Feeling Intimidated by Casinos? Here Are 4 Tips to Boost Your Confidence
Birds are chirping, the snow is melting and St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, which means March has officially arrived. Forget four-leaf clovers, there is no better way to embrace the luckiest month of the year than to head to a casino and attempt to win big. MGM National Harbor offers the largest gaming floor in the DMV area, where colorful slot machine lights and cheers from the table games create an exciting buzz in the air. However, first-time players, there is no need to feel nervous or intimidated about joining your first game. To build casino confidence as well as play responsibly, here are our top tips for a fun and knowledgeable gaming experience:
1. Always Gamble Responsibly. Before even walking into a casino, the very first thing you should do is set an entertainment budget. Players should always know what they are willing to lose because gambling is a game of chance – and practice, in this case, costs money. Having a budget in mind will ease the tension of losing and create a natural stopping point for the day. Another way players can ensure they are gambling responsibly is to set a time limit. Try setting a timer on your phone or asking a friend to call at a certain time, marking a pause or the end of gambling for the day.
A recent $32K-jackpot-winning Blackjack hand at MGM National Harbor.
2. Try the Best Games for Beginners. One of the most popular ways to learn how to play a live table game is to start with an electronic table game. Electronic table games allow you to enter your bet into terminal while a dealer is dealing a live game. This is easier because the terminal does not let players make a mistake. Additionally, two of the best games for beginners are blackjack and roulette:
Blackjack is one of the easier games – players either want to get to 21 without going over, or they want to beat the dealer and/or let the dealer go over 21.
Roulette is a game of chance played with 38 numbered slots. The dealer spins the ball, and whichever slot the ball lands in determines the winning number. Players can bet on red or black, odd or even, or a specific number. A courtesy board displays past results to help players decide their bets.
3. Display Good Etiquette. There are some general rules players should follow to be respectful and courteous to those around them. First, if there are people already playing at a table you would like to join, treat it like golf and wait until play has stopped before sitting down. Second, paying attention to the minimums listed at each table before joining is important because that shows the amount you will be expected to bet if you sit at that table. And third, the most important thing to remember is that gambling is about entertainment and fun. If you’re not having fun, it may be time to call it a day.
4. Interact with the Dealers. If you’re unsure of what to do, you can always ask the dealer any questions they have about the games. Also, it is customary to tip the dealer, which can be in the form of chips and cash.
By following these helpful tips – setting a budget, asking the dealer questions, following casino etiquette, having fun, and playing responsibly—players are guaranteed a confident and exciting gambling experience at MGM National Harbor. We hope to see you soon!
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