Category Archives: Other Games

Free Online Pokies Australia: Guide in Aussie Pokies No Download

Aristocrat SlotsBy Martin Robinson.

Australia has free pokies that are playable in online casinos by both beginners and experienced punters. Unlike real money slots, these pokies are available for free with no download and no registration required. Games have features like layouts, RTPs, symbols, and paytable. Like real money games, AUS free online pokies can be played on iPad, iPhones, and Android devices.

Best Australia Online Pokies No Download

There are many popular pokies1)The term “pokies” originally comes from the “pok” in “poker machine”.  However, in Australia / New Zealand, the term simply means “slot machine”. that gamers can choose to play. Players can play without spending a dime and they are meant to lure them into playing at casinos. Additionally, punters2)For those who are unfamiliar with the term “punter”, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a person who gambles or risks money guessing the result of something“. can access these free games via demo mode only. Some casinos require players to register as members and make deposits to play for actual money. Everyone can choose for themselves the option of online slots real money Australia according to their preferences and desires.

Top 10 Free Pokies Aristocrat

Gamers can play numerous popular free online pokies Australia Aristocrat. Some of these slots include Big Red, Dragon Link, Queen of the Nile Slot, More Chilli, Where’s the Gold, Lucky 88, 50 Lions, 5 Dragons, Dolphin Treasure, and Indian Dreaming. Real online casino Australia real money offer free modes to attract many clients / punters. Punters can try these free titles to gain the experience needed in real money mode. As a top-rated slot provider, Aristocrat offers various slot machines, top-end customer support, attractive business and promotions, and many more. Next, we will consider the most popular no deposit pokies australia that require your attention.

.Big Red is a free online slots Australia that runs on a 5-reel layout with 5 paylines. It has an RTP value of 97.04% and medium volatility. The high payout percentage means two things: huge payout returns or striping off players their cash. Wager between 3-300 coins per spin. Free online pokies Big Red symbols are trees, eagles, bears, crocodiles, kangaroos, and dingoes.

.Dragon Link is a real Australian online pokie from Aristocrat with a 5×3 reel and 25-50 paylines. With a minimum wager amount of $0.01 coins and a maximum of $125.00 coins per spin, punters can wing big while playing this slot. The game has an RTP value of 95.2%. It has the following Asian themes Panda Magic, Happy & Prosperous, Autumn Moon, Peace & Long Life, Spring Festival, and Gengis Khan.

.Queen of the Nile is one of the top Australian online pokies that is themed on ancient Egypt featuring Cleopatra. Queen of the Nile comes with symbols like letter symbols, golden rings, Pharaoh Masks. Special features include wild queens, pyramids, free spins, gamble features, and scattered pyramids. You can try your luck with free australian online casinos with bonuses and free spins.

.More Chilli is best Australian online pokies launched in 2015 that has a 5 reel configuration alongside 25 paylines. The betting range is between 0.01-60 per line. Its RTP is 97% and has medium volatility. More Chilli’s theme is inspired by Mexican culture. The graphics and design are amazing, as represented by the Mexican sun and the background. Its symbols include the sun, money bag, Chihuahuas, chicken, chilli stand, Mexican man, tequila, and roosters. Each free online casinos Australia has its own characteristics and advantages.

.Free Where’s the Gold slot features the Gold Rush moment where there is a cartoon prosecutor and a mine with treasures. There are two categories of symbols here, i.e., low-paying symbols (card symbols) and high-paying symbols (pickax, a mine, cartoon prosecutor, & wagon). The betting size of 0.01 – 100 coins per line. Also, there are fantastic bonus features free spins, multipliers, scatters, wild symbols, medium volatility, and a little low RTP (94.7 Lastly, Where’s the Gold operates on 5 reels alongside 25 paylines.

.Lucky 88. Produced by Aristocrat, free Lucky 88 pokie is inspired by the Chinese lucky number (8). It comes with five reels, 96.6% RTP, a betting size of 0.01-125 coins per spin, and free spin bonuses. Its features include multipliers, Wilds, Scatters, and bonus games. The game’s symbols comprise golden lion, traditional Chinese lamps, cranes, Chinese drum, pagoda, card values (A, K, Q, J, 10, and 9).

.50 Lions is a real online pokies Australia that offers free spins to players. It comes with 5×3 reels, 50 paylines, 94.71% RTP, and a whopping jackpot worth $12241.60. Notable special features are scatter symbols, wilds, bonus games, and low volatility. The minimum wagering amount is 0.01 coins per spin, whereas your maximum amount is 200 coins. 50 Lion pokies online Australia real money is set on an African safari; its features comprise lions, diamond (Wild), and red flower (Scatter icon).

.5 Dragons is a non-progressive video slot by Aristocrat that has 5 reels and 25 paylines. It offers Australian gamblers numerous features like free spins, jackpot bonuses, bonus games, and Wild and Scatter symbols. This free pokie has an RTP value of 95.17% and high volatility. Claim a jackpot size of $16482.70 with a betting range of 0.30-120 coins per spin. 5 Dragons consist of Asian-styled symbols like fish, statues of gods, turtles, dragons, and playing card denominations.

.Dolphin Treasure is an free pokies Australia Aristocrat about an abandoned gold chest on the ocean floor. It has a five-reel layout, 20 paylines, 94.88% RTP, low volatility, and a maximum win of 9000x stake. Dolphin Treasure’s special features are multipliers, Autoplay option, bonus games, and Wild & Scatter symbols. Symbols are sea horse, sea turtle, starfish, octopus, Angelfish, and playing cards (A, K, J, Q, 9, & 10).

.Indian Dreaming is a best paying online pokies Australia free spins that requires no download no registration and has 5 reels and has 243 different paylines. It has 98.99% RTP plus medium volatility and a betting size of 1.00-50. The main features of Indian Dreaming are gamble feature, scatter symbol, wild symbol, free spins, and bonus games. Its symbols comprise tomahawks, teepees, squawks, and poker cards like aces, kings, and queens.

Free Online Pokies Australia Real Money No Deposit: Are They Worth It?

Different Australia pokie machines have different bonuses, themes, gameplay, and design. Some casinos provide free pokies online games, no download, or mobile casino Australia apps with free pokie download. To discover how a certain Australian pokie wins machine functions, it is better to try free pokie in the demo version.

Advantages of Best Pokies Online Australia

  • Free online pokies Australia real money allow punters to test their skills. Punters can play demo versions of many games and gain skill and experience, which are vital when playing real money slots.
  • Users don’t need to sign up. Punters can play table games and slot machines without having to register first.
  • Once deposited, money can be used to play numerous games; hence, there is no need for re-depositing repeatedly.
  • Playing free slots relieve pressure from losing your money. It prepares players for real money games.

Disadvantages of Real Money Pokies Australia

  • Users can’t win real money while playing online.
  • There are some features and options that are off the limit, unlike in real money pokies.

Themes of The Best Online Pokies Australia Real Money

Australia best online pokies have themes that make them more prominent. These themes can be characters or behind-the-scene stories that make them outstanding in the crowd. Additionally, themes set slots apart from other games hence easy to play. Gamers play pokies online real money Australia because they are inspired by certain TV shows/films/music bands represented in a particular slot.

