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A lot of us regularly hear horror stories about fraud and other privacy issues with the internet. When you’re logging into a site such as a betting or casino site, you want to switch off and enjoy yourself. Though everybody should be able to browse the internet, download apps and play games without having to worry, this is sadly not always the case. There are unscrupulous scammers out there and even websites that are created in an attempt to try and steal peoples’ details.
Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself online is to take some basic precautions, which includes using a VPN and possibly also using cryptocurrencies for your casino experience.
In the modern age, crypto casino VPN use is on the rise. People are choosing both these methods to improve security, but also to unlock some of the different features of casino games. So, what are the benefits of VPNs and how can they improve your online casino experience?
You don’t have to be too technical to understand roughly what a VPN does. It effectively reroutes your website details and traffic, so it appears as if you are connecting from a different IP address and system.
This makes it harder for scammers to intercept and steal data from your system, and for untrustworthy websites to do the same.
A VPN is also closely tied to your location. A lot of people who are using VPNs do so to mask where they are accessing a site from or to make it appear as if they are connecting from another location. This is something we will also explore as a benefit of using a VPN.
One of the benefits of using a VPN is the fact that it can help you to tunnel through different locations. When you open up your VPN you may be able to choose between a variety of different possible locations. To the site you are connecting to, you can make it appear as if you are visiting from any site in the world.
Some areas are notoriously strict with the content that is available. In some countries, there may be a ban on all kinds of casino content including training guides, ads and the sites themselves. If you are visiting a country where the restrictions are strict, but you still wish to access a casino or gambling site, then it is very possible that you will need a VPN to reach the site you want to.
In addition to using a VPN to access the site, you may wish to use it to access a specific nation’s version of the site, a little bit like how some people use VPNs to access other versions of Netflix. Each location has its own set of features and may have different games or different streaming rights.
Of course, you will need to check the laws and restrictions where you live to see exactly what is allowed when it comes to gambling and masking your location and IP.
With this extra level of security, you may be able to play the games in question with more peace of mind. This means that you don’t have to worry as much about your connection to the site.
Nobody who accesses these sites wants to worry about their data being stolen or intercepted. With a reliable and safe VPN, your data will be better protected.
Public Wi-Fi carries all sorts of risks and is a favorite target for hackers and those who are looking to steal your data. Unfortunately, connecting to these networks can come with a level of risk and leaves your data vulnerable to theft, especially if the network is unsecured.
With a VPN, it is possible to encrypt your data and tunnel through to the site you want to reach, which means that there is a much more limited chance of hackers being able to steal information from you.
Ideally, we don’t recommend logging into a lot of sites using public Wi-Fi, people need to be secure and safe whenever details such as bank accounts are involved. Keep in mind that VPNs don’t protect you from voluntary data breaches, so be careful whenever you are entering your details on a site.
A lot of people make the error of deciding they need a VPN and looking for a free one. Many of the freeware or donationware VPNs are not safe and don’t offer the kinds of features you will be looking for.
Many studies have found that free VPNs are a target for malware, and that scammers include software in the packages that can steal your data and infect your PC with viruses.
Choose a VPN that has a wide range of different countries and locations you can use, and one that you can use to access the kind of content you need. One guide from Harvard University indicates that you should carefully consider your needs before you choose a provider and download the software. This means that you will be able to access the features you need.
There are VPNs out there that have proven to be very trustworthy over the years, and some have millions of users. Most of these do come with a price, but they may have promotional pricing for new members. When it comes to your safety online, a lot of the free solutions are simply not up to scratch.
Not every scenario calls for a VPN, but in an age where people are more conscious about their security online, it is really important to have at least considered whether your connection is secure. Using a VPN provides both peace of mind and may provide access to more content too.
For more in-depth poker strategy discussion from veteran poker pro and coach Ryan Laplante, be sure to visit his poker training site: LearnProPoker.
If you want to play tournaments well and be successful in them, the first thing you need to do is have a very well-built foundation for your pre-flop game.
This article is going to focus purely on deep stack pre-flop opening ranges, with future articles covering more aspects of the game. This article is going to assume that we are 8 handed and have a big blind ante, or all antes combined equal to 1 big blind in total, and we are 100bb deep.
Pre-flop tournament poker is under a recent revolution. Having access to better and better pre-flop solvers helps a lot with understanding what types of hands work well at various stack depths and what ranges should look like from a theory perspective. While these solvers are powerful tools, and while we have made huge progress in our knowledge of what pre-flop should look like; We still have a long way to go.
Also, the way in which pre-flop Game Theory Optimal ranges have been built is dependent heavily on what options you give the solver, how complex the tree is, and how accurate you make the solve be. I personally am a strong advocate for larger opening sizes in theory situations. While we end up playing slightly fewer hands, we have stronger and easier ranges to play, which is important for deep stack play in real world situations.
The following approach is an easy and structured way to think about pre-flop poker for deep stack.
When deep stack your opening ranges require strong equity and utility. This means that we open very few off-suit hands until we are in late position, and even then we are fairly careful.
The later position we are, the more apt we are to steal blinds and less likely to get 3-bet; the looser we can open. The deeper effective you are, the more it matters to be able to make nut-quality hands.
If you open too weak of hands verse strong players, you will run into bad reverse-implied odds. They will also start to pick up on the fact that you are opening too loose and will start 3-betting you more often. This is why keeping in line with theory matters a lot when playing vs strong opponents.
At this stack depth if we are opening it should be to 2.5x the big-blind. If someone limps, we should add 2x for the first limper, and 1x per extra limper. To choose the range to do it with, act as though you are playing from 1 position earlier. If you are the small blind, treat it as though you are playing from Mid Position.
It is also incredibly important to never limp, whether as an open limper, or as an over limp (there have been 1 or more other limps already).
The main reason being that the deeper effective you are, the more important it is that we play stronger ranges, and those ranges want to build bigger pots. Also, we don’t want to give people good odds to play speculative hands vs us as well. On top of that, if you have a range that has limps in it and have a split approach, it becomes much tougher to play overall.
