Tips to Help Have Fun in the Casino

 Tips to Help Have Fun in the Casino

Online casinos have made it far easier to play casino games whenever the mood strikes us. All we have to do is fire up the computer and we can be playing our favorite games within seconds. Improvements in technology allow us to play from our smartphones these days, so we can even do some gambling while on the move.


I've enjoyed playing casino games since before you could play on the web, and I love the convenience the online casinos offer. As a result, I play a lot more often than I ever used to when I had to actually leave the house and make a trip to a land-based casino.


Some years ago, I found myself getting a bit bored. At first I thought this was because I'd played regularly for so long, but I realized I'd actually lost sight of what I'd always liked most about playing casino games – the simple fact that they are a great deal of fun.


Playing had become something of a chore for me, and I was doing it more out of habit than anything else. So I got back to basics and thought about how I could get the fun factor back. I changed a few things and, sure enough, I started really enjoying myself again. I've never been bored playing casino games since.


The reason I'm sharing this with you is basically as a prelude for the rest of this article. At GamblingSitesOnline, we are not just about recommending the best places to bet and play, or helping you improve your gambling skills, but we also want to make sure you have fun. If an avid casino player like me can get bored of playing online, then it could happen to anyone.


So I decided to put this article together with a few tips on how to make sure your online casino experience is an entertaining and enjoyable one.


Appreciate Your Wins by Expecting To Lose

There are several things that we can all do to maximize our chances of winning money in the casino. We can make sure we practice good bankroll management, for example, and play games that have a small house edge. We can also use certain strategies that improve our overall chances.


What we can't do, however, is change the fact that the odds are ultimately stacked against us. If we are going to win, we need to get lucky. It's very important not to lose sight of this, because hoping to get lucky is a big part of what makes casino games exciting. That excitement diminishes somewhat if you start expecting to win.


It doesn't matter how good you are doing the right things; you should still expect to lose. As soon as you deposit your money online, you should consider that money spent. If you assume the worst, you won't be too disappointed if you do lose. On the other hand, if you get lucky, you'll really appreciate the win and will get the buzz that goes with it.


Focus on the Entertainment Factor

This advice follows directly from the above. You're very unlikely to make your fortune playing casino games, unless you land a big jackpot or go on an incredible winning streak. So the main reason you should play is because it's fun. Obviously the chance of winning adds to that fun, but there are much better forms of gambling if you are serious about trying to make consistent profits.


In addition to playing casino games, I also do a lot of sports betting and regularly play poker. Although I really enjoy both, they are more about making money than a form of entertainment. It's the other way around with casino games. These are very much a form of entertainment, and any money I win is just a bonus.


There's nothing wrong with doing whatever you can to win money in the casino. If you want to stick to the low house edge games and concentrate on implementing the right strategies, that's just fine. It's advisable, in fact, if you want the very best chance of winning, and it is perfectly possible to have fun using this approach.


By the same token, there is nothing wrong with playing the high house edge games and not thinking about strategy at all. You might be hurting your overall chances of winning money, but this is hardly an issue if you are still enjoying yourself.


What it comes down to is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to deciding which games to play and how to play them. There is plenty of advice available on this website if you want to learn about the best casino strategies, but it really doesn't matter if you don't. It's your money, and if you want to risk it without worrying about strategy, then that's entirely up to you.


The only caveat is that you have to make sure you gamble responsibly. Taking risks with money you can afford to lose is fine, but please don't ever use money that you need for other things.


Play Different Games

One of the main reasons I got bored playing online was that I was playing the same games. I would stick largely to blackjack and baccarat, primarily because I knew how best to play them and could make the right decisions on auto-pilot. They were also the games at which I'd had some of my biggest wins, which probably played a large part.


Back then, there wasn't anything like the selection of games that online casinos offer today, but there existed a fair amount of choice. There were plenty of other casino games I enjoyed, too; I just wasn't playing them very often. When I started playing a wider selection, I started having a lot more fun.


I still love blackjack and baccarat, and still play them regularly, but I also take full advantage of the huge range of games available online. I particularly enjoy trying new slot games and checking out the features they offer, and live dealer games are a real favorite of mine.


If you tend to stick to the same few games when playing online, then I would wholeheartedly recommend trying out something new every now and then. Variety is the spice of life!


Play at the Best Online Casinos

I'm a big fan of how much online casinos have developed over the years. Some of the early versions were perfectly playable, but they were somewhat basic compared to what's available these days. Today's leading online casinos are amazing, really, and they offer a fabulous all around experience.


I have played at many, many, online casinos over the years, and I can't stress enough just how much of a difference it makes to play at the best ones. The vast majority of places have been perfectly decent, and I've had very few really bad experiences, but there have been a handful of casinos that really stand out as top quality.


The benefits of playing at the very best casinos are numerous. For one thing, you don't have to worry at all about safety, as we're talking about very reputable and trustworthy operations. They are completely above board, they treat their customers fairly, and you can expect to get great service. They offer tons of different games, usually with great graphics, and tend to be generous with bonuses and rewards. All of this adds to the enjoyment of playing online.


If you're not happy with your current casino, or would simply like to try out some alternatives, you should take a look at our recommended online casinos. These have all been thoroughly tested and ranked based on several key factors.


Final Points

Remember that casino gambling is not a compulsory activity. If you do find that you are not really enjoying yourself, then you can always take a break. This is definitely something you should consider if you are getting frustrated when you lose, or are spending more money than you should.


Also, make sure that you withdraw after a good win. It can be very annoying if you end up giving everything back. I should know as I've done it myself on occasion! I now make sure to cash out when my balance gets above a certain point. If I've had a particularly good win, I make sure to buy myself a treat. Having something to actually show for playing casino games makes them even more enjoyable!

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Tips for Tipping

 Tips for Tipping

The question of whether or not to tip is probably on the minds of many people in the casino. At least, it should be. Casino employees provide a service the same as waitresses, valets, concierges, maids, and any other member of the service industry.


Nonetheless, there is a lot of confusion over the topic. At the end of the day, it is a personal choice, but there are some rules of thumb and some misconceptions that should be covered on when and how much to tip dealers and other casino employees.


Dealers

Dealers provide a service and depend on tips to make their living. Like many members of the service industry, their base salary is usually at or near minimum wage. When you don't tip, you are essentially stiffing them for the service they provide.


The difference between dealers and other service professionals is that dealers are responsible for taking your money after you lose. This can start to feel personal for many players. People on a run of bad luck may adopt the mindset that the casino has taken enough of their money, and there is no reason to tip on top of it.


This mindset is common, and dealers are accustomed to it. This is why most dealers actually want players to win. They don't work on commission, and their salary is independent on whether you win or lose. Their sole purpose is to deal efficiently. As long as the game is dealt in a professional and affable manner, your dealer should be tipped periodically regardless of whether or not you are winning.


How To

There are several ways to tip. The standard method is to give the chip/chips directly to your dealer before leaving the table. An alternative is to actually place a bet for the dealer. This can add more enjoyment to their job even if the bet loses. Of course, you are assuming the dealer likes to gamble, which is probably a fair assumption based on the dealers we have interviewed.


Whether you tip directly or place a wager, it may be a good idea to tip early. This can get the dealers on your side, which never hurts. While the dealer cannot actually influence the outcome, they can provide helpful reminders and advice in certain situations. For instance, the dealer can remind you if you forget to take odds on your pass line bet in Craps.


This concept holds especially true for cocktail service. Tipping your cocktail waitress early sets the tone that you appreciate her service, and she is likely to treat you as a priority. Even if the waitress is delayed in coming to take your initial order, you should tip as you normally would. She was probably very busy, and your tip could mean better service the second time around.


There is a mantra among service workers that the word "TIPS" is an acronym for the phrase: To Insure Proper Service. This means that tips should not be rewards, but necessary measures to make sure you receive the best service possible. Whether or not you agree, you might as well convey the correct tone by tipping right off the bat.


Amount

A lot of players base the amount they tip on how well they have been doing. This is fine, as long as it's a one way street: it is perfectly acceptable to tip more if you are winning big, but you should never tip less than you otherwise would if you go on a losing streak. You should set a minimum amount that you will tip and do so periodically.


The amount you tip casino dealers is really personal preference. There is no standard percentage as there is in the food service industry. One thing to keep in mind is that a dealer working at a $1 per hand blackjack table is doing the same amount of work as one at a $100 per hand table. Dealers at low-limit tables still deserve fair compensation for services rendered.


Having said this, most casinos pool the dealers' tips and split them evenly. If they didn't, employees dealing at high-limit tables would take in substantial earnings while low-limit table dealers would hardly scrape by. Pooling tips is a way to encourage dealers throughout the entire casino to provide professional and courteous service.


Gambling games that do not use a dealer may still require the service of a casino employee. For instance, when you win a slots jackpot or video poker hand over $1,200 (or lower at some casinos), an attendant will come to verify that you did indeed win. Winnings of this amount are subject to federal taxes and you will be given an IRS W-2G form to fill out before being paid by hand. The general consensus among players is that around one percent of the jackpot is an appropriate amount to tip the attendant. For a $1,200 jackpot, this would be $12.


