The gambler’s fallacy is a famous cognitive bias. It is psychological phenomenon present in all situations where an element of randomness is involved. The logic behind the phenomenon is that people will always try to fool themselves into thinking they can predict certain things happening. This article may be of help to gambling more responsibly the next time you visit an online casino lobby. In addition, you will be able to read other players who are blinded by the gambler’s fallacy and use it to your advantage.
What is the Gambler’s Fallacy?
So, let us try to explain in more detail. Basically, the gambler’s fallacy refers to a lapse in logical reasoning, often seen among gamblers. The belief, held by gamblers, is that an outcome can be predicted based on the outcomes of previous events. This belief is held by those involved in some sort of repetitive action, which is affected by chance and luck. This theory is also referred to as the doctrine of the maturity of chances and involves a number of factors to define it as such.
For example, every time a gambler places a wager, he does it at random. Such an individual event, placing a bet, is a standalone occurrence and thus not affected by what has happened in the past. A dice throw is its own dice throw. Nothing that has happened before has the power to change or affect the outcome of the next wager in any way. However, our brain is wired to look for patterns where they do not exist, it is in our nature to overlook the fact that random events can be strangely uneven. As a result, our bias will blind our reasoning and disturb our logic.
The Monte Carlo Fallacy
The gambler’s fallacy is also known by the name Monte Carlo fallacy in the gambling world. It refers to a true event that happened at the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco in 1913. One night, a string of players suffered major losses. This happened when the roulette wheel landed on black 26 times in a row. The players were affected by the gambler’s fallacy, hoping that after so many hits on black, the next hit will be on red. The belief that the wheel would not land on black again, led them trying to beat the odds. In this particular example, the Monte Carlo fallacy fooled a number of people to throw logic out the window.
Furthermore, this example only shows that the future could not be predicted by the events of the past. This particularly applies to games of chance. The odds are of hitting either black or red are never equal, which left a lot of disgruntled casino players that night. Similar can happen while playing online roulette. Players tend to fall into the trap of thinking that when they see the same result come up consecutively, things are bound to go the other way eventually.
How to Avoid the Gambler’s Fallacy?
To learn how to avoid the gambler’s fallacy, you must know why you make this error in the first place. As we have mentioned, our brain has evolved to crack random sequences and put them into order. That is why we are prone to identifying patterns in randomness. Our brain simply tries to find order from an entirely random series of events.
Remember, you have to recognize that two events are completely independent of each other. That is the first step in order to avoid making a wrong decision. Now, this might sound simple, however, applying this in real life is another story. When you catch yourself applying weird mathematics to identify patterns during a casino draw, stop for a minute. Remind yourself of the irrationality of it. Sure, you will find comfort in relying on the logic that is not there but try to avoid going down this route.
Another tip is to remind yourself that a series of draws do not determine the outcome of the next. Whenever you find yourself making up a logic that is not convincing, consider the objects involved. Especially, their inability to affect each other. During a coin toss, you certainly do not expect the coin to have the ability to decide the sequence in which it lands.
Final Word
Overall, the gambler’s fallacy can permeate all segments of a person’s life and is not only limited to games of chance. However, it can lead to great losses if you allow it to affect your decision-making while playing. So, make sure to take extra time in figuring out your next move before giving in to the gambler’s fallacy.
Playing games at online casinos has always meant to be purely for entertainment. However, some players go a long way to take advantage of the system and try to abuse casino bonuses to their advantage. Now, policies are stricter, and online casinos usually frown upon such practices. Casinos might accuse inexperienced players of bonus bagging or bonus abuse and have their winnings confiscated without even knowing they did something wrong. In this article, we will do our best to explain the bonus bagging and bonus abuse terms, and how to avoid them.
What is Bonus Bagging?
Bonus bagging is a term used by casinos to explain the practice of players to obtain an advantage over the casino. This advantage refers to accepting and playing with their bonuses. It is usually associated with Poker and Sportsbook games, where players can mathematically gain an edge over the house, which will result in them turning the bonus into a profit. When a player bets on all possible outcomes to make a guaranteed profit is considered casino bonus bagging. In reality, this practice is not exactly illegal, but it definitely goes against any casino’s terms and conditions.
Players should always read the fine print and familiarize themselves with their casino’s rules, before playing, in order to avoid breaching them. Any breach of these rules might result in anything from a declined withdrawal to an outright ban, so naturally, you would want to avoid this happening.
Every online casino on the market will have wagering requirements each player needs to meet before cashing out. Bonus bagging will give players an advantage of completing these requirements resulting in a guaranteed profit. The type of players who purposely do this will play aggressively and target highly volatile games. After completing one bonus they will go back to hunting down another one. Over a long period of such playing at the same casino, it might raise some red flags. When such players complete the wagering requirements, their main purpose is to cash out straight away. A bonus bagger has no intention of playing after meeting the wagering requirements if they have already made a profit.
What is Bonus Abuse?
