- Summits
- ASIAManila02-05 June 2024
- EAST EUROPEBUDAPEST02-04 September 2024
- EUROPEValletta11-14 November 2024
- EURASIADubai23-25 February 2025
- AFRICACape Town10-12 March 2025
- AMERICASSão Paulo07-10 April 2025
Sorting Out the Odds: An Inside Look at the Edge Sorting Technique
Content Team
10 months ago
Ever since card games became popular in casinos, people have tried to find a way to gain an advantage over the house. Casinos have quickly picked up on different techniques players employ, such as card counting, past posting, and collaboration with other players at the table. However, there’s one technique that’s still stuck in a gray area—edge sorting.
This technique isn’t exactly illegal, but many casinos have refused to pay the winnings that have been earned through it. In this article, we’ll explain what edge sorting is, how it works in different card games, and give the most notable examples of when it worked.
What Is Edge Sorting?
The edge sorting technique involves identifying subtle differences on the back of playing cards to gain an advantage in gambling. The method relies on exploiting imperfections in the printing or cutting of the cards to determine whether a card has a high or low value.
Certain decks of cards have imperfections in their design, such as variations in the size of the patterns or the patterns themselves. By closely examining the cards and memorizing these irregularities, a skilled edge sorter can categorize the cards into high-value and low-value groups and know which cards are face-down.
How Does Edge Sorting Technique Work?
In order for edge sorting to be explained, understood, and applied, a few things need to fall into place.
Firstly, the casino has to use a specific deck of cards. Edge sorting can only be executed with specific decks of cards that have irregular patterns on their edges. These irregularities may be variations in the size of the patterns or slight differences in the shape of the pattern. Once you determine these differences, you can start sorting out the cards.
Secondly, the dealer must approve card rotation, so it’s possible to sort out high and low-value cards. For example, you can ask the dealer to rotate the cards that have high value so you can identify them later on. This request is often made as part of a superstitious ritual or preference. High rollers, who may have more influence or privileges, might have a better chance of getting the dealer to comply with this request.
Thirdly, the table must use an automatic shuffler. By using an automatic shuffler, the irregularities on the card edges can be maintained in their relative positions during the shuffle, making it easier for the edge sorter to identify high-value or low-value cards during the game.
Once you have everything in place, you’ll be able to determine the winning hand in most rounds and use this advantage to rake in big winnings.
Poker Edge Sorting
We have bad news for all you poker players. Edge sorting in poker is almost impossible due to external factors. Even if other players at the table were okay with your suspicious rotation of the cards, these cards would be regularly dealt to other people who would rotate them back and ruin your strategy.
Even the legendary poker player Phil Ivey hasn’t used this technique for poker. The famous controversy behind Phil Ivey and edge sorting popularized this technique after this American poker player used it to win almost $9.6 million during four sessions at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. He won another $12 million by playing Punto Banco at the Crockfords Casino in London. This resulted in a huge battle in the courts where Ivey claimed he didn’t cheat but admitted to using edge sorting. However, he won that money in baccarat, a card game that’s perfectly suited for edge sorting.
Baccarat Edge Sorting
Baccarat is a perfect card game for edge sorting as it doesn’t involve other people, and it relies on simple principles. The basic idea is that you bet on either your or the dealer’s hand to be the winning one, with each card having a specific value.
The most valuable cards in baccarat are 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s. Therefore, you want the dealer to rotate these cards so that you know when they’re coming and gain a significant edge. It’s because of this unique gameplay that edge sorting in baccarat can be so successful, as seen in the case of Phil Ivey. It’s one of the most notable edge sorting examples to date. However, many casinos have spotted this technique and will look for signs if you try to use it.
Blackjack Edge Sorting
Theoretically, it’s possible to utilize edge sorting as a means of gaining an advantage in blackjack, provided the dealer is willing to fulfill your requests. In this scenario, you would need to rotate specific cards to identify picture cards and potentially gain an advantage over the house. This technique can be advantageous if you arrange the shoe in a way that allows you to spot these high-value cards
However, it’s crucial to note that such a strategy can only be effective in rare circumstances where you are the sole player at the table and there are no other players expressing concerns about delays caused by your actions. In a typical blackjack game, accommodating requests for card rotation and attempting to exploit edge sorting would likely disrupt the flow of the game and draw attention from both the dealers and other players. Thus, successfully employing edge sorting in blackjack to gain an advantage is highly unlikely in typical casino settings.
Edge Sorting in Online Casinos
Because edge sorting in card games relies on the dealer rotating the cards, the only way it can work is in live baccarat games. Unlike in physical casinos, you can’t ask the dealer to rotate the cards since online games are typically automated and lack human dealers. Moreover, online games are observed by numerous players, making it impractical for dealers to accommodate individual requests.
However, there are still some aspects of edge sorting that can be adapted to online play, particularly in games like baccarat. The main idea is to focus on understanding the composition of the remaining cards in the shoe rather than predicting specific upcoming cards. By determining whether there’s a higher proportion of high or low cards left, players can gain a slight advantage in their decision-making, akin to card counting. While this approach doesn’t guarantee success, it can stack the odds in the player’s favor.
The feasibility of discerning the differences on the back of cards in online casinos is uncertain. Cameras used in online games often have wide-angle lenses that may not allow players to notice such minute details. However, it’s worth noting that modern live baccarat games in reputable online casinos often employ high-definition graphics, with some even offering resolutions as high as 4K. While it’s technically possible to see the back of the cards, it’s still challenging.
Conclusion
Edge sorting is a controversial technique that has garnered attention in the casino world. While it has been employed to gain an advantage in games like baccarat, its effectiveness and legality hinge on specific circumstances. This method relies on identifying irregularities on the back of cards to categorize them into high- or low-value ones. However, successful implementation requires specific decks with irregular patterns, the cooperation of dealers to rotate the cards, and the use of automatic shufflers.
[sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids=”768534,862327″]
FAQ
Is edge sorting illegal?
The legality of edge sorting depends on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. While it’s not inherently illegal in some places, many casinos consider it a form of cheating and may ban players caught using this technique.