#1. Animal pokies AU cover animal stories from the wild plains of Africa, the European landscape, and the rainforests of South America. These best online slots Australia have symbols portraying animals like gorillas, foxes, rhino, wildebeests, elephants, pandas, jaguars, and tigers. Top-rated animal pokies are as follows: Big Red, Dolphin Treasure, and Bonus Bears.

#2. Ancient pokies incorporate great medieval stories into the gaming experience via online slots. They make gamers feel like heroic explorers, which is why most Australia online casino players adore them. The themes focus on the rich history of the Egyptian kingdom, ancient Greece, Aztec culture, and Vikings. Examples of such games are Queen of the Nile, Pompeii, and Leonidas: King of the Spartans.

#3. Dragons have been part of our mythology for a long time since ancient Mesopotamia. Free Dragon-themed slot machines are a perfect fit for most slots due to their storylines. Dragons feature in slots either as the antagonist or complete the classic tales. In some slots, they are the focal point and come in various shapes/sizes. Examples of dragon pokies are 5 Dragons, Dragon Emperor, Dragon Spin, and Dragon Link.

#4. Celebrities inspire a lot of people in society. Their life and how they live are admired by many around the world. Celebrity slots have symbols that are related to the celebrity. Michael Jackson has symbols like hats and special gloves. Other examples include Bruce Lee, Mariah Carey, and Elvis Lives.

#5. Comics. Heroes from comic books have been entertaining people for a long time. And because of their impact on many people, they have incorporated into online pokies thus can be played for fun and real money. Each comic hero, like the hulk, superman, and iron man, has symbols related to them. Comic-themed slots are Wonder Women, Superman, Super Heroes, etc.

#6. Fantasy pokies take players to an imaginary world with mythologies, histories, fairy tales, and aquatic adventures. Heroes in fantasy pokies are either real or invented. Examples are Merlin’s Millions, Jack & the Beanstalk, and Mystic Moon Big Hit Bonanza.

#7. Music pokies online free are some of the most popular online games available in Australian casinos. Some of the famous music bands have been adopted as themes. These slots include symbols like guitars, drums, and pianos. Heroes of music pokies include Kiss, Gun N’ Roses, and Elvis. Examples of music-based slots are Michael Jackson, Jimmi Hendrix, and Gun N’ Roses are.

#8. Movies. Some of the successful movies King Kong, Ghostbusters, and Star Trek, have made it to the gambling world. Movie-based slots use symbols that are related to this theme. They also include animations and real video footage from original movies to improve the gaming experience.

#9. TV Shows have also been captured by game developers.TV shows pokies use animations and graphics that are related to the TV shows thus are appealing to fans of each particular show. The developers have created various TV-themed slots like Baywatch and the Big Bang Theory.

#10. Magical pokies are about mystery and magic. Best online Australian pokies take away the boredom from fans as they are colourful and come with a lot of fun and excitement. Symbols portray things like magicians, heaven, demigods, and mythical creatures. Examples of magical pokies include Magic Reward and Book of Magic.

#11. Mystery pokies involve a detective solving some complicated mysteries and getting rewarded for the good work. The theme is mystery and suspense. Symbols are related to particular slot games. These symbols portray the following people or activities: secret agents, secret society, detective, spy, and investigation.

#12. Historical. Developers have also created historical slots that feature historical eras in Egypt, Rome, and Greece. As a result, several games have captured the interest of many punters, and they are Red Baron and Spartacus.

Free Slots Australia: Online Pokies Free Spins No Deposit Australia

There are many free slots that Aussie punters can play. These slots come as video slots with bonus features or 3D slot games. 3D slots have some of the best graphics, animations, video clips, and exciting bonus rounds. Punters can play these slots for free in demo versions only.

  1. Classic slots use mechanical reels and have a direct paytable. These paytables do not have bonuses and extra. RNG determines reels and symbols to appear on the screen in classic slots. Classic slots are available at online casinos around the world. Despite many modern video slots, classic ones are still popular since they are easy to play.
  2. For gamers who are fans of nostalgic fruit symbols, fruit slots are here for you. These slots are attractive and have a user-friendly interface which makes them fans’ favourite in online casinos. Additionally, fruit slots are generous and are suitable for beginners who want to test their skills. Features of these slots include simple profit calculation, simplified functionality, and little complementing elements.
  3. Videoslots are the most popular top online casino Australia games. They have reels with symbols evenly placed along with them. To win, players must match a specific number of symbols on a spinning reel with a payline. Different video slots have varying numbers of paylines.
  4. 3D slots are modified versions of video slots and have graphics looking like the screen in 3D. Through 3D technology, gamblers can visualize the on-screen action as reality. Gamers must play 3 different levels to advance to the next round.
  5. VRslots are played in virtual reality casinos. They offer gamblers an experience that is not available in other slots. For instance, gamblers can access 360 degrees of field of vision when playing through virtual reality technology.
  6. Penny free slots Australiaare games where you can play with 1 cent per line. These pokies offer relatively cheap options to gamblers as they can play with any amount below a dollar. There is a minimum number of lines that casino players must play per spin.
  7. High Stake punterscan stake a high amount which could be more than the ordinary games. They can wager as high as a $300 bet and there is no limit on big winning. Most gamblers play high stake slots because they can become eligible for VIP rewards and have a chance of winning larger prizes.

Free Pokie Machines: Types by Paylines

Paylines are lines that cross a single symbol on each reel of a slot machine. Different free pokie machines have different paylines. These paylines are either fixed or variable. Fixed paylines restrict gamblers from playing all the lines in the game while viable paylines do not.

– 243 Ways, there is a 5-reel screen having three symbols on each reel. Gamblers are supposed to make bets before the beginning of every spin. As a result, 243 possible lines will emerge that players can win on. Gamblers are assured of many ways of winning and can get more value from their bet.

– 1024 Ways is simple and it only requires players to follow procedures and rules set by the slot machines. All 1024 ways slot has a 5×4 reel. Playing 1042 ways slot involves matching symbols consecutively on the reels beginning from left to right. 1024 offers gamblers a chance to access all possible combos from left to right.

– 3125 Ways slots are not as popular as the other types of paylines. These slots come with five symbols and five reels denoted totalling 3125. They operate the same way as 243 and 1024 slots, only that they have more chances of winning. 3125 has five reels plus scatters and wilds.

Free Pokie Games to Play: Reels

Reels are the horizontal columns in video slots that contain all the symbols. They are triggered into spinning by pulling or clicking on the spin button.