Similar to bonus bagging, bonus abuse is a term that describes a strategy to gain an advantage over the casino to make a profit. It refers to the process of signing up to an online gambling site multiple times using marketing offers normally intended just for new users. Bonus abuse mostly plagues sports betting, poker sites, and other casino games that offer deposit bonuses. These bonuses might be in the form of free spins or free cash.
Years ago, players could easily get away with bonus abuse due to the lack of restrictions surrounding bonuses, but now casinos can easily detect players who abuse their bonuses. Unfortunately, it can happen that sometimes innocent players get accused of this practice. Those are usually inexperienced players or those who have not bothered to check the casino’s terms and conditions. Do not fall into this trap, take some time to understand these rules. If a casino suspects you to be a bonus abuser, and your only defense is that you have not read the terms, you will probably walk away without your earnings.
How to Avoid Bonus Bagging and Bonus Abuse
Now you know what not to do while qualifying for a bonus at an online venue from the previous segments, but here are some other useful tips.
- Respect the terms and conditions – believe it or not, these rules are there to help you. A casino is certainly not going to help you win, which is why all of them have the house edge. However, you should use their terms to your advantage. You are betting on real money, the least you can do is know what you can and can’t do with it.
- Understand wagering requirements – another crucial aspect you need to know is how wagering requirements work. What is the point of qualifying for a bonus, if you do not know what to do with it? These requirements are simply a number of times you need to wager your bonus before withdrawing. Almost every bonus you claim will carry these wagering requirements.
- Playing Pattern – If you have been claiming multiple bonuses and withdrawing as soon as you’ve met wagering requirements,casino might brand you as a bonus abuser. Casinos will pick up your play pattern since they have technology in place in charge of doing this. Just be sure you know the rules before accepting a bonus, abide by them, and you’ll be fine.
Final Word
There are incredible bonuses out there, with more than favourable terms. There is absolutely no need to resort to bonus bagging or bonus abuse in order to win some cash. These bonuses can offer some solid rewards, without disrespecting the casino you are playing at.
There is no question about poker being one of the most popular card games in the world. Since it gained even more popularity with the growth of iGaming market, there were some questions raised regarding the card game. One of which is whether poker is a game of chance or a game of skill.
Although it sounds like a somewhat philosophical question, the answer might be more important than we think. Gambling laws, especially regarding online gambling, can restrict poker playing depending on the skill or chance distinction.
A Game of Chance
We should look into both stands in order to see which category the game falls into. Poker has been considered a game of chance ever since its inception in the early 19th century. Early poker games originated on Mississippi riverboats, and soon enough variations were created and the game spread across America.
By the 20th century, poker was thoroughly associated with gambling and even involved large tournaments and cash prizes. The World Series of Poker started in 1970 and turned poker into a popular national pastime for Americans. However, things change for this popular table game in the 21st century as online poker showed that winning in poker relies heavily on skill.
In the short run, anyone can win during a single session or even in a tournament, meaning there is some luck involved in poker. However, in the long run, good players win while bad players lose, which is probably not a coincidence.
A Game of Skill
Any poker player would agree that the game requires deep logical thinking and careful analysis of other players’ behavior. Through practicing, training, and learning the game’s rules, anyone can learn how to play poker and how to win often. Poker is much more than just luck, it is an art that requires many hours of practice to master.
Poker not only involves mathematics and probabilities but also psychology. Professional players spend hours analyzing their hands and determining the odds of winning based on previous games. Their position at the table also matters and even the behavior of other players.
It is hard to believe that such professionals owe their tremendous success to chance only. While luck certainly has its role, it plays a small part in the long run. Poker is more of a competitive strategy game influenced primarily by skill.
Why the Confusion?
So, how did it come to people being confused on whether poker is a game of luck or skill? Well, one of the reasons is that plenty of people relate poker to other games they may find at a casino lobby. At top US poker sites, you’ll find countless games of chance, such as roulette, blackjack, craps, and others, so it is only natural for people to assume live poker also relies on luck, like these games.
The reality, of course, is a bit different. Poker offers a far different gaming experience than, let’s say blackjack. Even though in both games you decide whether to take another card or not. So, the environment in which video poker is most commonly played shapes people’s opinions on the matter.
On the other hand, we can’t neglect the fact that poker is ultimately a game of mathematics. Skill will win out more often than not. The most talented players are able to work out their chance of success just by looking at their cards. Also, we must mention bluffing as a vital part of a successful poker player and this isn’t something everyone is good at. Whether you are bluffing about the cards you have or reading the tell of another player, there is a level of skill involved that not everyone can bring to the table.
Conclusion
Overall, we have determined that the key to winning at poker is to make sure that you are making the right decisions when you are at a statistical advantage and when you are at a statistical disadvantage. This is not something that an unskilled player is able to do, given the need to understand the statistical likelihoods of different outcomes.
So, to simplify, poker is a game of skill. Just like an athlete, craftsperson, or a student, working hard and improving your skill you can see positive changes. In the short term, we can all suffer from bad luck, but over time it is the skill that brings us the success we deserve. Ultimately, whether you are playing at an online poker venue or a land-based establishment poker will always be a game of skill.
