Blog

SiGMA Play Blog

We bring you a unique blend of inquisitive gambling articles coupled with a rich selection of casino guides and tips. The posts you’ll find here are pathways to mastering online gambling and sports betting.

The SiGMA Play team consists of avid gamblers and sharp bettors who are dedicated to providing you with industry insights you can use to your advantage. Our blog promises accurate, fresh, and actionable content that addresses your needs, regardless of your level of experience.

Join us at SiGMA Play, where every gambling article and sports betting guide is a blueprint for better wagering, more informed strategies, and a deeper understanding of the gambling landscape.

World Cup FTP Competition
The World Cup 2022 in Qatar will mark the second time an Asian country has been selected to host one of the most popular events in the world, after the joint venture of Japan and South Korea in 2002. Qatar is the smallest country ever to host, and previously that was Switzerland, which hosted the 1954 tournament. However, Switzerland is more than three times the size of Qatar and was only required to host 16 teams. TIt certainly was a surprise in 2010 when the Asian country won their bid. Eleven associations expressed interest in hosting, but in the end, Qatar defeated 4 other finalists: the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea.   About the Competition The World Cup 2022 is scheduled to take place between November 21st and December 18th. For the first time, the World Cup won’t be played during the summer months but in mid-season due to the high temperatures in Qatar. This year will be the last time the World Cup is played in the current 32-team format, where they’ll be divided into eight groups with four teams, meaning that two teams from each group will move on to the Knock-out stages. Namely, FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 national teams. In Qatar will participate: 13 teams from Europe (UEFA) Four teams from South America (Conmebol) Six teams from Asia (AFC) Five teams from Africa (CAF) Four teams from North America (Concacaf)   How Does the World Cup FTP Competition Work? Every player in the WC F2P competition needs to predict the results of the six fixtures proposed by the system. Getting this right would be an extremely impressive accomplishment. What’s interesting to know is that the reward is equally impressive — Wikibet will award a €5000 prize to the lucky player who uses his or her football knowledge to guess all the results correctly. To participate in World Cup free-to-play competition, players only need to register on their preferred website, which is part of the grand World Cup Free-to-Play network. After that, they are free to predict the results and win the prize.   Participating Teams In the sections below, we’ll provide information for each team.   Group A Qatar Since the time of winning the bid in December 2010, Qatar clubs have worked on promoting the competition by acquiring household football names. For the last couple of years, football legends like Xavi, Laurent Blanc, and Zico have been coaches in the Qatar Stars League. Moreover, Xavi participated as a player in the final years of his career, and Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto’o, and many other experienced players did the same. Qatar’s national team consists of players that only compete in their national league. They are heavy underdogs in the competition, led by Spanish coach Felix Sanchez. Netherlands The Netherlands is the group’s favorite, and in its history, the national team reached the final game three times (1974, 1978, and 2010) but never managed to bring the trophy home. The Dutch never lost a World Cup soccer match by more than a goal. The 2022 team doesn’t have the star players the Netherlands used to have (Wilkes, Lenstra, Cruyff, Neeskens, Rijkaard, Gullit, Van Basten, Robben, Van Persie). Still, the team coached by the eminent Louis van Gaal qualified in an impressive fashion, with only one defeat and a 25-goal difference. Ecuador Somewhat a surprise, Ecuador booked a trip for WC and left Chile and Colombia without qualification. Ecuador qualified for four out of the last six World Cups, the first time being in 2002, and their best result was in 2006, when they reached the round of 16. Experienced Argentinian coach Gustavo Alfaro built a hard-fighting team that looked to Enner Valencia, the best goal scorer in national team history, to put them over the top in close games. Senegal A long time had passed since Senegal beat the defending champion France in 2002, in its first World Cup appearance, when they reached the quarter-finals. Senegal entered the WC on a high note, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in January for the first time in history. The attack revolves around Sadio Mane, a Champions League winner with Liverpool FC who transferred to Bayern Munich this summer. Team captain Kalidou Koulibaly also switched teams and became a member of Chelsea FC. Team manager Aliou Cisse, captain of the 2002 team, has many players from the English, Italian, Spanish, and French leagues at his disposal.   Group B England England came close in the last two big competitions. Manager Gareth Southgate took over the team without expectations and inserted new blood immediately, which he continues to do. As a result, the team qualified for the WC, without a defeat and with only three goals conceded. Captain Harry Kane is surrounded by young talents that need to prove they are ready to take the next step. The team also had a chance to beat the USA national team, which put a dent in England’s 2010 WC hopes when they fought out a draw that led England to a massive defeat against Germany. Wales The Wales national team qualified for the World Cup, the second time in history and the first time since 1958. Gareth Bale, captain and Wales’s best scorer ever, scored all three goals in the second qualifying round when Wales beat Austria and Ukraine to qualify. He and fellow experienced players Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter, Wayne Hennessey, and Joe Allen, led by former national team player and now coach Rob Page, have one last campaign to secure their place in history after finishing third in the UEFA 2016 European Championship. United States of America The USA is hoping for a good tournament before playing on their own home field in the 2026 World Cup. In 2018, they broke a streak of six consecutive trips to the WC after an embarrassing defeat by Trinidad and Tobago that allowed Panama to qualify for the first time in history. After that, coach Gregg Berhalter took over the team and had an impressive 76%-win percentage. He looks towards younger players that got their chance in the top European leagues in the last couple of years: Christian Pulisic Weston McKennie Brenden Aaronson Sergino Dest Tyler Adams George Weah’s son Timothy Iran Iran qualified dominantly by finishing first in their group in both the second and third rounds, in front of South Korea, with a better score in direct matches. Iran has an experienced side, and they qualified for the third time in a row and the fifth time in the last seven World Cups. Croatian coach Dragan Skočić counts on forwards Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Taremi, and Karim Ansarifard, led by captain Ehsan Hajsafi to give them an opportunity to keep them in games and reach the Knockout Stage for the first time in the national team history.   Group C Argentina Lionel Messi, one of the best World Cup players, has the last chance now in Qatar to win the trophy for Argentina and match the success of Diego Armando Maradona. The most capped player and the best scorer in the history of a two-time World Cup winner is playing with a whole new group of players, and only he and Angel Di Maria have had the experience from the 2014 World Cup Final game when Germany beat them. Team manager Lionel Scaloni hopes that a new generation of players that have already transferred to the European top three leagues (England, Italy, and Spain) can help Messi reach that final step. Poland Another football legend hopes to reach the heights of his predecessors. Robert Lewandowski and his team look to make amends for a very bad outing in 2018. Czeslaw Michniewicz coached only one qualifying game during the play-off final against Sweden because previous coach Paulo Sousa left to coach Flamengo 3 months before. Nevertheless, Poland has enough talent in the top European leagues to make some noise and try to repeat the success of the 1974 and 1982 teams that finished third. Mexico An experienced side, led by an even more experienced coach in Gerardo Martino, like the USA, hopes to record a good result before hosting the World Cup in 2026. This is the last chance for players who left their mark on the national team, like captain Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa, and Hector Moreno, to go past the quarter-finals, which is Mexico’s best result since 1970 and 1986. They will seek help from talents like Hirving Lozano, Jesus Corona, Santiago Jimenez, Jorge Sanchez, and Edson Alvarez. Saudi Arabia Like Qatar, all the Saudi Arabian players perform in their country’s top league, but unlike them, this is Saudi Arabia’s sixth World Cup. Since their debut in 1994, they haven’t gone past the group stage. The team’s biggest asset is coach Herve Renard, who has experience coaching four African national teams, having won two Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, and he qualified for the 2018 WC with Morocco, ending the country’s 20-year wait.   Group D France In 2020, France hoped to repeat the success of the 1998/00 generation, which held both World Cup and European Championship trophies. Unfortunately, manager Didier Deschamps couldn’t do what he did as a captain of the French team as a coach. However, now he does have a chance to defend the World Cup trophy, which he couldn’t do as a player because he retired in 2001. France is among the top favorites for the trophy. They field a star-studded team with Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Ngolo Kante, and Antoine Griezmann, supplanted by new talents in Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. Denmark Denmark had an outstanding qualifying campaign, having won 9 out of 10 games, with the final game resulting in a loss after the team had already qualified. The team also conceded only three goals. Manager Kasper Hjulmand has constructed a team that has a chance to go past the quarter-finals for the first time in history. The vast majority of players perform in the top 5 European leagues. They rallied around Christian Eriksen and his miraculous comeback to the field after his cardiac arrest at the 2020 Euro Cup. Tunisia Qatar 2022 marks the sixth time Tunisia qualified for the World Cup, but the team never went past the Group Stage. They finished in front of Equatorial Guinea and Zambia in Group B of the second qualifying round and then beat Mali 1-0 on aggregate to secure their place in Qatar. Coach Jalel Kadri got his chance to lead the team after being an assistant two times. His squad, led by captain Youssef Msakni, plays in leagues worldwide, but not many have top-tier experience. Australia Australia qualified for the fifth time in a row, sixth time overall, and only once went past the group stage. The team qualified through the AFC qualifiers. They had all eight victories in the second round, but things didn’t go as smoothly in the third round. They finished third behind Saudi Arabia and Japan and only qualified after beating the UAE in the fourth AFC round and then Peru in the Inter-confederation play-off. Former Australia player Graham Arnold coaches the national squad, and the team is made up of players mainly performing in British leagues, with some home-grown talent getting the opportunity.   Group E Germany The four-time WC champions qualified easily, with nine wins in ten games and a 32-goal difference. The vast majority of the team plays in the Bundesliga, and as always, the squad’s biggest advantages are their camaraderie and determination. The team got the extra kick they needed when charismatic Hansi Flick took over the team from long-time coach Joachim Löw. Currently, they are on a 13-game unbeaten run and are, as usual, among the top favorites to win the tournament. Spain Spain is looking to win their second trophy. After three consecutive wins at big tournaments between 2008 and 2012, the team suffered several unexpected exits, but resurfaced in Euro 2020 when they finished third with a young, up-and-coming team led by coach Luis Enrique in his second stint with the team. The squad captained by Sergio Busquets features young stars like Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Dani Olmo, but also those with heavy experience like Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Koke. Japan Japan didn’t miss the World Cup after appearing for the first time in 1998. In six trips, the team reached the round of 16 three times and could be looking to go beyond that. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has players from Europe’s top leagues at his disposal, led by captain Maya Yoshida. In recent years, Japan’s best players have competed in the German Bundesliga and English Premier League and acquired much-needed game experience. Costa Rica Costa Rica has become a force in Concacaf recently, but they had to beat New Zealand in the Inter-confederation play-off this year to qualify. Joel Campbell scored again to book the team’s second flight to Qatar. Along with Campbell, three other players have more than 100 caps for the national team: Keylor Navas, Celso Borges, and captain Bryan Ruiz. They lead the team coached by Colombian Luis Fernando Suarez, but it would be hard to expect them to surpass their best result when they reached the quarter-finals in 2014.   