  • 3 Reels. Casinos with three reels were the first to appear in the gambling world, and they have since remained exciting. 3-reel pokie machines are simple thuseasy to understand for new Australian online casino gamblers. They have a single payline and payouts are not determined by the amount wagered or the length of time played.
  • 5 Reelsare also known as video slots. In 5 reels, two more reels are added to the 3 reels slots. There are additional rows, hence making players hit more available paylines. It’s worth noting that 5-reel slots come with huge bonuses and mini-games and are exciting and engaging.
  • 7 Reels slots have only 7 paylines is basedon the belief in the luck behind the number. Unlike 5-reel slots, this type of reel does not have complex graphics, animations, and videos. Casino players who play the slots with 7 reels do so because there are ways to win a game with fewer reels.
  • 10 Reelsslots offer a lot of information to punters as they are large. Punters may interact with many numbers of paylines plus winning combinations. It is difficult to master all the symbols, thus not easy to strategize and win in pokies with 10 reels.
  • Cascading Reels, symbols that are matched in the reels are taken off the board, creating a new one to drop. The slots with such reels are played for fun as they have avalanche reels. Gonzo’s Quest is an example of slots with cascading reels.

Software of Free Pokie Games

There are many pokie providers in Australia. The most popular ones are Ainsworth Game Technology, Aristocratic, Bally, and Playtech. These slot developers are either big or small. Big pokie developers have a wide collection of games:

Aristocrat 

is one of the biggest pokie developers established in 1953. They not only operate in Australia but also in other 90 countries globally. In their library, there are numerous free Aristocrat pokies for android like 50 Lions, Sons of Anarchy, and The Walking Dead.

WMS

formerly known as Williams Gaming offers Aussies with pokie machines and video lotteries plus popular online games online. They have a large list of games in their collections. These include Elton John, Game of Life, and Bruce Lee.

Novomatic 

was established in 1980 and has been one of the top providers in the gaming industry. They are known for providing brick-and-mortar casino games and online casino games. Novomatic’s games library consists of Buffalo Thunder and Book of Ra.

Microgaming 

is a UK-based online pokie provider. They are characterized by progressive jackpot, and that’s why it is popular among Aussies. Microgaming provides software for casinos and boasts of games like Game of Thrones and Cash Splash.

IGT 

is regarded as one of the largest pokie developers and suppliers worldwide. They also design and develop software for real money casino Australia. In the list of their pokies, there are Lobstermania, Double Diamond, Wheel of Fortune, etc.

NetEnt 

is a Swedish company founded in 1996. Currently, they have expanded their operation to other European countries and North America. They offer high quality table games, video poker, and live dealer games that every punter from Australia wants to play. Some of the games they have in their collection include Gonzo’s Gold, Dead or Alive 2, and Street Fighter II.

NextGen Gaming

is an Australian-based gaming company. It was initiated in 1999. Unusual and innovative features characterize their games, and they include Dragon Drop, King Tiger, and Dragon Story.

Bally 

is one of the first gaming companies to be founded. It came into existence in 1968, and since then, they have been providing many games globally. Their games are popular in online casinos across the world. They include Titanic, Ducky Dynasty, and Dragon.

Playtech 

is also the best pokie provider in the world. It powers a lot of games. These games come with progressive jackpots and other bonuses. Playtech is licensed to operate in many jurisdictions and countries. They develop comic-themed pokies like The Avengers, Iron Man, etc.

Features of the Best Free Pokies No Download

Features in pokies are the key elements that make up slot games. They make the game more interesting and increase punters’ wins. Various pokies have certain features associated with them.

  1. Free Spins. No deposit casinoAustralia offer players free spins as promotional activities and as sign-up bonuses for new players. Some pokies reward players with free spins when they spin 3 scatters and meet certain wagering requirements.
  2. Re-Spins n is a pokie feature that allows gamblers to spin the reel again without placing their wager. It offers gamblers a second chance to spin to form a winning combination when playing a slot. Pokie spins australia come as a result of landing special symbols and do not guarantee wins.
  3. Bonus Gamesare also known as bonus rounds. They consist of mini-games inside pokies triggered when players hit certain symbols like scatters.
  4. Scattersunlock bonus features within pokie machines. When they appear on the reels, they unlock mini-games and free spins. Scatter symbols pay highly in pokies, hence the name player’s best friend.
  5. Wilds symbols replace all other icons on reels. They are key when a player wants to complete a winning paylines. They can’t substitute scatters and other bonus symbols in real money slot games.
  6. Stacked Wildsis a wild symbol that covers the whole reels when it drops on the reel. Not all pokies have stacked wild on all their reels. They appear on specific reels in some of the pokies. The pokies’ variance determines all these.
  7. Sticky Wilds is the standard wild. It is a substitute for any symbol that can create a winning combo. They remain on reels for the following spins.
  8. Expanding Wildsare common in video slot games and pokie machines. They normally expand to cover the whole reel depending on the software designer. A wild symbol on the reels triggers expanding wilds.
  9. Multipliers can multiply a player’s winnings by a certain predetermined figure. They are used to double or triple winnings. Although multipliers are popular, not all pokies have them.
  10. Progressive Jackpots have the edge over others that do not. Gamblers are offered massive jackpot when playing such slots and can win millions with one spin. These jackpots attract a lot of players.
  11. Instant Play. Pokies that have an instant play feature allow gamers to play immediately once they have pressed the play button. This feature ensures the play continues smoothly without delay. Again, players no longer have to wait for the software to download and install to play.
  12. Autoplaymakes the gameplay engaging and enjoyable since it lessens work. Everything is automated. Upon its activation, reels play through spins without stopping.
  13. Cluster Pays is a payment system used by pokies during deposits and payouts. Inside pokie with this feature, punters can create payouts when they match payline with symbols. The value of each symbol determines payouts.
  14. Hold and Spin is also known as Spin and Win. This feature deals with collecting symbols during a set number of spins. Players are rewarded in accordance with the number of symbols collected. Hold and Spin has emerged as one of the hottest features in slots currently.
  15. Bonus Wheelis a feature not common in most slots. It is a special feature that offers players little bonuses to win a few extra credits. This feature is the focal point in pokies like Grand Wheel.

How to Play Free Pokies No Download No Registration

Playing free pokies no download no registration is not difficult. Below is a guide on how to play them on game sites and best online casino Australia real money free spins:

  • Search for Australian casino sites that provide free pokies no download no registration.
  • In the search section, select your preferred slot with desirable reels, paylines, and paytable.
  • Set your betting specifications like max bet and min bet and decide the amount you want to play with.
  • Press the autoplay option and click ‘spin’ to spin reels. Look for the wilds and scatters to get payouts.
  • If the game is won, the winnings are displayed on the screen. Check your account balance to confirm.

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Footnotes

Footnotes
1The term “pokies” originally comes from the “pok” in “poker machine”.  However, in Australia / New Zealand, the term simply means “slot machine”.
2For those who are unfamiliar with the term “punter”, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a person who gambles or risks money guessing the result of something“.

How Your Mobile Device Can Help You Game on the Move

Mobile Device GameBy James Daniels.

Gaming is a very different beast from what it was a decade or two ago. As technology has evolved and changed, the landscape of the entertainment industry has changed to reflect this. It’s not just that the industry has changed in a linear direction of supposed improvement, the design choices and ways that players engage with them are also different.

