The Mill Casino

12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino

Gambling Articles 89-110

Welcome Bonus

Four Intriguing Facts About Welcome Bonuses That You Probably Don’t Know

Everyone interested in online casinos or sports betting websites has seen at least one welcome bonus…

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Casino Bonus

Three Reasons Why You May Not Be Able To Get The Casino Bonus You Like

One of the hidden weapons of most online casinos that they use when they want to gain new customers …

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Online Gambling

The Pros of Online Casinos Versus Land-Based Casinos

If you’re a seasoned gambler, chances are you’ve already made up your mind as to whether you prefer …

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Road Trip!

Gambling On The Road: 8 Things You Need Between Casino Stops

Travelling the country in an RV or camper van can be an exciting experience and visiting different c…

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Online Casino

6 Common Reasons Why People Fail with Online Gambling

It may be the case that you have always been curious about online gambling but never wanted to make …

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The Flamingo

4 Famous Casinos With A Story To Tell

The world of casinos and gaming is one that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and the publi…

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Casino de Venezia

Interesting Facts About Casinos You May Not Know

 The Casino de Venezia is situated on the gorgeous waterway of the city’s grand canal The casin…

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Casino Rama

The 7 Best RV Friendly Casinos in Canada

Many Canadian casinos offer casino camping in their parking lot. So, if you are looking for a place …

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Poker

What Does It Take to Run a Profitable Poker Room?

Nowadays, the game of poker has gained enormous popularity all over the world. Numerous poker rooms …

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5 Best USA Casino Campgrounds

5 Best Casino Campgrounds in the United States

As we all know, there is heavy regulation regarding casino gambling in the US. Yes, year-on-year, th…

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Online Casinos

A guide to choosing the best online casinos in Canada

  With over 19.3 million people gambling online in Canada, the country is leading the way in on…

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iGaming Stocks

Top iGaming Stocks for Investing in 2020

2020 marks the decade of a growth spurt in iGaming stocks as online gambling steps into the mainstre…

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Shuffling Cards

Getting the Basics of Online Poker

Many people think poker looks far too complicated for them to learn to play, but the reality couldn’…

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Slot Machines

Top Differences Between Physical and Online Casinos

As huge internet businesses started to thrive in the early 1990s, the brick-and-mortar gambling indu…

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Monte Carlo

7 of the Most Beautiful Casinos in the World

 When we’re visiting a land-based casino, it’s generally because we’re looking for some quality…

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Online Slots

5 of the Best New Online Slots

When it comes to casino games, it’s always the slots that are the most popular. They’re simple to pl…

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Online Casinos

8 Insider Tips on How to Gamble and Win Big in Online Casinos

The advent of the internet is probably one of the best things that ever happened to the gambling ind…

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Online Gambling

What will 2020 Bring to the Online Gambling Scene?

A new decade and a new year mean another round of questions and uncertainties over the future direct…

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Deadwood, South Dakota

Best Casino Road Trip Destinations For 2019

I think we can all be in agreement that nothing quite beats a good road trip, especially one that in…

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Superman Slot

Five of the Best Slot Games Based on Movies

  Slot makers enjoy using pop culture references to brand their wares, and the games can be themed o…

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An ongoing game at the Grand Hotel De Kinshasa, in Kinshasa DRC Congo

7 Golden Tips Online Casino Beginners Need To Have

Thanks to the internet you can now enjoy playing online casino games in the comfort of your own home…

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Gambling Articles 67-88

Baccarat

5 Tips For Success In Online Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the oldest casino card games that has been a popular option for most people for d…

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Traditions

Casino Games Are Inherently Traditional – In What Ways do Game Developers Modernize Them?

Introduction Casinos have been around since the Italian Renaissance. The first casino in history was…

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Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-playing-poker-3279691/

What To Look for In a Good Online Casino

Online casinos have been around for so long that a simple Google search will yield thousands of resu…

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Las Vegas RV Parking

Key Differences Between Online and In-Site Casinos

Casinos are one of the most popular attractions worldwide. Aside from trying to hit the jackpot and …

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Skyline

5 Best Tips to Search for Casino Sites in Michigan

With the influx of technology and tech-based platforms, individuals prefer staying back in their liv…

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Video Camera

How live streaming has impacted online casinos

Live streaming technology (Pexels) Online casinos have had a massive impact on the gambling industry…

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Canada Casinos

Best Land-Based Casinos In Each Canadian Province

Canada has had an interesting history with gambling. While it was outlawed for a long time, the 1976…

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RV Park

What are the Best RV Friendly Casinos in the USA?

