How to Win at the Casino With $20
There's nothing quite like the feeling of entering a casino or logging on to your favorite online casino site.
For pure entertainment, it's hard to beat, and even if you're playing with a single 20-dollar note, it's still possible to play and win casino games.
But what's your best chance to win at the casino with a 20-dollar bankroll?
Firstly, and let's be very clear about this, it is impossible to guarantee a win playing any game at the casino - no matter the stake, no matter the strategy.
However, that's not to say that there aren't certain factors that, if better understood, will give you the best possible chance of walking away with a win from your 20 bucks.
The key lies in understanding the games, the odds, and how to maximize your opportunities within the constraints of your budget.
From the Return-to-Player (RTP) rates of casino games to strategies and bonuses, in this article, we'll reveal all the information you need to know if you'd like to make the most of your $20 at an online casino.
We hit up the WSOP crowd for their best tips on winning with just 20 bucks—the responses were varied...
Step 1: Prepare For Your Casino Session
As the saying goes, "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." This wisdom is equally applicable to playing at the casino. If you only have $20 to wager, having a plan of action is essential when you enter the casino floor or online casino lobby.
First, ensure you're playing at the best casino for you. Our comprehensive PokerNews online casino reviews provide all the information you need on games, software, security, and other crucial aspects for casino players.
Familiarize yourself with the site’s layout, including your favorite games, the cashier, and available bonuses. Treat your bankroll with the respect it deserves by doing thorough research!
Lastly, your mindset is crucial when playing at the casino. Be confident, know what you want from your casino session (whether it's fun, learning, etc.), and always remember to gamble responsibly.
Step 2: Choose the Right Casino Game
Next up is one of the most crucial decisions you can make to maximize your chances of winning with $20 at the casino - choosing the right casino game.
While all casino games have a house edge, some have a smaller house edge than others. House edge is a fundamental concept in casino games that represents the mathematical advantage the casino (the "house") has over players in any given game.
Below is a list of the approximate house edges in various popular casino games:
| Game | House Edge | Player's Return (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Roulette (American) | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Roulette (European) | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Baccarat | 1.06%-14.36% | 85.64%-98.94% |
| Blackjack | 0.50% -1.00% | 99.00%-99.50% |
| Slots | 2%-10% | 90%-98% |
| Craps | 1.36%-5.56% | 94.44%-98.64% |
| Video Poker | 0.46%-5% | 95%-99.54% |
Please note - The above house edges and RTP rates refer to games that are played with an optimal strategy and over a substantial number of hands/spins.
Naturally, choosing a game with a lower house edge is recommended; however, a thorough understanding of the game in question and the best strategies for playing should also be considered a priority, as you won't achieve the minimal edges listed above without it.
Moreover, chance remains the prevailing factor no matter the casino game, meaning a lower house edge doesn't necessarily make a win more likely.
Step 3: Use the Best Strategy Available
Using the best strategies in your chosen casino game can significantly improve your chances of making the most out of your $20. Whether you're playing blackjack, roulette, slots, or any other game, understanding and employing optimal strategies can minimize the house edge and maximize potential returns.
- Blackjack: This game offers one of the lowest house edges if played with a basic strategy. Basic strategy tools, such as our PokerNews Blackjack Calculator, outline the best decisions to make based on your hand and the dealer's upcard.
- Roulette: Opt for European roulette over American roulette due to its lower house edge. Betting on even-money options like red/black or odd/even can also improve your odds. You can also check out our PokerNews Roulette Cheat Sheet for a full list of betting options and payouts.
- Slots: Although slots are based on luck, choosing machines with higher RTP percentages can slightly improve your long-term chances. Look for slots with bonus features and progressive jackpots for added excitement.
- Video Poker: Each variant of video poker has its optimal strategy. Learning these strategies can bring the house edge down close to zero, especially with games like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. PokerNews has a full list of strategy guides for most video poker variants.
- Baccarat: This also offers one of the lowest house edges of casino games if played with the correct strategy.
- Craps: Understanding the basic strategy and bets and avoiding the high-edge propositions (like Big 6/8) can enhance your craps experience. Betting on the Pass/Come or Don't Pass/Don't Come lines with odds is generally recommended.
Manage Your Bankroll Correctly
With only $20 to wager, employing effective bankroll management is essential to prolonging your playing time and increasing your chances of hitting a win. Accordingly, bankroll management goes hand-in-hand with strategy.
Our advice? Adjust your best sizes according to your tolerance for risk and always, always, always stop once you've hit your limit.
Step 4: Using Casino Bonuses & Promotions
The online casino landscape is highly competitive right now, which means new players can get some serious bang for their 20 bucks when signing up at online casinos.
Common casino bonuses, which can give you additional opportunities to stake and win, include:
- Welcome Bonuses / Deposit Match Bonuses: Many online casinos offer welcome bonuses, which often match or exceed your initial deposit. These bonuses can effectively double or triple your $20 deposit, extending your playtime and chances to win.
- No Deposit Bonuses: Some casinos offer no deposit bonuses, providing free money or spins just for signing up. However, many of these bonuses contain wagering requirements or other restrictions, so be sure to check the T&Cs carefully.
- Free Spins: Often included in welcome packages or as ongoing promotions, free spins on slots can be a valuable way to stretch your $20.
- Staking Bonuses: Some casinos will incentivize players with bonus money or spins if they stake a certain amount on a selected game. This can extend the power of your $20 bankroll.
- Loyalty Programs: Many casinos offer loyalty or VIP programs that reward regular play with points redeemable for cash, bonuses, or other perks. Even with a $20 budget, consistent play can accumulate rewards that enhance your overall experience.
Step 5: Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, it's just not your day.
We've all experienced those moments: you hold 20 and the dealer draws 21, the roulette ball hops over to your neighbor's number, or the slot machine rings its bonus bell just as you walk away.
It's crucial to recognize when luck isn't on your side and have the discipline to step away. Remember, the casino will always be there another day, but your bankroll might not be if you don't know when to call it quits.
If your $20 is spent, it's time to leave the casino.
At PokerNews, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming. We encourage all our readers to gamble responsibly and within their means. Gambling should always be a fun and enjoyable activity. It's important to set limits on time and money spent gambling.
Visit our dedicated safer gaming hub for more information about safe and responsible gaming.
