The rise of online gaming sites has made a night out at the casino more popular than it’s ever been. Of course, online gaming means there’s even the choice of making it a night in at the casino, but there’s no denying that for those who want to experience the James Bond lifestyle in full, Dublin has a fantastic choice of venues where you can spin the reels or play your cards right.
A benefit of all those games you can play on your smartphone is that it gives first-timers a chance to practice in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This Irish list of casino sites gives you a taste of what is available. But still, for those who are new to either the real-world or virtual gaming halls, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your first casino experience.
Don’t be afraid of the table
When you step into a Dublin casino like the Fitzwilliam or the Sporting Emporium, the first thing you’ll notice is that the majority of space is taken up by slot machines. By comparison, the areas with the tables can look a little daunting, and you might be tempted to simply feed money into the slots instead of having to interact with a croupier or dealer at a table. However, these are the games that bring the most fun, and with a little online practice, you’ll be playing like a pro.
Roulette – the great leveller
You’ll hear some people say they have spent years working on their roulette strategy. But when it comes down to it, winning or losing is entirely down to luck, and on any individual spin of the wheel, a first-timer is no less likely to win than someone who has been playing every night for 30 years.
The only real strategy decision is on how much money to bet and on what numbers. That’s very much a matter of personal choice – the odds are neither better nor worse whether you place your chips on a single number or on one of the outside bets like odd or even and red or black. Most people agree that these latter 50/50 bets are more fun as you are constantly involved in the action.
Blackjack – where practice makes perfect
Blackjack is the most popular casino game of them all, and that’s probably because it has just the right blend of chance and luck. Do a little online research to learn basic blackjack strategy, then spend an hour or two playing online to help you remember when to hit, stand or split. This will increase your odds of success, and you’ll also feel like quite the expert when you notice fellow players making strategic blunders!
Don’t rule out poker
You might think that poker is the last game a newbie should consider, but think again. Sure, the tournaments at the Fitzwilliam might be best left till you’ve some experience, but video poker is a great way to get started in this intriguing game. There are numerous apps online, and the terminals at the Sporting Emporium are a great place to spend half an hour over a dry martini or two. Have fun, and good luck!