Lastly, you should always tip your cocktail waitress. Too many people hear "free drinks" and completely ignore the notion of tipping. It is good practice to tip $1 per drink. Whether you order a mixed cocktail or a bottle of water, each beverage counts. You are tipping for the service provided, not the drink itself, and the type of drink you order does not influence how much space it takes up on the waitress's cocktail tray.


In conclusion, a little generosity can go a long way when it comes to tipping. You are obviously under no obligation to tip if you don't want to, but good service comes at a price. If you are unable or unwilling to tip, you may find online gambling sites and internet casinos to be a better option. Everything is automated and the software engineers certainly aren't expecting any sort of compensation from the consumer. If you would like to check out an online casino, visit our homepage via the link at the top.

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Online Casino Advantages

 Online Casino Advantages

Online gambling sites offer several advantages compared to their land based casino counterparts. Sure, the house has a slight advantage no matter where you gamble, but the live casino atmosphere ultimately sets you up for failure.


Many of the elements contributing to a player's losses in live casinos are reduced or even eliminated at online casinos. The house edge remains, of course, but there are plenty of other techniques designed to keep players gambling as long and as carelessly as possible that you won't find online.


Casino Currency

Casinos use chips rather than actual money, which dissociates the meaning of a dollar. You are much more likely to part with a hundred dollar chip than a hundred dollar bill.


On the other hand, the best casino websites list your bets in the currency you are used to. This lets you know exactly how much you have won or lost and can help you make smarter decisions about the amount of money you gamble.


Free Alcohol

Keep the drinks coming! Casinos are quick to offer free alcohol to their gamblers. Alcohol lowers your ability to reason, increases risk-taking behavior, and makes you more prone to error in strategy-based games.


Not many gambling sites push alcohol onto you. We strongly encourage you to avoid drinking when gambling, but even if you do decide to have a beer, there is no pressure to do so and you can stop gambling if you feel intoxicated. Besides, that beer isn't free.


Timelessness

Have you ever noticed there are no windows or clocks in the casino? This creates an atmosphere where time has no meaning, keeping players engaged much longer than they would be with a constant reminder of how long they have been gambling. There is also an issue of proximity; most people have to travel to reach their nearest casino and will thus spend more time gambling to make the trip "worthwhile." When you get dressed and travel to the nearest land based casino, chances are you will stay a while.


Time is not an issue with online gambling. When you gamble online, it is easy to sign into your favorite online casino site and play a few quick hands of blackjack. Furthermore, you can keep an eye on the clock when you gamble. It is best to set a predetermined amount of time you will spend at a particular casino game. Once the time has expired, walk away. You are never more likely to win just because you have been losing.


Sounds of Success

Casinos are full of ringing slot machines and screaming crowds of people. These are sounds that signal winning and give players a false hope that they may be next.


The atmosphere of online gambling is completely controlled by you. You can shut off the sound to your computer which will go a long way toward controlling your emotions and letting you think clearly.


Women

Every casino is full of beautiful women wearing next to nothing. They are meant to distract you. No, they are not interested in sleeping with you.


Despite many people's wishes, this is not an issue at internet casinos. With the exception of a girlfriend desperate to pull their significant other away from the computer, you won't be distracted by scantily clad women at online gambling sites.


Oxygen

Many casinos actually pump oxygen into the room to give you a slight high, which can exaggerate your sense of well-being and allow you to play longer. This is yet another distraction that can be avoided by gambling online instead of at a live casino.


The list goes on, but these are a few of the main reasons that online gambling sites can eliminate many of the factors against you at land based casinos. Remember that the odds are ultimately stacked against you no matter where you play, so always gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

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How to Deposit at Online Casino

 How to Deposit at Online Casino

Which deposit method offers the easiest way of funding your online casino account? Many options exist, including credit cards, debit cards, eWallets and wire transfers, each with their own set of pros and cons. Every country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to online gambling, so there is no single standard for determining the easiest method. For instance, US players are much more restricted in how they can fund their online casino accounts due to federal and state laws governing financial institutions, while UK players tend to have no trouble.


Below is a list of the most common methods for depositing money into your online casino player account. Some gambling sites actually offer extra bonus offers depending on which method you use.


Credit Cards

The most common method of depositing is through the use of credit cards. One major advantage is that they are easy to use; you simply go to your casino's cashier, enter your credit card information and the amount you wish to deposit, and the finds are instantly added to your account.


A disadvantage to credit cards is that there are often higher interest rates applied for gambling-related transactions. Furthermore, not all cards are accepted at every online casino. Accepted credit cards are usually clearly indicated under the site's depositing section. US players also face a unique set of challenges because their credit card companies may reject the transaction if it is clear that the funds are being used for an online casino account.


Debit Cards

Debit card deposits are becoming more standard, as they allow players to bypass the higher interest rates of credit cards. Debit cards are used often in the UK and Europe. Depositing and withdrawing money are much easier in these locations because online gambling is not only legal, but is actually regulated by the government.


One increasingly popular alternative to credit and debit cards is prepaid cards. These allow US players to avoid the restrictions of credit cards, and since you pay for them in advance, players can better control their spending.


eWallets

Electronic Wallets, or eWallets, are exactly as they sound. They are online accounts where your money is held and can be allocated elsewhere electronically. The draw of eWallets is their convenience. You can easily fund your player account, plus they don't charge excessive fees for using them at an online casino.


eWallets are usually free to open, but you will be charged a percentage of every transaction (something to keep in mind if you will be transferring large sums of money). Once you sign up for an account, you simply have to supply your bank account information, such as your account number and the bank's routing number. This will link your bank account to your online eWallet and allow you to easily transfer funds between the two. In a sense, eWallets can be viewed as a virtual middleman between your real world bank account and your online casino account.


Common eWallets include Neteller, Moneybookers and Click2Play. Many people also use NetPay, Central Coin, Payspark, Citadel and UseMyBank. PayPal is regaining popularity at online casino sites as well, but is limited primarily to players from countries where online gambling is legal, such as the UK. Due to the legal situation surrounding online gambling in the United States, most eWallets are no longer accepting USA players.


Bank Wire Transfer

Another option is to transfer money directly from your bank account to your online casino account. A couple disadvantages to wire transfers is that the money can take several days to arrive in your account. They also tend to have higher fees than other depositing methods. The nice thing is that if you have never performed a wire transfer before, your bank will walk you through the entire process, including any information you will need to obtain from the gambling site.


Wire transfers are not an option for USA players. Banks are regulated by the UIGEA, a 2006 federal statute that prohibited financial institutions from conducting transactions between US players and online gambling sites. The law is explained in more detail in our US Gambling Law section.


FAQ for US Players

Americans are more limited in their ability to fund their online casino account due to federal laws restricting financial institutions from accepting transactions to or from online gambling sites. This leaves USA players with a lot of questions, the most common of which are addressed below.


1. Can US players use credit cards to deposit at online casinos?


Some US players still have success with credit cards, but credit card companies fall under the umbrella of financial institutions restricted by the UIGEA of 2006. Your deposits will be hit-or-miss.


2. How long will deposits take to show up in my player account?


This depends on which online casino deposit method you use. The quickest is eWallets, but most of these no longer permit US players. Prepaid cards would be the next best option. Avoid bank wire transfers as they can take several days to show up in your account.


3. How can I ensure the safety of my deposit?


You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, since it is illegal to operate an internet casino within the United States, online gambling sites are located outside of the country and thus not subject to US jurisdiction. Your best bet is to stick with trustworthy websites that have well-established reputations of making secure financial transactions. The gambling sites recommended at GamblingSitesOnline.org are known for their solid reputations and we immediately remove any sites from our listings if we hear of any dishonest or questionable activity.


4. Is it illegal to deposit money at an online casino?


Online gambling is subject to both federal and state law. Federal law has restricted banks from allowing deposits, but has not restricted individuals from making them. If a financial institution mediates the transfer of funds to an online casino, the burden appears to be on them, not on you. Having said that, some states have implemented additional, more restrictive laws regarding online gambling. New York and Maryland are two such states. We recommend you check with your state's internet gambling laws before joining a casino site.


5. Can I withdraw money the same way I deposited it?


Some internet casinos will allow you to make withdrawals with the same method you used to make your deposit, but it is possible that you will have to receive your funds through a paper check.


In conclusion, most gambling websites offer a wide range of depositing methods. They want your money and are more than willing to assist you through the entire process. Don't hesitate to contact customer support to discuss the site's available methods and see which option works best for you. If you would like more information, be sure to check out our full range of online casino articles to learn more about gambling on the internet.

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What Are Random Number Generators?

 What Are Random Number Generators?

A large part of the appeal of casino games is their unpredictable nature. Although each game has a house edge that ensures it wins in the long run, it is far from certain that a player will lose each and every time. Certain outcomes are more likely than others, but it is perfectly possible to win because each is entirely random.


In a land-based casino, most games are naturally random. For example, the particular compartment of a roulette wheel in which the ball ends up effectively comes down to physics. The same is true for what number shows after the roll of the dice. The order in which cards appear is randomized through shuffling.


Online casinos have to somehow replicate this natural randomness artificially in order to provide an experience as close as possible to a real casino. This is done through the use of random number generators (RNGs), which also help to ensure that the games are fair.


On this page we explain how these RNGs work and the benefits they provide to casinos and their players.


