It’s impossible to make money at a casino in the traditional sense. Gambling shouldn’t be seen as a source of income. Slots can’t replace a regular job, as their results are unpredictable and unstable. Luck plays too big a role.
Winning is made more difficult by the mathematical advantage, which is always on the online casino’s side. This advantage is realized in two ways:
- Via RTP.The Return to Player (RTP) parameter reflects the theoretical return of a slot machine. This metric only appears in electronic games that don’t feature live dealers. RTP is always less than 100%. The difference is the casino’s and the provider’s profit. For example, with a 95% return on 100,000 rubles, only 95,000 rubles will be returned to players. However, due to the randomness of payouts, and the fact that the return tends to the target value over millions of bets, every player has a chance of coming out ahead.
- Through the rules.In live dealer games, the influence of the random number generator is minimized. Online casino and provider profits are realized through the rules of the game. Each game has a mathematical advantage. In roulette, this is ensured by the zero field, in baccarat by a draw, and in blackjack by the payout amounts.
The casino always comes out on top. That’s a fact. But players aren’t completely without a chance of winning. When visiting an online casino, users should be aware of the risks and understand that they could lose their deposit. To reduce the likelihood of losing, it’s important to follow clear rules when choosing a casino and a specific game, determining the size and type of bets, and activating bonuses.
How online casinos work
Online casinos can be either scripted or legal. The former are unregulated. Such operators may host counterfeit software with reduced payout rates on their websites, freeze customer balances, refuse payouts, or block user accounts without justification. Registering on such gaming platforms is not recommended. They are not always fraudulent, but there is a risk of being deceived.
Legal casinos Before opening, operators obtain licenses. Operators undergo a comprehensive check in one of the regulatory jurisdictions and, following the process, receive the appropriate permit. The license confirms the company’s right to organize online gambling. This document also serves as a guarantee of the operator’s integrity.
Licenses can be national or offshore (international). The former are usually valid within a single country, while the latter are valid across several countries.
To obtain a license, an online casino must have legal status, confirm solvency, and verify the authenticity of the software hosted on its website. The regulator obliges operators to adhere to strict rules when interacting with clients, maintain high quality service, and process financial transactions in a timely manner. Specific requirements are determined by the jurisdiction in which the license was issued.
Legitimate casinos don’t deceive customers, and it’s possible to make money there. Fraud by operators leads to the revocation of their operating permits. While this doesn’t guarantee customers the opportunity to earn money at the casino, users have a better chance of winning than when betting on a scripted platform.
Jackpot
Many people come to casinos with inflated expectations and the hope of hitting the jackpot. Winning a multi-million dollar payout is possible. But the odds of this happening are so low that it’s unrealistic to seriously count on a large win. The odds of hitting the jackpot are roughly the same as in the lottery, where one in tens of millions wins a large payout. This possibility should be viewed as a source of added excitement, not the goal of the game.
Players can compete for small progressive and fixed jackpots offered by providers. These bonuses are part of the mechanics of slots and table games and are built into the base RTP (theoretical return to player percentage). As the prize pool decreases, players’ chances of winning it increase.
The mechanics of how the prize pool is formed are determined by its type. Fixed jackpots are tied to the bet size and amount to a certain number (for example, x1000). In this case, if the spin cost is 100 rubles, the jackpot will be 1,000,000 rubles. If the bet is 150 rubles, the prize pool automatically increases to 1,500,000 rubles.
Progressive jackpots are formed differently. They are replenished by a small percentage of all bets placed on one or more slots. The prize pool grows until a draw occurs. Then, the amount begins to accumulate anew.
Order of placing games
Online casinos don’t develop their own slots. There are exceptions, but they’re rare. In most cases, operators act as intermediaries between providers and users. To host slot machines on their websites, casinos enter into contracts with developers. Without a bilateral agreement with the studios, casinos are not allowed to use the creators’ software.
Slot machines are hosted on the providers’ servers. Online casino administration has no access to the software and cannot change its characteristics.
Under the terms of the agreement, the operator is obligated to send the provider a certain percentage of the profits from its slots. This can be anywhere from 10% to 90% (depending on the platform’s traffic, its popularity, the countries in which the operator operates, and other factors).