When it comes down to ways to travel across the USA, an RV is one of the most traditional ways to do…

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Blackjack

5 Classic Casino Games Worth Trying This Year

Casino games have long since been a fabulous source of excitement for people. You’ve got the option …

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RV

Hidden Gems: The Top Three Casinos You Might Miss When You Travel

Ah, the open road. Miles and miles of open road ahead of you give you a sense of freedom and adventu…

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Bingo

How To Choose The Best New Bingo Sites in 2021

With online bingo going from strength to strength, new sites are going online almost daily. Whilst e…

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Photo

How to Make the Most of Gaming Online

It will come as no surprise that, here at Casino Camper, we are big fans of gaming remotely. However…

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Online Casino

Why Should You Choose One Of The New Online Casinos In The Industry?

Even though the iGaming industry is not as old as other businesses, online casinos have been around …

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MMA

Why Is Betting On MMA Becoming As Popular As Playing Online Casino Games?

Even though some of the biggest gambling operators offer all sorts of betting sections, the casino, …

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Bookmaker

Why Do Some People Choose Online Bookmakers Instead of Online Casinos?

One of the privileges of living during times when we have access to so many things is that there is …

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Bonus

Which Are The Bonuses That Online Bookmakers Use To Attract New Clients?

There weren’t that many online bookmakersa few years ago. As a result, people who wanted to punt on …

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Online Casino

What Do You Need To Know About The Structure Of An Online Casino?

People who want to play online casino games are lucky because there are many different gambling webs…

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Mouse

Which Are Some Of The Biggest Problems That Online Casino Players Have To Deal With?

Online casinos bring together millions of people from different parts of the world. Thanks to their …

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Big Win!

Three Popular Slots That You Could Try Once You Start Betting In An Online Casino

Online casinos offer many advantages over their land-based counterparts. Besides the fact that you c…

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Mobile App

Mobile Casino Betting Guide – How To Enjoy Your Favorite Hobby From The Palm of Your Hands

Online casinos have many benefits over their land-based counterparts. Perhaps the most impressive as…

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Bonus

How To Do An Analysis That Will Help You Find The Best Betting Bonuses?

People who used to bet in an online bookie around 10 years ago probably remember that there weren’t …

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Gambling Articles 45-66

Bitcoin Blackjack

Can you play blackjack with cryptocurrencies?

It seems like the new crypto trend has heavily impacted the online gambling industry as many casinos…

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Blackjack

8 Types Of Blackjack With The Best Odds

 Some blackjack rules will be beneficial to the player, while others will increase the house edge. W…

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Digital Betting

Tips for Amateur: How to Fully Enjoy an Online Casino

   Source Introduction In recent years, online casino games have become one of the most po…

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Free Pokies

Free Pokies No Download for Newbies

Online casino players have many fun options in top casino lobbies for fun gameplay. In most sites, f…

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Casino

Online Casino vs Real Casino: Which is Better for You?

When it comes to gambling, there are two main options: online casinos and land-based casinos. Both h…

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RV Park

Navigating Online Casinos from your RV

You’ve leveled the RV, unfurled the awning, set up the outside chairs, and opened a cold bottl…

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Starburst Poster

Top 5 Online Slots to play in New Jersey

Online casinos in the US present over a thousand slots to choose from. They vary by RTP, volatility,…

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https://unsplash.com/photos/vBpd607jLXs

How to Pick an Internet Casino That Works for You

There are many casinos online, but that doesn’t mean they’re all good. It’s import…

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Dice

How to find the best casinos while traveling

Nowadays, traveling has become easier than it was in the past. For example, if you want to travel fr…

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Las Vegas Casino

How popular are online casinos in the US?

Who doesn’t know them – the metropolises of gambling? Las Vegas, known as city that neve…

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Money

6 Top Gambling Tips & Tricks For Beginners

There are numerous rumors about how to increase the winning odds in a casino. Or how at least a high…

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Online Slot Games 2022

Step into a world of enthralling online slot games at FreeslotsHUB. This platform gives you access t…

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Flag of Ontario

Ontario Becomes The Latest Region To Regulate Online Casinos

Online Casinos Regulated in Ontario Ontario is the most populous province in Canada and home to both…

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Slots

Essential Tips to Score Big in Slots

People would debate that slot machines are a game of luck rather than skill, and vice versa. While t…

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Laptop

Could Women Be iGaming’s Biggest Untapped Demographic?

In keeping with the shifting trends that are taking place throughout the gaming industry as a whole,…

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Ls Vegas

How Casinos Work Globally & Tips To Know

Since their inception in 17th century Venice, casinos have swept across the world, taking on various…

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Lock

How Do Online Bookmakers and Casinos Ensure Their Services Are Secure?

Online sports betting and casino games have become incredibly popular in many parts of the world. In…

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Teen Patti Game

Teen Patti Game Guide: What You Need To Know

Teen Patti is a popular Indian card game that gamblers have enjoyed for many, many years, however it…

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Live Blackjack

What Are the Advantages of Playing Blackjack with a Live Dealer?

