While the basics are the same, some games and rules may vary from casino to casino. If you have any questions, ask a dealer or casino supervisor for assistance. If you would like to learn more about a particular game, inquire about gaming classes provided at no cost by many casinos.

 Click on a link to read about a game

BINGO
Players buy cards with numbers on them corresponding to the five letters in the word B-I-N-G-O. Numbers such as B-2, N-16 or O-68 are then drawn at random until one player completes a "Bingo" by covering five numbers in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row on one of their cards.

Bingo in Las Vegas takes the game a little further however. Many variations including "Letter X", "Six Pack", "Coverall" and "Indian Style Papoose" Bingo are offered. Additionally, some properties offer special payouts as high as $10,000. Rules, payouts and variations vary from property to property. Bingo brochures detailing particular games and payouts are available at each respective location.

back to top

Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 10; Aces count as either 1 or 11, as you choose. Other cards play at their face value. You are given a chance to draw additional cards, one at a time, to get closer to 21. If you "bust,"(go over 21) you lose, and the dealer collects your bet.

If your count is closer to 21 than the dealer's, you win. If it is under the dealers you lose.
A tie is a standoff and results in a "push" (nobody wins).

The dealer has no choice on hitting or staying; he must hit when holding a 16 or under and stay on a 17 or over. After each player is satisfied with the number of cards they have asked for, the dealer must turn over his/her hidden card. If the dealer has 16 or less, they must "hit," that is draw an additional card or cards, until they reach 17 or over. Dealer must stand on a 17 or over. If the dealer "busts," all players left in the game are paid.

back to top

The most basic bet is played on the "Pass Line" before the shooter rolls the dice. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 you and the shooter win. The shooter also keeps the dice to roll again. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the bet is lost but he remains shooter and continues to roll the dice until he either makes his point and you both win, or he shoots 7 and the bet is lost.

In the above case, you have bet with the shooter. If you want to bet against the shooter you place your bet on the "Don't Pass" line and the rules are entirely reversed except that if, on
the shooters first roll, he rolls a 12, it is a stand-off (you neither win nor lose).

After the roll has begun and the shooter has a point, you can make a bet by placing it on the "come" line. The same rules apply to you as if the shooter were making their first roll: if the next roll is 7 you win; if it is a 2,3, or 12, you lose; if it is any other number, that becomes your "come point" and, for you to win, it must be rolled again before a 7. If a 7 comes first, the bet is lost.

A beginner might do well to start with a "pass" line bet and then perhaps try a "come" bet. Don't worry about making an error. The dealer will be happy to explain more about the game to you.

Explanation of craps bets:

PASS LINE: An even money bet. If the first roll of the dice adds up to 7 or 11, you win. 2, 3, or 12 loses the bet. Any other number is the "point" and if the point is rolled again, you win, but lose on 7.
DON'T PASS LINE: Just the reverse of the PASS LINE, except that if 12 is the first roll, it is a stand-off, nobody wins.
COME BET: Basically the same as the PASS LINE except that you must bet after the point.
DON'T COME: The reverse of the COME BET, except that a first roll of a 2 or 3 wins, and a 12 is a stand-off.
ODDS: Once you have a "point" or a "come point", you may take the ODDS and win if the point or come point is made before a 7.
PAYOFF: Two to one for 10s or 4s, three to two for 5s or 9s, six to five for 8s or 6s. When betting DON'T PASS or DON'T COME, you lay the odds as outlined.
PLACE BETS: Once a shooter makes a "point" you may take a PLACE BET on numbers 4,5,6,8,9 or if your number comes up before 7, you win.
PAYOFF: Nine to five on 4s or 10s, seven to five on 5s or 9s, seven to six on 8s or 6s.
FIELD: Here you're betting that 2,3,4,9,10,11 or 12 is rolled before 5,6,7, or 8, 2 and 12 pay double.
BIG 6 OR 8: You may bet one or both and win even money on the number when you throw before a 7.
HARD WAY BETS: You win if the number comes up exactly as on the table; lose if the number comes up any other way, or if a 7 is thrown.
PROPOSITION BETS: 2 and 12 pay thirty for one, 3 and 11 pay fifteen for one, all on the first roll.
ANY CRAPS: You can bet on any roll. If 2,3, or 12 rolls, you win. You are paid seven times the amount of your bet. If any other number is rolled, you lose.

back to top

KENO
Keno is easy to play and one of the most popular games in any casino. Simply mark a blank keno ticket with the numbers of your selection. Then present your ticket to the Keno desk with your wager and the clerk will give you a duplicate ticket. In a few minutes, twenty numbered Keno balls will be drawn, and if enough of your selected numbers are drawn, you are a winner.

