The Ultimate Guide to Casino Games Rules

Stepping into the vibrant world of a casino, whether online or a grand physical establishment, promises excitement, strategy, and the thrill of chance.¹ But before you can chase that elusive jackpot or outwit the dealer, understanding the fundamental rules of each game is paramount. This guide will walk you through the core mechanics of the most popular casino games, empowering you to play with confidence and make informed decisions.

Remember, while this guide covers the basics, best non GamStop casinos specific rules can vary slightly between casinos. Always take a moment to observe or consult the game’s specific rules/paytable if you’re unsure.

1. Blackjack (21)

The Goal: Get a hand total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it (“busting”), and have a higher total than the dealer.²

Card Values:

• Number Cards (2-10): Face value.
• Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10 points.³
• Ace: 1 or 11 points (player’s choice, always defaults to the value that doesn’t bust if both are possible).⁴

Basic Gameplay:

1. Bets: Players place their bets.⁵
2. Dealing: You receive two cards face up. The dealer receives one card face up (“upcard”) and one face down (“hole card”).⁶
3. Player Decisions (in order):
   • Hit: Take another card.
   • Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
   • Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive one more card, then stand.⁷ Can usually only be done on your first two cards.
   • Split: If your first two cards are of the same rank (e.g., two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands. An additional bet equal to your original bet is required for the new hand.
   • Surrender (Optional): Give up half your bet and your hand (not available at all tables).⁸
   • Insurance (Optional): If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, you can bet half your original wager that the dealer has Blackjack. This is generally a poor bet.
4. Dealer’s Turn: After all players have acted, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must hit until their total is 17 or higher (rules vary slightly: “dealer hits soft 17” or “dealer stands on all 17s”).
5. Winning/Losing:
   • You win if your total is higher than the dealer’s without busting, or if the dealer busts and you don’t.
   • You lose if you bust, or if the dealer has a higher total without busting.
   • A “push” (tie) occurs if you and the dealer have the same total (neither busts).⁹
   • Blackjack (Natural 21): An Ace and a 10-value card on your first two cards. Usually pays 3:2.

2. Roulette

The Goal: Predict which number or color the ball will land on after the wheel spins.

The Wheel:

• European Roulette: 37 pockets (0, 1-36).¹⁰
• American Roulette: 38 pockets (0, 00, 1-36).¹¹ (European has better odds for the player).

Types of Bets:

• Inside Bets (Higher Payouts, Lower Odds):
  • Straight Up: On a single number (35:1 payout).
  • Split: On two adjacent numbers (17:1).
  • Street: On three numbers in a row (11:1).¹²
  • Corner/Square: On four numbers that meet at a corner (8:1).
  • Six Line: On six numbers (5:1).
• Outside Bets (Lower Payouts, Higher Odds):
  • Red/Black: On the color (1:1).
  • Odd/Even: On whether the number is odd or even (1:1).
  • High/Low: On numbers 1-18 or 19-36 (1:1).
  • Dozens: On 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 (2:1).
  • Columns: On any of the three vertical columns (2:1).

Gameplay:

1. Players place chips on their desired betting spots on the table layout.
2. The dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball.
3. No more bets are allowed once the dealer announces “no more bets” (or similar).¹³
4. The ball lands in a pocket. The dealer calls out the winning number and color.
5. Winning bets are paid out, losing bets are collected.

3. Slot Machines

The Goal: Spin the reels and land matching symbols on a payline.

Basic Gameplay:

1. Insert Funds: Put cash, a casino ticket, or transfer funds in an online casino.
2. Choose Bet Size: Select your coin denomination and the number of coins per line (or total bet amount).
3. Choose Paylines (if applicable): Some slots allow you to choose how many paylines to activate.¹⁴ Betting on more paylines increases your chances of winning but also increases your total bet.
4. Spin: Press the “Spin” button. The reels rotate and then stop.
5. Winning: If matching symbols land on an active payline according to the game’s rules (usually from left to right), you win a payout.¹⁵
6. Paytable: Every slot machine has a “Paytable” that explains symbol values, winning combinations, and how to trigger bonus features (free spins, mini-games, wilds, scatters, etc.). Always check this before playing.¹⁶

4. Baccarat

The Goal: Bet on which hand (Player or Banker) will have a total closer to 9, or if it will be a Tie.