Group F Croatia In the last tournament, Croatia achieved the best result in national team history by reaching the final game, where France beat them. The team kept the majority of its core team and manager, Zlatko Dalić. the legend Luka Modrić is still captaining the squad, but also Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Mateo Brozović, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, are expected to be present in Qatar. Twenty years before Russia, Croatia finished second and competed three times with exits from the group stage. Belgium The Belgian side has for years been marked as a team expected to go deep into the competition. Their stars play for some of the world’s best clubs: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, and new AC Milan player, young Charles De Ketelaere. Manager Roberto Martinez has one more chance to bring this generation to World Cup glory. Their best finish was third place in Russia four years ago, and they qualified convincingly with six wins in eight matches. Canada One of the biggest surprises in the qualifications was the way Canada qualified. They finished in first place in the second round of Concacaf and left Mexico, the USA, and Costa Rica behind them. Head coach John Herdman won two bronze medals with Canada women’s national team and now manages the men’s team to qualify for its second WC, 36 years after their debut. Offensively, the team relies on young stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David and captain and most capped player Atiba Hutchinson. Morocco Led by former Yugoslavian football legend Vahid Halilhodžić, Morocco qualified with six wins in six matches in the second round and a convincing 5-2 aggregate win against DR Congo in the third round. Romain Saiss captains the team that relies on Youssef En-Nesyri for goals. Most of the squad plays in Europe, with some players having top-level experience.   Group G Brazil The five-time World Cup champions are consistently among the favorites, but they are looking for their first title since 2002. Head coach Tite got the second chance after the quarter-finals exit four years ago. Brazil features some of the best players in the world in their respective positions: Neymar, Alisson, and Casemiro, but also eternal players like Dani Alves and Thiago Silva. As a result, they finished first in the Conmebol qualification without a single defeat. Interestingly, Brazil also played in a group with Serbia and Switzerland in the 2018 WC. Serbia Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late goal against Portugal secured Serbia’s first-place finish in UEFA qualifying Group A. This will be Serbia’s 13th World Cup, but third as an independent country. The team participated nine times as Yugoslavia and finished fourth in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay and 1962 in Chile. In 2006, the team finished last as Serbia and Montenegro. Football and national team legend Dragan Stojković coaches the team led on the field by Ajax player Dušan Tadić. Besides Mitrović, Serbia also has a new Juventus player Dušan Vlahović spearheading the attack. Switzerland The Switzerland team also had a great qualifying campaign. They finished in front of European champions Italy, who later failed to qualify through a play-off. The squad has a new manager, former national team player Murat Yakin. Still, the team kept the core from Russia: Xherdan Shaqiri, Grant Xhaka, and Yann Sommer, and they’re looking at Haris Seferović and Mario Gavranović, two players of Balkan descent, to score goals. Cameroon Cameroon is the first African side to reach the quarter-finals, a feat they achieved in 1990 when Roger Milla became a World Cup legend. Since then, the team has exited the competition in the group stage five times in a row. They suffered six losses in the last two tournaments in six games. With Samuel Eto’o retiring, the head coach and Cameroon’s most capped player, Rigobert Song, looks to captain Vincent Aboubakar to provide goals, along with Bayern Munich player Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.   Group H Uruguay Two-time champion Uruguay (1930 and 1950) always fields hard-fighting squads. There will be no exception in Qatar, where new head coach Diego Alonso will try to repeat the success of his predecessor, Oscar Tabarez, who led the team to 4th place in 2010. This is the last chance for some Uruguayan legends to participate in the WC, starting with Luis Suarez, but also for captain Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, and Martin Caceres. Portugal The Portugal national team managed to bounce back from a last-minute loss to Serbia in the final game of the European qualifying group stage by beating Turkey and North Macedonia in the play-off. This could be the final shot for the best player in Portugal history, Cristiano Ronaldo, to reach World Cup glory. The team has enough talent and is led by result-oriented head coach Fernando Santos, but so far, the squad couldn’t reach the heights set by Eusebio, who led the team to a third-place finish in 1966. Ghana Ghana will participate in its fourth WC in Qatar. The national team was one of three African sides to reach the quarter-finals, and they came closest to the semi-finals. They needed the team’s most capped player and best scorer, Asamoah Gyan, to score a penalty against Uruguay in extra time, but he failed, and Ghana was knocked out in a penalty shootout. The new coach, Otto Addo, was appointed before the third-round double-leg match against Nigeria, and he managed to qualify the team on away goals. South Korea South Korea qualified ten times for the World Cup before Qatar, and only two times did they pass the group stage — when they were hosting in 2002 and reached the semi-finals and in 2010 when they reached the Round of 16. Portuguese coach Paulo Bento is counting on captain Son Heung-min, a seven-time best footballer in Asia award winner, to lead the team past the group stage. They qualified easily, with 12 wins in 16 matches.   Conclusion Even though some circumstances are different, there’s no doubt that World Cup 2022 in Qatar will be a sensation around the globe, like all the previous World Cups. It will be interesting to see how the national teams will approach this mid-season system of competition, what team will find the edge that will help them reach the final stages, and in what form will players appear after just half a season of club football.
Posted by Content Team
August 12, 2022
How Does Counting Cards in Poker Work [Pros & Cons]
Want to learn how to be better while playing poker online? Understanding how counting cards in poker works can help you win more games. Namely, card counting became popular thanks to movies, books, and groups of people such as the incredible MIT blackjack team. In case you want to learn more, watch the movie “21” or read the book “Bringing Down the House.” First things first, you should get yourself familiar with the essential concepts in poker games, like straight outs, flop, river, odds, and blockers. In this article, I’ll specifically discuss card counting in poker games. How Does Counting Cards in Poker Work? Card counting is frowned upon by the casino when it comes to blackjack, but it won’t get you in trouble in any other game, especially poker. In a casino game, counting cards means keeping track of which cards have come out of a deck. In all types of poker, there are cards that everyone can see (called “community cards”) and cards that only the player who has them can see (called “hole cards”). Note that when you do count cards in poker, there won’t be as many face-up cards as in blackjack, so you won’t have as much information to work with. In poker, you can get a strategic edge if you consider everything you know. For example, if you have a certain card, you know that no one else at the table has it. So, how do you count cards in poker? I’ll explain in the section below to make it more understandable. Counting Your and Your Opponent’s Outs What is an out? It’s a possible card that can improve the strength of your deck. Outs are cards left in the deck that haven’t yet been dealt. When players are waiting for a straight or flush draw, they need a certain card to complete or improve their hands. Knowing how many possible outs there are in a round can help you make important decisions, like whether to call someone’s “over” bet or make a “value” bet on the last two streets. That’s where counting outs come in. To count outs in Texas Hold’em, you have to figure out how many combinations of cards you need to make a hand. First, you need to establish how many outs several common flop drawing hands have vs. made hands: A pair and a flush draw usually have about 12 outs, while a top pair draw usually only has two. Compared to a made hand, a naked flush draw has about nine chances to win. Most of the time, overcards have about six ways to win against a pair. A pair and an overcard usually have about five chances to beat a top pair. Counting the Pot Equity In poker, “equity” means your “fair” share of the pot based on how likely you’re to win the hand. So, when you have a drawing hand, you can quickly figure out how much money you have by counting your potential outs. I’ve mentioned how many outs each typical draw has, so all you have to do to determine the likely equity is to use the rule of 4 and 2. If you’re on the flop, multiply your number of outs by four to get a rough estimate of your chances of drawing a hand. On the other hand, if it’s your turn, multiply the number of outs by two, and you’ll determine the chance of a draw. Counting Cards in a Tainted Deck Still wondering how to count cards in poker? Note that there’s a difference between a clean out and a tainted out. You should focus on a clean out because tainted outs can improve your hand but help your opponent out even more. I’ll give an example to help you understand this concept better. Say you have Ax-8x, and the flop is J-7-4 with two more spades, giving you a total of four to the nut flush. So, what you have now are nine solid outs: the unseen spades (13 – 4 = 9). Also, you might think you have three more chances to catch another ace, but these are already used. If an ace falls on the table, a player with an ace and a higher kicker would “out-kick” you, leaving you with the worst hand. That could cost a lot of money, so it’s best to think of the remaining aces as tainted, so you only count them as half as much as the nine unseen spades in the deck. Therefore, the total outs are 9 (the spades that are left) plus 3 x ½ = 1.5, for a total of 10.5. When counting cards in Texas Hold’Em, it’s basically just deducting how many different combinations you need to for a hand. For a straight gutshot draw, you need one numbered card, no matter what suit. Thus, you need four outs. Open-ended straight draws are better because you can form a hand with two numbered cards, meaning you need eight outs to get a straight. Flush draws have nine outs because thirteen cards have the same suit. Is It Legal to Count Cards in Poker? Can you count cards in poker? Yes, it’s legal, and it mostly happens during the flop and turn. However, remember that counting cards isn’t used to beat others and win, but to make more money than other players. It’s not only legal but also a crucial technique that all successful players use. I advise you to use your hole cards and the community cards to estimate the likelihood that your opponent will have a specific hand. There are countries where this might not be the case, though. It’s also frowned upon sometimes, and Hollywood helped this happen. Some casinos discourage it and might ban you from using it. Pros and Cons of Card Counting in Poker Like with everything else in life, counting cards has both good sides and bad sides. Pros Cons You can gain an advantage over other players The advantage you can gain is less significant than in blackjack Anyone can learn it It’s illegal in some places, and some casinos ban it You can expand your knowledge It makes you richer Conclusion Card counting can be a very lucrative hobby, especially for risk-takers. It’s much easier to learn than it might seem in movies; you just need practice and self-discipline. However, choosing something else is better if you’d like to feel more secure about your financial situation. It will help you understand your equity and the equity of your opponent, and it’s known as the blocker effect. Thanks to it, you’ll get a strategic advantage by gathering all available information. The more layers you add to your card-counting strategy, the more money you’re likely to win. FAQ Is counting cards illegal in poker? It’s legal, but there might be places where it’s illegal, so you should check just in case. It’s legal in the US. However, it can be frowned upon in some places even though it’s legal, so keep that in mind. How can you tell if someone is counting cards in poker? There are several ways to tell. For example, if you notice that someone bets much more at the end of the shoe, that’s a sign that they’re counting. Another way to spot a counter is to notice that the bets go up when many low-value cards are played. What’s a gutshot? A gutshot is a straight draw with four outs to improve a hand. On an AT6 board, 87 is an example. To make a straight, you would need to hit a 9.
