Guides
Last checked September 2026
Casino games reward players who know the rules, and punish the ones who guess. The StakesCheck guide library covers everything from basic strategy to sweepstakes taxes, written for real players in plain English. Every guide is fact-checked, and we date the ones we have revisited so you can see how current they are.
Browse Guides by Topic
Game Guides
Rules, odds and strategy for blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat and slots.
Sweeps Basics
How the dual-currency model, redemptions and verification actually work.
State & Legal
What is legal where, and which sites geofence which states.
Tax
Reporting winnings, 1099s, and what the IRS expects from players.
Safety
Bankroll limits, wallet hygiene, scam signals and responsible-play tools.
Game Guides
Learn the games before you play them: blackjack (including soft hands), poker, Omaha, 3 card poker, roulette strategy, baccarat, Plinko, and penny slots.
Sweepstakes Basics
New to sweeps? Start with what sweepstakes casinos are and how bank verification works when you redeem.
State & Legal
Legality varies by state, see our Louisiana guide or browse the full state-by-state hub.
Tax & Safety
Won something? Read the sweepstakes casino tax guide before you spend it. And whatever you play, our guides on setting a gambling budget and staying safe in crypto casinos keep the fun from turning expensive.
Latest Guides
GAME GUIDESWhat Is a Soft Hand in Blackjack? How to Play It Like a Pro
What Is a Soft Hand in Blackjack? A soft hand in blackjack is any hand that contains an Ace counted as 11. The name “soft” comes from the fact that the hand’s value is flexible. If you draw a card that would push you past 21, the Ace automatically drops from 11 to 1, saving
SAFETYHow to Stay Safe in Crypto Casinos & Protect Your Winnings
Crypto casinos offer speed, anonymity, and unique gaming experiences. They also carry higher risks compared to traditional gambling sites. Knowing how to stay safe in crypto casinos is the first step to enjoying the thrill without risking your funds or personal security. Understand the Risks Before You Play The excitement of fast payouts and blockchain-powered
STATE & LEGALLouisiana Sweepstakes Casino Guide (2026): Top Trusted Sites, Bonuses & Legal Tips
Looking to play at a Louisiana sweepstakes casino in 2026? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or anywhere else in the Bayou State, sweepstakes casinos offer a legal and fun way to play casino-style games, with a chance to win real prizes, without risking real money upfront.
TAXSweepstakes Casino Taxes: What Winners Need to Know in 2026
Winning big at a sweepstakes casino like Stake.us or Pulsz is an exciting moment, but before you start spending, there’s one important detail to understand: taxes. Unlike traditional online casinos, sweepstakes casinos operate with virtual currencies like Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes Coins (SC), which can make the tax rules seem blurry. But here’s
GAME GUIDESLearn How to Play 3 Card Poker Like a Pro: Rules, Hands & Smart Bets
3 Card Poker is one of the fastest and most beginner-friendly casino games you can play, and once you learn the basics, it’s surprisingly strategic too. Unlike traditional poker, you’re not facing other players. Instead, it’s just you against the dealer in a quick three-card showdown. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how
GAME GUIDESHow to Play Omaha Poker (2026 Guide): Rules, Strategy & Winning Tips
Omaha poker is a fast-paced, action-heavy card game that’s become the go-to alternative for Texas Hold’em fans craving bigger pots and deeper strategy. If you’re wondering how to play Omaha poker, this guide has you covered, from the official rules and betting structure to pro tips and key differences from Hold’em. We’ll also break
GAME GUIDESBeginner’s Guide: How to Play Poker (Easy Texas Poker Rules & Strategies)
Wondering how to play poker for beginners without feeling lost at the table? Poker might seem intimidating at first, with its mix of strategy, bluffing, and quick decision-making, but don’t let that stop you. The game perfectly balances skill and luck, offering excitement for everyone from casual players to seasoned pros. In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll
GAME GUIDESBest Roulette Strategy (2026 Edition): How to Win Without Chasing Luck
When most people picture roulette, they see a fast-spinning wheel, flashing lights, and the thrill of chance. But what if we told you that winning at roulette isn’t just about luck? Sure, there’s no way to “guarantee” a win, this is still a casino game after all, but using the right roulette strategy
GAME GUIDESHow to Play Plinko Online (2026): A Complete Guide to Win More at Sweepstakes Casinos
Plinko is one of the most exciting and easy-to-play games at sweepstakes casinos, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite for U.S. players. But how do you actually play Plinko, and what makes it so popular? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to play Plinko, how the game
SWEEPS BASICSWhat Are Sweepstakes Casinos? (2026 Guide for U.S. Players)
Sweepstakes casinos are a unique and rapidly growing way for Americans to experience casino-style gaming online, legally. But what are sweepstakes casinos, exactly? And how do they differ from traditional online gambling platforms? In this expanded, in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything from how they work to how you can win real prizes, why they’re legally available
GAME GUIDESHow to Play Baccarat (And Win More Often): The Complete 2026 Guide
Baccarat is one of the simplest, yet most elegant casino games you can experience. If you’ve been curious about how to play baccarat and want to boost your odds of winning, you’re in exactly the right place. This updated 2026 guide walks you through every key rule, smart strategy, and common mistake to avoid, plus how
GAME GUIDESHow to Play Blackjack: Master the Game of 21 with Confidence (2026 Guide)
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, for good reason. It’s simple, exciting, and offers some of the best odds in the house. Whether you’re playing in a Las Vegas casino or from your couch with an online dealer, learning how to play blackjack gives you a serious edge in a
GAME GUIDESHow to Play a Penny Slot Machine: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (2026)
Penny slots are a popular pick for budget-conscious gamblers and beginners, thanks to their flashy lights, fun themes, and affordable spins. These games offer a low-risk way to enjoy casino thrills without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to play a penny slot machine, from understanding the basics to picking
SAFETYHow to Set a Gambling Budget: A Smart Player’s Guide
Whether you’re spinning slots for fun or placing calculated bets on your favorite game, setting a clear gambling budget is one of the smartest things you can do. It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual player or chasing professional-level edges, bankroll management is your foundation. This guide walks you through how to set a
SWEEPS BASICSHow Long Does Chumba Casino Bank Verification Take? (What to Expect in 2026)
Chumba does not publish a verification timeframe, and the day counts you will find quoted are invented. Here is what its rules actually commit to, and what decides how quickly you get paid.