So: DON’T LIMP AND DON’T OVER LIMP!
I’m going to show opening ranges for each position and situation. I will also first show a table of each position I will be noting, as well as their names.
In the images, white = fold, brown = raise and yellow = call.
The text notation used for each range is how it is input into range calculators. So you can copy-paste it directly into PokerStove or any other equity calculator or solver, and it will show the range. However the percentage of the range will be off, as it will in-put each at 100% weight. See the images for proper weighting, a partially colored box means you only play it that percent.
For the text notation, here are examples:
A2o+ = Ace – 2 offsuit and all better aces.
K8s+ = King – 8 suited and all better kings.
EP = Early Position/UTG 8 handed. MP = Mid Position. MP2 = Mid Position 2. HJ = High Jack. CO = Cut Off. BTN = Button. SB = Small Blind. BB = Big Blind
100bb Early Position: 22+,AJo+,KQo,A3s+,K8s+,Q9s+,J9s+,T8s+,98s,87s,76s,65s,54s = 14.5% of hands
Mid-Position: 22+,ATo+,KTo+,QJo,A3s+,K6s+,Q9s+,J9s+,T8s+,98s,87s,76s,65s,54s = 18.5% of hands
Mid-Position-2: 22+,ATo+,KTo+,QTo+,JTo, A2s+,K5s+,Q8s+,J8s+,T8s+,97s+,87s,76s,65s,54s = 22.3% of hands
High Jack: 22+,A8o+,KTo+,QTo+,JTo,A2s+,K4s+,Q8s+,Q6s,J8s+,T7s+,97s+,86s+,76s,65s,54s = 27.7% of hands
Cut Off: 22+,A5o+,K9o+,Q9o+,J9o+,T9o, A2s+,K2s+,Q4s+,J6s+,T6s+,96s+,85s+,75s+,65s,54s = 35.9% of hands
Button: 22+,A2o+,K5o+,Q8o+,J8o+,T7o+,97o+, 87o,A2s+,K2s+,Q2s+,J2s+,T3s+,95s+,85s+,74s+,64s+,53s+ = 53.6% of hands
Small Blind: 22+,A2o+,K2o+,Q2o+,J2o+,T3o+,95o+,84o+,74o+,64o+,53o+,A2s+,K2s+,Q2s+,J2s+,T2s+,92s+,82s+,72s+,62s+,52s+,42s+,32s = 86.1% of hands
Playing from the small blind is completely unique. We start out of position, and having half of a big-blind out in front of us means we are getting very good odds to either complete, or to call vs an open. Because of these drastically better odds, we get to play a very wide range of hands when folded to and get to call the big-blind at a very high frequency.
Playing from the small blind is the one position where it is extremely important to have a calling range, and at deeper stack it is also very important to make sure you are generally just calling, and you have a very well protected range. This leads to us trapping our strong hands at high frequencies. When we do raise, we should do so to 3.2x the big blind.
While this article was an in-depth look into pre-flop for Deep Stack opening and built for you an easy-to-use fundamental framework, it likely won’t be enough by-itself to enter your game well. Because of that, I strongly recommend picking up RangeTrainerPro and using the pre-flop trainer. Within three minutes you can easily practice 50 or more hands, and it will track your results to make it easy to see where you are struggling. Lots of practice is the best way to be able to properly implement these strategies when actually playing.
Thank you for reading and best of luck at the tables!
The world of online casino promotions (and sports betting offers) is an endlessly interesting one. There are many misconceptions about how to claim a casino bonus, and some players are quick to air their grievances when they haven’t fully understood the terms and conditions attached to them. However, many players see the astute use of casino bonuses as something akin to an art form, applying strategies to help get to their underlying target – a profit. There are never any guarantees, of course, as the fundamentals of casino gaming are about risk. Still, if used correctly, they can be highly useful.
In our view, there are two main areas players should be aware of when it comes to using bonuses. The first is that knowledge is key, and they should aspire to understand online casino bonuses, as well as learn about the specific terms and conditions on the platforms where they play. The second is more conceptual, but it’s about understanding that a casino bonus is not real money; it is ‘potentially real money’. Appreciating that difference is key to using them wisely. The majority of casino bonuses will require wagering, i.e., they must be played a certain number of times before the bonus cash becomes real, withdrawable cash. Sure, sometimes you will receive a free cash bonus that does not require wagering, but for our purposes here, we are looking at bonuses with wagering attached to them.
Above all, though, remember that casino bonuses are good ways to explore your favorite games, regardless if they are classic likes roulette or new concept games like live dealer Quantum Blackjack and other game shows. It basically means you can play them without risking your real balance.
Of course, experienced players will do due diligence before accepting a bonus. They will want to know the following:
What are the wagering requirements?
Typically, the wagering requirements will be anywhere between 30X-60X the bonus amount. This should be made in clear in the terms and conditions page. Once you know, then you can work towards transforming it into real cash.
Which games are exempt?
Not all games will be eligible for wagering. For example, it’s often the case with video poker that your bets won’t count toward bonus wagering.
What are the game weightings?
Some games will count differently towards wagering. As a general rule, slots (with some exceptions) will count 100% towards wagering, whereas table and card games might only count for 10% to 20%.
Is there a max win cap?
This is more likely to apply to no-deposit bonuses and winnings from free spins rather than standard deposit bonuses. But sometimes, there is a maximum amount that can be won or withdrawn through the bonus.
As you might expect, all of the above revolves around knowledge. The information is there on the casino platform (provided it’s a licensed casino). You might see disgruntled players grumbling about a max win cap on casino review forums, but it’s usually spelled out in black and white for them on the promotions page.
The choice of game for wagering is usually given a lot of consideration. Beyond the game weightings and exemptions mentioned above, a lot of players tend to choose low-variance slots as part of their strategy. These games are usually better at maintaining your balance than more volatile alternatives.