What is the most common sorting technique used by card players?
The most common sorting technique used by card players is card counting. Card counting refers to keeping track of the cards that have been dealt in a card game to predict the cards that are yet to be dealt.
What is edge sorting in Mississippi Stud?
Edge sorting is not specifically associated with Mississippi Stud because it’s virtually impossible to implement it in poker games.
Dice control stirs up a lively debate in casino circles: skillful strategy or gambler's myth? This concept refers to the practice of throwing dice to influence the outcome of a roll in favor of specific numbers. In this article, we highlight the basics of the strategy, then we look into the controversy and see if there is any truth to controlling dice outcomes or if it is just wishful thinking.
How Dice Control Works
Commonly used in the game of craps, the dice control technique goes beyond a simple toss. It consists of a strategic grip, a calculated arm movement, and a precise release, all of which are intended to reduce the dice's random spin and bounce upon landing.
The goal is for the dice to hit the craps table in such a way that they roll gently against the back wall, all while maintaining the desired orientation to land on specific numbers more often. This practice stems from the desire to gain an advantage in casino games by using skill to overcome the laws of physics and probability.
While skeptics question the reliability of dice control, given the game's inherent randomness, proponents argue that mastering these techniques can shift the odds slightly in a player's favor. Let’s look at what the arguments for and against dice control are next.
Yay Sayers of Dice Manipulation
The debate around dice control intertwines expert achievements with mathematical analysis. Dominic LoRiggio, known as “The Dominator,” illustrates the power behind controlled throws. His ability to consistently avoid rolling a seven over 70 times demonstrates skill beyond mere chance.
LoRiggio's move to educate both players and casino staff about dice control tactics may indicate its intrigue and acceptance, and some casinos' vigilance towards skilled rollers may reflect the success of this method.
This narrative finds further support in a UNLV Gaming Institute study, which explores the minimal level of control needed to effectively counter the house advantage. The research proposes that even slight improvements—identified as just over 8%—in dice control could tip the odds in favor of the player. But is this enough to render the practice a legitimate gambling strategy?
Those Who Doubt Dice Control Validity
Critics of dice control present two main arguments. The first challenges the foundation of dice control, labeling it as a fundamentally flawed premise. Skeptics point out the absence of definitive proof that anyone can influence dice outcomes to a significant degree.
The second critique acknowledges the theoretical possibility of dice influence but questions its practicality, especially given casino regulations. In craps, for instance, the rule demanding that dice bounce off the back wall introduces a randomizing element that skeptics believe undermines any attempt at control.
Furthermore, the fact that most casinos do not explicitly forbid dice control raises eyebrows. It implies, from a skeptical standpoint, that the establishments may not view it as a genuine threat to their odds, potentially classifying it more as a hopeful strategy than a reliable technique. But what are casinos’ stances on dice control? We’ll look into that next.
Is Dice Control Considered Illegal in Casinos?
While there are no explicit laws against this practice, some casinos dislike it and impose restrictions. These regulations usually include the following:
The dice must hit the back wall of the craps table.
Players are restricted in how long they can hold the dice before rolling.
Certain dice-throwing techniques are off-limits.
In the few instances where dice control is explicitly prohibited as a form of cheating, casinos use advanced surveillance to detect any form of advantage play that crosses into forbidden territory, and violators risk being barred or facing legal action.
Curious? Try out These Techniques and Tips
For players eager to explore dice control, here are a few useful tips from experts:
Focus on how you release the dice. Aim for a controlled, softer toss to influence its landing and alignment.
Keep the dice level and unified throughout the throw. This reduces bounce and increases the likelihood of getting the desired result.
Before the throw, orient the dice so your preferred numbers are strategically positioned.
When practicing dice control skills, practice precision shooting and grip adjustment diligently. Set realistic expectations—dice control requires patience and consistent practice. Be aware of the potential risks, including the possibility of inconsistent outcomes despite your best efforts.
Odds are Both For and Against the Idea of Dice Control
Overall, the conversation around dice control spins from practiced throws to the hard bounce of skepticism. With some players swearing by their ability to sway the odds and critics waving the flag of chance, the topic remains a hotly debated one.
If the idea of possibly outsmarting the craps table calls to you, consider this your invitation to experiment with dice control yourself. Test the theories, practice the throws, and see where your judgment lands.
May 8, 2024
Posted by Bojana Grozdanic
Do you want to play poker like a pro? Then you've come to the right place. Today, I'll explain what poker tells are and discuss what you should do in different scenarios when playing against gamblers.
What Is a Tell in Poker?
A tell in poker is a change in a player's behavior, mood, or approach—a physical or verbal action that gives clues to that player's strength of hand. Finding poker tells is based on the premise that people unwittingly reveal their cards via observable behavior. A player gains an advantage by observing and interpreting another competitor's tell, especially if the tell is unconscious and dependable. Consequently, reading behavioral tells is possible only at live poker tables, while online poker players need to focus on unintentional patterns or actions.
To become successful in poker tells, you must constantly evaluate the accuracy in the context of the situation at hand. Interestingly, a tell may be useful even if it's just under 50 percent correct. In this scenario, if the pot was $400 and you paid $100 to call, you would have won $400. Let's add that the only hand you can defeat is a bluff. If such an occurrence happened five times and you called every time, you'd need your opponent to bluff only once to break even. To put it another way, you'd have to win 20% of the time.
If you were led to believe by a tell that there was a 40% probability that your opponent was bluffing, it would be in your best interest to call. Note the following fact: A player never bluffs, but he appears to bluff at the current moment. Namely, when you recognize the tell, the chances of him bluffing are far higher than when you don't.
If you want to learn how to read people in poker, you need to follow a couple of rules:
Don't glance at your cards; observe your opponent.
Don't stare at the flop, turn or river in Hold 'em; observe your opponent!
When the next stud card appears, OBSERVE YOUR OPPONENT!