When it comes to most slot games, one thing players are looking forward to are bonus rounds. Whether it comes in the shape of free spins or a different kind of game, these rounds are usually where the biggest wins happen.
Developers, being aware of how much players love to trigger the bonus round, started incorporating a so-called Bonus Buy feature. This feature allows players to enter the round immediately – for a certain price, of course.
Feature Buy slots are very much similar to the regular online slots. The main difference is that these slots enable you to enter the bonus features instantly. With a quick purchase, you can start your free spins or bonus round with ease.
In this article, we’ll go over some pros and cons of the Bonus Buy option and see why these feature buy slots have become so widespread in recent years.
Advantages of Bonus Buy Feature
There are probably more, but let’s see the three main reasons these slots are so popular these days.
Instant Feature Access
The first reason is the most obvious one. You get to activate the bonus feature immediately. If you are playing a brand-new slot game, you might want to play a few regular spins taking your time to get a feel of the game. However, sometimes triggering the bonus round might take some time, and you want to see if the slot is worth your time and money.
On the other hand, perhaps you are playing a game that is already familiar, so activating the Bonus Buy feature makes sense if you’d like to move swiftly to the enhanced gaming entertainment.
Increased Chances of Winning
The second reason has to do with winnings. It’s a well-known fact that most slots hide bigger wins in their bonus rounds. Instead of waiting for the chance to trigger the feature, you can meddle with fate a little bit and activate it yourself. Bonus rounds usually have more symbols, modifiers, wilds, and multipliers that drastically increase your wins with every spin.
For example, winnings can quickly jump from 10,000x to 25,000x your stake or more. It counts as a drastic change of pace from the base game, and for many players worth the risk of the Bonus Buy feature.
Increased RTP
When it comes to the feature buy slots, many of them increase the return to player (RTP) percentage in extra rounds. You will notice that these slots have two different RTPs available, the lowest for the base game, and the higher for when you play with the Bonus Buy feature active.
To exemplify, the slot has a 96.2% RTP and you decide to take advantage of the Bonus Buy feature. During this feature, your RTP will automatically increase to 97.5%. Each provider determines this number for their game, and it can substantially increase your winning odds.
Best Feature Buy Online Slots
Some of the most popular slot games on the market offer Bonus Buy features, so let’s see which ones are worth checking out:
- Knight Rider – NetEnt (96.07%)
- 90K Yeti Gigablox – 4ThePlayer (95.50%)
- Sakura Fortune 2 – Quickspin (96.03%)
- Extra Juicy Megaways – Pragmatic Play (96.42%)
- Nightfall – Push Gaming (96.36%)
The choice of feature buy slots is endless. If you would like to try your hand at these innovative slots, we suggest starting with this list of the currently popular titles.
Controversy Around Bonus Buy Slots
While the Bonus Buy slots are gaining popularity, there is still controversy and discussion regarding the Bonus Buy option. Namely, it is well-known that Bonus Buy slots are banned from UK online casinos.
The main reason for this ban according to UKGC is that the feature puts players at risk as it allows them to spend even more money in shorter periods. This puts vulnerable players at risk as they chase big wins.
However, these are all games of chance and whether you opt for the feature or not, winnings are never guaranteed. That is why many consider the Bonus Buy feature a beneficial addition as it enables them to trigger the extra round instantly – placing the power in their hands.
Are They Worth It?
Most feature buy slots are worth it because they trigger an instant bonus feature while increasing your winning chances. This is all thanks to the fact that through activating the feature, you automatically benefit from a higher RTP.
Since Bonus Buy slots were released and their increase of slot volatility, the demand for this feature has grown. Volatile slots allow players to trigger massive wins, however not before generating the prize pool through your player activity. This leads to long periods without triggering any of the exciting slot features.
Thanks to the Bonus Buy feature, it has become possible to skip the wait and enter the action instantly.
Where to Play Bonus Buy Slots
Bonus Buy slots can be found at all the best online casinos on the iGaming market. These casinos boast games from industry-leading software providers such as Big Time Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, and more. With such big names supplying these casino platforms, you’ll find more than a few Bonus Buy slot options to choose from.
Greek-themed slots are considered a classic, and their popularity won’t dwindle anytime soon.
It is always important when stepping into a casino lobby, to do so with a strategy in mind. Many players feel overwhelmed by the variety of online slots. They spend more time picking out a game than actually playing.
Many slots center around a specific theme, so choosing the theme first might narrow your choices down a little bit. If your interests lie somewhere in the realm of history, we’ve prepared a list of the 5 most popular Greek-themed online slots just for you.
Divine Fortune
Get ready to be transported back into a mythical era, to the land of heroes of myth and legends, all from the comfort of your own home. The 5-reel, 3 rows, and 20-payline Greek mythology slot might seem basic. However, the secret to its success lies elsewhere. Divine Fortune boasts a wealth of in-game special features, such as Wild substitutions, Falling Wilds Re-Spins, a Wild-on-Wild feature, and Free Spins. But, the real icing on the cake is the legendary Jackpot Bonus game with not one, but 3 different Jackpots, including the progressive Mega Jackpot!