Part of this has had to do with the impact that mobile gaming has had on the industry. In fact, mobile gaming has evolved to the point where it can stand on its own legs, apart from the rest of it. With this in mind, you might be interested in how you can get more out of gaming through your mobile device, as it could be an avenue you have yet to explore.

What You Might Not Know

If you’re unfamiliar with mobile gaming, you might have certain preconceptions about the kinds of games available or a narrower idea of what mobile devices are capable of in this department. Before you get started, it’s good to be aware of the full range of games at your disposal here. First of all, taking a trip to your app store of choice can help to illuminate this, giving you a clearer sense of what’s available.

Beyond that, you might be surprised to know that you’re not restricted to simply using the app store to find games. You can do some research into online casino Canada to discover new ways to play games that you may have been aware of through playing physical equivalents.

Ports of Games You May Know

If your interest in mobile gaming stems less from discovering different types of games that might be available and more from how you can play games that you already like in a more convenient, remote fashion, there is good news. Several games, both new and old, have mobile ports that mean you can have a more familiar gaming experience that you can simply enjoy while on the train, or when you have a free moment in any situation.

However, one aspect to be aware of is that more modern, high-budget games likely won’t be available on this platform due to hardware limitations. Newer games available on mobile might be of the smaller, indie variety.

Diving in at the Deep End

It could be that you want to see what all the hype is about surrounding mobile gaming. In this case, you might want to jump in at the deep end and throw yourself into the most popular games available, seeing if what draws other people towards you has the same effect on you. You might be surprised to discover just how different some of these games are from what you expect. This might be either in the department of what you’re actually capable of, or more in regards to how different they are in terms of structure to what you’re familiar with – such as games like Pokemon Go, which focus on getting the player outside.

About the author: James Daniels is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.

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Playing the Casino and Chances of Winning

Finding a game to play in a casinoBy Adam Walker

While online casinos have evolved quickly over the years to deliver an experience better focused on the customer experience, the truth in the background still remains that the odds are always somewhat tilted in favor of the house. After all, it is how the casinos make money. Players looking to win will always follow some general rules and strategy too.   Whether it be sticking to certain game providers such as Pragmatic Play or to certain games that provide the best winning chances it is always a challenge for the player. If you’re looking to play the odds at the casino, however, there are many games that are better than others.

Blackjack tops out the list

Blackjack is the undisputed top game if you’re looking to improve your chances of a win. Often tipped to be anywhere around 50% with a percentage either side, it’s understandable why it has remained a player favorite. You’re not competing against other players to increase your chances of losing, and in some instances what other players get can even help you, and with rules that are easy to understand it’s a game that’s accessible to a huge number of players too. If you’re looking for the best odds, blackjack will be the game for you. In general, the house has about a 1 per cent chance (or less) in advantage at most casinos. Depending on the rules of the house, the overall probability of winning a hand in blackjack is about 42.43%, with a tie at 8.48% and the chance of losing at 49.09%. You can see why it remains so popular.

Slots are at the other end of the scales

While the odds are never publicly stated, it’s well known that slot machines typically sit on the lower end of the winning percentage. While some consider online casinos to be more fair than their offline counterparts, these games still round out in the lower percentages for winning and have even been touted as the lowest winning percentage game per time played of all casino titles. Some countries are issuing change that could lead these to be more player favored, but the lack of control and randomness certainly don’t help, and for many are a game that should only be played for enjoyment, and not in the hopes of securing a big win. The return to player is known as the RTP and it is calculated from 1 to 100. Most slots are between 92-97% and you should always look to play at slots that are offering 96% or above but this can be difficult, considering many do not advertise this. Despite the odds being out of favor for players, it still remains one of the longest standing and most popular casino based games and this is not set to change anytime soon.

A mix of games in the middle

Games of chance often float around the middle for most, with some that move more toward the blackjack odds than the slots odds and others not so much.   Many of these games like craps and roulette offer very much the same where they’re easy to understand and easy to play, making them much more accessible to new players with odds that aren’t terrible either. Some of these games often lend themselves to different wagering strategies too, so if you’re looking to try what has worked for others than these may be a great testing ground especially with low limit options too. The chances of winning at roulette obviously changes based on how you are playing but if you are simply going for red or black then it is 46.37% through American roulette and 48.60% on European roulette.1)In general, there are two forms of roulette – American (38 numbers with two zeros) and European (37 numbers with a single-zero).  The house advantage in American roulette is about 5.26% while European roulette is about 2.7%.  It is obviously better to play this game with European rules.  Players will also occasionally find some variations to these rules.  Casinos have even offered triple-zero roulette which increases the house advantage above 7%… ouch!!!!  If you are interested in the possibility of advantage play in roulette check out Arnold Snyder’s article published in 2012. The odds will of course change drastically if just going for certain numbers. Then for craps the odds of winning are around 50 per cent and the house is believed to have an edge of around 1.4 per cent (pass and don’t pass line), putting it in line with the other games on offer across the casino floor.  Odds wise, craps is by far the best casino game for the players besides blackjack.

Ultimately playing at a casino is always a gamble, but doing whatever you can to increase your odds of winning can certainly make your playing experience much better too. This is why you should always do your research before playing and then play the game that best suits you!

Photo Credit: Pxhere

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Footnotes

Footnotes
1In general, there are two forms of roulette – American (38 numbers with two zeros) and European (37 numbers with a single-zero).  The house advantage in American roulette is about 5.26% while European roulette is about 2.7%.  It is obviously better to play this game with European rules.  Players will also occasionally find some variations to these rules.  Casinos have even offered triple-zero roulette which increases the house advantage above 7%… ouch!!!!  If you are interested in the possibility of advantage play in roulette check out Arnold Snyder’s article published in 2012.

What Makes Roulette Such a Great Game?

RouletteBy Debz Aiken

Whether you’re a casino regular, enjoy online gambling on the weekends, like a little bit of a flutter when you’re on your holidays or have never gambled in your life you’ve probably heard of and know how to play roulette. Roulette is one of those games that’s expected to be present in every casino, wherever you go – it’s a staple of the gambling world but what makes roulette such a great game?

There is a very obvious reason why roulette has become so commonplace in casinos and online gaming alike, and that’s because of its simplicity. Games like poker can be really hard to follow even if you’re used to gambling, and it’s often so intimidating that many people decide it’s not worth bothering. Roulette is easy to learn because there’s so little to it, and that makes it the perfect game to play if you’re a total casino newbie.

Unlike the game of blackjack, roulette is a pure gambling game and any strategy you might pick will still result in the same house advantage.1)In general, there are two forms of roulette – American (38 numbers with two zeros) and European (37 numbers with a single-zero).  The house advantage in American roulette is about 5.26% while European roulette is about 2.7%.  It is obviously better to play this game with European rules.  Players will also occasionally find some variations to these rules.  Casinos have even offered triple-zero roulette which increases the house advantage above 7%… ouch!!!!  If you are interested in the possibility of advantage play in roulette check out Arnold Snyder’s article published in 2012.

Learning The Rules

Much like blackjack, there are always ways to get more info on how to play – however it is an easy game to get to grips with.

