Thursday, July 10, 2008

Sports Gambling Basics

Combine two of man's greatest interests and you've got something called "sports gambling." What could be more ingenious? Imagine a group of men cheering over their favorite team, and almost always, bets are placed along with the racket. Think about it. With every sport there are always certain highlighted games everyone's talking about; something that, according to sports buffs, will "Change the course of history." In order to get some of the action, spectators usually attempt to guess who will win in the upcoming games. This all turns into a friendly little "game" called sports gambling.

It might sound addicting, but sports gambling is really just for fun and a way to bond with your friends. You can bet a little amount of money and still have a good time. Sports gambling makes the outcome of a game more meaningful and the whole duration of the game more thrilling and exciting. Here are some basics to get you started on sports gambling.

To place a bet, all you have to do is go to a sportsbook, which is a place that accepts sports bets. In the United States, there are four states where you can do sports gambling legally, but illegally, you can do it anywhere so long as you can find a bookie AND you are of legal age (over 21). Many of the sports you can bet on are professional and college football and basketball, professional baseball, professional hockey, and horse and dog racing. You can bet on anything that involves sports, really, after all, it is sports gambling. You can bet on the overall combined score of a game, on what round will the opponent be knocked out, and even whether a coin toss in a game lands heads or tails. All you have to do is place your bet depending on the statistical odds (chances of winning/losing).

In sports gambling, bookies rely on statistics to help you decide which team you think will win. There is such a thing called a "spread," which is a point advantage given to a weaker team that is expected to lose
by X number of points. This is the odds maker's way of making even bets possible for a Sports Book. For example, if a person may bet on a team that is expected to lose, and still win the bet so long as the team loses by a given number of points.

You might be asked to bet a few notches higher than the money you may actually win. This is really just the bookie's way of making money.

In sports gambling, there are different kinds of bets. There are straight bets, parlays, teasers, and over/unders. In sports gambling the most common type of bet is the straight bet, where all you have to do is to pick the team which you think will lose or win. Over/under bets are wagers on the combined number of points scored in the game by both teams. Parlays are combined bets on several games. Teasers are similar to parlays, but you can add or subtract points from the spread to make your bets stronger. This is just to show you that sports gambling can be made more interesting and challenging by the bets that you place.

There you go - the basics of sports gambling. Why don't you give it a try, and have a lot of fun in the process. Just remember not to get too carried away and spend your entire 401K plan on a whim. You just might end up regretting it for life.

The World of Virtual Gambling

First there was virtual reality and now there is virtual gambling. It seems like the world is slipping into a world where everything is virtual and possible. Nevertheless, virtual gambling has proven to be one of the most favorite past time of people, regardless of class and gender.

The concept of gambling is not a new and modern term in the world. In fact, gambling has long existed for almost 2,000 years. Of course the things at stake back then were not money. Just like the other industries, gambling also underwent a lot of changes and now, in the world of computers, virtual gambling seems to be its latest form. Let’s clarify first the term “virtual”. Virtual is often defined as something that is almost real but nevertheless an illusion but this is not the case for virtual gambling. This is because virtual gambling and the players here are real and also the stakes are real thus the normal classification of virtual does not apply in this case. Virtual in virtual gambling just represents the term “online” or “internet”. It means that instead of the traditional gambling wherein a person would go to casinos or even Las Vegas to gamble, people could now enjoy gambling to their hearts content care of virtual gambling in the comfort of their own homes.

There are so many choices in the world of virtual gambling and a person could actually have a headache in just making a choice of which type of virtual gambling would they indulge in the moment. A person could literary have different types of virtual gambling everyday! Traditional games in gambling are available in virtual gambling. These include casino games, pokers, roulette, slots, card games, blackjack, and the like. There are so many choices in the market and I bet that you won’t have a hard time finding one. The only problem that a person could have is finding the perfect one for them and also in choosing that “one”.

Aside from the traditional games in virtual gambling, new and innovative forms of gambling are also available online. These include reality TV shows, world cups, Saturday matches and the weather. It seems like everything could be in the virtual gambling world as long as there is someone to bet and of course, the money at stake.

Virtual gambling is also considered a safe and fun environment for gambling because it is very hard to cheat online. The mysterious façade of the entire player adds to the allure and temptation of virtual gambling. There are also free virtual gambling sites and there are also sites which require you to pay. The best way to know which virtual gambling site appeals to you is to try it. After all, trying would eventually mean learning. Customizing is one of the best features of virtual gambling because it makes sure that the players and its customers are satisfied with the gambling service and features offered in virtual gambling.

No longer would people have to stay late in casinos just to gamble because people nowadays are opting to stay late in front of their monitors. Virtual gambling just proves that gambling has certainly joined in the industrialized world of today. For people that have gambling in their bloods, virtual gambling is a very convenient, easy, and varied option for them.

AN OVERVIEW OF ONLINE GAMBLING

Now online: online gambling.

Just like any commercial market today, gambling also took its chance of having to saturate a broader area of gaming through the Internet.

Nowadays, there are as many online gambling games as there are gambling games. Every kind of gambling game has their online counter parts in the Web. From poker to sports betting, every gambling activity seems to be online.

Most proponents of online gambling assert that online gambling is just as safe as gambling in known casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Just like the usual casino, online casinos are also required to have their licenses and permits before engaging into online gambling.

By doing so, online casinos are systematically regulated and audited by professional firms. All online casinos use the secure e-cash facilities, in cooperation with the credit card companies, so that the customers are being protected from unauthorized use of credit cards or from cases of identity theft.

Generally, online gambling in an online casino will entice new players by requiring them to deposit an amount by offering bonuses. An online casino that will offer you a free $100 for a $50 deposit is a good example. In this manner, more people believe that online gambling offers better chances than real-life gambling. However, this poses more risk in getting addicted to the game.

For people who want to play online gambling, deposits can be made through credit cards, fire pay, or 900 pay. Fire pay works like an ordinary online debit card. Normally, the player places money into the account and can be spent to any online merchants. Funds can be deposited through wire transfers. 900 pay, on the other hand, is another way of depositing money by calling a 900 number and the amount that is to be deposited is charged to the player's phone bill.

What's more, online casinos are further classified into two groups based on their interface. Online casinos could either be web-based or download-based.

Web-based casinos are forms of online gambling wherein users may directly play online casino games without having to load any software to the local computer. Online gambling is mainly presented in the browser plugins like Macromedia Flash, Shockwave, or Java.

On the other hand, download-based online casinos are the most common online gambling sites in the Web. Here, online gambling users have to download certain software in order to play the casino games. And because it has pre-downloaded software, it is faster to initiate casino games on it compared to web-based casinos.

All the same, and due to the basic nature of online gambling, any transactions with it are vulnerable to fraud. There are online gambling known as rogue casinos wherein these sites refuse to pay the customers or contains a cheating software.

Plus, there are other ways of frauds in online gambling. Most of these cases are player-based. Players who want to cheat usually uses Adobe Photoshop or a comparable tool to maneuver the graphics of a slot machine screenshot in order to deceive the casino into thinking that the player just hit a jackpot.

