How to turn the tables on online casino games

10 min read

Don’t you just love table games? There’s nothing that brings the sophistication of a brick-and-mortar casino to mind more than sitting down in front of that green felt and placing a bet. Whether it’s Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat or more, it’s always engaging, always exciting, and always exhilarating! 

Well, for some. Perhaps table games aren’t really your thing. Perhaps you simply prefer slots. Or, perhaps you’ve always felt intimidated by the aura of table games and so have just stayed away. 

We don’t blame you. From different rules, odds and strategies to the variety of betting options available, table games can seem like a whole new world to beginner players. Rather, leave them to the experienced players instead, and just stick to the slots where life is easy and simple. Right? 

So, ready to learn something new? Let’s take a seat at the tables! 

There’s nothing wrong with that. Slots are hugely entertaining and always a source of great excitement. But if you’re staying away from table games out of anxiety rather than dislike, we’re here to help you turn the tables! 

Because success at these types of games isn’t about discovering secret systems or beating the casino at its own game. Instead, it’s about approaching your game play thoughtfully. By having a deep understanding of how table games work and how to avoid some of the most common mistakes that players make. And by increasing your depth of knowledge, you’ll dispel your fears and enjoy a smoother and potentially more rewarding experience at the same time.

Step 1: Choose the right game at the tables

We’re really starting with the basics here, but choosing the correct game right from the start is by far one of the most overlooked strategies in table game play. 

Why? Because different types of table games offer different types of odds. Some favour the house more, and some favour the house less. Which means if you take the time to look at the game selection and make your choice carefully, you’ll be able to get as much value as possible from your session. 

So, which games should you be looking at? In terms of low house edge, Blackjack and Baccarat will give you the most bang for your buck, as they’re both known for being games that can help favour the player. 

Ready for Blackjack?

Sit down to a round of Blackjack, and you’ll be playing a game where even the most basic strategy can help reduce the house advantage to a surprisingly small margin. Similarly, choosing the Banker bet in Baccarat can also give you the most favourable odds. Helping to increase your chances of winning.

On the other hand, placing certain Roulette bets or even playing specialty table games can take your chances in the other direction, with significantly higher odds and a less beneficial house edge. 

So, what type of game should you choose? Obviously, the best kind of game to play is always the one you love the most. As that’s the one that’ll give you the most rewarding gaming experience overall. But it doesn’t hurt to bear odds and finances in mind, either. 

That’s why, before you sit down to a table game, first take a moment to assess which will give you the most value for money. As long as you’re responsible with your finances and you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll be getting the most out of your casino experience with every bet. 

Step 2: Learn the right strategy at the tables

Want to give yourself the best chance of a table game win? The internet is full of systems and strategies and so-called experts promising you the world. But, unsurprisingly, very few of them actually deliver. 

Why? Because the element of luck is always present, making every outcome fair, random, and independent from the one before. So if you ever come across a strategy that ‘guarantees’ you success, and then charges you a fortune to access it, steer clear. 

However, there is one notable exception to this rule, and that’s Blackjack basic strategy.

Why? Because Blackjack basic strategy is all about numbers. A mathematical guide that gives you the statistically best decision to make in any given situation. Based on your cards and the dealer’s visible card, it’ll tell you when to hit, stand, double down, or split, taking the guesswork out of every hand. 

Of course, it doesn’t guarantee you wins in the short-term – no strategy can do that. But what it can do, if applied consistently over time, is help you to significantly reduce the house edge when you play, giving you a game that’s not just exciting, but user-friendly as well.

Do you absolutely have to use these guidelines? No, of course not. Plenty of players choose to go with their gut instincts instead; however, these are often influenced by emotion, superstition or frustration, which can ultimately hurt your outcomes and your finances. 

So if you’re just starting out and you want to give yourself the best chance of success, give Blackjack basic strategy a try. It could be just what you need to help you turn the tables in your favour. 

Step 3: Forget about hot streak thinking 

Experienced players LOVE to talk about hot streaks and cold tables. It’s a rich and hotly contested topic of conversation, and it’s why you’ll hear gamblers say things like: 

  • “This Roulette wheel has been landing on low numbers all night, it’ll be going high anytime now.”
  • “It’s been red five times in a row now, black must be coming up soon.” 
  • “The dealer’s on a winning run, it’s bound to end sometime.”

Sound familiar? That’s because this kind of thinking runs rampant in the gambling world – the idea that because you’ve had one outcome for a while, a different one is sure to occur any time now. In fact, it’s so widespread that it even has a name – the gambler’s fallacy. This is essentially a belief that past results affect future outcomes. Like if the Roulette ball has landed on black five times in a row, it’s sure to land on red soon. 

Check out this casino offering table games

Unfortunately, that’s not the way online table games (or any online games) work. That’s because online casino games are powered by a Random Number Generator. A sophisticated algorithm that works in the background to ensure that every outcome is fair, random, and completely independent from the one before. This means that previous results have absolutely zero effect on future outcomes. 

