While the buffet is generally good and the entertainment shows might be too, most people who go into a casino have one priority — gambling.

A lot of casino gamblers know exactly what it is they wish to play as soon as they walk into the door. Most people in the casino are playing the slots. They do this because slots are a brainless form of gambling (i.e. anybody can do it) and there's a chance for a jackpot payday. A Lilliputian chance, but a chance nonetheless.

Others roll the dice in the craps pit, sling some cards at the blackjack table or take their chances on the roulette wheel. With these games, savvy gamblers need to take the time to know the proper strategies before they ever place a bet.

Even though these games are played in a casino, and there's a house edge, that doesn't mean there aren't optimal strategies to give the gambler the best possible chance to walk away a winner.

There's no shortage of books dedicated to blackjack, and a simple Internet search can provide the necessary tips to avoid the really bad bets at a craps table or roulette wheel.

For example, a craps table is filled to the brim with side bets. These bets are printed on the felt with intoxicating odds such as 30 to 1 every time two sixes or ones are rolled. Never mind the fact that the true odds for these rolls is 36 to 1, making this one of the worst bets available in a casino.

Roulette players who like to play single numbers give up a similar advantage to the house.

Winning-number bets pay 32 to 1. However, with the inclusion of the two green zero numbers, the house disguises the fact that it's really a 34 to 1 bet.

New table games continue to pop up in the casinos at a rapid pace. Game such as Three-Card Poker, Let it Ride and Pai-Gow poker are available in most establishments. Again — don't play them unless you have at least an entry-level knowledge.

If the desire to experiment remains great, there is a non-advertised tip that will really help: Ask the dealer how to play. The dealers are more than happy to give you the rundown. They know the odds are still in the casino's favor, and they want your money.

But the dealers can at least give you enough information to form a strategy. Not only is trying to learn as you go idiotic, it's expensive.

Chuck Blount | 210SA contributor