Timeless Tips for Responsible and Sustainable Gambling
Let’s start off with our most important advice: casino games are designed to generate profits for the house in the long run. The thrill of online gambling lies in the unpredictability of outcomes, and no strategy can guarantee a win. In fact, a win is never 100% guaranteed; no matter how well you play, you can lose.
1. Set a Budget
Our first tip is simple: plan a gambling budget and stick to it. The easiest way to let a casino win is to give them money. So, if you don’t want the casino to win, limit how much money you spend on them. As you place bets and revel in the excitement, your funds will dwindle faster than anticipated. Sometimes, the allure of a big win or the desire to prolong your play can tempt you to deposit more money, don’t do this. This approach rarely leads to casino victories.
Instead, unlock the power of a budget! Follow this golden rule: set aside an amount you’re prepared to lose. Before you lock-in to your budget, consider whether you could use the money for other expenses. Never gamble with money you need for necessities like rent, bills or food.
Your gambling budget doesn’t need to be huge. Many Irish online casinos offer minimum deposit limits as low as €1, €5, or €10. These casinos let you gamble with money that wouldn’t hurt to lose. And, with the added advantage of casino bonuses, crafting a realistic budget becomes a seamless endeavour.
2. Keep your Head Clear – Don’t Drink and Gamble
Abstaining from alcohol and other substances that impair cognitive function can significantly enhance your chances of success. Whilst you might associate Baccarat with James Bond’s Martinis, mixing booze and bets is a very bad idea. Keeping your head clear is crucial when playing casino games, and ensure your brain operates at its peak performance. Remember, a well-rested mind is just as important, so prioritize getting enough sleep as well.
3. Set a Timer or Keep a Clock Nearby
While the casino may hold the advantage in the long run, you can secure victories in the short term. The key lies in taking control of your gaming duration instead of allowing the casino to dictate it for you. Beware of deceptive tactics, such as tempting offers to prolong your play after a significant win. Remember, these offers are designed to keep you hooked. While you don’t have to turn down freebies like free spins or loyalty rewards, it’s best to resist the temptation to play more and walk away, returning later.
Fortunately, most online casinos provide handy tools that allow you to set timers, notifying you when you’ve reached your desired play duration. Additionally, you can rely on your mobile phone’s alarm or manually keep track of time. Like any other form of entertainment, time flies when we’re having fun. You can set your own time limit—a conservative one-hour cap or an extended three-hour window. But remember, when the timer runs out, you must halt your gameplay.
4. Play High RTP Games
RTP (Return to Player) statistic is pivotal in determining your likelihood of securing monetary wins. The higher the RTP%, the greater your chances of reaping financial rewards. This number calculates the average amount you can expect to receive back over extended periods of time. For instance, with an RTP of 95%, you can anticipate getting back around €95 if you bet €100.
The RTP is not a guaranteed return, as all games are based on chance with random number generators. This figure is most useful when you want to compare different games to each other, and the likelihood of success.
It’s important to note that RTP is never 100%, as the casino retains a fraction. However, certain games like live Blackjack offer an impressive RTP of up to 99%, making it the closest you can reach the pinnacle of return potential.
When considering your gameplay strategy, it’s worth noting that live table games boast RTPs of over 98%. On the other hand, video and slot games tend to possess slightly lower RTPs (around 95%). Thus, if your goal is to maximize your winning potential playing live table games is the best choice.
5. Take Advantage of Bonuses
One of the greatest advantages of online casinos lies in bonuses. However, if your aim is to emerge victorious, it’s crucial to delve into the fine print. Most bonuses come with specific terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements, game restrictions, or maximum withdrawal limits. While a substantial win may tempt you, tread carefully. Imagine winning a sizable sum, only to realize that you must wager the bonus amount over 100 times, potentially losing all your accumulated winnings.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that not all bonuses apply to live casino games, because they have a high RTP as explained in tip 4. If your heart is set on indulging in live Blackjack, explore the live casino bonuses available.
