How to Tip at a Casino: A Complete Guide (2025)
How to Tip at a Casino: A Complete Guide (2025)
Master the art of casino tipping with our comprehensive guide covering dealers, cocktail servers, valets, and more. Learn when, who, and how much to tip for a seamless casino experience.
Beginner's Guide to Casino Etiquette (Updated for 2025)
Beginner's Guide to Casino Etiquette (Updated for 2025)
Learn the updated casino etiquette rules for 2025. A clear beginner friendly guide to confident play at table games and slots.
How to Deal Carnival Games: Procedures for Three Card Poker, Let It Ride & More
How to Deal Carnival Games: Procedures for Three Card Poker, Let It Ride & More
A comprehensive procedural guide for dealing carnival games including Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Mississippi Stud, Pai Gow Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em.
How to Deal Poker: Complete Procedure Guide
How to Deal Poker: Complete Procedure Guide
A comprehensive procedural guide for dealing poker, covering shuffle procedures, dealing rounds, pot management, and showdown protocol for Texas Hold'em and other variants.
How to Deal Baccarat: Complete Procedure Guide
How to Deal Baccarat: Complete Procedure Guide
A comprehensive procedural guide for dealing baccarat, covering card handling, drawing rules, commission tracking, and high-limit protocol.
How to Deal Roulette: Complete Procedure Guide
How to Deal Roulette: Complete Procedure Guide
A comprehensive procedural guide for dealing roulette, covering wheel operation, chip handling, bet placement, payouts, and game protection.
How to Deal Craps: Complete Procedure Guide
How to Deal Craps: Complete Procedure Guide
A comprehensive procedural guide for dealing craps, covering crew positions, dice handling, bet management, payouts, and game protection.
Math Skills for Casino Dealers: Payouts, Odds & Mental Arithmetic
Math Skills for Casino Dealers: Payouts, Odds & Mental Arithmetic
A practical guide to the math skills casino dealers need, including payout calculations, chip arithmetic, and game-specific mathematics for blackjack, craps, roulette, and more.
Casino Dealer Career Path: From Break-In Dealer to Pit Boss
Casino Dealer Career Path: From Break-In Dealer to Pit Boss
A complete guide to career advancement in casino table games, from entry-level dealer through supervisor, pit boss, and management positions.
Dealer Burnout: Managing Stress and Mental Health
Dealer Burnout: Managing Stress and Mental Health
A comprehensive guide to managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining mental health as a casino dealer. Practical strategies for a sustainable dealing career.
Handling Difficult Players: A Dealer's Guide
Handling Difficult Players: A Dealer's Guide
Practical strategies for dealing with rude, abusive, intoxicated, and otherwise challenging casino players while maintaining professionalism and protecting your mental well-being.
Casino Dealer Audition: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Casino Dealer Audition: What to Expect & How to Prepare
A comprehensive guide to casino dealer auditions covering what evaluators look for, common audition formats, preparation strategies, and how to handle nerves and mistakes.
Casino Dealer School: What to Expect & How to Choose
Casino Dealer School: What to Expect & How to Choose
A comprehensive guide to casino dealer schools covering what training involves, typical costs and duration, how to choose a quality program, and what to expect during your training.
Where to Deal: Vegas Strip vs Locals vs Tribal vs Cruise Ships
Where to Deal: Vegas Strip vs Locals vs Tribal vs Cruise Ships
A comprehensive comparison of different casino environments for dealers, including Las Vegas Strip properties, locals casinos, regional commercial casinos, tribal gaming, and cruise ship dealing.
Working as a Carnival Games Dealer: Three Card Poker, Let It Ride & More
Working as a Carnival Games Dealer: Three Card Poker, Let It Ride & More
A complete guide to dealing carnival games including Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Mississippi Stud, and other popular proprietary table games.
Working as a Poker Dealer: Cash Games, Tournaments & Tips
Working as a Poker Dealer: Cash Games, Tournaments & Tips
A complete guide to working as a poker dealer covering the unique compensation model, tournament opportunities, player management challenges, and what makes poker dealing different from pit games.
Working as a Baccarat Dealer: High Limits & High Stakes
Working as a Baccarat Dealer: High Limits & High Stakes
A complete guide to working as a baccarat dealer covering the unique culture, high-limit opportunities, international clientele, and what makes baccarat one of the most prestigious dealing positions.
Working as a Roulette Dealer: Skills, Tips & Career Guide
Working as a Roulette Dealer: Skills, Tips & Career Guide
A complete guide to working as a roulette dealer covering the unique skills required, income potential, player interaction, and what makes roulette dealing different from other table games.
Working as a Craps Dealer: The Most Rewarding Game on the Floor
Working as a Craps Dealer: The Most Rewarding Game on the Floor
A complete guide to working as a craps dealer covering the unique challenges, higher income potential, crew dynamics, and what makes craps the most sought-after dealing position in the casino.
How to Deal Blackjack: Step-by-Step Procedures
How to Deal Blackjack: Step-by-Step Procedures
A complete procedural guide to dealing blackjack covering shuffle procedures, card distribution, player decisions, payouts, and proper chip handling techniques.
Working as a Blackjack Dealer: Tips, Income & What to Expect
Working as a Blackjack Dealer: Tips, Income & What to Expect
A complete guide to working as a blackjack dealer covering what the job is actually like, income potential, player interaction, and how to succeed at the most common game on the casino floor.
How to Maximize Tips as a Casino Dealer
How to Maximize Tips as a Casino Dealer
Proven strategies for increasing your income as a casino dealer, from creating the right table atmosphere to understanding player psychology and avoiding behaviors that hurt your tokes.
Casino Dealer Salary Guide: How Much Do Dealers Really Make?
Casino Dealer Salary Guide: How Much Do Dealers Really Make?
A realistic breakdown of casino dealer income including base pay, tips, and total compensation across different markets, games, and experience levels.
How to Become a Casino Dealer: Complete Career Guide (2025)
How to Become a Casino Dealer: Complete Career Guide (2025)
Everything you need to know about starting a career as a casino dealer, from training and licensing to landing your first job and building a successful career.