Walking into a casino without knowing the games is an expensive way to learn. Every game has its own rules, its own odds and its own best habits. A few minutes of reading can save you a lot of money and a lot of confusion.
Our casino game guides cover nine popular games. Each guide explains the rules in plain English. It also covers the basic strategy, the history of the game and the mistakes that new players make. You do not need any experience to follow them.
These guides suit two kinds of readers. Some of you are planning a visit to one of South Africa’s land-based casinos. Others want to understand a game before reading our online casino reviews. Either way, a little knowledge gives you more confidence at the table or on the reels.
Which Casino Game Is Right For You?
Games differ a lot in how much skill they need. Some give you a good chance if you learn a simple strategy. Others are pure luck, so you can relax and enjoy them. The table below gives a quick comparison. The house edge figures are typical values. They change with the rules of each table or machine.
| Game | Skill level | Typical house edge |
|---|---|---|
| Baccarat | Very low | About 1.06% on the Banker bet |
| Bingo | Very low | Depends on the prize pool |
| Blackjack | High | About 0.5% with basic strategy |
| Craps | Medium | About 1.4% on the Pass Line |
| Keno | None | Often 25% or more |
| Poker | Very high | You play other players, and the house takes a fee |
| Roulette | None | 2.70% (European) or 5.26% (American) |
| Slots | None | Varies by game, often 2% to 8% |
| Video poker | Medium | Under 1% on the best pay tables |
The house edge is the share of each bet that the casino expects to keep over time. A lower number is better for you. However, it does not predict a single session. Anyone can win or lose on any night.
Baccarat Guide
Baccarat looks fancy, yet it is one of the easiest games to learn. You bet on the Player hand, the Banker hand or a tie. The hand closest to nine wins. The dealer follows fixed rules, so you make no playing decisions at all.
Most players stick to the Banker bet because it has the lowest house edge. Our guide explains the card values, the commission on Banker wins and the history of the game.
Bingo Guide
Bingo is a social game of pure chance. You mark off numbers on your card as they are called. The first player to complete the winning pattern takes the prize.
There is no strategy to master. However, a few simple habits help. Choose rooms with fewer players, and set a budget before you buy your cards. Our guide covers the common bingo formats, the patterns and how the game began.
Blackjack Guide
Blackjack is the favourite of players who like to use their brain. You try to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Your choices matter on every hand.
With basic strategy, the house edge can drop to about 0.5%. That is one of the best odds in the casino. As a result, learning the strategy chart pays off quickly. Our guide explains the rules, the strategy and the table rules to avoid.
Craps Guide
Craps is the loud, busy table in the corner. Players throw two dice and bet on the result. The layout looks confusing at first, but a few bets give you good odds.
The Pass Line bet is the best place to start. Taking the odds behind it adds a bet with no house edge. Our guide breaks down the table, the most useful bets and the bets to skip.
Keno Guide
Keno works like a lottery. You pick numbers from a board of 80. The game then draws 20 numbers, and your prize depends on how many match.
The prizes can look large. However, the house edge is high, so keno suits small bets and casual fun. Our guide explains the pay tables, the odds and a sensible way to play.
Poker Guide
Poker is different from every other game here. You play against other people, not against the casino. The house only takes a small fee, called the rake. Skill, patience and reading your opponents decide who wins over time.
Texas Hold’em is the most popular version. Our guide covers the hand rankings, the betting rounds and the main styles of play. You can also see our page on online poker in South African rands.
Roulette Guide
Roulette is simple. A ball spins on a wheel, and you bet on where it lands. You can back a single number, a colour or a group of numbers.
The wheel type matters most. A European wheel has one zero and a house edge of 2.70%. An American wheel has two zeros and a house edge of 5.26%. So always pick the single-zero table when you have a choice. Our guide explains the bets, the payouts and the history of the wheel.
Slots Guide
Slots are the most popular casino game in the world. You spin the reels and hope the symbols line up. A random number generator decides every spin, so no pattern can be predicted.
Two numbers help you choose a slot. The first is RTP, which shows how much a game pays back over time. The second is volatility, which shows how often and how big the wins tend to be. Our guide explains both, along with paylines, bonus rounds and jackpots.
Video Poker Guide
Video poker mixes a slot machine with five-card draw poker. You get five cards and choose which to keep. Then the machine deals new cards to replace the rest.
Your choices change the result, so skill counts. The pay table is just as important. On the best versions of Jacks or Better, perfect play returns about 99.5%. Our guide shows you how to read a pay table and which cards to hold.