But above all, experienced slot players tend to have patience in abundance. Remember what we said earlier about bonuses being “potential money”? That’s a key phrase to bear in mind. Being patient means not being frivolous, placing your wagers on riskier bets because “it’s not real money”. But experienced hands know that it could be real money if they bide their time and play astutely.
So perhaps our overall message is this – using bonuses at casinos is all about knowledge and perception. The knowledge of knowing exactly what the parameters are, and the perception as to what the bonus could represent. While there are no guarantees in a casino, getting into this mindset will help with your strategy.
If you’re a strategic player looking for the best casino card games to test your skills then you’re in luck. Online casinos in Canada offer a variety of card games that require strategy, decision-making and a bit of luck. These games not only provide entertainment but also give you the opportunity to showcase your strategic thinking and potentially win big.
Whether you’re a fan of poker, blackjack, baccarat or other card games, there are options available that cater to strategic players. This guide will explore some of the top casino card games that are perfect for those who enjoy strategic gameplay. So, get ready to sharpen your mind, analyze your opponents and make calculated moves as this article delves into the world of casino card games for strategic players.
Casino card games are great for strategic players because they require a combination of skill, knowledge and decision-making that will keep you on your toes. Unlike slot games which are based on pure luck, card games like poker, blackjack and baccarat involve strategic thinking and planning. You’ll have the opportunity to make strategic choices that can greatly impact the outcome of the game. It’s all about analyzing the situation, assessing the odds and making calculated decisions based on your understanding of the game and the cards you’ve been dealt.
Strategy is a crucial element in any casino card game. It’s not just about luck; it’s about making calculated decisions and outmaneuvering your opponents. By mastering the art of strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of winning and come out on top. But that’s not all – you can use various techniques and strategies to gain an advantage. You can bluff, read their opponents’ body language and make educated guesses about the cards that are still in play. You can also take leverage mathematical calculations and probability theories to make informed decisions.
As you may know, there are plenty of card games to explore. Learn more here if you’ve already decided which game you want to play, and keep on reading if you’re still deciding. From the classic game of poker where you’ll need to make strategic decisions based on your hand strength and the actions of other players, to the fast-paced game of blackjack where you’ll aim to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. However while poker and blackjack are two of the most well-known strategic casino card games, there are many others worth exploring.
One such game is Bridge, trick-taking game that requires players to work together with their partner to outscore their opponents which requires careful planning, communication, as well as the ability to anticipate your opponents’ moves. And if you’re looking for a more complex game then try Bridge where you’ll need to communicate with your partner to determine the contract and play the hand accordingly. Whatever game you choose, remember to practice, study and develop your skills to become a master strategist at the casino.
If you want to take your casino card game skills to the next level, incorporating strategy into your gameplay is essential. Before diving into any card game, make sure you thoroughly understand the rules. Familiarize yourself with the different card values, possible combinations, and any special rules or variations that may apply. The more you play, the better you’ll become so take advantage of free online versions of your favorite card games to practice and refine your skills. Observe experienced players to learn from their strategies and techniques.
Understanding the odds of winning in different card games can greatly influence your decision-making. Study the probabilities and learn which hands or moves have the highest chances of success. Before playing, develop a strategy based on the specific card game you’re playing. Consider factors such as the number of players, the rules and the cards you have. Adjust your strategy as the game progresses.
Remember, strategy alone cannot guarantee consistent wins in casino card games, as luck also plays a significant role. However, by incorporating these tips into your gameplay, you can enhance your skills and increase your chances of having a pleasant time.
Security is a paramount concern for most online poker players. Over the years, the rate at which hackers steal the identity of gamblers and loot monetary funds has become alarming. Therefore, we cannot fault the cry for safety by players. Licensed online poker rooms worldwide have made significant changes to their sites to provide maximum security for gamblers. After reading a PokerStars casino review, we have learned that some websites employ the two-factor authentication method to enhance the security of a player’s account. The leakage of your private information, such as your credit card number and home address can be very infuriating.
Although online poker operators have a significant role in ensuring maximum safety, experts believe you also have a part to play. This guide will teach you how to stay safe when playing poker and making payment transactions at online casinos.
The first thing to note about ensuring safety at online poker sites is always playing on a trusted platform. It would help to spend enough time researching which sites have the best safety policies and secure gaming environments. Most bonuses, promotions, and games on poker sites are the same, but safety should always be the first thing to look out for. Here are a few things to look out for when looking for a trusted poker site:
Maintaining a good reputation is essential for every online poker site. And the best way to evaluate a platform’s reputation is by listening to what other gamblers are saying. How does the site
An anti-fraud team comprises highly skilled professionals who protect accounts from fraud. Hackers will always work tirelessly to hack into your online poker account and access your personal information. As a result, every reputable online poker site has an anti-fraud team that works 24/7 to protect your account. The team will contain people who are experts in cyber security.
Much like adherence to the rules of poker themselves, security is one of the most essential components of an online poker site. There is news of hackers trying to get into people’s accounts every week, and it doesn’t look like it will end anytime soon. To protect the identity and finances of players, every reputable casino must follow security guidelines and utilize resources that promote security.
Cardplayer Lifestyle will be hosting its sixth Mixed Game Festival, a five-day affair at Resorts World Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, with a WPT Voyage Prize Package to be awarded.
We’re proud to announce that Mixed Game Festival VI will see a return to the fabulous Resorts World Las Vegas from November 26-30 to stage what’s sure to be another exciting week of mixed game poker.
This time around, the festival will include a pair of tournaments, namely a $260 Omaha 8/Stud 8 tournament on Monday November 27, and a $260 H.O.R.S.E. tournament on Thursday November 30 as our grand finale.
Alongside the two tournaments, nonstop dealer’s choice cash game action will be spread at limits as low as $4/8 and $8/16, with higher stakes available upon request.
Cardplayer Lifestyle Omaha 8 – Stud 8 Tournament Structure + Rules
Cardplayer Lifestyle H.O.R.S.E. Tournament Structure Sheet + Rules
“Resorts World Poker Room is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Mixed Game Festival once more. Join our first class dealers for an engaging week filled with social interaction and exhilarating mixed game poker. As part of the festivities, we’re proud to present both O8/Stud8 and H.O.R.S.E. tournaments for your enjoyment” said Leon Wheeler, Director of Poker Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas.