10 Biggest Gambling Cities in the World
If you ask 100 people which city has many casinos, the vast majority will say Las Vegas. The city has been a symbol of gambling ever since the first casinos started operating. However, the question remains—does it rank among the world’s largest gambling cities? To answer this, we must consider the criteria for determining a city’s status of being the “biggest.” Are we evaluating the city’s geographical area? Should we examine the annual financial throughput? Or perhaps, is the number of tourists visiting each year the key factor? In this article, we’ll highlight the biggest gambling cities in the world based on their contribution to the gambling industry. 1. Macau, China Macau is the only city that might surpass Las Vegas as the top casino city in the world. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a special administrative region of China, operating differently from the mainland. Known as the Monte Carlo of the Orient, Macau’s casinos generate substantial revenue. At first glance, Macau, with over 40 casinos, is no match for Las Vegas, especially considering the Strip alone. Yet, Macau is home to 7 of the world’s 20 largest casinos, contributing over 50% to the city’s economy, such as: Venetian Macao City of Dreams Resort Casino Ponte 16 MGM Grand Macao Sands Macao Starworld Hotel & Casino Wynn Macau Five of these are larger than any casino in Las Vegas. However, StarWorld Hotel & Casino and Wynn Macau are smaller than Las Vegas’s biggest—the MGM Grand. While Las Vegas attracts plenty of gamblers, Macau focuses more on high rollers. This strategy has led to Macau surpassing Las Vegas in gambling revenue despite having fewer visitors yearly. 2. Las Vegas, USA When people think of Las Vegas, they immediately think of gambling. The famous metropolis is home to some of the world’s largest gambling resorts, such as MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, and Bellagio. Despite economic downturns, Las Vegas has stayed on top of the game and continues to cater to a wide range of visitors. Apart from gambling, tourists have options to visit The Fountains of Bellagio, Park Theater, and The Mob Museum. Las Vegas also stands out for being a large gambling city with over 150 casinos. The distribution of casinos in the main areas of Las Vegas is as follows: The Las Vegas Strip — 31 casinos. Boulder Strip — 32 casinos. Downtown Las Vegas — 12 casinos. North Las Vegas — 19 casinos. This raises the question—what defines a casino? For instance, does a local bar with a few video poker and slot machines count as one? The Nevada Gaming Commission states that establishments with over 15 slot machines or any with table games qualify for “unrestricted gaming licenses.” This explains why so many places in Las Vegas are recognized as casinos and why there are so many of them in such a small area. 3. Monte Carlo, Monaco Monte Carlo is widely regarded as the ultimate luxury vacation spot, offering the finest gambling experience coupled with unparalleled glamor and sophistication. Nestled in Monaco, one of the world’s smallest countries, this city is a magnet for some of the wealthiest individuals globally. The city boasts several famous casinos, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Monte Carlo Casino. This iconic establishment is not just a gambling venue; it’s a symbol of style and opulence, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the essence of high-end gambling and a luxurious lifestyle. The principality, famed for its casinos, does not levy personal income taxes on its residents, a policy that extends back to the 1860s. However, Monaco’s gambling industry is heavily regulated and taxed by the government. The profits from its casinos, including the renowned Monte Carlo Casino, contribute substantially to Monaco’s economy. This strategic taxation and regulation of gambling establishments allow Monaco to maintain its tax-friendly policies for residents while benefiting from the lucrative gambling sector. 4. Marina Bay, Singapore Singapore’s economic growth has positioned it as a key player in Asia, and its developing gambling industry is now a notable source of revenue. Despite the relatively recent legalization of casinos, Singapore has quickly made a mark in the gambling world. The Marina Bay Sands, for instance, has rapidly become the largest gambling resort globally. This impressive complex boasts 2,500 rooms, a Universal Studios theme park, and multiple swimming pools, illustrating Singapore’s commitment to integrating entertainment and luxury into its burgeoning gambling sector. Singapore’s approach to taxes, particularly in the gambling sector, reflects its strategic economic planning. The city-state imposes a relatively high tax rate on its casinos. This tax structure is part of Singapore’s broader fiscal policy, which balances competitive corporate and personal tax rates with higher levies in specific sectors like gambling. This balance helps maintain the country’s overall economic health and contributes to funding public services, similar to the scenario in Monaco. 5. London, United Kingdom London, renowned as a top tourist destination worldwide, boasts a diverse array of attractions, including historical sites, art museums, and entertainment venues. The city offers a traditional British gambling experience, supported by the UK’s sophisticated gambling laws. In London, over 20 casinos cater to a variety of preferences, yet the Empire Casino stands out as the most spectacular. Spanning 55,000 square feet, this British casino features world-class restaurants and bars and an exclusive VIP Dragon Lounge reserved for the most loyal and high-spending guests. 6. Paradise Island & Nassau, Bahamas Considering its proximity and beauty, the Bahamas is an ideal getaway for United States gamblers. This destination is perfect for those seeking a break from daily routines, offering relaxation and ample sunshine. Besides its stunning beaches, the Bahamas is also known for some of the world’s most famous casinos, making it a haven for gambling enthusiasts. Key places to visit include Paradise Island and Nassau. This archipelagic state has a rich history in the gambling industry. It has previously hosted the prestigious PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, further cementing its status in the world of poker. 7. Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA Atlantic City is often seen as the less glamorous sibling of Las Vegas, partly due to its historical ties with organized crime. Yet, it remains a popular destination for East Coast Americans looking to gamble without traveling across the country. Despite losing some of its glitz and glamor, it still ranks high in terms of the sheer size of the casinos. Currently, there are nine casinos in Atlantic City, distributed somewhat unevenly throughout the area. In terms of square footage, these casinos are comparable to those in Las Vegas and Macau. For instance, the MGM Grand in Vegas, one of the largest, boasts 171,500 square feet of casino space, which is only slightly larger than some in New Jersey. Given the 27 million visitors Atlantic City receives annually, the casinos are substantial to accommodate this influx of guests. 8. Paris, France Paris, the city of lights, may not be the first place that comes to mind when we think about casinos, but it offers plenty of surprises with its lively gambling scene. The Casino Cercle Haussman, situated near the Opera Garnier at the city’s heart, stands out as one of the best gambling spots in Paris. This casino features 25 tables for games like blackjack, punto banco, baccarat, and various types of poker. For a night of high stakes, you can visit the famous Club Barrière, which is located on one of the most exclusive avenues in the world—Champs-Élysées. Spend your days exploring Paris’s beautiful monuments and your nights experiencing the dazzle of its casinos. 9. Sydney, Australia In Sydney, travelers can effortlessly blend gambling with their road trips, even though the city is famed for cultural landmarks like The Opera House. Among Sydney’s hidden gems is The Star, a resort complex featuring a hotel, spa, and casino. This destination attracts tens of thousands of tourists and gamblers annually, marking it as one of the most exciting travel spots. Owned by Star Entertainment, the complex includes two gaming floors. Exclusive areas like the Inner Sanctum are invitation-only and cater to international guests who frequently visit the establishment, adding an element of exclusivity to the gambling experience in Sydney. 10. San Jose, Costa Rica San Jose, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, is also recognized as one of the world’s top gambling cities. The city’s casinos are famed for their diverse offerings and affordability. San Jose is home to several renowned theaters and museums with global acclaim, such as The National Theater of Costa Rica, The Melico Salazar Theater, and The Museum of Costa Rican Art. While gambling is a popular pastime here, sports betting also enjoys widespread popularity. For those who enjoy following sports matches or are keen on news about unique athletes, like the tallest soccer player, San Jose offers an engaging experience.
Types of Bitcoin Bonuses in Online Casino Games
As a result of the intense competition in the casino industry — which is arguably the most intense — all participants are doing whatever it takes to stay afloat with the idea of keeping their customers. One way to do so is through Bitcoin casino bonuses. To entice new members and keep existing ones engaged, they implement a variety of incentives into the system. Today, I’m only interested in bitcoin casino platforms, and if you want to understand how a Bitcoin bonus works, you must first understand the mechanics of it.   What Is a Bitcoin Casino? Most online casinos use fiat currency as a way to pay for things. Whether you use UK sterling, US dollars, or Euros to fund an online casino account through PayPal or a debit card, you’ll use fiat currency. Aside from fiat currencies, there are crypto casino sites that use cryptocurrencies as their in-game currency, meaning that they don’t have to worry about credit card numbers and bank account information being stolen by third parties. Bitcoin is among the most popular cryptocurrencies out there, which is why people who live in countries with harsh governments and strict gambling laws like crypto casino sites. With crypto gambling, the government can’t see what people are betting on because everything is done through blockchain technology. This technology makes crypto casinos one of the safest ways to gamble online. Moreover, it gives them an advantage over traditional fiat casinos, where players have to share their personal financial information. On the other hand, crypto gambling sites have some downsides, like not being able to deposit with fiat currency and the risk that comes with using digital currencies.   What Is a Bitcoin Bonus? Bitcoin came out in 2008, right after Occupy Wall Street said that big banks were misusing borrowers’ money, tricking customers, rigging the system, and charging outrageous fees. Bitcoin’s founders wanted to put the seller in charge, eliminate the middleman, get rid of interest fees, and make transactions clear. They also wanted to reduce corruption, make the network more valuable, and cut fees. So they made a system that didn’t depend on banks and let people control their own money and know what was going on. In a short amount of time, Bitcoin has made great progress, and now its currency is accepted by businesses worldwide, from the US jewelry store REEDS Jewelers to a private hospital in Warsaw, Poland. In addition, companies with billions of dollars like Dell, Expedia, PayPal, and Microsoft have started doing the same thing. Namely, Bitcoin has its own exchange rate, price index, and application programming interface (API). Thieves breaking into accounts, high volatility, and slow transactions are all problems. On the other hand, Bitcoin may be the most reliable way for people in third-world countries to send or receive money.   How Do Bitcoin Bonuses Work? If you’re unsure how bitcoin bonuses work, don’t worry, I’ll provide all the essential information in this section. Online casinos usually use millibitcoin (mBTC) as their currency because it’s the most like a dollar, euro, or pound. If you want to cash out your bonuses, you must meet certain conditions, such as wagering requirements or rollover. Namely, the wagering requirement is the number of times your bets need to be higher than the bonus amount itself. For example, let’s say you can get a bonus of $500, where the rollover requirement could be x30. Before you can cash out your bonus, you’ll need to bet a total of 30 times. Some casinos with shady practices have big bonuses but ask for a high rollover because they’re trying to make players avoid checking the terms and conditions. Therefore, before you start wagering your money, go through the casino’s T&C section to get all the necessary information.   