The 10 Commandments

Before you begin any gambling experience, whether you're new to the activity or even if you've been playing for years, there's several core principles, or 'commandments' if you will, that it's important to keep in mind. We've provided a few guidelines below that all players should keep in mind when playing online or playing at your favourite brick and mortar casino.

1. Thou shall expect to lose.
2. Thou shall know thy local law.
3. Thou shall not bet more than one can afford.
4. Thou shall trust the odds.
5. Thou shall not believe in 'betting systems'.
6. Thou shall play to win.
7. Thou shall exhibit good gambling etiquette.
8. Thou shall seek out the best rules.
9. Thou shall not hedge bets or make side bets.
10. Thou shall tip.

1. Thou shall expect to lose.

Even playing smart and employing solid strategies will not change all of the odds from remaining in the casino's favour; remember, the House always wins! Expecting to win ALL the time will only lead to frustration and ultimately, bad decisions and moves. So, remember to take the bad with the good and consider losses as a necessary part of the experience.

2. Thou shall know thy local law.

Unfortunately, online gambling isn't legal in all places and jurisdictions; check out the legality of online casino activity for your country, state, province, or region before playing.

3. Thou shall not bet more than one can afford .

Gambling should be enjoyable. However, there's no enjoyment in losing money that should've been spent on necessities. Decide on an amount that you can afford and stick to your self-imposed limit.

4. Thou shall trust the odds.

Remember, mathematical strategies are successful for a reason and casino games are developed based on probabilities and percentages. Successful players, especially those who maintain their success for long periods of time, aren't the 'luckiest' people around. A solid grasp of the odds and probabilities will bring far more success than any misplaced reliance on 'luck'.

5. Thou shall not believe in 'betting systems'.

Strategies based on mathematics and probabilities will serve you far better than any 'betting systems' developed by some local know-it-all. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to proven strategies and stay away from unproven schemes.

6. Thou shall play to win.

Playing online affords you the opportunity to take your time (and, perhaps just as important, take advantage of some of the free online gambling that provides a great chance to get comfortable with the games before playing with real money). Take advantage of this occasion to formulate sound decisions. THINK about what move you'd like to make. Then, after your decisions become second nature, you'll be better prepared for your next visit to Vegas!

7. Thou shall exhibit good gambling etiquette.

The experience is more enjoyable for everyone when players exhibit good gambling etiquette. Be polite and respect other players whether playing online or at a live casino. Visit our section on gambling etiquette for more information.

8. Thou shall seek out the best rules.

Each casino has different rules for each game and often offers the same game(s) under various sets of rules. Always look for the games with rules best suited to your preferences and your advantage.

9. Thou shall not hedge bets or make side bets.

Generally speaking, these types of bets are for suckers and the House gains a serious edge. Avoid the temptation to buy insurance, place bets on the side, etc.

10. Thou shall tip.

Although this doesn't apply to online gambling, we've included it because it remains an important aspect of gambling and, unfortunately, people need to be reminded of it. Remember, dealers in casinos generally only make minimum wage and rely on tips. If you receive good service (regardless of whether you're winning or losing - it's not the dealer's fault!) tip the dealer and consider it a donation to lady luck!