The WPT Voyage Prize Package, which will be awarded to the winner of our H.O.R.S.E. tournament, will consist of:
*Note: Prize does not include cost of travel to Miami, Florida, to board the ship. Winner is responsible for making their own such arrangements.
Estimated total value of the prize package is over $5,000. The 2023 WPT Voyage is scheduled to take place aboard Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady between March 31-April 6, 2024.
A hallmark of our Mixed Game Festivals are the “value adds”, and that will begin right away with a fun-filled Pizza Party to kick things off at 12pm on Sunday November 26th.
At 11:30am on Tuesday November 28th, we’ll stage a Poker Trivia competition, with hundreds of dollars in prizes to be won, to be immediately followed by cash games.
On Wednesday November 29th (final time TBD), we’ll be staging a poker book signing with Amanda Botfeld, who will be signing copies of her book A Girl’s Guide to Poker, published by D&B Poker. Copies will be priced at $10 apiece and a portion of proceeds from book sales will be donated to Poker Gives, a non-profit organization that distributes funds to assist military families, homeless veterans, and youth programs in Las Vegas.
On Thursday November 30th, World Poker Tour commentator Tony Dunst will be on hand to do the “Shuffle Up and Deal” honors for the grand finale H.O.R.S.E. tournament, while WPT Executive Tour Director Matt Savage will be announcing the event’s final table and presenting the tournament winner with their WPT Voyage prize package voucher!
Throughout the festival, we’ll be giving away plenty of merchandise courtesy of premium poker industry brands like: PokerGO, BBO Poker Tables, D&B Poker Publishing, and Faded Spade Playing Cards, as well as some special mixed game-focused booklets by Jim Donahue!
You can score discounted hotel room rates at Resorts World by using promo code YYPKR when booking online or calling directly: 1-833-930-3888.
We will once again be producing daily recaps that highlight all the action during our Mixed Game Festival, and you’ll be able to find them right here on Cardplayerlifestyle.com. We’ll also be covering the festival extensively via social media on our Twitter and Facebook accounts.
A Pokercoaching.com Player of the Day will be selected for special recognition on each day of the Mixed Game Festival and will have “their story” written up on our daily recaps.
Show up and take part in the festivities, and you could “see your name in lights” alongside some top poker pros and popular poker personalities who’ve pledged to come and take part in all the fun.
Looking forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas! Please help us spread the word!
Got questions about our upcoming Mixed Game Festival? Please contact: [email protected]
Sweepstake casinos have become hugely popular, especially in the United States. When assessing most of the leading online sweepstake casinos, they are full of slots and these are the most readily available games.
Not only do they let you play many classic, well known games such as slots and other top table games, they also allow players the chance to play on one of the niche games growing in popularity. Fish table games. You won’t find these type of games at traditional online casinos, which really puts sweepstake casinos ahead of the pack.
Over the last two years, sweepstake casinos have been working hard to include a wider variety of games, with Fish Table games and card games good examples. Fish Table games for real money have grown in popularity and they are now on offer at some sweepstake casinos, but traditional card games are also proving to be a hit. Read on as we bring you the best card games to play in sweepstake casinos.
Blackjack is one of the top card games to play at sweepstake casinos because it is one of the easiest to understand. It does not matter if you are new to playing card games at sweepstake casinos or if you have never played a card game before in your life because classic blackjack is straight forward.
The aim of the game is to get as close to a value of 21 with your cards without going over that number. You must also have a higher hand than the dealer to win. If you go over the total of 21, you are bust and lose the game but the same rule applies to the dealer. In addition to the classic version of blackjack, you will find other types of blackjack games at sweepstake casinos, including multi-hand blackjack and premier blackjack.
The rules to the variants differ slightly from the classic game and that is what makes them an enjoyable addition to the card games at sweepstake casinos.
Most people know the rules of poker and that the game had been made famous in movies, television shows, and video games.
Professional games of poker, with big money on the line, are shown live on television but at sweepstake casinos, it is possible to play poker for free using gold coins. The most popular poker game at sweepstake casinos is Texas Hold’em and this is widely regarded as being the best poker game to play.
When playing Texas Hold’em, players are dealt cards and players make their first bets. The community cards are revealed and there is another round of betting. The fourth community card is dealt followed by a round of betting and the fifth community card is dealt, with one further round of betting. All remaining players in the game must then show their hands before the winner is declared. Texas Hold’em and other forms of poker, such as Omaha, have their own rules and the game is not as easy for newcomers as blackjack.
You should watch some games to ensure you fully understand the rules but poker is one of the best card games to play in sweepstake casinos because you do not need to bet using real money. Looking to get the upper hand? Then check out our reviews of the best poker training sites to give you the edge.
One of the top card games to play at sweepstake casinos is baccarat and it has a low house edge, meaning a better chance of winning.
Also, much like blackjack, the game of baccarat is easy to understand, making it a good choice for those who want to play for fun at sweepstake casinos. The game begins with the option of betting on either the players or the bankers hand before any cards are drawn. Two cards are drawn for both the player and the banker, beginning with the player first. The points total for each set of two cards is announced but only the second digit of the total is declared.
It is worth noting that tens and face cards are not worth anything when playing baccarat. If the total of either two sets of cards is 8 or 9, this is declared a natural win and all bets are paid out. If the player is on a total of between 0 and 5, they can draw another card and if there is not a natural winner, the hand closest to 9 wins. It takes a little more practice to fully understand baccarat compared to blackjack but sweepstake casinos are friendly and help is always on hand if required.
Blackjack, poker, and baccarat are three of the best card games to play in sweepstake casinos. Some are beginning to introduce live dealer games for the first time, which is an exciting addition.
