We all want to get the most out of our money when we gamble in Canada, whether placing bets at the track or playing online slots and table games at our favorite land-based or online casino, but sometimes it can be difficult to know how to do that. This guide breaks down the best ways to maximize your gaming experience so you get more bang for your buck.
Set a budget
The cost of gambling can really add up—after all, casinos make their money by taking a percentage out of every bet. If you’re going to bet, set a budget and stick to it; if you don’t feel comfortable with how much money you’re spending, stop playing. Above all, never go into debt because you lost big at blackjack.
You may think you’ll win your money back eventually, but that kind of thinking is just an easy way for casinos to turn gamblers into high-interest customers. In other words, risk only as much as you can afford to lose. (To be clear, there’s no advocating for or against gaming here; rather, a hope that people to have fun while they play.)
Play live table games, not slots
A lot of casinos have transitioned away from table games and toward slots as their primary attraction. But many gamblers know that for their money, there’s no better casino experience than playing live games against a dealer.
Not only does it give you a sense of being in on an interactive game-show atmosphere, but you also increase your odds because some slot machines only pay out at 90% or 95% (or worse). Playing live table games is usually one of the best ways to get more value per dollar spent at any Canadian casino.
Play at online casinos with table limits
While land-based casinos have table limits, you don’t have to worry about those at a Canada online casino. You can play as much or little as you want without worrying about going over your budget. Some popular games, like blackjack and roulette, can be played for just a dollar or two—meaning you can spend only as much money as you want.
If that’s not enough control for you, there are some games available with progressive jackpots and side bets that will force your hand if that’s what you want. Play responsibly!
Is count counting real?
There’s a big misconception out there that counting cards is some sort of black magic—but it’s actually a simple skill anyone can learn. Counting cards helps you keep track of what’s left in the deck, giving you an edge when it comes to determining whether your bet will have positive or negative expected value (EV).
The only thing more important than knowing which bets to make is knowing when NOT to make them. There are two main ways to count cards. One method involves keeping track of every card that has been played, and one doesn’t. Which one should you use? That depends on how much time you have on your hands.
Keep track of wins and losses
If you’re just entering into gaming, whether online or at a land-based casino, it can be hard to know when it’s time to cash out. Don’t worry though; there are ways you can keep track of your wins and losses. Once you know your winnings and losses, you will have a better idea if your bet was worth it or not.
It is important that you don’t risk more money than what you are able to lose because once your budget is exceeded, things like debt and even bankruptcy become real possibilities. This is especially true for those who tend to binge on their spending habits. After several hours of watching your funds dwindle, it can be really tempting to continue betting even when all logic tells you otherwise.
Don’t play when you are upset/angry
Gaming can be a fun way to spend time with friends, relieve stress or escape from reality. If you’re going to take that leap and head off for a weekend out of town, it’s important that you are in a good place mentally and emotionally. Try not playing when you are feeling upset or angry – these emotions will negatively impact your decision making and may encourage risky behavior.
If you must indulge while feeling upset, try taking frequent breaks – fifteen minutes every hour is a good rule of thumb – which allows you time away from temptation and lets your mind calm down. You’ll have more luck sticking to safer strategies when your mood is stable.
Don’t drink alcohol during your game play
Alcohol can loosen up your inhibitions and cause you to make unwise decisions, such as gambling more money than you had planned or increasing your risk tolerance. It’s also a lot easier to blow through an alcohol-induced bankroll at blackjack or roulette, which have lower house edges than games like craps.
Consuming alcohol while gambling can lead to making risky bets that could result in more losses than wins. While losing money might not be fun, it’s much better than losing everything if you’re already intoxicated. Wait until after play is over and eat/drink before sitting down for another session.
Some games have better chances than others
The best game to play is slot machines. The payout rate on slot machines is over 90% and since you have a chance at winning big with each pull, that means your return per dollar spent is better than any other form of gaming available in a casino. However, if you’re looking for excitement, most people prefer table games. Table games usually have lower payout rates (around 85%) but are less predictable so they can be more exciting than slots.
Table games also have elements that require skill or strategy which makes them more exciting for many players. However, there are different types of table games that offer different odds and payouts so check reviews before playing anything but blackjack or poker where you know what your chances are going into it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a big sports fan, gambling is something that might interest you—after all, what better way is there to enjoy your favorite sport than by putting money on it? If you’re thinking about betting online or in person, make sure you understand how to read odds and payouts, which are critical when placing wagers. When it comes down to it, gambling can be addictive; so don’t bet more than what you can afford.
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