The rules of roulette are simple – you have a wheel split evenly into alternate black and red slots. All of these slots are numbered, and all you have to do is place a bet where you think the ball will land. The odds are calculated based on what’s on the wheel, which means they’re never going to change and you don’t have to worry about them changing after each round.

For a beginner, the idea of odds can be terrifying – particularly in something like horse racing where horses drop out as the race gets closer so the odds change constantly, especially at the last minute. Roulette is seen as a beginner-friendly form of gambling because it’s so consistent.

Placing bets in roulette
Placing bets in roulette


Choosing How To Play

There are also so many options to bet on that you can take years to perfect your own personal strategy and there’s what feels like an infinite number of variations to try. Yes, you can just bet on what color the ball will land on, or whether it will land on an odd or even number (although obviously you’re not going to make much money from doing this), but if you want to make things more interesting (and increase the odds) you can be much more specific in the bet that you place.

You could bet on the number being in a certain range – even this varies because you can choose how wide you want to cast your net in terms of choosing actual numbers (like 1-18) or first 12, second 12, etc. You could even go as far as to only bet on specific numbers and you can choose these any way you like.

Roulette is a great game because it’s both simple and incredibly complex. Its simple rules and the easy to follow format make it perfect for beginners. Conversely, the huge variety of bets you can make and the infinite number of combinations to try mean that it’s just as interesting to someone who’s been a regular in casinos for decades as it is to someone stepping up to the wheel for the first time.

Photo Credit: Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels 
Photo Credit: Javon Swaby from Pexels

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Footnotes

Footnotes
1In general, there are two forms of roulette – American (38 numbers with two zeros) and European (37 numbers with a single-zero).  The house advantage in American roulette is about 5.26% while European roulette is about 2.7%.  It is obviously better to play this game with European rules.  Players will also occasionally find some variations to these rules.  Casinos have even offered triple-zero roulette which increases the house advantage above 7%… ouch!!!!  If you are interested in the possibility of advantage play in roulette check out Arnold Snyder’s article published in 2012.

Full-Time Gambling — Viable Profession or a Fool’s Trap?

Professional GamblingBy Trent Sissoko

If you’ve ever had a couple of successful gambling rounds, you’ve probably wondered whether the thought of becoming a full-time gambler is plausible. Even if it is, is that a practical career choice? Some of the most prosperous full-time gamblers would say that this career choice is definitely an option.

Take, for example, Dan Bilzerian and Matthew Benham. Aside from being an actor and a businessman, Bilzerian is a full-time gambler, while Benham is also the owner of Midtjylland FC and Brentford FC1)Midtjylland FC and Brentford FC are professional football (soccer) clubs.. So, why shouldn’t this career be an option for you.

However, even before you set your sights on expanding your gambling career, you should consider both the pros and cons of that venture. Keep reading to find out both the negatives and the positives of full-time gambling, as well as how to make it in this line of work.

Disadvantages of a Full-Time Gambling Career

Although there are plenty of benefits of being a professional high-roller, take a look at a few cons first.

  • High chances of failure — Before anything, there is a higher chance of failure than success with professional gambling. Compared to other occupations, full-time gambling is the one that could bring the largest financial crisis. Many failed gamblers have never recovered after a futile endeavor.
  • Vices — Because of the nature of the business, being exposed to vices is inevitable. If you fail to discipline yourself as a career gambler, you might wind up surrounded with bad choices.
  • Social stigma — The social stigma of being a professional gambler is still present. You might find yourself in a bit of a problem if you’re at a business or social event and you need to introduce yourself as a full-time gambler. Although people will find your career choice interesting, they’ll also probably give you side-eye.
  • Internal conflict — If you come from a religious background, you might find yourself in disagreement with your new way of life. Even if your gambling career turns out to be a success, the chances you’ll be struggling with internal issues are high.
  • Dependence — If this turns out to be your profession, you will be dependent on the whims of many gambling institutions. Whether you’re an offline or online gambler, you will need to keep up with the constant changes that could hinder your success.

Advantages of a Full-Time Gambling Career

Now that you’ve gained insight into the negatives of a professional gambling career, let’s look at the positives.

  • More time — With a career such as this one, you’ll have more time on your hands to spend traveling, with family and friends, exploring other options, etc. Professional gamblers don’t have 9-to-5 jobs, so their schedules are much more flexible.
  • Mental strength — Your mental capabilities will improve without a doubt. This line of work forces you to develop and practice your mental resilience that can help you in many other spheres of life.
  • New connections — Due to the nature of the business, you will be able to meet many new people and make new connections. This could pay off if you ever decide to venture out outside of gambling.
  • Celebrity lifestyle — If this is something you’re interested in, you could definitely become a celebrity. Thanks to social media, you will be able to live a celebrity lifestyle if you expose yourself enough. You probably won’t be an A-lister, but you will be more famous than you are now.
  • Travel — If you get good enough, you will be able to travel the world to play in first-class tournaments. That’s a win-win combination as you will be able to travel and earn money doing the thing you love.
  • Financial security — Although financial failure is an option, lifetime financial security is an option as well. If you manage to develop top-of-the-line playing skills, you’ll be able to secure your family’s financial security for many years to come.

Is It Worth It?

Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance between risk and reward. One of the most crucial things is to keep your head clear and make good and conscious decisions. Make sure you understand the odds of becoming a professional gambler, practice your discipline, and be clear about the advantages and disadvantages of this full-time position. Additionally, there are other things you should be aware of, so keep on reading.

Not All About Luck

People watching from the sidelines might think that professional gambling is all about luck. On the contrary — full-time gambling is anything but pure luck. Some of the best career gamblers are among the top strategists, which significantly increases their chances of succeeding.

That’s one of the reasons why you’ll see so many professional gamblers with the so-called poker faces. They know they will be able to make their way back to the top even if they have a bad hand. By simply sticking to a strategy, believing in yourself, and managing your bankroll, you will be able to achieve a lot and stay in control.

Embrace High-Skilled Games

Undoubtedly, playing online casino games or bingo is a great way to get you started. However, such games are not enough if you want to make a career out of gambling. With that in mind, sports betting and poker are two of your best bets to make it big. For that reason, the majority of players that want to become professional gamblers focus on poker.

There are plenty of advantages to playing poker once you upgrade your skills. First of all, you’re playing against other players as compared to the casino. That’s a positive thing as your chances of winning depend on your opponents’ skills, and the casino doesn’t have a say.

Secondly, once you get into it, you’ll be able to choose who you’ll play against. You will have a better understanding of the game and you’ll get to know the people you’re playing with. So, if the table you want to join has potentially strong players, you can move on to the next and keep your edge.

Bear this advice in mind as it will definitely help you if you decide to try out this profession and a great place to try get it started is at a €10 bonus casino.

Professional Gambling Is Hard Work

Contrary to popular belief, professional gambling is not a piece of cake. Although making large sums of money is probable, it takes a lot of hard work to get there. Before anything, you will need to be better than your opponents, and many of them have been doing this for much longer than you have.

Next, you will need to learn how to minimize your losses and maximize your gains when playing against those same players. To do that, you will need plenty of practice. Practice will help you build the right level of skill needed to venture into professional gambling.

