The phrase "earning in a casino" sounds enticing only to beginners. Any experienced player knows that making a living through gambling is difficult, if not almost impossible.
The most reliable way to earn in a casino is to switch to the other side of the table, becoming an owner, employee, or partner of a gambling club. However, that is a subject for another article. This piece will discuss whether it is possible to turn gambling into a profession.
Does Anyone Make a Living from Gambling?
If we believe the stories of people who call themselves professional gamblers and occasional publications in the media, thousands of casino customers have turned the game into a source of income. Moreover, it is often claimed that this source runs smoothly and provides a mighty stream.
It is difficult to comment on these stories since their authenticity can hardly be verified. Nonetheless, it is known that there are enough players in the gambling business whom major casinos do not welcome simply because they cost them too much.
Experienced dealers can easily recall a dozen customers who terrorized their casinos for a long time until they were dealt with in one way or another. Consequently, some people know how to beat the casino. The question is, what it costs them:
- Do they have to break the rules?
- Do they have to withstand psychological pressure?
- Is it necessary to learn this for a long time?
- How much time and effort does this profession require?
Again, such success stories are primarily associated with offline casinos. Winning regularly in online gambling is even more challenging due to the specifics of the industry.
The thing is, in brick-and-mortar clubs, there is a human factor.
- Dealers often make mistakes.
- Pit bosses sometimes turn a blind eye.
- Managers occasionally launch poorly thought-out promotional campaigns.
Advantage players can use all of this to their benefit.
In online casinos, one has to play against a computer. It doesn't make mistakes. Bonus programs have been perfected over millions of customers. The winnings are credited after thorough checks.
Why Is Earning Money at Casinos So Challenging?
Playing in a casino for profit is almost hopeless, primarily because such clubs do not work for you to turn them into a source of income.
Obtaining a license, acquiring software, maintaining a staff of employees, and paying utility bills are very expensive. You can cover all costs only if you keep winning.
Both words are equally important in the phrase "gambling business." You gamble, and the casino owner makes it a business.
If customers disrupt this balance, they break the system. People should win in a casino, or they will stop playing. Good managers will not allow someone to stay in the black forever. Sooner or later, they must break that lucky streak and fully recover their losses.
Mathematics is also on the side of casino operators. The concept of the house edge in gambling games is explained in several detailed articles on Casinoz.
The entire gaming process is under the control of the casino managers. Every move a customer makes can be checked, and any payout can be canceled using a reasonable claim or fabricated pretext.
Hence the conclusion:
The player is never on equal footing with the casino.
The house always has an advantage. And if someone finds a way to gain an edge over the casino, they are not welcome there.
Should You Break the Casino Rules to Earn Money?
At Casinoz, we adhere to the code of fair play in casinos and respect the laws of our countries. Naturally, we can provide only one answer:
The break the casino rules, even if you desperately want to win or need money.
It's not just about the moral aspect of the question. The life of a scammer is full of difficulties:
- They are constantly under psychological pressure.
- They need to move around frequently to avoid being recognized in one place.
- If caught, information about their exploits spreads to all nearby clubs.
- Many misdeeds can land them behind bars.
- Sometimes, casino owners deal with cheaters harsher than the police.
Moreover, not all rule breakers in the casino manage to "earn" much. Many professional swindlers are constantly broke, barely scraping together the bankroll necessary for the game.
Is this worth risking reputation, health, freedom, or even life?
How to Make Money Playing Casino Games
Let's discuss earning money in a casino by examining specific categories of gambling games.
- Slot machines - Each slot has an RTP (Return to Player) under 100%. In the long run, you will leave a part of the total amount you wagered on the machine. Increasing the RTP with betting systems or other methods is impossible. At best, you can compensate for some losses through bonuses, cashback, loyalty programs, and other casino promotions. It is unlikely that you will make money playing video slots.
- Jackpot slots - We intentionally separate slot machines with progressive jackpots into this group. Some players claim they can find profitable games and win on them, mainly referring to the Mystery Jackpot series, where jackpots are guaranteed to be won within a specified time frame.
- Roulette - In terms of advantage gambling, roulette is similar to slots. It also has a specific RTP that cannot be increased with the help of betting systems or strategies. However, it's important to note that there are numerous versions of roulette. In some, the payback is relatively high. Nevertheless, it still doesn't reach 100%. There are games where the player and the casino have equal chances, but the casino takes a commission from the payouts. You can learn more about making money in roulette in both land-based and online casinos.
