Casinos present modern gamblers a true test of their own skills. It's survival of the fittest, with voracious slot machines, table games that trap players like those crazy plants that hold their victims with stick-em and won't let go. And be prepared, because many properties have scantily-clad waitresses who ply you with free drinks (or worse yet, $8.95 shots) that taste like candy and go down easy.

Is that entertainment? Sure, but it can be dangerous and expensive, so be prepared. and you'll occasionally walk a winner, and that's great, just don't count on it to pay your rent!

Plan Your Casino Trip

The first thing to know is that nearly every casino in the United States (and most in other countries) have a minimum age for gambling of 21. If you aren't 21 or older, you are only allowed to travel through the casino, meaning you can hangout and watch your friends play. When you get asked for your ID, you are done. If you don't leave, you'll be escorted out.

We'll assume you found a nice place to park your car and that you dressed in layers so you won't freeze inside the 70 degree air-blasted casino. And, let's assume you brought a little cash and won't use your credit card (please don't do this) to get more. If you go with friends, it's a great idea to do the driving yourself, that way you can drag your buddies out of the casino when you are ready to go. Set a time limit! Are you set yet?

Nope. Do you know how to play any of the games?

When choosing which game to play, ask yourself whether you are looking to relax (slower games like baccarat and Three-Card-Poker come to mind), or get caught-up on the moment at a game like craps. Your mood can have a big impact on your play and how much you are willing to risk. There are studies that show people are more likely to take risks when they are hungry. And, consumption of alcohol can lower your inhibitions. So, if you are hungry and drinking those free drinks, you are much more likely to risk more of your cash.

10 Tips for Your First Casino Trip

1. Have a meal before you arrive
2. Learn how to play a table game like blackjack before you arrive
3. Make a mental note of where you parked your car
4. Set a short time limit of two-hours of play and stick to it
5. Walk around the casino a bit to get an idea of what is available
6. Go to the player's club and get a card to earn comps
7. Set a dollar limit on your losses and stick to it
8. Split your money into at least two parts so you can try two games or slots
9. Don't have more than one alcoholic drink
10. Don't worry about winning or losing, just enjoy yourself

If you follow these tips and arrive awake and ready to enjoy yourself, you'll be able to survive your first trip to a casino. The lights, the sounds, the excitement - it can all be overwhelming, but take it all-in first before you settle-in to play and you won't feel trapped later. And, after your time-limit is exhausted, go to the cashier's cage and redeem your slot ticket or chips for cash and head home. Don't make a last-ditch effort to try and get even, or make crazy bets with the money you might be ahead with.

If you did manage to stay ahead of the casino, great. Put that in a gambling bankroll for your next trip. Just don't expect to do as well every trip. Only blackjack card counters can expect to have an overall winning time at the casino!