6 Winning Tips To Keep In Mind At The Casino

Why do we hit the casino? To have fun, sure, but mostly — to win! That’s why it’s important to go in with a clear mind and a solid strategy. Fortunately, these five casino tips can help you do just that.

1. Scope out your dealers. Before you sit down at a table, assess the the entire situation — including the dealer’s abilities. We’re not saying they’re not professionals, but just like the rest of us they can get a bit tired and sloppy at times. For example, try to spot a dealer that accidentally flashes the face-down card in blackjack. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you can gain a 6-9% advantage over the house.
2. Never lose focus. Don’t let those flashing lights, loud music and attractive waitstaff fool you! Keep your drinking to a minimum and your eyes on the prize. That includes checking payouts before committing to a bet!
3. Skip the slots. Sure, they’re flashy and fun, but they’re not likely to help you hit it big. Experts say “the average slot machine is probably two, three times more costly to players than the table games,” so why waste the money? Head to the tables for your best odds, and go big or go home!
4. Avoid the glitz and glam. Casinos trend to put the lowest paying games amidst the most action. That way, they can lure you in the flashing lights and excitement, but not actually have to let you win. Sneaky right? The important lesson here is, don’t walk into the light!
5. Stay way from Keno. This popular game lotto-like game of chance can be a real money pit for players. It carries the absolute worst odds of any casino game. In fact, the odds of matching all 20 numbers on a 20-slot ticket are about 1 in 3.5 quintillion — yes, you read that right!
6. Don’t forget your watch. Casino owners want you to get lost in the excitement, playing into all hours of the night. For that reason, you’ll rarely find clocks or windows on the casino floor. Do yourself a favor and wear a watch so you can keep track of time and pace yourself.

Do you have any great tips you’d like to share with your fellow gamers? We’d love to hear all about them on our Facebook page!

Casinos by M&M is a casino & DJ party company serving the Tri-State New York area. We specialize in authentic casino parties and party supplies. Our charismatic, professional dealers and exciting casino action will make your next party one to remember. For more information about our services, visit our website or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST!

Gambling Etiquette: Know Before You Go!

Whether you’re headed out for a weekend of fun at Atlantic City, or are just gearing up for a casino party fundraiser with family and friends, it’s important to know the rules first. No, we’re not talking about the rules of the table games — though that will definitely come in handy too. We mean the unspoken rules, the rules revolving around table etiquette once you take a seat. Here’s what you need to know:

Familiarize yourself with the game first.
Okay, so we fibbed up there. The rules of the game ARE important, but only because a) we want you to win and b) others at the table aren’t going to like it if you start fumbling. At the very least, make sure you have the general idea down pat before you take a seat at the high rollers’ table.

Know how and when to trade in chips.
Buying in and cashing in larger denomination chips for smaller ones should be done in between hands, not during. In addition, if you want to trade in your smaller denomination chips for larger ones, wait until you’re ready to leave the table. And remember, as the great Kenny Rogers would say, “you never count your money, when you’re sitting at the table.”

Keep your hands off the cares.
… If they’re dealt face up that is. There would be no reason to touch them if they’re already displayed. If they’re dealt face down, like in poker, use only one hand to check them. This rule is put in place to try to stop cheaters and card sharks in their tracks. When you do handle the cards, handle them with care, paying special attention to not crease or bend them.

Keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum.
No one likes a loud, drunk card player. Spare everyone the aggravation and know when to say no to the next round of drinks. If you’re a smoker, be courteous, even when you’re seated at a table in the smoking section.

Don’t forget to tip your dealer!
Your dealer is working hard while you’re making money. If you hit big, toss him or her a chip. They’ll certainly appreciate it! If you aren’t having too much luck, it’s a nice gesture to tip anyway as you get up to leave.

Ready to put your gambling etiquette knowledge to the test? Throw a casino party or fundraiser of your own with Casinos by M&M. Call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST for more information today.

5 Ways to Become a Better Bluffer

The expression “fake it till you make it” has never been more true than at the poker table. Bluffing has become as much a part of the game as the actual cards are, and people are always looking for ways to improve their bluffing skills. If you’re looking to try your luck at the poker table soon, check out these tips on how to become an expert bluffer.

The Telltale Signs of a Tell

Before you can fix something, you have to know what you’re looking for. So before you can become a successful bluffer, you need to know what your tell is. Play a friendly game of poker with family and ask them to give you hints about what you do when you have a good or bad hand.

Know Your Bluff

Is your hand decent, but not great? Then you’re probably going to want to do a semi bluff. This is when your hand is okay, but you are confident it will get better as the hand progresses. A whole bluff on the other hand is much more difficult. If you’re dealt a horrible hand right out of the gate, you’re best bet is probably to fold. But if you decide to stay in, you better be either very skilled at the game or very skilled at bluffing.