The Ancient Greece slot machine sits at a stable 96.59% RTP making it one of the best NetEnt slots. It has built up quite a following since its release and with such special features and jackpots, we can see why.
Age of the Gods
As you might have guessed, Playtech Age of the Gods slot offers an ancient Greek-themed world. The game features colorful graphics, plenty of bonuses, and 4 progressive jackpots, which are sure to keep you coming back for more.
Like Divine Fortune, Age of Gods has 5 reels, 3 rows, and 20 paylines. It is a progressive jackpot Greek-themed slot featuring all the well-known Greek mythology characters such as Athena, Hercules, Poseidon, and Zeus. Age of the Gods online slot is the first from the series and is still the best. Other titles in the series might offer different bonus features and better graphics, this Greek-themed title remains one of Playtech’s most popular slots.
Hades Gigablox
Moving on to some recent releases, are you ready to mingle with the “King of the Underworld”? The right answer is yes because Hades Gigablox is one Yggdrasil title you don’t want to miss. The game itself is an extremely entertaining Greek Mythology slot with Hades cheering you on your wins and attacking monsters on the reels.
Featurewise, the Greek-themed slot is named after its unique “Gigablox” engine, referring to how symbols of different sizes land on the reels. It is a highly volatile slot, with most wins coming in the base game. Bigger wins are at the tip of your fingers in the Free Spins feature thanks to the multipliers. With an RTP of 96%, it’s a high-risk slot, but with a max win of 11,200x per stake, it is definitely worth the trip to the Underworld.
Take Olympus
Speaking of new Greek-themed slot releases, prepare to face the ancient deities of Greece in Take Olympus slot. The 5-reel, 50-payline slot is brought to you by Betsoft Gaming. Apollo, Aphrodite, Poseidon, and Hades, welcome you each with their own special powers and rewards!
Playing Take Olympus is both fun and empowering. The low volatility, combined with the generous 2,328x potential will keep you canoodling with the Greek Gods for hours on end. The variety offered by the 4 alternating God Cycles, combined with the 10th spin climax, adds up to a pretty entertaining base game. You might think that Take Olympus is just one more Greek Mythology slot title, however, Betsoft created a game well worth your time and attention.
Amazing Link Zeus
What kind of top 5 Greek-themed slots list would this be without the big man himself? The main character is, of course, the almighty Greek God Zeus. The epic soundtrack immediately leads you into the fast-paced gameplay. SpinPlay and Microgaming did a terrific job with both features and graphics.
With an RTP of 96.33% and medium variance, the game appeals to both casual players and high-rollers. Thanks to the SpinPlay slot mechanic, Amazing Link works by adding 3 respins to each respin you trigger. When it comes to the number of respins you can trigger, it’s basically limitless in this Greek mythology-themed slot.
Online Casinos to Play Ancient Greek-Themed Slots
Now that you know what you will play, it is even more important where you will play. Make sure to choose a reputable casino that will offer you both safety and entertainment while spinning the reels. If you have decided to take our advice, here are some casinos that offer you the Greek-themed slots mentioned above.
For most slot casino players who enjoy playing online slots for real money, free spins are the pinnacle of ‘great fun’. Free Spins for online slots give punters a chance to try the slot, win money, and have fun without risking their own money. It might sound too good to be true, but players know the deal –
- How do you get free spins on slot machines?
- What gambling sites give you free spins?
- How many spins does it take to get free spins?
Questions abound, so we decided to offer some of the best ways to get free spins for online slots.
Triggering Free Spins Features in Online Slot Games
The first way that we found that’s the safest is the organic way – by unlocking the free spins feature in the game you like to play. This is the easiest and safest way because you are playing the game that you want the spins for. But what happens when you take too long to trigger Free Spins? We have a solution for that as well.
The trick with that is to find a game that has high RTP and low volatility. Volatility (or variance) represents the temperament of the game, meaning a highly volatile game is prone to having long dry spells. On the other hand, low volatility slots are games that frequently provide wins, but those wins are small. You do get Free Spins, but you won’t get big wins, but if your goal is Free Spins only, you will be happy with these games. The best choice is to play medium-volatility games. They have reasonable wins and frequently produce Free Spins features.
Opening a Free Spins feature in-game organically means you don’t have to wait for the casino to launch a free spins promotion or bonus. If you have a special game that you like to play, doing it in-game is the best way.
Welcome Bonus Spins
Online casinos have many rules, but one is the priority: customers must be happy. This rule, generic as it might sound, pushes the casino to create innovative bonuses starting from the Welcome Offer.
All casinos have welcome offers, but the trick with them is to find the one that suits you the most. Does it have cash prizes only? Are there free spins? If yes, which game can you play with those gratis rounds?