Whatever forms of deception, it is evident that frauds are more likely to happen in online gambling. And if in any case, players get to be addicted in playing online gambling, they must remember that their obsession did not happen by mistake.

Online gambling is a highly interactive game, meaning whatever choices players make are based on their own prerogatives. So, however enticing online gambling can be it is a must that players must know their own dispositions so as not to be deceived.

GAMBLING AS A GAME OF CHANCE

By five in the morning, a mother had already dressed her two daughters for school. After which, she will be heading next to a casino for an early dose of gambling activity.

Seemed like a "too absurd to be true" situation? Guess again.

Nowadays, gambling seems to be an ordinary activity that most people tend to overlook. By doing so, they do not see the potential harm gambling can do with their lives.

Generally, gambling, more commonly know as betting, is a kind of behavior that involves money valuables being put out to risk as a product of a certain game. So to speak, the money or valuables are at risk because the probability of winning is too low or is totally dependent upon chance. Unless otherwise one will do something about his winning through evil ways, one could never be sure of winning a gambling game.

Gambling comes in many forms: one that can be beatable and the other type is not.

Beatable games of gambling refer to games that can be trampled thereby creating a positive numerical probability through proper strategy. These includes poker, though this is better classified as a game of skill; blackjack, video poker, Pai Gow Poker and Tiles, sports betting, horse racing, and slot machines.

On the other hand, unbeatable games makes a player eventually lose a game no matter what strategy they use. More common examples of these games are slot machines, baccarat, craps, roulette, keno, casino war, faro, pachinko, 3-card and 4-card poker, red dog, pyramid poker, Caribbean stud poker, and Spanish 21.

Both beatable and unbeatable gambling games can be found in the casinos. Though, there are other gambling games that are not played inside the casinos such as lottery, mahjong, backgammon, coin-tossing games such as head and tail, and carnival games like The Razzle and Hanky Pank.

There are also the so-called fixed-odds gambling that can be seen on events like horse racing, football, golf, tennis, baseball, and other sports that entice people to bet on the winner of the event.

All the same, they are all forms of gambling that never stand a chance of winning continuously.

In gambling, people usually tries to gain back whatever they have lost in the game. Some continues to play for the belief that they should not break the monotony of luck. By doing so, they continue to bet and eventually place their selves at the risk of losing more instead.

Most people who are involved in gambling contend that they only play for pleasure or as a form of recreation. While others say they just have to earn money and that gambling is an easy way to do so.

However, because gambling involves a variety of mental activity, coupled with stress and the mentality of a winner, it can be a possible source of psychological addiction. In the long run, this can be very harmful to people who are affected by gambling.

With so much psychedelic effects of gambling, there are even those who engage in betting with another person on premises that a certain statement is true or false, or that a particular event will or will not happen at a given specific time. This occurs commonly on situations wherein two people with strong opposing views debate with each other. Normally, they place bets for fun or for money reason but often to establish their stand on a certain issue.

Consequently, because of the negative effect of gambling, most legal jurisdictions opt to not legalize any gambling activity. With this, any contracts that led to debts brought about by a certain gambling activity are deemed unenforceable by any legal process.

That is why gambling is such a risky activity. Those who gamble merely does not realize what harm gambling can give them.

As they say, never put your good money after bad money. If ever you get to be involved in gambling, discontinue doing bet so as to steer clear of an evident loss.

A Guide to Online Casino Gambling

The hassles of going to Casinos can be enough reason not to go there at all. The traffic, hassles, and things to do seem not worth the trouble for a chance to play at a casino but if you’re the type who lives and breathes casinos then online casino gambling would be the solution for you.

You do not need to go out of the house just for online casino gambling because it could be easily access in your own homes (provided that you have a computer and internet access). Once that is done, you are on your way to online casino gambling! But before indulging yourself, there are several guidelines and things that you must first know about online casino gambling especially if you are just a beginner. So slow down those hormones and let your minds read and absorb the following information.

The online casino gambling industry is very complex and varied with some bad elements meaning that there are many dishonest and problematic sites. This brief guide would be able to guide you in choosing an honest and trust-worthy online casino gambling site. The first thing that a smart online gambler would look for in an online casino gambling host is the type which has high winnings odds. Be sure that the online casino gambling host has a tie-up with a reputable accounting firm in order to audit their casino games payout percentage on a monthly basis. This is helpful in your part in order to be sure that the money that you would be spending in your future online casino gambling spree would be worth it. Here are some other tips in choosing an online casino gambling site.
Always make sure that the online casino gambling site is legal. How would you do that? You do not need to go to a government office to check that out. What you could do is search the licensing information on the casino state. If ever that you cannot find any licensing information on that online casino gambling site, do not even attempt to gamble there. The second tip would be to check if the online casino gambling host has 24/7 customer-service that would help you whenever you encounter a difficulty or a problem. If the online casino gambling host does not have a 24/7 customer service, chances are it is a hoax site. Next one would be reading carefully the different bonuses and promos that the online casino gambling site offers because if you do not read it carefully and you agreed, in the future you do not have any evidence against it. Remember that it is better to be safe than to be sorry. Another advice would be to gamble first in small amounts rather than spend big amounts of money right away. Check first the integrity and status of the online casino gambling before taking any major risk-especially financial ones. The last and most important tip in online casino gambling is to never forget that gambling is all about fun and pleasure rather than making money. Gambling is not a job rather a hobby that would make you happy and your life pleasurable.

After you have observed these advice and tips then go and give in to the lure of online casino gambling.

Temptation at Your Doorstep: Internet Gambling.

Can you imagine being able to place a bet with just a press of a button? Can you imagine playing and betting as long as you want?

Can you imagine gambling from the comfort of your own home?

We know for a fact that gambling is risky business, and unrestrained gambling is just asking for trouble. Compulsive gamblers already have a hard time restraining themselves from the call of casinos and bookies, and now Internet gambling just takes the ante a step further.

With Internet gambling, you don’t need hard cash. Everything that is online is so easy to access. Play Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Keno, Roulette or Slots. Play all day, all night.

Before the 1990s, gamblers who wanted to place a casino or sports type bet in the United States basically had two choices: they could travel to a legitimate brick-and-mortar gaming establishment or place an illegal wager through a bookie. However, with the emergence of the Internet in the mid-1990s, a new form of gambling appeared; Internet gambling through gaming casinos and sports wagering. Internet gambling can take place on any electronic device that offers Internet access anywhere on the globe.

Internet gambling makes payment options for gambling individuals easy. They can just choose from several types of payment options other than credit cards. These include:

VISA and MasterCard cards: These cards are tied directly to the cardholder’s bank account. Funds for all transactions are deducted directly from the cardholder’s bank account, but cardholders can make credit card-type transactions that do not require a personal identification number.

Private-label debit cards: These cards are similar to check cards above but are issued by private companies rather than credit card associations.

On-line payment providers: These companies send and receive funds electronically for such uses as on-line auctions and purchases.

Wire transfers: Some Internet gambling sites promote this method of payment, which allows Internet gambling customers to wire money directly from a bank account to the site.

“E-cash” or digital cash: It is a digital representation of real money that can be placed on a computer hard drive, smart card and other devices with memory. It can be purchased from an authorized provider.