Timing is Everything

You shouldn’t be bluffing throughout the entire game, so when is the best time to bluff? The rule of thumb is never bluff if you’re the first one up to bet. Instead, hold off on bluffing until your position to bet is later — this will let you analyze other players bets and possible bluffs.

Learn Other People’s Tell

A game of poker can last a while, so don’t jump into bluffing right away. Spend the first few hands playing your cards straight and studying other’s body language. If you play with the same friends every week you’ve probably already learned most of their tricks, so to really test your skills, try out a new group or table at a casino.

Practice, Practice Practice

Bluffing is a skill that takes time and practice to master, so before you hit any Las Vegas, $100 table minimums, have a few friends over for poker night. You’ll have a great time getting together and have a chance to perfect your new skill.

Looking to test your bluffing skills at your next poker night? Why not practice with real equipment, and professional dealers? Just call Casinos by M&M at 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST or visit our website to learn how we can help make your next gathering a night to remember.

5 Common Blackjack Blunders

Luck isn’t the only thing you’ll need at the casino if you’re looking to try your hand at a game of blackjack. While a little good fortune certainly helps, you should also be able to identify and avoid the most common blackjack mishaps. Here are a few blunders to be aware of to to take your card playing to the next level.

1. Taking even money. No one wants to miss out on a surefire payout, and that’s what people assume they’re getting when they take an even bet — but is it actually as good as it seems? Short answer – no. When you have blackjack and the dealer shows an ace, there’s a 31% chance he also has blackjack, so that leaves a 69% chance he doesn’t. If you were to bet even, you’d be missing out on the chance to win 1.5 times your bet.
2. Standing on a soft 18 against a dealer’s 10. When you stand on a soft 18, you’ll sadly lose more than you win. When you hit, you may also lose more than you win, but not as much as when you stand. So your best bet is to always hit and hope a stroke of luck comes your way!
3. Not doubling 11 against a dealer’s 10. The chances of a dealer making the pat 20 are less than your chances of getting a 20 or 21. So, while doubling down might decrease your odds of winning slightly, it will increase your potential profit margin if you do win.
4. Playing a soft hand with three or more cards. With a soft hand containing three or more cards, casino rules won’t let you double down, so what now? Just follow these two simple rules – if you have a 17 or less, always hit and if you have an 18 or more, stand; EXCEPT against a dealer’s 9, 10 or ace.
5. Doubling for less. When you double down, your overall gain from the extra bet is always greater compared to your overall gain if you were to hit or stand. When doubling down, abide by the “go big or go home” principal and always double down for the full amount of your original bet.

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Slot Machine Strategies For The Win

When it comes to playing slots, there unfortunately aren’t any surefire ways to win big. Unlike many table gambling games, slot machines really do leave it all up to chance. However, there are a few strategies that a slot machine player can employ to give them a bit of an upper hand, whether betting big or small.

Know your losses in advance. That’s right! The number one rule of gambling is to determine what your willing to wager before hand — and stick to it. Make it so the money in your pocket is all you’ve got to work with, that way you’ll never feel like you’ve lost it all, even if you didn’t win.

Know your slot machines. There are two different types of slot machines — class II and class III. While both are very similar on the outside, their internal workings differ. Class III machines are equipped with a random number generator (RNG), which ensures that each spin is completely random, where class II spins are pre-programmed and winners therefore predetermined.

Know who’s regulated. Whenever possible, always play at casinos and gambling facilities that are state-regulated. This will ensure that the slot machines available are indeed class III, giving you the best and more fair odds. Stay away from casinos on Indian reservations, as they are not generally not regulated.

Know when to take a break. It’s very easy to become mesmerized by bright, flashing lights that many modern day slot machines exhibit. That being said, make sure to give yourself a break at least once every 2 hours, removing yourself from the casino completely. When you sit for longer than 2 hours your brain becomes fatigued which could lead to rash and dangerous decisions.

Want to learn more ways you can boost your odds on the slot machines? Click here!

Casinos by M&M is a full-service party planning and entertainment company that specializes in providing world class casino party entertainment to the Tri-State Area. To learn more about our entertainment options, call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST or follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!

How to Be a Better Poker Player

Do you love playing poker, but wish you could win a bit more than you lose? Here are a few simple tips to help you improve your poker skills and take home the pot!

Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to fold. Playing every hand isn’t always best. In fact, it’s a common misconception that the more hands you play the better your odds. This is false and in actuality, failing to fold on bad hands will actually decrease your odds and make you lose more.