How to Get Bitcoin Bonuses? The online casino market is highly competitive and has a distinct organizational structure. Platforms, games, licenses, and support are all provided by separate companies. What remains is to create an original brand story or theme and offer various bonuses. Bitcoin casino bonuses and promo codes can be used as a marketing tool. What’s more, using these incentives, casinos can entice new players to sign up for their site instead of someone else’s. What you should know is that these bonuses have been carefully crafted to keep the house as profitable as possible. These venues have done a lot of research and discovered that a lot of things are working in their favor, so they’ll end up with more money. To get a Bitcoin bonus: 1. You have to own bitcoins and find casinos that accept BTC. 2. When you select a casino, you have to send your bitcoins to them. 3. Once you know the wallet address of a certain casino, you have to go back to the exchange where you bought your BTC. 4. You have to choose the send option and enter the casino’s digital wallet address. 5. Lastly, enter the funds you want to deposit and confirm the transaction.   Types of Bitcoin Bonuses In this section, I’ll go over Bitcoin bonuses you can use to try out online casino games. Deposit Bonus To the dismay of traditional online casinos, bitcoin casino platforms reward their users for simply signing up for an account. Players can get a few promotions that give them a chance to win real money. But to cash out, you must first place a bet and win at least one wager. A common practice is to offer 100% of the deposit you’ve made. Note that these bonuses have wagering requirements. No Deposit Bonuses Unlike traditional online casino websites, bitcoin casino platforms let members get bonuses even if they don’t make deposits. You will, however, be eligible for some promotions that give you a chance to win real money after you’ve completed playthrough requirements. Using this type of bonus, you can try out certain casinos and choose whether or not you’ll play there. Free Spin Bonuses Many offer free spins, and you should know that there are different kinds of free spin bonuses: Free spins that require a deposit. Free spins that don’t require deposits. Free spins that are given to regular customers as a reward for their loyalty. To be able to withdraw winnings using a free spin bonus, you have to bet on your spins a certain number of times. Also, this kind of bonus comes as an email offer (check terms and conditions). A slot game’s bonus round can also give you free spins, but only if you’re lucky enough to get it. Bonus Codes For this offer to work, eligible people must enter a specific code when they make their first deposit to get a bitcoin bonus. This is relatively new, but the thing is that bonus code deals give players more bonuses than the ones we talked about above. But not all bitcoin casinos offer this kind of bonus in the form of a code. Some would post a link instead. Faucet Bonuses The faucet bonus is a special offer from bitcoin casino platforms. It’s a reward system that makes a special page where eligible bettors can go to claim this bonus. Bitcoin casino platforms use faucet bonuses to attract new members and make gambling more fun for everyone by giving tasks to players. But you’ll have to do some things to be eligible. If you make it through, you’ll get a certain amount of cryptocurrency (not necessarily BTC). More precisely, you’ll get a piece of a Bitcoin in the form of one-time payment or recurring payments, depending on the tasks you’ve completed.   Conclusion Most of the time, a bitcoin bonus at Bitcoin casinos is better than one at a casino that uses fiat currency. Even casinos that take both Bitcoins and regular money tend to prefer Bitcoins. The amount a player gets is based on how much money they put in, and this amount builds up over time. For example, if you deposit the same amount, you might get a bonus of 5 BTC. But, it’s impossible to get all these Bitcoins at once. Instead, you must place bets to earn them. You could win 0.5 BTC for every 20, 50, or 100 BTC you bet, which doesn’t sound as exciting as a traditional welcome bonus, but it means you have to meet your wagering requirements to get your bonus. In the long run, it stays the same. You’ll get more credits if you spend a lot of money on bets. So, if you want to find the best Bitcoin casino bonuses and coupon codes, read the terms and conditions section to avoid problems in the future.   FAQ How do I use a bitcoin casino bonus? Most bonuses will require you to enter a bonus code to get them. You can usually find this bonus code on the casino’s website or in the terms and conditions. After you enter the bonus code, it will be added to your account, and then you can start playing.   Does a bitcoin bonus come with any restrictions? Yes, bonuses usually have some rules about how they can be used. Some bonuses can only be open to players from certain countries or those who deposit a certain amount. Before you claim the bonus, make sure you read the terms and conditions, so you know what the limits are.
Popular Types of Blackjack
Blackjack is among the popular online casino games, and it’s widely played using decks of 52 cards. Its origin comes from a family of casino banking games known as 21, and the European Vingt-et-Un and the British card game Pontoon are its versions. With the expansion of the gambling world, additional types of Blackjack have appeared on the market. Geographical Blackjack Types Let’s go over a few versions of Blackjack. Atlantic City Blackjack Blackjack in Atlantic City has a few unique features you won’t find at other casinos. Namely, the dealer will check for Blackjack when an ace or a ten is visible. There are three ways to divide your hand when given two cards of equal value. After splitting aces, players are only given one more card for each ace and can only split aces once. The option of doubling down is available to players at any point in the game, even after a split. The dealer will stand on any hand valued at 17, even if it’s a soft 17. Finally, players can choose a late surrender when the dealer shows an ace or a 10-value card. Even if insurance is readily accessible, taking it’s still a bad idea. Vegas Strip In addition to being popular on the Las Vegas Strip, this Blackjack variant is available in almost every online casino. Although the game’s rules are virtually identical to conventional Blackjack, there are some minor differences to be aware of, such as the number of decks and whether or not the dealer hits or stands on soft 17. Usually, Vegas Strip Blackjack is playable with four or eight decks, and the dealer stands on soft 17. With a starting hand that contains 10-value or ace cards, the dealer is required to reveal the hidden card. Even after splitting a pair, players can double down. Splitting 10-value cards, even different ones, is available. In addition, it’s against the rules to re-split aces and surrender. European Blackjack The main difference between European Blackjack and other types of Blackjack is how the cards are dealt. In a traditional Blackjack game, each player, including the dealer, receives two cards at the beginning of the hand. One card is dealt face up, while the others are dealt face down. Meanwhile, in European Blackjack, each player begins with just one card exposed to them, and they don’t get their second card until after all other players finish making their hands. It’s more difficult for players to double or split their hands, and players are at a disadvantage since there are additional limitations to doubling and splitting. Players can only double their bet if they have a total of 9, 10, or 11. Regarding splitting, players can double their bets but can’t split them again. In European 21, the odds of winning are somewhat lower than in the standard version of Blackjack, although the difference isn’t significant. Multi-Hand Blackjack Multi-Hand Blackjack’s main rules are the same as those for the conventional Blackjack types, which benefits players because they don’t need to learn additional rules. However, in this version, participants can play many hands, make various wagers, and have five hands instead of one. In most casinos, this variant of Blackjack prohibits surrendering but enables insurance against the dealer’s ace. The rules vary widely depending on the land-based casino or online versions. For example, some dealers hit soft 17s while others must stand. In addition, the multi-hand Blackjack version with European rules doesn’t use hole cards. Lastly, some Multiple-Hand variants allow doubling on every two-card hand, while others limit it to 9 through 11. Generally, Multi-Hand variation speeds up play and boost betting. Double Exposure Blackjack In this type of Blackjack, the dealer is dealt two cards face-up. Players lose all their wagers, except Blackjack hand, when they push to keep the house advantage at 3-2. The payout for a natural Blackjack is even money. Because dealers’ cards are visible, players can’t purchase insurance or surrender. The game, for the most part, doesn’t allow doubling following splits, re-splitting, and side bets. When the dealer has a 13 through a 16, two 10-value cards are split, and if the dealer has a 20, a hard 19 must be struck. Double Exposure Blackjack is played with at least 6 decks, but most often with 8. Progressive Blackjack One of the most popular types of Blackjack is Progressive Blackjack. It’s not that different from the classic game, but there are a few things to remember before you start. A player and a dealer face off in Progressive Blackjack, just as they do in conventional types. The new $1 stake spot is a big addition, and that’s for a special jackpot bet that must be wagered before the cards are dealt. Each player can play up to five hands at a time, and split hands are considered one hand. To proceed, the dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or above. However, Progressive blackjack has some rules distinction from the standard Blackjack type. A player who chooses to split a pair of aces gets only one additional card, and the hand automatically stands. If a second card dealt to a player is a 10-valued card, the hand is considered to have a value of 21, not Blackjack. In most cases, re-splitting isn’t an option. Only when players have a hand total of 9, 10, or 11 will they be allowed to double. After the split, players can’t go back and double the bet. Single and Double Deck Blackjack Most rules for Single-Deck Blackjack are the same as those for games with more than one deck: A hand can be split up to three times. Aces can be split, and each ace gets one card, but they can’t be split again. The hand with a split ace and a 10-value card has a value of 21, not Blackjack. The dealer hits on a soft 17. The payout for blackjack is 3-2. The payout for a winning insurance bet is 2-1. When playing this Blackjack variant, players must keep in mind that each card has a big effect on how the rest of the hand plays out. For a game with only one deck, the rules for doubling down and surrendering are different, and players should take advantage of them. For instance, they can be more aggressive by splitting a pair of 3’s if the dealer shows a 2 or 3 instead of just 4 through 6. Likewise, it’s advised to surrender when you get a pair of 7s and the dealer has a ten. The house edge on insurance in Single-Deck Blackjack games is 5.9%, so you should never take insurance or even money. Similar to a Single Deck, a Double-Deck Blackjack starts each round with players receiving two cards face down, while the dealer receives one card face up. The dealer will check for Blackjack if they have an ace or a 10 on the table. If players hit Blackjack, they’ll be given insurance and even money. You must have a 9, 10, or 11 to double in Double-Deck Blackjack. Players can place an extra stake on the split hand, and no additional splits are allowed. When you get a Blackjack, you’re paid 3-2. Dealer stands on both hard and soft 17. Players can’t double following a split, but they can on Blackjack. Blackjack Switch Blackjack got a new and original spin in recent years thanks to this innovation. In blackjack switch, you take part in not just one but two separate hands, and you can move cards from one hand to the other to strengthen one or both hands, which creates a significant advantage. In order to make up for the above-mentioned things, the majority of the other rules are biased in favor of the dealer. For example, if the dealer has a 22, it doesn’t result in a bust; instead, it’s a push against any player’s hand that isn’t a bust or 21. Super Fun 21 Super Fun 21 is a Blackjack version that’s a lot of fun to play. Aces count as either a one or an 11, and the dealer gets two cards, where one is visible. It varies from standard Blackjack variants in that the player wins if his hand has at least six cards totaling 20, even if the dealer has a total of 21. You can split your hand up to four times in Super Fun 21, and your 21 beats the dealer’s. You can also double down at any moment and instantly double your money when you have a hand with five or more cards totaling 21. Additionally, the Super Fun 21 version of Blackjack pays only 6-5 instead of 3-2, which is a significant change. In Super Fun 21 Blackjack, only during the first round of a newly shuffled deck can a player put a side wager on landing a Blackjack. The odds are 300:1. For this unusual side bet, players can choose which suit or suits they want to gamble on. Pontoon Types of Blackjack In the sections below, we’ll cover a few types of Pontoon Blackjacks. British Pontoon Pontoon was the British variation of Blackjack before it became