How House Edge And RTP Work
Two terms appear in almost every guide, so it helps to know them early. The house edge is the casino’s long-term advantage. The return to player, or RTP, is the other side of the same coin.
Here is a simple example. A game with a 97% RTP has a 3% house edge. Over a very long time, it returns R97 for every R100 bet. In the short term, results swing wildly. That is why you can win big on a low-RTP slot and still lose on a high-RTP game.
- Look for games with a low house edge.
- Check the table rules before you sit down.
- Remember that no system beats the maths.
How To Choose Your First Game
Picking a first game depends on what you enjoy. Some people want a relaxed spin. Others want to outwit the dealer. The three groups below should help you decide.
You Want Simple, Relaxed Fun
Start with slots, roulette or bingo. You need no strategy, and you can learn each one in a few minutes. Bets are small, and the pace is easy. As a result, these games suit a first visit.
You Enjoy Strategy And Decisions
Try blackjack, video poker or poker. Each one rewards good choices. Blackjack and video poker also offer some of the best odds in the casino. Poker takes the longest to learn, but it can be the most rewarding.
You Like Atmosphere And Excitement
Head for craps or roulette. Both tables draw a crowd, and the mood can be lively. Craps looks hard at first, yet you only need a couple of bets to join in.
Common Mistakes New Players Make
Most beginners lose money for the same few reasons. Avoid these, and you are already ahead of many players.
- Playing without a budget. Decide your limit before you enter. Then stick to it.
- Chasing losses. A bad run does not mean a win is due. Each bet is a fresh start.
- Ignoring the rules. Table rules change the odds. For example, a blackjack table that pays 6 to 5 is worse than one that pays 3 to 2.
- Choosing side bets. Side bets look exciting, but they usually carry a higher house edge.
- Believing in hot and cold streaks. Roulette wheels and slot machines have no memory.
- Skipping the pay table. A video poker machine can look like another, yet pay far less.
Table Basics And Etiquette
Table games come with a few unwritten rules. They are easy to learn. Watch a round or two before you join. Dealers are used to new players, so ask if you are unsure.
Keep these simple points in mind:
- Do not touch your cards in games where the dealer handles them.
- Place your chips on the layout, and do not change your bet after the dealer calls no more bets.
- Keep your phone away from the table, and follow the casino’s rules on photos.
- Be patient with other players, and avoid giving them advice they did not ask for.
Online games follow the same rules, so what you learn here applies there too. However, the legal position in the next section still applies.
Casino Gambling In South Africa
Gambling rules differ from place to place, so it pays to know your own. In South Africa, land-based casinos are licensed and regulated by provincial gambling boards. You must be at least 18 years old to play. Most casinos check your ID at the door.
Online gambling is different. The National Gambling Act of 2004 does not allow online casino gambling in South Africa. No South African online casino licence exists. Offshore websites accept South African players, but they are not licensed here. As a result, you have no local regulator to turn to if something goes wrong. Our online gambling laws guide explains the position in more detail.
Our guides teach the games in general. They apply to both kinds of play. Please make your own decision about where to play, and do so within the law.
Five Tips Before You Play Any Casino Game
- Set a budget first. Decide how much you can afford to lose. Leave the rest at home.
- Learn the rules. Read the relevant guide before you play for real money.
- Pick the best version. A single-zero roulette wheel or a full-pay video poker machine gives you better odds.
- Treat bonuses with care. Wagering rules can be strict, so read them before you accept an offer.
- Take breaks. Set a time limit, and stop when you reach it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which casino game is easiest for a beginner?
Roulette, slots and baccarat are the easiest. You place a bet and the game does the rest. Blackjack takes a little longer to learn, but it rewards you for it.
Which casino game has the best odds?
Blackjack with basic strategy and the best video poker pay tables have the lowest house edges. Craps Pass Line bets with odds are also good. Keno and American roulette have some of the worst odds.
Can I win money by using a betting system?
No. Betting systems change how you place your bets, but they cannot change the house edge. Every spin, hand and roll is independent of the last.
Is skill important in casino games?
It depends on the game. Poker, blackjack and video poker reward skill. Roulette, keno, bingo and slots do not.
Are these guides only for online play?
No. The rules and strategy are the same in a land-based casino and online. Only the way you place your bets differs.
Is online casino gambling legal in South Africa?
No. The National Gambling Act of 2004 does not permit it, and no South African online casino licence exists. Land-based casinos are licensed by provincial gambling boards.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive. Only play with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is causing you harm, call the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline on 0800 006 008.