When it comes to online gaming, players are often drawn to a platform by a combination of enticing features and qualities. While a diverse game selection, user-friendly interface, and responsive customer support are undoubtedly important, one of the initial attractions for visitors to a gaming website is the promise of daily bonuses and promotions. At Fortune Coins, we understand the allure of receiving free coins to enhance your gaming experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of promotions at Fortune Coins, providing you with insights on how to maximize your rewards and stay updated on the latest offers and promo codes.
At Fortune Coins, you can jump-start your gaming journey without making a purchase. Simply by logging in daily, you’ll have the opportunity to claim a set number of coins to play with. These coins are your gateway to extended gaming sessions filled with excitement. Furthermore, being a member of Fortune Coins opens the door to a treasure trove of bonuses, including a sign-up bonus, daily bonuses, and an exclusive bonus that becomes available once you verify your email address and phone number. Registering and claiming these bonuses is quick and easy, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to embark on your gaming adventure.
In addition to the registration bonus, Fortune Coins offers a plethora of promotions designed to enhance your experience. When you refer a friend to Fortune Coins, both you and your friend become eligible to claim GC (Gold Coins) and FC (Fortune Coins). Moreover, the platform hosts enticing promotions such as the Mystery Bonus, Double Mystery Bonus, Fortune Star Bonus, New Game bonuses, Facebook Connect Bonus, and many more. For those who love to play, there’s the opportunity to become the coveted ‘Fortune Star of the Month’ through the Fortune Coins program.
Claiming your Fortune Coin Casino No Deposit Bonus is a breeze and takes just seconds. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Fortune Coins Casino offers a unique gaming experience for players in the United States through its innovative business model. It functions as a social casino with sweepstakes, allowing players to use in-game virtual currencies to enjoy their favorite casino-style games without any cost and with the potential to redeem exciting prizes.
Among the standout features of Fortune Coins is its generous bonuses and promotions. New players are greeted with an exceptional no-deposit offer. Upon signing up, you can log in from the official website to unlock a fantastic bonus package that requires no purchase, allowing you to dive right into the action without spending any money.
At Fortune Coins, players have various opportunities to accumulate free coins, including Gold Coins for gameplay and Fortune Coins (FC). FC can be redeemed for tangible prizes and can be earned through daily logins, referrals, and participation in the rewards program. These bonuses and promotions are designed to enhance your gaming experience and provide you with additional reasons to enjoy Fortune Coins’ exciting offerings.
In summary, Fortune Coins understands the importance of rewarding players for their loyalty and participation. With a range of bonuses, promotions, and opportunities to get free coins, it’s no wonder that Fortune Coins continues to attract and delight players seeking an engaging and rewarding gaming experience. So, don’t miss out on the chance to explore all the riches Fortune Coins has to offer.
The amount being gambled in US states continues to run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Not every state is seeing a continual rise in monthly figures but the next few months could change all of all that.
In Pennsylvania, figures for gambling revenue in July were 8.9% higher than recorded in the same period of last year. Sports betting and igaming were the main reasons for this being so. A total of $467 million was recorded and that was also 6% higher than gambling revenue in the previous month.
The main source of gambling revenue came online. Players love trying their luck on slot games and that a total of $214.7 million was gambled on them in July. The figure is 0.4% more than the June total. While players continued to try and trigger bonus games and win progressive jackpots, there was a fall in revenue for retail table games, declining 3.8% to $83.4 million.
When it came to igaming, there was a massive 34.8% increase in recorded revenue when compared to 2022.
Sport betting revenue for Pennsylvania also saw an increase with the vast majority of it coming online. The handle was $338.5 million and that was 0.6% higher than the same time period last year.
Over 30 US states have now made sports betting legal. One of the latest to do so is Ohio, which saw online sports betting launched right at the start of 2023. The launch went well and in July, the highest handle was achieved by DraftKings. It had been FanDuel who had previously ruled the roost.
DraftKings recorded a handle of £116 million in July, $9.3 million ahead of FanDuel. It’s certainly going well for the two companies with them holding around 70% of the Ohio market. In total, online and retail sportsbooks saw $331 million in wagers in July. Not such good news for Ohio operators was the new 20% tax rate. Over $70 million was received in tax revenue in July.
In Delaware, July saw a fall in online casino and sports betting revenue when compared to 2022. July proved to be a poor month for igaming with a revenue of $36.6 million which is the lowest recorded this year. The total amount was 7.6% lower than seen in July 2022 and a fall of 4% from June 2023.
While online casino revenue was only $1.2 million (5.6% less than in 2022), it was an increase of 7.3% from June of this year, an Agamble spokesperson said, a website about online casinos in the US.
There was also a fall in the amount being wagered on sports betting. The total of $283,025 was a big increase (298.5%) ahead of June’s figure but 26.2% down on the amount recorded 12 months ago.
There were better results seen in the US state of Michigan, especially online. Sports betting and casino revenue was $176.1 million and that’s an 18.8% rise from last year. They were also better than the $169.3 million that was recorded in June 2022. It’s a welcome rise as the past three months had seen a fall in revenue.
Online casinos performed well with $153.6 million recorded in gaming gross receipts. That’s 21.3% higher than in July 2022 and a 1.7% increase from June of this year.
Sports betting fared well with a 4.2% increase on the July 2022 figure. At $22.5 million it was 23% higher than the revenue figure for June despite a fall in the handle when compared with July last year.
It was good news for the gross receipts recorded by the igaming business in Michigan. $138.2 million was an 18% year-on-year increase and 1% higher than in June.
When it comes to the amounts that can be earned from sports betting, there should be big increases in the coming months. The US Open tennis tournament will have been attracting large amounts of bets but more is to come in September and beyond.
The NFL is making its return this month and that’s not just good news for those who love American Football. It’s excellent news too for sports betting operators. Millions of dollars will be wagered on the weekly matches that will take place and this will boost revenues considerably.
That’s the way it works in the sports betting industry. There are periods when the major sports aren’t being played. If there’s no NFL or NBA, then revenue figures won’t be reaching the heights that we have seen them reach. The return of the major soccer leagues in Europe will also be good news for sports betting companies.
