First Time Going To A Casino Tips
I’ve been to a casino less than ten times in my life, but I really love the atmosphere and people watching when I do go. You always see the people who are on a winning streak, with their excitement and big smiles, and then the other people with grim faces… the ones who just blew away their rent money for the month. You see, one thing I learned right from the get go was to never expect to win a penny. You’re in for a bad time if you think you’re there to earn an income of some sort.
Having said that, I’ve also had a bit of luck with online casinos in the past. Sometimes you feel like playing but don’t want to leave the house. Blackjack is my game, and if online casinos are your thing then there is no shortage of sites to play on. I actually happened to pay for my Las Vegas trip thanks to a bit of luck at an online casino. But if you’re visiting Las Vegas and a casino for the first time, below are a few tips to help you enjoy your time there.
No Cell Phones
It varies by both state and casino, as most states mandate 21 as the minimum age to play in a casino, but some Native American casinos allow players to gamble at 18. In addition, racetrack wagering, lottery, and sometimes slots can be played at 18. Make sure you check first. There Is a Minimum Age. That might not strike you as surprising, but there is a minimum age for gambling at all casinos. It varies by both state and casino, as most states mandate 21 as the minimum age to play in a casino, but some Native American casinos allow players to gamble at 18.
Sure, sounds obvious and it makes sense, but I kept forgetting since I’m always used to grabbing my phone and looking at messages. You can obviously have cell phones inside the casinos, but don’t use them if you are at a table game. I learned by having the dealer at the table notify me about this policy.
Set a Budget For Losing
Of course it would be great if you can walk into a casino and leave with pockets full of cash, but just to be on the safe side, have a maximum budget that you can afford to lose without your wife divorcing you. Consider this budget as entertainment for the night. If you win, great, but if you leave with nothing, you were already expecting that so no harm done.
Keep a Close Eyes On Chips & Belongings
Based on what I saw, 80 percent of the people in Vegas casinos are under the influence of alcohol which explains why the casinos are raking it in from these drunks with poor judgement. Chances are, you’ll also be drinking and it’s important to keep an eye on your personal belongings. There are professionals in Vegas who are preying on unsuspecting tourists who are too busy enjoying their vacation. And while at the table games, keep your chips in front of you and pay attention to them. If you have chips that you plan to cash out, hide them away while you’re at the tables.
Stacking Chips
The chips you are using for your table games, arrange them in an order where the most valuable chips are at the bottom of the stack while the lower valued chips are on top of the stack. This way, should a quick handed thief grab some chips, they’ll only be grabbing the ones worth a few bucks and not your $20 and $100 chips.
Enjoy The Complimentary Beverages
As you’re playing the table games, there are dozens of waitresses taking drink orders. If you didn’t know, these drinks are complimentary! I have heard that they are a bit watered down since they are free, but free booze is free booze. Although drinks are free, it’s common courtesy to tip the waitresses. Most people give them $2 to $5 in chips.
Expectations (Winnings)
The worst thing you can do is to expect to win big. The only thing you should be expecting is a great time in Vegas with lots of entertainment and shows, architecture, strip clubs, and night clubs. And if you do want to win big, chances are that you also have to bet bigger.
Winnings and Taxes
Just because it’s winnings at a casino doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay taxes. No sir, Uncle Sam is ready to take your money anywhere and everywhere. When it comes to slot-machine winnings, a W-2G form must be filled out if the winnings are $1,200 or more in a single jackpot. If you win $800 from one slot-machine and another $1000 from another slot-machine, you are in the clear and don’t have to pay taxes. But table games such as blackjack and roulette are usually not taxable.
Sorry, But That Hot & Friendly Lady Is Working
They say that hot and friendly women may approach you for a good time. I saw this happen right in front of me but she wasn’t hot. Before you decide to join them, just know that these women are hookers and they indeed are looking for a good time… but at a price. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but what you catch in Vegas will likely come back with you. So be careful.