famous internationally because it was a unique and exciting form of the game. British Pontoon has significant changes compared to more traditional types. At least two players are necessary, but five to eight are ideal. If the table is unoccupied, you can play heads-up Pontoon versus the dealer. However, Playtech and Betsoft provide online Multi-Hand Blackjack variants that let you bet on up to three or five hands at once. In this form, 21 hand is dubbed “Pontoon.” It consists of an ace and a 10-value card like ten, Jack, Queen, or King. The advantage of Pontoon is that even after splitting, 21s count as naturals, so the odds can be more than 2-1. The five-card trick is the second-best hand, consisting of five cards totaling no more than 21. Any unbusted hand with precisely five cards wins in Pontoon, regardless of its total. Pontoon pays even money on non-busted hands of 21 or less. As in classic Blackjack, busted hands above 21 lose immediately. In British Pontoon, the dealer’s cards are face-down, which changes the game’s entire strategy because the dealer’s second card isn’t visible. As a result, British Pontoon lacks the insurance side bet that Blackjack players get when the dealer’s first card is an ace. Spanish 21 In Spanish 21, which is quite similar to Pontoon, all 10s are eliminated from the deck. Although this would normally result in a bigger house advantage, the game makes up for it by allowing other player-friendly terms: Dealer must stand on soft 17. Players can double after splitting and re-splitting. After doubling your bet, you have the option to surrender. Double Attack Atlantic City casinos offer Double Attack Blackjack, which is one of the types of Blackjack that pays even money on a Blackjack and allows players to double their bet after viewing the dealer’s upcard. Also, the Bust It! side bet predicts whether the dealer will bust on the third card. This side wager is placed before the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer has an eight, receives another eight of the same color or suit, and busts, there’s an extra payout. The Bust It! side bet pays according to how many cards the dealer busts with: If the dealer busts with 3 or 4 cards, players receive a 2-1 payout. For 5-card busts, they get a 4-1 payout. For 6-card busts, they’ll have a 12-1 payout. If the dealer busts with seven or eight cards, the payouts are massive: 50-1 and 250-1. Double Attack Blackjack uses eight Spanish 48-card decks, and the dealer always stands on soft 17. Insurance pays 5-2, but the dealer can peek for Blackjack. Other differences are that doubling is allowed even after splitting, and players can split aces once for one additional card and all other cards four times. Lastly, any player can double or surrender at any time, but note that there’s no re-doubling. Face Up 21 Face Up 21 is the most uncommon type of Blackjack where the dealer holds two face-up cards, and he must hit on a soft 17. If the dealer has 20, you must hit on 19 to get an ace or two to tie or win. Also, players receive even money for Blackjack, as opposed to the 3-2. When the player’s hand ties with the dealer’s, the dealer wins unless the player has Blackjack. In this version, players can split aces but get only one extra card per ace. You may double up on a split, but only with hands that total 9, 10, or 11. Some online casinos will allow you to re-split up to 3 times. Match Play 21 Match Play 21 is played with ten fewer cards than the typical types of Blackjack. Worry not, because aces and face cards remain in the deck, which lessens the player’s probability of winning with each additional deck. Match Play 21 is normally played with six decks, but the range is between two and eight. Players can split up to two times if they have two cards of the same value, and when doubling down, just one more card is dealt. To counter the dealer’s edge, the payout plan is more rewarding: A 5-card Blackjack pays 3-2. 21 on six cards pays 2-1. Getting a natural with seven or more cards rewards the player with a 3-1 payout. Any 6-7-8 combo pays 3-2, suited one pays 2-1. Spades 6-7-8 combination locks 3-1 payout. The above payouts apply to 7-7-7 combos, but when the dealer shows a 7, this combination pays out 40-1. Perfect Pairs Side Bet Perfect Pairs is a side wager where the player’s first two cards form a pair, and there are three distinct sorts of perfect pairs, each paying out differently: In a mixed pair, the suit and color are different, but the card’s value is the same. Colored pairs have the same value and color, but a different suit. A perfect pair is the same exact card. Any 6-7-8 combo pays 3-2, suited one pays 2-1. Spades 6-7-8 combination locks 3-1 payout. The above payouts apply to 7-7-7 combos, but when the dealer shows a 7, this combination pays out 40-1. Before any cards are dealt, players must determine whether they wish to participate in the Perfect Pairs side bet. The payouts differ, but usually, it is 5-1 for a mixed pair, 10-1 or 12-1 for a colored pair, and 30-1 for a perfect one.
How To Use a Blackjack Cheat Sheet
Blackjack is a casino game where a combination of luck and skill can bring you a lot of money, and many players have their own “from rags to riches” stories to tell. Unlike playing slots, where you need to rely on luck alone, playing blackjack requires understanding a blackjack cheat sheet, so you can devise a solid strategy and, ideally, card counting skill. Stay tuned as I’ll provide details on soft and hard hand combinations, basic blackjack strategy, and frequently asked questions. Blackjack Cheat Sheet Combinations The goal of casino games is to entertain you while taking risks. Gamblers are always looking for ways to lower the house edge in order to make the best of a bad situation and improve their chances of winning. And, in order to achieve this, players use a blackjack cheat sheet. If you plan to play a game against the dealer, you can easily improve your chances of winning if you know how to use it. The blackjack cheat sheet is a necessary tool that was made to help players improve their game and increase their chances of winning big while lowering the house edge. We’ll look at two different cheat sheets in this guide. One is based on what happens when the dealer has a soft 17, and the other is based on what happens when the dealer hits. First, you need to know what the phrase “soft hand” means. When a player has an ace in their hand and can’t go bust after a certain draw, they have a “soft hand.” Because an ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, the total value of your hand cannot be more than 21. If you have an A and a 6, for example, it could be a 17 or a 7. “Soft 17” is the name for this hand, and if you have it, you can draw freely without worrying. Soft Combinations Here are all the different ways you can have a soft hand: A2/13 — 13 or 3 A3/14 — 14 or 4 A4/15 — 15 or 5 A5/16 — 16 or 6 A6/17 — 17 or 7 A7/18 — 18 or 8 A8/19 — 19 or 9 (in most cases you should stand) A9/20 — 20 or 10 (in this case you should always stand) If you have an ace and a 10 or a face card, you’re guaranteed to have an unbeatable blackjack. Hard Hand Combinations Besides a soft hand, there’s a hard hand which is also called total. It’s any pair of cards other than an ace. With a hard hand, it’s likely that you’ll go bust after drawing another set of cards. Among the hard totals are the following: 9 — 7 (Hard hand 16) 8 — 6 (Hard hand 14) 10 —7 (Hard hand 17) If you have a high card in this situation, it’s likely that you will break. Therefore, drawing when you have a bad hand is a risky thing to do. Before we go into the cheat chart, let’s go over moves and how they’re represented in the picture. H – Hit S – Stand P – Split Ph – If allowed, split, otherwise hit. Pd – If allowed, split, otherwise double. Ds – If possible, double, otherwise stand. Dh – If possible, double, otherwise hit. Rh – If you can, surrender, otherwise hit. Rs – If you can, surrender, otherwise stand. Rp – If you can, surrender, otherwise split. Now, we’ll look at the optimal basic strategy cheat sheet for a game of blackjack with 4 to 8 decks.
Blackjack Cheat Sheet
The Basic Blackjack Strategy Before going into details about different actions, we’re going to explain the basic moves of blackjack: Stand — You should choose to play stand when you have a good combination of cards. It’s counted as a positive move because you’re waiting for one more card. Double down — When it’s possible, you can double down on your previous bet. The most common thing players do in this situation is doubling down or hitting if they have a hard 10 or hard 11. Hit — When you don’t have a good hand, you should play hit and draw one more card, specifically when the dealer has already shown his card. Give up or not — The first thing you should think about when playing your hand is whether or not to give up. You can do this only after you’ve been dealt your first two cards. If you’ve taken a card, you’re not able to give up. Break or not — This is an option when your first two cards are a pair or when you have two ten-valued cards (a king and a jack, for example). It’s the second most important decision you’ll make. Double or not — Keep in mind that in certain online casinos, you can’t double on some hands. Try to rule this out before moving on. If your basic blackjack chart strategy says you should double, take this as a good sign! What it’s telling you is that you’ll probably win the hand. Strike or stand — This is the last thing to think about in basic strategy. If there are no other options, you should choose hit or stand. If you want to learn more, check out our article about different versions of blackjack where you can read about additional rules. Analyzing the Blackjack Cheat Sheet If you want to learn how to play blackjack like a pro, you should practice by playing the game and looking at the blackjack cheat sheet at the same time so you can memorize it and use it properly when you decide to play for real money. For example, you may find that if the dealer shows an 8 or a higher number, you aren’t usually expected to split pocket pairs that are lower than 88s. Another important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t split tens because you’ll have 20 in your hand and the dealer can’t beat that so easily, you should just keep it and take your win. Take a look at our table to find out more: The Dos Within Blackjack The Don’ts Within Blackjack Split 88s and aces Don’t follow the dealer’s rules too strictly Unless the dealer has a 7 or higher, you can split 2, 3, 6, 7, and 9s Don’t hit again when you have a “soft 19.” If you have 11 or less, take the hit Don’t split pairs of Jacks, 10s, Kings, or Queens, which are all worth 10. If the dealer has a 7 or higher while you have between 12 and 16, take the hit Most of the time, when the dealer has an ace, he or she gets the standard 30%. So, it doesn’t make sense to put money on him. Avoid buying insurance. When you have a soft 17, take a hit Conclusion It’s important to go beyond the cheat sheet if you want to get better at playing online blackjack. Don’t worry, the game won’t scare you. It’s based on clear, simple rules — you just need to get all the necessary information. Learn the basic rules of blackjack and the different ways you can play the game. Also, learn the game’s basic strategy, how to count cards, and how to use the blackjack cheat sheet like a pro. If you know enough about the strategy of the game and counting cards, you’ll be able to play blackjack without any problems. FAQ Can you use a cheat sheet at a blackjack table? Casinos don’t have cheat sheet rules, so players can use strategy cards. Should you hit on a 12 or 13 in blackjack? Blackjack players usually hit on eight or less and stand on 12 or anything higher. However, if the dealer has a three, you should hit on numbers from eight to twelve, and stand on thirteen or higher.
List of Funny Bingo Calls & Their Explanations