Card Values:

• Aces: 1 point.
• 2-9: Face value.¹⁷
• 10, Jack, Queen, King: 0 points.
• Total Calculation: If a hand total exceeds 9, the first digit is dropped (e.g., 15 becomes 5, 10 becomes 0).

Basic Gameplay:

1. Bets: Players place their bets on “Player,” “Banker,” or “Tie.”¹⁸
2. Dealing: Two cards are dealt to the “Player” hand and two cards to the “Banker” hand.
3. Third Card Rules: Specific rules dictate if a third card is dealt to either hand. Players do not make decisions on taking cards; it’s all automated.
   • If Player or Banker has 8 or 9 (a “natural”), no more cards are dealt.
   • If Player has 6 or 7, Player stands. If Player has 5 or less, Player hits.
   • Banker’s third card rule depends on Player’s hand and Banker’s total.
4. Winning/Losing: The hand closest to 9 wins.
   • Banker Bet: Pays 1:1, but usually a 5% commission is taken on winning Banker bets.
   • Player Bet: Pays 1:1.
   • Tie Bet: Pays 8:1 or 9:1 (very high house edge).

5. Craps

The Goal: Predict the outcome of a dice roll or a series of rolls.

The Dice: Two standard six-sided dice are used.

Basic Gameplay (Simplified for beginners):

1. The “Come-Out Roll” (First Roll of a New Round):
   • Pass Line Bet: You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. You lose if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (these are “craps”).
   • Don’t Pass Line Bet: You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3. You lose on a 7 or 11. A 12 is a “push” (tie).
   • Point: If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), that number becomes the “Point.” The round continues.
2. After a Point is Established:
   • Pass Line Bets: Win if the shooter rolls the “Point” again before rolling a 7. Lose if a 7 is rolled before the Point.
   • Don’t Pass Line Bets: Win if a 7 is rolled before the Point. Lose if the Point is rolled again before a 7.
   • Taking/Laying Odds (Crucial for beginners): After a Point is established, you can place an additional “Odds” bet behind your Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line bet. This bet pays out at true odds and has no house edge, making it the best bet in the casino.
3. Other Bets (Avoid for beginners): The table has many other proposition bets, but most have a high house edge and are best avoided by new players.

6. Video Poker

The Goal: Create the best possible poker hand (typically a 5-card hand) to receive a payout, after being allowed one discard and redraw.¹⁹

Basic Gameplay:

1. Choose Game & Bet: Select your video poker variant (e.g., Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild) and your bet amount (usually 1 to 5 coins). Always bet the maximum coins (5) for the highest payouts on royal flushes.
2. Deal: You are dealt five cards.
3. Hold/Discard: You decide which cards to “Hold” (keep) and which to “Discard” (replace).
4. Draw: The machine replaces your discarded cards with new ones.
5. Payout: Your final five-card hand is evaluated against the game’s “Paytable.”²⁰ If it’s a winning hand (e.g., a pair of Jacks or better in Jacks or Better), you receive a payout.²¹

Key for players: Each variant has a specific optimal strategy. Learning the strategy chart for your chosen game is critical to maximizing your return.

7. Craps

My apologies for the previous numbering; there was an accidental repeat. Here’s a brief addition for a 7th classic game, which is also very popular:

7. Three Card Poker

The Goal: Get a three-card poker hand that beats the dealer’s three-card hand. There’s also an optional “Pair Plus” side bet.²²

Basic Gameplay:

1. Ante Bet: Players place an “Ante” bet to receive cards.
2. Dealing: You and the dealer are each dealt three cards face down.
3. Player Decision:
   • Fold: Give up your hand and lose your Ante bet.
   • Play: Place an additional “Play” bet equal to your Ante.
4. Dealer’s Hand: The dealer reveals their hand. For the dealer’s hand to “qualify,” they must have at least a Queen High.
5. Winning/Losing:
   • If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win your Ante bet and your Play bet is returned (pushed).
   • If the dealer qualifies and your hand is better, you win both your Ante and Play bets (usually 1:1).
   • If the dealer qualifies and their hand is better, you lose both bets.
   • If hands are tied, it’s a push.
6. Pair Plus Bet (Optional Side Bet): This bet pays out if your initial three cards form a pair or better, regardless of the dealer’s hand. Payouts vary by hand strength (e.g., 1:1 for a pair, 30:1 for a Straight Flush).

By familiarizing yourself with these core rules, you’ll be well-equipped to step into the exciting world of casino games and embark on your own gaming adventure. Always remember to play responsibly and within your means.