Internet gambling sites also offer money orders; traveler’s checks; bank drafts; cashier’s, certified, and personal checks; and a number of other electronic banking systems or processors as payment options. With Internet gambling’s easy payment options, even a non-gambler would be tempted to try.

Statistics also show that Internet gambling has nearly doubled every year since 1997 – in 2001 it exceeded $2 billion. It also boasts 110 sport-related Internet gambling sites.

According to the American Psychological Association, Internet gambling could be just as addictive as alcohol and drugs.

This is a confession from quoted from The Gambling Problem Talking Point website:

”... I am addicted to online poker, not to mention soccer betting and casinos whenever I am in the vicinity of one.

For the longest time I thought I had the beast under control. Thought I was smater than the pack, and shrewd enough to beat the pack. Considered my betting to be more of an investment than anything else.

How much hav I lost gambling? I am afraid to tally.

Has it ruined my life? Almost ... I guess being from a wealthy family, it helped me to cover the tracks not to mention the losses.

But enough is enough and I would like to kick the habit alltogether.

I am sorry if I sound a little cocky or arrogant ... I have a problem. And even now am half hearted to completely agree that I do have one.

Will I continue to gamble? I am not sure. I would like to stop, but it is just so easy with the Internet and all.

I guess if I was in NZ, I could join a group onj a regular basis and get some help in person. But in Malaysia, how do I do that?

From reading some of the posts here, I share all the common symptoms.

It is a disease, and can destroy the best of people, not to mention families and loved ones a like.

What can I do? How can I help myself...”

Internet gambling is a very slippery slope. It can ruin your life and the life of your loved ones. So the next time Internet gambling knocks on your door, think twice.

Offshore Gambling keeps Vegas casino at home

Many gamblers have come across the term “Offshore Gambling”, but are not entirely sure what it means. A casino that deals with offshore gambling is one that basically operates outside the jurisdiction of a given country or it can be an online casino that has its servers in a country where online gambling is not prohibited. In short, then, it is a casino that operates outside the country of the player.

This form of gambling provides an easy and fun way to play all the games normally found at a land-based casino, but without the hassle of making the pilgrimage to Las Vegas. Online Vegas casinos are very safe, in that personal details are not required to be sent out and the payouts and odds are just as equal and fair as in a regular Vegas–style casino. Offshore gambling makes it a win-win situation.

Online vegas casinos are regulated by three organizations. These are OSGA (The Offshore Gaming Association), The IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association (FTGA), which is a smaller IGC in effect, in that it charges lower membership fees.

OSGA and Offshore Gambling
The OSGA is an independent "watchdog" agency that monitors the Off Shore Sports Gaming Industry in an effort to provide the public an avenue to find reputable companies to wager with. It aims to protect the rights of consumers and they charge no membership fees.

The agency is a professional non-biased third party organization that gives objective opinions, based on your feedback, independent research, phone calls, tips and inside news.

For OSGA they resolved to keeping the philosophy that there are safe places for sports gambling. Because of the climate in the industry today people need to have additional information on offshore sportsbooks and online casinos from an outside source.

IGC and Offshore Gambling
The IGC, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1996 in the US, relocating to Vancouver, Canada, incorporating there in March 2000. The organization was established to provide a forum for interested parties to address issues and advance common interests in the global interactive gaming industry, to establish fair and responsible trade guidelines and practices that enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming products and services, and to serve as the industry’s public policy advocate and information clearinghouse. The IGC does what it has set out to do, and more.

IGC membership has increased significantly since being founded, drawing more and more attention from noteworthy industry groups to complement existing leading industry players. We have members from the U.S., the U.K., South Africa, Israel, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, Denmark and Sweden -- to mention a few.The IGC has built a reputation for reliability, integrity and credibility through its high standards, and appeal to legitimate businesses. Affiliation with their association ensures that you have a trusted organization fighting for the promotion and enhancement of our industry, fighting for you when you need it and most importantly - with a collective voice.

The IGC regulates offshore gambling by utilizing a special 10-point code ff Conduct and charges casinos a fee to display their logo. Unhappy customers can also report their disputes to the IGC.

FTGA
The FTGA was formed in an effort to set a standard for online gaming operations. The agency believe that by conducting business with only reputable companies, they can form an alliance of the most fair and professional offshore gaming operations worldwide. To be sure that the companies they support are reputable FTGA do comprehensive background checks on not only the company but the individuals behind the company. According to them, they form a close relationship with their members and monitor their business practices frequently.

With the boom of the internet over the last few years, everything seems to have translated into an online version and offshore gambling has been no different. There are organizations that govern the fairness of online gambling which should serve to alleviate any fears of insecurity by skeptics. It eliminates the traveling costs, but still keeps the basic essence of a Vegas casino, but only now, in your very own home.

Trade secrets of online casino winners

The online casino business is so vast that it can probably outgrow the popularity of traditional casinos. With the onset of cyber casinos, interaction of players from around the world can be possible. As any gambling games, online casino can have rule breakers who can manipulate the game to their advantage. But you win and bring home large amounts of money fairly. Intrigued by trade secrets of online casino winners? Here are some of the known strategies and tips.

Winning in roulette

*Bet on only one color and stay with it during the whole duration of the game.
*Once you loose, double up or increase your next bet.
*In the occasion that you win, stick with the number you originally bet on.

Online Poker
*You can download a strategy card for a complete poker system online. Some of them might need your credit card number though.

*Sacrifice your straight or flush cards to convert them to at least one Royal. You might want to trade an ace with two high cards into a four- of –a- kind card. There is a bigger probability that you are going to get the latter.

Slots Machine

*Try to keep track of the average number of spins. When doing so, bet on the lowest available bet.
*Jot down the number of spins with a greater payoff. If your winnings are ten times your bet, stop and count the number of spins that would get you the same amount again.
*Increase your bet on the average number of spins that you have the greatest payoff. This system will make the slot machine to pay a larger pay out when you increase your bet.

Black Jack

*Just like poker, there is a strategy card you can refer to beat your playmates.
*Use only one value chip. In case you lost in one round, add another chip to your bet. On every win, decrease your bet by 2 chips. If you win a bet twice in a row, go back on betting one chip. Doing so, you bet more on the winning hands than you do for the losing hand. This is the way to a big payoff.

There are websites that offer downloadable versions of online casinos without betting with real money. This way you can put to practice some of essential tips provided above. You can buy a book or surf on some websites that offers online casino winning secrets too. Do some research and you will have a bigger chance on winning.

Gambling Site 101

STOP! Read the following first before tossing that dice. It may save you tons of money and a lot of heartaches.

Many gambling sites offer several promotional incentives like bonuses, guarantees, equal winning opportunities, multiple/solo player modes, higher bet limits and a whole lot more that can be quite dizzying and makes you leap into them before looking into what they really offer.

Let's try and have a look first before you throw down that dice and before you throw away your hard-earned money and miss out on all the fun that thousands of gambling sites offer.

There are several considerations that one must take with prudence before dealing with any gambling site.

