Questions Casino Players Ask in 2026 (Reddit AMA)

I recently did a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) where I answered questions about blackjack, roulette, craps, and casino myths. Many of the questions were really good. Some were game-specific, and others were common. I'm breaking them all down in this article so more players can benefit.

Game-Specific Questions

Below are the table game questions that real players are asking in 2026.

Baccarat. Blackjack & Craps What table game has the best odds, baccarat?

Answer: The “best odds” is the one with the lowest house edge. Baccarat is a top contender, with a 1.06% house edge when you bet on the banker. However, mathematically, Blackjack is next, as it has a 0.5% house edge, and you can play optimally using the basic blackjack strategy. But the best bet in the house is when a craps player takes odds on their Pass Line or Come bets, as this has a 0% house edge.

PokerWhat mistakes do Ultimate Texas Hold 'em players often make? Any tips?

Answer: The biggest mistake is staying in too long instead of folding early. A lot of players don’t understand when to raise versus check, and they end up just guessing instead of following the math. The tip for playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em is to know when to raise.

Blackjack 1. Many casinos have moved from 3:2 blackjack to 6:5. I know that's a terrible change for the players, but how bad is it? I've seen a 6:5 table right next to a 3:2 with the same bet minimums, and people actually sat at 6:5 when there was room at 3:2.

Answer: You’re getting paid less for the same hand. On a 3:2 table, a $25 blackjack pays $37.50. On a 6:5 table, that same hand only pays $30. You’re literally losing $7.50 every time you hit blackjack just because of the table you chose. That might not sound like a lot, but blackjacks happen often enough that it adds up fast. It’s basically a hidden tax on your wins.

And the worst part is exactly what you said. People will sit at a 6:5 table right next to a 3:2 table with the same minimum and not even realize it. From a mathematical standpoint, 6:5 odds significantly increase the house edge. It takes one of the casino's best games and turns it into a much worse one.

If you take one thing away from blackjack, it should be this: Always play 3:2 and avoid 6:5!

I always sit in the last seat next to the dealer because I play basic strategy and feel it gives me the best chance to win, b/c other players won't screw it up. Is that smart, or is it too random to matter?

Answer: It feels like it matters, but it really doesn’t. Other players can’t “mess up” your hand long term. Every hand is independent, and basic strategy already accounts for all possible outcomes.

Sitting at 3rd base (last seat) doesn’t give you a better chance to win. It just feels that way because you see all the cards before you act.

By playing with basic strategy, you’re already doing the best you can. The seat position doesn’t change the house edge in Blackjack.

Do the side bets on a blackjack table favor the house?

Answer: Yes. Side bets usually have a much higher house edge than the main blackjack game. That makes them great for the casino and not so great for the player. They can be fun, but mathematically, they’re some of the worst bets on the table.

I hit on 16 and stay on 17 when the dealer has a 7 or higher showing. Is this a good strategy? Also, how do you feel about the betting strategy called two in a row, back to go? Ever heard of that?

Answer: You are making the right choice by hitting on 16 and standing on 17 when the dealer has a 7 or higher.

The “two in a row, back to go” betting strategy you mentioned is a positive progression betting system. But here is the truth: Most betting systems don’t change the math. They might feel like they work in the short term, but they don’t change the house edge. They just change how fast you win or lose.

The real focus should be on playing games with low house edges and making correct decisions. If you want a simple way to improve your game, here are the top 5 Blackjack Tips you should know.

Hitting on 16? I was told to be consistent. Either always hit or never hit. It felt like good advice. What do you say?

Answer: Hitting on 16 should be decided based on the dealer's up-card. The basic strategy suggests that you should hit if your dealer has a 7 or higher but stand if the dealer’s hand is 2 through 6. Download the Blackjack Strategy Chart to know the correct play for every situation.

I like playing the trilux on blackjack. I'll hit it once, not play it, then play it five or so times. It definitely feels very streaky. If I don't hit it again in the next 5 hands, I’ll stop playing. I've also recently started doubling down in blackjack, which they let me do, usually only if the dealer busts a card, and on a 6-5 table. What's your take on this?

Answer: Blackjack side bets usually have a much higher house edge than the main wager. They can feel exciting or streaky, but mathematically, they are among the worst bets on the table.

Casino dealers like Trilux and other side bets that include a dealer tip, so they are more likely to push those side bets compared to other bets.

Should I always double down on 11? I've seen conflicting information: some say you should always double with 11, while others say you should only double if the dealer isn't showing a 10. Which would you say?

Answer: When playing Blackjack, always follow a basic strategy chart, because the correct play can change slightly depending on the rules.

In most standard games, you should double down on 11 against any dealer card except an Ace. Against a 10, it’s still usually a double in many rule sets, but there are some variations where hitting is recommended instead.