Blackjack has been one of the most-loved casino games for centuries, but that doesn’t mean that it h…

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Hippodrome

Top Five Best Land-Based Casinos in the United Kingdom and Where to Find Them

The United Kingdom was somewhat late to fully embracing the casino industry compared with many of it…

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Circus Circus

Top 5 Oldest, Active Casinos in the United States and Where You Can Find Them

Almost every society to have ever existed has embraced gambling at one stage or another, with the pr…

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Gambling Articles 23-44

Quiz

Gambling Quiz

Quiz How much do you know about gambling? It’s hard to enjoy a gambling vacation, if you&#8217…

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Casino

Advantage Plays

Advantage Plays First of all, this is NOT a “get rich quick” scheme. It’s also not…

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Poker Table

Gambling Basics 101

What you Play Makes A Difference Gambling 101 Game Selection and Strategy What do you enjoy playing?…

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Top Travel Destinations for Casino Tourists

Casinos are common entertainment hubs for people around the world, a place to socialize, casually pa…

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Dice

Online Casino: Understanding the Individual Traits of Software Developers

Anyone who has spent time playing at an online casino will be acutely aware that the operators will …

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Casino

Global Online Casino Market Revenue and Forecast

The international online casino market has never been bigger, but what factors have led to its globa…

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Ignition Casino

Best Casino Apps for Mac Users

The online casino industry has been embracing technology since the launch of the first iGaming site …

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Poker

Applying Pressure with Creative Poker Bluffing Techniques

The ability to apply pressure and bluff in poker is a skill that separates great players from the re…

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Gaming on Phone

Does the Type of Game You Play in an Online Casino Make a Difference?

When it comes to casino games online, the type of game you play can definitely have a significant im…

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Poker Table

Discover the Most Popular Casino Games in the UK

Casino gaming is a popular pastime in the United Kingdom, with a wide variety of games available to …

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Slots

What Inspired the Use of Fruits as Symbols in Slot Machines?

  Slot machines were first established in the 19th century, and since then, they have undergone…

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Abstract_Football.png

Ohio Starts 2023 With New Gambling Rules for Sports

 3d football object design. realistic rendering. abstract futuristic background. 3d illustration. mo…

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Sports Betting

Six Types of Betting Every Sports Bettor Must Know

The world of sports betting can be daunting for a newcomer, thanks to the terminology the best onlin…

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PC Gambling

Expectations for Maryland’s Online Gambling Industry in 2023

  With the rapid growth of the online gambling market, Maryland is now one of the top states fo…

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Roulette Wheel

Top Casino Games in India: Roulette, Baccarat and More

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roulette-finlandsfarja.jpg In recent years, the popu…

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Chips

Essential Tips for Safe and Secure Online Gambling in Canada

Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular in Canada, with many players enjoying the convenien…

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Roulette Wheel

Live versus Online Roulette | Which Suits Your Personality the Best?

Gambling activities are widely available to many adults from all around the world. They’re entertain…

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Chips table

The Brightest Gem of All Casino Games: Baccarat

Baccarat is by far one of the most emblematic casino game that has been around for centuries now. It…

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Chips table

The Baccarat Sure-Win Formula Explained

Baccarat is a game that has always been popular in casinos. European casinos more than American casi…

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Grease Slots

Top Five US Movie Themed Slot Games

When a movie is released, that’s just the start of a huge financial exercise. There are lots of othe…

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Online Gaming

A New World of Gambling in Ontario Canada

In April 2022, Ontario legalized iGaming, launching a brand-new industry for online casinos. Now tha…

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Gambling Articles

Online Casino

The Evolution Of Online Gambling Laws: Historical Perspectives From Canada

It is interesting to see how gambling laws have changed and evolved over the years, especially since…

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Gambling on the Go: The Ins and Outs of Mobile Casinos

Online gambling has taken the world by storm over the last two decades, emerging in tandem with smar…

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Exploring the Benefits of Using MetaMask with Crypto Casinos

Online crypto casinos offer an excellent way to gamble safely and anonymously. But, to use them, you…

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Player Experiences: How to Choose the Best Fast Payout Casino for Your Gaming Needs

In the world of online gaming, players crave immediate rewards. The thrill of winning at a casino ga…

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Online Casino

The Role of the UK Gambling Commission in Regulating Online Casinos

In the age of tech, online casinos are booming. They’ve grabbed the attention of countless gam…

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Roulette Wheel

How Effective are Gambling Systems?

If you’ve played casino games before, whether online or in a brick-and-mortar venue, there&#82…

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Casino

Rewards and Achievements: Unleashing the Fun of Gamification at Casinos

In the ever-evolving landscape of casinos, a fascinating trend has emerged – gamification. Gam…

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Slots

Unveiling the Secrets of Online Casinos: A Journey into the World of Digital Gambling

Even a casual gambler knows that digital gambling rules in 2023. The industry is growing big time, a…

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Unleashing the Power of Loyalty: Casino Promo Codes for VIP Players

It shouldn’t matter if you are rolling up to the casino in a Betley or an RV, casinos really should …

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Image by upklyak on Freepik

The Bonus Situation – Getting Ahead at Online Casinos

Bonuses are perks that online casinos offer to attract new and keep existing players. These come in …