The king of them all is to understanding their rules. Incentives are great but you play by their rules. Not all gambling sites have the same set of rules. Read them like you're about to take an exam. Look out for the fine prints, somewhere there might be a catch 22 situation. Understand the procedures and all the transactions they have pertaining to real money.

Just like any exemplary gambling site there is customer service support must be on top of their list. You are paying good money for enjoyment and a chance to win. They must have very excellent and professional people who would be ready to take your call and entertain any questions or complaints anytime of the day. Ask if they have toll free numbers.

Get to know the site better. You may do this by reading reviews, compare them to other gambling sites. There are also several websites that offer a listing of the gambling sites and their ratings. If you are new into online gambling you have to know that there are millions of gambling sites out there. Some better than the others.

Try out the games. Most gambling sites have features that lets you get the feel of their gaming programs for free. Try asking yourself if the interface was user-friendly and very intuitive. Does it have the feel of real poker game or baccarat? There should not be any distraction like having to press a certain key or key combination while the you are in the midst of a very exciting game.
Pressing the wrong key or clicking the wrong button could cause you the game.

You may also want to take a look at the support you are getting at your end with your PC and Internet connection. You may want a higher end PC to be able to play the better games that gambling sites offer. This usually means a higher memory requirement and a better video and sound card. Internet connection must be reliable and fast.

If ever you find yourself intrigued by a new game, understand how the game is played. Do your research on the new game. Get to know the all rules and strategies. Most often than not these gambling sites provide trials and test features for new games.

Those are a few tips for you to get to enjoy online gambling better, but don't roll that dice yet! Whether your sitting across your friends playing poker or sitting infront of the monitor playing black jack on a gambling site you have to come well prepared with a plan.

One more thing maybe a lucky rabbit would help.

So cross your fingers, say a little prayer and let that dice roll!

Free Gambling

So you want it free, eh? Well, the best things in the world are supposed to be free and I guess that includes gambling. There is nothing more exciting than the rush of blood in your head and body when you experience winning a straight streak but I bet, the excitement would double once you indulge on free gambling?

Is there such a thing as free gambling? Yes, there is. Before, free gambling does not exist because you should show the other players that you have the money to gamble before the games could commence. But now, thanks to invention of internet and computers, free gambling now exists. First things first, any person below 18 years old are not allowed to gamble neither free gambling nor paid one. Even though the gambling is held in the virtual world, there are still rules and regulation that needs to be observed properly.

In free gambling in the internet, one could choose from the different types of game available in the internet. The only drawback here is that the features for free gambling are often limited because it is free. In order to access special features in that gambling site, one could register and then pay a certain amount. But if you are just a beginner in the world of internet gambling, then it would be advisable to join free gambling sites. This is because gambling skills are needed to be practiced. Through these free sites, a person could exercise his skills in gambling and at the same time learn from his mistakes. After a lot of practice and determination, in time, one could be ready to be a professional gambler with wits and brains to boot to other competitors.

Here are some examples of free gambling sites that would surely satisfy the gambler side of every person. First stop is Pacific Poker. Pacific poker is a type of free gambling site that indulges the player with the game of poker. Next stop is Astro Bingo which is a free gambling haven for bingo lovers. Just for signing in their site, they would give you a free £5 sign up bonus. Another one is 888 Casino which offers free gambling games particularly casino games or games found in casinos. These include free poker games, craps, keno, roulette, blackjack and slots. If you are tired from all that usual stuff then Virgin games is probably the best free gambling site for you. It offers “life-changing” prizes at stake in every play that you game. What are these “life-changing” prices? Well, I guess that you just have to visit their site to find out. Free gambling games that are available in this site includes Winner Takes All, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and even the favorite game of the family, Monopoly. Other games that could be found in free gambling sites are horse-racing bets, reality TV shows, world cups, Saturday matches and the weather. Name it and everything is present in free gambling.

Free gambling is fun but it could sometimes be addictive. For a person that is just new in gambling, take your time to learn and practice but do not let free gambling consume you. Try to balance your life and view free gambling as an alternative and fun way to live life rather than living your life for the sake of free gambling.

Know which form of gambling is for you

Gambling has evolved into different forms. Gambling, primarily, is a form of entertainment. It is a sport involving money, or whatever is at stake, in a game of chance. Gambling or betting began as early as 2300 B.C. Gambling artifacts, like dice, had been found in countries like Egypt, China, India and Rome. In a recent poll, 63% of Americans support legalized gambling. Another 22% agree that it must be expanded. From dice to roulettes and to computer mouse, which form of gambling is for you? Here are some choices:


*Casino games
These are gambling games usually played inside the casino. A player can win with the right tactic and optimistic mathematical probability. Here are some examples:

Poker
Poker is the most popular casino game. It is believed to have been originated from the game ‘as nas’, which is a Persian game. It uses a deck of cards for a series of betting rounds. The player with the best hand wins the pot. Poker is also regarded as a game of strategy and skill.

Online Casino
These are virtual casinos that are played on the internet. The rules are similar with actual casino games but players can either be a real or computer- generated players.

Slot machines
A betting machine that uses a coin to rotate a set of reels usually pulled by a lever. You have to get identical patterns to win.

Roulette
Roulettes were invented by Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, in 1842. It is a simple gambling game where in you have to bet on which number a small ball will hit.


*Gambling with fixed- odds
These are certain types of game where in you have to bet on a specific outcome of a given situation. These include horse racing, baseball, motor racing, jai alai and ice hockey, among others.


*Sports betting
Even though illegal in most countries, sports betting have boomed in the gambling industry. Bets are based on a point system of sports, like baseball or football. Common sports bets are: against the spread, against odds and against a combination of spread and odds.


*Arbitrage betting
You might often see this on the web tagged as risk- free gambling. The concept is to put a bet on a particular result with varied betting groups. Being an investment procedure, it involves a bigger amount of money compared to normal gambling.


Be sure to treat gambling as a pastime, and not a source of money. When engaged in one, set a maximum spending limit. Practice gambling in moderation and don’t let it interfere with your set priorities in life.

Lowering Online Gambling Risks

Scams

Online gambling has many risks, aside from the risks on the game there are also the risks of scams and frauds. In the internet, these aren’t really uncommon. The internet reaches far and wide and it is no wonder that our dishonest brothers have finally found a way to again con our more honest brothers out of the money that they’ve worked hard for.

Online gambling risk comes in many shapes and sizes, aside from the addiction risk, there are of course the risk of scams.

Therefore you should know if the online casino you’re entering is legitimate or not. In today’s day and age, that is very hard to do. Scammer Casinos need only to copy the layouts of legitimate casinos and adopt them as their own, including memberships and certifications. Logos and banners are very easy to copy so be weary of these.

The only way to make sure that you don’t get scammed is to go to online casinos approved by trustworthy organizations like the Interactive Gaming commission. If however, you get invited, to a site, don’t make any deposits yet. Look up their certifications and make sure that these are indeed true by doing a quick search on the organization that gave the certification.

Most online gaming organizations have a quick search function that allows you to search for members. Usually, scammer casinos don’t take the time to become members because they usually “change names” in short periods, usually when their scam gets discovered.

Like any form of gambling, the risk doesn’t necessarily come in the game. The risk is part of the game, but risks that we are talking about here go beyond winning and losing money.

