The Ultimate Guide to Casino Gaming for Beginners

Casino gaming is something that many look forward to being able to enjoy when they turn 21, but it also can be intimidating—how do you know what to do and expect? At Valley View Casino & Hotel, we want to make sure your first visit to our casino is easy, fun and exciting.

To help make that happen, we’ve put together this guide for beginners. Here’s everything you need to know about casino gaming to navigate this exciting world with confidence.

Understanding the Game Rules

There are many different games to play at casinos, and not every casino will have the same options, but the majority will have slot machines and table games. So, we are going to walk you through the casino gaming rules for both types of games.

Slot Machines

The goal of slot machine play is to line up matching symbols. These “lines” are called paylines, and they can be vertical, horizontal or in other arrangements. You get to choose how many paylines you play with. Keep it simple with a single payline and basic betting structure, or try multiple paylines and betting options. Once you have found the machine that looks the most fun or interesting to you, choose your bet amount, press the “spin” button or pull the lever and if the symbols align on your payline, you win!

With so many slot machines to choose from (at Valley View Casino, there are more than 2,000!) it might be hard to decide which one you want to play. They have different themes, denominations, betting minimums and maximums, payline options, bonuses and more. The great part is that you don’t have to limit yourself! You can try a little of each style until you figure out which you like best.

Table Games

If you are looking for some interactive play, table games may be for you. In California, casinos typically offer favorites like Blackjack, Reveal Roulette and variations of poker. You’ll find all of these games at Valley View Casino.

Blackjack

There are both multi-deck and double-deck Blackjack tables at Valley View Casino. Just like the names suggest, for double-deck Blackjack, two decks of cards are used, and for multi-deck, more than two decks of cards are used. In Blackjack, you play against the dealer to try to get your hand as close to 21 without going over. You decide whether to “hit” and receive another card or to “stand” and keep your current cards. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win!

Poker Variations

Another classic casino table game is poker, and it comes in a myriad of variations, such as Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em and Three Card Poker. Different versions might be played against the dealer or against other players, like you see on TV, to see who has the stronger hand. When you’re just starting out, playing against the dealer is a great way to learn the ropes, and many people find they prefer this option.

Valley View Casino offers three poker table games that you play against the dealer: Dealer Open Pai Gow Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em and Three Card Poker. In Dealer Open Pai Gow, you see the dealer’s hand first before you choose your highest two-card and five-card hand. In Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, you’re dealt two “hole” cards that you combine with five community cards to come up with your best five-card hand. In Three-Card Poker, you make your best poker hand with three cards.

Reveal Roulette

California casinos offer Reveal Roulette, a modern spin on the classic Vegas-style Roulette game. 

Like the traditional game, players place a bet on the Reveal Roulette table by picking a number, the color red or black or a combination of numbers. But Reveal Roulette is essentially a card game. The dial spins and the pointer lands on 1 of 38 numbered tiles to determine who wins. At Valley View Casino, our Reveal Roulette tables feature a unique Reveal bonus side betting track.

Choose Beginner-Friendly Games Until You’re Comfortable

Some table games are easier than others. Focus Gaming News ranked different casino games from the easiest to the hardest to help players decide which games they want to play. But don’t let this hold you back if you want to try something new. At Valley View Casino, our wonderful Table Games Team would be happy to help show you how to play any game you choose.

One other thing to keep in mind: when you’re a beginner player, you may not wish to play against an expert player right away. That’s why casinos typically offer tables based on skill levels, from novice to experienced.

Take Advantage of Promotions

The best casinos offer promotions for guests, whether they’re beginners or regulars. Take advantage of them! Promotions can range from exciting giveaways to deals on drinks or food to higher chances of winning on specific days or during special events. The best way to stay in the know about upcoming promotions and giveaways is to join Valley View Casino’s Players Club!

Join the Casino’s Loyalty Program

Many casinos offer loyalty programs that give players even more opportunities to maximize winning. Members can typically earn bonuses like free gifts, free game or slot play, extra chances to win big and more.

Valley View Casino’s Players Club is for everyone! Signing up is quick, easy and free. Plus, just for signing up, you’ll get over $200 in free offers! There are also some promotions that are only available to Players Club members, so you’re going to want to be part of the club to take advantage of them.

Casinos are for players of all skill levels and experience, so don’t let being a beginner player keep you from coming and enjoying the casino floor. There really is something for everyone. Plus, practice makes perfect, right? The sooner you start and the more you play, the more comfortable you’ll get.

Make Valley View Casino & Hotel your first stop! If you’re feeling unsure about placing your first bet, our friendly Table Games Team and Casino Hosts are here to assist you however they can. We hope to see you on our gaming floor soon!