How RNGs Work

The games you play at online casinos are all powered by fairly hi-tech software. Regardless of which casino you play at, the software used will contain some programming code that continuously generates strings of random numbers. This code is essentially what constitutes an RNG.


Any time the software needs to produce a specific outcome, such as the result of a spin of a roulette wheel, it will use one of the randomly generated numbers to determine what it should be. This is a very simplified explanation of how things work, but it should give you the basic idea.


The code that generates the random numbers has to be very complicated. Strictly speaking, computers are not able to reproduce true randomness; there will always be some kind of pattern. By making the code complex enough, any pattern that develops should be unrecognizable.


Generally speaking, each number, or sequence of numbers, is influenced by what is known as a seed. The seed is also random, which ensures an RNG is sufficiently randomized to serve its required purpose.


RNGs & Probability

Roulette wheels, decks of cards, and dice do not have memory. Each result is entirely independent of previous results. They will always produce the expected results in the long run because of the laws of probability, but there can be significant statistical variance short term.


For example, if you roll a dice 6 million times, you would expect to see each of the six numbers come up close to 1 million times. If you roll it just six times, however, it is far from certain you would see each come up once.


By using RNGs, casino software produces outcomes that are not based on previous ones, which is exactly how it is in a real casino. If black came up 6 times in a row on an online roulette wheel, it would no more or less be likely to come up black again on the next spin.


It's the random nature of casino games that causes statistical variance, which is what ultimately makes it possible to overcome the house edge short term and actually win money. Therefore, RNGs are entirely necessary for an online casino to provide a realistic experience.


How RNGs Protect Online Casinos

RNGs not only ensure realistic games, but they also protect online casinos in a couple of ways. First, they make it possible for them to prove they are providing fair games. One of the biggest reasons why some people are put off playing online is a concern about fairness, and it is a quite common fear that online casinos in some way cheat players.


Most online casinos (and certainly the reputable ones) are licensed by a gaming authority. In order to maintain their license, they usually have to be subjected to a software audit by a third party. These software auditors test RNGs and make sure they are performing as they should. If a casino can demonstrate they are using an effective RNG in the correct way, this confirms that their games are fair.


Effective RNGs can also protect online casinos against being cheated themselves. As mentioned earlier, 100% randomness cannot be reproduced artificially, and some form of pattern will always develop. If a casino uses an RNG that is not randomizing sufficiently to make patterns unrecognizable, then it could possibly be exploited. Any player clever enough to spot a pattern could, theoretically, be able to predict the outcome of games. Such a scenario would obviously have the potential to be very expensive for an online casino.


Hopefully, it should now be clear what RNGs are, how they work, and why they are used. You don't really need to know any of this to enjoy playing at online casinos, but at the very least it may put your mind at ease if you have any concerns about whether they are fair.

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The Importance of Discipline

 The Importance of Discipline

It's an unavoidable fact that the vast majority of people who play casino games lose money in the long run. Most people accept this fact and realize that they need a bit of luck on their side if they are to overcome the house edge and win.


This is exactly what makes playing casino games so much fun for so many. People enjoy the thrill of not knowing what's going to happen and putting their hopes on chance moving in their favor. However, there are more factors than just luck involved in determining whether players win or lose.


You will ultimately need some good luck if you are going to win, but there are also certain things you can do to improve your overall chances. For starters, learning the correct strategies definitely helps. Staying disciplined also means a great deal, and in our view is the best way to maximize your chances of being a winner in the casino.


On this page, we explain why discipline is so important and how you can use it to your advantage in the casino.


The House Edge, Probability & Luck

Before we get into the importance of discipline, we explain exactly why casino players are generally destined to lose. We will also explain why it is also possible to win.


Players are expected to lose because of the house edge. The house has a small edge in all casino games; and even if you use the perfect strategy each and every time you play, the odds are always against you. In the long run, the inevitable laws of probability dictate that the house edge will play its part and you will lose.


On the positive side, probability evens itself out over the very long run. For example, if you spin a roulette wheel 10 million times, it is very likely that the number of times red comes up would be very close to the number of times black comes up. Over just 100 spins, however, it's perfectly possible that red could come up a lot more than black.


Thus it is possible to win. If you happen to be betting on red for 100 spins, and it comes up 65 times, then you would win some money (assuming you were betting the same amount each time). It could also come up black 65 times, of course, meaning you would lose.


These scenarios highlight the role luck plays. In one scenario, you got lucky and won, and in the other you've got unlucky and lost. The outcome comes entirely down to chance and is completely beyond your control.


What you do have control over is how much you stake and which bets you place. This is where discipline comes in.


Discipline & Your Stakes

Discipline helps you in the casino in a number of ways. The most significant, in our view, is when it comes to managing your money. Good money management is not always easy to do, but it is an important skill in pretty much all forms of gambling.


One of the biggest mistakes you can possible make when gambling is to chase your losses. This can be very, very tempting when you're playing casino games and things aren't going your way; but it is something you should absolutely try to avoid at all costs. Chasing losses can turn a bad session into a disastrous one.


It's easier said than done, but you have to stay disciplined if you are on a losing streak. They can last for a very long time; and if you keep increasing your stakes, you could end up losing everything. With higher stakes, you allow yourself the chance of winning back your losses more quickly, but you are actually giving yourself less of a chance of turning things around.


Let's use roulette as an example once again. Imagine you have $100 with which to bet and are betting $2 a spin on red. After a number of spins, you find yourself down $30 with $70 left. If you decide to chase your losses and up your stakes to $10 a spin, you could lose your remaining $70 in just seven more spins if you get really unlucky.


However, if you decide to keep going at $2 a spin, you have a minimum of 35 more for your luck to change. This is a very basic example, but it should serve to demonstrate why chasing your losses is a bad idea. If you can stay disciplined, then you are much less likely to blow through your entire bankroll.


Discipline is also important when you're on a winning streak. It can be very tempting to start betting a lot more when you're getting lucky, as you may feel like your good streak will last forever. The truth is, of course, that it won't. There is nothing wrong with increasing your stakes a bit if you are winning, but you have to be disciplined enough not to go crazy. You should also drop your stakes down again if your luck takes a turn for the worse.


Discipline & Your Strategy

We've already mentioned how learning and using good strategies can help improve your chances of winning. A strategy is only good if you are disciplined enough to stick to it. Sometimes it can be tempting to deviate from correct strategy on a hunch, or because you want to try for a bigger win; but this is rarely a good idea.


Regardless of what casino game you are playing, you should always try and stick to the best possible strategy. Making the "wrong" decision can win you money upon occasion, but you will usually be better off in the long run if you apply the correct strategy.


Discipline & Knowing When to Stop

To stop playing at the right time takes a great deal of discipline. If you are winning, it's probably going to be tempting to keep going to try and win even more. If you're losing, you may well want to play until you've made some kind of recovery. Having the discipline to walk away at the right time, however, will be of great benefit over time.


The best way to do this in our opinion is to simply set some limits. Once you have lost a certain amount, you stop. Once you have won a certain amount, you stop. It doesn't matter, within reason, what these limits actually are – but you should try and stick to them. This way you can prevent yourself from losing more money than you can afford and should walk away with some profit from time to time.


Final Points

It's not easy to master the art of staying disciplined, but it is something you should definitely try to do. Even good discipline won't guarantee winning, but we believe that it does give you a much better chance in the casino. At the very least it will help minimize the amount you lose. It will also help ensure that you get far more enjoyment out of playing.


If you can fight the urge to chase your losses when things are going against you and can make sure that you only ever gamble with money you are willing to lose, then you should never get into any kind of difficulty.


Likewise, if you can resist the temptation of increasing your stakes dramatically during a winning streak and learn to quit when you are ahead, you can reduce the risk of giving everything back when you do get lucky.

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Top 5 Casino Hotels

 Top 5 Casino Hotels

If you like to gamble and enjoy traveling, a casino vacation at a luxury resort provides the best of both worlds. These upscale destinations offer more than merely table games and slot machines; they provide extravagant pampering, world-class restaurants, and exceptional entertainment. Our top five casino hotels represent the best gambling destinations worldwide. Some of these are no-brainers, but a few of them may surprise you.


1. Trump Taj Mahal (Atlantic City)

The name Trump is synonymous with grandeur, and the stereotype certainly holds true for Atlantic City's Taj Mahal. From the second you enter this 51-story casino hotel you are showered in extravagance. Visitors are greeted by the famous Austrian crystal chandelier, setting the tone for a luxurious stay in one of the 2,010 rooms, many of which have Atlantic Ocean views.


The casino gambling amenities include everything one would expect at such a hotel, with an exclusive section for high limit betting. When you're not gambling, you can relax in the spa, indulge in gourmet dining, or shop in one of the many boutiques. The entire property is nothing short of impressive.


2. The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino (Las Vegas)

It's about time Las Vegas showed up on the list. The Palazzo is actually connected to The Venetian, its sister property, by the Grand Shoppes arcade. Nevertheless, this European-inspired casino hotel offers lavish amenities all on its own, while maintaining an elegant shoppe-like atmosphere not often found in Las Vegas.


Gamblers will rejoice in The Palazzo's lush casino features. In addition to a vast array of casino games, there is a both a sportsbook and racebook, along with an enormous 112,000 square-foot poker room with an exclusive high limit section where players can take advantage of butler service.


