Newbie casino gamblers face several challenges that more experienced players have worked through long ago. One of the biggest issues that newbies face is settling on the correct game.
For a large portion of first-time casino guests, slot machines seem to be the default game choice. The games are somewhat straightforward and don’t have much room for novice gamblers to make mistakes.
Unfortunately, most players start on the penny slots. That comes with its own troubles, the most significant being the ridiculous house edge.
Penny slots average a house edge of over 10% in Las Vegas casinos. However, another beginner-friendly game offers fantastic benefits for the player and comes with an insanely low house edge.
Here are seven reasons why newbies should skip the slots and play baccarat instead.
1 – Baccarat Gives You Plenty of Time to Socialize
Most first-time casino gamblers are heading to the casino with friends. Even those brave enough to make their maiden voyage solo are typically very sociable by nature.
Slot machines, in my experience, can be an incredibly solitary affair. Sure, you may exchange a few pleasantries with the player next to you. Still, any lengthy conversation is mainly off the table.
Baccarat, on the other hand, not only accommodates socializing, the game promotes such activity.
Baccarat also allows for so much socialization because the players don’t do much. All a player needs to do is make a bet, and the dealer takes it from there.
So, this gives players all the time in the world to chat with the players around them. This idle conversation can be of particular benefit to the newbie casino gambler.
Having more experienced players walk you through the game can dramatically cut the learning curve for new players. Their calmness can also cut through the stress that faces new casino gamblers.
2 – Baccarat Comes With One of the Lowest Casino House Edges
Slot machines up and down the Las Vegas Strip have abysmal return to player. The average RTP on the Strip averages below 92%.
That gives the house an average edge over the player of 8%. On the popular penny slots, the average RTP drops to nearly 88%.
So, if you’re playing penny slots on the Las Vegas Strip, you’re facing a house edge of 12%. You’re going to have a challenging time ever breaking even facing those odds.
Baccarat, on the other hand, gives players one of the best house edges in the casino. The only two bets you should concern yourself with are the player and the banker.
The player bet gives the casino an edge of 1.24%. That translates to an expected loss of $1.24 for every $100 wagered.
The banker bet is even better, with a house advantage of only 1.06%. Such a low house edge means players can gamble for hours without burning through their entire bankroll.
The casino does charge a 5% commission on the banker bet. However, this is already accounted for when calculating the house advantage.
For newbies looking for one of the best opportunities to make a small profit, baccarat is near the top of the list.
3 – Baccarat Strategy Is as Easy as They Come
Part of the allure of slot machines is that players aren’t required to learn any complicated strategy. You merely find a device, select your bet, and press the spin button.
For hour after mindless hour, players spin the reels in hopes of catching an elusive jackpot. The game’s simple nature is a hit with beginners and those who merely want to get lost in the hypnotizing games.
Unfortunately, both games require complex strategies to gain the edge necessary to win consistently.
Baccarat strategy, on the other hand, has zero obstacles for gamblers. You only need to select the banker or the player and how much to wager.
First-time players can quickly get into the flow of the game.
4 – Baccarat Doesn’t Have Complicated Rules to Memorize
Slot machines don’t typically come with a complicated set of rules. However, some of the games get into complex bonus games where you need to understand precisely what your goal is at that moment.
It can be jarring to suddenly find yourself in the middle of a bonus after an hour of pressing spin like a robot.
You must also understand how machines payout. That includes how many lines you’re playing and your standard bet amount.
If you sit down to a slot machine and only play a single line for the minimum, you’re likely going to miss out on a ton of exciting wins that help keep your bankroll afloat.
While baccarat rules are essential, you don’t need to be all that familiar with them. The dealer is going to keep the game moving efficiently, and you’ll pick them up by simply sitting at the table.
The absence of required knowledge of the rules is a refreshing change of pace when it comes to table games.
5 – Baccarat Offers Amazing Bonuses in Online Casinos
Real money online casinos offer amazing bonuses for players. For many slot machine fans, these bonuses will be of particular interest because of the free spins.
These free spins help slot players extend their playing time. They are a fantastic way to stretch players towards a significant win when the bankroll begins to dwindle.
Baccarat players can also benefit from these online casino bonuses. Deposit bonuses are often in excess of 100% of a player’s total deposit.
For example, a player may receive an offer for a 200% bonus. That means the casino will match your deposit at 200% up to a predetermined amount.
You should be forewarned of the wagering requirements associated with “free money.” The casino may require you to play through the bonus several times before you can withdraw any of the funds.
This rule also applies to any winnings you may have accrued; you should carefully read the terms and conditions of any offers. Still, online casino bonuses are an excellent source for building your gambling bankroll.
6 – Baccarat Levels the Playing Field
People love slot machines because it levels the playing field. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing slot machines for three minutes or three decades; everyone has the same shot at winning.
Players don’t ever need to feel uncomfortable about losing on the machines. Winning is a matter of pure chance, which puts everyone on an even plane.
Baccarat is similar in that winning is a matter of chance. Aside from edge-sorting, there’s no proper way a player can use advantage techniques to gain an extra hand.
If anything, baccarat is far easier to win for any player. New players can sit down on the baccarat table and see immediate positive results.
Slot machines and baccarat are lovely places for novice casino gamblers to blend in with the more experienced players.
The most significant difference is that you’ll lose much more slowly playing baccarat.
7 – Baccarat Only Has One Sucker Bet to Avoid
The casino floor is flooded with cleverly camouflaged sucker bets. These sucker bets are usually sold as having some advantage for the player.
The insurance bet in blackjack pops out as one of the primary offenders. It gives players a chance to double their initial bet when the dealer has an ace.
When the dealer has a blackjack, the player breaks even. When the dealer doesn’t, that wager is now casino money, and you may double your losses by losing the hand.
Still, baccarat isn’t void of its own sucker bet. The tie bet is one of the most terrible bets in the casino.
The tie bet is worse than any slot machine you’ll find in the casino, with a house advantage of 14.36%. Unfortunately, players see the 8 to 1 payout and believe they’ve found a way to win some losses back.
Stay away from the tie bet, and you’ll keep more of your money in your bankroll.
Conclusion: Try Playing Baccarat Instead of Slots
If you’re planning your first casino trip, try avoiding the slots in favor of baccarat. These seven reasons why newbies should skip the slots and sit down at a baccarat table paint a fair picture of the immense benefits of the shift.
