Bodog Casino's Guide to Playing by the Rules

by Bodog Casino | May 8 2009

It's easy to screw up in a casino.

There's just so much you need to know and follow. Every game has its own strategies, payouts, and rules and if you decide to ignore them there's a good chance you'll lose money or get kicked out.

Out of the three examples above a casino game's rules, whether they're written or unwritten, are probably the most important to know to a "T". To make sure you newbies don't look like an idiot on your next casino trip we dish out some of the more important ones.

Tip the Dealer
This is just a must - unless you enjoy dirty scowls from your dealer. We also feel it's a good idea to tip your dealer, no matter what game you're playing, for karma. We believe in the casino gods, and we believe they'll strike down the luck of anyone trying to pocket an extra five bucks after cleaning up. Dealers live on your tips, don't cheap them out so you can buy an extra happy meal.

Double Down on 11, Split Your 8s and Aces
These are cardinal rules in Blackjack that need to be followed in order to win money consistently. With doubling on 11 its simple math: the odds of hitting 21 or at least a winnable hand are high when the dealer dishes you an 11. And pairs of 8s and Aces are better help alone than together. There is not a time when you shouldn't follow these rules.

No Card Counting
You're not going to get beat down for doing this, but you do like staying at Caesar's Palace don't you? If you try to make like an MIT student while you play Blackjack in one of these high-profile casinos you risk being banned for life and blackballed around the strip.

Even worse, if you try to use that notorious card counting iPhone application while you play you risk getting time in prison. Unlike card counting in your brain, Nevada considers using any device to better your odds illegal.

Get Buzzed, Not Sloshed
We love to wake up in a ditch with a hangover as much as the next guy (uh...no we don't), but if you get stupid drunk at the tables you stand to do stupid things with your cards and money. That's why we say get a good buzz but avoid getting sloshed. There's nothing scarier than waking up at home from the casino not knowing how you got there and not knowing how much money you spent. And trust us; your bank account won't be in the positive.

Watch Your Hands on the Craps Table
There's a couple of reasons why you need to make sure you hands are not on a Craps table when a "shooter" is about to roll.

First, it's so you can't alter your bets. Sure it's impossible to know, mid flight, where the dice will fall, but waiting until the dice land to say "no more bets" leaves open the possibility of the dealer saying it too early or too late.

Second, the dice might hit you. Shooters are trying to hit the back wall (another craps rule) when they roll, so there's a good chance they can hit you if you’re taking too long to put your money down. And there could be nothing worse than the whole craps table blaming you for the "seven" that came up after the dice hit your hands.

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