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Online Casinos

Reviewing Online Casinos with In-Depth Testing

Welcome to a comprehensive review of India’s top-listed casino apps! In a recent collaboration…

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Virtual Game Night

Spice Up Your Virtual Game Nights With Poker & Other Card Game Alternatives

The growth of the online gaming world has spiced up virtual game nights. You can play several types …

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The Tapestry of Gambling Regulations in Washington: A Focused Look at Poker

Setting the Scene: the Inception of Gambling Regulations Gambling regulations in Washington have an …

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Las Vegas

Can You Camp at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

The United States of America has caught a severe case of Formula 1 fever. Excitement about the sport…

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Casino

The 3 Best Casino Strategies and Tips

Are you tired of leaving the casino empty-handed, wondering where you went wrong? While some may arg…

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Casino

Get Started With Online Casino Gaming: Advice for New Players

For those who are just starting out in the world of online casino games, it can be quite intimidatin…

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Tennis Court

Top Tips for The Modern Gambler

Gambling is more popular than it’s ever been right now and with so much ease of access through smart…

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Top Hacks to Spot the Best Online Casino Bonuses

Online casino bonuses have gained a lot of traction recently and for a good reason. These bonuses an…

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Online Casino

Reasons You Should Choose Online Casinos over Traditional Casinos in Norway

One of the most popular forms of entertainment for sports lovers includes gambling. Gambling allows …

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Casino de Montreal

Exploring Quebec’s Casino Camper-Friendly Destinations: Where to Park and Play Across the Province

Quebec is a magnificent province that boasts a fascinating culture and an impressive history. It&#82…

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Las Vegas Strip

Get Ready for Your Casino Camping Adventure – Practice Your Casino Skills Online While on the Road

If you’re planning on taking a casino camping trip, then it is important to make sure that you are p…

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Gambling Quiz

Quiz

How much do you know about gambling?

It’s hard to enjoy a gambling vacation, if you’re always losing.  Over the years we discovered how to play smart, and get the most enjoyment from our gambling bankroll.  One key to this is knowledge.  What you don’t know about gambling can hurt you!

I started writing a quiz, but then realized there must be several good gambling quizzes online.  So I searched them out and came up with these.  Each will open in a new window when you click it.

Wizard of Odds gambling quiz – this is a good quiz, and a nice web site too

FunTrivia.com – At this web site you can create a quiz and store it for other people to come along and take for fun. It’s really a cool site and I have links to three quizzes that I found there.

Gambling for Beginners

Gambling Quiz

Test Your Casi-Know

Advantage Plays

Advantage Plays

First of all, this is NOT a “get rich quick” scheme. It’s also not a “gambling system” like you see advertised for sale all over. I’m not selling this information; I’m giving it away.


I picked up this information over the years in books (I’ve read a lot of them), online, and through word-of-mouth. As you might expect, I’m giving you the short version, a summary.

There are times in many casinos where the player has an advantage, provided you know how to play them properly. I’ll separate this into “Advantage Situations” and “Advantage Games”.

Player Advantage Situations

 A time when the player has an advantage, sometimes only for one bet. The specific game being played is often of no consequence.

  1. Freerolls, Free Tournaments, etc. Any time a casino offers you a chance at winning something with no entry fee that’s a good wager to take. It doesn’t matter if it’s slots, blackjack, or even Keno. If you pay zero entry fee, and there’s a chance at a prize it may be worth checking it out. This is also sometimes true of tournaments with an entry fee, if the prize pool paid out is equal to the sum of all the entry fees, or when enough value is added from meals, drinks, room, etc.

    One exception may be if you really hate playing the game in question and would get no fun from it, even with an advantage.Another exception is if your advantage is so small, or your probability of winning so remote, that you would do better at an advantage game that you normally play.

  2. Crap table. If you don’t play Craps, you might want to skip over this. Also, note that this may not be allowed in all casinos.

    So, you’re playing craps, and someone is betting the dark side. You notice they are calling bets off when the roll is a 6 or an 8. They are giving up a 6 to 5 advantage! It’s one of the dumbest things a person can do in a casino, but if they want to do it you can profit from it.

    Say that person is betting a green chip on the Don’t. What you want to do is buy that bet from them when the roll is a 6 or 8. That way YOU now have a 6 to 5 (1.2 to 1) advantage over the casino! Here’s how you do it…

    Say to them, “Hey buddy, I’ve noticed that you call off the 6 and 8. The horoscope for today said those were MY lucky numbers. Next time you have a 6 or 8, do you mind if I buy that bet from you?”. They’ll almost always agree, cause all they want is their green chip back. They don’t care if it comes from you or the casino. And you’ve got yourself a great bet! When the 7 rolls you win!

