Some poker players like to play casino games while others frown upon them. After all, poker is a game of skill first, and many would rather try their hands at a cash game than gambling on a game of craps. However, there are games out there that are naturally suited to a poker player’s skillset and where you can use some of your talents to get a certain edge. Let’s take a look at some casino games and gambling options that would be a perfect fit for a poker player.
Sports Betting
If you’re a poker player, we would suggest you give sports betting a try. You could use your mathematical skills to tell when different betting lines make sense and when you could get a chance to get an advantage. Even things like understanding body language could come in handy. For instance, you could notice that there is tension between players of a certain team or a team and the coach. You might be able to see when star players are showing signs of doubt, or maybe you could pick up signs of uncertainty during a boxing weigh-in. These are all things that could allow you to get more insight and make better betting decisions.
Blackjack
Blackjack is another great game for poker players and a lot of them like to play it in their spare time. While some may assume that it’s pure luck, it’s possible to use strategy as well. When you’re using strategy, it has been shown that the house’s edge could be reduced to as little as 0.5 percent. But if you just play randomly, this edge can go as high as 20 percent.
Blackjack is the closest you’ll find to a beatable game in a casino. However, you will have to master the skill of counting cards. And even if it sounds illegal, it isn’t. Casinos certainly don’t like it and some will try to ban you if they suspect you of doing it, but they can’t stop you from using your brain.
With that being said, card counting is far from simple and can take years to master. Still, this is a challenge that will intrigue a lot of players, and if you feel like you have what it takes, you should definitely give it a try.
Another reason why so many people love playing blackjack is because of the table atmosphere. Instead of going against other players trying to get their money, you and everyone at the table are after the house’s money. People you’ve barely known suddenly become your best friends and you spend less time fuming over bad beats or trying to play mind games with people at the table.
Roulette
On the surface, roulette may seem like the complete antithesis of poker, but there’s still fun to be had there for a poker player. For one, bankroll management plays an essential role in this game, and it’s impossible for a poker player to be good without knowing how to manage their bankroll.
There is a strategy to playing roulette, believe it or not, but it’s more about not making errors than anything else. As a poker player, you have an understanding of odds, and when you can tell when the risk is greater than the reward, you already have an advantage over amateurs.
If you really want to have fun, we suggest you go with a UK casino that has a lot of different roulette variations. Each one will have their specificities and ways that you can win. If you don’t know where to start, there’s UK casino options at onlinecasinos.co.uk that you can try. They have ranked some of the most popular casinos in the country along with information about bonuses, gameplay, and more. They speak on some of the features of different sites, some of the games that you can play, and the general atmosphere of each.
Backgammon
When it comes to games where skill plays a big role, backgammon is probably the game that is the closest to poker. Just like poker, anyone can win a game; however, you will notice that some players seem to do much better over time and those with the most skills end up on top. Gus Hansen is one of the most famous poker players who also love backgammon. He likes to talk about crazy games he had with fellow poker players who had a lot of heart without the skill to back it up.
Backgammon may look like it’s all luck with the dice rolls, but this is what can give an advantage to someone who plays strategically. That is why a lot of experienced players will go to lower limit tables and take advantage of gamblers. If you are intimidated by the game, don’t be, as the rules are pretty simple. But, just like poker, this is a game that could take you years to master. It’s not chess, but you will have to truly dedicate yourself to the game if you want to be able to win consistently.
Baccarat
On the other hand, if you just want to sit down at a table, sip a glass of wine and test your luck, you can always try baccarat. This game is nothing like poker and is pure gambling. The only similarity is that both games are played with cards. Still, there are some times when you need to unwind. Poker games can be intellectually, physically, and emotionally draining, so being able to turn it off for a few minutes could be the reset you needed after a bad beat.
So, if you were looking for great ways to have some fun at the casino without having to play poker, these are all options that you can try. Some of these might be pure luck, but most will allow you to use the skills you’ve spent years honing as a poker player.