Tells from Unaware Players
In this part, I'll go over common tells from unaware players
Appearance
Despite the fact that the vast majority of tells occur during play, we can gain valuable insight into our opponent’s strategy even when they're not involved in a poker hand. You should pay attention to certain aspects of each player's play for hints about their poker strategy.
Well-dressed individuals, in particular, are more likely to play it safe. On the other hand, a guy with a tattered suit and a loosened tie is more likely to be in a gambling mode and play more loosely. Certainly, those who wear religious amulets and good luck charms or exercise superstitious habits tend to be more luck-conscious and liberal with their stakes than average players. Generally, women are less likely to bluff.
To maximize your profit while you're against an unknown opponent, assume that he or she will play like a stereotype until you discover otherwise. Players tend to remember denominations (like Ace, Deuce, and King) better than suits.
Stacking Chips
Stacking chips is rarely used as a ploy. The neatly organized stack suggests that the player will probably play carefully and hardly ever bluff, so look for more chips on his big stacks because that's his profit. You may bluff by betting marginally more than his profit. When winning, players are hesitant to call, yet a bad call might cost them. After they enter a hand, don't play medium-strength hands; try bluffing them and calling less when they bet. Uneven stacks indicate reckless play. Such a player's approach is overly liberal, but he may profit from big hands with aggressive play. Call more frequently and bluff less.
Sharing a Hand
Sometimes a player will show his hand to a fellow player who has folded or a friend who has approached the table. Two-player hands reveal a lot about an opponent's hand. If the observer arrives mid-hand, he's the one to watch. He'll employ kindergarten psychology and act the opposite of the hand's strength. However, players are unaware that they tend to follow a trend when a hand is disclosed from the start.
Usually, players with weak hands won't display their hands for two reasons:
First, he may unintentionally show that he plays poorly.
Second, the spectator may tip off his opponent to his poor hand, losing him the pot.
If gamblers share the hand, it's likely good enough to warrant involvement. Strong players can utilize this tell to bluff. If you suspect that's the case, observe the onlooker. The best tactic isn't to bet or call without at least a solid hand.
Glancing at Chips
Players will only steal a look at their chips when they're contemplating a raise, and almost always because they have improved their hand, which is the most useful tell you can notice. You'll see it when you’re observing beginners, average, experienced, and even world-class players.
First, be sure the glance isn't an act. When players focus on their chips while thinking you're observing, it's definitely an act. However, the pattern of gazing at the hand, then the stack, then away, practically cannot be an act because they don't know if you're watching.
Poker and computer expert Michael Wiesenberg provides a correlated tell. Bettors may look at your chips before making a bet, which is rarer than checking your own stack. If the gaze is quick and short, it usually suggests the player loves his hand and is ready to bet. On the other hand, if your opponent stares at your chips long after he sees his hands, he may be bluffing.
Sandbagging is the term for swiftly glancing at chips, quickly looking away, and then raising. Even if you are sure your opponent will bet, you can still use sandbagging as a potent poker weapon. It's conceptually identical to staring at the flop. Your opponent knows very well that the flop helped, so this studying is unnecessary. You won’t catch a bluff in these circumstances, nor should you bluff yourself.
Other Common Tells
Tell
Strategy
Players who ask for chips flamboyantly play aggressively and carelessly
Call more often/bluff less often
Hiding bankroll/wallet implies conservative play
Call less often/bluff more often
Leaned back/arms folded implies player is in no gambling mood, waiting for good hand
Rarely enter a hand
Leaned back/arm not folded, looking uninterested implies patience
If you’re playing in front, play slightly weaker hands
Stack scattered after a win, winner enters hand
Very rarely bluff from scratch, give value to their hands
A gambler shuffling hand indicates that the hand needs help to become very strong
Use logic
Uncontrollable shaking is a release of tension, not fear
Fold unless you also hold a nuts hand
Covering mouth with hand implies unconscious avoidance of examination
Call with average or even weak hands
Instinctive double-check for a two-pair or a suit in a hole
Consider your own hand and play accordingly
When a gambler takes time to enjoy a cigarette, he's not afraid of the call
60% reliable, fold unless you have a very strong hand
Sudden interest (leaning forward/stopping the humming) usually indicates a very good hand
Enter with caution and don't bluff
Opponent is taking his/her time on a tough decision
Encourage the calls if you raised on strength hands. If you're bluffing, discourage the call
Raising after a long hesitation is a bluff in 50% of the cases
Call
Lack of hesitation implies the hand didn’t improve
Bet accordingly
Closely protected hands are usually strong
If this player opens, pass with all borderline hands
Closely protected hands are usually strong
If you hold a strong hand, check rather than open, knowing this player will open for you
Tells from Actors
Before using an actor's tells, you need to be pretty sure that he's acting and not just unaware. It's probably an act if the player has a reason to think you might be recognizing a certain behavior, and he would benefit from you being wrong. Undoubtedly, strong players are less likely to give you tells. Not only would they withhold the most common poker tells world-class players often try to trick by turning some of the more obvious tells around.
Weak Means Strong
If poker players can persuade you that they have a bad hand when they have a great hand, they'll win a few extra calls. Strong hands are why players go to great lengths to look weak. No player who actually holds a weak hand would ever disclose that. Neither would you expect a bluffer to admit he's bluffing. It's because they're strong that they act weak.
The Shrug
Shrugging and then raising the poker player is suggesting he's unsure about the bet and that his hand could be a lot stronger. Don't take the bait here. There's only one reason he would do this - he has a near-certain winner on his hands. The best strategy is to call only with strong hands; call with the majority of hands you would generally raise with and don't bluff.
The Look Away
Those who glance away from the action are more threatening than those who maintain an eye on the bettors. They don't want to do anything to discourage the bet, so be ready for a raise. There are no two ways to do this, so make sure your hand is strong before putting any additional money into this pot. If you raised first, you might want to consider abandoning your bet.
Furthermore, the quick look away after seeing the flop is even more telling. Only play excellent hands and fold any that you believe might be mildly advantageous. If you have a strong hand, allow your adversary to do the betting for you, and dare not bluff.