In truth, Welcome Bonus Free Spins are often valid for specific games. The most popular choice is Book of Dead by Play’n GO, but these things can vary – Reactoonz, Starburst, or any other popular slot.
The question is, do you want to play that game, gratis rounds notwithstanding?
Variety is key, but it means nothing if you are not satisfied with the package you get. Hence, before you claim a Welcome Offer and sign up at a casino, make sure you know what you get with said booster.
Time-Limited Special Promotions
If the Welcome Bonus did not quench your thirst with the game choice, a time-sensitive promotion might be your cup of tea. Gambling operators often launch online casino promotions that either run every month/week or time-limited events. The monthly/weekly deals are daily promos, as you get to enjoy perks every day of the week.
On the other hand, you can also participate in special events that happen on certain holidays, or if the casino decides to spice things up with a small tournament.
The beauty of these deals is that most of the time, Free Spins are not tied to one game only. Daily deals might use one specific game, but it’s usually the hottest game of the week/month, so there’s a variety to this as well.
With special promotions, the game selection often involves abundance. Several games from the lobby are chosen as the designated games where you play and win Free Spins. Sometimes there’s even cash! Holidays are always a special occasion for casino players, as all sites launch special events for Christmas, St Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Halloween.
Casino Tournaments
The third and final way to get free spins on slot machines is to participate in special casino tournaments. We’ve talked about tournaments before, and we mentioned slots are a popular game choice for casino campaigns. Punters love playing slots, but they are played in isolation, i.e., you play them alone with zero social interaction. A way to bring that social element into slot gaming is to open a competition where players compete with fellow punters for prizes.
The element of competition serves as a powerful booster for the players’ motivation and entertainment. It’s fun to play games, but healthy competition is even more fun!
Casino tournaments are typically freeroll, which means there’s no participation fee. The prizes are usually Free Spins for certain games. Bear in mind that these spins might have wagering requirements.
Conclusion
So, how do you get free spins on slot machines? Is there a powerful way to unlock Free Spins without spending a cent?
Frankly, no. You must spend at least a bit of money to get Free Spins. If you are claiming the Welcome Offer, you must place a deposit. If you are participating in a special promotion or a tournament, you must invest in the games to win Free Spins.
Is there anything better than playing classic Vegas-style slots? Hardly! Online slots are a popular game genre, and the past decade has brought on an onslaught of new themes, subgenres, and slot variants to the industry. However, one specific style prevails – the old-school Vegas-style of making slots.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you are here to see the best 5 Vegas-style slot games online, you’ve come to the right place. Prepare for a Sin City party with these online slot games.
Vegas Slot Bonanza
What are Vegas-style slot games? How do you know that an online slot can be classified as Vegas-style?
The answer lies in the software behind the game and the aesthetics inside it. When you open a Vegas-style slot, you will immediately see that they look like something made in the 20th century. For some games, that is true – as most Vegas-style online slots originate from some of the biggest casino floors in Las Vegas. Famous game producers like IGT and Microgaming are reputable creators of Vegas-style online slot machines.
We will introduce you to some of the best Vegas slots in the industry in our list of the best 5 Vegas-style online slots on the web.
Siberian Storm
The 5-reel winter wonder Siberian Storm is an online slot by IGT. In many ways, it is one of the best slots ever made. It offers massive payouts and great game features. IGT is one of those providers who translate their popular slot cabinets from the land-based casino into online terms for gambling enthusiasts to enjoy.
The slot has 720 ways to win, as well as medium volatility and 94.26% RTP. Although it is not a progressive jackpot slot, the highest winning amount you can score here is 50,000 coins. Players get to enjoy a host of game features, including MultiWayXtra Wagers and Free Spins. The slot is available at all IGT online casinos for only $0.50 per spin.
Kitty Glitter
The IGT Kitty Glitter slot came out in 2010, a year before Siberian Storm. The game is a bit more on the classic side, as it has 5 reels and 30 paylines. Again, the slot is also tamer – and has a medium-level variance which means wins happen more often than high-volatility slots. The game is cat-themed, with various cats occupying positions on the reels.
Sadly, the game has a low jackpot limit, and you cannot walk away with more than 1,000 coins from one session. However, we are sure you are not here just for the wins, but rather to have fun. And fun is exactly what you get with the Kitty Glitter slot! Furthermore, Kitty Glitter has only one unique feature – Free Spins – but with one key advantage. You can get up to 225 Free Spins, one of the highest numbers in online slots.
Thunderstruck II
Thunderstruck II, the sequel to the mega-popular Thunderstruck slot, quickly surpassed its predecessor when it came out. In truth, Thunderstruck II became so popular that Microgaming even enlisted the help of Stormcraft Studios, one of its independent studios, to create another game for the series. The thunderstruck Wild Lightning slot might be powerful, but we cannot get over the fact that it all started with Thunderstruck and Thunderstruck II.
The slot is a 5-reel game with 243 ways to win. Players who want to play and win have to invest a sum that’s between $0.01 and $15 per spin. Low stakes pay good, guys! The slot has a 96.60% RTP, along with high volatility. If you want to play Thunderstruck II for real money, you will have to find old-school Microgaming casinos that offer this game.