The amount of money you win is dependent upon the type of tickets you play and the number of "spots" (numbers) caught. You may play as many tickets as you wish, and it is possible to win as much as $50,000 on a dollar wager in some casinos.

Playing lotteries in other states is definitely exciting, but that experience cannot match the thrill of watching a live Keno race in action. In many casinos, "multi-race" Keno is featured, where you can play a number of consecutive Keno races at one time. Convenient Keno runner service is available in many hotel casinos, where you can play your favorite Keno numbers while in restaurants and lounges.

VIDEO KENO
Video Keno is an individual version of the regular casino game of Keno. The game is begun by placing your wager (coins or tokens) into the machine's slot. Then, just as in regular Keno, the player is presented a screen with eighty numbers, 1 through 80. The player then simply picks the numbers he or she wishes to play - as few as one, as many as twenty. The machine then randomly selects twenty numbers, again, as in a regular Keno game. Players are paid based on how many of their numbers match those selected by the machine. Like slots and video poker, Video Keno machines are available in many denominations, from nickels up to $5. Some casinos offer $25 machines.

back to top

Each player is dealt seven cards, which each player arranges in two hands: a 2-card hand and a 5-card hand. Rankings are based on poker rankings. The highest two card hand is Aces, the highest 5-card hand is a royal flush. The 5-card hand must be higher than the 2-card hand. For example, if the 2-card hand is a pair of sevens, the five card hand must contain a pair of eight's or higher.

The object of the game is for both of the player's hands to rank higher than both of the banker's hands. Should one hand rank exactly the same as the banker's hand, a tie results. The banker wins all tie results. If the player wins one hand and loses the other a "push" results and no money changes hands. Winning hands are paid even money, less a 5%. Losing hands lose the amount wagered.

back to top

Las Vegas is also famous for the number of poker tournaments which are held in many casinos throughout the year. A poker dealer will be happy to explain the basic rules of the game to anyone who has questions. 

VIDEO POKER
Since its introduction in the early 1980s, Video Poker has grown into one of casinos' most popular games. Unlike regular poker, which is played against other players at the poker table, Video Poker is played individually on a machine that uses video technology to create a Poker hand. Based on 5-card Draw, Video Poker challenges players to build the best possible 5-card hand. The player is dealt 5 cards and has the option of discarding any or all of the cards. New cards are dealt to replace the discards.

Payoffs are based on a scale, paying players for hands as low as a pair of Jacks all the way up to a Royal Flush. Like slot machines, Video Poker machines are available in many denominations, with 25¢ and $1 machines being the most popular. Many casinos also offer progressive or bonuses for Royal Flushes or other special hands. Video Poker provides variety too, with versions ranging from Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild and Jokers Wild.

back to top

From straight pari-mutual bets to more exotic bets, playing horses in a Race Book is the next best thing to actually being at the track. The Race Books all provide local newspapers, racing sheets and other publications offering tips and information on races from tracks in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida and California.

If you're new to the sport, race book ticket writers are happy to answer your questions.

back to top

Checks (chips) ranging in value from $1 to $500, can be bought from the dealer. Each player is given different colored checks. You may bet money as well as checks and you may make as many bets as you wish. The amount of return on a winning bet is determined by the amount of the wager and the type of bet made. Odds on Roulette range from 35-to-1 to even money, and are determined by the combinations of numbers selected by the player.

back to top

Slot machines were introduced around the turn of the century, and their popularity increases daily. Thousands of slot players agree: playing slots is still the most enjoyable and relaxing form of gambling. Day or night, you'll find slot machines that offer astounding payoffs, some at record-setting levels.

Slots are fun and easy to play. Drop in a coin and pull the handle. The lights and ringing bells will let you know if you've hit the jackpot. If you have any questions, please ask a slot attendant or change person for assistance.

back to top

A number of resort casinos feature Sportsbook wagering. Odds, point spreads and lines are posted for a variety of professional and college sporting events. Events are shown live on giant screen TVs in the Sportsbooks, allowing bettors and spectators alike to keep track of the day's games and matches.

You can bet on virtually any sporting event, with the exception of team events taking place within the state of Nevada. Professional and college football, professional baseball, professional and college basketball, boxing, professional hockey, golf and auto racing are among the events offered for wagering. In addition to straight bets, other wagers, including promotions, teasers, parlays and future bets, are offered.

Even if you're not an expert, sport betting can be a challenging and inexpensive way to add more excitement to any sporting event.