  3. Bonus Chips. These are non-negotiable chips that you obtain from the casino as an incentive to play. Usually, they are for first time players club members. One well known promotion of this type is at the Sahara on the Las Vegas Strip. As a new players club member, you get a “Fun Book” that has a coupon inside for $50 in non-negotiable chips for $40. So have a 5/4 advantage over the casino on even money bets. I’d take them to the crap table and put the whole $50 on the pass line! You might also visit the Roulette wheel and put it on Black. If you prefer, bet $10 at a time instead of the whole $50.

  4. Free Play. Similar to #3, but in this case the casino has sent you a promotional mailing, offering you free slot play. Depending on your level of play you might receive $5 to $500+. Typically, we get between $10 and $200 ourselves. While you’re playing on their money you have an advantage.

  5. Match Play Coupons. Just like bonus chips and free play, match play coupons are free money from the casino. The catch is that you have to play it along with your own money before you can walk out with it. There are many sources for these coupons. Casino “fun books” given out at the slot club, the American Casino Guide, Las Vegas Advisor, and others. Most are $5 to $25 and may be used on even money bets only.

    Imagine that you place a $10 bet at Blackjack, then you put a Match Play coupon down with it. You now have a $20 bet! If you win that hand they’re going to pay you $20. So in effect you’re betting $10 to win $20, and I’d do that all day long if they’d let me!

How long does your advantage last? Regarding items 3 through 5, some people would argue that you have an advantage (mathematically) for a specific period of time, often many hours. This is based on the long term statistical payback for the machine (or table game) that you’re playing. The topic requires a very long discussion, so I’ll only mention it here and let you do your own research.

The proponents say that your advantage starts with the first play, and extends even after you lose the casino’s money, until you have played long enough for your theoretical loss to equal the amount of the free play. Although the math seems to work, I believe that it’s dangerous to think of things in this way, especially if it causes you to exceed your normal level of play (i.e. exceed your loss limit).

Player Advantage Games

The last section talked about specific times when you have the advantage over the casino, if only for one bet. In this section, we’re talking about having a long-term advantage over the casino. Often, this is a slight advantage, but a slight advantage is all that it takes over the long run.

  1. Video Poker. When you consider the amount of advantage possible, and the effort required to exploit it, the most logical choice for an advantage game is Video Poker. Video poker is a unique game, because you can tell exactly what the programmed payout is by simply reading and interpreting the machine’s pay table. For example, a Full Pay Deuces Wild (FPDW) machine has a long-term payout of 100.7% with basic strategy play. Perfect strategy gets you another .07% making it a 100.77% machine. Add comps, cashback, and free play to this, and you’re looking at a substantial advantage play.

    But wait a minute you say, a 100.7% payback sounds too good to be true. How can the casino stay in business and pay out like that? Good thinking on your part but consider this; the vast majority of gamblers don’t play anywhere close to correct strategy. Played incorrectly, a FPDW machine is probably worse than playing Wheel of Fortune! What does it take to do well at Video Poker? Three things, knowledge, practice, and patience. You have to know the pay back schedules, you have to practice basic strategy play, and you have to be patient to see the results in the long run. You don’t need special aptitude, you don’t have to do math, and you don’t have to cheat. It’s just a matter of memorizing strategy and doing it. Many books have been written on this subject. There’s also lots of information on the web, and several good training programs for your computer. You can also buy, or print out, strategy cards that tell you exactly how to play any hand. You can carry these strategy cards with you to the casino and refer to them when playing.

  2. Live Poker. This is not actually gambling; poker is a game of skill. Playing live poker, you’re not competing against the casino, but against the other players. Texas Hold’em has exploded in popularity and there are a lot of weak players in every poker room in the country. If you’re a good player, you can really clean up. However, becoming a good player isn’t as easy as you may think, and some people just don’t have the aptitude for it. So even though this IS a potential money maker, it doesn’t qualify as an “advantage play” for the average person.

  3. Blackjack. Most everyone has heard about card counting. Many casinos have blackjack games with conditions that create an advantage for a good card counter. Counting accurately can give you an advantage up to 1.5% (equivalent to 101.5% payback). Some expert counters, against a single deck game with the right conditions, can get a 2% advantage. On the other hand, the typical advantage that normal, accurate counters enjoy on a multi-deck game is less than 1%. Learning to count blackjack is difficult. It requires aptitude, dedication, and concentration. Then, after you learn to count, you need to be able to do it in front of the casino staff without them knowing that you’re doing it. This itself is a stumbling block to otherwise excellent counters. Team play can greatly improve the odds, and help overcome some of these problems, but that’s a whole different story. Also remember, the casino can kick you out if they think you’re counting, and that’s no fun at all.

  4. Sports Betting. As with live poker this is a game of skill. There are professional sports betters who make a good living. They live, sleep, eat, and breath sports betting. They don’t just know sports; they know the sports book system. Becoming a great sport bettor is like becoming a great stock trader, and few achieve greatness.