Tip #2: Keep your composure. It’s easy to toss back a few too many while sitting around the table with some buddies for a poker night, or even whilst playing in a casino, but that extra beer or martini can cost you. Poker is a real “thinking game” which means your head must be clear at all times!

Tip #3: Hold the bluffs. While bluffing can be a very effective technique, it’s important to know when to bluff and when to fold. In order to successfully bluff, the situation must be perfect and you must be able to read your opponents perfectly.

Tip #4: Don’t let emotions get in the way. Playing poker when you’re mad, sad or in an overall bad mood can be detrimental to your money pile. Letting your emotions get the best of you can cause you to make bad or rash judgement calls.

Tip #5: Pay attention! Make sure you’re keeping track of the cards that have been dealt and the moves that your opponents are making. Even after you fold, it’s important to continue to pay attention in order to understand and read your opponents for upcoming hands.

Do you have any great poker advice for fellow players? We’d love to hear all about it on our Facebook page!

When it comes to playing poker practice makes perfect, so why not practice with your friends and family at a casino party or poker night thrown by Casinos by M&M? We’ve got a wide variety of poker variations with authentic tables to match.

To learn more about our available games and services, click here or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.

#TipTuesday! – The Do’s and Don’ts of Casino Etiquette

While going to the casino is all about having fun, winning money and making memories, it’s important to be careful not to take photos with friends near gambling areas. While it may be tempting to snap a shot of your best friend’s face when he or she hits it big, flash photography is severely frowned upon in casinos and can even get you kicked out of the establishment. This is due to the strict security measures that are taken to ensure that gambling patrons are not cheating.

If you’re headed to the casino soon, here are a few more etiquette do’s and don’ts that you’ll need to be aware of:

• Don’t hand your money directly to the dealer. They are not allowed to take money straight out of your hands for security reasons.
• Do place your bet on the table in front of you so the dealer can count it on the table for the security cameras before they pick it up.
• Don’t hold your cards with two hands and don’t remove them from the table. This rule helps prevent players from any unfair slides of the hand.
• Do hold your cards in one hand in plain sight and leave any face down deals right on the table so the dealer can be sure you’re not cheating.
• Don’t touch your chips or try to change your bet once the cards have been dealt. The dealer will call “all bets,” signalling your last chance to place a wager.
• Do make sure to bet before the dealer calls. This ensures that you cannot cheat and change your bet if the odds begin to show in your favor.
• Don’t say your decision out loud, but do signal it instead. Just like the money on the table rule, the casino’s security cameras need to be able to view and review your decision to stay, fold, hit, raise, etc., in case of discrepancies.
• Do remember to tip your dealers, as they usually work on a minimum wage salary and make most of their money on tips. While tipping after every hand isn’t necessary, tipping after a big win or after a few wins in a row is greatly appreciated.
• Do feel comfortable asking a dealer for help or their opinion. Like we stated above, dealers work for tips, and without winners those tips don’t exist! A great dealer roots for the players and is usually happy to give their professional opinion if you’re unsure.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, we think you’re ready to test your skills at your own casino party with Casinos by M&M before hitting the big leagues!

To learn more about the services and games we can provide, click here to view our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!

The 10 Poker Hands You Need to Know

One of the most difficult things to grasp as a new or novice poker player is that the opportunities to win and the winning hand combinations are seemingly endless. With so many rules and an overabundance of cards, every single hand is completely different than the last. Luckily, while the actual card ranks can vary, there are only ten basic poker hands that can be made:

1. Royal Flush – If you’re holding an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 suited, you’re in luck! A royal flush is the best poker hand you can have, taking it’s “royal” name from the court cards that make up its majority.

2. Straight Flush – A step down from it’s royal superior, a straight flush includes any five cards, suited and in sequential order.

3. Four of a Kind – As its name suggests, this hand is made up of four cards of the same kind, one of each suit, and a fifth “kicker” card. Should two players have the same four of a kind, the player with the higher kicker wins the hand.

4. Full House – A mixture of three of a kind and a pair make up a full house. For example, having three aces and two kings would be considered “aces full of kings,” and is the highest full house hand possible.

5. Flush – Any five cards suited makes a flush, but while all five cards must share the same suit, they do not have to be in consecutive order. The highest card in the hand determines the flush’s rank.

6. Straight – The complete opposite of a flush, a straight must be consecutive but does not have to be suited. Again, the highest card in the straight determines the strength of the hand.

7. Three of a Kind – Similar to the higher ranking four of a kind hand, three of a kind consists of three cards of the same rank unsuited and any two others. The additional two cards do not have to be of equal rank or suit, but the higher they are the better.

