Beginners should steer clear of tables with high minimum bets. Photo: Las Vegas News Bureau RELATED LINKS Return to Las Vegas City Guide

Casino gaming tables can be intimidating for the uninitiated, so many visitors to Vegas never make it past the noisy ranks of no-brainer slot machines. If you’re ready to try something a little more challenging -- and more entertaining -- consider stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying your hand at blackjack, roulette or any of the other table games on offer.

Most major casinos in town offer free gaming instruction, typically on weekdays only. These demonstrations will give you enough basic information to get started, and after that you can rely on the dealers to help guide your play. Remember, the dealers work mainly for tips, so they have a vested interest in answering your questions and making sure you have a good time.

For beginners, it’s always best to steer clear of tables with high minimum bets where bumps in your learning curve might cost you a bundle. Downtown casinos can be a good alternative to the Strip, with more low-minimum tables and generally lighter crowds. Either way, set a strict limit on how much you’re willing to lose, then relax and enjoy the games.