Triple Diamond
Triple Diamond is the essence of Vegas-style slot gaming. With this gem-packed slot, you get to enjoy the adventure that began in Double Diamond, but with better payouts and a more serious setting. IGT Triple Diamonds has a 96.50% RTP, medium volatility, and 9 paylines in total. Considering the game has only three reels, it is both a Vegas slot and a classic game.
The rumble under the Triple Diamond roof is a smooth adventure that can pay up to $1,199 coins. That might not seem as much, but believe us – it will be more than enough. The game is so popular that many casinos keep it on the featured lists on their homepages. Those who want to remind themselves of the superb Las Vegas gambling escapades can find the Triple Diamond slot and enjoy classic gaming in their favourite online casinos.
Da Vinci Diamonds
Who said Renaissance is boring? With IGT Da Vinci Diamonds, it never is! Da Vinci Diamonds slot is a low-volatility adventure with five reels and 20 paylines. Those who enjoy the Middle Ages as a theme but want modern features will thoroughly enjoy this game.
Da Vinci Diamonds uses Wilds, Scatters, and Free Spins to lure the players into Da Vinci’s story. The slot offers up to 300 free spins, so players have more than enough chances to boost their bankroll. However, the highest you can win is 5,000 coins, but that is okay considering it’s a low-variance game. The RTP is also on the lower side – 94.93% – a common sight in Vegas-style slots.
Conclusion
Did you like what you saw here? We hope so, as Vegas-style slots are a great way to return to the good old days. Novices often avoid these slots as they are not flashy or catchy enough. However, what they fail to grasp is the quality poured into these games.
They might look outdated, but trust us, they are not. Play these top 5 Vegas-style online slots and enjoy the pizzazz found only at the City of Sin casinos.
Blackjack is a classic that never goes out of fashion, but have you ever wondered how such a simple game always remains popular? One possible explanation lies in blackjack side bets!
Blackjack side bets have become a common sight in online blackjack games. If you want to know which side bets in blackjack are the most popular, we are here to help. We are here to introduce the most popular blackjack side bets you can play and wager on in the best online blackjack tables.
Top Blackjack Side Bets
- Should you play side bets in blackjack?
- How do side bets work in blackjack?
- Are side bets in blackjack worth it?
These are just some of the questions we get from our readers. Side bets in blackjack are exceptionally popular, but not all players understand their appeal. Moreover, they are dangerous for inexperienced players as they add another dimension to the experience that may be hard to balance with the base game.
However, the most important thing about blackjack side bets is to find a balance between base and side bet game. Each type of side bet is different, and each has a specific payout, probability, and risk. You can often find them in online and live blackjack games. We recommend using a blackjack strategy when playing with side bets to maximize winning chances.
Let’s see the best side bets in blackjack online.
Any Pair
The Any Pair side bet in blackjack is a wager through which you can bet on the chance of drawing a pair in the first two card draws. A pair constitutes two cards that match in rank. The dealer will deal the cards, and if they are a pair, you get a payout. The bet can be found at all blackjack variants, including single-deck blackjack games with only one deck in the shoe.
Perfect Pairs
An updated version of Any Pair is Perfect Pairs. Perfect Pairs side bet includes three variants – a Mixed Pair, Color Pair, and a Perfect Pair version. Players wagering on this side bet get a payout whenever a pair comes up in the player’s deal. In other words, only cards belonging to the player are taken into consideration.
The Mixed Pair is a pair that includes the same rank, with different suits. An example would be a pair of 7s, where one 7 is ♣️ while the other is a ♥️. The payout for Mixed Pairs is 5:1. You might have noticed that it’s nearly identical to Any Pair side bet.
The Color Pair is a pair of cards matching in rank and color. However, they are not the same suit, only the color of the suit matches. For instance, a ♦️ + ♥️ or ♠️+ ♣️ pairs. The payout for this pair is 12:1.
A Perfect Pair is a pair of cards that match both in rank and suit. For example, if you get two 7s that are ♣️+♣️, that’s a perfect pair. Perfect pairs pay 25:1. This side bet is possible only with multi-deck games.
21+3
This is by far the most popular side bet in blackjack. The 21+3 side bet in blackjack is a wager that includes both the players’ and the dealer’s cards. The whole point of this side bet is to create a poker hand out of the first three cards drawn in the round (two belonging to the player and one for the dealer). Now, the combination of the three cards can create multiple poker hands and, depending on the hand created, you will get a bigger or a smaller payout.
- Flush – Three cards of the same suit. Pays 5:1
- Straight – Three consecutive cards, like 5-6-7. Pays 10:1
- Three of a Kind – The cards of the same rank. Pays 30:1
- Straight Flush – Thee cards in consecutive order of the same suit. Pays 40:1
- Three of a Kind Suited – Three cards that match in rank and suit. Pays 100:1
The highest payout comes for the Suited Three of a Kind, but that’s because the chances of landing this card combo are very low.
