The novice or professional gambler believes luck is manufactured or intrinsic. The experienced gambler knows there are a few unofficial rules to keep in mind. These points prevent major losses or steaming. Steaming is making an emotionally-charged brash move in a sudden attempt to recoup a loss or outdo another player. Through winning or losing, the smart gambler knows it’s best to maintain his or her composure at all times. Whether luck is systemic or intangible, adhering to the following list will certainly make any gambler feel lucky at the roulette wheel and other games.
1. Don’t Try To Beat The House
Never, ever try to beat the House. The odds are overwhelmingly in the House’s favor. What a gambler can do is try to rope in some of those odds when the going is hot. Roulette is a cut-and-dried game and its fifty percent rule can create as many winners as losers. Steer clear of single digit bets and stick with lower odds for longer play.
2. Play European Roulette
There are actually two roulette wheels: American and European. Here’s why to pass up the former for the latter: an extra zero. The American wheel’s additional double-zero — which looks like 00 — automatically doubles the house advantage. No gambler wants that.
3. Get Into Prison
No, not really. The prison bet is a bet that is made by those in the know on the European roulette wheel. Roulette is a game of French origin — the name means little wheel — and the actual bet is called en prison. This bet can be made only on even-numbered money bets. En prison also reduces the House’s advantage to less than 2%. In this bet, if the ball lands on zero and the bettor loses, the bet carries over to the next spin. Bettors who win on the subsequent play recapture half their original bet so it’s only a half-loss.
4. Stay Sane
Gambling is a social game. It’s important to stay in control of one’s emotions and not steam or play without premeditation. Other gamblers at the same table can be hecklers. Hecklers single out the weak-willed players to get an edge on them — and get their money. Keep cool or keep out.
5. Quitting Time
The best bankroll for casino play is the one with a limit. A limit signifies a finite end. When the bankroll busts, it’s time to leave. Don’t go to the ATM, don’t pawn expensive jewelry, don’t sign a check over to the casino cashier — just leave. Casinos won’t disappear anytime soon.
