Essential Tips for Gambling in Vegas

If you’re thinking about placing a bet or two (or maybe even twenty), you’ve struck gold in Las Vegas.

Gambling has been legal in all its forms in Nevada since 1931, establishing Las Vegas as the ultimate destination in the USA to take risks, double your stakes, and go all in (oh my!). Even as other states embrace casinos and sports betting, and Native American tribes open casino-resorts, Sin City remains unmatched.

However... that grumpy, chain-smoking guy at the blackjack table who seems to judge every decision you make. The multitude of blinking lights from a single slot machine. The endless calculations on a sportsbook screen that can be overwhelming. It’s easy to see why gambling newcomers might feel a bit intimidated.

But fear not! Las Vegas is incredibly welcoming when it comes to helping you ease into your new favorite game.

Between walking The Strip, embarking on a desert day trip, and enjoying a spectacular show, you’ll likely want to try your luck at the tables and slots. When you’re ready, here are the answers to some essential questions for any Las Vegas gambling newbie.

How many different games can I play in Vegas?

With new games popping up seemingly every day—especially from slot machine creators—you can easily find hundreds of gambling options within a single Las Vegas casino. Classic table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and various poker variations like Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em and Three Card Poker.

Slot machines offer thousands of themes, paylines, and jackpot possibilities. Among the most popular machines throughout the city are Megabucks and Wheel of Fortune, featuring progressive jackpots that often exceed a million dollars. Sports betting is another major attraction, allowing you to wager on everything from high-stakes NFL games to minor soccer matches in Colombia. Some casinos even have dedicated halls for bingo.

What are the rules?

You need to be at least 21 years old to gamble and drink in Las Vegas casinos. A crucial but often overlooked rule in our digital age: casinos frown upon using your phone during table games. This includes making calls, checking messages, or searching for advice on whether to hit on 12 against a dealer’s 6 at blackjack (spoiler: the answer is no).

For game-specific rules, your best strategy is to ask a dealer or pit boss before you sit down. Avoid the rookie mistake of plopping down at a table, betting $100, and then saying, 'Um, how do I play this?' Choose an empty or mostly empty table game and don’t hesitate to ask questions before you jump in.

What about drinks? In Nevada, you can indeed enjoy complimentary drinks while gambling. If you’re at a video poker machine in a casino bar, expect the bartender to comp your drinks. The same applies at slot machines and table games, where cocktail waitstaff make frequent rounds. Whether your drinks are free or not (especially if they aren’t), be sure to tip your bartenders and servers with each round.

What are the proper etiquette and strategies for various games?

Keep in mind that you will be playing against the dealer (or 'house') in every game, except in poker rooms. You're not competing with the player next to you at the slot machine, the hot shooter at the craps table, or your fellow players at the blackjack table.

Feel free to ask the dealer any general questions about etiquette and strategy. You’ll get their input, but remember, this is gambling, so trust your instincts too. Here are a few expert tips that match the odds of popular games:

• Blackjack: Stay if your total is 12 or more and the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or 6.

• Three Card Poker: Play if your hand is Queen–6–4 or better.

• Video Poker: Always bet the maximum to unlock a higher payout for hitting a royal flush.

How much money should I set aside for betting?

Your budget will dictate how much you’re willing to lose. Remember, casinos operate to make a profit, and the house always has the advantage.

Minimum bets in Las Vegas vary widely—you can place a penny bet on certain slot machines or go all in with $100,000 or more on a single high-limit roulette spin. Always check the posted minimum and maximum bets before you play.

ATM fees within casinos can be steep (often around $10, plus your bank's fees), so it’s wise to bring your cash budget with you instead of withdrawing on-site.

It’s important to note that gambling can be highly addictive and isn't suitable for everyone. If you find it difficult to stop, talk to a casino staff member or call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Do Las Vegas casinos have dress codes?

Las Vegas resorts offer everything from upscale dining to lively nightclubs and casual pool areas. Because of this variety, dress codes are quite relaxed on the gaming floor. If you’re transitioning from the pool, you might be asked to cover up, but that’s the extent of the formality.

Which casinos are ideal for newcomers?

If you’re looking to start with a low budget, the minimum bets at blackjack tables can give you a sense of the pricing for other games at a casino. While $5 blackjack tables are becoming rare, you can still find them at the no-frills Ellis Island just off The Strip, and at Downtown Grand. Fun fact: Downtown Grand even features a $1 blackjack game.

Many casinos provide complimentary 'learn to play' sessions. For instance, the Golden Nugget hosts daily classes on nine different games, ranging from pai gow poker to craps and roulette. Just check with the casino cage (cashier) at your location for the latest schedule of these free lessons.

Which game is the simplest?

Slot machines require nothing more than pressing a button or pulling a lever—it's that simple. If you're familiar with the basics of poker, the video poker format is also straightforward. Another easy option is roulette, which features 38 numbers (including 0 and 00) on most Las Vegas wheels, and your odds depend on how many numbers you choose to bet on.

Can you make a smart bet?

Gambling is inherently risky and offers no guarantees of winning. However, a 'smart bet' in Las Vegas refers to one with a lower house edge, improving your odds as a player. Some of the more reliable, traditional bets in Vegas include betting the pass line in craps, wagering on the banker in baccarat, and following basic strategy when playing blackjack.

Continue planning your Las Vegas adventure:

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