If you visit a land-based casino, there will be certain expectations of your behavior. Some venues will even insist on a dress code. But things are very different on the Internet, and well, there are no hard and fast rules for online etiquette when using casinos. However, there are certain expectations that you should adhere to in order to have a pleasant experience and not upset other players.
1. Don’t Be a Bad Loser
Winning is not guaranteed; in fact, the only thing set in stone is that you will lose if you play in an online casino. The old casino adage the house always wins remains true. If you expect to win all the time, you are going to be disappointed. Also, pay attention to any social rules within chat rooms. Suppose you are chatting while playing a specific game, such as bingo, which has a sizable conversational aspect. In that case, you should respect other people’s wins, congratulate them in the manner that fits the room, and not sulk because nobody needs that.
2. Know Your Country’s Gambling Rules
Gambling is illegal in some countries, the States of America, and other locations. You might think that online gambling is different, but actually, the same rules apply. If you access an online gaming site from a forbidden country, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble with the law. You should also ensure that you understand your country’s gaming laws on winnings and whether this is a taxable income or not.
3. Don’t Overspend
Gambling is designed to be addictive. While it might be good fun and entertaining, the casino is not there for that sole purpose. Their remit is to make as much money as possible, and although gambling addiction charities and other authorities regulate this, you need to be responsible for yourself. It is always a bad idea to gamble money you can’t afford to spend because you have it in your head to win more and get out of a debt problem. While this could happen, it is much more likely in reality that you will lose a lot, and it will cause a financial crisis.
4. Learn the Game
It always pays to learn the rules of the game. Each casino offers slightly different versions of some of the most popular games, so you should check out the rules specific to the site on which you are playing. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a look around and play different games now and then, but if you want to maximize your chances of winning, understanding every game’s nuance is undoubtedly the way to go.
5. Don’t be a Game Drag
When you are playing solo games against the computer, then, by all means, take your time. But if you’re playing in a community game and other players are waiting on you to complete your turn, please don’t be a game drag. It is perfectly acceptable to take a few moments to consider what you might do next, but you shouldn’t be too long deciding. If you are trying to juggle a game with a baby that won’t settle, it’s better to use your sit-out of the next hand option button rather than annoy the rest of your opponents by running backward and forwards towards the screen and taking ages to make your move.
6. Be Polite
As already mentioned, there is a social element to many of the games, and if you’re going to join in with the chat, try and remember to be polite at all times. Other players can come from all walks of life and various geographical locations, and you may not agree or understand what they are saying, but you must maintain being polite.
7. Walk Away
Going in the kitchen to make a coffee, stepping outside for a smoke, or just clearing your head by watching the telly for five minutes are all strategies that help maintain composure. It can be frustrating to lose but shouting at the screen or smacking the keyboard isn’t productive. So instead, it’s better to take a break for five minutes and calm down or even leave it alone for the rest of the evening.
8. Betting Systems Don’t Work
It can be tempting to think that you can somehow beat the system. But if you are sensible, you will understand that this is not possible. Some proven mathematical strategies can help you be better at certain games, but betting systems are generally a bad idea and not likely to help you in any way.
9. Get Help
Finally, if you think things are getting out of hand and you can’t control your betting habit, it’s time to seek help. It’s not going to do you any good to end up bankrupt and in debt, so use self-limiting tools available in your account or seek professional advice from one of the gambling addictions websites.