When you're not gambling, retreat to your extravagant suite, or visit one of the world renowned dining venues, which include Emeril Lagasse's Table 10, Wolfgang Puck's CUT, and Mario Batali's Carnevino. No matter what your preference, you will not go wrong in Las Vegas at the Palazzo.


3. The Ritz-Carlton (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

If you fancy the beach, our number three hotel casino will not disappoint. The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan combines tropical paradise with casino gambling in a modern, yet laidback estate on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Gamblers will delight in everything from blackjack, roulette and baccarat, to over 340 slot machines and more.


When you're not gambling in the casino, you can put your feet up at the scenic pool or indulge in some fine dining. The island also offers various attractions, including the El Yunque Rainforest, the El Morro Fortress, and the Bacardi Rum distillery. Overall, you get exactly what you expect from the Ritz-Carlton: elegance and class.


4. Marina Bay Sands (Singapore)

Marina Bay Sands exquisitely combines casino attractions with art and history. The resort is truly extraordinary, with a stunning infinity pool towering over the city, a Banyan Tree spa, and a spectacular museum with an eighteenth-century France inspired exhibit. Theatre-lovers will relish their Broadway productions and artistic installations. Restaurateurs will also have their expectations exceeded with some of the best dining worldwide, including Mario Butali's Osteria Mozza and Wolfgang Puck's CUT.


And the casino you ask? It's top notch. Players will find nearly 500 table games and over 2,300 slot machines, all radiating extravagance. If you like gambling, fine dining, and art and history, Marina Bay Sands is a must-see.


5. Foxwoods Resort Casino (Mashantuchet, Connecticut)

Rounding out the list is North America's largest casino resort: Foxwoods. This expansive property is owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and encompasses six casinos, two championship golf courses, and an impressive 38 restaurants. Among the dining choices is Tom Colicchio's steakhouse Craftsteak. You will also find multiple spas, nightclubs, comedy clubs, shops, and even a bowling alley.


Of course, they excel in their primary goal: to provide gambling accommodations. Their casinos are among the best, and gamblers will feel right at home in venues such as the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. If you're looking to gamble and want the total pampering package, Foxwoods Resort will not disappoint.


Honorable Mention: Ibiza Gran Hotel (Spain)

Ibiza is known for its tourist attractions and vivacious nightlife, making it the perfect setting for a casino hotel. The Ibiza Gran Hotel takes an approach very much the opposite of most gambling sites: subdued and classy. Favoring an understated style and sophistication, Casino de Ibiza is the perfect fit for the Ibiza Gran Hotel.


The resort overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and Old Town, a perfect backdrop to showcase its soothing design and modern artwork collection. During the day, you can spoil yourself at their full-service spa or simply relax at the pool. As far as gambling goes, the casino hosts a wide variety of gaming options and poker tournaments that make this hotel a worthy honorable mention.

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Casino Etiquette

 Casino Etiquette

There are various rules of behavior, or casino etiquette, expected on the gambling floor. There are correct ways to buy chips, place your bets, and cash out. Unless you have gambling experience, casino etiquette can seem daunting, and this article is intended to walk you through the proper way to act at any major casino.


Navigating the Casino

Casinos can be overwhelming to the newcomer. Many of us wander around the fast-paced floor confused, while massive crowds of people all seem to know exactly what they're doing. What's more, there is the constant watch of surveillance cameras, security detail, pit bosses and dealers compounding the pressure.


Before you ever join a game, you should be aware of both the written rules and general expectations of casino gambling. The most basic principle is not to be a disruption. Do not stand awkwardly in the way while you try to get your bearings; stay discretely off to the side as to minimize both your pressure and other people's frustration.


Don't hesitate to ask if the casino offers gaming instructions. Many casinos will actually provide guided how-to tutorials of major games during specific times of the day. Some casinos even have play money tables, where you can learn the game rules and how to play without wagering real money.


Cell Phones and Cameras

There are specific guidelines surrounding the use of electronics. In general, the use of personal electronics is not encouraged, and cell phones and pagers are strictly prohibited while seated at a casino game or present at a sports book. In fact, major casinos typically have thick walls that block cell reception.


Taking pictures is also discouraged. There was a day when casinos strictly forbade the use of cameras, though this is no longer the case. The no-camera rule was initially implemented to protect player privacy, but as the negative stigma surrounding gambling dissipated, so did the rule's enforcement. Nevertheless, casinos are still a bit camera-shy.


Joining the Games

Stepping up to a video poker or slot machine won't exacerbate an anxiety attack, but not all games are so simple. Table games such as blackjack and craps have specific rules of etiquette that must be followed.


You treat joining a casino game the same way you would merge with traffic: the goal is to enter without affecting other drivers. It may be beneficial to observe the table for a few minutes before sitting gown. This will help you "get up to speed" with the procedures and avoid disrupting the game when joining. When you do join, the first thing you should do is take note of the small placard stating the betting minimum and maximum for the table. If you have a drink or an ash tray, only place them in the designated areas indicated on the table. If none exist, ask the dealer; do not just set them down.


Buying Chips

There is a right and a wrong way to buy chips at the table. Money should be placed on the table between you and the dealer; dealers cannot accept money that is handed to them. When you first sit down, do not buy in until the current hand ends. Chips should only be bought or cashed between hands.


Once you have chips, know their values. You may ask a dealer to make change for a larger value chip, but never ask him or her to trade small chips for large ones unless you are cashing out.


Placing Your Bet

Table games have designated areas for placing your bet. You should place chips you intend to wager in the center of the designated area so it is clear they are in play. Once your chips are in play, do not touch them again.


Refrain from placing your next bet until all of the previous round's winnings have been collected from the table. Likewise, do not collect your winnings until all players have been paid.


Whether you are betting or collecting chips, there should never be a situation in which you are required to reach across the table. If you cannot reach something, ask the dealer. You may ask other players if you feel comfortable, but if another player asks you to do anything involving their chips, slide them, rather than pick them up, so it is clear you did not take any.


Handling Cards

Once the bets are placed and the hand commences, there are additional guidelines to which you should adhere. A general rule of thumb with card games is: Never touch your cards if they are dealt face up.


If the cards are dealt face down, only touch them using one hand; you will be harshly corrected if you use two hands. Avoid bending or folding the cards. This is a strict rule in place to prevent players from marking the cards. Lastly, once the first card is dealt, never touch your bet.


Signaling

Certain casino games require the use of hand signals to indicate how you wish to play your cards. Verbal instruction can be misheard, so you will have to use these signals. Blackjack is one such game, and below you will find the hand signals when the cards are dealt either face up or face down.


Keep your hands in view, on or above the table, at all times to avoid drawing the attention of security.


Cashing Out

You should only cash out between hands. When you are ready to cash out, arrange your chips in orderly stacks and allow the dealer to count them. Once you receive your money, it is improper to count at the table in the open. Not only is this poor etiquette, but it draws unnecessary attention to you.


Tipping

While tipping is not a requirement, it is good practice. The amount you tip is a judgment call, but should not be dependent on you winning. The dealer is paid an hourly rate that is independent of whether you win or lose, and gratuity should be based solely on services rendered. Of course, no dealer will shy away from a larger tip if you win big.


In addition to tipping the dealers, be sure to tip the cocktail waitresses. Standard protocol is to tip $1 per drink, and this includes water. This small generosity is a mainstay of proper casino etiquette. Check out the recommended readings below or return to our article index for a complete list of casino articles.

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Live Dealer Games

 Live Dealer Games

Most of us at GamblingSitesOnline have been involved with online gambling one way or another for many years. One of the most exciting aspects of our involvement has been watching how gambling sites have developed since the early versions. In terms of quality and the features on offer, the modern sites have come a very long way.


The evolution of online casinos has been especially interesting, and the top casinos these days provide a truly excellent gaming experience. One development in particular has provided a completely new way to play casino games online, and that is live dealer games.


Live dealer games have made playing over the Internet about as close to playing in a real casino as it possibly could be. They have proved to be hugely popular with many players; and if you haven't tried them yet, you really should consider giving them a go.


In this article, we explain how live dealer games work and look at the differences between them and traditional online casino games.


How Live Dealer Games Work

The way live dealer games work is actually very straightforward. Online casinos that offer them use real casino equipment and human dealers to run certain games. These are played in exactly the same way as they would in a real casino, with all the action broadcast over the web in real time.


You can play them using your computer. You get to place bets and make decisions in the usual way and watch as the dealers act accordingly. Everything is streamed directly through your web browser; and at some sites, you can even chat with the dealers and other players.


Live dealer games basically bring the real life casino experience right into your home. Unlike traditional online casino games, your luck is not determined by a random number generator, but by the truly random nature of cards, dice, and roulette wheels. All that is missing is someone to come and take your drink order!


Which Games Can You Play?

Most live dealer casinos currently offer only a few games, although it is reasonable to expect that more will be available in the near future. The most commonly offered games at this moment in time are:


Blackjack

Roulette

Baccarat

Sic Bo

You may find some casinos that have a few other games as well, but most of them tend to stick with the ones listed above largely because they are the easiest to operate.


