The main mistakes of beginners: how not to lose money in the first hours
Published: April 29, 2025

Online casinos are attracted by their accessibility and the promise of easy wins. But for beginners, this more often turns into disappointment and loss of deposit. The reason is not "bad luck," but typical errors that can (and should) be avoided.
Let's figure out the most frequent mistakes of beginners and give practical advice on how to play wisely from the very start.
Error # 1: Playing without checking casino license
Many newcomers fall into the trap of fake sites that operate without a license and simply do not pay winnings.
Signs of a dubious casino:
What should I do:
Mistake # 2: Lack of understanding of bonuses and vagers
The "100% deposit" bonus looks attractive. But the beginner does not read the conditions and does not notice that you need to play x40 or x50, and even in a short time.
Possible consequences:
What should I do:
Error # 3: Last Money Game
Some newcomers think: "Now I will make a jackpot and win back." It's a path to nowhere.
Excitement with no limits = losing
What should I do:
Error # 4: Bid Too Big
It's not uncommon for newcomers to start playing with a maximum bet, thinking it increases the chance of winning. Yes, the win will be larger, but the bank will end faster.
Example:
What should I do:
Error No. 5: Choosing a "beautiful" slot instead of a profitable one
Bright graphics, an interesting topic - all this is good. But it is also important to understand the numbers:
What should I do:
Error # 6: Ignore Demo Mode
Newcomers often move straight to the money game. As a result:
What should I do:
Error # 7: No strategy and control
The player makes chaotic bets, changes the slot every 2 minutes, succumbs to emotions. This is the way to a complete loss.
What should I do:
Error # 8: No Verification
Many are afraid to send documents without knowing that verification is a mandatory stage in any licensed casino. And then they wonder why they don't withdraw money.
What should I do:
Mistake # 9: Trust in'too generous' promo
If you are offered:
What should I do:
Conclusion: How to avoid mistakes and play wisely
Here's a brief checklist for beginners:
See also: "How to play a bonus," "Tactics of minimum risk," "How to distinguish a fake casino," "What gives a license."
Let's figure out the most frequent mistakes of beginners and give practical advice on how to play wisely from the very start.
Error # 1: Playing without checking casino license
Many newcomers fall into the trap of fake sites that operate without a license and simply do not pay winnings.
Signs of a dubious casino:
- No license information (or fake)
- Support is not responding
- Withdrawal is not possible or indefinitely delayed
- Prepayment only, no verification
What should I do:
- - Play only in casinos with MGA, UKGC, Curacao, Gibraltar, Isle of Man licenses
- - Check the license on the regulator's website, not just on the casino itself
Mistake # 2: Lack of understanding of bonuses and vagers
The "100% deposit" bonus looks attractive. But the beginner does not read the conditions and does not notice that you need to play x40 or x50, and even in a short time.
Possible consequences:
- Won, but can't bring out
- Put too big - the bonus burned down
- Spent everything without even approaching the vager
What should I do:
- - Always read bonus terms
- - Find out: vager, terms, prohibited slots, max rate
- - Look for a casino with No Wager bonuses (no winnings)
Error # 3: Last Money Game
Some newcomers think: "Now I will make a jackpot and win back." It's a path to nowhere.
Excitement with no limits = losing
What should I do:
- - Never play for money you're not prepared to lose
- - Set a personal limit (amount and time)
- - Use demo mode to understand slot mechanics
Error # 4: Bid Too Big
It's not uncommon for newcomers to start playing with a maximum bet, thinking it increases the chance of winning. Yes, the win will be larger, but the bank will end faster.
Example:
- Bank: $50
- Bet: $5
- Result: 10 backs - and that's it, the bank is empty
What should I do:
- - Play 0.1% to 2% of bankroll on spin
- - The higher the volatility of the slot, the more cautious with rates
Error No. 5: Choosing a "beautiful" slot instead of a profitable one
Bright graphics, an interesting topic - all this is good. But it is also important to understand the numbers:
Characteristics | What is important to watch |
---|---|
RTP | Preferably 96% and above |
Volatility | Medium or High - depending on goals |
Max. winning | Is there a chance at x5000 + |
Bonus mechanics | Frispins, multipliers, respins |
What should I do:
- - Use sites with slot ratings
- - Look for reviews, watch streams
- - Start with test backs in the demo
Error # 6: Ignore Demo Mode
Newcomers often move straight to the money game. As a result:
- Do not understand mechanics
- Don't know when the bonus is activated
- Fast Lose
What should I do:
- - Play first in demo mode, especially if the slot is complex
- - Study machine behavior, bonus frequency, winning dynamics
Error # 7: No strategy and control
The player makes chaotic bets, changes the slot every 2 minutes, succumbs to emotions. This is the way to a complete loss.
What should I do:
- - Determine the purpose of the session (game for fun, bonus test, jackpot hunt)
- - Set Loss and Win Limit
- - After winning - it's often better to stop
Error # 8: No Verification
Many are afraid to send documents without knowing that verification is a mandatory stage in any licensed casino. And then they wonder why they don't withdraw money.
What should I do:
- - Verify (KYC) immediately after registration
- - Use real data
- - Do not play in a casino where there is no identity check
Mistake # 9: Trust in'too generous' promo
If you are offered:
- 500% bonus
- 200 Non-Deposit Frispins
- Guaranteed winnings
- - is almost always a sign of fraud
What should I do:
- - Check your casino reputation
- - Don't trust what sounds too good to be true
- - Remember: bonuses are not equal to money until won back
Conclusion: How to avoid mistakes and play wisely
Here's a brief checklist for beginners:
- Play only in licensed casinos
- Explore Bonus Terms
- Set limits
- Play the demo
- Don't chase a quick win
- Always be verified
- Don't forget that gambling is fun, not a way to make money
See also: "How to play a bonus," "Tactics of minimum risk," "How to distinguish a fake casino," "What gives a license."