The highest risk is getting addicted.

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, and shouldn’t be viewed otherwise. It isn’t a living and it definitely isn’t a gold mine. This is what’s wrong about today’s gamblers; they view it as a fast way to get money.

You should know that a low risk gambler views playing in casinos, online or offline should be only a form of entertainment. Once you think that it’s a living, it’s already the onset of addiction.

To lower your gambling risk, make sure that you limit yourself. Never play for more than you thought you would, or for longer than you thought you will. Draft the length of time and the amount of money you would play, kind of like scheduling dinner or a trip to the movies.

The Games Gamblers Play: Casino Gambling 101

Casino gambling. The first thing that enters our mind is Vegas, slot machines, bright lights and chips. If you’re not a gambling person and you don’t know a lot about casino gambling, then read on...

According to the Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia, a casino is a building that accommodates casino gambling. Customers may gamble by playing slot machines or other games of chance and some skill. Casino gambling games usually have mathematically determined odds built in that ensure the house retains an advantage over the players. This advantage is called the “edge”. “Payout” is the percentage given to players. Some statistically even games may take a commission or tax, a "rake" on bets customers make against each other.

There are a lot of casino gambling games which can get you hooked in no time. First of all, you have the classic slot machine. A slot machine is a coin-operated casino gambling machine with three or more reels that rotate when a lever on the side of the machine is pulled. It includes a currency detector that validates the coin or money inserted to play. The machine typically pays off based on patterns of symbols visible on the front of the machine when it stops.

Sadly, casino gambling games often offer the player the illusion of control in which the player is given choices, but these choices do not eliminate the player's long-term disadvantage. This disadvantage is caused by the casino not paying the full amount that would be expected for the odds wagered. For example, if one game was played by betting what number a roll of a die would give, instead of paying 6 times the amount bet for winning, the casino only pays 5 times the amount bet.

This system is often found in famous casino gambling games like Poker, Craps, Roulette or Blackjack.

Poker is a very popular casino gambling card game. The players, with fully or partially concealed cards make wagers into a central pot, after which the pot is awarded to the remaining player or players with the best combination of cards.

Like Poker, Blackjack is also a very popular casino gambling card game. Much of its popularity is due to the mix of chance with elements of skill and decision making, and a practice called card counting. It is a skill in which players can turn the odds of the game in their favor by making betting and strategy decisions based on the cards that have been dealt. Players suspected of card counting are usually banned and blacklisted by casinos.

Craps is a famous casino gambling game using dice. Players wager money against the casino on the outcome of one roll, or of a series of rolls of two dice. The rules vary slightly from one casino to another, but the expected value of most bets is only slightly negative. All bets have a negative expectation, except the "free odds" bet with an expectation of 0, that the player is allowed to make after a point is established on a flat bet. Unlike in Blackjack, there is no possible winning strategy over any given period of time.

Roulette is a signature casino gambling game. A croupier turns a round roulette wheel which has 37 or 38 separately numbered pockets in which a ball must land. The main pockets are numbered from 1 to 36 and change between red and black, with number 1 being red. In addition there is a pocket numbered 0 of green color. In most roulette wheels in the United States but not in Europe, there is a second zero compartment marked 00, also colored green. If a player bets on a single number and wins, the payout is 35 to 1. The bet itself is returned, so in total it is multiplied by 36.

Be very wary though, these casino gambling games are highly addictive (as they are intended to be). A lot of lives have been ruined by casino gambling and although it might be fun, please do try to regulate yourself.

Gambling Addiction

To people who don’t gamble, or more so to normal gamblers, the thought that they will progress to compulsive gamblers is ridiculous. The start of compulsive gambling may be incited by situations or circumstance. But the conditions are real.

What’s the similarity between pathological gambling and chemical dependency?

The first distinct similarity is the inability to take control or stop the addiction. The denials to the addiction accompanied by severe depression are also similarities. Both diseases are progressive in nature and goes through similar stages.

The first stage being the “chase”, looking for that high or win. The use of the addiction to numb the pain brought about by problems. The pathological gambler and a drug or alcohol dependent person are preoccupied with nothing else except their addiction. They look for immediate gratification and have very low self-esteem.

Pathological gambling not like chemical addiction is a disease not easily noticeable. There are a lot of indicators that would identify a chemically dependent person. But a gambler can exist normally for long periods of time. The large debt that a gambler can incur requires attention.

Pathological gamblers require crisis counseling at the start of their treatment, mainly because pathological gamblers have a higher suicide rate than persons addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Is the level of addiction for all types of gambling the same?

Forms of gambling that give immediate gratification are the worst kind. The slot machine and video are prime examples of these. The use of the instant gratification and effective reinforcement, gamblers that play these machines often progress into pathological gamblers more often than gamblers that play other games.

The time it takes to go from the first bet to a chronic addiction is shortest for this form of gambling. Before it would take many years before a person would be considered “sick” gambling in races, etc. Nowadays, it is fairly common for a person to be addicted to a slot machine or video poker with two to three years.

Is pathological gambling biological in nature?

Recent findings would indicate that pathological gambling is a dependency quite similar to a chemical dependency. A study by a psychiatrist Alec Roy, M.D. formerly of the NIAAA showed that compulsive gamblers have low levels of norepinephrine compared to normal gamblers.

The chemical is secreted from the brain when stressed, aroused or excited. A pathological gambler engages in his addiction to raise the levels of norepinephrine.

The findings reinforce the assertion of Dr. Henry Lesieur that pathological gamblers are “thrill seekers” who gamble for the excitement brought about by the game and not the pursuit of money.

Losers! How to Avoid Becoming One

The chances of a person drawing a royal flush is the same regardless of who he is. But why do some people lose so much and why do other people seem so damn lucky. You know the rules and you know the odds, why is it your still losing. Loser? Probably not, but to make sure check out this list. It won’t guarantee winning but might help you avoid the loser tag.

1. Decide on how much you are willing to lose (and win)

People lose a lot of money gambling due to lack of planning. They gamble way over their head because they don’t know when to stop. The reason being they didn’t plan when to stop.

2. Don’t borrow other people’s money to gamble

If you can’t afford to lose money, don’t play in the first place. The added pressure of playing someone else’s money is too much. Losing your own money is difficult enough, so if you don’t have some, don’t play.

3. Set the alarm.

If you’ve already decided how much you’re willing to lose, well and good. Now it’s time to set a time limit. You can’t play forever and you shouldn’t., especially if you’re playing in a casino. The games favor the house in all cases, the longer you play the chances of you losing increases. So, set the alarm and then leave when it goes off.

4. Time out

Don’t play continuously without a break. The excitement and the adrenalin can probably get you going non-stop but when fatigue sets in, you start making bad decisions and make mistakes. So, rest up and relax. Then go back in.

5. Do other stuff.

Preoccupying yourself with only gambling breaks your inner balance. True, focusing gets good results but focusing only on one thing alone leads to bad things. Doing other things gives you a different perspective on other things that you do, it gives you possible insights that you may miss when focused on one thing only.