Random number generator
It is not possible to constantly earn money in a casino precisely because random number generator It underlies most slot machines and makes spin results unpredictable. The RNG determines the values of symbols, cards, and dice, as well as the order in which they land. If you place a bet, all calculations are performed within a split second of the game’s start. It’s impossible to influence them or predict the results.
The random number generator relies solely on slot characteristics: return to player percentage, volatility, and the presence and size of jackpots. In live dealer games, the RNG’s influence is minimized. However, in such cases, the casino benefits from its mathematical advantage, which is built into the rules of each table game and lottery.
Tips for Beginners
Earning money in online casinos by playing online slots shouldn’t be viewed as an alternative to a full-time job or as a source of additional income. Even with sound user behavior, winnings aren’t guaranteed. However, there are some subtleties that, if understood, can help minimize risks.
Peculiarities of earning money on different games
You can win and come out ahead in any gambling discipline. However, your odds vary. They are determined by the game type, bet type, and slot parameters. Each discipline has its own unique characteristics.
Slot machines
The potential profitability of slot bets is determined by the characteristics built into them by the provider. Several parameters influence gameplay, the frequency and size of potential payouts, and wagering requirements:
- RTP The primary metric for evaluation. The theoretical return to player percentage (RTP) indicates what percentage of the total amount invested in a slot machine will be paid out to players. The higher the RTP, the better for players. It’s advisable to choose slots with a return to player percentage of at least 95%, especially when wagering bonuses.
- Volatility. Slot risk rating. This parameter determines the variance in payout frequency and size. As volatility increases, results become more unpredictable and chaotic. The risk level doesn’t affect potential rewards, but it completely determines gameplay.
- Limits.Bet size limits. There is a lower and upper limit. This should be taken into account if your bankroll is limited. Some slot machines allow bets as small as pennies, while others accept bets of 10 rubles or more.
- Maximum win.Each slot has its own payout potential and cannot award a win exceeding the maximum limit. This limit can be expressed as an amount or a multiplier of the current bet.
All these parameters can be found in the slot’s help section, its description on the provider’s website, or in the preview at the online casino. Sometimes it’s better to sacrifice beautiful graphics and effects for a higher RTP.
You can’t expect different results in slots with returns of even 5-7%. RTP tends to reach its predetermined value over millions of spins. This figure is worth considering if the user plans to bet on the slot regularly.
Poker
Among the poker variations available in the catalog, it’s worth choosing the video format. These slot machines offer a return-to-player percentage of close to 99%. In video poker, the player has no opponents. Payouts are earned by collecting card combinations. The higher the combination, the bigger the win.
Roulette
There are three basic types of roulette: European, French, and American. The gameplay and rules are the same—you bet on numbers, their ranges, or specific attributes (such as color). However, the house edge varies across these versions:
- In the American — 5,32%.
- In European — 2,7%.
- In French— from 1.35%.
The lower the house edge, the better the odds for the player. If the catalog offers a French version of the rules, it’s better to bet on that roulette. If not, then bet on European roulette. American roulette should be avoided.
Blackjack
Mathematically sound decisions in blackjack are derived from the basic strategy. Many people use it, but ultimately fail to win. The basic strategy is designed for one or more decks, while a casino dealer uses at least six. Increasing the number of cards in a hand changes the mathematical odds and makes some decisions presented as optimal by the basic strategy unprofitable.
When making decisions, a number of factors must be considered: one’s own hand, the dealer’s upcard, the size of the remaining deck in the shoe, and the numbers dealt. There are only a few actions that are beneficial to customers in most cases. For example, splitting 9-10, doubling 10 and 11, and standing on a 5-6.
Some tables allow side bets. These bets are located on either side of the main table. However, these bets are unprofitable—the house edge on them can reach over 20%.
If the dealer has an open ace, many tables offer insurance. When activated, the blackjack dealer will pay out 2 to 1. However, insurance is a paid option, and using it only increases the house edge. Therefore, it’s best to avoid it entirely.
Live dealer games
You can also earn money in online casinos by playing live dealer games. However, there are some caveats. These games are streamed live from the provider’s studio. They feature real dealers who deal the cards, spin the roulette wheel, and perform interactive shows. The random number generator’s influence on the outcome is minimal; everything depends on luck.
