| Getting the most out of your bankroll
As much fun as gambling can be, you need to develop some budget-stretching
ideas to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
Firstly, make sure you bet intelligently in a game where the odds are
reasonable or, if possible, favorable. Extend your play on Baccarat by
betting on Player or (preferably) banker. And discipline yourself never
to put a bet on a tie.
You can extend your play at Craps as long as you wager only on Pass/Don't Pass
and go strictly for the Odds bets. Or choose online slot games where payout
ratios are high (above 98%) - but always check that the payout percentage
claimed are, in fact, valid.
Secondly, you can adopt a bet low strategy. Find games that are
inexpensive to play, or can easily be played with a small portion of your
budgeted gambling spend. Go for the penny or nickel slots if you've only
got a couple of hundred dollars to play with. Choose the $1 or $2 a hand
blackjack games if your gambling budget is a few thousand dollars.
Sticking to the cheap games will extend the gaming time and chances are that
you'll be happy to call it a day well before your funds run out!
Even if you are going to adopt a strategy based on encouraging odds, placing
only smart wagers or playing small bets, you need to start playing with a
reasonable balance. As a rule, the size of your bankroll should be at
least 50 to 100 times greater than the cost of a single bet. If that isn't the
case, consider selecting smaller bet sizes.
Thirdly, choose a game where things happen slowly...thereby making your
money last longer. (This has nothing to do with your internet
connection, but rather, the pace of the game!) Find a game that is leisurely
- easier said than done, because most online casino games are designed to be
pacey and exciting, to generate higher revenue flows. Keno is a good
example of a game where you can control the pace of the game. Or you
might choose to join a multi-player game of poker. A game like Pai
Gow is so confusing that it's played slowly as a matter of necessity!
Fourthly, try and only take part in a game of skill, in which you're an
expert. (Once again, easier said than done...and one needs practice to become
an expert!). Blackjack is a good example...The Basic Strategy may
be learned (books have been written about it or take a look on the web for
more info on the Basic Strategy), and if followed, will "school" you
through numerous hands without messing things up for yourself. Avoid
hunches or impulse decisions, just adhere strictly to the Basic Strategy. Holding
the table bets as low as you can endure (without becoming bored!) will also
help extend your gambling session.
Poker can be a bankroll-expander for a player with skill. Do your
best to avoid a competitor better than you (and there will be one out
there somewhere!. Try and join a group of amateurs and gently drain
their money from them while you demonstrate your skill for them to learn from.
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