The Discard
Those who act like they're going to fold their hole cards before the action reaches them are a threat. Why are they doing this if they're not attempting to deceive you? Essentially it's a double move — a player tells the opponent in front that he can raise, and he encourages those behind to call. However powerful your hand may be, it's best to let the opponent bet on your behalf.
The Hesitation
With the long hesitation, the goal is to make the initial bettor think that raising is a difficult choice. His lengthy delay is an attempt to make you believe his raise is weak. When a player does nothing to prevent a big bet, thinks for a long time, and then makes a big raise, it's unlikely that he's bluffing. If you're willing to part with some nice hands, you'll come out ahead here. What you save by not calling is real money, and you stay in the game waiting for the right opportunity.
Strong Means Weak
In terms of dollars, catching players who are acting strong is even more valuable. When you determine that a player is acting weak, you'll often save a call, but the value is just a fraction of the total pot. Conversely, when you catch a player acting strong, you'll utilize that to make a call and win the entire pot.
The Stare
Players stare at a bad flop, trying to appear dangerous. By seeming interested, they want to dissuade betting. As previously covered, you realize that players who like flops tend to look away. Now is the time for a good bluff. Also, call more liberally since he's likely weak or bluffing.
Players making eye contact with the bettor are trying to do the same. Another reason opponents keep an eye on your bets is to ensure they won't get short-changed. You may assume an opponent is attempting to act strong when he's only keeping an eye on your stake amount. Aim to elicit a call from a weaker hand by betting medium-strength hands. Bluff as a last resort.
Reaching for Chips
By grabbing his chips out of turn and looking at his cards, the gambler hopes to seem threatening and prevent them from opening with marginal hands, indicating that the outcome is a sure thing. In this case, you should open with any marginal hand, even those you wouldn't have considered.
Strong players may grab the pot early to provoke a call. The rules change when a player grabs the pot while an opponent is passing. The bettor seeks to win the pot by removing an opponent's remaining uncertainties. Any player with a winning hand will let you call. Even with a weak hand, consider calling or raising to bluff.
Other Actor Tells
Tell
Strategy
If a player bets and then checks his hand as you grab for chips, he's bluffing
Check/Call
‘Accidentally’ exposing means players are trying to convey strength hands
Call
Active player looking as if the pot is far from his mind, is a dangerous opponent
Don’t bluff, play only extremely strong hands and even then, check
Pretending to pass to encourage bets
Don’t bluff, don’t bet and pass
Keeping their hands off their chips to encourage bets
Don't bet into or call without a very strong hand
Looking at the bettor and reaching for chips to discourage bets
Bet marginal hands for value. Think about bluffing, but be careful
The player who gently slides his bet is hoping for a call
Don't call without an extremely strong hand
The bettor who puts chips down with a little extra force hopes for a fold
Call/Raise if you can’t win in a showdown
Sweeping gestures with outstretched arms are used to lure a call by using strange behavior
Fold unless you hold a strong hand
The player who looks and bets at the same time wants to lure a call
You need a good hand to call
Player won't look right at the bettor, but his eyes suggest otherwise
Fold
Looking away with eyes on the pot
Don’t bet
Verbal poker tells like sighs or sounds of sorrow imply good hands
Beware
Online Poker Patterns
When it comes to gaining knowledge about our opponents, learning to recognize and identify typical online betting patterns is crucial in 2022. Bear in mind that online poker tells are different from those used in live games.
It's important to know some terms used at poker sites:
Tanking implies taking a longer time to decide
A strange or typed-in bet is a raise in the odds amount, like $7.99
Instead of verbal poker tells, there's now a chat feature that should be considered
Move
Tell
The Check Then Insta-Call
Marginal hand, likely to fold if not improved
Tank-Checking
Hoping to see another card
Tank-Calling
Quite possibly a fairly strong hand
Big raise after Tank
Possibly nuts
Massive Overbet
Rarely a bluff
Strange amount bets
Value bets, not bluffing
Complaining about lost hand
Play often against this player
Talker goes quiet
Watch out
Buying in for Unusual Amounts
Be involved in hands against these players
Conclusion
If your goal is to play poker successfully, don't jump to conclusions right away when you spot poker tells. Instead, take your time and display uncertainty. By using this approach, your opponent will be less likely to change his behavior, and you'll be able to keep reading poker tells that your opponent gives.
Finally, as the games grow harder, you must take advantage of whatever advantage you can uncover. You won’t improve your win rate if you disregard or don't follow what other players are doing.
August 24, 2022
Posted by Content Team
Slots are the most common type of gambling that allows players to insert money and spin a set of reels with various symbols. As the reels stop spinning, the machine dispenses winnings depending on how many matching symbols appear.
Casino owners used the game's popularity to organize various tournaments. But, to fully understand how do slot tournaments work, you need to learn what a slot tournament actually is.
Many of these tournaments were formerly held exclusively in brick-and-mortar establishments, but with the evolution of online casinos, they have since been ported to the convenience of desktop and mobile devices.
What Is a Slot Tournament?
Players in a slot tournament all play the same version of the same slot machine for a predetermined amount of time. Namely, they compete to see who can amass the largest amount of casino credits. By the game's end, the winner is the participant who accumulates the most credits. Prizes — points, credits, virtual currency, or actual cash — are awarded to the participant who has amassed the greatest total after the competition.
Slot tournaments' appeal lies in the fact that everyone can join in the fun. The casino will reveal which slot machine will host the competition, hand out credit amounts and time limits to each player, and then watch the competition unfold.
With a little bit of digging, you can find slot tournaments at different online casinos featuring traditional Vegas slots, video slots, and highly popular progressive jackpot slot games. These games have been created by adding crisp graphics, functionality, and more chances to collect bonuses and jackpots.
How Do Slot Tournaments Work?
Now we can turn our attention to the rules of play. So, how does a slot tournament work? Online casino slot tournament rules are very similar to those at brick-and-mortar casinos.
You can always place bets up to a certain limit, regardless of the type of online contest you're participating in. When the time runs out, the overall prize goes to the player with the most points or the one who has played the most games.
