The Ten most valuable casino tips will save you time, money, and stress. Many adults enjoy casinos, but there are things you can do to make your trip a great one.
Number One - Safety and ComfortFortunately, casinos in the US have a security staff and plenty of cameras going, so crime is kept to a minimum. If you do have issues with safety concerns ask any casino employee where to contact security!
First question - where to park?. You might arrive for a day trip but play well into the evening. Do you feel safe walking back to your car in the dark? Perhaps a better option is a well-lit parking garage or using valet.
Most casinos offer valet parking. Expect to pay a minimum of $5 in Atlantic City. Most valet in other locations such as Mississippi, Las Vegas, and Reno offer free parking. Tipping is optional.
How's that walk from the parking area? You might need a jacket or sweater later, and most properties in Las Vegas and Arizona have the air-conditioning cranked-up so high you could also be cold inside. Plan ahead.
Number Two - ParkingHow about that parking? You'll want to remember where you left the car, especially at larger properties like Foxwoods or Reno and Lake Tahoe casinos where you have a choice of valet, indoor parking, or one of the outdoor lots surround the resort.
If you need help getting to the casino door, call ahead to check on shuttle service. If that's not offered or it looks like rain, you probably want to spring for valet. Some attached parking garages charge for parking but your ticket can be validated for free parking. Check how many hours you get - or get charged later!
Some attached parking garages at sprawling properties like South Point or the Cannery in Las Vegas have free parking but the garages are a long walk from the casino. Plan ahead.
Number Three - Getting Around the CasinoJust navigating the casino may seem silly to you, but some properties like the MGM in Las Vegas are huge. With 5000 hotel rooms, multiple pools, a dozen restaurants, several separate table games areas and 1000's of slot machines it is easy to get disoriented.
Large properties have doors leading to parking, hotels, shopping areas, and often as many as three different streets. Once you enter the casino, remember which entrance you used, what street you came in from, and try to fixate on something specific like a restaurant's name, poker room or something the property will only have one of. Don't be afraid to write it down and share with the others in your party.
Number Four - MoneyMoney issues can become major problems in a casino. Remember to set aside enough money to get you home! If you take a taxi or need gas, you better save that first before you hit the bar or go gambling.
Some casinos offer check cashing services, even local payroll checks, but others require that you set up a new account at the cashier and may have restrictions on what can be cashed. Don't arrive expecting to get whatever you want.
ATM's are found in casinos, but are likely to have a fee ($2-$5) and your bank may also charge you for using a non-bank ATM. A simple $20 withdrawal could cost you $8 in fees!
If you use a charge card for advance cash, expect additional charges, especially if you don't pay-off your loan at the end of the first billing cycle. Using credit to gamble with is always a bad idea anyway.
Number Five - DiningCasinos have restaurants. Not all are 24-hours. Give them a look so you don't have to settle for a hot dog in the snack bar at 4 a.m.
Number Six - Hotel AccommodationsCall first or check on room availability when you arrive. It's no fun paying $600 for s suite because there are no regular rooms left. Don't forget that you might be able to have your room comped!
Number Seven - Age Restrictions/Alcohol/SmokingObviously you can't gamble if you are underage. Most casinos require players to be 21 or older. Some Native American casinos in California (like Barona outside of San Diego) allow gambling at 18. Not old enough? Don't play!
Most casinos allow smoking. Some states like Colorado restrict smoking or ban it altogether.
Alcohol consumption is likely to reduce your inhibitions. Watch your bankroll carefully if you have a drink or two!
Number Eight - The Player's ClubCasinos offer players a chance to earn freebies like cash-back, free meals and free rooms. Every game you play from slots and video poker to blackjack and craps will earn you some kind of a reward.
Some clubs offer free or discounted rooms for as little as two hours of $25 per hand play. Many player's clubs also have a freebie when you join. Sometimes that freebie is $25 or more in free slot play! Make sure you get rated!
Number Nine - Know Your GamesThis could have been number one, but you really need to get everything else out of the way before you hit the table or slot machines. Racing directly to a video poker game is likely to make your visit a bit warped. Think about safety, dining and hotel accommodations first, then get to the good stuff.
And, before you start playing a game - and risking your money, you should take at least a crash course in whatever catches your fancy. If you want to play slot machines, read the rules and instruction on the machine before you play. Make sure what denomination you are playing - I've seen people put $100 into a machine and play a few spins thinking they are playing a nickel machine only to find their $100 is now gone because it was a $5 machine.
If you want to play blackjack, at least read a few keys to the game before you plunge. And don't be afraid to learn new games like craps and roulette before you try them with real money.
Remember that turning your cash into chips and playing with little plastic discs is likely to reduce your respect for that hard-earned money those chips represent. Yes - they are still money, it you can get them over to the cashier's cage.
Number Ten - Quit HappyNumber ten on the list is often the hardest thing to do. Nobody likes to lose, but gambling has risks, the casino has the edge, and they want your money. Enjoy what you are doing in the casino by keeping your bets to a comfortable minimum until you are more seasoned with the gaming experience.
Before you even head to the casino you should set a limit on your loses - and your wins! Of course you want to put a limit on your loses, you might even take just a set amount in cash and leave your credit cards or ATM card at home to begin. You need discipline or your outing won't be much fun.
However, many people fail to set a limit on their fun. Win or lose, they don't leave when they had originally planned to. That's a bad pattern to get into. As for winning, that's the greatest thing in the world, but people often fail to leave especially when they are winning!
There is nothing wrong with playing a little, winning, and leaving. Maybe you'll even leave early - with a profit. There's nothing better than knowing later you were able to quit happy.
Gambling is designed to be entertainment. Make sure you enjoy the experience!