The final quarter of the year could be interesting though. Last year saw the soccer World Cup be played in the final weeks of 2022. That won’t be the case in 2023 so year-on-year revenue figures might struggle to keep up with the results achieved last year.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released its latest annual report. They show that 23.6 million adults around the UK made some form of gambling wager between April 2022 and March 2023.
Their report comes just months after the UK Government finally published their White Paper on gambling reform. The UKGC will have a key role to play in the implementation of the proposals that have been suggested in the White Paper.
One of the concerns of the government is the problems that gambling, whether in-person or online can cause players. The latest UKGC report shows that the problem gambling rate is still a relatively low amount. At 0.3%, those in the UK gambling industry will use this figure to downplay suggestions there may be a major problem, according to a Casino Gambler spokesperson, a website about online gambling in the UK .
According to the UKGC, that figure of 0.3% represents a number between 160,000 and 340,000 adults who can be identified as having a problem with their gambling. That figure is based on data from the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). In terms of gamblers who are considered to be at risk of developing a problem, that’s between 270,000 and 480,000. Anti-gambling campaigners will still state that more work needs to be carried out to reduce even further that level.
The 0.3% problem gambling rate is described by UKGC officials as “statistically stable.” More work is needed though to help those that are having problems.
There were over 2,400 licensed gambling operators in Great Britain last year. Recent years haven’t been easy for the gambling industry, particularly land-based venues. The COVID-19 pandemic caused serious problems for venues such as casinos, betting shops and bingo clubs. They were regularly forced to temporarily close their doors as lockdowns were imposed.
With the pandemic now officially over, how has the gambling industry recovered from those temporary closures? The UKGC report states that recent figures show the gambling sector has recovered well. The Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) was £14.1 billion for the year 2021-22 which was 11% higher than in the previous year.
While the pandemic caused many problems for the land-based gambling venues, it wasn’t quite so bad for the online side of the industry. Gamblers that were unable to go to their usual betting shops/casinos headed online, some for the first time. Being able to play blackjack, baccarat and poker at home while under lockdown became popular, though it did concern those worried it would lead to more gambling harm.
The new report from the UKGC has revealed that for 2021-22, the online and gambling sector had GGY of £6.4 billion. That was 12.4% higher than the 2019-20 total. However, it was 6.2% lower than the 2020-21 figure. A fall was expected once the pandemic was over and the land based venues re-opened. It’s still a very healthy figure for the online gambling industry.
This UKGC report isn’t all about the amount of money that is being gambled. It also looks at the work that the regulatory body carries out. While the UK White Paper on gambling reform was being delayed by the problems in Downing Street, the UKGC were busy taking action against those they’ve issued licenses to.
The past year has seen them take action against 24 operators with £60.1 million issues in either fines or regulatory settlements. William Hill received a £19.2 million sanction, while Entain had to pay £17 million.
Why were online casinos and other sites sanctioned? The main reasons are failures in social responsibility and anti-money laundering procedures. Allowing customers to deposit and lose huge amounts without acceptable checks being carried out always presses the UKGC into action.
The same applies when customers place huge amounts into their online casino accounts. Not taking action to discover where these funds are coming from and if players can afford these amounts is also seriously frowned upon.
It was in 2005 that the current Gambling Act came into force. Since then the industry has been transformed by the arrival of the internet and being able to gamble on your mobile devices. Proposals in the White Paper do address this fact. There are several that will affect the online gambling industry and cause profits to be hit.
These include placing reduced stake limits on casino games such as slot machines. Going back to the concerns over whether gamblers can afford the amounts they place, stricter affordability checks are planned.
It’s not known when the proposals might come into law. It might not be before the next UK General Election. There will be plenty of discussions on gambling reform in the coming months and how they progress are going to be vital for the future of the UK gambling industry, particularly for the online business.
The surge in online gaming has sparked an unprecedented demand for live casino dealers, turning the traditional card game into a lucrative and exciting career path. Imagine transforming your love for cards into a flexible and rewarding job that offers not only a substantial income but also ample opportunities for professional growth. In this increasingly popular field, success hinges on certain key skills such as game mastery, customer service expertise, and a keen eye for detail. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to acquiring these abilities and embarking on a fulfilling journey in the world of live casino dealing. We will delve into the nitty-gritty of the profession, from understanding the rules of various games to mastering the art of interaction with diverse players. So, whether you’re seeking a career change or simply intrigued by the dynamic world of online casinos, read on to discover how you can turn cards into a thriving career.
A live casino dealer is a seasoned professional who ensures the seamless operation of live casino games, adhering strictly to the rules. Their duties mirror those of their counterparts in traditional casinos like those in Las Vegas – shuffling cards or spinning the roulette wheel in precise order. The key difference, however, lies in the environment. Live casino games are broadcasted from a specialized studio using high-definition cameras, not from a physical casino floor. While these dealers earn a salary and can even receive tips, they do not physically handle chips or money. In an online setting, all transactions are digitally managed by sophisticated live casino game software, providing a smooth and efficient gaming experience for players.
Embarking on a career as a dealer for a gambling site entails a series of steps similar to any other professional path. This includes gaining knowledge about the game, honing your skills through practice, and conducting a job hunt. Here’s a guide on how to proceed.
Delving into the Skills and Prerequisites for a Dealer Position – Observing a dealer manage a table game, one might not fully grasp the complexity of their role or the path they took to get there.
Dealers are required to have an in-depth understanding of various table games, necessitating comprehensive training. They also need to familiarize themselves with the basic elements of live-dealer game production.
Furthermore, there are essential qualifications such as interpersonal skills, good hand-eye coordination, basic mathematical aptitude, and the readiness to work unconventional hours. The minimum age requirement is typically 18 or 21 years, and applicants usually need at least a high school diploma, a clean drug test result, and in many cases, certification or licensing.
