January 17th, 2012
One of my favorite casinos online is Lucky Red. I love playing blackjack at this casino; I have for many years now. I have wanted to write a review about it for a while now, because I feel so strongly about how great it is. This site is great for a number of different reasons, but the most important one is the high payout percentage as well as the attractive hit frequency. There are over 95 different slot games and 60 specialty games.
The fact that Lucky Red uses RealTime Gaming software makes it that much more superior than the rest of the online casinos. Download takes under two minutes, and the flash version is available immediately. One of the best things about RTG is it is embedded with Random Number Generation.
There are around 5 different blackjack games to choose from including: BJ and Perfect Pairs, Face Up21, Match Play21, Pontoon and Super21. Their welcome bonus is currently fixed at 400% with no limit. What this means is your first deposit will be matched 400x with absolutely no limit to how much you can deposit. This is very unique for online casinos to do, there is almost always a limit to this bonus.
With the great payout percentage, hit frequency, welcome bonus, and fantastic games it is no surprise that this casino ranks among the best online casinos on the internet. Give their blackjack tables a try, you will not be disappointed. I hope you have enjoyed my review. I will be back to review some more of my favorite places to play blackjack online.
Tags: Blackjack, Blackjack strategy, Casino Review, Lucky Red, RNG, rtg
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December 27th, 2011
There are so many different forms of blackjack that playing online can be beneficial because you can go through all of the different games and pick the one which you prefer. Each game has its own set of rules and regulations and it is very important to play by these rules to ensure the best results. I enlisted Wikipedia to help me with my search to find the best blackjack game for my lifestyle.
First there is American Blackjack which is typically played with four decks of cards and the dealer must hit on a soft 17. As a player you can double down on any two cards and only split an ace once.
European Blackjack is played with two decks and a player san only split once whether it is an ace of not. If both the player and dealer have blackjack the game is a push.
Blackjack Switch is played with two hands at once and the player has the option to interchange the cards dealt to each hand.
Double Exposure is mostly the same rules as American except the dealer’s first two cards are dealt face-up.
Caribbean 21 is the exact same rules except the goal is 31 instead of 21.
Spanish 21 is a little bit different in the fact that there are an unlimited amount of double downs and you have the option to rescue and surrender, which is sometimes not available in certain blackjack games.
There are just a few choices to get you started on your hunt, my favorite is Double Exposure, but try them all out for yourself.
Tags: Blackjack strategy, Blackjack Tips., Online Blackjack, Online Gambling
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December 12th, 2011
Do you know the difference between online gaming and online gambling? Many people use the two words interchangeably but they really are two completely different things. I’m going to go over some of the specific details that set these two activities apart.
Online Gaming is defined as playing a game online without making a wager. While Online Gambling is defined as playing a game online with wagers, whether it is with real money or funny money. So when you are playing that flash trial version of blackjack online you are actually participating in Online Gambling.
Online Gaming can be mulit-player, single-player or role-playing and involves some sort of internet connection. There are several Online Gaming communities that have grown quite large over the years such as World of War craft and Dungeons and Dragons. These games are fun because people can play with each other from all over the world.
Online Gambling can also be multi-player but you are not necessarily playing against the other players, unless it is Poker that you are playing. For instance, there could be several others at the blackjack table but you are all only competing against the house.
Gaming usually charges a fee to participate in the game while Gambling requires a deposit that you could potentially win more money from.
Online gambling and participating in an online game do have a couple similarities. Both use flash and media to keep the player visually stimulated. The two might even merge in the coming years. Slot machines being developed these days are much more interactive and game-like.
Tags: Blackjack online, Online Gambling, Online Gaming, WOW
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November 29th, 2011
In July of this year DC was supposed to start offering online slots, poker, bingo and fantasy sports sites for fun, and then for wagering in September. The Washington Post even posted an employment ad for an online bingo chat room moderator.
So why is it taking so long you may be asking? The article I read at washingtonpost.com claims that legislators cannot make up their minds about regulating online gambling. The District is usually the trailblazer when it comes to states passing bills, but this one just can’t seem to be passed. There is no Federal Law prohibiting online gambling, but there are also no strict guidelines so it makes gamblers, along with websites apprehensive about what wagers they choose to accept.
