Category Archives: Casino Games

Being that I’m a UK citizen, there’s not always a lot of call for me to consider the state of play of gambling and casinos in other areas of the world. Sure I’ve seen the bright lights of US casinos (Vegas etc) as those are the default go-to locations for tourists looking for their casino fix. I’ve never been to the other side of the world for instance though, namely Australia, and so whether exploring their bricks and mortar casinos or australianonlinecasinosites online casino options, I’m pretty much in the dark about what the country has to offer in that department. That said, most fans of a flutter will have an awareness of one of two of our Aussie mates biggest bricks and mortar establishments.

For starters, most casino goers interested in the wider world will know about the Melbourne Crown Casino. It’s Australia’s biggest casino complex covering well over 500,000 sq. m.and was completed just before the turn of the century. It features multiple hotels, restaurants (Nobu etc), bars and shopping areas (top names like Harrods and Louis Vuitton). To give you an idea of the scope, as far as casino games go the Crown features 3500 poker machines as well as 500 table games catering for craps, blackjack, roulette and the like. Australian WSOP events and more are also hosted there. All of this neatly comes together in a display of the scale and scope of this impressive casino. Other casinos of note in the country include Star Casino, Sydney and the Treasury Casino, Brisbane.

Of course there are real money casinos both online and off that can and do impress. It could be argued that nothing can replace the ‘being there’ aspect of a night out at the casino. It’s very much a chalk and cheese situation though, because by the same token nothing can really rival the convenience factor of online casinos, which it has to be said often capture both bricks and mortar casino games and experiences in precise fashion. Another big plus of online casino options is the speed at which new games, such as slots options, can be made available to players. The number of devices games can be played on too, and location independent nature. Realistically both have their place though, and so if you find yourself on your travels it’s certainly not a bad idea to pop into the local casino to get a feel of the people and the place, especially if it’s somewhere as impressive as the Melbourne Crown.

 

A person’s character often informs the chances they take in life. Some have as ‘steady as you go’ approach to everything, from the risks they take to the counting of pennies. It can of course be good to have such a structured and steady outlook to life, though at the same time it could be said that it sucks the joy out of life. Some are at the exact opposite end of the spectrum; risk takers to the extreme. Whether it’s extreme sports or an unrivaled hedonism, this ‘life to the full’ type approach can also have its own short comings. I tend to find myself at a midway point, the odd adventurous holiday abroad and play on casinos online but nothing too crazy. A sane balance and just reward for those busy and stressful work weeks that we all have to endure in life.

I never quite got people who never set foot in a casino, believing it to be something that it isn’t, or something they’re somehow above. So many aspects of life, in fact arguably most of the important ones, are gambles of one kind of another anyway and much more consequently so than a spin of a roulette wheel or game of blackjack. Even those investing in shares for instance are taking a gamble. It may well be painted as pure research and calculation but there is always plenty that you don’t or can’t know.

One plus that casinos have is that you actually know what the house edge is, and with games such as roulette or some slots games there isn’t actually a huge house advantage. So you can play which games match your own personal risk profile. And of course with some games like poker for instance your natural or learned abilities can actually overcome the odds and leads to you making a healthy profile from other players. This of course applies both offline and online, since nowadays best payout online casinos are available to all. Many will think nothing of playing the lottery, viewing it as a ‘bit of fun’, but fail to see that odds-wise it’s not a great bet to make compared to lots of other options out there.

So, in moderation, I say that saying ‘yes’ to casinos is far from a bad choice. For most it’s just the occasional bit of fun and way to unwind, and in today’s world, which is either ‘a mile a minute’ in pace, or generally quite stressful, having ways to unwind is a useful way of opting out of the rat-race for a while.

 

 

 

It’s funny how we all have our own approach to playing casino games. In much the same way that we all have our own unique character, we gravitate towards certain games without always fully knowing why. For some it will be the bright lights of online slots, for others the spin of a roulette wheel, and for many the competitive nature of poker. Much like a fingerprint our precise motivations behind what interests us and what doesn’t, is individual to us.