Reflect on the Reasons for Choosing a Career as a Casino Dealer – Taking up the role of a dealer in a gambling establishment is a unique profession that demands both time and financial investments. Geographical proximity to a casino studio might also be a factor to consider when contemplating this career path. The job requires undergoing formal training, even if you’re already familiar with the games from a player’s standpoint. Moreover, similar to other service-oriented roles, it involves direct interaction with customers. Whether you view it as a temporary gig or a stepping stone towards a long-term career in the casino industry, it’s crucial to understand your motivations for pursuing this line of work.
Develop Expertise and Refine Abilities – The initial step towards becoming an online casino dealer involves mastering the craft. Institutions like Ace Academy offer a comprehensive starting point, with other training centers such as Vegas Aces and The Casino College also providing valuable instruction. Additionally, some recruiters offer integrated training within their programs.
These training platforms guide you through understanding the rules of various games, their mechanics, and the importance of practice.
Practice plays a significant role in preparation, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle any situation that arises. Given the specific equipment involved in this profession (like chutes, roulette wheels, and table layouts), self-practice can be challenging beyond the card shuffling and handling typically performed by a casino dealer. Thus, refining these skills is crucial.
Even though online casinos are not yet widespread across the US, with fewer than 10 states currently hosting such platforms, the industry is on a steady growth trajectory. This is more prevalent in Europe, but opportunities are also emerging in major US cities where live casino jobs are more accessible.
Leading B2B destinations for online casinos, such as Playtech and Evolution, are excellent starting points for job seekers in this field. They offer roles that allow you to showcase your vivacious personality in their 24/7 operating studios. Additionally, job search platforms like ZipRecruiter list numerous Online Casino Dealer vacancies, with competitive salaries ranging from $11-$20/hr. Indeed.com is another valuable resource, listing over 200 Casino Game Dealer Online jobs and nearly 1300 Casino Dealer opportunities.
Furthermore, resources like Zippia provide insightful guides on how to recruit and hire casino dealer candidates, while Resumaker offers free examples of cover letters for aspiring casino dealers.
Online casinos offer a diverse range of live casino games, delivering a real-time gaming experience to players. The most favored live casino games usually comprise Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat, which are traditional table games present in most brick-and-mortar and online casinos. For instance, we looked at Spinago, a respected online casino owned and managed by Dama N.V., regulated under Curacao’s laws. Their Live Casino section predominantly features Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat games like Blackjack Classic 64, Instant Roulette, and Baccarat Controlled Squeeze. Live Poker games, including variations such as Casino Hold’em and Caribbean Poker, are also quite favored among players. Other in-demand games include Sic Bo, Dragon Tiger, and game show-style games. Some online casinos also offer less common games like Bingo and Lottery, which diversify the live gaming experience. Andar Bahar, a game native to India, can be found on some platforms, although it might not be globally recognized.
Gaining expertise in specific games is a critical step in landing a job as a casino dealer. A detailed understanding of these games is very crucial since these are frequently played in most casinos. Familiarity with the rules, strategies, and effective dealing of these games can significantly boost your chances of securing a casino dealer position. Also, mastering less common games can be advantageous, as versatility in handling various games is highly valued in this field. Besides knowing the game, dealers are also expected to create a fun gaming experience for the players, necessitating exceptional customer service skills alongside technical knowledge.
Serving as a dealer on a casino website indisputably has its benefits and drawbacks. These individuals are the pillar of any live online casino, ensuring smooth operations and enhancing players’ enjoyment.
On the positive side, the online casino industry is expanding with vast potential, providing ample growth opportunities. As a dealer, you get to learn the intricacies of live dealer casinos and gain insight into live casino production and studio operation. Furthermore, since all transactions are digital, there’s no physical handling of money involved, reducing the risk of theft or misplacement.
However, there are also disadvantages to consider. Live dealer studios aren’t ubiquitous, so you may need to relocate or commute long distances for work. Additionally, the nature of the online casino industry might require you to work unconventional hours to cater to players in different time zones, which could disrupt your personal life or sleep schedule.
I visited Iceland for four days, renting a car, driving into the countryside, and staying every night in the capital and largest city on the island, Reykjavik. Though poker in Iceland is not legal, I managed to find a few places where the game is spread. Proprietors of these poker clubs consider poker to be in a grey area of the law – not strictly legal, but not truly illegal either – as poker clubs are generally allowed to operate as long as there are no clearly illegal activities, like drug use or underage drinking.
Iceland is a land of extraordinary scenery. By extraordinary, I mean very different from ordinary. As you get outside the city, you see terrain that looks other-worldly. There are vast stretches of lava fields, covered often in moss and lichens, with few trees or even shrubs. This barren terrain is interrupted by enormous gashes and outcroppings of black rock, and scored with deep crevices, cataracts, streams, inlets, and waterfalls. There are active and inactive volcanos on the island. In certain spots there are also active geysers, as well as pools with superheated water bubbling up. There are huge areas of glaciers and mountains that punctuate the horizon and ask for exploration and hiking. It is the ideal spot for someone who loves to hike and commune with nature.
Iceland is located just south of the Arctic Circle. Accordingly, there are nights with little to no darkness in summer, as well as very long and dark nights in winter. In the fall to spring months it is an ideal place to watch the Northern Lights.
I traveled to Iceland in late August, when the sun rises around 6:15am and sets near 8:30pm. The weather was ideal for me, typically with overcast skies, a slight drizzle for a few hours, and a strong breeze, with a temperature range of 45 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. There was a day-and-a-half of clear skies. You’d want to make sure to bring a waterproof jacket with a hood, and probably a sweater or sweatshirt. There are many used clothing stores if you don’t want to bring your clothes with you.
It is an outdoorsman’s paradise.
Strange then, I suppose, that I went in search of an indoor activity – poker. But I did. And I was rewarded for my efforts.
There are two primary poker clubs in Iceland – both in the greater Reykjavik metropolitan area (if you can call a city with 140,000 people a metropolitan area), just over the eastern border of the city, in Kopavogur, about two miles from downtown Reykjavik. I visited and played in both. Given the beautiful weather, and the relatively late sunset, I elected to walk to them. Considering how safe Reykjavik is, I even elected to walk home in the dark. They were just a little over a mile from my hotel. They were pleasant walks. (I also visited a third club that, sadly, did not manage to get a game going on the Wednesday night I was there.)