Well, that was my list of a few tips to help you on your first time journey to Las Vegas and its casinos. If you have any tips, feel free to comment below.
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Who has a better perspective on how to book your first cruise or what to expect other than someone who just went completed their first voyage? We receive thousands of reviews from these cruisers every year, so we gathered some of the best first time cruise tips for others getting ready to set sail.
First Time Cruise Tips for Planning and Booking
1. Budget properly.
“Be prepared to spend at least 200 on the ship before you get off, not counting gratuity.” - Mrharvey on Carnival Conquest
Our Take: There are some exceptions, but the vast majority of cruises are not all-inclusive. When planning your trip, be sure to budget for extra expenses like alcohol, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, and gratuities.
2. Timing is everything.
“If you are not a college student don't book over Spring Break, ask who will be cruising with you.” - pattiskar on Carnival Imagination
Our Take: The number of young children and college students onboard increases dramatically at certain times of the year, such as school breaks and holidays. If you don’t want to deal with either age group, choose another date.
Kids can be loud and rambunctious, and that goes for college kids as well. - Photo by Royal Caribbean
3. Keep the needs of your companions in mind.
“We were first time cruisers, and my husband is in an electric wheelchair, so we had some huge reservations. However, were blown away with the ease of accessibility, the amount of help and consideration we received from the staff & crew. Our room was ready early, and our power chair (we rented one from an accessibility company) was there when we arrived.” - revyates5 on Carnival Breeze
Our Take: Some lines are better at handling certain requests than others. Whether someone in your group has mobility limitations or food allergies, be sure to research the lines beforehand to see which are best prepared to accommodate your needs.
4. Research your ship, not just the line.
“Carnival Fascination seemed like an older boat and didn't have as many fun amenities as [we were] hoping for. There was one small pool and water slides. It would've been better with another larger pool since there were so many people around one area. There was no rock climbing wall, shuffle board, etc.” - sydneyblanch on Carnival Fascination
Our Take: Like all companies, cruise lines always advertise their newest products. Even though most ships get some kind of refurbishment every five years or so, you simply won’t find towering rock-climbing walls or huge water slides on older ships. If you want the best in onboard entertainment, spring for a newer, larger vessel.
Book a newer ship if you want an endless array of onboard activities. - Photo by Royal Caribbean
5. Time flies.
“Five nights was not enough next time at least seven night stay.” - melvinyork on Carnival Ecstasy
Our Take: Shorter sailings (3-5 nights) are great for a quick getaway, but if you’ve never set foot on a ship before, trust us when we say you need a full week to enjoy everything a cruise has to offer.
6. Spring for a balcony if you have the cash.
“If you want privacy, but still want the ocean air and some sun, spend the extra money for a balcony!! We wish we had!!!!” - UnFascinated on Carinval Fascination
Our Take: You can get great deals on inside staterooms - we’ve seen some as low as $30 per night - but unless you’re certain you won’t spend much time there, start with a balcony cabin. Plus, nothing beats watching the sunrise from the comfort of a private balcony while the ship pulls into port.
Couples cruising for the first time owe it to themselves to book a balcony cabin. - Photo by Celebrity Cruises
7. Cabin location is key.
“Try to avoid cabins towards the front of the ship on deck 8. It's directly under lido deck. You hear the chairs being moved at all hours.” - Cruise122 on Carnival Freedom
“You would want to book your room on a high floor (like 9 and up) because then you will have easy access to everything on the boat.” - NAC on Norwegian Gem
“Travelers that get sea sick do not book anything at the front of the boat!” - pinporo4 on Navigator of the Seas
Our Take:Picking the right cabin isn’t just about deciding whether you can live without a balcony. Cabin location is equally important, since you don’t want to get stuck underneath a dance floor or too close to the elevators. At the same time, booking a room closer to the lido deck will cut down on the time you spend going back and forth to your room. And if you’re prone to seasickness, booking a cabin midship is your best bet, since the rocking caused by rough seas will be felt the least.