Bust It
Bust It is one variant of the Bust side bet that can be seen in various blackjack games. There are many variations, but they all share a common trait – they all bring money if the dealer goes bust.
However, the side bet rules in your blackjack game might differ. For instance, you may simply have to wager on the number of cards the dealer will have to draw before going bust. Some games use a Bust it side bet where they wager on the card that will be the downfall of the dealer – like wagering that it will be a 7, or 8, or 4.
Insurance
Insurance is another common sight in online blackjack games. In theory, insurance protects the players from a loss as they stake on the chances of the dealer having a blackjack. Players can take the Insurance bet after the first two cards have been dealt and the dealer has an Ace. If the dealer reveals a 10 as the hole card, the player wins the Insurance. However, the dealer’s chances of having a blackjack made of an Ace and 10 are 1 in 3 instances. That’s why experts and professional players warn other players not to take Insurance.
If you are highly skilled in playing online blackjack for real money, you can decide whether to take a chance with Insurance. If you aren’t too keen on investing as much money on a bet that might fail, avoid Insurance altogether.
Do you want to play baccarat online and do it well? Well, you might want to find reliable baccarat strategies before you start playing for real money. And we have that!
We compiled some of the best baccarat strategies suitable for players from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or an experienced player – these top blackjack strategies are sure to help out.
The Best Strategies for Playing Baccarat Online
Baccarat is a tricky game as it largely depends on luck. Regardless of the variant you choose, be it Punto Banco or Chemin de Fer, luck is the key ingredient for this kind of gambling game. Hence, playing baccarat will always entail a certain good/bad fortune element, regardless of the strategy you use.
And now, let’s discuss the best baccarat strategy tips for playing online.
Stick to the Banker
The first thing all baccarat players and experts will tell you is that the Banker’s bet is your best bet in baccarat. And it’s true – the Banker’s bet has an RTP of 98.94%. This translates into a 1.06% house edge for the Banker wager in baccarat. And do you know what does mean? Better winning chances! Of course, that is not to say that the Player bet is a bad choice. The two main bets are actually very similar, with the Player accruing a 98.76% RTP, a slightly lower rate than the first one. The Banker hand also has a higher win percentage than the Player hand (45.87% versus 44.65%).
The payout is slightly lower precisely for this reason.
Edge Sorting
Okay, so this one might seem too far-fetched for you, especially if you are used to playing baccarat online only. Edge sorting is an advantage play tactic that entails analyzing the patterns of the back of the cards. When the dealer deals with the cards, some players with a sharp eye can spot the differences between the cards and remember them. If they are right, they can anticipate the cards coming in the round and thus tip the scales in their favor. It’s worth noting that this technique is not illegal, but it takes a lot of practice and skill to perfect.
Also, it is grossly ineffective in online gambling. The only place where this tactic might work is the live casino environment, but that is also a bit of a stretch as modern tables feature simple-looking cards that are more difficult to sort. But if you are into land-based gaming and like to experiment, edge sorting might be up your alley.
Betting Systems
Betting systems are a big thing in the world of online gambling. Oftentimes, the only way to control how much you spend and earn is by setting up a strict betting system. However, a system is not the same as a strategy; let that be known! A system helps with money management, while a strategy or a tactic refers to your in-game wagering decisions and actions.
When it comes to playing baccarat for real money, we suggest always using a strategy and a system. Of course, no strategy is failproof, but when you have an active betting system such as Martingale, Paroli, or Fibonacci, your money is safer from harm even if your strategy is not working that well.
Therefore, a great baccarat strategy is to combine a strategy and a betting system to secure your money in an intense baccarat round.
Avoiding the Tie Bet
The Tie is one of three possible bets in baccarat. However, being one of the three does not mean it’s as equally as good as the Banker and Player. The reason for our hesitancy to use Tie bets is that it’s the least likely to happen. Why? Well, because the chances of getting a Tie – an identical value between the hands – are low (9.45%)! That’s why the payout for the bet is so high. If you manage to get a Tie bet paid, you will get an 8:1 payout (in most cases).
The big payout comes from the fact that it’s rare. But the rarity is precisely why we suggest avoiding it. It’s simply not worth it. You may lose more money than you wanted because you thought the chances of landing a tie were good.
Conclusion
Baccarat is a game of luck, but you can swing luck into your court by applying the baccarat strategy tips we’ve listed above. However, bear in mind that no strategy is 100% sure, and mistakes (and losses) happen.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Hence, pick a strategy – and a betting system – that works and go play the game. Make sure you enjoy every minute of it, because if you don’t, maybe it’s time to start thinking about a change of scenery or a break.
Did you know that dealers must show their hands to the cameras before they leave the table? And would have thought penny slot machines make more money than any other game in the casino? When it comes to weird gambling facts, here’s another one – slots originally popped out fruit-flavored gum, not money!
The gambling world is a vibrant puzzle, and when you throw in superstitions and mysteries, you are bound to end up with bizarre situations and weird facts. If you are a trivia fan like we are, you are going to love our list of weird gambling facts that you probably did not know. Enjoy!