The callers at Bingo and the nicknames for the numbers are both integral parts of Bingo’s electrifying entertainment value. It’s a bonus to wait for your number to be called in a funny and sometimes cheeky way, along with the thrill of marking off your numbers and winning prizes. Today, bingo fans can play a classic game of Bingo on an online bingo site, where the numbers are selected by a random number generator (RNG), thanks to modern technology. However, if you visit your local Bingo Hall, you’ll hear the catchy and witty Bingo calls you’re familiar with. Depending on the setting, formal or informal, bingo calls can be customized to fit the occasion. Here, we list and explain some of the all-time favorites and some of the new bingo calls doing rounds today. What Are Bingo Calls? Bingo calls serve as individual clarifiers for the 90 numbers displayed during a game. These unique nicknames arose as practical solutions for distinguishing similar-sounding numbers, particularly in noisy environments. This linguistic creativity has roots in London’s bingo halls and has since evolved, incorporating elements of pop culture.  Understanding these calls is a key aspect of learning how to play bingo, as they add both fun and clarity to the game. The following section provides a detailed list of bingo numbers alongside their corresponding calls, shedding light on the variations that emerge from different regions and caller styles. Traditional Bingo Calls Traditional bingo calls resonate with a sense of historical importance, nostalgia, and charm. Each call, unique in its own right, transforms more than just a number. They are associated with stories, origins, or rhymes, adding depth to the bingo names for numbers.  As players navigate the bingo calls list, they experience a journey through a rich cultural tapestry. The bingo calling numbers 1–90 are not just a sequence but a collection of narratives, each with its unique flair. The list below goes beyond mere calls; it delves into the heart of the game, revealing the creativity and tradition behind bingo number rhymes. NumberBingo callBrief explanation1 Kelly’s eyeMilitary slang term. Possibly linked to the outlaw Ned Kelly.2One little duckThe number two visually resembles a duck.3Cup of teaA playful rhyme with a British touch4Knock at the doorEchoing a line from a children’s rhyme5Man aliveA rhyming phrase6Half a dozen Tom MixStraightforward count Tribute to a Western film star7Lucky sevenUniversally recognized as a lucky number8Garden gate One fat ladyA rhyming code “8” resembles a voluptuous figure9Doctor’s ordersOriginates from a military laxative pill number10(Prime Minister’s) den Customizable with the current Prime Minister11Legs elevenThe number looks like a pair of legs12One dozenSimply twelve units13Unlucky for someReflects superstition around the number 1314Valentine’s dayMarks the date of the romantic holiday15Young and keenRhymes and reflects youthful enthusiasm16Sweet sixteenCelebrates this coming-of-age milestone17Dancing queenReference to the famous ABBA song18Coming of ageSignifies adulthood in the UK19Goodbye teensMarks the end of teenage years20One scoreA traditional counting term for 2021Key of the door  Royal saluteAge of independence  Military tradition22Two little ducksThe number resembles two ducks23The Lord is my shepherd Thee and meBiblical psalmAn old rhyme24Two dozenSimply 2425Duck and diveVisual and rhyming play with 2 and 5.26Half a crownOld British currency reference27Gateway to heavenA rhyme linking to divinity28In a stateDerived from Cockney slang29Rise and shineEncouraging a bright start30Dirty GertieFrom a wartime song31Get up and runEnergizing call to action32Buckle my shoeFrom a popular nursery rhyme33Dirty knee  Fish, chips, and peasRhyme  Classic meal34Ask for moreA follow-up rhyme to 3335Jump and jiveEvokes a lively dance36Three dozenA simple multiplication37More than 11Factually, more than 1138Christmas cakeAnother Cockney slang phrase39StepsRefers to the movie The 39 Steps40Naughty 40 Life beginsRhyming fun A proverb about life’s start41Time for funRhymes with the desire for enjoyment42Winnie the PoohRhymes with the beloved children’s character43Down on your kneesA phrase from military history44Droopy drawersA humorous visual rhyme45Halfway thereMidpoint in a game of 90-ball bingo46Up to tricksSuggests playful mischief47Four and sevenSimply the numbers stated48Four dozenAnother straightforward count49PCA nod to an old police series50Half a century It’s a bullseye!5 – 0, 5 – 0, it’s off to work we goFifty years Darts scoreSnow White reference51Tweak of the thumbA rhyming phrase52Danny La Rue Deck of cardsTribute to the entertainer Number of cards in a deck53Here comes Herbie! Stuck in the treeDisney car reference Visual rhyme54Clean the floor Man at the doorRhymes with 5455Snakes aliveRhymes and resembles snakes56Was she worth it? Shotts busOld marriage license cost Local reference57Heinz varietiesFrom the company’s slogan58Make them waitA simple rhyme59Brighton lineRefers to a train line60Grandma’s getting frisky Five dozenHumorous age reference Count61Baker’s bunA playful rhyme62Tickety-boo Turn the screwPressure phrase Rhymes with 6263Tickle meRhymes, a light-hearted call64Almost retired Red rawOn the cusp of retirement age Rhymes with 6465Old age pensionThe milestone age for pension eligibility66Clickety clickRhymes with 6667Stairway to heavenInspired by the famous Led Zeppelin song68Pick a mate Saving graceEncourages choosing a companion A phrase denoting a fortunate turn69Any way up A favorite of mineThe number looks the same upside-down Referring to the 69 sex position70Three score and 10A biblical way of saying 7071Bang on the drumSuggests making a celebratory noise72Six dozenA simple multiplication, twelve times six73Queen beeRhymes, suggests authority or a pivotal figure in a group74Hit the floor Candy storeAn invitation to dance A sweet treat75Strive and striveRhymes with 7576TrombonesA reference to the musical number in the show The Music Man.77Sunset StripA nod to the famous TV show7839 more stepsA clever doubling of the number 3979One more timeRhymes with 7980Gandhi’s breakfast Eight and blankA pun on “ate nothing” Simply “8” and a space81Stop and run Fat lady with a walking stickRhymes, a contradictory phrase Visual imagery of the number82Straight on throughRhymes with 8283Time for teaRhymes, a quintessentially British phrase84Give me moreRhymes85Staying aliveA reference to the popular Bee Gees song86Between the sticksA soccer term for the goalkeeper’s position87Torquay in DevonA geographical reference to a place in the UK88Two fat ladiesThe shape of the numbers resembles two women side by side89Nearly thereIndicates being close to the end90Top of the shopHighest number in bingo Modern and Funny Bingo Calls As bingo continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, its calls also undergo a transformation. This dynamic shift in calls is a reflection of contemporary cultural influences, evident in the updated list of modern bingo calls. These new calls often draw inspiration from recent events, celebrities, and current trends. They represent a fresh take on the classic game, injecting humor and relevance into every round. As for funny bingo calls, they add entertainment, often eliciting smiles from players.  While traditional calls hold a special place in the hearts of many, these bingo callouts provide a refreshing change, and we’ll go over some of them now in the table below. NumberModern Bingo CallsBrief explanation1One DirectionA nod to the famous British boy band2Doctor WhoA tribute to the iconic British sci-fi television series8Tinder dateReflecting modern dating culture, where swiping right can lead to a date9Selfie timeCapturing the era of smartphones and the selfie craze14Netflix and chillA popular phrase indicating a relaxed night in, often with romantic implications.15Yass queenA phrase of empowerment, popular in gay culture22Tay TayA playful reference to Taylor Swift, the renowned pop singer48Not another Brexit debateA humorous nod to the seemingly endless discussions about Brexit49Amazon PrimeSignifying the era of rapid online shopping and streaming services71J-Lo’s bumCelebrating the famous pop star Jennifer Lopez, known for her curves86Instagram picsRepresents the culture of sharing life moments on Instagram88Wills and KateReference to the royal couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton The Origin Story of Bingo Nicknames The tradition of using rhymes with bingo numbers dates back to mid-20th century London. Initially, these rhymes served a unique purpose, functioning as coded messages or secret lingo among groups.  When bingo started to gain popularity, players in bingo halls adopted these ingenious rhymes as a practical tool to distinguish between similar-sounding numbers. For instance, distinguishing between 15 and 50 in a bustling hall became easier with these unique nicknames. As bingo grew in popularity even more, these original rhymes evolved, resulting in new bingo phrases that varied from one region to another. Each district added local culture and humor to the mix. This evolution transformed bingo calls into a colorful mosaic of expressions, reflecting the diversity and creativity of bingo communities worldwide. To Call or Not to Call? The Bingo Lingo Dilemma Whimsical nicknames assigned to bingo balls have been a topic of debate among bingo callers. Is it better to stick to straightforward, clear number announcements or embrace the fun and playful aspect of bingo lingo? This dilemma often boils down to personal preference and audiences’ expectations.  The UK’s first female bingo caller, Mandy Gorgan, offers a unique perspective. Prioritizing clarity and focus in her calling style, Mandy chooses not to use traditional calls like “legs 11.” She argues that with significant sums of money involved in the game, silly lingo can be more distracting than entertaining. Beacon Bingo Club’s assistant manager, Mark Wilson, notes a shift in trends, highlighting that certain traditional calls like 88 have become outdated. “It’s very cheesy,” he remarks, suggesting a continuous evolution of bingo lingo. The Internet’s Influence on the Evolution of Bingo Calling Numbers The digital age has played a significant role in transforming bingo, particularly in how bingo nicknames are used and shared. With the rise of online gambling, bingo fanatics from the UK and beyond can connect and play free bingo, sharing regional sayings and enjoying camaraderie. This online interaction has helped spread bingo calls more widely than ever, keeping them vibrant and evolving. Playing bingo, whether on online bingo sites, in a pub, or in a traditional bingo hall, isn’t just about the game; it’s about the community. The humorous banter over various calls and numbers adds to the fun, creating bonds among players who share laughs and the thrill of the game. This sense of community is a key reason why bingo remains one of the most beloved gambling games worldwide.
What Is a Non-Sticky Bonus?
New player incentives are something that many online casinos today opt to give out. Some might even say this is mandatory practice for every casino. This is the result of the intense competition that exists in the gambling industry. An extensive bonus offer may be helpful in attracting new players who are seeking a new gaming platform, or those who are just starting now. The learning curve can be high for beginners in the expanding world of online gambling. There are a lot of games to learn, and there is a lot of vocabulary to get familiar with.   It is quite certain that having a more in-depth understanding of these topics would make the games more enjoyable and provide the players with an improved capacity to build effective plans. This is where we will introduce a non-sticky bonus, a relatively new term in the gaming business. In principle, casino bonuses may be divided into two categories: sticky and non-sticky bonuses. Luckily, this concept can be grasped even by players who have never played before.   However, with the fast pace that technology moves at, this definitely can’t be said about Canadian online casinos which have now caught up with the times and offer a number of interesting options for players to look into, which are all approved by Canadian banks. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids=”516538,643575″] Sticky bonus   The pros and cons of sticky bonuses are quite easy to understand. Basically, a bonus that is considered sticky cannot be cashed out. Many online casinos will give you a bonus on top of the money you put into your account. The size of this incentive is often expressed as a percentage of the first minimum deposit you made. A sticky bonus provides you an opportunity to increase your bankroll before the game starts. In fact, if you get a sticky bonus, you can receive a substantial bonus. Some new casinos match deposits up to 300 or 400 percent.   Usually, the case is that they match the whole amount of the deposit made to 100%. A sticky type of bonus converts deposit and bonus into a single entity. This incentive is not withdrawable until all the wagering requirements are met. For example, if a player deposits $100 with a 100% bonus, the bonus balance or the bonus account will show $200. This $200 is then subjected to the minimum wagering requirement decided by the casino. Only after completing the mandatory number of times that the amount has to be rolled over, can players withdraw their winnings.   Non-sticky bonus   On the other hand, if a casino offers a non-sticky bonus, this indicates that a player can withdraw the initial deposit as well as any winnings made from this deposit, without being required to fulfil any wagering requirement. This is a major benefit of playing at casinos that offer non-sticky bonuses. To put it another way, the bonus and the deposit are separate from one another and do not stick together. Firstly, gamblers play with real money. If they are successful, they are able to cash out their earnings. As long as they’re playing with the actual money, they don’t have to worry about maximum bets or which games count towards reaching the wagering requirement.   However, they’ll be required to give up the bonus money that was awarded. If a player loses the cash, then the bonus money becomes active, as a form of lifeline. That’s why the other most common term for this bonus type is parachute bonus. It is also sometimes referred to as a lifeline bonus, forfeitable, or non-cashable bonus. It’s always a good idea to opt for non-sticky incentives since they provide you with better chances of winning. Unlike sticky ones, in most circumstances, a non-sticky casino bonus is between 50% and 100%.   It is prohibited in the United Kingdom to stick casino incentives to players’ deposits. The UK Gambling Commission enacted restrictions to tackle this issue. As a result, all bonuses in the United Kingdom must be non-sticky. Parachute bonuses are accessible outside the United Kingdom but are more difficult to come by. As well as with any other offer, a bonus code is optional, so players need to check whether the casino they deposited at requires it. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids=”643626,643759″] Best non-sticky bonuses   Obviously, just as they are looking for casinos that offer the highest number of free spins, all players would like to know which sites offer the best non-sticky casino bonus. Earlier we mentioned that, usually, the match-up percentage for these bonuses is between 50% and 100%. However, there are those casinos that go beyond this unwritten rule, so let’s review some of the best non-sticky bonuses. [get-play-banner] 100% Match Bonus   The current leader in the industry is Casino Voila which matches 100% up to €1000. Secondly, there’s a group of casinos offering a 100% non-sticky bonus match but for quite impressive amounts. Wazamba, 7Signs, 5Gringos, Buran, Neon54, Boomerang, GreatWin, LibraBet, Casinoly, Casinia, BoaBoa, ExciteWin, Sportaza, Slots Palace, and Dolly casinos follow with a €500 maximum. The next duo of casinos will match up to €400. Those are Tusk and Cazimbo.   Wazamba also rewards second and third deposits with 110% up to €500, and 100% up to €300. Also, the avatar check is necessary at 7Signs, as well. At 5Gringos casino, the second deposit brings players a 75% bonus up to €300, and for the third players will receive 50% up to €200. Neon54 and Slots Palace applied the same structure for their non-sticky bonuses.   Various percentages   Stakes and Rabona casinos have a slightly better offer than the group offering 100% up to € 500. They will both match the deposits up to €500. But for Stakes, you’ll need less cash since they grant 150%, and Rabona does 120%.   Cadoola Casino rewards the first four deposits. It starts with 120% up to €240, then 110% up to €220 and 100% up to €100, and it comes full circle with 120% up to €240 for the fourth deposit. Alf Casino has the same bonus structure. Casombie Casino decided to do a 130% match up to €130, while Ice Casino is doing 120% up to €300. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids=”503339″] A couple of casinos offer 200% bonuses. For example, Nomini does it up to €50 for newcomers. There is a small catch though, players must choose a Carambola Welcome Bonus avatar. Meanwhile, CosmicSlot Casino recently had a run offering 200% up to €200, but it seems that this casino decided to divide the offer into bonuses for the first four deposits, that equal to 100%, 50%, 25%, and 77% respectively.   Conclusion   To summarize, once they burn through initial, real money deposit funds, players should always check which games and how much they contribute towards reaching the wagering requirements. Usually, the highest percentage of contributions goes to selected slots, where even 100% is possible. Table games, live dealer games, or other live casino games will most likely contribute much less to the requirements. Keep in mind that casinos, like the aforementioned CosmicSlot, are constantly changing their terms and conditions. This is not a surprise for more experienced players, as that fact is written in the general terms and conditions.
Interesting Online Casino Facts You Didn’t Know So Far
Let’s talk about online casino facts you may not know so far. Over the past two decades, online casinos and gambling sites have grown from strength to strength and today represent the most popular way for players to enjoy their favorite gambling games without ever needing to leave the comfort of their homes. If you’re known to enjoy a couple of rounds at the online casino every now and then, this article may be for you. Here are some fun gambling facts you might not have been aware of until now. #1 – IT’S A MAN’S WORLD Among the first online gambling facts, you should know that most of the player base is predominantly male. Statistically speaking, about 11% of internet users actively engage in regular online gambling, with around 80% of those being male. Of course, these figures focus not only on slot machines and table games but also on sports betting, amongst others. Another interesting fact is that these players tend to be over 30 years old most of the time, which is great news as problem gamblers tend to be younger most of the time and are 7.5 times more likely to develop an addiction than when compared to their female counterparts. Regarding live casino games, it’s also statistically shown that men tend to prefer this option more than women. If you happen to be new to the world of online casinos, then live casinos offers a scenario where a live dealer is streamed on a 24/7 basis from a live casino studio, offering an online gambling experience that’s as close to real life as it gets. #2 – THE DEATH OF THE ONE-ARMED BANDIT Because land-based slot machines originally included a large lever on the side that was used to get the reels spinning, many referred to these games as one-armed bandits in the past. However, with the introduction of modern slot machines, all you’ve got to do is press the spin button most of the time to get the game going. In the past, slot machines were exclusively used for gambling purposes, but since many online casinos will allow you to play these same games for free these days, there’s also an element of entertainment that’s associated with these games too. Another interesting fact about modern online slots is that many of them are branded to represent movies, bands, and even video games that you’ve enjoyed in the past. For this reason, among interesting facts about online casinos is that you can experience your favorite bits of pop culture come to life on the reels, many a time, without the need to whip out your credit card before you’re entirely sure this slot is for you. #3 – IN THE VERY BEGINNING When it comes to online gambling, the first thing that generally comes to mind for most people is online casinos, however, did you know that the first form of online gambling actually involved a lottery instead? In 1994, the internet was still in its infancy and was considerably much slower than the broadband high speeds we’re used to today. Regardless, an online company called InterCasino launched the world’s first online casino and briefly introduced the first online lottery after this. This new concept completely revolutionized the way we think of money-stake games. It paved the way for the industry that was about to change everything we ever thought about gambling – how about that for a dose of online casino facts for the day? #4 – MODERN GAMBLER STATS The average age of online gambling players is between 18 to 39 years of age, which is interestingly lower than the general population’s average age of 37. These figures dispel the notion that online gambling and frequent casinos is generally reserved for older players. Apart from that, another fun fact about gambling is that statistics also show that the average online gambler is rather affluent, with a median household income of around $75,000 per year. These figures are above the median household income in the US, for example, which currently stands at just over $60K. This leads us to believe that if you’re on the lookout for online gamblers with disposable income that’s above average, then online casinos are generally a good place to make that connection, as well as being able to interact with live dealers. Finally, modern-day gamblers have proven to be even more tech-savvy, with around 85% playing from their computer and laptop devices and the remaining 15% resorting to their mobile phones or tablets in order to enjoy their favorite games. #5 – MEN LOVE SKILL WHILE WOMEN PREFER LUCK When it comes to game choice in modern online casinos, studies have indicated that men are more likely to gravitate towards skill-based games, while women would more often pick out luck-based games. As a general concept, this makes sense, as men are generally more likely to enjoy being analytical and logical, while women will often rely on emotion and intuition. For this reason, when looking up interesting facts about gambling to include in this update, we discovered that table games are still amongst the most popular form of online casino games amongst male online gamblers, while most women online casino players will often opt to play slot machines or bingo amongst others. Then again, there’s no hard and fast rule, and of course, there are exceptions to every rule and statistic. However, there are always other fun facts about casinos to keep in mind the next time you’re about to strike up a conversation in a live casino lobby. #6 – THE DEVIL’S GAME You might not already know this, but roulette is often referred to as the Devil’s game by many players from around the world, and the reason for this is actually quite interesting. If you add up all the numbers displayed on the wheel, you’ll end up with a total of 666, which is sometimes also referred to as ‘the number of the beast’. Even though some might find this to be a little scary, it’s all just superstitious fun. Statistically speaking, most would agree that spinning the roulette wheel is one of the best games in terms of win potential, which makes it so massively popular in both brick-and-mortar as well as online casinos. Because you can bet on red or black, there’s almost a 50% chance of landing a win on each spin, which is very high compared to other games such as Blackjack or Poker. Even though the odds are relatively low in this game, there’s still the chance of earning your bet back at the end of the round. We say almost and not a confirmed 50% due to the fact that American roulette wheels have an extra double zero ‘00’ pocket when compared to their European counterparts, which could set this percentage a little off if you happen to be playing this variant. #7 – THE MOST POPULAR OF THEM ALL When it comes to the world of online casinos, the most popular table game at gambling sites is Blackjack, and this definitely doesn’t come as a surprise. Thanks to the simple nature of the game, along with the fact that it’s both skill and luck based, the age-old game of 21 beats all records when compared to other popular table games such as Baccarat or Poker, for instance. Another online casino fact that you’re going to want to keep in mind is that when it comes to the house edge, this is kept relatively low when it comes to Blackjack, with players offered the chance to potentially land a winning hand more regularly than they would in other games. The fast pace of the game also contributes to the entertainment factor of this game, however, when it comes to fast games, online slots definitely rank in first position, with game rounds taking a couple of seconds and no previous knowledge of gambling games generally required. #8 – IT’S BIGGER AND BETTER ONLINE Due to physical limitations, brick-and-mortar casinos needed to choose their game selection carefully in the past to ensure that they were able to house all of their games within the premises, however, this is definitely not the case with online casinos. Offering hundreds, sometimes thousands of game options, online casinos can load up as many games as they like without ever needing to worry about where to park the next slot machine, which is another fun fact about online casinos to keep in mind. Apart from that, online casinos are also known for offering bigger casino bonuses and promotions with lower wagering requirements, starting with a welcome bonus that generally includes a bonus as well as free spins in some cases, as well as a series of regular promotions that offered by the casino either directly through their website or by means of email notifications which are delivered directly to your inbox. #9 – LIFE CHANGING MULTI-MILLION JACKPOTS When it comes to jackpot online casino games, some of the biggest wins recorded have been in the eight-figure region, with the largest recorded win to date happening in April 2021 with a 20p spin. In this case, a Belgian player landed the life-changing spin of a lifetime and bagged an impressive $23.6 million win on Microgaming’s Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah game. Other impressive wins that happened in jackpot online casino games include a $23.5 million win on Mega Moolah, also by Microgaming in 2018, which subsequently made its way to the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest win at an online casino. In third place, we’ve got a $21 million win on NetEnt’s Mega Fortune that was one by one very lucky player in Finland, while another $19.9 million win was won once again on Mega Moolah by a player from Cheshire, UK. #10 – ONLINE CASINOS NEVER SLEEP And finally, our last interesting fact about online casinos today – while there was a time when players needed to abide by the opening times of their favorite land-based casinos, the advent of online casinos changed that concept completely. Available seven days a week, 365 days a year, on a 24/7 basis, you’re always one click away from your favorite games as long as you’ve got a decent internet connection – it’s really safe to say that the world of online casinos has literally revolutionized the game from start to end. This means that rather than needing to plan a trip to the casino, online gamblers are now able to enjoy their favorite online casino games, including live casino with live dealers anytime, anywhere, from all devices, including computers, tablets, e-readers, as well as their mobile phones, and keep their online gambling account topped up via credit card which is pretty handy.