That said we can often reach somewhat broad conclusions about why people are attracted to certain casino games. Slots for instance has that ‘amusement arcade’ feel that draws us all in from even a young age. The bright lights, the dramatic sounds, the fast fashion in which each spin of the reels occurs. Also with modern slots regular, small wins are commonplace and there are so many different ways and combinations to win that it’s no wonder we, almost hypnotically, get pulled in. Slots aren’t a game that involves any significant thought or strategy either and so it’s well suited to those at the end of a tough day or just looking to unwind.

Roulette has some similarities in that there is the rush of the wheel spinning and wondering if your number is going to come in. It could be argued though that there is at least some ‘strategic’ aspect to proceeding, at least in how people attempt to play. Ultimately though each spin is entirely separate from the last so it doesn’t pay to read too much into what has come before (though of course, that’s easier said than done!). There are certainly a number of different approaches to playing roulette when compared to slots. These can be replicated in online casinos like Vera John just as easy as they can be offline. Some involve patience (sticking with a number come what may), others groups of numbers, and for some a frantic last minute decision as the ball spins around the wheel.

Poker is another casino game that draws a big crowd, and of course is even popular TV viewing for many. It’s one casino and card game that genuinely has strategy in abundance (more so than the likes of Blackjack). You don’t get to the top of the tree in poker by not knowing what you’re doing. The ability to bluff with a poker face, or to analyse your hand as well as the situation around you involves a lot of intelligence. People don’t get far in the World Series of Poker for instance, without having a lot of ability and experience. Poker is enormously popular both online and in bricks and mortar casinos and yet it’s often the same characters having success, which really does go to show how much skill can be involved in the game at the highest level.

And really, the online vs offline casino comparison applies to all games. Whether poker, roulette, blackjack, slots or others, they are all so faithfully recreated online nowadays that the experience is near identical to offline casinos. With one notable exception of course that you can play on online casinos at home in your pajamas! Never underestimate being able to play casino games in the comfort of your own home!

 

Whether online or offline I find that casino money management is key to have a good and yet controlled time. While there are sometimes occasions where throwing caution to the wind may seem like the order of the day, if you go to the casino with any frequency, it’s not the best approach to always be gung-ho.

I find, and again this applies to both online and ‘real world’ situations, that setting yourself a limit when you gamble is a decent starting point. That way even if you do get caught up in the moment, or go ‘on tilt’ there it at point at which you’ve already decided to call it a day. The same can apply to profits. If in your mind, whether playing a game of chance (roulette etc) or skill (poker) you’ve got an amount that you’d be happy to win, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with walking away at that point and calling it a successful night! One other strategy I use in bricks and mortar casinos is to have my gambling chips in one pocket and my winnings in another. If I then never dip into the winnings over the course of the night, and accept that I’ll win what I win, it’s a structured way of limiting losses.

Online, there can be even more considerations relating to money. Many casinos websites only accept certain payment types, some accept Paypal, some don’t. Some are happy for you to use Bitcoin, others aren’t. As a good starting point I’d say that it’s vitally important to check that you’re using a trusted and known casino site so that you know that your money, and potential winnings are safe with them. Typically word gets around fast as to which sites are the ‘places to be’ and which aren’t, as well as which ones have the best sign up bonuses and so on, so it’s important to keep up to speed with this info.

It’s the same with payment providers for businesses. You need reassurance and to be secure in the knowledge that you’re using a trusted payment provider and processor. Also that there are no currency related issues and that multiple payment types are allowed and properly catered for. We see all of this with merchant accounts solutions that are at the top of their game and respected in their field. It puts you on a secure footing in your business matters.

And so really, in all lines of work and play, but especially in a casino setting, it makes sense to get your money matters in order before you begin. When this aspect is in order it’s a sound foundation upon which to enjoy your time playing slots, or betting on the spin of a roulette wheel or perhaps showing off your poker skills (and poker face!) – all in a bid to come out on top. This is the best way to make sure you have a fun time and remain within your limits. And so if you win, you pocket your winnings without pushing things too far, and if you lose, it’s at a level which you’ve already decided is manageable beforehand. A useful starting point and structure to your casino experience!

 

Blackjack is an online casino game that both reels players in and intimidates them at the same time. Looking deceitfully simple and straightforward at first, playing to win involves an in-depth study of the game that will help players in the long run. If you’re looking into improving your blackjack game to get more wins, then this is the right place for you! We’ve compiled some of the best tips for playing blackjack, making sure you get the most out of your nettikasino experience.