A word about finding poker in places like Iceland, that don’t have fully legal public poker rooms. There’s a Facebook Page, Global Poker Community, whose members provided invaluable assistance. I posted my request for a game in Reykjavik; and within two hours I had contacts who helped me find something. I recommend it highly.
The first club was Hugar Poker. (The Icelandic name is actually a lot longer; but is unpronounceable for native English speakers.) They’re located on the second floor of a shopping area – right over a sporting goods store. Hugar has five or so tables, a game every night of the week, tournaments nearly every night, and an on-site kitchen. They welcome foreign currency, and gladly changed my Canadian Dollars (left over from my poker trip to Alberta, Canada) into the local currency – at the official rate, with no fee. It was an easy and convenient place to play poker.
The players were all extremely friendly, even offering me some of their menthol flavored, pouched, tobacco chew. I politely refused.
I played in the cash game and the tournament, visiting three of the five nights I was in Reykjavik. It’s an extremely well-run room, with a regular local clientele, and dedicated professional dealers. The room itself is clean, well appointed, with good lighting, new-looking tables with firm felt, comfortable well-padded chairs, and beautiful plastic cards with images slightly different from those I’ve seen elsewhere. There are chess boards set up, a dart board, and comfortable couches. I also sampled the food. I had chicken skewers. They were well prepared, tasty, served very hot and with a wide assortment of dipping sauce. They had sandwiches, hamburgers, salads, and a few Middle Eastern items on the menu. You wouldn’t go here for the food, but from my dish, and what I saw others eating, it was a couple of levels better than adequate. It was also a little cheaper than the typical restaurants in the area.
The game was played in the local currency, Icelandic Kroner. There is only one cash game that is played in this city: 100/200 no limit Texas Hold’em, with a 100 minimum and 500 kroner maximum buy-in. 100 Kroner roughly equal to $.75 US. The rake was 5% with a 4,000 Kroner maximum.
The tournaments featured a 10,000 Kroner buy-in, with a 1,000 Kroner add-on for the staff that got you an additional 10,000 chips to add to the starting stack of 30,000. Everyone elected to purchase it. The house took 10% of the initial buy-in, and nothing from any of the re-entries. They got two tables, with half a dozen people re-entering – for a total of 22 entries. I finished in sixth place, with three places paid.
The crowd seemed to consist of regulars – most of whom were at least fairly skilled – a couple highly skilled. I did not see any completely clueless, new, inebriated, or otherwise hapless players during my eight hours of play. Nor did I see any players who made their living at the game.
I played one night at Poker Express. This, too, is a well-run club, operated by a successful poker player, Isak, who won the Icelandic poker championship a few years ago, and who has had experience playing in Las Vegas. He was present when I visited , played in the game,– and was extremely engaging and positive about the game and his club in particular. I enjoyed sitting next to him when I played in their 100/200 game. They also gladly exchanged my Canadian currency for Icelandic Kroner – for the official bank rate.
The players here were quite a bit younger and seemingly less experience, less skilled, and surely less aggressive than the players at Hugar. The younger demographic seems to be part of the owner’s business model, as he mentioned that he was looking for a different vibe from the other major club in town. Notably, their rake cap was even higher at 5,000 Kroner.
I had a delightful and profitable session at both clubs.
The third club I visited, but did not play at since they didn’t manage to get enough players, was Magma Poker Club, located in a building with a billiard and snooker club. They were welcoming, friendly, and, except for the operator and the dealer and me, completely empty. (A college classmate of mine, seeing my posted picture of the club, told me that it was mis-named – since magma only refers to the molten form of lava, when it is still beneath the surface of the earth. I had to correct him – as all of the clubs in Iceland are, because of their questionable legal status, underground!)
Below is a picture I took inside The Magma Club, Reykjavik, alongside club operator Thorri.
Iceland, isolated as it is as an island in the North Atlantic, at least a two-hour flight from its nearest European neighbors, does not have much competition for players’ poker dollar (or Kroner). Poker, being technically illegal, also adds upward pressure to the cost of the game. Accordingly, it isn’t surprising that the cost of poker is among the highest in the world.
The cash games were raked at 5% with a maximum of between 4,000 and 5,000 Kroner. At the current exchange rate that’s a maximum rake of between $37 -$47 a pot. I’m not sure how that is sustainable, but the two major clubs have been thriving for over a year – and show no signs of slowing down.
Reykjavik is a tourist city. Much of the economy depends on visitors and on the many meals they purchase. It’s no surprise that there are some great seafood restaurants. There are also many bars and pubs, a few of which have a gambling and poker theme.
Here’s one of the more colorful pubs, from the heart of the tourist district. But don’t be fooled; though it seemed like a lovely pub, there is never any poker.
Iceland has great lamb and seafood – especially fish. I had four fantastic fish meals and one dinner of delicious lamb ribs. My first was at Grillmarket, my second at Sumac (the lamb), my third at Messinn, my fourth at Reykjavik Fish, and my last and best meal was at Fish & Company.
But be forewarned: Iceland is quite expensive. Even a modest hotel will run you about $200 a night. Lunches will almost surely be at least $25; and dinners, at even the least fancy of restaurants, will likely run you $50-100, even without alcohol.
Iceland is quite convenient to get to, with non-stop flights from all over Europe and North America. It is a 4.5-hour flight from Boston, and a 3.5-hour flight from London or Paris. Many cross-Atlantic flights on discount airlines like Play and Wow stop in Iceland. If you can, I recommend extending your layover to include at least a night or two in Iceland. This would allow you to tour the amazing countryside during the day, have dinner in the evening, and then catch a cash game or tournament in one of the poker clubs at night. The rooms stay open until the following morning. The rake is quite high, I know, but the experience of playing poker in this beautiful island nation, with these extremely friendly people, is priceless!