The Casino in Schedule 1 offers a mix of high-stakes risk and strategic gameplay, making it a thrilling experience for players. Whether you prefer the calculated risks of blackjack, the unpredictable nature of slot machines, or the multi-round excitement of Ride the Bus, understanding the rules and strategies can significantly improve your chances of walking away with big winnings. However, navigating the Casino comes with its own challenges, including police curfews and the ever-present risk of losing it all. This guide will walk you through the best ways to maximize your earnings while avoiding costly mistakes.
How to Win at the Casino
The Casino is located by the water in Hyland City, near the center of the map, close to the garage and supermarket. It’s only open from 4 PM to 5 AM, so be sure to visit within those hours, or you won’t be allowed in. Keep in mind that this timing overlaps with the police curfew, so you’ll need to be cautious, if the officers catch you, they’ll arrest you on the spot and confiscate everything in your inventory, costing you time and money. The upside is you can usually outrun them, and once you reach the Casino, you’ll be in the clear.
Mastering Blackjack
Blackjack is set up right across from the Casino reception, allowing you to place bets ranging from $10 to $100, with winnings doubling your stake. While luck plays a role, strategy is just as crucial. You start with two cards, and the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, if you exceed 21, you bust and lose. After receiving your initial cards, you can choose to ‘stand’ and keep your total or ‘hit’ to draw another card, trying to improve your hand while avoiding a bust.
When to Hold and When to Take a Risk
The key to winning is knowing when to stop. For example, if you’re dealt two kings (totaling 20), it’s best to hold, as the chances of drawing the ace needed for 21 are slim. Plus, a strong starting hand puts pressure on your opponent. If you’re lucky enough to get a jack of spades or clubs, a true “blackjack”, you win instantly without needing any more cards. While other games may offer bigger payouts, blackjack is one of the safest bets in the Casino, as it gives you some control over the outcome.
Understanding Slot Machine Payouts
Slot machines in Schedule 1 are completely random, making them a high-risk, high-reward game. You can bet anywhere from $5 to $100, and if luck is on your side, the payouts can be substantial. The objective is simple, match three symbols to win, with each symbol multiplying your initial bet by a set amount.
The prize structure varies based on what you match. Any three fruits double your bet, three of the same fruit multiply it by ten, three bells give you 25 times your bet, and the ultimate jackpot, three sevens, multiplies your bet by 100. That means a $100 bet could, in theory, turn into $10,000. However, hitting that jackpot is extremely rare, so it’s best to bet conservatively to stretch your funds and maximize your chances of making up for losses with a single big win.
How to Play Ride the Bus
Ride the Bus is one of the most exciting games in the Casino, offering far more control than slot machines. You can place bets ranging from $10 to $500 and participate in four thrilling minigames, each requiring quick decisions within a time limit. However, there’s a catch, if you answer incorrectly or fail to respond in time, you lose everything you’ve earned so far.
First Round
The first round is straightforward: a card is drawn face down, and you must guess whether it’s red (hearts/diamonds) or black (spades/clubs). If you guess correctly, your bet is instantly doubled. If not, you walk away with nothing.
Second Round
In the second round, the challenge is to determine whether the next card drawn will be higher or lower than the previous one. This can be tricky if you get a middle-range number, but knowing the odds can help. For example, if you draw a five, it might seem like an even chance, but keep in mind that face cards (worth 10) increase the probability of the next card being higher. A correct guess triples your bet.
Third Round
The third round, “Inside or Outside,” requires you to predict whether the next card will fall between the two numbers you’ve already seen. For instance, if your previous cards were two and four, an inside guess would mean betting on a two, three, or four appearing. If you’re right, your winnings increase to four times your original bet.
Final Round
The final round is the toughest, you must guess the suit of the last card drawn. While this is a 1 in 4 chance, paying attention to previously revealed suits can improve your odds. If you guess correctly, you win a massive 20 times your initial bet, meaning a $500 wager could turn into $10,000.
At any stage, you have the option to cash out and keep your winnings, making “Ride the Bus” one of the most strategic and lucrative games in the Casino. The key is knowing when to take risks and when to walk away with your earnings.
Tips
- Always be mindful of the Casino’s operating hours (4 PM to 5 AM) and the police curfew. Plan your visit carefully to avoid getting caught and losing your inventory. Manage your bankroll wisely, set limits on your bets, and know when to walk away with your winnings.
- Blackjack is one of the few games where strategy plays a major role. Learn when to hit, stand, or double down based on the dealer’s card and your hand. Avoid taking unnecessary risks, like hitting when you already have a strong hand.
- Slots are purely luck-based, so the best approach is to place smaller bets to maximize your playtime. Big payouts are rare, so it’s smarter to aim for frequent small wins rather than risking it all on a single spin.
- Since Ride the Bus involves multiple rounds, the biggest challenge is deciding when to stop. While the final round offers a massive payout, the risk of losing everything increases with each stage. If you’ve won a solid amount, consider cashing out rather than gambling it all on the last round.