There are plenty of supporters for moderating the online gambling industry. They make the argument that it could do wonders for our “cash-strapped” government; also the added employment, money for charities, and tax money. In fact, taxing online poker alone would produce 40 billion dollars in 10 years.
But for all of the people supporting the regulation of online gambling, there are plenty more actively against it. States such as New Jersey and Utah are very much against it. While State such as California and Florida are the closest to getting the ball rolling, so to speak.
So what does this mean for blackjack players? There are plenty of sites for Online Play Blackjack, and if you are located in the US, most of them accept US players
Tags: Current News, Online Blackjack, Online Gambling, Washington Post
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November 14th, 2011
At the end of 2011 Casino Bodog will officially stop accepting US players. Actually the whole Bodog brand will stop allowing US citizens to access their websites as they change the name from Bodog.com to Bodog.eu.
Bodog is a very well known brand, and is in the process of marketing themselves somewhat like the Virgin brand. I learned on wiki today that they are even starting their own coffee line.
Currently Bodog operates under Morris Mohawk Gambling, based out of Canada although Bodog is a European brand. They acquired a license from the UK Gambling commission in July but have been waiting for their current license to expire. A license from the UK Gambling Commission is a huge deal, and is not offered to just any casino, so Bodog is very excited about the changes that are happening.
The decision to stop accepting US players revolves around the uncertainty of taking wagers from US players. They would rather be safe than sorry, they don’t want to do anything to defame their name because they are growing right now in many markets, especially Asia.
Founder of Bodog, Calvin Ayre says that the new venture is exactly what the company needs and everyone throughout the company is very excited to get things going.
Casino Bodog is ranked 13th in overall online casino traffic and 2nd among casinos still accepting US wages.
It is sad to see another casino withdraw from the US market but I feel it won’t stop anytime soon unless the government makes some changes with regulation.
Tags: Bodog, Calvin Ayre, Online Blackjack, Online Casinos, Online Gambling
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November 8th, 2011
There have been so many articles in the news recently about the legalization of online gambling in the United States. All of the speculation has made it a popular topic, but is it popular enough?
Many experts speculate that no bills are being passed because there are simply just too many other issues out there to deal with. Legislators are trying to fix the economy, unemployment, and healthcare. Online gambling doesn’t seem to hold a candle to some of these other bigger problems.
The regulation of online wagering could actually fix some of these problems. There is a “debt super committee” dedicated to cutting the government’s deficits by 1.2 trillion dollars over the span of ten years. Taxing online poker would bring in 40 billion dollars in taxes in ten years. I know this is only solving 1/30th of the problem, it is still something.
The District of Columbia is usually the leader when it comes to these types of bills, but gambling on online operations in DC is not something congress wants to do. Governors just don’t want to resort to online gambling, they think it will lead to the demoralization of society as we know it. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is one legislature that doesn’t seem to be budging on the issue. He feels that passing the bill to moderate online gambling will result in betting parlors popping up all over the state.
Legislators like Christie greatly outnumber the supporters of online gambling, so it is no wonder that the only conclusion any of them can come to is to not come to a conclusion, yet.
It doesn’t help that the previous, and current speak, never felt the need to bring this issue to a floor vote. It’s too bad The Donald isn’t still in the race for presidency; he is a huge advocate for online gambling.
Tags: Chris Christie, Online Casinos, Online Gambling, Online Poker
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October 31st, 2011
I have always been a fan of the Double Down ever since I started playing blackjack. Did you know it is actually incorporated into the blackjack odds, and by not utilizing it, it actually increases the house edge. It’s true. You are supposed to double down, whenever you can, of course.
I received most of my information from Google when I first started playing, and wanted to know all of the nitty gritty details.
Doubling down is actually defined as doubling your bet after yo9u have received your first two cards.
This move affects the house edge in a variety of different ways. When doubling down during a normal shoe game (8 decks) the house edge will be .55%. Doubling down after a split reduces the house edge by .13%.