Elimination tournaments are contests where one player or a team must beat all opponents or teams to win. In the end, the winner of a knockout-style tournament is the player who won the most points in a certain amount of time.
You can earn points in one of two different methods. First, make sure you have studied the terms of a slot games tournament before signing up for it. Then, find out whether the only way to acquire points is to win or you can get them just by betting. You have a chance of winning based on the following:
Bet amounts — Whether the player wins or loses doesn't matter. What matters is that players keep betting to obtain more points.
Prize amounts — The top players rank based on the money they've won. So, if you're lucky, you can win a small entry fee.
The usual entry cost for a slot tournament ranges from $25 to $100, depending on the casino, while the financial prizes for the tournament can be rather large. For instance, if each player in a slot tournament puts in $100, the total prize pool may be worth $100,000. Interestingly, prices are available for players down to the 2,000th place on the scoreboard, so everyone has a shot at winning something. In addition to the great cash prizes, players have the chance to win free spins or no-deposit bonuses.
It's a common practice for slot tournaments to give participants more than their entry fee would normally buy, so even if you don't win anything, it’s still worth it to enter.
Types of Slot Tournaments
The variety of options in nearly every corner of the iGaming world is one of the biggest selling points of the industry, and that's the case regarding slot tournaments. Besides learning how to play slot tournaments, you should also inspect and decide which type is the most suitable for you.
Freeroll Slot Tournaments
Participating in a freeroll tournament is free of charge, so you can enter the contest and compete for the big prize with no out-of-pocket cost. Freerolls typically run for a shorter period of time and are included in online casinos' promotional incentives like sign-up welcome packages.
Buy-in Tournaments
Slot tournaments are usually cash-entry events because participants must pay the price to participate. These tournaments are also known as "buy-in" contests. Paying this fee doesn't give you any special privileges during the tournament; it simply grants you entry.
Sit n' Go Tournaments
The success of Sit 'n' Go tournaments in online poker has translated well to slot tournaments. There's no set time limit like there is in scheduled slots tournaments, but these competitions are timed so that everyone begins and ends at the exact same moment. Therefore, every player in a Sit 'n' Go game must be at the table at the same time.
Scheduled Tournaments
A scheduled slot tournament warrants the implementation of some kind of slot tournament strategy. As these contests have a set starting time, a scheduled tournament can be either freeroll or buy-in. The only requirement is to register and be present at a predetermined hour and, in case it's buy-in type, a paid fee.
Reloader Tournaments
During reload slot tournaments, players can pay to re-enter the competition. In this tournament type, competitors pay an entry fee to play for a predetermined amount of time. Generally, the event as a whole takes around an hour, with each round lasting five minutes.
If players lose in the first five minutes of a round, they can re-buy a spot in the next round. These re-buys are optional, and players can use them at any time throughout the tournament.
Extender Tournaments
Extender tournaments are comparable to reloader tournaments. However, participants in extender tournaments have the opportunity to 'raise' their final score. Also, while playing, you have a chance to purchase an add-on that will increase your odds of winning, but this doesn't ensure that you will be placed on the leaderboard.
Survival Slot Tournaments
Survivor tournaments can come in different variants but typically consist of three 5-minute rounds. Each of the three rounds features the same rules and gameplay, but the winner is determined after each round.
In Round 1, all players who compete and finish in the top half will advance to the next stage.
Only the top 10% from Round 2 will advance to the Final Round.
At the end of Round 3, the top 10 players, i.e., the ones still standing, will be rewarded.
These events have only a ten-second break between rounds, but they keep the greatest players interested and engaged the whole time.
One-Shot Tournaments
One-shot type tournaments are even more difficult and cutthroat than the survivor type. The punters only get one opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and, if successful, advance to the next round and go closer to winning the grand prize.
Comped Tournaments
Comped tournaments are free to enter competitions and are offered to regular customers. Casino websites that have a customer loyalty program, that's well-established, host a wide variety of events to continue to keep their consumers entertained in the most exciting and engaging way possible.
PCH Tournaments
Publisher's Clearing House (PCH) is a corporation that specializes in direct marketing and runs daily slot tournaments with both buy-in and freeroll options. Additionally, the company generates revenue through the sale of magazines and subscription services, allowing them to give away prizes ranging from one hundred to ten thousand dollars.
Slot players enjoy participating in these tournaments because they provide them with the opportunity to win large cash prizes without having to spend any money.
Slot Tournament Strategy
What every player wants to know is how to win a slot tournament. Keep in mind that no tournament strategy guarantees victory because there's absolutely nothing players can do to improve their chances of winning a single slot round.
So, how can you better your odds of overall success? Concentration and playing speed are the two most important aspects. For the best possible outcome, it's necessary to play the maximum number of spins allowed and bet on the maximum number of paylines. In order to keep the reels going after they've stopped, you'll need to keep clicking the spin button. Remember not to sit idly awaiting credit addition, and don't let close calls upset you.
Pay attention to the task at hand rather than focusing on the competition. Although it's natural to be curious about how you stack up against the competition, spending time doing so is pointless. Don't answer the phone or do anything else that might pull your attention away from your goal (spinning the reels) until the timer goes off and you know where you stand.
So, there's no foolproof strategy for slot tournaments. Anyone telling you otherwise is either uninformed or trying to sell you a system that isn't worth your time. Slots are just products with lights and reels. If you want to be successful at slot machines and in tournaments, you need nothing more than a little bit of luck.
Tips for Playing at Slot Tournaments
Now that you understand what is a slot tournament and how to devise your strategy by gathering the experiences of tournament players let’s look at a compiled list of the most essential tips that are easily applicable to the strategy mentioned above:
Keep your finger on the spin button at all times because slot tournaments have a time limit on how long you have to use your casino credits. Whether you went ahead or behind in the game may depend on just a few key decisions.
Play with the maximum bet if you want the maximum payoff from your winning spin. In order to come out on top in a slot tournament, you need to have the most coins at the end of the round.
Be sure to bet across all paylines to give yourself the best chance of winning a slot machine game.