6. Don’t gamble when you're stressed or emotional

Not being in the right frame of mind can cost you big on the table. The most obvious thing that you would be lacking is focus. If your mind is preoccupied with other things and the state of your emotions is a mess. Those things lead to poor judgment and critical mistakes.

Simple plays become more difficult and most things become confusing. The poor emotional state you are in means playing emotionally instead of smartly.

Lady Luck versus Mathematics: The Truth behind Lady Luck

In most cases, people contend that gambling is a game of chance that is why all winning bets are based on lady luck.

Most gamblers would insist that lady luck is the goddess of fate and chances of winning the game. They tend to believe that one stroke of lady luck on a players fate would definitely bring about winning streaks and endless shots of fame and fortune.

However, the concept of lady luck is basically based entirely on the fate of the person and not on the skill of the player depending on the game he or she is about to play.

No wonder why people always utter, “There goes lady luck again” to somebody who consistently wins the game.

However, the problem lies in the fact that the so-called lady luck is not always consistent from day one until day two or three.

On its entirety, the truth behind lady luck is basically dependent on the stroke of luck that falls upon the person right at that very moment.

On the other hand, mathematicians argue that they can combat lady luck into a more realistic viewpoint by using numbers instead of fate or what their stars tell them.

That is why critics of the “gaming industry” would rather call blackjack, roulettes, and other games in the casinos as part of the gaming industry and not gambling industry because they want to let the people believe that the probabilities of winning is not based on chances or some kind of lady luck but on the mathematical statistics of every move.

The Drawback behind Lady Luck

The problem with people relying on their lady luck to smile at them so as to ward off any bad luck is that the modern game tends to fall back on the superstitious beliefs of most primitive people.

Most of the losers tend to believe that they can ward off bad luck by using some techniques such as spreading some salts to ward off bad elements that bring bad luck.

Some even contend that the color of the clothes attract lady luck to come and sit with them.

The Conclusion

Consider this; some mathematicians contend that the odds of having or getting a royal flush are 1 in 649,739. This goes to show that if people will solely rely to lady luck, chances are they will definitely lose more than winning.

The bottom line: gambling is not about winning, it is entirely based on losing. The only winner is the casino owner who calls for the so-called “house advantage” and there is no lady luck to the rescue.

Tips on How to Win Texas Hold ‘em Poker

When people speak of poker, there is one name that cuts above the rest of the poker classification—the Texas Hold ‘em poker. This type of poker is considered to be the most popular type being played in the casinos today, whether online or in real casinos.

Generally, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker starts with a batch of two players situated at the left of the “dealer button.” This dealer buttons refers to the round disc being passed on clockwise on each player. It signifies who will be dealer in the event that the deal was move forward from one player to another.

The betting starts on the first part of the game where the money is placed into the pot before dealing the cards. Normally, the first blind is the one that places half of the required minimum stake. The first blind refers to the player situated at the left of the dealer. The second blind, on the other hand, is the one responsible in placing the full minimum required bet.

Since the very object of the game is to win whatever is in the pot, it is best to know some rules or strategies so as to get an edge over the other players. Here’s how:

1. The table.

When a player is playing Texas hold ‘em poker, the best thing that he or she should consider is selecting the table. This is because players, regardless of their skills in playing the game, will be constrained to give their best shots if the table is too assertive, too rigid or too loose, or if it consists of players that are more skillful.

The bottom line: Even if the essence of winning the game is directly affected by the skills of the player, it is still best to play on a table that has few raisers but many callers.

The logic behind this concept is based on the fact that the more raisers there are in a table, the lesser the chances of winning the game.

2. When a player is in the early position, it is best to raise with K-K, A-K, and A-As, then, with A-Qs, Q-Q, J-J, A-K, T-T, have a call and then fold everything else.

3. For players who already have a remarkable hand starters, especially when he or she has a high pair, say JJ or even higher, it is best not to hesitate raising it before the flop.

Indeed, playing Texas hold ‘em poker requires skills also. It is not all based on gambling. This just goes to show that games like this requires both luck and skill to win the pot.

Raking it in at Video Poker

Fact, of all the hands dealt only 21% are winning hands. The rest, which is 79%, are losers. The difference between a winner and a loser is what he does with 79% of the hands dealt so that it becomes a winner.
To increase the chance of making money at video poker is to understand, embrace and promise loyalty to these video poker tips.

Find a machine that pays 9 for a full house win and six for a flush win.

If you want to play on a progressive machine that pays 8 for a full house win and 5 for a flush win, be sure that the nickel machine pays a jackpot of $250 or better, the quarter machine pays $2,500 or better or $10,000 on a dollar video poker machine
To collect on the royal flush bonus for a progressive machine, be sure to bet the maximum number of coins

Play on the machine with the lowest denomination if you are a new player. Wait until you get better before playing on the higher domination video poker.

Use slot card to get credit for playing, if the casino offers one. First ask the point equivalent for each dollar played. Then learn what those earned points are worth.

Take time to read every hand you get. Remember you’re not playing against another person, it will not intimidate you for playing too slowly.

Players don't recognize that the jack is the most important card in the deck, not the Ace. A Jack gives you a lot more lucrative hands than an ace.

The variety of video poker you can play is almost endless, but all have their own payables that need specific strategies. The best way to start learning is to limit your choices to two.

Improve your game by playing on a computer or a portable video poker game. If you train this way, you get to test your skills with zero risk.

Here are playing tips:

1. Don’t ever hold a kicker with your pair. This reduces your payoff by 5%


2. Don’t draw four cards, if you can get a royal flush drawing three.


3. Always stay on a winning five-card hand except when drawing a royal flush with one card.


4. Never break a flush to draw a straight flush even with one draw.


5. Always break your flush to draw a royal flush.


6. Don’t break your straight to draw for a straight flush.


7. Don’t draw five, if you’re holding Jacks or better.


8. Never leave a ten on a four card draw.

Beat that Slot Machine

Slot machines are very popular in the casinos. Everybody seems to be drawn by the look and the feel of playing it by spinning the wheel. The thrill of playing a slot machine keeps anyone coming back either they win or not. Here are a few reminders to make your game worthwhile and at the same time increase your chances on hitting the jackpot!


Make sure that you know what machine you are playing. This may sound stupid but there are a lot of players that have missed knowing that they were not able to play the exact amount of coins for the most favorable payment there is.


Be sure to go for the highest reimbursement there is. This is a gamble. There are chances that the fates are on your side. Go ahead, play and win!


Always play the maximum coins. Normally, jackpots are paid on the maximum coins played. This way, not only do you get the chance of hitting the jackpot but also you get a high payback.


Remember to see the payback percentage whether in a casino or online. Some are even offering as high as 90% or more.


Keep in mind how much you are willing to gamble. It is always wise to plan how much you are going to spend. With the thrill of playing and hopes of hitting the jackpot, your money could be gone in seconds.


There are machines that require inexpensive games. These are the single pay line machines. This way, you could still play and have the chance on hitting the jackpot but doesn’t risk of losing all your money.


Try playing on two or three-coin slot machines. This way you could maximize the playing time of your money.


If you have a small budget for playing the slots, avoid playing the progressive slots online. Their payouts are much lower than the regular slot machine does. Plus, they could max out your budget in a few playing minutes.