So how can you turn the tables when it comes to hot streaks and cold tables? Ironically, by not thinking about them at all. Rather than chasing random patterns that mean nothing, focus on your decision-making abilities instead. You’ll steer clear of any kind of misleading influence, and you won’t be tempted into making emotional mistakes either. 

Step 4: Bet simpler, not smarter

Part of the reason why beginner players stay away from table games is because of how complex their betting systems seem. It’s not as easy as just placing a bet. You have to follow intricate strategies too, like the Martingale, Fibonacci, or Labouchère systems. It’s simpler just to stick to slots where everything is easy, and there’s no added pressure. Right? Make a bet with free spins here.

Nothing gives us more pleasure than being able to completely debunk this theory. Because it’s totally false. If you want to turn the tables on your fortunes when playing table games, it won’t be by using complicated strategies that have you feeling totally overwhelmed. In fact, the simpler your bets are, the more successful they’ll be. 

While certain strategies (like the ones we just mentioned) can help you to potentially recover some losses in the short-term, they don’t actually alter the trajectory or the mathematics of a game. So instead of relying on these complicated betting progressions, keep things simple instead. 

Choose a comfortable bet size that you can afford, and stick with it. Adjust that bet size occasionally when you need to. And keep your emotions under control so that you’re always playing with your head. 

By taking a more relaxed approach to your gaming, you’ll help keep any bankroll swings under control, and you’ll avoid the stress that often comes with using aggressive betting systems. Consistency is key. And that’s perhaps the most unconventional approach of all. 

Step 5: Stay away from high-edge side bets 

Thinking about adding even more excitement to your gameplay with a side bet? You might want to think again. 

Many online table games offer optional side bets as a way of ramping up the adrenaline. But, if you’re not careful, they could ramp up your spending too. 

While side bets offer larger potential payouts and thrilling twists, they often come with a much higher house edge than standard bets, which means more often than not, you’ll end up on the losing end. 

Take Blackjack side bets, for example. Those that reward specific card combinations might look appealing at first, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see that they usually offer worse long-term odds than the main game. And it’s the same with Baccarat, Poker and other table games too. 

So, should you just stay away from side bets altogether? Not necessarily. They’re every bit as exhilarating as advertised, and can add an extra level of fun and excitement to your gaming. Just bear in mind that the odds won’t be in your favour when you play them, and make sure you have enough in your bankroll to cushion any blows. You have been warned! 

Step 6: Take it slow

If you’ve been a casino player for a while, you’ll know that gaming is all about speed. All it takes is a few clicks, a few moves, and you’ll be going from one round to the next in a flash. 

While this is a pro for a lot of players, it can also be a con as well. If you’re not careful, the speedy gaming could lead to you making quick, impulsive, and often expensive decisions. The more bets you place in a shorter space of time, the more money you’re spending. Which could impact your bankroll significantly if you’re not careful. 

So how do you guard against this? By simply slowing things down. Don’t be tempted into betting and playing quickly just because the casino moves like lightning. Take a breath, think about your bet size, and about your possible decisions. And about the consequences of every bet you place. 

By taking your time rather than rushing through things, you’ll be less likely to bet impulsively, and you’ll also be able to stretch your entertainment value across a longer session, ultimately saving you money. 

Look at your table game play as a strategic puzzle, rather than a rapid-fire quest. You’ll stay focused, you’ll stay calm, and you’ll stay in control of your bankroll at all times. 

Step 7: Know when to walk away

Did you know – one of the most valuable skills in gambling has nothing to do with betting, strategy or odds? Instead, it’s knowing when to call it a day and walk away from the tables. 

Being able to set limits and stick to them is by far one of the most powerful weapons in every gambler’s arsenal. And, it’s a valuable skill to have. By setting clear limits before you start playing and walking away as soon as you reach them, you’ll be able to prevent emotional decisions, and you’ll be able to avoid chasing your losses. And you’ll be able to walk away with your bankroll intact. 

What kind of limits? Usually, either a maximum loss limit or a target win amount. As playing indefinitely will always have a negative outcome, whether you’re winning or losing. 

More than just protecting your bankroll, though, knowing when to walk away can help keep gambling entertaining. Which is the ultimate aim in the first place? If you stay in the game longer than you should, you’ll feel stressed, pressured, anxious, and often desperate to win any lost money back. By bowing out before this happens, you’ll keep the fun alive and keep the focus firmly where it should be. On your enjoyment.

Sit down at the tables today!

As you can see, turning the tables on online table games doesn’t mean memorizing complicated strategies or searching for secret formulas. Instead, it’s about approaching gambling with a clear head, a calm mindset and a willingness to gamble responsibly at all times. Use this as your foundation, and you’ll start building success sooner than you think! 

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Nicola Davidson

Senior Casino Content Editor & Industry Researcher

1541 Articles

Highlights

Nicola Davidson is a content writer with a focus in online gaming. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, she has extensive expertise in casino games, sports betting as well as emerging trends that pop up in the iGaming sector. Content is more than just information. It’s about creating an engaging experience for players. Nicola perfects this by writing reviews of new slot releases, a guide to betting strategies or cutting-edge industry news.

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