8. Know what to pack.
“Bring a power strip if you plan to use more than one outlet. Take your allotted 2 bottles of wine, soft drinks and water. You will need them.” - KaraHershey on Carnival Paradise
Our Take: Always pack for your sailing destination, but you should bring some small things on virtually every cruise. Also, every line has different restrictions as to what you can bring onboard - particularly regarding alcohol - so be sure to ask beforehand.
What to do on the Ship
9. Start exploring your ship before you board.
“Get a lay out of the ship ahead of time so as to minimize your hunting for the places you need to go.” - Triumph on Carnival Triumph
Our Take: Although not all cruise ships are as large as the new floating resorts being commissioned by Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, and now MSC Cruises, even a medium ship takes some time to figure out. Check out our deck plans or user photos to get a sense of where venues are in relation to your cabin.
Our ship pages have all the info you need for your upcoming cruise. - Photo by Cruiseline.com
10. Bring a carry-on for the first day.
“Pack a small bag as a carry on with swim suits, sun block, motion medicine and any other essentials as your bags may not get to your room until nearly 6pm!! We did this, but other families in our group did not and their kids could not swim until 6pm because their swim suits were in their suit cases.” - MA6 on Carnival Triumph
Our Take: The ship’s staff has to inspect and deliver the checked bags of thousands of passengers. This process can take a long time, so be sure you have everything you need for the first day in your carry-on.
11. Board early or late.
“Board the ship early the first day. Even though the cruise didn't leave Ft. Lauderdale until 5:30 we were on in time to have lunch and get a chance to explore where everything is before the actual cruise began.” - lovingthesun on Independence of the Seas
Our Take: When it comes to embarkation, it’s generally best to be among the first or last on since both groups miss the bulk of the crowds. Which you choose depends on whether you’d rather spend your day exploring the ship or the port.
At peak hours, boarding lines can get absurdly long. - Photo by Simon Duvall
12. Take inventory before you celebrate.
“Check your entire cabin for issues before you do anything else.” - herd04 on Majesty of the Seas
Our Take: Don’t wait until you return to your cabin slightly tipsy after the sail-away party to realize your lamp doesn’t work. Check all of the lights, appliances, and outlets before you have fun.
13. Always ask a staff member for help.
“If you need anything don't hesitate ask... They are very accommodating.” - apexpredator on Carnival Liberty
Our Take: In the thousands and thousands of reviews we receive every year, the most consistent positive feedback is about ships’ staff members and crews. Not only are the workers extremely upbeat and encouraging, but they’ll often go out of their way to accommodate your requests.
Casino First Time Tips
The staff will accomodate any (reasonable) request, so ask away - Photo by Seabourn
14. Talk to the crew.
“Engage all levels of the staff in conversations. They are from all around the world and they enjoy interaction. Hearing their stories and experiencing their humanity was a highlight of the trip.” - DaveCruiser on Celebrity Century
Our Take: The crew is fun to talk to. Bonus: Making friends with your room steward and waiters often results in even better service.
15. Planning is key.
“Plan your daily activities every morning so you don't miss anything! So much to do, so little time.” - Trumphsurvivor on Carnival Triumph
Our Take: In between meals, port stops, evening shows, and relaxing by the pool, you’ll be surprised how little time you have to take advantage of everything else your ship has to offer.
Always make time for your evening entertainment. - Photo by Royal Caribbean
16. Skip the elevators when you can.
“To get around the ship use the stairs. It is much quicker as some use the elevators for one deck. At port the elevators become overcrowded and the wait can be long.” - cmarshall103 on Norwegian Breakaway
Our Take: Not only will taking the stairs save time, but it’s a good way to burn off your four-course dinner from the night before.
