What are the most common mistakes new players make at the casino?

Mistake #1: Doubling down. Lose a little money, and next thing you know you’re on a “I’ve got to get this back” bender. The casino doesn’t care; it’s open 24/7, and it has deeper pockets than you do.

Then they go to play slot machines like idiots who think they’re hot hands. Slots are games of chance. Some are better than others. Check the payout percentages.

Mistake number two. No budget. Show up with $200 to make your first million dollars… and all of a sudden your cash is gone in 15 minutes. Decide in advance how much money you are willing to lose and stop when you reach that amount.

Worst of all? Gambling on something you don't know how to play. Improvising at blackjack, and tossing money at red or black at roulette as if the wheel were weighted. Take five minutes to learn the rules - your bank balance will appreciate.

In short: Bet wisely, have fun, and don’t think of the casino as your personal ATM machine.

The worst mistake? Chasing one’s loss without having a limit. People waste their entire stake on the hope of getting it back. Gamble responsibly. Think about it as an evening out, not as a way of earning money. Choose games with favorable house rules, such as blackjack and dice games, and understand the game thoroughly before playing it. Learn to wait patiently, and leave the casino at the right moment. Do these things, and you will turn a night you’d rather forget into a great story.

When you hit a losing streak, you’ll think you are “owed” a win. Slot machines are voracious cash consumers. Big bets and big drinks speed time’s passage. Worst of all is when you fail to have an exit strategy. Know what you can afford to lose (or win) and don’t go higher. Play games that require a modicum of talent – such as blackjack – and avoid chasing after losses. Remember why you came, and don’t leave the casino owing money.

Beginners are often tempted to pursue their losing streaks or place random wagers. But the most common pitfall is relying on Lady Luck instead of developing a system. Set your budget, wager size, and session length – and don’t exceed them. Understand the game in which you are participating: For slots, look at the return-to-player (RTP) percentage; for blackjack, learn the basic strategy. And ignore the bright lights and loud noises.