So, before you decide to quit your day job, spend months practicing and bettering your skills. Once you see that you’re making continued success with your gambling, think about going full-time.

Have a Plan

Just like you would have a plan for any other business venture, you need to have a plan if you decide on a gambling career. This goes for every gambling session, not only the career in general. So, before you start your poker or blackjack tournament, make sure to have a plan. Think about when it’s the right time to give up, when you should stop reinvesting and take your earnings home, and similar. Ask yourself these questions every time you decide to gamble.

Revenge Gambling Equals Loss

Even though you might be disappointed or angry, revenge gambling is not the solution. There are countless stories of revenge gambling leading to tremendous losses and disastrous results. If you decide on revenge gambling, that means you’ll be leaving all of your strategy and hard work behind. Similarly, becoming a millionaire overnight does not happen if you lead your gambling career with revenge in mind.

Stick to Your Comfort Zone

Even before you start your gambling career, you will notice that you excel at certain areas more than others. If that’s the case, the best option is to stick with what you know. If you are good at poker, avoid the roulette table. If sports betting on cricket is your thing, do not waste your hard-earned money on basketball wagering.

If you have two or three areas that best showcase your gambling knowledge, don’t get greedy and spread out to numerous other areas. The point is that your success will be much more evident if you stay within your comfort zone.

On the other hand, if you decide to try other gambling activities, you should do so without investing real money. Start with free online games and practice your strategy. If you see that you’re doing well and that there might be a future for you in a particular area, widen your horizons. You can always update your portfolio with new skills; you just need to be patient and take things slowly.

Stay Grounded

One of the most crucial things in professional gambling is the ability to stay grounded. Winning thousands of dollars will easily get you over excited and ready for a new adventure, but you should lead with your head and not your heart. Having a lot of money at once might lead to making some bad decisions, like putting a down payment for a new house.

This also applies to your state of mind during the game. Try to keep your head cool and stay grounded at all times so as not to make any rash decisions that might lead to your downfall. Try not to put any pressure on yourself during the game as it can affect your success.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a list of pros and cons of professional gambling, as well as some advice on how to make it in the business, you should decide whether it’s worth it. Although it is not a stable career, it can lead to opportunities and financial gain. If you’re serious about making gambling your career, try to be sensible, practice every day, and come up with strategies that will give you an edge. Good luck!

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Footnotes

Footnotes
1Midtjylland FC and Brentford FC are professional football (soccer) clubs.

The Top Casino Card Games That You Can Play Online

Ace of Hearts - King of HeartsBy Leslie Alexander

Every industry has its origin story. And if we would look for the game that started what we know today as modern-day casinos it would be any card game. Card games have always been interesting to players since they include factors like quick thinking, the powers of perception, as well as socializing.

Card games have evolved over time. As technology slowly integrated itself with the gambling industry, players worldwide got the opportunity to play their favorite card games wherever and whenever. In the past decade, online casinos proved that even though technology changed the way we play casino games, it certainly couldn’t change which games we choose to play. For this reason, card games still remain players’ favorite and in this article, we’ll take a look at the best ones that you can find online.

Poker

When talking about casino card games, the first thing that pops into anyone’s mind is poker. There are different variations to this classic casino card game like Texas Hold’em, Draw Poker, Omaha, Stud and others. One of the main reasons why poker is so popular among players is because it requires skills like patience, observance and quick thinking. It’s said that playing poker can improve your skills in other areas of life. The main goal of the game is to have the best hand possible or, at least, make other players think that you do. Nowadays, you can play video poker or play poker against other people in virtual poker rooms. What is more, there are several online poker tournaments that you can play at if you think that your skills are unmatched.

Blackjack

Blackjack has been appealing to players worldwide simply because it’s very easy to play. All brand new online casinos in the UK that have an optimal gambling environment and amazing welcome bonuses include blackjack as part of their offer. Therefore, it’s the players’ task to find the best online casino that has the ultimate blackjack version and benefit from playing with the most trustworthy and reliable operators. Playing on top-notch gambling platforms will improve your gaming experience, and that can be of crucial importance for all blackjack fans who want to win.

The object of the game of blackjack is to beat the dealer with a better hand (21 or less) or allow the dealer to bust.  Winning at blackjack involves playing all hands optimally with a basic strategy.  In blackjack, it’s important you don’t go over 21 or you lose immediately.

The payouts can be particularly high when playing blackjack, especially if you opt to play progressive blackjack. With the right strategy, you can improve your chances of winning and this is why many players visit online casinos, so they can practice before playing for more serious sums of money. As with poker, there are several variations of this game and they include Spanish 21, Vegas Style, Pontoon, Single Deck and others.

Card GamesBaccarat

Online casinos and online card games have been gaining in popularity recently, simply because they are extremely accessible and easy to play. People don’t have to waste any more of their precious time to reach land-based gambling venues to play a game of cards or to organize private gatherings. Everything they need is right there, in the palm of their hands. This is how another card game that can seem a bit more complicated to play managed to survive the passing of time and remain popular with the new generation of gamblers. Baccarat is actually very easy to play since all the player needs is a total of nine or the closest to nine. In the game of baccarat, after the dealer deals the “coup”, the players have two options – they can either bet on themselves or on the dealer.1)In baccarat the “coup” is simply the round of play where there are three possible outcomes: “player” has the higher score, “banker” has the higher score or “tie”.  There are a few variations of this game to explore.

Conclusion

Card games have and always will be popular among casino fans worldwide. No matter which game you like to play, the entire experience will be thrilling, fun, and gripping. The possibility to win the prize is sometimes a less important aspect for card fans since they always come back to the table (or virtual table) for the unique feeling that each of these games has to offer.

Bio: Leslie Alexander is the Content Lead at the Gamblizard team as well as a dedicated writer of all topics related to the online casino industry. Leslie enjoys writing informative articles that provide guidance to all online players and fans of online casino titles. In her free time, Leslie loves playing different card games like poker and blackjack.

Image credits: Pixabay | Pixabay

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Footnotes

Footnotes
1In baccarat the “coup” is simply the round of play where there are three possible outcomes: “player” has the higher score, “banker” has the higher score or “tie”.  There are a few variations of this game to explore.

The Buster Blackjack Side bet

By Bill Zender.1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s comments on the Buster Blackjack Side bet.

Bill Zender and Associates

Email

Interesting Emails

Over the past month I only received one interesting question regarding table games that I wish to pass along to my readers.  The question has to do with protecting the Buster side bet from card counting attack.  A lot of game protection professional try and apply a blackjack count system to all aspects of the game including side bets.  In some situations, the object of the side bet is parallel to the primary game which dictates that higher value cards (specifically ten-value cards) are important to the players successful wager outcome.  However, many of the side bets are NOT designed to follow the object of the main game, and to successfully attack those side bet, a totally different count system needs to be employed.  This is the case with the Buster sidebet.  The following email outlines this exact situation:

Executive’s Email

In the past month or so we’ve experienced a rash of card counters at our property. What makes this all the more intriguing is that three out of the last four have wagered on the Buster Bet side wager upon the count hitting -4 or below. Is this anything you’ve come across recently? The last two using this strategy I asked if they had any information for me, realizing that they didn’t owe me a thing, one of which let me know that it was -5 but he had no mathematical evidence to back this. Only that he had been told to do so.  I read Eliot Jacobson’s two articles in AP HEAT, but this was far more advanced and was hoping to discover something easier to train, if it existed. Any insight would be welcome, as usual. 

