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Have you always wanted to visit a casino, but you feel a little nervous about making your first visit? Casinos and casino games often feature in pop culture, from songs such as Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler, The Rolling Stones’ Casino Boogie, and Motörhead’s Ace Of Spades to films such as Rain Man, The Hangover, many of the James Bond films, and of course, Casino.

 

At Coral Island Casino, we pride ourselves on being the friendliest casino in Blackpool, and our staff are always happy to help and explain how to play games, so there’s no need to feel anxious about coming to visit for the first time.

 

An evening or even just a couple of hours in a casino can be a fun and new experience, and quite a different atmosphere to many other nights out. But before you visit, we have a brief guide on what to expect, casino etiquette, and some tips to ensure you have a great time.

 

Know Your Budget

 

Before you go, it is important that you set a budget and know how much money you are willing to spend and lose. Keep in mind that you’re visiting to have a casino experience, and to enjoy the game, not to win lots of money. Maintaining that attitude will ensure that you have a positive experience.

 

Decide how much you are willing to spend, and stick with your budget, as well as for how long you want to play. Gambling should never be a means of making money, and you should never gamble more than you can afford. Setting limits and focussing on enjoying the casino experience will mean you get so much more out of your visit.

 

If you’d like more information about safer gambling and setting limits, then visit https://www.begambleaware.org/

 

Start with the slot machines

 

If you’ve never gambled in a casino before, then the slots are a good place to get started and get comfortable. Slot machines are games of chance and require no skill, allowing you to test your reaction to winning and losing.

 

You might have played slot machines in pubs and bars in the past, so casino slots may feel a little familiar. The games might not keep you occupied for too long, but they’re a great place for casino newbies to start.

 

Try the live roulette tables

 

The roulette tables are a good next step in your casino experience. There is more of a social atmosphere at the live tables as you will be sat with other players and there is a dealer who can help explain the rules.

 

While roulette is still a game of chance, there is a little more skill involved in knowing how to place your bets. As the little white ball spins and dances across the wheel, you can place your chips on the mat, maybe start by picking your lucky numbers, or betting on broad categories to help increase your chances of winning.

 

Why not visit our blog to read more about roulette, the rules of play, and the bets you can place?

 

Learn the rules of the game before playing

 

You do not need to be an expert to enjoy casino games, but having a little prior knowledge can be a big help in making you feel a little less lost. If you move on to games such as Blackjack, there is more skill required to know how to play well and ensure you do not lose all your chips in one game!

 

Our friendly dealers will always be on hand to explain the rules and help you feel comfortable, and maybe even give you a few handy tips! Explore some guides to games and strategy tips online before going to the casino to get a head start on how to play.

 

Sign up for membership

 

You don’t need to be a member to visit Coral Island Casino, you can simply walk on in and enjoy a genuine casino experience, right in the heart of Blackpool. But If you do enjoy yourself and plan on returning, then sign up for our Advantage Club, which will give you a discount at the bar, and help save some money.

 

Know casino etiquette

 

Just as when you visit any establishment for a night out, it’s important to remember to be courteous with other players and the staff. There may also be special rules to follow at the live tables too, such as waiting until the dealer pushes your winnings toward you before you pick them up. The dealers will politely remind you if you’re unsure, and watch other players to see what they do.

 

There will also be a dress code at most casinos. You wouldn’t go to a nightclub or a restaurant in your work clothes (unless you dress fancy for work!), and while you do not need to wear a tuxedo and look like James Bond, Coral Island Casino has a relaxed ‘smart casual’ policy, only asking that men wear sleeves and no football or sports shirts. If you’re unsure, then please contact us and ask.

 

What not to do

 

Some common mistakes can easily be made when visiting a casino for the first time, so if you want to avoid making a social faux pas, then we have some tips below.

 

Following systems

 

Be wary of anyone telling you about a ‘foolproof’ system to use when playing a game. A system isn’t a strategy, which is based on maths and probabilities, instead being based more on superstition, and will certainly not give you an edge against the casino.

 

Chasing losses

 

A common mistake made is to chase losses by doubling down on bets, which is a recipe for disaster! It means you will likely have to spend more than your budget to continually double your bets, and there is no increased chance of winning. Remember to stick to an amount that you are comfortable with, if unhappy, to lose, and do not take any risks that could place you in financial difficulties.

 

Playing the wrong hand

 

Every bet you make is spending your hard-earned cash, so make sure you know the rules of the game and avoid making the mistake of playing the wrong hand or making the wrong bet. If you’re unsure, do ask the dealer for advice, and make sure you read up on the rules before you play. Take your time, and remember to be strategic.

 

Betting too big

 

Keep in mind that you’re visiting the casino for the experience and to enjoy the game, and to ensure you manage your budget efficiently, keep your bets manageable. Betting too big will almost certainly mean you blow your budget too fast, and cut short your visit. Set a limit to bet a maximum of 10 per cent of your budget at any given time.

 

Overindulging

 

Everyone is enjoying themselves, and the drinks are flowing, and it can be easy to overindulge. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink or two to loosen up a little and calm any first-time visit nerves, but too much and you will impair your judgement and your enjoyment of the game. Drink responsibly, and set a limit on how many drinks to have.

 

Your head and your wallet will thank you the next day!

 

Make a plan to visit Coral Island Casino today!

 

Keep all these tips in mind when you visit Coral Island Casino, and you’ll find you have a fun afternoon or evening, even if it’s your first visit, and you might even come home with a little money in your pocket!

 

Remember that you have to be 18+ to visit Coral Island Casino, and if you look under 25, then be prepared to show your proof of age. www.begambleaware.org

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