Now comes the fun part: determining when to double down. Double down always works best when the dealer is at his weakest. He is in this vulnerable state when he has the cards: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; these cards greatly increase his likelihood of busting.
One of my favorite moves, although one of the riskiest, is doubling down with a ten when the dealer has a nine, or with an eleven, when the dealer has a ten.
The best advice I can give is not to hesitate. Like I said before doubling down is computed into the house edge. Always make your move when the time is right. I’ve scratched the surface of this stellar move, now it’s up to you to go try it out.
Tags: Blackjack online, Gambling Strategy, Google, Online Blackjack
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October 24th, 2011
Everyone has apps on their phone these days. They have become a vital part of everyday life, and this sort of cell phone community that everyone seems to be participating in. There are apps that can connect you to complete strangers by “checking in” to certain establishments. There are apps that allow you to play scrabble with your sister across the country. There is now even an app to locate your spouse to make sure they are not cheating.
I was reading an article on Yahoo! News about all of the different applications that pretty much dictate how you live your life. One thing they discussed was various game apps, and if they are a waste of time. I was intruigued by this and decided that I wanted to find the best blackjack applications for your phone.
I found out, while sifting through many reviews that Blackjack Multi-Hand is by far the best. Not only does it allow you to play three hands at once, there is a built in tutor that will help you with your blackjack skills. This app you have to pay for though.
If you don’t want to pay, your best bets are Blackjack88 or Blackjack Classic. Like most online Casinos, these apps give you bonus chips to start with, and offer many bonuses throughout play. Some offer the option to double down and surrender, but not many.
For more tips about blackjack and other games visit this online casino blog that answers questions about all things casino game related.
Tags: Blackjack Apllications, mobile blackjack apps
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October 17th, 2011
The blog seems like it may be about something else, but I can assure you that it is only about your hand in a blackjack game.
I’m writing about this because I have gotten many questions about it, and although it seems like something obvious and easy, many players are still in the dark about it.
It is always mandatory to differentiate between hard and soft cards when playing blackjack online or in an actual casino.
A soft total has an ace as 11, and cannot be busted with a one card draw. For instance: if you are dealt an ace and a 7 that is a soft 18. If you draw a paint card, you do not bust the hand, you can then play the ace as a one. So your soft then becomes a hard 18, easy enough right?
Therefore, a hard total would not involve an ace, or has an ace being played as a one instead of an 11.
The dealer is required to hit anything under a soft 17. Also an ace in the dealers hand is always counted an 11. So they have to hit if they have a soft hand under 17, meaning an ace with a 2, 3, 4 or 5.
There a million different rules and guidelines for playing hard and soft combinations, that is going to take a whole new blog.
But there is also the stiff hand, which you want to avoid at all costs. A stiff hand is a hard hand value of 12 to 16. This hand is almost impossible to win with because it is too low to beat the dealer and too high to hit again.
Now go use all of your knowledge at some of the best online casino sites!
Tags: Online Gambling
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October 10th, 2011
Playing blackjack online carries the same amount of odds as playing blackjack in a real casino. If you disagree with this fact, there is something you should know about: Random Number Generation.
While researching the odds of blackjack online I came across something at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_Number_Generation that gave me much need insight into the world of online gambling.
Random Number Generation or RNG is used for many things other than gambling games. It also comes in handy when developing statistical sampling, randomized design, cryptography, and computer simulation. There are also a couple different forms that RNG can take.
The first is the computational method, which is used in online casino games. This method uses complex formulas and algorithms. It is much more complicated than the physical method, which is seen in the form of a simple coin flip, dice roll, or wheel spin, to name a few.
The last and least common method is the human method. This is the least favorite because research has shown that no matter how random humans think they are, there is always a subconscious pattern that goes with your alleged randomization.
All Online Casinos use this method. Every single one is equipped with this software. So when you hear someone say that computers “cheat” at gambling games you can chuckle to yourself, and then explain to them what RNG is.
Playing blackjack online is always a good tool to perfect your game, especially with the “funny” money that almost all reputable casinos give you. You can see for yourself that the cards drawn are random, try it out on a one or two deck blackjack table if you really want to test the theory.
Tags: Blackjack online, Online Casinos, Random Number Generation
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