My Reply

First off, counting the Buster side bet requires a different count system than the main game of BJ.  If you count using a hi/lo system, you will notice that side bet counters of Buster would bet in a negative hi/lo true count.  The Buster count system usually has the 7,8,9,T labeled as +1 when removed, and cards like A,2,3 labeled as -2 (or greater).  The system used depends on your pay schedule, but the count labels will vary only slightly.  In addition, pay schedules that pay 3:1 for busts with four cards are more likely to get attacked.  With that said, the return for the player counting the Buster is not as good compared to counting the main game.  I would assume the maximum bet limit on the Buster would have to be greater than $25 if it is the primary area of attack.  If the players are professional level counters then they could be attacking the main game using a hi/lo (or similar) count system, and have another person on the table or standing behind, counting the Buster using the Buster count system as mentioned above (signaling to the others).  My two cents on the situation.  I hope that helps.

My reply to this casino executive is based mostly on supposition, since I am not observing the play directly but analyzing it though the executive’s narrative.  As mentioned in the reply, the Buster is only vulnerable when the maximum bet limit exceeds $25, and when the pay schedule indicates a four-card bust pays at least 3:1.  Also, it goes without saying that a double deck Buster game is more attractive than a six or eight deck game under the same limits and pay schedule.  Any comments regarding attacking the Buster side bet are welcomed. Email me at: wzender@aol.com.

Questions???
 
I am always available to answer your questions. If you have any questions on gaming; do not hesitate to contact me through email.  I answer emails about gaming every daywzender@aol.comI really am here to help.
 
Cheers, good luck, and stay safe!
 
Bill Zender and Associates
wzender@aol.com
702-423-5734

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Footnotes

Footnotes
1EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s comments on the Buster Blackjack Side bet.

Use of Rolling Chips in North America

From Bill Zender’s email discussing his upcoming activities and events.
 

June 6, 2017

Dear Friends and Business Associates,

I am sorry that I haven’t kept in touch with everyone.  Between closing out my house in Las Vegas and working abroad, I didn’t have much time in which to pen my usual monthly eBlasts.  Now things have settled down, and I have some much needed breathing space.  I can start catching up with my normal routine which involves keeping everyone informed of my availability (for my benefit), and to discuss some of the issues and problems I have seen in the gaming industry over the last several months (hopefully, your benefit).

The Use of Rolling Chips in North America

Attached to June’s eBlast is a link to a report I just finished.  Over the past spring, it has come to my attention that a number of North American casino operators are searching for information on the use of non-negotiable chips in conjunction with a marketing program known in other parts of the world as “rolling chip” or “dead chip” programs.  The rolling chip/dead chip program is used extensively overseas to market and track high limit VIP baccarat customers.  A number of casinos have started similar programs domestically here in the USA and Canada.  I have also realized that the motivation to enter into a rolling chip program is stemming from requests by junket representatives, and marketers who work outside the casino operations.  In some instances, this could turn out to be a costly situation for the casinos.

These junket reps have informed the different casino marketing departments that they can provide a number of high limit baccarat players if the casino offers this non-negotiable chip form of player tracking. Unfortunately, many executives in casino operations who have either started the rolling chip programs or are strongly considering starting one, are misinformed as to the mathematics behind rolling chip “theoretical win” (T-win) projections, and are relying on the outside promoters and marketers for this information.  As one can imagine, this presents a seriously dangerous situation for the casino operators.

Because of this disturbing trend, I have compiled a report, or “white paper” if you may, that discusses several issues everyone considering entering the rolling chip/dead chip program needs to know.  The link is as follows: Rolling Chip Program in North AmericaFor some reason, a very inflated T-win percentage has been “floating” around that I’m having difficulty in pinning down the mathematics.  The higher percentage might be related to the mathematical win difference between the standard 5% Banker commission game, and the 1 to 2 Banker payoff on the “Punto Banco 6” version that is used extensively in Asia.  Regardless of the way it is calculated, the higher T-win percentage projects a higher than expected game revenue potential that subsequently helps to falsely support higher commission paybacks to either the customer or the junket rep (or both).  In many cases, domestic casinos are giving back a “lions share” of the win potential to outside interests while maintaining 100% of the gaming “risk”.  It is in the best interest of anyone entering into or considering a rolling chip program to read this report.

Marking Cards in Face-up Blackjack

A week ago I received an email from a casino executive who inquired about possible marked playing cards he had recently found on a face-up game of blackjack.  This is the second time I’ve heard about this possible scam in the last several months.  I think his question and my reply needs to be read by everyone on my eBlast list.  The question he sent me will be followed by my reply to him.

Question:
I have something that came up that has me really stumped.  While sorting cards from a six deck game at the end of the shift, one of the dealers found that a number of cards had a dimple or dent in the middle of the backs of the cards.  The cards were a number of 10s through Aces but not all.  When we went back over the play on that table, we only had one player betting black chips, but he won several thousand dollars.  Surveillance ran the player down for counting but found nothing.   My question is how would only a certain group of cards get dented like that in a face up game, and do you think we might have been hit by cheaters?  I haven’t seen anything like this before.

Reply:
There is a strong possibility you experienced a card marking team.  If the tens and aces were dented, the cheater were probably using a “top card” marking system.  If a card sitting on top of the shoe is marked (dented) the player sitting in first seat (before the shoe) will wager up to maximum bet, and if the card is not marked, the player will wager around their minimum bet.  Not all the cards are marked because it takes a long time to make sure all the “target” cards are marked.

Usually with this scam, the cheaters send in a team of players who “dent” the faces of the cards hours before the play actually goes down when the table has minimum action.  They dent the cards by hitting the faces of the cards with a chip or the tip of their fingers.  By denting the face of the playing card, one also creates a dent on the back of the card as well.  Cards marked in this manner must be read while in the window of the shoe when glare from overhead lighting reflects off the dent or bend.  After several shoes (and hours of play), the card marking team leaves the game.

As I mentioned previously, hours later the cheaters return with their “big player”.  They approach management and request a higher limit (sometimes).  Then they either get a private game for the big player, or have him sit in the first seat position in order to always receive the first card (top card) of the shoe.  A second cheater either stands or sits at the table around 5th/6th position to read the top card of the shoe.  When the top card is dented (marked), he signals the big player to place a maximum bet.  This gives the cheaters an approximate 20% edge on that wager.  If the team marking the cards is able to mark 70% of the tens and aces, a marked card will appear as the top card prior to the next hand about 25% of the time.

