Welcome to the exciting world of online casinos! As a first-timer, the sheer number of games and options can be overwhelming. But have no fear, we’ve put together the top 10 tips to transform you from a rookie to a pro of Ruby Fortune New Zealand in no time. Follow this guide, and you’ll be raking in winnings like a high roller!
Get Comfortable with Demo Mode First
Before risking real money, spend some time playing casino games for free. Most online casinos offer a demo or “play for fun” version to allow you to test out slots, blackjack, roulette, and more without spending a dime. Take advantage of this to:
- Familiarize yourself with gameplay rules and features
- Get a feel for different games to find your favorites
- Develop strategies without financial consequences
- Build your casino skills and confidence
Consider demo mode your training grounds. Spend as much time here as needed to turn yourself into a formidable player.
Understand House Edge and Payouts
The house edge is the mathematical advantage casinos have over players to turn a profit. Every game has a different house edge:
| Game | House Edge |
| Blackjack | 0.5% to 2% |
| Roulette | 2.7% (single zero) to 5.26% (double zero) |
| Slots | 2% to 15% |
| Video Poker | 5% or less with optimal strategy |
You can see slots and roulette have a much higher house edge than blackjack and video poker. Understand which games give you the best odds of winning in the long run. Also research the payout percentages of slots before playing. The higher the percentage, the lower the house edge.
Pick Games with the Best Odds
Generally speaking, table and card games like blackjack and baccarat give you better odds than slots. If playing slots, choose titles with high RTP and moderate variance. Avoid games with super low or super high variance if managing your bankroll is a priority.
Here are a few player favorites in terms of odds:
- Blackjack (99.5% with perfect basic strategy)
- Baccarat (98.94%)
- Video Poker (99% is not uncommon with optimal play)
- European Roulette (97.3%)
- Slots like Mega Moolah, Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest
Of course, higher odds don’t always equate to higher returns. Luck plays a major role, so find games that both optimize your chances AND appeal to your preferences.
Adopt Smart Bankroll Management
Managing your bankroll wisely is key to gambling sustainability and wins in the long term. Here are essential bankroll management tips:
- Set a gambling budget for each session and stick to it no matter what
- Only bet 1-5% of your budget per bet
- Take winnings out of your betting budget
- Stop playing if you lose 50% or more of your budget
- Use winnings to treat yourself, not to finance more play
Have the self-control to walk away from the virtual tables if you exceed your loss limit. Limiting losses preserves your bankroll so you can live to fight another day!
Learn Basic Strategy for Blackjack
If you want to play blackjack, basic strategy is non-negotiable. This gives you the optimal decisions for every hand scenario against the dealer’s up card. Basic strategy combined with card counting can whittle the house edge down to nearly even.
Here are some examples of basic strategy moves:
- Always stand on hard 17 or higher
- Double down on 10 against a dealer 2-9
- Split 8s and Aces every time
- Hit soft 18 if dealer has 9, 10, or Ace
Study basic blackjack strategy charts until you have it mastered. This provides a solid foundation to build upon with card counting or other advanced tactics.
Focus on Fun Over Profit
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to “beat the casino”, chasing losses, and betting more than you can afford to lose. As a beginner, focus first on enjoying your online casino experience:
- Play at reputable, trustworthy sites
- Stick to your entertainment budget
- Take breaks when needed
- Appreciate any wins that come your way
- Stop if you find yourself getting frustrated or upset
Wins feel great, but you’ll have more losing sessions than winning ones. Keep perspective on gambling as entertainment like going to a movie or amusement park. The joy of playing is more important than short-term profits.
Check Casino Licensing and Certification
Make sure to register only at licensed, regulated, and certified online casinos. You can verify credentials at sites like eCOGRA which provide seals and badges to casinos that pass independent audits.
Licensed sites offer player protections like:
- Fair games and advertised payouts
- Secure handling of customer data
- Quick payouts without hassle
- Options for responsible gambling
Avoid offshore “rogue” casinos at all costs—you won’t get paid even if you win big.
Start Small and Slow
As a beginner, don’t rush to start playing high stakes games right away. Take your time to build skills and confidence first. Here are some tips:
- Start by playing minimum bets, even on simple slots
- Move up slowly as you better understand games
- With table games, watch other players first to learn
- Set a loss limit per session and stick to it
- Build your account steadily through small wins
Getting too ambitious as a rookie can be disastrous. Progress at a measured pace and grow your experience gradually. Small daily or weekly wins are more sustainable.
Explore Game Variants
Slots, video poker, roulette and blackjack all come in diverse variants. Try out different versions to find your favorites, such as:
- Multi-hand blackjack or Spanish 21
- American vs European roulette
- Video poker games like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild
- Branded slot machines with bonus features and progressives
The more games you sample, the better sense you get for what you enjoy most. You’ll also identify variants with better odds, higher payouts, or more excitement.
Brush Up on Gambling Terminology
Like any hobby, gambling comes with its own vocabulary. As a beginner, you’ll navigate online casinos better by understanding key terminology:
- Wagering requirements – The amount you must bet before withdrawing bonus funds
- Volatility – How often and how much a game pays out winners
- Hit frequency – How regularly a slot pays out smaller wins
- Max bet – The highest betting amount allowed per spin
- Progressive jackpot – A jackpot that grows over time until won
- Upcard – The dealer’s faceup card in blackjack
Learn the lingo before playing so you know exactly what’s going on. Over time, these terms will become second nature.
Follow all these tips, and you’ll have an optimal start to your online casino journey. We wish you the best of luck out there and hope you hit plenty of jackpots!