Frequently Asked Questions
An evening at the casino.
You walk through the casino door and are struck immediately by the flashing lights, slot machines, table games, music playing and drinks flowing. You observe the casino to be much like the casinos at home!
However there are some important differences between Dominican Republic casinos and their North American/European counterparts.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions and answers to ensure that your experience at a Dominican Republic casino is a positive one.
Do I bet in US dollars or Dominican pesos?
You can bet in either currency. Keep in mind however that many Dominican Republic casinos have lower minimum bets when the play is in Dominican pesos, so if you don't want to be the high roller, slow it down by switching from dollars to pesos.
All casinos will exchange US dollars for Dominican pesos, however, expect a reduced exchange rate!
Most Dominican Republic casinos will accept credit cards in exchange for chips, but again be aware of higher fees.
What casino player comps can I expect to receive?
Dominican Republic casinos pamper players who are spending money. That includes drinks, cigarettes and snacks on the house - if you are playing and not just watching.
The idea is that if the casinos feed you, there is no reason to leave the premises and you will stay longer and spend more.
Some casinos also hand out free chips for specific games or match play coupons that comp you free chips if you buy a certain minimum amount.
Do Dominican casinos offer the same games as Las Vegas?
Most of the casino games you find in the Dominican Republic are familiar and include Blackjack, Roulette, Texas holdem poker, Craps and extensive Slot machine play.
However, you are not likely to find live card games such as Seven Card Stud. Instead, most Dominican Republic casinos offer Caribbean Stud Poker and different versions of video poker.
When it comes to roulette, a major difference is that the British single zero Roulette wheel is absent. In its place, the Dominican Republic casinos use a double zero version Roulette wheel which has worse odds for the player.
Are there any games I should avoid?
Games going by the names Keno or Progressive Roulette should be approached with great caution.
These progressive games of chance operate on the principle of persuading players to increase their bet amounts until they're in too deep to quit. The dealers of these games are remarkably persuasive, and many players who normally have plenty of will power find it hard to walk away.
Simply put, the odds in these progressive games are terrible.
Most gaming professionals warn against playing ANY type of Keno, and Keno is often cited as the worst game for the player found anywhere in the casino. "Many a holiday has been ruined by the seductive allure of the huge jackpots in Keno and Progressive Roulette!” Always remember that the House edge in these games is between 25 and 40 percent, while in other games offered the House edge can be as low as 1%.
Be sure to follow this Casino Guide when visiting casinos in the Dominican Republic!
Do Dominican casinos offer Las Vegas odds.
Casinos in the Dominican Republic operate on the same odds system as the Las Vegas casinos, so the profit kept by the casino versus how much is taken away in winnings by the players is the same in the Dominican Republic as in Las Vegas. This casino profit system is generally considered fair, outside of the Keno and Progressive Roulette games.
As in all casinos, there are certain games that by their nature offer better odds than others. For example ,Blackjack and Poker, if played strategically, can have higher payout levels for the player. Games of pure chance which do not involve skill usually have poorer odds.
Final Advice
Play only the games you are familiar with and be sure to understand the rules thoroughly.
· Find out the odds and play the games with the most favorable odds.
· Never drink to excess and gamble at the same time. If you lose your concentration, you could wind up losing your shirt.
· Manage your money wisely and arrive at the casino knowing how much you plan to spend.
· Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
· Remember that the casino has the edge in all games and the odds are always against you!
· Quit while you are ahead and consider yourself lucky if you come away with 20% more than you wagered, you will have had a good session and can go home feeling like, and being a winner.
· Above all, enjoy yourself as casino gaming is incredibly fun and entertaining if you exercise good sense and proper restraint!