Over the last few years, the popularity of casinos has witnessed a sharp incline, especially in the US. The biggest driving force behind this increase comes down to the fact that every state in the US now has complete authority over their wagering laws.
The ruling came round following the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 being struck down by the supreme court. PASPA effectively outlawed sports wagering nationwide with the exception of Oregon, Delaware, Montana and of course Nevada.
The ruling stuck around for over a quarter of a century until the Supreme Court ruled in May 2018 that arts of PASPA were unconstitutional as they commandeered power from the states, and in a 6–3 decision, determined that the whole of PASPA was unconstitutional.
In the aftermath of the ruling, tens of states began examining and rewriting their laws on sports wagering with many now having some form of legal casino/sports wagering. As a result of this, we have seen plenty more casinos being built, welcome millions of customers nationwide.
In Europe, casinos have remained popular for decades with many countries allowing them to open by law since the 20th century. The rise of online casino has seen a lot of players move to using their smart devices for slots as well, proving extremely popular among bettors.
Virgin Games are one of the most popular providers in the UK, mainly down to their incredible selection of slots games. Many ask ‘are online slots with Virgin Games rigged?’ but this could not be further from the truth.
With many of us still relatively new to casinos and especially to gaming, here are some top tips and facts before you go.
Find out the age requirement in your area
Every country/state will have a minimum age requirement by law for all forms of sports wagering, casinos and lotteries. As to avoid disappointment, it is important you find this out before visiting your casino of choice.
Most European countries have this age set at 18 while many US states vary between 18 and 21. Make sure, wherever you are, you come prepared with your ID so you can play freely and legally.
Find out the house rules
Just like every casino will have a minimum age requirement, many will also have their own set of rules that differ from others. These are usually posted on their website or outside the establishment so you can be well prepared.
An example of some rules they may set are specific dress codes, rules on smoking/drinking and photography inside the building. Again, these vary from casino to casino so the rules for one will not always be the same for the next
Familiarise yourself with the games
The age-old adage of ‘the house always wins’ can often be true, but as we all know casinos present plenty of chances of winning big. This can often depend on the game you play which is why it is important to know what you are walking in to.
To begin with, research the casino and find out what games they offer. This will help you feel more comfortable if you are playing for the first time or brush off any rust if you haven’t played in a while.
Slots are a great way to start as they are straightforward, though table games like roulette and blackjack can be very fun and are played with a trained dealer. You can even practice for free online before to familiarise yourself with the games completely.
Start small and work your way up
We get it— the excitement of sitting at the table can take over sometimes and you can end up wagering more chips than you would otherwise. This can of course have a negative effect on your casino experience.
If you are new to casinos or do not visit often then don’t be scared to find your footing. Start with small wagers and once you start feeling more confident then perhaps you can add extra chips.
The croupier is not going to judge you and the only places where you may not be able to do this are at tables that have minimum wagers. These will be signposted at the tables but you can go as low as 20p with many casinos in the UK.
Know when to fold ‘em
The most important thing to know when visiting a casino is when to cash out and go home. Whether you’ve made bank, broke even or are at a loss, only spend what you are willing to lose.
Before visiting, give yourself a number in your head of how much you are willing to lose and how much you would like to win before calling it quits and cashing your chips. Never chase your losses and make sure your experience is as enjoyable as it can be!