  5. Craps. Bring this subject up in a group of serious gamblers and you’ll get several different opinions and maybe a lively argument. Craps is one game where the casino has only a small advantage, in some cases under 1%. Some people claim that by arranging the dice in a particular way, and throwing them so they will land and roll without turning sideways, they can have a small influence on the outcome of the roll and therefore influence the success of their bets. They say, correctly, that the casino’s advantage is so small they would only need to successfully influence the dice once in many rolls for their strategy to work. This is known by several names, “controlled rolling”, “precision shooting”, “dice setting”, etc.Is this “real” or folly? I can only give you my opinion, and my personal experience. Short story, I’ve seen it done and it’s real. The longer story is to ask; what does it take to achieve this level of dice control? And can the average person, do it? I’ve read the books, joined the web forums, and attended the classes where I received instruction. I personally don’t have the skill required. However, as I said, I’ve seen it done. My bottom-line assessment. Have you ever seen Tiger Woods do tricks with the golf ball? He’ll bounce the ball in the air 20 times off a wedge, then hit it in the air, and put it on the green. He can also drive the ball about 350 yards with accuracy. Can you do either of these feats? How much practice would it take? How much skill? I rest my case. For further research visit http://www.dicesetter.com/

In Conclusion

For the typical gambler, your logical choice of advantage games is Video Poker. It’s the one game where any average person can, with study and practice, become good enough to have a small edge over the house.

If you enjoy slots or video poker already then it’s a natural for you. If you really don’t enjoy it you’ll need to find games that you do enjoy, with only a slight casino advantage. Gambling 101 addresses this. And don’t forget comps! they enter the picture as well.

So, you want to learn Video Poker? Here’s a recommended study list:

  • http://wizardofodds.com/videopoker This is a good starting place on the web for VP and most other games
  • Frugal Video Poker – book and software by Jean Scott. HIGHLY recommended. If you buy only one VP resource this is the one to get. http://queenofcomps.com/
  • Bob Dancer Presents WinPoker version 6.0 (training software for your computer
  • vpFREE is a Yahoo group, and one of the best sources of free video poker information on the web. I link to their database for all my state by state casino reviews in this web site. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vpFREE/
  • http://www.advantageplayer.com/videopoker/index.html Advantage Player web site, a great general resource for advantage play of all kinds
  • http://www.vpinsider.com/ This is a pay site, but has some good free stuff too. I was a paying member for several years. If you get serious about VP it’s probably a good investment for at least one year.
  • I mentioned comps above. They help offset your losses, and can turn a slight disadvantage into a break even situation. If you want to all about comps, and other ways to get the most out of a casino, then read two books by Jean Scott. The Frugal Gambler, and More Frugal Gambling.

Gambling Basics 101

What you Play Makes A Difference

Gambling 101

Game Selection and Strategy

What do you enjoy playing?  Slots, Keno, Blackjack, Craps, Video Poker?  I’m going to tell you about the best plays in the casino. I’ll be very brief, but I’ll provide links so you can do more reading and research if you’d like.

In most casinos (not all) there are some good plays, games where the casino has a 1.5% edge or less (98.5% payback or better).  These include (in alphabetical order) Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette (European Rules), Spanish 21, Super Fun 21, and Video Poker.  Occasionally, you’ll also find other good games, but these are the most common.  Slots can “occasionally” be counted in this group.

Basic Rule #1:  Know what you’re playing! The player return on these games of 98.5% or better assumes two things:

  1. You play the correct version of the game, and…
  2. You play correct basic strategy.

This can’t be over emphasized.  One of the worst plays in a casino is to play a game that you don’t understand.  For example, Blackjack can easily return 99.5% or better, but if you fail to play correct basic strategy you can reduce that to 96% or worse.  Craps can be played at under 1% casino advantage, but it also has bets with a double digit house edge!  Yep, 11% or even worse.

Basic Rule #2: No matter what game you choose to play, be sure you always use your players club card so you will earn comps!  However, note that some casinos won’t comp you for playing very low limit table games.

Basic Rule #3: Set a budget and stick to it.  Read my section on Money Management for more details.

I’ve included a session bankroll guide below.  For each game it indicates a minimum recommended buy-in to enjoy the game with a low risk of going broke quickly.  If this is too much for your bankroll you should pick another game.  You’ll rarely have any fun sitting down at a $10 BJ table with $30 in your hand

Baccarat

Baccarat

Most large Baccarat tables are high stakes, the minimum bet is often $100.  “Mini-Bac” sometimes is offered with minimum stakes in the $25 range.  The house advantage is under 1.5%, and the best bet (Banker) gives you a 98.94% payback.

I don’t personally play Baccarat because I find it boring.  However, if you have a couple thousand dollars to play with, and you want to experience one of the “high class” games at a casino, then you might give it a try.  The dealer does everything for you, and you can’t make a mistake as long as you remember to bet on the Banker.  Just let the dealer know it’s your first time playing and they’ll help you out.

Recommended Buy-in: Ten to fifteen times the table minimum, or your initial bet if higher.

