If you’ve ever wondered about the secrets winning gamblers might be keeping from you, you’re in the right place. I’m about to reveal six key gambling secrets that can improve your chances of success.
Now, just knowing these secrets won’t magically make you a winner. You’ll need to apply them and sharpen your skills to really see the benefits. The good news is, once you know what these secrets are, you’ll at least understand what areas to work on. How much profit you make depends on how much effort you’re willing to put in.
1. Progressive Slot Machines and Return to Player Percentages
One of the most closely guarded secrets in any casino is the return percentage on slot machines. Every slot has its own unique Return to Player (RTP) percentage, but casinos rarely advertise this information.
Here’s the deal: Each slot machine has a programmed return percentage that indicates how much you can expect to get back from the money you bet. For instance, if a slot machine has an RTP of 98%, it means that on average, you’ll get back $98 for every $100 you wager.
Let’s break it down with an example:
Say you’re betting $2 per spin and play 2,000 spins in a session. This means you’ve wagered a total of $4,000. Based on an RTP of 98%, you’d expect to win back about $3,920 over time. Keep in mind that these numbers are averages, so your actual results will vary in the short term—sometimes you’ll win more, sometimes less.
The key is to focus on finding slot machines with the highest RTP possible. While these numbers aren’t always easy to find, doing a bit of research can help. And if you manage to combine a high RTP with a progressive jackpot, you might just find yourself in a position where the progressive prize pushes the game’s total return over 100%.
2. High-Return Video Poker and Extra Compensation
Some video poker machines come with pay tables that offer close to a 100% return if you know what to look for and use the correct strategy. To get the best possible return, you need to find the right machines and master optimal video poker strategies.
With the right knowledge, you can achieve returns of 99.5% or more on certain games. But even at this level, you’re still technically losing a little money. To break even or turn a profit, you need a return of 100% or higher.
Here’s a tip: You can boost your returns by taking advantage of the compensation casinos offer. The first kind of compensation comes in the form of comps, which you earn through casino loyalty programs. The second is bonuses, often available at mobile and online casinos.
How to Improve Your Bottom Line While Playing Online Slots
These extras won’t change the base return of the game, but they can give you enough of a boost to turn a break-even game into a profitable one.
3. Spotting Hidden Card Values
This is one of the more advanced strategies in gambling, and it’s so rare that I almost didn’t mention it. But if you learn how to do it and the opportunity arises, it can be incredibly profitable.
Imagine you’re playing blackjack and you know the dealer’s face-down card. Or you’re playing Let It Ride or Mississippi Stud and you can see the value of hidden cards. With this knowledge, you’d obviously have a huge edge and could win more frequently.
So, how does this happen? It’s only possible when a dealer makes a mistake and doesn’t properly protect the cards. It’s uncommon, but it does happen from time to time. Some dealers inadvertently reveal card values when they deal, and if you’re paying close attention, you might catch a glimpse of a card you’re not supposed to see.
To make the most of this, always keep a sharp eye on the dealer’s hands and the cards. While these opportunities are rare, they can be a game-changer when they appear.
4. Card Counting in Blackjack
Here’s a big secret that casinos have been trying to keep quiet for years: card counting in blackjack. Casinos have worked hard to make people think card counting is illegal, but it’s actually not.
The big secret?
In blackjack, by keeping track of the cards that have been dealt, you can figure out when the deck is favorable for the player. When you know the remaining cards are in your favor, you can increase your bets, giving you a long-term edge over the casino.
Card counting might sound complex, but it’s simpler than you might think. You don’t need to memorize every card, just keep track of whether more high cards or low cards remain in the deck. When the deck is rich in high cards, it’s the perfect time to raise your bets. Over time, if done correctly, this strategy can help you come out ahead.
Card counting has been proven to work, and while it takes some time to master, it’s one of the few strategies that can consistently beat the house. If you’re serious about improving your blackjack game, learning to count cards is well worth the effort.