You hit on jackpot at the first spin. It is likely for you to hope on playing for another round. But as it is, this is a game of chance. You are not sure if you would be hitting on the jackpot the second time or the third, etc. If you win, take the money and quit, don’t fall into giving back the money to the machine.


The rules on beating the slot machine simply works the same way as spinning a regular wheel that has to stop and produce a matching pattern of numbers or pictures in some case. So go ahead, have fun, spin the wheel and hit the jackpot!

Why Senior Gambling Exists?

In the United States, gambling is a prevalent activity. In 2002 alone, surveys show that almost 65% of the American population is hooked up with gambling.

In fact, there are professional analyzers that insist on their findings that there are more people who spend more money in gambling than they would do with the other nonsense items such video games, theme parks, and movie tickets, even if all of these things are combined all together.

Since then, there have been numerous reports about how gambling is penetrated in the society. There are still studies that lack evidence and conclusions about senior gambling.

These should pose an alarming case. This can be attributed to the recent survey done on almost 7,000 seniors, wherein, bingo had ranked as the second most-played gambling game by seniors.

Moreover, the number of senior people who are into gambling have increased from 20% in 1974 to 50% in 1988. These figures can be very alarming in spite of the long gap between 1974 and 1988. Also, this only goes to show that senior gambling is gradually but steadily growing in number.

Because most of the seniors have already gotten their “nest eggs,” they have more tendencies to get involved in gambling because of their money.

So, for people who want to know why senior gambling is so rampant these days, here’s a list of some facts that could be of great help.

1. Senior gambling is prevalent because of the fact that they do not have anything to do and that gambling is the only activity they find lucrative and at the same time gratifying.

2. Lack of attention and deteriorating opportunities made available for their social interaction, older people are more vulnerable to gambling these days. They find gambling as one way of escaping the hard realities of life that they could not bear. In turn, they gamble a lot so as to forget life’s problems.

3. Another reason why a lot of senior people are so much into gambling is that they have money, usually from their nest eggs or retirement funds. The more money they have, the more chances of gambling more.

4. In reality, senior gambling does not delve more on winning but more on the entertainment and satisfaction that they get whenever senior people gamble.

5. More privileges are available for senior gamblers, thus, seniors find it more convenient and more pleasurable to play gambling.

ILLEGAL FORMS OF GAMBLING..WHAT ARE THEY?

Gambling can come in many different forms and manner, carrying with it risks of varying levels. An individual can gamble and can bet on all sorts of things. Gambling is currently very popular and continues to expand around the world.

Legal forms of gambling are those that are being run directly by charitable institutions, companies for profit or government agencies.

Whereas illegal forms of gambling are those by which bets are placed on underground gambling services, the internet, being such. Gambling among peers or associates such as playing poker or pool that includes real money betting is also considered illegal.
Each City or State has complex rules that dictate legal or illegal gambling. Here are different forms of gambling:

*Casino. This is a form of gambling rapidly growing especially in the internet, as an online gaming site. This is a set up, usually referred to as "the house" wherein players can play in such games of chance, which include slot machines, poker, black jack, keno and roulettes.

*Sports betting. In other parts of the world, this is considered legal. Here in the United States, betting on individual sports events is accepted only as legal in Nevada. This is partly because of the possibility for such events to be "fixed". As certain cases does happen when gamblers pay sports teams to lose in the game.

*Horse racing is the most common type of legal gambling. This is presided over by the pari-mutuel, or French for mutual stake. This system works in such a way that all the betting is place in a fund, where it will be divided among winning bettors, minus a certain percentages that will go to the track.

*Lotteries. This works such that tickets are being sold for a certain set of amount. A portion of the proceeds is given back to the winners, through random draw process. In most cases, while other players choose their own numbers, others allow the computer to pick numbers for them.

Such type of gambling offers different games. There are instant scratch tickets, wherein an individual may win instantly with the right combinations on the ticket and super lotto's that offer increasing jackpots until such time that there is a winner. Eighty percent of States in the U.S. have laws that allow lotteries run by government. Thus, twenty five percent of all legal gambling revenues are from lottery.

*Other forms of gambling include bingo, dog races, pool, playing mah jong and the stock market.

Gambling can be seen everywhere, especially today, where the internet offers a lot of sites where such forms of gambling can easily be accessed. This is why it is important to carefully assess the site or the place that you are in, before making any move.

ROULETTE TIPS TO WIN

Roulette is a game played by one to seven individuals. Bets are placed by positioning chips on a certain number that they would want to win. These chips are only for roulette and can not be used for any other game. Each player have a different color of chips, in order for the dealer to recognize who the chip belongs to, making it easier for him to do the payouts later. With this, a rule is set that hands are to be kept out of the table as soon as all the betting is done. The dealer then, spins the wheel.

Bets in roulette are of two types, the inside and the outside betting.

A point to remember is that roulette is not a game of prediction and possibility. All numbers that are on the roulette wheel lands unplanned, or at random.

If you are losing, do acknowledge the fact that you are not simply lucky "today". Don't keep playing hoping that you could gain back your losses. You may end up losing too much. Stop, because there are still better days to come.

As in any other casino game, before the game, consider following these suggestions:

*Keep in mind that you are in the casino to enjoy yourself, to be entertained.

*If playing online, read carefully the rules as well as the terms and condition of the casino site.

*When playing online, be sure to check the authenticity of the site.

*Always allocate a certain amount for the game, for the day. Strictly stick to the limit.

While you are playing the game, keep in mind these guidelines:

*As with any game, a general rule is to gamble only the money that you could afford to lose. Never use the money allotted for paying other bills such as rental, utility bills, etc. You'll need professional help if you do gamble this way.

*practice makes perfect. Before playing for real money, take the time to acquaint yourself first with the game. "Feel" the game.

*Don't gamble with so much money in just one spin. You may lose all in an instant.

*In roulette, what counts are your overall winnings. If you are having a bad day, stop. You can go back and try your luck again another day.

*Stay away from alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can greatly affect you decisions in playing the game. Have a clear mind when playing.

*Play when odds at a table are only zero.

Here are betting strategies to help you a winner at roulette:

*"Martingdale" is a betting strategy that is the most used by players. This works in such a way that a player begins with a fixed bet, which is doubled when a player loses. The doubling of the money continues until such time that one wins a hand. With this, one automatically gain all loses. One thus begins again, with a fixed bet.

*"reverse Martingdale" is a betting strategy which is basically has the same concept as the "Martingdale" betting technique but is a reversal of such strategy.

*"Progressive Betting". This is applied in such a way that a player begins with a fixed initial bet, and every time one wins the bet, he increases the present bet by that initial amount. Whereas each time a player loses, the bet will be, betting the current amount but the initial fixed bet is taken away. This works well since as long as a player is winning continuously, the bet is also raising in such a pattern. If a player is losing, the bet will be also in a descending pattern.

"D'Alembert" Raising ones bet according to a fixed amount when losing and lowering the bet when winning.

"Reverse D'Alembert" works the same as D'Alembert type of betting, but a reversed method.

