The Best Casino Games for Beginners

Whether it’s a glamorous James Bond tuxedo experience at the roulette table or a quick slots game at an online site, players are drawn to casino games for many reasons.

Games of chance have been popular since prehistory – but playing them has sometimes been frowned upon by authorities. Thanks to the liberalization of regulatory laws and the boom in online gaming, it has never been easier to play.

Casinos will always attract customers. It doesn’t matter whether someone is playing Gates of Olympus online or laying a stake on the green baize of the roulette table, casinos offer an alluring high-energy environment.

The range of games, anticipation of winning, thrill of risking money, and excitement of watching games unfold create a unique adrenaline rush.

Casinos have another appeal – they are social spaces where people can gather with friends or meet new people who share similar interests. Online casinos have taken this path too – offering forums, chat rooms, and multi-player activities.

For many players casinos offer an escape from everyday routine too. Onscreen or in real life, the flashing displays and the possibility of winning big can be a welcome distraction from normal life.

That chance to win is a major draw for many people. Even though the odds are against the player, the idea of hitting a jackpot is highly enticing.

Casinos have learned that offering a wide variety of games maximizes their chance of attracting customers. Different individuals want to try their luck in different ways.

But which of all these casino games are the most beginner-friendly? Here are six of the easiest ways to start playing at any casino.

Slots

Slots are simple to play. In physical casinos players insert coins or credits, then press a button. Online it’s even easier, just click ‘play’ or ‘spin’.

Every game provides a thrill as the reels spin. If the symbols on the reels line up in the right way, you win.

Beginner’s tip: Look for slots with lower stake limits so you can use a limited budget to prolong your playtime and learn how it all works.

Roulette

Roulette involves betting on where a ball will land in a spinning wheel with numbered compartments. The croupier (dealer) spins the wheel, and if the ball lands on a number or category you’ve bet on, you win.

Start by placing bets on simple options like red or black, or odd or even, to see how the game operates.

Beginner’s tip: Roulette seems a simple game of chance, but watch carefully – there are many types of bets available with very different odds to increase the fun of playing.

Blackjack

The goal of this card game is to have a hand value closest to 21 without exceeding it. Players are dealt two cards and can request additional cards (saying ‘hit’) or choose to keep what they have (‘stand’).

Beginners can play for the thrill but it’s best to start working towards learning a basic strategy on when to hit, stand, double down, or split.

Beginner’s tip: A strategy can significantly improve your odds in blackjack. Research a few online to help improve your chances.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a simple card game where players wage on whether the player’s or banker’s hand will win (or if it will be a tie).

The dealer deals two hands. The one closest to 9 wins.

Beginner’s tip: The value of cards is slightly different: numbered cards are worth their face value, aces are worth 1, and tens and face cards are worth 0.

Craps

Craps involves betting on the outcome of dice rolls. Depending on how it is played at the casino you choose, players can bet on various options, like the ‘Pass Line’ and ‘Don’t Pass Line.’

The shooter (the person rolling the dice) aims to roll a specific number (the point) on the first roll or before rolling a 7 on subsequent rolls.

Beginner’s tip: Start with simple bets like the Pass Line, as they have better odds. Craps has a complex betting layout, so focus on a few basic bets initially.

Video Poker

Video poker combines elements of slots and poker. Players are dealt five cards and choose which ones to keep, and which to discard.

The goal is to create the best poker hand possible. Payouts are based on the strength of your final hand.

Beginner’s tip: Different video poker variants have varying strategies. Learning basic strategies for the variant you’re playing improves your chances.

Remember that while all these games are simple for beginners, they still depend largely on chance. However cautious you are, you may win – or you may lose.

Maximize your fun by deciding a budget, setting limits on your spending, and viewing any casino games as a great form of entertainment – not a path to riches.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.