Newbie here. Explain what "doubling a soft ace against a bust card" is, please?

Answer: A “soft” hand just means you have an Ace that can count as 1 or 11, without busting. So something like A+6 is called a “soft 17.”

“Doubling” means you double your bet and get one more card.

A “bust card” is a dealer card that's more likely to cause a bust, usually 2 through 6.

So when people say “double a soft ace against a bust card,” they mean something like:

You have A+6 (soft 17), dealer shows a 5

You double your bet because the dealer is in a weak position and more likely to bust. It’s a basic strategy play. You’re taking advantage of the situation by putting more money out when the odds are better for you.

Is there a true difference between playing at a blackjack table that has a machine shoe versus a manual shoe where the dealer has to shuffle the cards? Or is it the same?

Answer: There is a small difference, but it’s mostly about speed.

A table with a machine shoe (automatic shuffler) can deal more hands-per-hour because the dealer doesn’t have to stop and shuffle. A hand-shuffled game is slower since there are breaks between shoes.

The house edge itself doesn’t change, but more hands-per-hour means the math plays out faster. So, you’re putting more money into action over time, which increases your expected loss-per-hour.

For example, if a game has about a 5% house edge and you’re betting $100 per hand, you’re losing about $5 per hand on average. If you play more hands in an hour, that expected loss adds up faster.

So it’s not that the machine changes your odds, it just speeds the game up.

What are the biggest mistakes players routinely make in Blackjack?

Answer: The biggest mistakes I see are all pretty basic. Splitting 10’s is a big one. It’s super cringey. You already have a strong hand, and people just throw it away trying to get “more action.”

Not knowing basic strategy in general is huge. People play off instinct instead of math and end up making the worst possible decisions.

Insurance and side bets are another one. They look appealing, but they have a high house edge and are bad for players in the long term.

And honestly, chasing losses. Once people start trying to win it all back, everything goes downhill.

RouletteAre there roulette tables rigged now? I've seen a few times when people get hot on a table, and the pit boss comes by and messes with the computer screen attached to it. I just walk away when I see this now. Everyone starts to lose after the adjustments.

Answer: No, roulette tables are not rigged. That computer screen isn’t controlling the wheel. It’s just tracking play for comps, ratings, and bets.

What you’re seeing is just normal variance, also known as Statistical Fluctuation. It can feel like everything changes after someone touches something, but the wheel and ball are still random. If a casino tried to rig the game, they’d risk losing their license and facing huge fines. It’s not worth it to them.

Is there a magnet in the roulette wheel?

Answer: No, there are no magnets in casino roulette wheels.

What is the best roulette strategy? I see tons of them on YouTube, try them on a simulator, and they kind of work. Then I try them on a live dealer online casino and get housed.

Answer: 99% of the roulette strategies you see on YouTube are not going to make you money. They might look like they work for a bit, but they don’t change the house edge. Instead, focus on the game itself. Know the house edge and pick a table that’s better for you.

The best you can do is find a single zero wheel that offers La Partage (you get half your money back on even money bets if zero hits). Also, check for the En Prison rule, as it may apply depending on the table. The En Prison rule brings the house edge back up to 2.7% and is not good for players.

The single zero, La Partage roulette game brings the house edge down to about 1.35%, which is the lowest you’re going to get in standard roulette.

Is roulette random?

Yes, roulette is random.

The spinning wheel and the ball act like a physical random number generator. Each spin is independent, meaning past results don’t affect future ones.

There’s still a house edge built into the game, but the outcome of any single spin is random.

CrapsIf you were given $100 on a craps table, how would you go about playing that?

Answer: I’d play the Don’t Pass line and take full odds, and use the Don’t Come with full odds as well.

The reason is that the odds bet has a 0% house edge, so that’s where you want as much of your money as possible.

The “don’t” bets are slightly more likely to win than the Pass Line or Come. It’s not flashy, but it’s one of the tips on how to play craps with a small bankroll.

What don’t we know about craps?

Most people don’t realize how structured the craps game actually is. It looks chaotic, but there’s a clear flow to the game, and each roll has a specific purpose.

A big thing players miss is the difference between good bets and bad bets. The Pass Line and Don’t Pass are solid, but the real value is in the odds bet. That’s the only bet with a 0% house edge, and many players either don’t take odds or don’t take enough of them (full odds).

On the flip side, the center table bets (like hardways and one-roll bets) have a really high house edge. They look exciting, but they’re some of the worst bets on the table.

Another thing is how fast money moves. Even though the craps game feels social, you’re still making a lot of decisions per hour, which adds up quickly.

Questions About Card Counting

Is card counting on blackjack and trying not to get caught the only way to actually beat the house?