If you hit it big at the slots, pay attention to the clock because the reels will stop spinning for a while. As soon as the slot machine finishes counting, you should start hitting the spin button to boost your odds of earning the jackpot again.
Just ignore the other players who are trying to get your attention by talking or jumping about once they win a jackpot. The more time you waste fiddling with other things, the less likely it is that you'll hit a winning payline and collect your prize.
Conclusion
So, these were the most important aspects and types of slot tournaments. The goal was to provide a comprehensive guide and answer the key question: ‘How do slot tournaments work?’ Namely, the possibilities are numerous, but the choice will come down to you and your personality.
Are you a competitive person who thrives in high-stress situations, or do you like to take your time and plan your next move? If you nurture a competitive (but also sporting) spirit, you should consider slot tournaments for your gambling portfolio. Who knows, you may be the one who hits it big!
FAQ
What's the secret to winning slot tournaments?
Success with slot machines depends entirely on random chance. All you need to do is to spin quickly and maximize your earnings. Also, you should perform as many spins as you possibly can. For some players, using the auto-spin feature seem to be a good method.
Do you use your own money in slot tournaments?
It depends on the type of tournament, and if you don’t want to risk your own cash, you can always search for freeroll tournaments.
What triggers a jackpot on a slot machine?
The most elementary method of awarding a jackpot prize is randomness. However, it's also possible that a specific set of symbols must be hit to trigger the jackpot. The second approach players use to win the slots jackpot is to play in the bonus round by collecting the required symbols in the correct order.
Does playing max bet increase odds?
Yes. Increasing your wager to the maximum level in most slot games will result in a bigger payout. In order to win a slot tournament, players need to have the most coins at the end of the round.
Are slot tournaments rigged?
There's no reason for you to be concerned if you're playing in a regulated, licensed casino that provides only tested RNG games. Each slot machine is programmed to generate results at random and have a predetermined payout percentage.
How do slot tournaments work at casinos?
At land-based slot tournaments, rules are pretty similar to the ones at online casinos. However, the one big difference when you’re playing by pressing a real-life button is that when you finish, you need to wait for an official to collect your score.
September 25, 2022
Posted by Content Team
document.querySelectorAll(".star-rating").forEach(a=>a.style.display = "none")
Christmas is the time when everyone gets into the holiday spirit. It's also the perfect time for Christmas casino promotions. Online casinos take this opportunity every year to create special bonuses designed to entice you to play during the holiday season.
These bonuses come in the form of a match bonus, cashback, Christmas no deposit casino bonuses or free spins, and even a combination of these types.
In this article, you'll learn what Christmas promos consist of, different types of Xmas bonuses and promotions, and how to choose and claim top Christmas online casino promos.
[sigma-top-casinos-new term_id = '50585' christmas="yes"]
What Are Christmas Casino Promotions?
Online casinos offer innovative and enticing bonuses that new or regular players can use during Christmas. You can use some of the Xmas bonuses on slot games, sports, or special games.
Comparing Christmas casino bonuses to regular bonuses and promotions, Xmas casino offers are a bit different:
During Christmas, online casinos and sportsbooks offer more generous bonuses for their visitors.
These Xmas promotions have lower wagering requirements.
The promotional period is shorter, only during the Christmas season.
Christmas promos can only be used in Christmas-oriented casino games.
What Types of Christmas Promotions Are There?
No matter if you’re new to the casino world, an experienced poker player, or a slots fan, you'll certainly want to use some of the Christmas promotions.
The following bonuses and promotions you can expect at online casinos during Christmas.
Christmas sign-up (welcome) bonus offers
To all new players, online casinos give welcome bonuses when upon first deposit, so you can explore their games, find the one you like and spin the reels until you get lucky. What’s different during Christmas? Well, online casinos lower the rollover requirements and increase the number of spins or bonus money to spice up your experience.
Xmas free spins
Online casinos regularly offer free spins for games in their offer, but for the Christmas period, they usually add an additional number of spins. For example, for slot games where you can get at least 20-30 extra free spins, sometimes that number can go way up.
Christmas calendar
Besides bonuses and promotions during Xmas, some casino sites have a Christmas calendar where each day, their users can expect something new, which adds an extra layer of excitement during winter holidays.
Christmas slot tournaments
As you might have noticed, there are many Christmas-themed slots, and during Christmas, these slots can have bigger cash prizes. There are even slot tournaments for specific slot games, and in this post, I’ll suggest some tournaments in which you can participate.
No-deposit casino Christmas bonus
At the time of Christmas, online casinos offer no deposit bonuses to new players after registration, after which you’ll have additional free money to use on slots. The bonus cash from this promotion usually is added automatically to your casino account.
Christmas no deposit bonus codes
This type of code you can find on the casino site of your choosing, but we recommended a few in this article that you can use during the Xmas time. Once you enter the code, the free money or free spins will be added to your account.
Xmas Giveaways
When the Christmas period is nearby, online casinos sometimes can offer electronic devices or even a car as prizes in their tournaments.
How to Choose a Christmas Promotion at Online Casinos?
If you plan on playing slot games or participating in Christmas events, you should know how to choose Christmas perks:
Check where each bonus can be used
Check the terms and conditions of each bonus or promotion.
You can see in what games you can use certain bonus
What are the wagering requirements
What is the validity period
Other conditions
How to Claim the Christmas Online Casino Bonus
If you’re new to the world of online casinos and want to take advantage of the Christmas casino promotions, on this page, you’ll see some great promos you can use during the winter holidays. As a new gambler who wants to use Xmas bonus, you need to claim the bonus at the online casino:
1. Register at the online casino of your choosing
Find the casino with games you wish to play and features you want to see at casino sites. When you choose the one, go to its registration page, provide your personal details, and follow instructions in order to do everything properly. Don’t forget to check its terms and conditions page for more details about games, bonuses, deposits, and withdrawals.
2. Verify your account and deposit the money
Upon completing your account registration, you must confirm your identity. Once you’re finished with all procedures, you can enter the potential code, and the bonus money will instantly be transferred to your account. In order to withdraw the money, you must complete the requirements, which vary from casino to casino.