Click this link for More info on Baccarat

Blackjack

It’s the most popular table game in the casino, and one of the best bets for the player.  House edge varies but is typically 0.37% to 0.9%.  Blackjack is a fun game!  Some skill is required to learn basic strategy, but it’s not really that tough, and you can carry a cheat sheet to the table – no kidding!  It’s also a very social game, where you can have a good time.  If you find yourself at a “serious” table with grouchy people MOVE.  This is supposed to be fun!

You don’t need to be a high-roller to play Blackjack.  You can usually find a table with $5 minimum bet, and some as low as $1.  However, on Friday or Saturday, at any major property on the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be challenged to find an open seat at a table that’s $10 or less.

There are many variations of blackjack “rules”.  For example, how many decks are used, does the dealer stand or hit “soft 17” (Ace-6), can you split any pair, can you double on any two cards, etc.?  These rule variations can favor the player, or the house, so you need to learn which are best for you so you can pick a table that will give you a high return.  One thing to avoid like the plague is any table that pays 6 to 5 on a Blackjack.  The standard payoff is 3 to 2, and a 6 to 5 game is a rip-off by comparison.  However, if you find yourself in a small casino with nothing but 6 to 5 Blackjack and slots, you’re still better off playing Blackjack.  The link below will give you more details.

Recommended Buyin: 15 times the table minimum wager or your initial bet if higher.  So, buy in for $75 on a $5 table, $375 on a $25 table, etc.

More Info on Blackjack This link takes you to the Wizard of Odds web site.  One of the best for learning about Blackjack.

Craps

If you walk into a casino and hear a bunch of people shouting and cheering it’s a good bet it’s coming from the Crap table.  Craps is an exciting game; however, it’s also somewhat complicated and that often keeps people from playing.  The crap table contains some of the best and worst bets in the casino, so you do need to have some basic knowledge before you walk up.  Finally, there is a unique etiquette at the crap table, much of which is based on the numerous superstitions of crap players.

In my personal opinion, craps is fun, and it’s worth taking the time to learn. It also offers you a basic bet with a house advantage of only 1.41%, and you can often improve this to under 1/2 of one percent, a better than 99.5% payback.

Concerning superstitions at the crap table, some players take these very seriously, so it’s wise to be aware of them.  Here are a few that will keep you from making enemies:

  1. NEVER say the number “Seven” at a crap table after the point is established (large white button is placed on a point number).  The superstition is that saying the number will cause it to appear on the dice, and when it does just about everyone will lose!
  2. Keep your hands up, out of the way, after the dice are out (passed to the thrower by the stick man).  The superstition; if the dice hit your hands they will land on Seven.
  3. Don’t touch, or talk to, the shooter (person throwing the dice), especially if they’re on a good roll, and especially after they pick up the dice.  It’s bad luck to do so.
  4. If you’re a man, and have never played Craps before, don’t tell the table this.  A “virgin” male player is considered bad luck, especially when you’re throwing the dice.  On the other hand, if you’re a female “virgin” that’s good luck, and it’s OK to announce it when you start to play.  I’ve even seen a high roller place a $25 bet for the rookie female on her first roll.

More info on Craps This link takes you to the Wizard of Odds web site.  You may have recognized a trend here.   In my opinion, this is one of the best sites on the web for good, reliable gambling information without any scams or useless “systems” for sale.

More info on Craps About.com also has some good information, but I’ll warn you that there’s a lot of advertising.  Don’t be suckered in to paying anyone for a “winning craps system”.  It doesn’t exist.

Recommended Buy-in: Ten times your initial bets.  On a $5 table, if you play the pass line and 2x odds that’s $15 so you should buy in for $150.  If you intend to place multiple bets, buy in for ten times the total of your initial bets.  For example, if you plan to bet $5 pass line with 2x odds, and two come bets with 2x odds, that’s $45, so you should buy in for $450.

Pai Gow Poker

If you’re looking for a game that’s a little more relaxed and easy-going than Blackjack or Craps then Pai Gow Poker may be your choice.  It’s a variation on the Chinese tile game of Pai Gow, and is played with a 53 card deck (one joker).  The overall house advantage if you play correct basic strategy is 1.46%, and sometimes better

I don’t play Pai Gow Poker myself, so I won’t try to give you any advice other than this: learn basic strategy!  (Do I sound like a broken record).  Here’s a link to more information on Pai Gow Poker.

Roulette

Roulette Wheel

Roulette is an old, classic casino game.  It’s simple, sometimes interesting, sometimes boring (to be honest) and often gives you a really nice payout when you win.  It’s a social game, and you have time to talk with the other players, enjoy your cocktail, flirt with the pretty girls (handsome boys), etc.