The operator generates revenue from live streams thanks to the game rules. In table and card games, the house edge is generally accepted. The odds of winning are the same as in the electronic versions of these games. In various live shows, the house edge is significantly higher. It’s best to avoid betting on them.
Receiving bonuses
If a gaming platform offers promotional offers with simple activation and wagering requirements, these bonuses are worth taking advantage of. This way, you can earn extra cash and boost your bankroll without any extra investment. There are two main types of promotions.
For registration
No-deposit bonuses for creating an account. Theoretically, they eliminate risks. New players receive their first deposits from the operator. Bonus activation does not require a deposit. Registration is sufficient; verification is sometimes required.
It’s important to consider wagering requirements. Some no-deposit bonuses cannot be cleared without a deposit.
For regular players
Regular customers receive welcome bonuses for their first one or more deposits, as well as reloads for subsequent deposits. These promotions offer bonuses on top of your deposits and free spins on slots.
These bonuses require a deposit from the player. However, they often have lower wagering requirements and a longer wagering period than no-deposit bonuses.
Participation in the loyalty program
The terms of the loyalty program are worth examining separately. The program can be beneficial to players who regularly make deposits and bets. The loyalty programs work as follows:
- The user places bets and receives points for this.
- As points accumulate, the player’s account “advances” through the status system.
- At higher levels, new privileges are unlocked for the user.
A common bonus offered by loyalty programs is cashback. If a user’s balance falls into the red, they can recoup some of the money lost during that period. As their account status increases, so does the amount of cashback.
Using strategies
Strategies are not applicable in slots. No player actions, including changing the spin value or the number of lines, can affect the outcome. Mathematical strategies They can be used in table games that feature even-money bets (with a positive outcome probability of approximately 50%). However, even here, they don’t work correctly due to the house edge.
Martingale
The idea is to double your bet after each losing outcome. After receiving a payout, the bet returns to its initial value. The first positive outcome compensates for previous losses and provides a profit equal to one initial bet.
The WithMartingale strategy is considered the riskiest. The bet grows exponentially, meaning that after just 7-8 consecutive losses, the player may run out of money or reach the table limit. Such situations are not uncommon.
Anti-Martingale
A system opposite to the previous one. The bet is doubled after a winning outcome. A loss returns the bet to the initial value. In practice, this strategy has proven superior to the classic Martingale. However, it is designed for bets with a 50% probability of a positive outcome, which is not found in any other game. For example, in European roulette, even odds only give a 48.65% chance of winning.
Fibonacci
The bet changes according to the Fibonacci sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. One is the initial bet amount. A positive outcome moves the bet forward one position in the sequence, while a negative outcome moves it back two positions. For example, the player is at position 5. If they win, the next bet will be 8, while if they lose, it will be 2. This continues until the sequence is completed.
The Fibonacci strategy is similar to the Martingale, but more flexible. Its mathematical basis is the same—compensating for previous losses by increasing the bet. However, the strategy’s outcome is even more dependent on luck than with the Martingale.
Labouchere
Using Labouchere strategy, you need to set a goal in advance. For example, winning 20 bets. This number should be represented as a series, such as 1-2-3-4-4-3-2-1. Each bet is equal to the sum of the two outermost numbers. In this example, it’s 2 chips. If the bet wins, these numbers are subtracted from the series, and the next bet will be 2 + 2 = 4 chips. If the outcome is unsuccessful, the sum is added to the end, and the series will look like this: 1-2-3-4-4-3-2-1-2.
The game continues until all numbers are eliminated from the chain or a large loss is incurred.
D’Alembert
The safest and most effective strategy. It uses small increments of bet increases and decreases. For example, the initial bet is one chip. If the outcome is successful, another chip is added; if unsuccessful, one is subtracted. You stop when you reach a predetermined winning or losing limit.
Lack of strategy D’Alembert the same – if the odds are “skewed” against the player, the session will end with the loss of the bankroll.
Budget management
Budgeting helps control risks. Don’t spend your entire deposit on a few bets. Instead, split the amount into smaller amounts for longer-term play. Otherwise, you risk losing your money in just 5-10 minutes. For slots, it’s recommended to have a bankroll that covers at least 50 spins.
