The last of the casino laws

2 February 2019

By John Marchel

The Law of the Right Place to Play
With hundreds of casinos, racetracks and card rooms all around the country and the world, it’s important to play where it’s best for you. For example, in one casino in Nevada they have three different playing rules for blackjack; they have rules for single deck which are different then the double deck game and still another set of rules for the six-deck shoe.

Some are good rules for the player, like doubling down after splits, while others are not so good, letting you double down only on the 10 and 11.

Throughout most large casinos you’ll find some video poker machines, like 9/6 Jacks or Better, which are more favorable to players, and others like 7/4 Jacks or Better, which should be avoided.

A good horse handicapper might only bet two out of 10 races on any given day because some of the races are too close to call.

Some casinos have single zero roulette wheels while others use the zero and double zero ones, you would want to avoid the latter.

The same is true for craps. Some establishments offer two-times odds (2x) while others have three (3x) and four times odds (4x), which are better for the player.

Keno is another game where you should know what is going on. Believe it or not, different casinos offer different payouts for the same winning bets played at keno. Learn the best places to play and play at them only if they give you the best deal.

The Law of a Sound Body and Mind
This is an important one for players regardless of which game is played. If you are not physically rested and mentally sharp you won’t play at your peak level. It’s important to remember casinos offer free alcohol, fancy food and lots of it at the buffet. In addition, great hotel rooms, exorbitant comps and much more, are all designed to help loosen your inhibitions and most of all, loosen your bankroll.

Too much alcohol, not enough sleep, too long at the tables or machines will cause you to make mistakes while playing. This in turn can cost you money. Avoid playing if you’re not at your physical and mental best.

You need to study, learn and understand the laws of gambling. You’ll want to follow each of these laws anytime you visit a casino, racetrack or card room. In the long run each law, when followed faithfully, will help you become a more skillful, successful and, most of all a possibly winning player.



BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
• In 1334, an English law was passed forbidding men to go masked to other people’s houses on Christmas to play dice.
• In 1955, baseball commissioner Ford Frick prohibited all major league ball players from staying overnight in Las Vegas.
• Today, Las Vegas has many sports teams and betting on games is legal.
• By law, Colorado slot machines percent must payout a minimum of 80% verses Nevada, where the minimum is 75%.
•Most states with casinos regulate what games can be played and what paybacks should be allowed on slot machines.