Responsible Gambling
The house always has an edge
This site teaches you to play blackjack well. It does not teach you to beat the casino, because for almost every player that is not possible. Even with perfect basic strategy, the house keeps an edge of roughly 0.5% in a good game, and much more in a bad one. The average player gives up about 2%.
That means that over time, you lose. You can have winning sessions, but the more you play, the more the results move toward the edge. Treat gambling as paid entertainment, like a concert ticket, not a way to earn money.
Set limits before you play
- Money: decide how much you can lose, and bring only that. Do not use rent, bill or savings money.
- Time: choose how long you will play, and stop when it is up.
- Walk away: when the limit is hit, leave. Do not take more cash to win it back.
- Do not chase losses. Raising bets to recover is how small losses become big ones.
- Don't drink and gamble. It weakens your decisions and your limits.
Warning signs
Talk to someone if any of these sound familiar:
- You spend more money or time than you planned.
- You borrow money or sell things to gamble.
- You hide your gambling or lie about it.
- You feel anxious, irritable or guilty about it.
- You think about gambling most of the day.
- Gambling is hurting your job, relationships or finances.
Where to get help
- In the United States, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential help at any hour.
- The National Council on Problem Gambling has information and resources at ncpgambling.org.
If you are outside the United States, search for your country's problem gambling helpline. Help is available, and asking for it is a strong step.
Using this site safely
The trainer uses no real money, so it is a safe way to learn. Knowing basic strategy or counting does not change the fact that gambling is risky. Read the terms of use too. You must be at least 21, or the legal age in your area, to gamble.