- Blackjack - Regarding professional gambling, card counting in blackjack is often referred to. Card counters can be successful in offline casinos, but it is challenging. It requires learning, practice, frequently changing casinos, enduring losing streaks, and more. Additionally, the casino can eject or create unbearable conditions for card counters at any moment. Card counting has little practical value in online casinos. Even in live casinos with real dealers, it could be more effective. The specifics of playing blackjack for money are discussed in the article.
- Baccarat - This gambling game is considered one of the most advantageous in casinos, although its RTP is still below 100%. Card counting in baccarat is useless, and betting systems do not work too.
- Video poker - The best games have a very low casino edge over the player. There are even machines with an RTP above 100%. It's one of the best options for advanced play, but challenging. You can learn more about making money in video poker.
- Poker - Various poker versions are widespread in land-based and online casinos: stud, Caribbean, three-card, and many others. They have different RTPs, usually within a few percent. Achieving even such RTP requires an optimal strategy. Club poker games are variations in which players compete against each other, with the casino acting as an intermediary. The club usually takes a portion of the pot as its fee, known as the rake. It is not a casino gambling game per se so we won't delve into it here.
- Craps - One of the key features of this game is the wide variety of bets available. Some are unfavorable for the player, giving the casino a significant edge. However, profitable bets allow you to play almost on par with the casino. In land-based casinos, professionals also practice controlled dice throwing, claiming they can influence the outcome more frequently. Naturally, these tricks do not work in online casinos.
Other gambling games with relatively high RTPs do not enjoy significant demand for various reasons.
How to Make Money from Casino Bonuses
All gambling websites advertise bonuses as gifts. According to the advertisements, you shouldn't miss these highly profitable offers. All you need to do is register at the casino, and money will flow into your account.
But what is the reality of online casino bonuses? Let's consider the main options.
- Free registration bonuses are the most enticing promotion for newcomers. You simply need to visit the official website of the online casino and register. Then you will receive a no-deposit bonus. However, you cannot withdraw it immediately. First, you need to wager it fifty, seventy-five, or even a hundred times. Making large bets is prohibited, and the free bonus is always small. Plus, there are game restrictions. You can only receive a no-deposit bonus once, often unavailable to certain countries' residents. In short, for you to cash out those five to ten dollars, the fortune must favor you!
- Free bonuses for loyal customers can be given to holders of high loyalty program statuses. You need to make frequent deposits and play actively to reach this level. In this case, you will most likely be at a loss, and the no-deposit bonus will only serve as a consolation (but you still need to wager it).
- Personal no-deposit bonuses are only awarded to valuable customers. You can easily guess who casinos find valuable.
- First deposit bonuses - Almost all online casinos offer bonuses to new players on one or several initial deposits. For example, if you deposit one hundred dollars, you will receive an additional one hundred. Naturally, you cannot withdraw these credits immediately. You need to clear them out. The wagering requirements are usually slightly easier than with no-deposit bonuses, but some luck is still required. So, earning money from welcome bonuses is quite problematic.
- Reload bonuses are for regular customers. They are not huge, but it is more or less realistic to cash them out. However, you must replenish your account, play, risk your money, follow all the rules, and so on. In other words, it is not earnings but part of the gaming process. If you're lucky, great; if not, don't be surprised.
- Free spins on slot machines are currently very popular in online casinos. Many websites make them their primary promotion. However, there are also many difficulties associated with them. They are often provided for specific slots; you can only play with small bets. Maximum payouts may be limited. The money you win from free spins must be wagered several times, just like with bonuses.
Do you still hope to make money from online casino bonuses? Good luck!
How to Earn Money Participating in Casino Tournaments
Many online casinos organize tournaments. While they are common in brick-and-mortar clubs, we will primarily focus on events held on gambling websites. Can they be turned into a source of income?
Let's consider the main formats.
- Free tournaments do not require an entry fee. You usually play using your own money on specific slots. All winnings belong to you. Additionally, you accumulate tournament points, which determine the winners. Large cash prizes are rare in such competitions. Typically, there are bonus credits, small cash payouts, comp points, or free spins at stake.
- Tournaments with entry fees - If participants pay to enter a contest, they often can compete for significant prizes. In such events, it is crucial to assess your skills realistically. If many competitors can make rebuys, it will be challenging for a less wealthy player to compete against them.
Which games are used for online casino tournaments?