Live Dealer Games vs Traditional Online Games

In practical terms, there are not many differences between playing live dealer and traditional online games. They both work in essentially the same way, and you have the same chance of winning. However, there are a few key differences that may affect which you prefer to play.


Game Availability


Live dealer casinos only have a limited number of tables, so there may be occasions when you can't get a seat. This is just like in a real casino, of course, but it can be a little frustrating if you have to wait a while before being able to join in. This is not an issue with traditional online games as there are unlimited tables running at any given time.


Speed of Play


One of the big advantages of playing online games is the speed of play. Typically it will be a lot faster than playing live, and this appeals to many players. With live dealers, things slow down a bit, so this may not be ideal if you like to play at a fast pace.


Overall Experience


The above points highlight a couple of the negative aspects of playing with live dealers, but they are pretty minor all things considered. The main advantage of live dealer games is the overall experience they offer. In our opinion, it is simply that much more enjoyable since you feel far more involved than when playing the graphic-based equivalents.


Social Aspect


We mentioned earlier how some sites offer the ability to chat with dealers and other players. This may not be what you are interested in, but it does add a little something. Gambling can be a lot more fun if you get to have a laugh and a joke with others now and then.


Trust Issue


Some players find it difficult to fully trust the outcome of online casino games. Even though they have nothing to worry about if they are using a reputable casino, it is not all uncommon for players to fear that the games may be manipulated or fixed in some way. With live dealer games, this is not an issue at all, as you get to see the action unfold right before your eyes.

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Bonuses at Online Casinos

 Bonuses at Online Casinos

How can online casinos compete with the electric environments of Las Vegas and Atlantic City? Bonus money. You may not find the flashing lights and ringing jackpots of a live casino, but casino sites offer a wide range of bonus promotions to draw new players.


As far as these sites are concerned, bonuses are investments just like the free hotel rooms, drinks, and coupons offered by their land based counterparts. Online casinos compete among one another to bring players to their website and keep them gambling. The end result is increasingly lucrative bonuses.


Sign-Up Bonus

The Sign-Up Bonus, also known as a Welcome Bonus or New Player Bonus, is the bread and butter of online casino promotions. They are meant to entice new players into registering and depositing at their site and are typically the most generous offers available. Sing-up bonuses come in the form of Percentage or Match Bonuses, or a combination of the two.


Percentage

These promotions are straightforward. With a Percentage Bonus, the casino site will pay you an additional portion of your deposit. For example, if a website offers a bonus of 50% and you deposit $200, an additional $100 will be added to your account. Percentage Bonuses are often combined with Match Bonuses.


Match

A bonus of 100% is known as a Match Bonus. With these offers, the casino website will match your deposit dollar for dollar, usually up to a certain maximum amount. For instance, a Match Bonus of $50 means that you will be credited $100 for a $50 deposit ($50 + $50). Many sites actually combine percentage and match bonuses, which will read something like: 50% up to $250. This means the casino will match your deposit at fifty cents on the dollar up to a maximum amount of $250 in bonus money. In this example, you would reach your maximum allowable sign-up bonus with a $500 deposit.


No Deposit

If you find a No Deposit Bonus, take it. These are offered by gambling sites as a way of playing their casino games risk-free. While you won't be able to cash out the bonus money itself, you can actually win real money while playing.


Reload

A reload bonus is intended to keep players gambling at a particular website. They follow the same basic principle as the sign-up bonus, but are applied to subsequent deposits. Reload Bonuses vary widely from casino to casino, but will usually be in the form of a Percentage Deposit Bonus or a Match Deposit Bonus.


Loyalty

The Loyalty Bonuses are designed for players who have been with the casino over an extended period of time, and are another means of incentivizing players to continue gambling. They often come in the form of VIP programs and loyalty rewards clubs. You will automatically be enrolled in these programs, and will earn points as you continue to make deposits and gamble at the site. The more points you earn, the higher you climb in VIP status, where you will earn more lucrative rewards.


High Roller

The High Roller Bonus is meant for players who make large deposits. They typically include a healthy Percentage Bonus for players who deposit more than $500. By now, you may have noticed the casinos' trend of incentivizing players to spend more money.


Preferred Deposit

Online casinos provide a wide range of depositing and withdrawal options. Some sites try to steer players toward using a certain payment method by offering an extra percentage bonus for anyone who deposits using the preferred method. These are known as Preferred Deposit Bonuses, and the idea is that the casino saves on fees by utilizing the least costly method of depositing and passes the savings onto the player.


Cash Back

The Cash Back Bonus is unique. The basic concept is that players recuperate some of their gambling losses. Cash Back Bonuses can go a long way toward lengthening the amount of play your money buys you at the casino. Here's how it works: if you lose $400 and are on a 25% Cash Back Bonus, you would get $100 back. These bonuses only apply to losses and are not awarded on a positive account balance.


Refer-A-Friend

Do you know someone who would like to gamble online? Gambling sites are constantly trying to recruit new players, and you can take advantage of this bonus by referring someone to your online casino. You will receive a free bonus each time you refer a friend to the site.


Bonus Requirements

Bonus offers are not synonymous with free money. Players are usually required to fulfill a series of play-through requirements, also known as wagering requirements, to clear the bonus to their account. Play-through requirements consist of a minimum amount of money that must be wagered, usually expressed as an increment of your deposit amount. These are not difficult to meet, but you should always read the terms and conditions to learn the requirements of the bonus.


Did you find this article helpful? Have a look at all of our Casino Articles to learn more about gambling online.

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Popular Betting Strategies

 Popular Betting Strategies

There are hundreds of betting strategies out there claiming to beat the casino odds and guarantee success. While they may seem promising at first glance, the fact is you cannot overcome the house edge. Whether you play at a live casino or online gambling sites, the house will always have the advantage.


Below we have identified several of the most popular betting strategies and explained the flaws behind each one. It is important to note that people do win in casino games while implementing these strategies, but their success is a result of luck, not the betting system.


Gambler's Fallacy

The Gambler's Fallacy is one of the most common theories in the gambling industry. The belief is that the more an expected event fails to occurs, the more likely it is to occur in the future. For example, if a coin is flipped repeatedly and lands on heads five times in a row, the Gambler's Fallacy predicts that there is an increased likelihood of the next flip landing tails. This theory is false.


The Gambler's Fallacy is typically applied to casino games like roulette and craps. Every spin in roulette, and every roll of the dice in craps, is an independent action; the result of one turn has no influence over the result of another. The Gambler's Fallacy was made famous in the Monte Carlo Casino, where a roulette wheel had 26 black spins in a row in 1913. While this was an incredibly rare occurrence, the 27th spin had the same chance of landing red as the first spin.


Martingale System

This strategy is a specific betting system, rather than a gambling theory. The Martingale works by doubling each bet you place until you eventually win. The idea is that statistically you are bound to win eventually, and doing so will reclaim all of your losses plus a profit equal to your initial bet.


For example, if you start with an initial bet of $5 and lose, you increase your bet to $10. Your next bet would be $20, followed by $40. You continue this sequence until you win. Let's say you won after your $40 bet and the payout was 1:1; you would win $80 after wagering a total of $75 ($5 + $10 + $20 + $40), yielding a $5 profit.


The problem with the Martingale System is that a win may not occur for an extended period of time, if it occurs at all. As you can see, the bets add up very quickly. A $5 bet on a game with 1/10 odds of winning would mean you would statistically have to bet $5,115 total to cover your losses and win your initial $5 bet. Unless you have an unlimited bankroll and there is no table limit for a single bet (which there often is), you stand the potential for a devastating loss with the Martingale System.


Fibonacci System

The Fibonacci Betting System dates back nearly 900 years. This strategy follows the same principle as the Martingale, but is a more gradual approach. Rather than doubling each sequential bet, the following algorithm is used:


Fibonacci Algorithm: 1-1-2-3-5-8-13-21-34, etc.


In this series, each bet equals the sum of the two previous bets. Players continue through the progression after every loss, but jump back two spaces after a win. For example, a $13 win would mean your next bet is $5.


Using the Fibonacci betting strategy, losses are reclaimed two at a time. The system ends when the player has returned to the original bet and won. The Fibonacci is flawed for the same reasons as the Martingale, although the gradual approach helps limit the size of your losses.


Paroli System

The Paroli betting strategy differs from any of the above systems. The Paroli is intended to take advantage of hot streaks and typically results in short terms losses with the occasional big win. Players increase bets by a predetermined amount for a predetermined number of winning wagers. For example, a 1-2-3-6 sequence might be used.


Players should place even-money bets (ones that payout 1:1) and only progress through the system after a win. Anytime a loss occurs, the system restarts. If four bets are won in a row, the player pockets the money and restarts the system. Results from the Paroli system look like this:


Lose bet one or two: 1 credit loss

Lose bet three or four: break even

Win all four bets: 12 credit total win (12:1 overall payout)


In order for this Paroli progression to work, a player must win four bets in a row before sustaining 12 one-credit losses. Mathematically, this is not the case. The actually calculations depend on the game odds, but an even-money bet in European roulette (red/black, even/odd, high/low) for instance would give the ratio of one 12:1 winning sequence per every 13.6 single credit losses.


Final Thoughts

These are just four common betting strategies, but the list goes on. The house edge is an inherent part of every casino game, and merely altering the way bet on these games will not affect the overall outcome. The best betting strategy you can use is a good awareness of the odds, game rules, and payout ratios of every gambling game you play.