As variance increases, balance requirements become more stringent. The recommended deposit size increases.
| Volatility | Recommended bankroll, bets |
| Low | More than 50 |
| Average | Over 100 |
| High | From 200 |
Bankroll management in table games follows the same principles. The riskier the bet, the more money a player should have in reserve. For example, for even odds in roulette, a bankroll for 20-25 bets is sufficient. If you’re betting on a single number, you should have enough money for over 100 hands.
Common misconceptions about making money at casinos
There are many myths circulating about gaming platforms. Most are unfounded, yet users continue to believe them. Below are the most common misconceptions.
Beginner’s luck
Many believe that it’s easier for new players to earn money at casinos because the operator intentionally allows them to win to entice them and motivate them to make repeat deposits. In reality, this isn’t true. The odds of winning don’t depend on the age of the account, the size of the deposit, or other factors. Probability is determined solely by luck.
The impossibility of winning at a casino
In theory, operators offer users a type of deal. A player deposits 1,000 rubles into a slot with a 96% return and receives 960 rubles back, according to the RTP. This sounds logical in theory, but in practice, it bears no resemblance to reality. The casino’s advantage and RTP are realized over a vast period of time. Payouts are also chaotic. Someone might deposit 100,000 rubles and lose everything, while another might hit the jackpot on their very first bet. The unpredictability of results creates excitement and maintains the chances of winning.
The existence of reliable winning schemes
It’s impossible to make money in online casinos using strategies. At the very least, they don’t produce consistent results. There are many users online who claim the opposite and offer effective strategies. Often, this advice is paid. In reality, such systems don’t exist.
Casino sites don’t give out winnings
Licensed operators cannot defraud players. This is prohibited by the requirements of any jurisdiction in which operators obtain permits to legally operate.
If a casino delays or refuses payment without apparent reason, you can file a complaint with the regulatory commission that issued the license.
A withdrawal may be denied if the platform’s rules are violated. For example, if you attempt to cash out to someone else’s account, violate limits, or fail verification.
Payout periods in slots
Another misconception concerns the existence of payout periods in slot machines. Some users believe that the odds of winning increases during certain periods, and that if you place your bets at the right time, it’s impossible to lose your deposit.
Sometimes slot machines do pay out frequently and allow you to make a solid profit. However, this isn’t due to payout periods, but to luck.
The impact of bet size on the result
The user cannot influence the outcome of slot spins, poker, blackjack, and baccarat hand outcomes, or roulette wheel spins. Results are determined by luck or a random number generator. It is not possible to change the outcome by decreasing or increasing the bet.
Prohibited and fraudulent methods of making money in online casinos
Various software programs are actively distributed online, supposedly offering the opportunity to win at casinos. According to the software’s creators, they can interfere with the random number generator and change its algorithms, reveal the dealer’s cards, and provide customers with other advantages. However, this is a scam. Users distributing such software have one goal: to steal money and personal data from players or to infect their computers and smartphones with malware.
Sometimes online casino fraud is simply related to violating the operator’s rules. For example, registering multiple accounts to claim a bonus twice, providing false personal information, or attempting to withdraw funds to someone else’s wallet. Such violations inevitably lead to account blocking.
What happens if you play at a casino all the time?
Gambling is addictive. Excessive use can lead to gambling addiction. At a certain point, users become dependent on the game, spending all their free time and money on it, accumulating debt, and taking out loans. To minimize risks, limit the number of gaming sessions and their duration.
How to choose a casino to make money
The most important step is choosing an operator. It will be impossible to make money at an online casino if the platform is fraudulent, doesn’t offer suitable payment systems, or has territorial restrictions. There are more than 10 criteria for evaluating an operator, and each one deserves careful consideration.
Availability of a license
Earning money at an online casino is possible if the operator has a verified license. Before registering on a site, you should check whether they have the appropriate permit. This can be done in two ways:
- Find the validator at the bottom of the page. It looks like a button with the logo or name of the gambling commission. Clicking on the validator will take you to a page with the permit details. This tab should include the parties’ details, license number, casino domain, name of the management company, and other information.
- Check the regulator’s registry. Not all commissions’ licenses are verified by a validator. Some jurisdictions simply don’t have one. In these cases, you can ask the operator’s support staff about the license type and search for the online casino in the relevant regulator’s registry. Clients typically use this method to check operators’ national operating permits.
Sometimes the validator is placed, but nothing happens when you click it. This indicates a lack of permission. Some illegal online casinos try to mislead customers in this way.