What Kind of Articles You’ll Find on Our Blog

On the SiGMA Play blog, we cut straight to the chase, bringing you a focused exploration of sports betting and online gambling blog topics. Expect only the essentials, from emerging trends to core strategies. Each post is created to improve your understanding and enjoyment of online gambling. Stick with us for insider knowledge that matters.

Gambling Guides and Tips That Deal a Winning Hand

We cover a range of topics, from industry insights and peculiarities to expert advice and opinions. Each piece is crafted to provide you with the knowledge necessary not just to play better but to play smarter.

We reveal the newest gambling trends, talk numbers, and provide access to everyone interested in the evolving casino and sports betting landscape. See what’s shaping the industry now and how it can impact your gambling strategies. Be one step ahead of others and stay informed with our team of experts. 

Cold Hard Facts and Thought-Provoking Stories

Our articles are packed with fascinating anecdotes and themes, exploring various paradoxes in gambling mathematics, providing insights into gambling history, and analyzing the rise of innovative platforms that offer provably fair games. Expect engaging online gambling topics that bring this industry to life in vivid detail.

A Full House of Online Gambling Content for Every Player

Our professional approach to online casino content is what makes our knowledge base your go-to place. We have exactly what you need, whether you’re here for pure entertainment or to hone your gambling skills.

Count on us for a no-nonsense take on gambling content that resonates with both casual readers and gambling connoisseurs. Our sports betting and casino blog bridges the gap between entertainment and education in the gambling industry, providing resources that are as enjoyable as they are useful.