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Probability in Gambling

 Probability in Gambling

Probability is the likelihood that something will happen. It is measured as a number between zero and 1, where zero denotes impossibility and 1 denotes certainty. In other words, the higher the probability, the more certain the event will happen: a nice thing to know when gambling.


The probability that event X will occur is expressed as P(X). The probability that event X will not occur is expressed as P(not X) = 1 - P(X), and is known as the complement or opposite of event X. If two events X and Y occur together, it is referred to as intersection or joint probability of X and Y, indicated as P(X and Y). Throughout this article, we'll incorporate casino-related examples to illustrate how probability influences gambling.


Casino Applications

Probability is the essence of gambling. Casinos contain fixed conditions with random outcomes, so your chance of winning is easily calculable. The catch is that payout rates tend to correlate with your odds of winning; the better your odds, the lower the payout.


In any event, casinos tend to pay out slightly lower than the inverse probability. For example, if you have 1-in-5 chance of winning your bet (probability = 0.2), the casino may only payout 4:1 (instead of 5:1). The difference is referred to as the house edge, and it is how casinos and gambling sites make their money.


This article focuses on probability, but you should always factor in the payout and house edge when deciding whether or not to place a bet. A decent shot at winning does not translate to a worthwhile wager. For a list of common casino games and their respective rules, head over to our games page.


Dice

Common Games: Craps


Probability is usually easy to calculate in dice games. Each die can yield six outcomes (1-2-3-4-5-6). The probability of any single number landing on a six-sided die is 1/6, but as the number of dice increases the probabilities are no longer equal. For the purpose of this article, we'll look at Craps which uses two dice.


When two dice are used, there are 36 possible combinations that can result in any of 11 numbers between two and twelve. However, not every number has a probability of 1/11. For instance, there are six combinations that will produce the number seven (1-6, 2-5, 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, 6-1), making a 7 the most likely number to be rolled (probability = 1/6). Nevertheless, betting on the number seven in Craps carries a substantial house edge and the bet is best avoided.


If we look at the most popular bet, the Pass Line Bet, the probability is two-fold. The first roll, called the come-out roll, establishes the point. The exception is if a 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12 are rolled. A 7 or 11 will result in an automatic win. Since these numbers represent mutually exclusive events, it is called the union of these events and the probability is expressed as P(7 or 11) = P(7 U 11) = P(7) + P(11). We established that the probability of rolling a seven is 6/36. There are two combinations (5-6, 6-5) that will produce an eleven, which gives a probability of 2/36. So the probability of winning your wager on the come-out roll is P(7) + P(11) = 6/36 + 2/36 = 8/36.


If a 2, 3 or 12 are rolled, you automatically lose your bet. The probability of losing is thus P(2) + P(3) + P(12) = 1/36 + 2/36 + 1/36 = 4/36. Any other number establishes the point, and the game continues. This is the most likely result (probability = 36/36 - 8/36 - 4/36 = 24/36, or 2/3). Once the point is established, subsequent rolls take place until the result is either the point (win your bet) or a seven (lose your bet). At this stage, no matter what the point may be you are more likely to lose your bet than win.


Cards

Common Games: Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat


Card games such as Blackjack and Baccarat are fairly straightforward, since only the value of the card matters, and not the suit. Games such as Poker are much more challenging when it comes to calculating probability. To simply things, we will look strictly at the probability of the hand you are dealt.


When a single card is dealt, the value and suit are not mutually exclusive. The probability is expressed as P(V or S) = P(V) + P(S) - P(V and S). For example, when you are dealt a single card from a normal deck of cards, the odds of that card being a face card (J-Q-K), a spade, or both is 12/52 + 13/52 - 3/52 = 11/26, since the 52-card deck has twelve face cards, thirteen spades, and three that are both. The three that are both are included in each the twelve face cards and the thirteen spades, but you should only count them once.


If you were looking specifically at a single card being dealt, say the Ace of hearts, you would apply joint probability: P(A and H) = P(A)P(H). Thus, your odds of your first card being the Ace of hearts are 4/52 x 13/52 = 1/52. Once a card is dealt, it is no longer available as an outcome and must be subtracted from the total remaining cards. For instance, if you were dealt four cards that contained one Ace and four hearts, the chance of being dealt another Ace OR heart would be 3/48 + 9/48 = 1/4. In this case, we do not have to account for the Ace of hearts since it has already been dealt.


Numbers and Symbols

Common Games: Roulette, Slots, Keno, Bingo


The most basic gambling probabilities come in the form of numbers and symbols. You simply divide the number of desired events by the number of total events. For example, the chance of a European Roulette wheel landing on black would be 18/37. If you want calculate the chance of hitting the jackpot on a slot machine, you would apply joint probability. A three-reel slot machine with ten symbols per reel would give you 1/10 x 1/10 x 1/10 = 1/1,000 chance of hitting the jackpot. The same basic principles can be applied throughout the casino.


In conclusion, probability is a key component of both live casinos and online gambling sites. If you would like to learn more, check out another article or head to our homepage to try your luck at the top-rated worldwide gambling websites. Always remember to please gamble responsibly, and never risk more money than you can afford to lose.

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Casino Gambling Terms - The House Edge

 Casino Gambling Terms - The House Edge

The casino house edge is the best indicator for deciding which casino games offer the best odds for gamblers. In order to understand the house edge, we must look at other common gambling terms like the payout ratio and game odds. These are all factored together to determine the house edge and hold.


What do these terms mean? They can seem a bit confusing to the newcomer, so we have described each one below with examples of how they are calculated.


Payout

The payout ratio, often just called the payout, refers to the amount of money, relative to your initial bet, that will be rewarded upon a win. For example, a gambling event may payout 5:1. This means that a $1 winning wager would profit $5 with a $6 total payout.


The potential profit of any bet can be calculated from the payout ratio using the following formula:


Profit = [(a + b) x wager] - wager; where the payout ratio is a:b


Win Rate

The win rate is the same thing as the odds of winning and is usually reported as a fraction or percentage. For example, in craps there are two dice rolled and 36 possible combinations. Six of these combinations would produce a seven, making there a 6/36 or 16.67% chance that betting on a seven would win.


*Note: the odds are a fixed mathematical certainty and do not change based on previous outcomes. Popular gambling theory like the Gambler's Fallacy suggests an expected outcome that does not occur is more likely to occur in the future. This is not true; every turn is an independent event.


House Edge

The house edge is the casino's advantage and will give you the best measure of the overall game odds. The payout and win rate are both taken into account when determining the house edge. The easiest way to explain it is to show an example.


In single-zero roulette, there are 36 numbered slots on the wheel and one green slot, making 37 slots total. The green slot is what gives the casino its advantage. The payout ratio is determined using the following formula:


36/n, where n = numbers that define a win.


For example, betting on numbers 1-12 means there are 12 possible numbers that would win; n = 12. The payout is calculated by 36/12 = 3; the payout ratio is 3:1.


Next, you determine the expected return. The expected return is simply 36/37 but can be applied to each bet using the formula:


(n/37) x (payout) = average return, or (n/37) x (36/n) = average return.


As long as n is greater than 0 (remember, n = numbers that define a win), the average return is always less than 1, in this case 36/37, or 0.973. This does not change with any bet in roulette, although it can be bet-specific in casino games like craps. At some online casino sites and gambling websites you might see this worded, "We payout 97.3%!" This is in reference to the average return.


The house edge is calculated by subtracting 1 from the average return. For example, in single-zero roulette, the house edge is 1 - 0.973 = 0.027 x 100% = 2.7%. This means that for every $100 wagered in roulette, the casino will keep $2.70 on average.


Hold

The hold, also known as the hold percentage, is commonly confused with the house edge. The hold is the average percentage a player's money originally brought to the table that is kept by the casino. For example, even though the house edge is only 2.7% in single-zero roulette, a typical hold may actually be around 12.8%.


A 12.8% hold would mean that if a player had brought $100 to the table, the casino kept $12.80. The 12.8% hold implies that the player bet his total $100 five times [100% - (100% - 2.7%)^5 = 12.8%]. The hold represents the actual profit for the casino and factors in the payout, odds, and house edge.


These terms can be confusing, but they paint a clear picture of how both gambling sites and land casinos have an advantage. One thing we do see is higher payout percentages with slots at some of the best online gambling sites due to a lower overhead charge of operation. Table games, however, have fixed house edges which cannot be eliminated no matter what strategy is used. Please keep this in mind and always remember to gamble responsibly.

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Casino Games that are Most Popular

 Casino Games that are Most Popular

Players who are new to online gambling sites and casinos will be presented with a wide variety of exciting and flashy games. Deciding which ones to try can be a bit overwhelming if you do not have much experience gambling. Your game choice can be based on any number of factors, many of which are subjective. The most frequently played casino games are included before with a brief description of each game's appeal.


Slots

Slot machines represent the most popular casino game anywhere on the internet. If you have ever stepped foot in a live casino you have undoubtedly noticed row after row of this popular attraction. These "one-armed bandits" are the biggest draw of online gambling sites and live casinos alike.


