For newcomers, casino gaming can be as exhilarating as it is intimidating. The glamorous venues, the sound of chips stacking, and the anticipation of the next big win—these are experiences that casinos around the world promise.
For those in the Philippines looking to indulge in this pastime, there’s a place that’s perfect for both the seasoned player and the curious beginner: NUSTAR Resort and Casino. Nestled on Kawit Point in the bustling city of Cebu, NUSTAR is home to the largest gaming floor in the region. Its latest addition is a poker room, where you can play this classic card game with fellow card game enthusiasts. With an array of games that cater to various levels of skill and interest, it provides a perfect backdrop for anyone ready to explore the allure of casino gaming.
If you’re relatively new to the experience of gaming in a casino, Philippines-based properties like NUSTAR offer a welcoming environment in which to discover the thrill. Amidst the glittering array of gaming options, there are certain choices that offer better odds in addition to simple enjoyment—and knowing where to start can significantly increase your chances of leaving the tables with a smile. Let’s delve into some casino classics where you’re most likely to win big:
Photo by Dusan Kipic
Blackjack
Blackjack is often the go-to game for beginner casino-goers due to its simple premise and interactive play. The aim of the game is to have a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without exceeding 21. Every player at the table plays only against the dealer, trying to avoid ‘busting’ – or going over 21 – which results in a loss.
What makes blackjack so accessible is that the basic rules are straightforward: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11. The game begins with each player receiving two cards and making decisions on whether or not to take more cards to get as close to 21 as possible.
Beyond these simple rules, what elevates blackjack in the eyes of beginners is the level of control they have over the game’s outcome. Unlike games that rely purely on chance, in blackjack, players must make choices that can increase their chances of winning. By using basic strategy, which guides you on when to hit (take another card), stand (end your turn), double down (double your bet in exchange for one final card), or split (divide a pair into two separate hands), you can minimize the house’s advantage.
Roulette
Roulette is a quintessentially glamorous casino game. Its appeal to beginners lies in its simplicity and the variety of bets that one can make. At its core, roulette involves a spinning wheel with numbered slots, a small ball that is dropped onto the wheel, and a betting table where you place your wagers. Your goal is to correctly guess where the ball will land once the wheel stops. You can bet on specific numbers, whether the number will be odd or even, red or black, or various combinations of numbers. The payout for each type of bet is based on the probability of the ball landing on your chosen spot.
For those new to the game, sticking to simple outside bets like red or black and odd or even is advisable. These bets offer nearly a 50/50 chance of winning, making them less risky than betting on a single number. Although the payouts for these bets are lower, they provide more consistent chances to win. As you become more comfortable with the game, you can explore other betting options.
Baccarat
An elegant game often associated with high stakes and sophisticated, seasoned players, baccarat is nonetheless much easier for beginners to grasp than it seems. In baccarat, the goal is to bet on who between the player and the banker will get a hand closest to a total of 9, or whether the hands will tie. Cards have point values: cards two through nine are worth their face value in points, tens and face cards are worth zero, and aces are worth one point. If the total of the hand exceeds 9, the second digit of the total is taken as the value of the hand. For example, a hand of 7 and 8 (which adds up to 15) is worth 5 points.
Baccarat is the perfect game for players seeking games of chance with no strategy involved. The house edge is relatively low, especially on the banker’s hand, which is statistically more likely to win. As a new player, one of the best bets you can make is on the banker’s hand, even though a small commission is typically taken on these bets. It’s a gentle introduction to the world of table games and is as easy as flipping a coin.
Craps
Craps is a dice game that is both much simpler than it appears and also replete with the energy and enthusiasm that many associate with casino gaming. The game involves rolling two six-sided dice, with players betting on the outcome of the roll, or on a series of rolls. If you’re new to the game, the ‘pass line’ bet is a great place to start. It’s a wager that the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will win their roll by rolling a 7 or an 11 on the first throw, or by establishing a ‘point’ on the first roll and then rolling that point number again before they roll a 7.
One of the reasons craps can be advantageous for new players is that it offers a number of bets with low house edges. The pass line bet, for instance, has a house edge of just 1.41%, making it one of the more favorable bets in the casino. Additionally, once you’re familiar with the basic bets, you can explore ‘odds’ bets, which are additional wagers you can place behind your original pass line bet. These odds bets have no house edge and thus offer you an even chance against the house, which isa rarity in a casino.
Video Poker
A lot of new casino gamers like video poker because it’s played like traditional poker, but the dealer is a computer (called a paytable). It’s also easier in a way because unlike traditional poker, video poker allows you to discard all cards instead of a maximum of three.
Because you’ll be playing against a paytable, rather than against other players or a dealer, there’s less pressure from an audience. This also means that with the right strategy, based on statistical probabilities, you can influence the outcome. Moreover, the house edge—which is the casino’s statistical advantage over the player—is typically lower at video poker compared to other casino games. That means the odds are better for you here than they are at the slot machines, for example.
Different variants of video poker can have different rules and paytables, but most follow the same basic format. For complete newbies, it’s advisable to start with ‘Jacks or Better,’ a version of video poker where you win something back as long as you have a pair of jacks or higher. It’s an excellent way to get your feet wet and start understanding the game’s mechanics without having to contend with too much complexity right off.
Approaching casino games with an understanding of the odds is a wise strategy for any newcomer. Whether you’re aiming to hone your strategic skills or to test your luck, there’s surely a game to match your comfort level and interest. Of course, remember to practice responsible gaming at all times.