If you still have the video of the black chip customer’s play, see if there is a correlation between his increase in wager size, and the appearance of a ten or ace as his first card.  If so, then you need to go back over the entire day to see if you can spot the cheaters who marked the game.  You may be able to get enough video evidence to take it to the authorities.  If you have any other questions, please let me know.  Good luck with your review.

Unfortunately, I never heard back from this individual so I don’t know whether or not his surveillance personnel found anything suspicious.   Some executives believe that marking cards in a face-up game is impossible.  This is not true.  Although the act of hitting the face-up card in plain sight is obvious, these teams train to make the move look like a show of excitement, or pointing out a “lucky” card to their friend.  Here is more information on the scam setup:

First, the cheaters must find a table where the overhead light shines down and reflects off the top card of the shoe.

Second, the cheaters have to mark up the cards using a highly overt action of touching the face of the cards as they lay on the table.  This motion is usually done at the moment the dealer starts his/her bet settlement process.  The card markers will sit in the last two positions on the table and will usually control two to three hands.  The cheaters have to mark the cards without drawing suspicion to their intentions so they may use several different players over a several hour period.

Third, hours later they will confirm the marked cards are still on the game, and if so, have their “big player” buy-in and play the first hand positon.

I hope the information in this email, reply, and follow up comments gives you better insight into protecting your blackjack games.

Seminars and Workshop
As of today, I have no public seminars or workshops planned.  Since I do have some open time this summer and early fall, I may look to holding a Game Protection or Table Games Management class in different areas of the country outside of Las Vegas.  Please watch for future eBlast to find out what seminars, dates, and locations will be available.

On the Move
The dog days of summer are upon me.  Right now I’m almost filled for June, but have a couple of weeks in July, and the most part of August open.  If you have any questions, let me know wzender@aol.com.

June
Maryland
Washington DC
Northern California

July
Las Vegas BOD Meeting
Northern California

August
Northern California
Las Vegas BOD Meeting

Usually, I’m pretty much booked two months in advance.  As you see I have a bit of time open throughout the summer.  Please let me know if I can provide one of my services for your organization.

Questions???

I’m always available to answer your questions. If you have any questions on gaming; don’t hesitate in contacting me through email.  I answer close to a half dozen email on gaming every day wzender@aol.com

Cheers and good luck.

Bill Zender
Bill Zender and Associates
702-423-5734

 
Copyright © 2017 Bill Zender and Associates, All rights reserved.

Bill Zender on Table Game Advantage Play and Cheating Scams

By Bill Zender. 1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s comments on advantage play in 2017.

2017 Table Game Advantage Play and Cheating Scams to Watch Out For

Blackjack – Still the dominate table game on the casino floor, I believe the primary avenue of attack will come from advantage players finding weak dealers in order to spy the dealer’s hole-card.  Please don’t rule out shoe dealt games!  Finding dealers that give up the hole-card (unintentionally) in shoe games is more common than you think.  Also, don’t rule out card marking (both daub and punch) and card switching in hand pitched games.  The biggest cost to the gaming industry will come from card counting; however it’s NOT the players at the table creating the cost.  It’s the FEAR of counters that hurts our industry.  For example; do you cut off more than one deck from the back of the 6 or 8 deck shoe games?  If the answer is “yes”, there’s the cost!  Cutting off more cards than necessary decreases hand decisions per hour which costs blackjack revenue.

Baccarat – Baccarat is internationally popularity, simplicity, and offers “sky-high” wagering limits, and it will remain the primary game to beat in 2017.  My biggest concerns lie with cheaters gaining access to playing cards, and either recording pre-shuffled card sequences, or using invisible paints to mark the card (primarily the sides, surprised!)  If you question my thoughts on using invisible paints to mark the sides of cards, please go on YouTube and watch videos (there are several) regarding the “Holdem Analyzer”, and consider how that principle would work in regards to baccarat and card sequence knowledge.  Also, beware of the high limit customer who requests changes to the games dealing procedure (dealer turning up the cards, as well as determining the method for inserting the shuffle point card).  Procedure manipulation through social engineering has been a big problem over the past several years, and probably won’t diminish in 2017.

Craps – One of the hardest games to cheat or gain an advantage by the customers.  Be on the lookout for dice sliding (not controlled throws).  Dice sliding appears to be on the rise in smaller, less game protection educated casinos, or in high limit games with “demanding” VIP players.  Make sure the dice hit the back wall and be done with it.

Roulette – The color scam, buying in for a minimum denomination chip, and getting another person to cash those chips out at a higher denomination, is still being accomplished.  Educate your staff on the technique.  The cheating scam of past posting is becoming a dying “art” with the advent of HD cameras, however don’t rule it out.  Also, be careful with computer “clocking” and “number bias” regarding the roulette wheel head…but not necessarily on the “cloth” table games; on the physical roulette wheel heads used in conjunction with electronic roulette games (you know….the games the slot department think they own).

Alternative Games and Side Bets– Some of the smartest people in the world are advantage players, and they closely examine every new table game and side bet released each year for advantages.  Be sure you understand the procedures and mathematics of any new game or side bet before offering it to the public.  If in doubt; keep the maximum limits low.  Also, be on the constant lookout for dealers unintentionally exposing dealer controlled cards, either a hole-card or a community card (or both).  Educate your dealers and floor staff, and then hold you managers responsible for guaranteeing proper dealer hand/community card protection.  One other point; watch out for possibilities of card switching between two players, especially in Three Card Poker.  Other alternative games are susceptible as well.

And the biggest area of concern moving forward into 2017… Marketing Promotions. – More money is lost every year from bad promotions and programs.  Be sure that someone in your organization runs the numbers!  In addition, don’t copy someone else’s promotion, and then deem it OK just because someone else is doing it (especially from big gaming companies).  If you think your organization’s marketing strategy is OK, ask yourself this question; “Do we use Match Play Coupons and/or Promo Chips as a strategy to attract table play?”  If the answer is “yes”, then you have a problem!

At this point in time in the gaming industry’s history, we operate the safe table games ever.  The recent developments in equipment technology, time tested game procedures, quality floor and table camera coverage, and the availability of game protection education, have made are jobs a lot simpler and easier.

With that said, every organization still needs to stay up to date with the new advantage plays and cheating scams.  One of the best ways to stay up to date is to send at least one person from your organization to the World Game Protection Conference (WGPC) each year in Las Vegas.    Anything threatening to the casino bottom-line which has arisen in the past year is discussed at length by some of the top game protection experts in the world.  One topic of interest, although not about table games, will be an exclusive look into how computers and devices are being used to attack slot and video machines!!

I hope these prognostications help enlighten everyone about the possible pitfalls of this upcoming year.  I wish everyone a prosperous and safe 2017.

For more information on the World Game Protection Conference please go to; http://www.worldgameprotection.com/

Questions???
 
I’m always available to answer your questions. If you have any questions on gaming; don’t hesitate in contacting me through email.  I answer close to a half dozen email on gaming every day wzender@aol.com.
 
Cheers and best wishes on a new year.
 
Bill Zender and Associates
702-423-5734

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Footnotes

Footnotes
1EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s comments on advantage play in 2017.