- Slot tournaments - Slots are designed to take money from players gradually. Free tournaments on slots, where you play with your own money, do not allow you to compete for large prizes. However, they might make your stay at the casino longer than planned. In any case, it is not possible to earn money from them. Large slot tournaments with entry fees and significant prize pools are rarely held in online casinos. There is always fierce competition, making it difficult to become a prize winner.
- Blackjack tournaments - If you are a skilled player, you can try your luck in such contests. However, they are uncommon in online casinos, and huge prizes are even rarer. You might come across exciting and promising offline blackjack tournaments.
- Video poker tournaments - The situation with video poker is similar to blackjack. If you are well-prepared, look for tournaments with substantial prize pools and few participants.
- Roulette tournaments - Roulette is primarily a game of luck. Betting systems and other tricks will not help you win. Any novice can defeat an experienced professional in a tournament. Therefore, relying on your skill is not advisable.
- Races - These are multi-level reward systems. By completing various tasks, you earn prizes. Essentially, you have to keep playing, playing, and playing. You probably know where this usually leads.
- Lotteries - Formats may vary, but customers always receive tickets for specific actions. For example, gamblers may get them for deposits. Drawings are held at particular times, and money, valuable gifts, bonuses, free spins, comp points, and other prizes may be at stake. Naturally, individuals with the maximum number of tickets have an advantage. They are typically the most active customers playing with larger sums. Competing against them will be extremely difficult.
Most tournaments are not intended for customers to win and cash out large sums of money. These events are designed to keep users playing for as long as possible. Even the winners are usually compelled to continue playing because the prizes cannot be immediately cashed out—they need to be utilized in some way first.
How to Earn from Casino Loyalty Programs
Any tiered system is ineffective for beginners. Lower statuses offer little in terms of privileges. You need to play a lot and make substantial deposits to reach higher bonuses, accumulate comp points, ensure that exchanging these points for money is profitable, and so on.
A loyalty program can provide significant benefits if you actively play in a casino. However, it will be useless if you are just a bonus hunter.
The aforementioned applies to most online casinos. In large brick-and-mortar clubs, there may be special promotions for high rollers, which are supposedly cleverly used by professional advantage players. For example, Jean Scott even wrote a book dedicated to this topic.
How to Earn from Casino Jackpots
Jackpots in slots and other games are randomly awarded. Cracking the random number generator (RNG) is beyond the abilities of an ordinary person.
- There are no winning strategies. All such systems are pointless.
- Most jackpots accumulate indefinitely. The larger the amount, the more contenders there are.
- The real chances of winning a casino jackpot or lottery are minuscule.
Mystery Jackpots may be of interest to professionals. They are consistently awarded before a certain period elapses.
Advantage players search for jackpots in casinos that are close to being won and try to hit them. If it is an in-house jackpot presented on only a few machines, teams of gamblers occupy all those machines to leave no chance for competitors.
This approach seems to work, but it should be understood that finding a promising Mystery Jackpot is extremely difficult. Moreover, it is not always possible to oust opponents by taking over the entire slot network.
Is It Worth Becoming a Professional Gambler?
Being a professional casino player is by no means easy. It is truly a job, not just entertainment.
Regardless of the format in which you plan to play, you will face numerous difficulties:
- You need to master a significant amount of theoretical knowledge.
- You must practice and apply the acquired information.
- Often, you have to be in a stressful state.
- You must not stand out from the crowd of players to avoid arousing suspicion from the administration.
- Be prepared for prolonged losing streaks and possible financial difficulties.
- Gambling addiction is dangerous not only for beginners but also for professionals.
This article's author worked in a casino for a long time and saw hundreds of clients, including those who considered themselves advantage players. Among them, delighted individuals were scarce. Most experts did not enjoy the process of gambling, looked unhealthy, were irritable, and overall gave the impression of unhappy people.
So, in the end, should you become a professional casino player? The answer to this question is for each person to decide for themselves.
Casinoz urges readers to play casino games for fun and to remember to exercise moderation.
- Play with money you can afford to lose.
- Play only as long as it pleases you.
- Choose the most advantageous games.
- Do not try to chase losses at any cost.
- Do not underestimate the danger of gambling addiction.
If you have decided to become a professional casino player, be prepared to learn, practice, and constantly improve. Do not expect it to be easy. You may face disappointment because achieving success in this field is complicated.
Most casino customers fail to remain profitable in the long run. We are not saying you cannot succeed, but it will be challenging.
Share your stories in the comments. Ask questions. This topic is worth discussing in detail.