Slots are incredibly simple to play and only involve pulling a lever or pushing a button. Furthermore, despite being so easy to play, slot machines offer a huge payout potential for a small amount of money per spin. Online slots at many gambling sites can be played for as little as one cent per spin, while some progressive jackpots can soar into the millions of dollars.


The other element contributing to the consumer's obsession with slots is the thrill of playing. Slot machines have limitless themes and utilize bright lights and flashy calls to increase their draw. In addition, there is a reason each symbol displays one at a time after each spin; the anticipation of which symbol will come next further adds to the suspense and can create quite the adrenaline rush.


Blackjack

One of the most popular table games at online casinos and gambling sites has been blackjack time and again. This easy-to-learn card game has had a huge media draw, with both television and films highlighting the blackjack tables. Blackjack's popularity went viral with the introduction of card counting.


Card counting is unique to blackjack and makes it the only casino game in which the house edge can potentially be neutralized. If done correctly, card counting has even been seen to give the player a 0-2% advantage. Most live casinos have increased the number of decks used, making card counting increasingly difficult.


Poker

Where to start with poker... we have always seen poker at the top of the list, but over the past decade it has simply taken over. Like blackjack, poker has been glorified in several movies and television shows. Of all the varieties of poker, Texas Hold 'Em is by far the most popular, with millions of dollars in winnings available from the World Series of Poker alone.


Unlike many casino games, poker success relies heavy on skill. Poker is a game easily learned but not easily mastered. While this may make it intimidating to newcomers, experienced gamblers appreciate a game where not as much is left to chance. Online poker rooms continue to rise in popularity, providing easy access to the game from anywhere. Furthermore, no limit tournaments provide the opportunity for enormous profit.


Roulette

The roulette wheel is one of the most famous icons of casino gambling. There is an air of sophistication associated with playing roulette that has drawn people from all over the world. Gamblers also enjoy the ability to bet small amounts of money with payouts reaching as much as 35:1. This means that you could potentially turn a $10 bet into a $350 win in just one spin.


Craps

People love craps because it is simply a blast to play. If you have ever seen a crowd on people around a table screaming and cheering, that was craps. Since only one player rolls the dice, everyone else bets together on the outcome. This creates a great sense of camaraderie not found with many casino games.


Craps also offers the best odds of any gambling game. This means you only need a little luck to walk away with some winnings, and at the very least you can play for hours with a small amount of money. There are over 100 bets available to vary the excitement. With a sense of companionship, fun atmosphere, and low house edge, it is no wonder so many people head straight for the craps table.

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HOW TO WIN ONLINE SCRATCH CARDS: EXPERT TIPS AND ADVICE

 HOW TO WIN ONLINE SCRATCH CARDS: EXPERT TIPS AND ADVICE


Online casino gamblers tend to forget that playing online scratch cards can be one of the easiest and simplest ways to earn cash. You simply pick a ticket, scratch off the symbols, then see if they make a winning combination that brings big money! Aside from being a ton of fun to play, you can play online scratch cards without the need for any kind of strategy because winning relies purely on luck.


Although this fact can narrow down your odds of success, there is a fair amount of chance that you can strike a big payday on them still too. For this reason, we’ve put together some basic and effective tips to help improve your technique for playing online and mobile scratch cards, and hopefully help you pick out a winning ticket in the process!


Check the Odds

Online scratch cards may be down to luck of the draw, but you can often find scratch cards with slightly better odds than others. The wins might be relatively smaller in comparison to a scratch card with a 6-figure jackpot, but the frequency of winning cards is likely to occur more often.


Avoid Cheap Tickets

Cheaper options might make it easier for you to buy several scratch cards at once and increase your odds of a small win, but it could take more time to break even. If you purchase a more expensive scratch card, this could be the only golden ticket you need to turn yourself into a millionaire.  


Buy Multiple Scratch Cards

Because there is a ratio of winning scratch cards within each batch that gets sold, you may be able to improve your odds of winning by purchasing several of them in bulk simultaneously. Just be careful not to get carried away!


Set a Limit

It’s important to keep your bankroll in check when you’re gambling online, just as you would when you’re visiting a brick-and-mortar casino. It’s easy to end up with a wad of scratch cards that haven’t brought you a single dime, so know when it’s time to quit and try your luck another day.  


Check ALL Tickets

You wouldn‘t believe how many times scratch cards and lottery wins go unclaimed. The best way to be sure if you won or not is to have your scratch cards checked and verified. You might have missed a small detail in the patterns or numbers that make up a winning combo!  


Play for Free


The best thing about most online casinos is the ability to practice games for free before spending real money. The majority of online casinos have this option for scratch card players, including Slots of Vegas! So don’t be afraid to try them out for free or play for real money today!

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GEORGIA SENATE LOOKS TO CHARTER NEW SPORTS BETTING LAWS

 GEORGIA SENATE LOOKS TO CHARTER NEW SPORTS BETTING LAWS


Last week, Sen. Burt Jones requested that the General Assembly refine the definitions outlined under the current Senate Bill 403, and asked for them to “provide for a change in the lottery games of sports wagering.” This revised bill would grant a selective commission of Senate directors and government representatives to act upon all qualifications, enquiries, memberships, duties and regulations for online sports betting in the state. 


The bill would also edict the wagering terms for bettors when it comes to parlay markets and certain classes of sports. Under existing laws, any bill would need to receive support from two-thirds of the Legislature’s two chambers, plus win the majority of votes in a referendum in order to have a constitutional amendment applied.


The only way for Jones to avoid this would be if the Georgia Lottery took to overseeing all forms of mobile and online sports wagering in the state. If such action is agreed by the House, a panel of seven members (appointed by the governor and other representatives of the legislature) would be brought in to ensure each operation is regulated accordingly.


Licensing and Tax Structure


The Senator also outlined the revenue opportunities legal sports betting in Georgia would bring, particularly when the state is currently estimated to lose close to $1 billion in illegal gambling revenue each year. Jones believes that by eliminating the need for people to use off-shore sites or risk gambling online illegally, they can generate more clean revenue through a proper taxing and licensing system.  


All sports betting operators would pay a licensing fee between $50,000  and $900,000 annually according to Jones, on top of a 20% tax amount on all revenues earned. A 5% of these taxes would go towards the HOPE scholarship and other areas of the state’s education system, while the remaining funds would be set aside for gambling addiction and treatment services.


The Antitheses 


Despite Jones’ efforts to deploy a fairer way of distributing revenues – notwithstanding the support it has received from the Georgia Professional Sports Integrity Alliance and other sports franchises – some are having a hard time warming up to the idea. Senate Republican officials are said to be less inclined to follow through with an amendment to the current bill, citing concerns when it comes to problem gaming and underage bettors. 


Both the Freedom Coalition and the Georgia Faith are also heavily opposed to the prospect of enlarging a gambling terrain that’s already inflated with addiction and corruption. One lobbyist named Virginia Galloway mentioned how she felt disappointed by the fact that Atlanta teams are also vying for sports betting to come to Georgia; arguing that Georgia residents have been disappointed by the Braves and Falcons enough as it is. 


Legal Framework 


Like all gaming laws and constitutions, the bill’s language does characterize the requirements for anyone looking to partake in online sports wagering, as well as what it would mean for the sports betting operators. Aside from the tax, license fees, and rules for college sports – bets are only permitted for those who are 21 or over and physically residing within the state lines of Georgia. For the operators, each one must adhere to using official league and game data to settle bets.


Senate Speaker, Randy McNally, is also pushing for a sports betting bill similar to Jones’ proposal over in Tennessee. Both proposals draw no lines or warrant any limits to how many license applications can be accepted, nor does either dictate any laws against proposition bets on in-state collegial sports. 

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Worst Casino Game Odds

 Worst Casino Game Odds


Some casino games do a great job in creating game variety, but the large house advantage makes them poor options for players hoping to win a little money. These games are fine choices for anyone merely looking for an exciting gambling experience, but beyond that they are probably best avoided.


The draw of bad odds casino games is that they tend to have the potential of paying huge sums of money. The main jackpot in keno can be astronomical, but your chances of winning it are similar to winning the state lottery. Below are the casino games with the absolute worst player odds.


Keno Odds

House Edge: 25%


Keno provides the worst betting odds of all casino games. There is a large house advantage to compensate for the square footage required to house a keno lounge. Casinos require players to choose a minimum of nine numbers from a pool of 80. The chance of matching all nine numbers is a little less than 1 in 1.3 million. These odds are even worse as you choose more numbers.


There are few differences when play keno at an online gambling site compared to a land casino. Variations include:


Online casinos require players to choose a minimum of 10 numbers rather than nine. Some even require 15.


Tickets can be bought for only one credit online, where as land casinos charge two credits.


While live keno jackpots can reach 250,000 credits, online keno jackpots are typically lower.


So which form of keno is better: live or online? The answer is simple: neither. The potential for a huge payout and the simplicity of this lottery-style game draw many players, but your money is better spent at other casino gambling games. There is no strategy that can increase your odds, so unless you truly enjoy the experience of play Keno, avoid this game.


Roulette Odds

House Edge: 5.26% (American)

House Edge: 2.7% (European)


Roulette is another game based solely on luck and is not influenced by strategy, other than placing the proper bets. Roulette is one of the most well-known casino games and offers the possibility of winning up to 35 times your initial bet. There are two versions of roulette: American and European. They are completely identical except American roulette has an extra green slot marked "00." This is the reason behind the larger house edge of the American version.