Card counting is one of the only proven ways to get an edge in blackjack, but it’s not easy.And keep in mind that it's also not illegal. So you don’t have to worry about not getting caught if you are spending small denominations and you don’t have a big bet spread. However, casinos are actively watching for it. If they think you’re making too much money counting cards, they can still back you off or ask you to leave. You can master the act through the Card Counting 101 free course.

To the latter part of your question, for most players, you’re not really trying to “beat” the house; you’re trying to lose more slowly by playing good games and using basic strategy.

How are the dealers trained to spot card counting?

Answer: Dealers aren’t officially “trained” to catch card counters, but they do learn what to look for over time. There are the tells:

The biggest tell is bet variation. If someone is betting $10, then suddenly jumps to $200, then drops back down again, that stands out.

Another thing is behavior. Card counters are usually very focused on the cards. They’re not really talking, not drinking, and not acting like they’re there for fun.

Dealers also notice if someone is strictly following basic strategy or playing very “by the book” and then, all of a sudden, they’re splitting 10’s or doubling on a 12. That’s why dealers call out “Doubling on a 12”, notifying their floor supervisors that something is sus.

And honestly, some dealers can count cards themselves. When you deal all day, you start to recognize the patterns pretty easily.

Sometimes it’s even more obvious. People will straight up say they’re counting, or ask to see other players’ cards.

Questions About Dealers

What's the most common rule or procedure that players argue with dealers about, even though the dealer is right? I see people losing it over basic blackjack rules all the time.

Answer: The biggest things that stand out to me are player behavior. People get mad at 3rd base for “taking the dealer’s bust card,” which is just superstitious BS and doesn’t actually matter.

Players also love telling other people how to play their hand. That always bugged me. It’s their money, they should be able to play however they want.

On the procedure side, a big one is players trying to touch the cards in a shoe game. That happens a lot. Most people don’t realize you can only touch the cards on a single or double deck, not when it’s dealt from a shoe.

What are the most important skills that casino dealers should have?

Answer: Personality is huge. Being friendly, personable, and easy to talk to keeps players at the table longer, which is good for the casino and usually better for tips, too.

Next is game pace. Dealers are expected to keep the game moving and hit a certain number of hands-per-hour without making mistakes. Also, there is the math aspect. You need to be able to pay bets quickly and accurately, every time.

If you’re interested, we put together a full Dealer Audition Checklist that highlights everything you need.

Do you train your dealers to catch BJ card counters? Do they even care, or is that solely the pit boss's responsibility?

Answer: No, dealers aren’t really trained to “catch” card counters and some dealers don’t care if their players are counting cards.

Card counting isn’t illegal, and it’s not considered cheating. So it’s not something dealers are expected to police. Their job is to run the game correctly and keep things moving.

If anything, that falls more on the pit boss or the surveillance team. They’re the ones watching for players who might have an advantage.

At the end of the day, management only starts paying attention if someone is consistently winning or betting high value cheques in a way that stands out.

Common Casino Questions

What’s the best table game, and what are the right bets at said table games? In a comment, you mentioned how players start increasing their bets to ‘get it back’ and often place bets that can make their scenario worse. How does one make it better?

Answer: Pick a game with the lowest house edge. Blackjack is one of the best, with a house edge of 0.5% depending on the table. Just make sure you’re playing a good version, like 3:2 payouts instead of 6:5. Also, learn basic strategy to keep that edge low. If you count cards, you can lower it even more (and it’s not illegal).

As for betting, increasing your bet to “get it back” is called chasing losses. That’s how people lose money fast. If you’re on a losing streak, don’t raise your bets. Either lower your bet size, take a break, or switch tables. That usually helps you stay in control and not make things worse.

How do I win a casino game and earn money?

Answer: Casino games are mathematically designed to take your money. The way to win is by playing games with a low house edge. A good one is Blackjack. Its house edge is around 0.5% (depending on the rules), and you can reduce it further if you can count cards.

However, if you want a sure-fire way to make money with casino games, open your own casino. That’s the only side that consistently wins.

What are the common table mistakes players make?

The biggest mistakes I see all come down to math and behavior. They include:

• Not knowing basic strategy in blackjack is a huge one. People play off instinct and end up increasing the house edge without realizing it.

• Chasing losses is probably the most common mistake. Once someone starts trying to win it back, their decisions get worse, and bets get bigger.

• Believing in streaks or “hot” tables. Every hand or spin is independent, but a lot of players change how they play based on what just happened.

• Ignoring the rules and payouts on the table. Different bets have very different odds, and people often bet on the worst ones without knowing it.

• Poor bankroll management. Playing too long, betting too big, or not setting limits.

Other Inquires

What’s your favorite movie in a casino setting?

My Reply: Probably Casino (1995) with Robert De Niro. It does a great job showing how casinos actually operate behind the scenes, from the floor to the money flow, and it’s one of the more realistic portrayals compared to most gambling movies. (No counting the sensationalized parts about the mafia and taking players in the backroom to “teach them a lesson”.)