17. Find a quiet hideout.
“During the day, the lounging area around the bow of the ship was much quieter and relaxing than around the pool.” - jmatte on Norwegian Dawn
Our Take: If you need to escape the crowds, most ships have nooks and crannies you can flee to on sea days for some peace and quiet.
Even on crowded ships you can find an quiet nook you can use to escape from the crowds. - Photo by Celebrity Cruises
18. Know your food options.
“Get to know all the dining venues and when they are open. There is always something available, but you need to know when things open and close.”- juleeroze on Pride of America
Our Take: Different venues have different hours. Learn them quickly so you’re never stuck wandering the ship looking for a bite to eat.
“When dining, make sure you sample plates that may be new to you. Great way to try something new and it is usually delicious.” - arachubajr on Carnival Sunshine
Our Take: One of the biggest mistakes of first-time cruisers is only ordering a single item at each dinner course. Since dinner in the main dining rooms is one of the few amenities included in your cruise fare, take advantage of it by trying as many dishes as you please without worrying about the cost.
How To Go To A Casino For The First Time
First Time Tips for Excursions and Ports
19. It doesn’t hurt to wander for a bit.
“Even if you haven't booked an excursion get off the boat. There are plenty of options for people like us who don't get around very well. We found excellent 2-3 hour van-bus trips at reasonable rates that were available right on the docks at Juneau and Sitka.” - ecstacy on Westerdam
Our Take: If the heart of the port city is easily reached from the dock without the need for shuttles or tender boats, take a stroll to stretch your legs and readjust to dry land.
In walkable ports like Venice, it's easy to step off the boat and explore. - Photo by Carnival Cruise Line
20. Disembark early or late.
'‘Easy walk off’ is not as easy or as walky as advertised if you want to get off the ship early. Highly recommend eating breakfast and enjoying a coffee while watching the long immovable ‘easy walk-off’ lines snake through deck 7.” - legioncommander on Norwegian Breakaway
Our Take: Just like with boarding the ship on embarkation day, you should aim to be the first or last off the ship. If you don’t have an excursion in the morning, take advantage of not having to wait in line for onboard activities or dining.
21. Take a port day off to enjoy the ship.
“Do mini-golf [on the ship] when in port, less people.” - lea on Disney Dream
Our Take: The most popular onboard options are usually crowded on sea days, so if you want to do a certain activity without crowds - like trying to surf on Royal Caribbean’s surf simulator without turning yourself into a public spectacle -skip a day in port and spend it onboard.
If you don't want to be rushed, wait for a port day to go mini-golfing. - Photo by Carnival Cruise Line
22. Book excursions in advance…
“Book your excursions while on board the ship as we missed an on shore whale watching tour because the people that booked onboard got head of the line, plus they had the tour buses waiting for them dock side, whereas we had to walk several blocks to catch our tour, and again missed it.” - jims8az on Carnival Miracle
Our Take: Just like with boarding the ship on embarkation day, you should aim to be the first or last off the ship. If you don’t have an excursion in the morning, take advantage of not having to wait in line for onboard activities or dining.
23. …Or wait and see.
“You can get a better deal, and sometimes a better trip, if you book your off-ship excursions once you exit the ship and come face to face with the hoards of vendors waiting to make you a deal for a day trip.” - SoloCruiserLou on Norwegian Star
Our Take: If there’s nothing in particular you want to see, you can save money by negotiating with the vendors waiting in port.
24. Bargaining is completely acceptable.
“Don't be afraid to haggle with the jewelers on the price. Everything is negotiable!” - andrewl25 on Norwegian Breakaway
Our Take: Though Americans often consider haggling a sign of being cheap, most vendors in the Caribbean and Europe rarely expect you to pay listed prices. Check out this article for some tips on how to talk sellers down to a reasonable fee.
Never pay full price for anything you buy from a vendor. - Photo by Amaly
25. Don’t delay.
“Don't wait so late in life to enjoy your first cruise.” - dreutlinger on Carnival Magic
Our Take: We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.