3. Log in, use the bonus amounts and start placing bets.
In case you already have an account at the casinos we pointed out, you need to log in and start playing your favorite games. Once you complete all conditions, you’ll be able to withdraw the bonus and the potential winnings you got using the promo.
Best Christmas Casino Promotions for 2022
In the sections below, you'll read about different promotions at online casinos.
RAPID CASINO
Christmas promotions at Rapid Casino run from the first day of December until Christmas. A daily offer will be shown between 00:01 and 23:59 CET. Players who haven't deposited in the last 30 days aren't eligible for the free spin.
The 500 Xmas free spins will be credited to the player with the highest single spin multiplier win from the Free Spin offer. The spins will be credited on the following day by 17:00 CET. All free spin winnings have a wagering requirement of 50x within 24 hours.
For Christmas Tournaments, the minimum bet is $1. Tournament winnings have a 5x wagering requirement. You can expect them to be deposited on Mondays at 17:00 CET and be accessible for a full week.
Prize Drops also require a $1 minimum wager. Any qualifying spin randomly triggers a prize during the promotion. One player can trigger more than one prize. They are all paid right after you trigger them.
AXE CASINO
To get Axe Casino Christmas deposit bonuses, you have to make a $10 minimum deposit.
The 3rd Christmas free spins are given in Road 2 Riches
The 4th Christmas free spins are handed out in Lady Wolf Moon
The 6th Christmas free spins are granted in Wild Cash
The 7th Christmas free spins are added in Bonanza Billion
The 10th Christmas free spins are awarded in Christmas Big Bass Bonanza or Elvis Frog Trueways, depending on the location
The 14th Christmas free spins are given in Fruit Million
The 17th Christmas free spins are handed out in Gates of Olympus or Aloha King Elvis, depending on the location
The 21st Christmas free spins are granted in Brave Viking
The 23rd Christmas free spins are added in Eagle's Gold
The 25th Christmas free spins are given in Candy Monsta
The slots are provided mostly by the BGaming studio, other than Eagle's Gold, made by Zillion, and Christmas Big Bass Bonanza and Gates of Olympus, provided by Pragmatic Play.
The maximum bonus amounts at Axe Casino are arranged like this:
The maximum 25th Christmas bonus amount is $250.
The maximum 13th Christmas bonus amount is $130.
The maximum 11th Christmas bonus amount is $111.
The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 21st Christmas bonus amount is $100.
The 5th, 12th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th Christmas bonus amount is $50.
You have to claim all Christmas cashback bonuses through Live Chat. Bonus validity is seven days. You can activate free spins within three days. Free spins duration and free spins result duration are seven days.
oshi CASINO
Just like Axe Casino, Oshi is also a part of the Dama N.V. group, so it has a nearly identical Christmas program. Every bonus at Oshi Casino is valid for seven days. You have to claim all Christmas cashback bonuses through Live Chat. You can activate free spins within three days. The duration of the spins and the winnings is seven days.
The 2nd Christmas free spins are added in Fruit Million.
The 5th Christmas free spins are added in Candy Monsta or Eagle's Gold (Zillion), depending on the location.
The 8th Christmas free spins are added in Elvis Frog Trueways.
The 11th Christmas free spins are added in Road 2 Riches.
The 14th Christmas free spins are added in Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic) or Aloha King Elvis, depending on the location.
The 16th Christmas free spins are added in Candy Monsta or Gift Rush.
The 17th Christmas free spins are added in Wolf Gold (Pragmatic) or Elvis Frog in Vegas.
The 20th Christmas free spins are added in Bonanza Billion.
The 24th Christmas free spins are added in Lady Wolf Moon.
Maximum winning for no deposit Christmas free spins is $50. Additionally, individual online casino Christmas bonuses carry these max caps:
The 18th Christmas bonus amount is $1000
The 4th Christmas bonus amount is $500
The 1st, 6th, 9th, 13th, 14th, and 22nd Christmas bonuses amount is $200
The 2nd, 12th, and 25th Christmas bonuses amount is $150
The 19th Christmas casino bonus amount is $100
CASHALOT CASINO
During the Holiday Frenzy promotion at Cashalot Casino, you can claim one of four exciting Christmas casino bonuses every day. After making the first deposit of the day, you're eligible for one of the bonuses. You can claim only one bonus per day. The options are:
Video slots bonus of 75% up to $150
Table games bonus of 50% up to $100
Live casino and TV games bonus of 50% up to $100
Virtual sports daily cashback of 25% up to $50
KING BILLY CASINO
King Billy's Christmas campaign stretches between December 13 and January 15. It includes four missions with very special Lootbox Prizes, six Christmas online casino promos, and a total of 768 free spins and $465.
The minimum qualifying deposit is $60, and the wagering requirement for prizes is 30x. You can get two bonuses during the promotion. If Endorphina's Book of Santa is unavailable, free spins will be given on BGaming's Book of King Billy. Make sure you insert the Xmas free spins.
LEON CASINO
The Christmas offer from Leon Casino could be the most impressive in the industry. Besides Yggdrasil's Ygg-mas Tree and Gamomat's 31 Days of Spinsmas, Leon provides three additional online casino Christmas promotions in cooperation with gaming studios.
The PG Soft promotion with a $5,000 prize pool is available only for Leon Casino players. Start spinning any PG Soft slot machine from December 4 until the end of 2022 for a chance to win weekly prizes ranging from $40 to $1,800. Gain one point for every $1.5 you bet. Your odds of finishing in the top 20 of each tournament increase in proportion to the number of points you earn.
In an effort to amaze its Live Casino customers, Evolution Gaming organized two separate prize draw campaigns, each worth $50,000. One ticket will be awarded for every $25 wagered. The drawing dates for 612 prizes are set for December 20 and January 5. Any given ticket can reward you with $50 or $5,000. Play MONOPOLY Big Baller, XXXtreme Lightning Roulette, Crazy Time, and other provider-selected games between December 1 and December 31.