6. Walk Away After a Win
Here’s a simple yet often challenging tip to follow: when you achieve a win, take a step back and stop playing. Winning is a rare and exhilarating occurrence in the casino, and your primary objective is to secure those coveted victories. Consider it a resounding success once you’ve reached your goal – a win. Continuing to play beyond that point jeopardizes the accomplishment you’ve already achieved. Remember, consecutive wins are not guaranteed, so it’s wise to bask in the glory of your triumph and resist the urge to keep playing.
The adrenaline and serotonin rush you experience after a win may also impair your judgement, and lead to you making risker decisions or ignoring your own limits, so it is safer to quit while you are ahead. Always remember to play with a clear head, as described in tip 2 above.
7. Never Chase Losses
In the unpredictable world of gambling, resist the temptation of chasing losses. If luck has dealt you an unfortunate hand–leaving you with depleted funds–it’s time to hit the brakes. A common misconception lures players into believing a win is just around the corner after experiencing significant losses. Some may even entertain the idea of depositing additional funds to swiftly recoup their losses. However, it’s important to approach this belief with scepticism and remember that you are just as likely to lose your new deposit as well.
8. Take breaks!
Taking periodic breaks during your gameplay can prove invaluable in maintaining a clear and focused mind, ultimately enhancing your overall gaming experience. Consider scheduling breaks after reaching a certain loss threshold or a predetermined number of losses. During these breaks, you can engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
Take a leisurely walk, catch up on social media updates, or even delve into the depths of casino strategy by watching streaming sessions of poker and other games. Remember, the casino will patiently await your return.
Many online casinos will have a suite of safer gambling tools that allow you to set your limits, or give you a reality check to encourage you to pause and switch off. Use these resources to your advantage.
Extra Tips for Playing In Land Based Casinos
We’ve gone through strategies you can use when gambling online. The above tips apply to all types of gambling, be it online, offline, or sports betting. In this section we’ll go through some methods you can use in brick-and-mortar casinos.
9. Identify Clumsy Dealers
While not guaranteed to work, looking for clumsy dealers in a casino setting is worth a shot. Watch for dealers who fumble with cards or display uncertainty in their actions. Once you spot such a dealer, join their table, hoping they inadvertently reveal a card during card dealing or shuffling. However, it’s important to note that this tactic relies solely on chance and may not always yield the desired outcome.
10. Play on Tourist Casino Tables
The rationale behind this tip is to avoid joining tables occupied by seasoned and professional players. If a dealer warmly greets the players by their first names, it’s a telltale sign of regulars with greater experience. Similarly, in online casinos, encountering a familiar face or witnessing an active chat could indicate the presence of skilled players among you. Naturally, if you consider yourself a pro player, you may not find this tip helpful, but it can be a valuable insight for others.
Another way to sport a table with professional players is by looking at their demeanour. Pro players often use headphones, don’t socialise, and look concentrated, indicating their focus on the game rather than casual enjoyment. On the other hand, tourists tend to exhibit a more carefree attitude, enjoying drinks and creating a lively atmosphere.
11. Avoid House Games
A wise strategy is to steer clear of games where the dealer holds the winning advantage, like Roulette or Craps. Instead, opt for games where players compete against each other, such as Poker. These player-versus-player games provide a fairer playing field without a built-in house edge.
12. Play One-On-One Against the Dealer
If you want to play against the house, choose games where you go head-to-head with the dealer. The presence of other players can complicate the dynamics and introduce further unpredictability to the odds. Blackjack is a prime example of this scenario. While tables with multiple players can make it difficult to determine the optimal moves like hitting or splitting, you can find helpful resources, such as “Blackjack cheat sheets,” online. These guides provide valuable instructions on what actions to take and when. Memorizing such strategies becomes more manageable when facing a single dealer rather than multiple players.
Putting the Tips into Action
Now that you’re equipped with these valuable tips, it’s time to embark on your online casino journey. Before creating an account, take a moment to explore the available bonuses. These can boost your starting funds and allow you to play with a larger bankroll.
While implementing different strategies, it’s crucial to remember that there are no guarantees of a win. Prepare yourself mentally to accept potential losses or reconsider gambling if it doesn’t align with your preferences.