8. Two Pair – If you’ve got two kings, two queens and a jack, that’s an example of a two pair. As long as you have two pairs of cards, each with matching rank, you’ve made the hand. The highest pair you’re holding will determine the strength of the hand.

9. One Pair – Just under the two pair is the one pair, consisting of only one pair of cards with matching rank and three additional cards. While this is usually not the winning hand, the higher the pair, the better!

10. High Card – When all else fails and your hand doesn’t fit any of the above requirements you’ve got a high card hand. If it comes down to it, the person with the highest ranking card wins the pot.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, how about trying your luck at your own casino party before hitting the big leagues? At Casinos by M&M we offer a wide variety of poker game variations with authentic casino-grade tables to match!

To learn more about the services and poker games we can provide, click here to view our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for the latest in gaming tips and trends!

The 4 Basic Types of Poker Players

The game of poker is strategic in more ways than one. Not only is your knowledge and skill of the game important, but your personal character and body language can make or break a hand. With so many different strategy types to mix, mold and adopt, it’s no wonder that no two poker players ever play the game exactly alike. There are however, four main style categories that most players can be generalized into.

The tight-passive player, commonly referred to as “the rock,” is only looking to play premium hands – aces, kings, queens, and the like. He’ll rarely take a chance on lower hands and doesn’t make a habit of betting or raising. If a rock is raising you, they’ve definitely got a good hand up their sleeve.

The loose-passive player, also known as “the calling station,” is big on calling, but shy on raising. No matter their hand, they’ll usually take the risk and play on most starting hands, but they rarely up the ante. This style is adopted by many beginners who haven’t quite developed a full understanding of the game, or are yet to hone their skills.

The tight-aggressive player, or the “TAG,” is selective with the hands that he or she plays, but often bets or raises. This strategies helps to simplify the game, eliminating losses from poor starting hands. However, the TAG is usually easily readable and easy to anticipate.

The loose-aggressive player, called the “LAG,” plays many hands and is known to bet or raise frequently. This strategy is highly risky, but when used effectively, as demonstrated by some poker professionals, it can produce large payouts. Typically, adopting a LAG playing style is characteristic of more seasoned, experienced players.

Do you, or any of your poker playing buddies fit these categories perfectly? We’d love to hear all about it on our Facebook page!

At Casinos by M&M we welcome all types of poker players and have a wide variety of available game play variations with table styles to match! Whether you want a traditional, octagon style table, or a good-old hold’em table, we’ve got authentic casino-grade poker tables for any occasion. But that’s not all! Our professional and friendly dealers are trained to provide you and your guests with step by step instruction, so you can all play with pride.

To learn more about our services and how you can book a poker table for your next party, dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Casinos

Did you know that casinos are filled with thousands of security cameras? You may have, but we bet you didn’t know that some older casinos didn’t have eyes on all of their tables until as recent as 20 years ago. Today, every modern casino has a large team of surveillance staff members whose sole job is to keep an eye out for foul play across the many camera feeds.

Are you itching to know more? Here are 5 more things you likely didn’t know about casinos until right now:

1. Research has shown that casinos actually lose money on 25% of their guests. In addition to the high overhead costs of keeping the casino and staff up and running, think about the casino goers that play very little or those that win big. These are all factors that keep the house from truly winning, but the largest group that weighs down the profits are those players that play just enough to receive free perks, like complimentary rooms or meals.
2. There may be complimentary perks that are more easily attainable than you think. The next time you head out to a casino inquire about their rewards and players programs. Sometimes simply signing up, or signing up a friend will get you complimentary players cash, a meal or even a night’s stay!
3. The casino can actually ban you from playing specific games if you win too much. Though this might seem unfair, know that the odds of being this lucky are slim to none. The majority of players who are barred from certain games are categorized as advantage players – card counters, trackers, etc. – so as long as you don’t cheat, you’re in the clear!
4. If you feel that you’ve been shorted or cheated at any time while playing on the casino floor you can always call gaming control or the local gaming regulatory agency to investigate the issue. Every casino understands that sometimes errors are made, and they are open to reviewing any guest complaints that are made with care and courtesy.
5. If you win big on a jackpot but don’t want to carry around all of that cash, just ask for a check! Most times if you ask the supervisor before you’re paid out they should be able to accommodate your request, and might even be able to split your winnings between cash and check if that is more convenient.

At Casinos by M&M we promise that there are no eyes in the sky, you can play as much as you like, and everybody wins! Bring the magic of casino gambling to your very own home with our authentic, casino-grade gaming tables and slot machines.

For a full list of our products and services, visit our website here or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST …And don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for the latest in gaming tips and trends!