Do all casinos use the same rules for their games like poker or roulette?

There are many variations of casino games. It’s like iPhone apps: the basic game is the same, but you might have a few tweaks here and there. We had a poker night the other day and, in the interests of keeping things moving quickly, we changed the betting round structure. It’s still essentially Texas Hold ‘Em or Five-Card Draw, but every casino has its "house rules" to keep the game flowing and boost their margin. Are there side bets allowed in blackjack? Maybe. Minimums on roulette bets? That depends. There are, of course, rules, dictated by regulatory authorities. But beyond that, there’s some flexibility. Want to know all the details? Consult the rules published by the World Casino Association (WoC) or the European Network of Gambling Tax Administrations (ENET). Better yet, look at the tiny writing printed on the tablecloth.

But not all casinos are equal: Some fiddle with the rules and conditions to give themselves a bigger advantage. Poker – can you raise as many times as you want, or not? Roulette – double-zero (American), or single zero (European)? Different house percentages. BlackJack – hit on soft 17; how many decks? One casino I played at had its own variant. Each casino is different. Check the casino’s website for rules, or ask the dealer. You’ll thank me.