If you want to entertain yourself by watching gambling movies, check out the following: The Gambler (1974), Casino Royale (2006), Uncut Gems (2019), The Hustler (1961), The Sting (1973), and Rounders (1998).

What don't casinos tell us? How can I ask if I don't know what to ask about? Thanks!

My Reply: Casinos don’t really talk about the psychological tactics they use to keep you playing. They design everything to make you stay longer. Comfortable chairs so you don’t want to get up. Lighting, sounds, and atmosphere that keep you relaxed and engaged. No windows or clocks, so you lose track of time.

Slot machines are a good example. They use “near misses” to make it feel like you almost won, even though you didn’t. The sounds and visuals are designed to trigger dopamine, which keeps you playing longer as you chase that feeling.

Additionally, land-based establishments also bring you in with entertainment. Shows, concerts, restaurants, events. Once you’re there, you’re more likely to gamble.

And then there are promotions like cashback or comps. It feels like you’re getting something back, but really, it’s just another way to keep you playing longer.

At the end of the day, the longer you stay, the more money the casino makes. You can read about the psychology of casino gaming to learn more.

Do casinos employ coolers or shills? For example, I’m playing 3-card poker or Pair Squared BJ, and I’ll hit the side bet for a decent amount. Before I know it, someone sits down and starts playing. I’ll take my bets off and let him/her do their thing. Except they won’t play unless I do too. I’ll move to another dead table and try to play solo, but they follow me there, too. Is that just some degenerate or a casino employee?

My Reply: Not really, at least not in the way people think.

Shills do still exist in some poker rooms, mainly to help start games. No one wants to sit at an empty poker table, so casinos will sometimes have someone keep a game going until real players join. But for games like blackjack or craps, it’s extremely rare. Those games don’t need help getting action.

As for “coolers,” that’s more of a myth. Casinos don’t need someone to come in and change your luck. The house edge already guarantees they make money over time.

What people usually notice is just normal variance, especially when someone new sits down, and the cards seem to change.

For those who may not be aware, Shills are paid employees hired by casinos to sit at tables to make them look inviting to passersby. A cooler, on the other hand, is a person believed to bring bad luck to a table, specifically to stop a winning streak. Coolers are a myth, though.

Are the dealers in the high-limit room only the best of the best? Is it coveted to earn a spot to deal in high limit because, in theory, you get higher tips?

High-limit rooms are places where the minimum bet amount a player can place is high. Commonly, you will find high rollers and whales in there.

My Reply: The dealers who are consistent and make the fewest mistakes get to be in the High Limit room. But tips are pooled amongst all the dealers, so it's not a highly coveted spot. The opposite, actually. Because they are dealing with such high dollar amounts that, if they make a mistake, they are more likely to lose their job, whereas a dealer at a $5 table making the same mistake isn't a big deal.

What is your opinion on alcohol comps from casinos to punters?

My Reply: Free alcohol is an old-school comp that’s still very much used today. The goal is simple: keep players at the table longer and make them more comfortable.

That said, casinos are also heavily regulated when it comes to intoxication. If a dealer sees that a player is getting too drunk, they’re supposed to notify a floor supervisor so the player can be cut off, and in some cases, escorted back to their room.

So yeah, it can feel a little questionable, but there are limits and procedures in place to prevent it from going too far.

Casino Myth

Klan56 on Reddit stated he has a theory: If the casino wants you to win, you will win; if not, you’ll lose. Am I right?

My Response: I get why it feels that way, but no, casinos aren’t choosing who wins or loses.

Table games are built on math, not control. Every game has a fixed house edge, and over time, that’s how the casino makes money. In the short term, anything can happen, which is why it can feel streaky or “personal.”

Dealers don’t control outcomes either. They just follow procedures. The results come from things like shuffled cards or a roulette ball landing randomly. The only thing the casino really “controls” is the rules of the game, which are designed to give them a long-term edge.

The Right Way to Play Card Games

A user with the username Acrobatic-Response17 left a comment during my AMA session, and I thought I'd share.

I’ve always loved card games. They are so stimulating to me. A few years ago, I got into blackjack, and I’ve played here and there but never paid much attention to it. I got back into it recently. Now that I have free weekends, I’ve been going to play. I sit for 2-3 hours and just enjoy the game. I see people come and go, they bet randomly, guess, get frustrated, and leave. I take my time, follow basic strategy, and always bet the minimum. So far, no losses.

I was pleased to read this, as it is the right approach to playing casino card games. Always start with small bets and play games with a low house edge. In his case, he chose blackjack. Also, he is playing following the basic strategy, which is the right way to do it.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found some questions you may have, along with their answers, in this article. If you have more questions, you can follow our Reddit page and ask right away.