1. There was a casino located within a prison in Nevada.
Nevada State Prison had a casino. No, it was not open to the public, and yes – it allowed real money gambling games. However, the casino clientele comprised mainly of inmates, as the casino was located within the Nevada State Prison.
The casino was launched in 1932 and worked until the late 1960s, when it was closed due to a new state legislature prohibiting state prison gambling.
The funny thing about the venue is that although criminals were imprisoned there, all players were fair and honest. They never caused problems or cheated, probably because they were worried the casino would be closed for good. Those in charge of the casino and the prison wardens thought having a casino inside might boost the players’ morale – and they were clearly right.
2. The world’s smallest casino is in the back of a taxi.
You might know about the biggest casinos in the world, but have you ever thought about the smallest casino? Well, you don’t have to think about it now, as we found the world’s smallest gambling house. Although, calling it a house might be a stretch, as it’s located in the back of a cab in London.
The project originated from Grosvenor Casino in Birmingham. The casino’s management thought they could promote the casino by placing it somewhere where no one would ever dare imagine a casino would be – in the back seat of a taxi.
Despite its size, the gambling establishment has everything you might need – a poker table, a dealer, a bar, a TV for watching sports, and access to the online casino site of Grosvenor.
3. You can ban yourself from a casino.
If you thought the only way to be banished from a casino is if the management deemed you inappropriate, think again. You can ban yourself from a casino whenever you want.
We understand that self-imposed limitations and restrictions are important for players who want to stop gambling. This is especially important for gamblers with a severe addiction looking to quit gaming forever.
Called Voluntary Exclusion, self-exclusion is a project available across several major gambling markets. It is available to all casino-goers who want to end the gambling habit or take a break from gambling for some time.
GAMSTOP lets players voluntarily impose restrictions such as website visit prevention for a specific period in the UK.
4. Card counting is not illegal.
Here’s one that’s quite controversial – card counting is legal. Card counters, or punters who count cards to advance and ensure wins, are not doing anything wrong. Hence, casinos cannot prevent or pursue a legal battle with them, but they can ask them to leave the premises. The only illegal form of card counting is card counting with external help, such as tips from fellow players or using a device that can potentially help you. But if you are using only your brain to count the card values, you are good.
Unfortunately, the fact that it’s not illegal does very little to help if the casino decides you are no longer welcome there. Gambling houses might decide you should leave the premises if they notice big winnings.
In truth, counters are successfully winning money at the casino, and no gambling house likes that. Hence, if a venue asks you to leave, you should know that they are doing that because you are hindering their profits, but you are not doing anything criminal.
5. Roulette is called ‘the devil’s game’ because of 666 – the sum of all numbers on the roulette wheel.
Little wheel, or Roulette in French, is a popular game of luck. Blaise Pascal accidentally invented the roulette wheel while working a perpetuum mobile machine. However, gambling experts took the concept to a new level with the addition of pockets and numbers to that wheel.
But did you know that the sum of all numbers on the wheel equals 666? And as that’s the devil’s number, roulette was declared the ‘devil’s game’ Satanized by Christians across the globe for years.
Today, the fact that the sum equals the devil’s number is just a funny coincidence that merely amuses casino goers.
6. US underground gamblers would swallow dice to avoid being convicted if there was a raid.
Gambling is not allowed in most US states. And as the USA works hard to establish a new gambling market and regulate gaming activity, players reminisce about the old days when all forms of gambling were strictly forbidden.
One peculiar fact about gambling in the USA in the previous century amazes players even today. Namely, players who gambled on dice games often had to descend underground to avoid police raids. These underground gambling joints attracted thousands of players each year, and they were safe from the police most of the time.
However, the police still managed to discover the location of these joints and often performed raids. On such occasions, players were advised to swallow dice to avoid arrest. Why? Well, because the law clearly states that without evidence, there is no chance of conviction. Hence, the best way to ensure safety was to swallow dice before the police could discover them!
7. Monaco citizens cannot gamble at the Monte Carlo Casino.
Monte Carlo Casino is among the most famous casinos in the world. It’s not the biggest, but it has a legendary reputation which made it a household name. Millions of tourists visit the premises each year, but one specific group of people are forbidden from visiting and playing there. Who would that be, you may ask? Well, Monaco citizens!
The rule has been in place since the casino first opened its doors to the public. No citizen in Monaco is allowed to enter and gamble, but they do have a perk few people in the world have – they don’t have to pay income taxes. So, although they don’t get to gamble, they get to enjoy other perks.
Conclusion
Did you know that the first casino license ever issued in Las Vegas went into the hands of a woman? Oh, and casinos are illegal in Japan. However, players have found a loophole that lets them gamble but only at places called pachinko parlors.
We couldn’t list every weird story or fact about gambling even if we wanted to because there are so many things to remember! However, we left a couple more for the end, as icing on the cake. So, if you want to learn more weird facts about casinos and gambling, stay tuned!
