For as long as humans have walked the planet, we’ve been in an eternal game of cat and mouse with the ever-elusive Lady Luck. From ancient civilisations to the modern era of online casinos, gamblers have been trying to outsmart the house. But, in today’s cutting-edge age, where online gambling is dictated by sophisticated algorithms and attractive games designed to capture our attention, is it even possible to crack the code and beat the odds?
The answer might surprise you. In this blog, we’ll discuss strategies, tips and important information essential to navigate the digital minefield that is online gambling.
To help you enjoy a good gamble and even the odds, we’ve identified 5 steps you can take to beat the odds and bring home the bacon.
Step 1: Choose the right casino
In today’s digital gambling space, all casinos are not created equal. Choosing a reputable casino is arguably the most important step. Online casinos, like their physical counterparts, are, in essence, businesses designed to make a profit. All casinos, including online ones, are built on the principle that the odds are stacked in their favour.
Much like their land based counterparts, online casinos are subject to strict laws and regulations. Your first port of call should always be to evaluate whether the casino to which you are handing over your hard-earned cash is reputable and fair. Just like you won’t want to enter a tennis match with a broken bat, you definitely don’t want to play on a platform that isn’t playing fair or adhering to legislation implemented to protect you as a player.
Step 2: Understanding the house always has an Edge
As we’ve briefly touched on, casinos (just like bookies) are businesses designed to make money. First, however, you must understand how they make money in the long run. Most digital casinos offer a range of games, including live online casino games, slots, and table games. Casinos make money by playing the long game, and it takes work to achieve long- term success, but it is possible. Casinos can survive and thrive because even if they lose money to one player over time, players will likely continue to stake their money and gravitate to high stake games, eventually becoming reckless. By understanding and acknowledging the House’s Edge, you can see the casino as your opponent and think tactically instead of emotionally.
Step 3: Choose games carefully
Casino games can be broadly categorised into table games and slots.
Table games are designed to mimic traditional casino games like Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker. However, reading and understanding the rules of the specific online casino you’re playing at is crucial. They may have variations or different rules compared to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. Keep in mind that some games such as Blackjack or Poker, may have a lower house edge, which means better odds for players.
On the other hand, slots are famous for their attractive graphics and immersive gameplay. However, it’s essential to pay attention to the Return to Player (RTP) value, which indicates
the long-term payback percentage of all wagers on a slot game. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning. For example, suppose a slot game has an RTP of 98%. Theoretically, you should expect an average return of £95 for every £100 worth of bets placed. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to choose slots with an RTP of 95% or higher for better chances of winning. However, caution should be exercised with slots with an RTP below 94%, as they may have lower odds of winning. Understanding the concept of RTP can help you make informed decisions when choosing games to play at online casinos.
Step 4: Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses and promotions can be a fantastic way to make your money stretch. A good place to find such bonuses and all the latest casino news is at our friends, casinos.com. They’ve got all the latest casino news and everything to maximise your online casino experience.You should of course be aware of the terms and conditions attached to any bonuses and promotions. When it comes to free giveaways, you should approach them with a degree of scepticism.
Here are a few things to look out for and assess before taking advantage of a tempting offer.
No Withdrawals Before Fulfilling A Wagering Requirement: Some casinos may require you to place a wager multiple times before you’re able to withdraw it. This can be frustrating and usually leads to an empty bankroll.
Terms and Conditions: The devil is in the details when it comes to online gambling. You might get 100 free spins, but they’re only valid for two hours, and you’re on your way to work and won’t be able to play for a while, or you could win a jackpot, but your free bonus only allows you to claim a maximum of £30.
Compare Different Offers: Shopping around for the best deal is usually the best way to approach online shopping, and online gambling isn’t any different. Players are spoiled for choice, and there are some fantastic deals out there.
Step 5: Manage your bankroll wisely
One of the biggest advantages casinos have is psychological; it’s easy to get lost in fun and fall into the dangerous ‘one-more-spin’ mentality. Don’t allow them to exploit you. To beat the game, you need to think strategically and manage your losses, which is exactly what a casino will do. They won’t risk more than they can afford to lose and don’t make decisions based on feelings or desperation, and you shouldn’t either. Set a budget and stick to it, don’t let actions taken by the casino overrule the rules you set for yourself.
Gambling is, in essence, a game of luck. Online casinos are doing everything in their power to stack the odds in their favour. Unless your goal is to spend a few quid and you fancy a game of chance, you need to know the tips and tricks casinos use to liberate your wallet from any spare cash. Sadly, most players need to be made aware of strategies they can use to maximise their chances of winning. And way too many end up either throwing more money into a game heavily favouring the casino or walking away with losses and a bitter taste in their mouth. By keeping these five steps in mind and following a strategic approach, it’s possible to beat casinos at their own game.