The 10 Most Common Mistakes Casino Players Make

Playing Without a Budget

It doesn’t really matter if we’re talking about casinos, sports betting, poker, or the slots at the corner bar. Playing with a set budget is rule number one for a good player, and you should never go over that budget. Playing without a budget is risky because there’s no bankroll management, which can lead to bankruptcy. Having a budget will make you think more carefully before risking your money, leading to better decisions.

Not Knowing When to Walk Away

Walking away at the right time is a win, whether you’re up or down. If luck is on your side, it’s better not to push it and take advantage of your winning streak by cashing out and enjoying your profits. You can always reinvest part of your winnings but not all of it. Also, don’t increase your bet just because you’ve won. On the flip side, if luck isn’t in your favour, it might be time to walk away, even before you’ve spent your entire budget for that session.

Chasing Losses

Closely related to the previous point, many casino players make the mistake of trying to chase their losses. In most cases, playing to recover losses leads to even more losses, even if you switch games from roulette to slots or blackjack. It’s always better to stop and take a break rather than try to win back lost money.

Not Knowing the Game

Games like roulette or blackjack might seem simple, but each variant has its own quirks, and you need to know the game well to avoid unpleasant surprises and losing hands or rounds you thought you’d won. American roulette is completely different from European or French roulette, and European and American blackjack are similar but have important differences that could cost you if you’re unaware of them. The demo mode in online casinos is a great way to learn the game and its bets without risking your bankroll.

Counting Cards (in an Online Casino)

Counting cards is a common strategy in blackjack, but it’s not always effective. In fact, counting cards in an online casino is useless because the game is completely random, and the cards are shuffled after each round. In physical casinos, you can count cards, although it’s frowned upon. You could be asked to leave if the casino suspects you’re counting cards. They have surveillance systems, and behaviours like changing your bet after every hand are suspicious. Additionally, automatic shuffling machines are increasingly being used after each round.

Bankruptcy Syndrome

Closely related to bankroll management, bankruptcy syndrome occurs when you bet large amounts regardless of the outcome. This is a strategic error rooted in the false belief that, eventually, a big bet will win and recover all the lost money. However, this approach often leads to quickly depleting your bankroll, sometimes before that winning bet even happens. To avoid bankruptcy, it’s essential to manage your bankroll effectively.

The Monte Carlo Fallacy: Don’t Let Psychology Beat You

Psychology plays a significant role in casinos, and if you’ve had several spins where the result is even or black, it’s easy to believe the trend will soon change. However, this belief has no basis since everything depends on chance. If the roulette ball has landed on red five times in a row, it has the same chance of landing on black or red in the next spin. This psychological bias reminds us of the importance of keeping a cool head and not letting our emotions take over.

Playing in Bad Company

The saying “Tell me who you hang out with, and I’ll tell you who you are” applies to gambling as well. Whether in physical or online casinos, the company you keep can influence whether you win or lose. It’s great to have friends who also like blackjack tables or slot machines, but make sure you play with people who follow a rational style, have a budget, and know the game well. Avoid impulsive friends who play without a strategy. Even if you think your style is calm and rational, sooner or later, you might become a reckless player.