Fool-Proof Tips to Playing Blackjack

1. Learn the basic Blackjack strategies

2. Set a playing budget – and stick to it

3. Check the rules sheet before playing a table

4. Trust the strategy, not luck

5. Make wise plays and learn from losses

6. Know when to step out of the table

Basic Blackjack Terms and Rules

Before we dive into our tips, let’s do a quick recap on how Blackjack is played.

In a game of Blackjack, players are against the dealer in a race to reach the score of 21 with their cards. Number cards are scored by their number, face cards are scored by 10s, and A is either a 1 or an 11. The closer a hand is to 21 without exceeding is the winner.

Players and the dealer are handed two cards from the deck, which is the initial hand. The player could then decide to ask for more cards or play the hand based on the probabilities available. Having the higher hand without exceeding 21 nets the player a win, while having a lower hand than the dealer’s hand closer to 21 counts as a loss.

Some common terms in Blackjack include:

– Hit: Ask for another card, usually done when your current hand is far from 21

– Stand: No additional cards will be taken, in which the dealer now plays their hand.

– Bust: When a hand goes over 21. Automatically considered as a loss.

– Double Down: Double your current bet plus a card and a stand. This play is not used in all tables.

– Split: Separating your cards into two hands, only used when you have two cards of the same value. The bet is essentially doubled when this is applied.

– Surrender: Giving up half of your bet, applicable when you think your hand will lose.

Now that we’re refreshed with the basic rules of the game, let’s proceed to our Blackjack tips.

Learn the basic Blackjack strategies

The internet is home to many resources that offer in-depth tutorials and guides on how to optimally play Blackjack, along with color-coordinated charts on when to make the right plays. For those looking to ramp up their Blackjack game, we recommend spending time learning from these resources.

Knowing more of the game makes the experience better not only for you but also for the other players you’re sharing the table with. Games become more fast-paced and exciting when everyone knows how to play at the same level.

Set a playing budget – and stick to it

One big mistake that beginners make is pushing for hand after hand, chasing an elusive win without considering what’s left at the bankroll. Playing without a budget in place is setting yourself for a bigger loss later on, as there will be no stopgap when the losses pile up.

Professional Blackjack players highly recommend setting a specific budget before playing and adhering to your budget. Having peak and low limits to playing helps you focus on enjoying the game, instead of worrying if you have anything left after.

Check the rules sheet before playing a table

A good practice for any Blackjack player in an online casino is to check the table’s rules before sitting, as different tables could have different rules. Some may allow double downs, some may not. Some may offer bigger wins but equally big bets. We recommend that you look for tables that suit your speed, ruleset, and prize pool to satisfy your Blackjack itch.

Trust the strategy – not luck

When the chips are down and things are not looking good, always trust the basic strategies you’ve learned rather than relying on luck to pull you out of a tight spot. Basing your plays on gut instincts will only result in bad decisions, thus leading you to contiguous losses.

Blackjack is more of a probability game than a luck-based game, and knowing the odds places you in a better position almost all the time. If games are going south, we suggest changing tables instead of pushing your luck.

Make wise plays and learn from wrong ones

Everyone makes wrong calls when starting out in Blackjack, some more than others. But as the adage goes, “experience is a great teacher.” As you go along your game, study the patterns and always check the odds, as they are your keys to making the wise plays. Knowing when to stand on a dealer’s card, what’s the best hand to double down on, and when to split cards could decide your game’s outcome.

Know when to step out of the table

There are times when it’s hard to quit a Blackjack table – either when you’re on a winning streak or in a losing skid. Lack of control in either situation usually leads to painful experiences, especially when the losses pile up and it only gets harder to recover. Chasing after losses is never a good way to play, as it opens a trap for you to fall deeper and makes your online casino experience a miserable one.

Conclusion

Playing competitive blackjack on online casinos could pose a challenge for the uninitiated, but equipping yourself with basic Blackjack strategies and having the right mindset will lead you to more wins. While this is not an exhaustive list of tips for Blackjack players, we hope that this helps you become a better and smarter player.