You’ll also enjoy a house edge of only 1.35% if you search and find a single zero wheel with European Rules.  Otherwise, you’re giving up 2.7% on an American single zero wheel, or a whopping 5.26% on a double zero wheel.  The only problem is, most of these European wheels are in high-roller areas on the strip where the lowest table minimum you’ll find is likely to be $25 or more.  However, if your bankroll allows you to budget for a $250 session, it may be fun to waltz into the highroller area of Mirage and plop down at the roulette table.  Or take $1000 to the Bellagio as the minimum bet was $100 there when this was written.

PLEASE, PLEASE, whatever you do.  DON’T pay anyone for a Roulette “system”.  None of them are winners, you can’t beat this game.  The link I provide below will help you understand the game and learn basic .

Recommended Buy-in: Ten times your total bets for one spin.

Here’s a link to more information on Roulette.

Spanish 21

If you enjoy blackjack, but are getting bored with it, I highly recommend trying Spanish 21.  Even if you’ve never played a table game this might be fun, especially since you can carry your basic strategy “cheat sheet” to the table with you (in most casinos).

After all the tightening of rules for traditional Blackjack, you’ll find some casinos where the Spanish 21 odds are better for the player (most Atlantic City casinos for example).  The house edge is only 0.76% when the dealer hits soft 17 and redoubling isn’t allowed.  This improves to 0.38% if redoubling IS allowed.  The house edge is only 0.40% when the dealer stands on soft 17.

This link will tell you all about the game and give you good basic strategy guidelines.

Recommended Buy-in: 15 times your initial bet.

Super Fun 21

This is another blackjack variation, and the house has an edge of about 0.95% to 1.15%.  Some scoff at this game and say it’s “Super Fun” for the house, because the edge is so much better than some traditional blackjack games.  I think it depends on what’s being offered at the casino you’re at.  Remember the old song “if you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with”?  Ok, so I’m showing my age.

Given a choice, I’d rather play a good traditional Blackjack game with half of one percent house edge, but in some casinos Super Fun 21 is the best game available, and at least it’s fun!

Click here to get more info and basic strategy.

Video Poker

Video Poker

I could write a book on Video Poker, but that’s already been done a few dozen times.  So I’ll keep this brief and give you several links to more info.

VP is the only game where a person with average skills and average dedication can teach themselves a basic strategy that actually has an advantage over the casino.  Yep, a slight statistical advantage of under 1%.  But think about it, one percent is all the casino needs to clean you out over time!  So having that edge over them is a good thing.

But don’t rush out and drop a grand into the nearest Video Poker machine!  First you need to learn to differentiate the GOOD machines, (and the GREAT ones) from the mediocre and lousy ones.  Then, you need to take the time to study basic strategy and be able to play perfectly.  Only then can you storm the walls of the casino castle!

Yes, I know, some people find Video Poker boring.  If you’re one of those, then I recommend picking from the better table games listed above.

Free Online Resources

  • First, as with the other games on the page, I’ll refer you to the Wizard of Odds site
  • vpFREE is one of the best sources of free video poker information on the web.  I link to their database for all my casino reviews in this web site.  They have an extensive listing of links to additional information too.  In addition, they have a very active Yahoo! group.  Jean Scott, Skip Hughes, Bob Dancer, and other top VP writers hang out here to answer questions and socialize with the masses. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vpFREE/
  • 5-Card’s video poker pages give you a wealth of information about the odds and costs of playing specific games.  http://videopoker.fws1.com/index.html

Recommended books, software, and subscription web sites

  • Jean Scott’s Frugal Video Poker is a complete video poker learning system in two parts.  Each of them is good alone, but I recommend having both.  1) The FVP software will let you learn to play video poker on your home computer.  It also includes a valuable feature — you can create and print strategy cards for any game and carry these with you to the casino.  2) Jean also has a book out by the same name Frugal Video Poker, and it’s an excellent video poker textbook for both new players and experienced alike.
  • WinPoker version 6.0 This is another training software for your computer, the one we started out using many years ago and still have and use often. It has an attractive video interface, and you can customize the machine payouts.  However, it doesn’t have a feature to print out strategy cards, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.
  • http://www.vpinsider.com/ This is a paid membership site, but has some good free stuff too.  I was a paying member for several years.  If you get serious about VP it’s probably a good investment for at least one year.
  • Comps are also an important part of any strategy.  They help offset your losses, and can turn a slight disadvantage into a break even situation.  If you want to learn about comps, and other ways to get the most out of a casino, then read two books by Jean Scott.  The Frugal Gambler, and More Frugal Gambling. You’ll find these and more information on her web site:  http://queenofcomps.com

What about live Poker?

 Poker isn’t gambling.  It’s a game of skill, and you’re competing against other players, not the house.

General Gambling Information

For any and all general subjects related to gambling and Las Vegas the “Master Site” in my opinion is www.lasvegasadvisor.com.  Some content is free, and membership is only $39/yr.  You get an excellent coupon book that will more than pay for the cost of membership with just one coupon used!  Check the LVA out free for 5 days.  Click on the following link:  http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/free5day.cfm FYI, I have no financial ties to the LVA, I’ve been a member since 2000 and it’s a great deal.