When Is the Best Time to Go to a Casino?

Casinos

Some people believe there is a lucky time to visit a casino – online or at a land-based venue.

We’ve heard about this sort of thing with slot machines as some people wait to pounce on one that hasn’t paid out in a while, but less frequently discussed is when to visit a casino.

Let’s dive into this topic a bit more and see if there’s any science behind this or whether it’s simply another superstition that is nothing more than chance.

Is There a Best Time to Go to the Casino and Win?

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Despite the myths, there is no best time to win at the casino. Whether you leave with a payout or not is determined by your luck or skills and has nothing to do with the hour of the day.

The only way time can influence the outcome of your game is how it affects you personally.

If you play blackjack better when you’re focused, going to the casino with fewer distractions, like in the morning, might help you win. Or if your brain is sharper at night, that might be the most beneficial time for you to go.

Why Do People Believe Certain Days and Times Are Better to Gamble?

There are numerous beliefs about increasing your winning chances if you gamble at certain times or days. They are often based on personal experiences, customs, or superstitions. However, there is no scientific evidence to support that kind of thinking. So that begs the question: where does this come from?

One way these assumptions arise is through confirmation bias. Players often try to find a reason for a loss or win other than pure luck. This bias leads players to pay more attention to information that confirms their beliefs.

For example: sometimes, a player is very relaxed and concentrated. And if they hit the jackpot, they associate that day with a lucky day and are less likely to remember the times they lost. This also doesn’t mean the casino rigs their games to pay more that day. It just means that their timing worked out for other causes.

Another reason why people believe some days are better to gamble than others is because of the casino’s marketing. Gambling establishments often promote that some days or times are better for gambling using promos, winning odds, and other marketing hooks.

This is caused by the idea that more people will gamble if they believe they have a better chance of winning.

Common Myths About the Best Times to Go to the Casino

You’ve probably heard some myths about the best times to go to the casino, but we will dispel the rumors. Let’s look at some of the most common falsehoods regarding this topic.

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Myth #1: Casino Payouts are Higher on Weekends

Many years ago, a misconception was spread that casino payouts were higher on the weekend.

It’s linked back to a marketing technique, as some figured that casinos might want to attract players to come and play on weekends – especially when customers had so many other options for entertainment.

This way, if casinos could turn up the dials, so to speak, they could draw more customers at times – like the weekend – when they wanted to.

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Myth #2: It's Easier to Win at the Casino on Mondays

Another common misconception was that casinos made winning easier on Mondays. Hence, players are more tempted to stay after the weekend.

In other words, casinos get players to come on the weekends because that’s when they’re free. Still, Mondays are quiet as players return to their day-to-day lives, so they want to retain the customers.

The myth was that casinos made slot machines easier to win on Mondays to keep people playing.

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Myth #3: The Best Time to Hit a Jackpot is at Night

Slot games are entirely random, and there’s no telling when they will drop a massive payout, so why do people believe this myth in the first place?

Casinos are busier at night, so additional players are spinning the reels. There may be an increase in jackpots won, but it’s simply a cause and effect of more action on the machines.

Your chances of hitting a jackpot don’t actually change.

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Myth #4: A Certain Hour Or Minute Impact Your Chances of Winning

Some believe that the day impacts your chances of winning, but some also believe that the hour and minute come into play.

The reality is that every game requires certain odds and probabilities that don’t change depending on what day, hour, or minute you are there.

Casinos don’t tweak slot machine odds to be more generous with jackpots on certain dates and times. Considering the number of slots on the floor at a casino, even if they wanted to, it would just require a lot more work.

On top of that, casinos must work with regulators and gaming commissions. The regulators would slap them with a huge fine if there were any notion that they were changing payouts. This is against the terms of their license.

Is There Actually a Best Day to Go to a Casino?

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Regarding your chances of winning, every day of the week is the same at a casino. The best day to visit will come down to your personal preference.

If avoiding the crowds is your priority, the best time to go to a casino is very early Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, from 3 am to 8 am. But you’ll likely have just as much fun anytime between Monday and Thursday at a reasonable hour.

You also might want to factor in restaurant specials, in which case Wednesday and Thursday are popular days for deals.

If you want to gamble when the energy is at its peak, Friday nights are the busiest time at most casinos. Saturdays and even Sunday mornings are also bustling, so don’t worry if you miss the action on Friday.

While the deals may be better during the week, for many people, it’s worth the sacrifice for the convenience and excitement the weekend brings.

Also, there are drink specials every day in most casinos, so you won’t be missing much there.

Going to the Casino During the Week

Monday through Thursday are the slowest times at a casino. Let’s look at some pros and cons of going during these days of the week.

Pros

  • If you hate large crowds, you can avoid them by going on a weekday, especially in the morning.
  • Fewer people also mean more spots at the tables and the slot machines.
  • Casinos want to ramp up business during their slow time, so they may offer more perks on hotel rooms and meals.
  • There is less distraction if you need to focus on a game of skill, like blackjack.
  • It removes the pressure of someone waiting for your seat.

Cons

  • It won't be very social unless you go with a big group of friends.
  • There are fewer people to play against in table games.
  • Many people have to work during the week, and it may be harder to get time off.
  • You're less likely to hit a live entertainment or sports event.
  • Going when busy is more exciting if you want the total casino experience.

Going to the Casino on Weekends

As for betting on the weekends, the pros and cons mostly reverse. In places like Las Vegas, weekends are quite attractive as big shows, bigger parties, and more celebrities are in the mix. In terms of winning or losing, though, nothing changes.

Pros

  • If you're a social butterfly, you will love the energy of the weekends.
  • Games like craps are more fun with a crowd.
  • You'll have a better chance to catch a live event.
  • With more people around, you'll have more competition at table games.
  • There will likely be more rookies, so if you're a card shark, you may increase your chances of winning.

Cons

  • The casino will be loud and noisy.
  • You may have to wait for a seat at your game of choice.
  • The deals on food and hotel rooms may be better during the week.
  • You're more likely to encounter people that are too drunk.
  • It can be hard to concentrate on games that require skill.

The Best Time to Play at Online Casinos

Like brick-and-mortar establishments, the day or time you play at an online casino does not affect winning.

However, there are a few significant benefits to gambling on the Internet.

Playing at your convenience without traveling or taking time off work is a big plus for most. Even though playing on a Tuesday, for example, won’t increase your luck, many online casinos have bonuses you can claim on specific days of the week.

So, What's the Best Time to Go to a Casino?

The best time to go to a casino is up to you!

You’re no more likely to win on a Monday than on a Friday, so choose a time that suits your needs and schedule. A weekday might be more your speed if you like a relaxed environment.

If you want to experience the chaos of a crowded casino, take your trip on the weekend. Or, if you prefer to go nowhere at all, sign up at an online casino!

Top Online Casinos to Play & Win Anytime

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FAQ

Here are some common questions about when is the best time to go to the casino.

Dave Consolazio

Dave Consolazio has been passionate about writing and sports journalism since his high school years. He has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from USC where he worked with the school's radio and television stations. His work has been featured in SportsbookReview, Sports Illustrated and SB Nation. Dave's experience ranges across multiple fields in the gambling industry. You can find his sports, casino, and poker articles in GambleOnline.co.

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