The roulette wheel is divided into either 37 or 38 slots, depending on which version you play. The house edge is calculated like this:


Single Zero Roulette (European):

(35 - 36)/37 x 100 = -2.7%


Double Zero Roulette (American):

(35 - 37)/38 x 100 = -5.26%


The best bets to place in Roulette are "even money" bets, or those with a payout ratio of 1:1. These include Red, Black, Even, Odd, High or Low bets. While you do not stand as much to gain from a win, your overall odds are better than the high-risk bets. For example, you stand a 48.6% chance of winning an even-money bet in European roulette, while a single number bet will only win 2.7% of the time.

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AI SLOWS COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS IN UK

 AI SLOWS COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS IN UK


While sportsbooks and corner bookies are commonplace all over the UK, recent concern over gambling addiction has sparked changes in legislature. Gambling statistics show that fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) have been linked to compulsive gambling due to their anonymous nature.


The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is enforcing a maximum stake of £2 on FOBTs, as well as deploying specialized artificial intelligence (AI) systems to detect erratic betting patterns in gamblers. The data gathered can be used to lock out compulsive gamblers by enforcing a cooling off period.


Cool It!

The biggest criticism of the FOBT is the anonymity and lack of human intervention. In a bar, a bartender can refuse service to intoxicated customers, just as a blackjack dealer can monitor a gambler’s behavior. FOBTs are like unattended slot machines, and behavioral specialists say they are causing an increase in gambling addiction across the UK. In addition, authorities claim that children have easy access to FOBTs.


But there’s a new sheriff in town: The Anonymous Player Awareness System (APAS) will soon be installed on all gaming machines in the UK. APAS is a specialized AI system which can spot addictive behavior, impose betting limits, and shut down temporarily to force the player to cool off. During the cooling off period, safe gambling messages are displayed on the screen, and managers are alerted as well.


The recently formed Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) was tasked to fight gambling addiction in the UK, and the first weapon in their arsenal is the new AI system. APAS will be introduced on all gaming machines in the UK’s 8,500 betting shops, which includes Ladbrokes, William Hill, and Paddy Power. The BGC is an industry association representing 90% of the UK’s betting and gaming market.


How It Works

APAS works with an algorithm designed to pick up on erratic or alarming gambling patterns. The AI gathers gambling statistics to detect patterns about each player and each gambling session. These patterns include chasing losses (throwing good money after bad) or long periods of time spent gambling on one machine by a single player. Also, fast betting without pauses will trigger a warning. If warnings go unheeded, the system will lock down the machine for 30 seconds, with a suggestion to set time limits on gambling. An alert is then sent to betting shop staff to let them know about the issue so they can have conversations with customers.


Limits on individual bets are now set at £2, which slows the speed at which someone can lose money. Before now, gamblers could bet £100 per spin every 20 seconds on FOBTs. Someone caught in the heat of the moment could wind up losing an entire month’s salary in a single gambling session. The combination of lower bet limits and an AI watchdog behind the screen promises to help curtail gambling addiction.


The government has also suggested that APAS should be implemented in online casinos as well. But this met with immediate criticism from the online gambling industry, including Kenny Alexander, head of online gaming giant GVC. He said the comparison between online casinos and FOBTs is false, because there is no black market in FOBTs.


By reducing maximum stakes at online casinos, Alexander claims that the limits would drive gamblers to unlicensed, offshore operators.

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HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BANKROLL IN ONLINE ROULETTE

 HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BANKROLL IN ONLINE ROULETTE


If you’re a regular roulette player, having good bankroll management skills is an essential part of an optimal strategy. Not paying attention to your spending and bet amount is a quick way to end up broke and crying in front of the live croupier. To prevent this, we’ve put together some classic roulette tips designed to help you with your betting bankroll management, and alleviate any bad bet habits that keep you chasing after losses. Our tips will help you to make calculated decisions when you’re playing roulette online for real money, as well as when you gamble on any other online casino game.


Set Yourself a Limit

It’s never wise to bet any more than you can realistically afford when you’re gambling. It doesn’t matter how lucky you think you are – your bankroll is going to deflate pretty rapidly if you’re placing bets that stretch way beyond what you can afford to wager. Take your time and think strategically about your bets to avoid walking away with nothing. If your luck simply isn’t up one day, at least you’ll still have something to show by the end of it if you’ve limited your money pot.


Research the Odds

When you’re playing online roulette, there are different odds of a payout for each variation, i.e. European roulette, American roulette and French roulette. While they all play to similar rules, the probabilities attached to each betting market can be different. This makes the betting denominations and payout potential differ from each game. By researching the odds, and getting to know the impact of what your bets could have if certain results appear – you’ll get a better feel for what moves to make and what to wager throughout the game.


Play on the Casino’s Money

If you’ve built up your bankroll to at least twice as much what you initially put in, a wise way to ensure you stay in pocket is to withdraw your original deposit. This means that you get to keep your original play money, and are then effectively just playing roulette off the house’s own cash. When you double your original stakes again, you can withdraw a second time and repeat the process until you’ve had enough. It’s a great way to make sure you’re never logging off the casino empty-handed.


Keep a Bet Record

How many times did you withdraw last month? How many times did you deposit into your account? 


It can be so easy to lose track of what you’ve spent in a single day, let alone a week or month. It’s worth keeping a detailed log of any deposits and withdrawals you’ve made, so you can tally it up against how many wins you’ve had playing roulette in that time. You might just surprise yourself at how much you’ve been overspending! 


Don’t Get Worked Up

Online roulette is a game that can be full of suspense at times, especially if you’re having a good day and the winning numbers keep coming up; however, there are often times when the bets just aren’t cutting it, and this can be extremely frustrating for players. To prevent yourself from losing even more, leave your emotions to settle before you return to continue a game. This will help you avoid placing your bets carelessly, and you’ll be more calm and collected when it comes to your next moves.


Who knows? Maybe they’ll be the winning ones!


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CORONAVIRUS SEES MACAU’S GAMING REVENUES PLUMMET

 CORONAVIRUS SEES MACAU’S GAMING REVENUES PLUMMET


Although Macau hasn’t experienced any deaths from the coronavirus disease or noted any new confirmed cases in the last few weeks, the city is still under strict instruction to screen individuals and travellers entering from surrounding cities and high-risk areas from mainland China. 


These screening procedures can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours according to the Health Bureau, and involve medical examinations at the borders and questioning to help determine if a person is clear to enter.


So far, only three people are said to have been sent for further examination from the thousands of visitors that have been tested at the border. The Health Bureau also confirmed that there were several hundred individuals who attempted to enter the city in recent weeks, but immediately left after refusing to have the medical examination. 


Outside Areas

As of today, reports indicate that the death toll in China has reached 2,914, with the provinces and cities of Guangdong, Henan, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Beijing recorded as the areas where cases are at their worst. China’s Hubei Province is currently the world focalpoint for the coronavirus –88% of deaths have occurred in the area since the outbreak and more than 400 hospitals are continuing to house and treat patients. 


Surrounding regions have also reported fewer cases of the disease since February 20th, with 26.4% said to have completely recovered in the province of Guangdong. In Macau, there have only been 10 confirmed cases of the virus in the last two weeks, which prompted many businesses to resume trading and operations following an emergency, government-instructed shutdown that lasted from February 5th to February 20th. This closure also included and greatly impacted the city’s grand network of casinos.


Big Prices to Pay

Although the two-week safeguarding and prevention measures were deemed a right move by health officials, the decision to close the region’s cash cow industry has still come at a significant cost to year-on-year revenues. Analysts predicted the move would only affect around 80% of gaming revenues during the two-week closure, but the results instead showed an 87.8% decline for the month of February – a considerable loss of $386.74 million.


About 70% of the 41 casinos in Macau are already back in action and urging guests to return to the excitement of the casino floor; however, entry has so far not been permissible without meeting some strict health regulations first. These compulsory measures include wearing masks, submitting declarations of health and medical histories, plus being personally observed for virus symptoms by guards and staff. 


On the casino’s side, the prevention measures include limiting the number of players at tables, widening the spacing between gaming machines, cleaning casino chips after contact with players and upping patrol on the gaming floor. Some have even gone as far as to stop serving drinks to players at tables so they don’t need to remove their masks. 


This sanitary atmosphere has meant that very few gamblers have stuck around to play at the city’s casinos for very long, while the larger resort complexes that heavily rely on high-rolling casino players such as the Venetian, Wynn, and City of Dreams have had many empty beds to account for since reopening almost two weeks ago. 


A Long-Lasting Impact on the Economy 

According to Lawrence Ho, CEO of Melco Resorts, it’s likely to take 4-6 months before the city will regain its momentum in the tourism and gambling industries again. Most of the casinos are said to be reopening in phases; however, subject to Macau’s own gaming laws, the remaining closed 10 casinos will need to be back in operation within 30 days. 


Fortunately for China, it does seem that the number of confirmed cases for the disease is beginning to decline. For now, though, Macau still remains clearly averse to the potential of an outbreak as multiple bars, clubs and parlors continue to keep their shutters firmly down.

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