Exciting games, great food and free entertainment all in one place? It’s no wonder that many Americans choose casinos like Valley View Casino & Hotel in San Diego for a fun night out with friends.
The first visit for new casino players can feel a little overwhelming with the huge variety of games to choose from, so we’d like to help you out. To ensure your visit is enjoyable, we’ve put together a guide to the most beginner-friendly casino games. These games are easy to learn and low risk so you can focus on having fun while building your confidence. We’ve also included a few tips for new casino players to help you get the most out of your casino experience.
Beginner-Friendly Casino Games
Casinos have great options for every type of player, whether you enjoy the excitement of luck-based play or the thrill of more skill-based games. Below, you’ll find beginner-friendly options for each.
Slot Machines
Easily the most widely available and accessible games in the casino, slot machines are a great place for new casino players to start. You don’t really need to develop a strategy to start playing: Put in your money, press a button (or pull a handle) and watch the spinning reels. The simplest machines don’t have specific rules to learn, and you don’t have to make any important decisions, so you can just have fun without feeling any pressure.
For new casino players, it might be a good idea to start with slot machines with lower stakes just so that you can figure out how everything works without wondering if you’re spending too much. Penny slots are a favorite. And since there are jackpots for every denomination, there’s a chance to win big no matter how you start out.
Many slot machines offer free spins or bonuses, which can extend your play time and make it more rewarding. If you choose one of these machines, be sure you understand how the game works, including how to achieve bonus play and how progressive jackpots work.
Every slot machine should have a payline, either on the initial screen or through a menu. This tells the player how to win, how to multiply points, which symbols pay the best and so on, so that you can maximize your gameplay. If for some reason you can’t access the payline or don’t understand the information, most casinos have attendants nearby who can assist you.
Knowing what to expect and how to win can help you feel more confident and comfortable while playing slots.
Blackjack
If you’re in the mood for a game that includes both luck and strategy, blackjack is a good choice. It’s one of the most popular games in the world for a reason—it’s very straightforward and easy to learn the basics of play.
The goal of blackjack is to get closer to 21 than the dealer (without going over or going bust). The dealer gives you two cards, and you decide whether to take another card (hit) or stay with the cards you have (stand). You will only be able to see one of the dealer’s two cards as you make your decisions.
New casino players may benefit from learning a few simple strategies for when it’s best to hit or stand based on either your hand, the dealer’s hand or both. For example, since the dealer must have a hand with a value of at least 17 before they stand, if they are showing a 5, you know they will need to hit several times, which increases their chances of going bust.
Many casinos have blackjack tables that have low minimum bets, which means that even beginners can play with lower risk.
Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em
You may have seen Texas Hold ’Em poker played on televised tournaments, with all the players betting and playing against each other. In the Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em version, however, each player only plays against the dealer, simplifying the gameplay.
The objective of the game is to create the best five-card poker hand using two personal cards and five river cards that both you and the dealer share. Bets are taken, the cards are dealt and whoever has the best poker hand wins. Other players may sit at the same table, but each person only plays against the dealer.
Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em is a fast-paced, fun way for newer players to hone their poker skills.
Building Your Confidence as a New Casino Player
Understanding the rules of whatever game you choose to play will go a long way toward making you feel comfortable and confident. If you still have questions about how a game works when you hit the gaming floor, ask the dealer or casino attendants for assistance. At Valley View Casino, our Table Games team is always on hand to show players how it’s done.
Other tips to keep in mind:
- Start small: Smaller bets keep you on budget while you learn the ropes.
- Focus on fun: You’re there to enjoy yourself, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to win.
- Set limits: At the beginning of the night, decide how much you want to spend and stick to it.
Join the Loyalty Program
Whether you plan on visiting the casino regularly or occasionally, signing up for the loyalty program on your very first visit can get you perks and bonuses immediately. For instance, Valley View Casino’s Players Club gives new casino players instant rewards that include free slot play, special dining promotions, luxury gifts and more.
Be sure to use your card every time you play because you will earn reward points that add up quickly to even more free play, exclusive promotions and bonuses.
New Casino Players are Always Welcome at Valley View
Valley View Casino & Hotel would love to be part of making your casino experience exciting and rewarding. If you are a new casino player, be sure to stop by our Players Club to sign up for free and receive your gifts and rewards just for visiting. Try out some beginner-friendly games and get ready to have a great time. Good luck, and enjoy your time at Valley View Casino!