From December 11 to December 18, Betsoft has a special offer for Leon Casino players a tournament with 10 cash prizes worth $3,000. Spin any of the provider's slots, get to the top of the leaderboard and win your early Christmas gift. Earn one point for every $1.5 you bet. A total of $1,400 will be awarded to the winner, with $750 and $325 going to runners-up and third-place finishers, respectively.
Xmas Calendar Bonuses
Stake Casino announces 25 Days of Christmas every day at 1 AM GMT on its Telegram account. Stake grants various prizes, so you can receive:
Monthly Bonus
Stream
Twitter giveaways
Bonus drops
Bet and share a $100,000 prize pool
ShadowBit is another Dama N.V. casino. However, it opted for a different type of Christmas promotion. The ShadowBit daily bonuses and promotions are available from December 1 until December 25. Every day you will see a new bonus offer in the Casino Christmas Bonus Calendar. It can be a cashback, match bonus, free spins or a combination of the bunch.
LuckyElektra Casino Christmas promotions are similar to ShadowBit, with a different prize waiting to be claimed every day until Christmas.
Platin Casino has a Christmas countdown this year, from December 1 through Christmas Eve. Platincasino rolls out proven promotions, such as deposit bonuses, free spin Christmas casino offers, and gifts, with an occasional surprise.
Slot Providers That Offer Christmas Promotions
Several gaming studios also see the Christmas holidays as an opportunity to appeal to slot players and become their go-to slot provider.
Wazdan Xmas Cash Drop
Wazdan iGaming solutions provider created a $100,000 Christmas prize pool. Join the promo by playing any game. Bet real money on Wazdan slot machines during the promotional period for a shot at landing a cash prize. Prizes don't carry any wagering requirement, and there is no required minimum bet. All bets qualify for participation.
This tournament is open to all video slot games by Wazdan. The campaign runs from December 1 until 23:59 on December 26.
One bet only qualifies for one prize, but multiple bets can bring you more than one prize. You must opt-in to be eligible. Only verified casino players qualify to win the cash rewards:
Five $1,000 prizes
Ten $750 prizes
Fifteen $500 prizes
One hundred $200 prizes
Two hundred $100 prizes
Five hundred $50 prizes
1,500 $10 prizes
Upon receiving a notification, your account will be credited immediately with the full amount of your winnings. If you use bonus money to play games, the prizes will also be awarded in bonus money.
Under the Ygg-mas Tree
From December 16 and January 9, Ygg-mass tree promotion will reward players from a $250,000 real money prize pool. It's the biggest Yggdrasil network campaign to date. The promotion will run in phases:
Tangled in Tinsel
Fairy Light Prize Fight
Bauble Bombardment
2022 Unwrapped
The first phase is running between December 16 and December 22. The Christmas Missions carry $70,000 in rewards. Complete them in the following games: Vikings Go Berzerk, Golden Fish Tank, Raptor Doublemax, Multifly!, and Gator Gold Gigablox Deluxe.
From December 23 to December 29, a Fairy Light Prize Fight Prize Drop is taking center stage with another $70,000 prize pool. Holmes and the Stolen Stones, Jackpot Raiders, Valley of the Gods 2, Valley of the Gods, Vikings Go Berzerk Reloaded, 90K Yeti Gigablox and Monster Blox Gigablox are the games that qualify.
The third stage will run from December 30 to January 5 with another $70,000 waiting in Raptor Doublemax, Valley of the Gods, Hades Gigablox, Golden Fish Tank 2, and CherryPop video slots.
Lastly, from January 6 to January 9, Prize Drop Double Chance prize pool worth $40,000 is available in Yggdrasil's most popular 2021 titles—Atlantean Gigarise, Easter Island 2, Frost Queen Jackpots, Gator Gold Gigablox, Gator Gold Gigablox Deluxe, Golden Fish Tank 2, Golden Gorgon, Raptor Doublemax, Reel Desire, Suncatcher Gigablox, and Vikings Go Berzerk Reloaded.
Under the YGG-mas Tree promotion doesn't have a required minimum bet for any of its phases, but only real money bets are eligible for the campaign. Players must confirm their participation in the campaign at any stage in the confirmation window. Participation is completely free.
Gamomat's 31 Days of Spinsmas
Themed December tournament from Gamomat has a $10,000 prize pool. Spin the reels of participating slots from the provider between November 30 and December 31 for a shot at winning anything from $20 to $4,000. You can earn 70 free spins by completing the weekly quests and 100 spins in the main, 10-day New Year's countdown quest.
Bet at least $0.20 and get points for each win. The greater your point total, the better your odds of breaking into the top 100 scorers. Play Gamomat's Wild Rubies Christmas Edition slot on the 25th at 7 PM UTC for a chance to be one of the first 100 players to receive an extra ten free spins.
The selected Gamomat games are: Down the Chimney, Egyptian Magic, Expanding Fireworks, Fruit Lines Winter, Golden Treasures, Maaax Diamonds Christmas Edition, Ramses Book Christmas Edition, Take 5 Christmas Edition, Wild Rubies Christmas Edition, Win Blaster Christmas Edition and A Winter's Tale.
Tips for the Christmas Online Casino Promotions
Consider the following information if you want to participate in Christmas promos.
Read the fine print to make sure that you can complete all requirements.
Devise a strategy of how you’ll use a certain bonus. For example, mark the calendar, so you know on which days you have to involve more in spinning the reels.
The period during which you can use these Xmas bonuses is limited.
Subscribe to a newsletter to be informed on your favorite casino’s promotions, so you can get the message as soon as the promotion starts.
At the end of November/December, check the promo page of your favorite online casino to check its Christmas casino promotions.
On Christmas day, log in to your chosen online casino and claim the final offer in the Christmas calendar. It’s usually the most valuable.
Don’t forget to gamble responsibly.
December 22, 2022
Posted by Content Team
Recommended for you
Ilija Jaksic
7 months ago
Bojana Grozdanic
7 months ago
Content Team
10 months ago
Content Team
10 months ago