Roulette is an enjoyable game. One can easily have a lot of fun with it. And that is what one should aspire. To have fun at casinos. Nothing more, nothing less.

POKER TIPS........TO WIN!

Poker is a very popular card game, where players with either fully or partially hidden cards bet into a central "pot." To the player having the best card combination, the accumulated bet in the pot is then handed over.

Before the dealing of the cards, one or more players, depending on the rule, is required to place an initial bet unto the pot. After which, the cards are dealt, face down. Thus the beginning of the game.

Strategy should be developed so that one will learn who plays fair or who the sharper player is. By defining them, one can easily deal with them. Carefully study each players move so you will prevent loss in your cards.

Poker is a game of strategy. Even with bad set of cards, a good poker player still has a high chance of winning. Here are some tips:

*Hand strength. Any hand that is less than a pair should be folded at the earliest opportunity that comes. Don't wait that other cards will remedy the situation, because they will not.

*Display a poker face. This makes the other players wary of your cards. Your expression will let your opponents know how good or how bad are your cards. A point to remember, never project any clue to them, if you will, then make certain that if you do have bad cards, pretend you have otherwise.

Do bear in mind that bluffing will not work if you are a poor player. Meaning players who over estimate the force of their hand. Also, if a player bluffs repeatedly or regularly, expert players will eventually sense their style and would now know if they are bluffing or not.

*Never be afraid to fold. One threatening aspect in poker is placing your bet. As to how much or how little one should bet, feel the game. As you go along, you will then be knowledgeable and know when to bet and when to fold. A rule to keep in mind is, don't expect later cards will improve your situation if you have nothing in your hand. Be free to fold as frequently as needed.

*Control. Bet wisely. This means betting with your head. Bet only within your means. You can not gain fortunes in poker, so stay within your limits.

*No alcohol. As alcohol makes one bolder and daring, it is wise to avoid it at poker time. You might find yourself betting more in not so good cards. Avoid alcohol especially when the stakes are high.

It is important for one to devote a lot of time for the development of your own strategy. The more you play the game, the longer that you are exposed to it, you could then have your own secrets to winning the game.

Beat your Online Poker Opponent

Playing and winning online poker is a science. It is both a skill and an art of mastering things that most players take for granted.

If you are signing up for an online poker game, keep in mind never to choose the “any game at this limit” option. By choosing this, you are also hindering your capacity to take control of your position on every sign up list. There are options that give you the privilege of having the top position by winning and giving up the place by quitting and at the same time you could still rejoin and have you name at the bottom of the list.

Always look for a card room that fits your style. This way you always get the upper hand. If luck strikes in and you get on a bad round, look around the page for another table.


Playing two games at the same time seems a nice idea. It seems that by doing this, you could double your money in one playing hour. This could be true for some players, but remember, it happens for a few and not for everybody. Besides, playing two games at a time would definitely lay down your small blind more and you sure are most likely to tilt. Keep yourself focused on one game. This way you could have the upper hand especially if you’re playing a major, drawn-out pot. Playing one game at a time also helps you play straightforwardly with only one opponent to concentrate on.

There is online software that has proved to be marvelous. However, there are minor glitches that you need to stay away from. This is the “in-turn” button. This button allows the player to act on hand before your actual turn and allows him to go back trying on other moves. But there may be instances that the internet connection may not be at their best. There may be a time that while clicking the “check in-turn button,” the action may already be on you. What will happen is that the “call” button might be popping out on your screen in the place where you are supposed to click the “check” button.

In poker, the only sure way of winning is by showing down the best hand. This is true not only for casinos but for online as well. However, there a number of reasonable ways a smart player could increase his chances of winning. The sure way of acquiring winning poker skills is by checking out how players deal with their games and keeping in mind the right moves.

ONLINE GAMBLING SCAMS...HOW TO AVOID THEM

As the online gaming business flourishes on the internet today, so do online gambling scams. These scams are rampant.

There many online casinos that are not "real". They look like casinos, offering games and prizes. Often many fall victim to such traps. People trust too much and are usually misled by such disguises.

Certain casino sites are a scam in itself. These sites offer pretty much the same as the authentic sites. Once you have deposited your money, you might be surprised that they have rules that prevent you from withdrawing your funds. It is always better to read and understand the rules before registering.

Bonus scams targets players that have been banned or moved to other casino sites. This is the simplest and most effective of all scams. Casinos are in need of continuous flow of fund deposits from gamblers. Thus, bonuses attract players in. They do this by sending emails to prospects, stating that they are entitled to certain bonuses once they deposit money to their existing accounts.

After a deposit has been made, casinos will state that a player is not qualified to receive a bonus. Yet players still continue to play their deposits. This is what casinos are expecting to happen and they have achieved their goal.

If you do suspect that you are a victim of such a scam, do the following:

*As soon as possible, stop making deposits.

*If you can cash out, do it immediately.

*Contact the site's customer care if your cash out attempt failed.

*They should respond within forty eight hours to your inquiry. If not, contact them again.

*If credit or debit cards were used to deposit funds, contact the establishment to inform them that you might have been a victim of internet fraud. So they could take all the necessary precautions. And as needed, cancel your credit card.

*If you have used Neteller take out all funds left in that account.

*If ten days have passed and still no contact was made by the casino site, contact them again. State your demand firmly.

*The Online Players association can be of help in mediating to settle disputes between parties. Ask their assistance.

*Wait and hope that all will be settled.

*Report to certain web portals the incident. So this won't happen to other players.

Here is a list of some blacklisted casino sites:

1LuckyGambler.com

DiamondCoastCasino.com

100kcasino.com

ExcelsiorCasino.com 2

000-casino.com

GalaxyCasino.com

Casino-Titanic.com

aaaacasino.com

games4money.com

AceInTheHoleCasino.com

GoldKeyCasino.com

WinForReal.com

HighRollerCasino.com

Americas-OnlineCasino.com

i-Casino.com

BlackBananaCasino.com

Java-Casino.com

BlackWidowCasino.com

Ladydream.com

BubbasCasino.com

BugsyOnline.com

MagicOasis.com

CasinoBar.com

NYCcasino.com

CasinoClub.com

PlanetRockCasino.com

VegasOddsCasino.com

CasinoExtreme.com

RealBet.com

CasinoHeat.com

CasinoKingTut.com

CasinoLuxor.com

CasinoOfTheKings.com

MonteCasino.com

CasinoOnAir.com

AcesKasino.com

Thevirtualcasino.com

ClubVIPCasino.com

CrystalCasino.com

One would be surprised to see such a long list. Keep in mind, there are as many "fake" casinos as there are "real" ones. Always check the site carefully. Better be sure than sorry.

Secrets To Win Any Gambling

Gambling can be a lot of fun. But it isn’t when you are always on the losing end. If you can not afford to lose your money, never mind gambling. But you can make serious money in betting. Well, you can even be rich.

Contrary to the usual belief that you gamble solely on pure chance and luck, adding in a little mathematics and some proven game strategies will not hurt. In fact, it can guarantee you a good pay out.

Here are some secrets to win any kind of gambling.

*Know the right type of gambling for you.
There are hundreds of gambling games that you can try for yourself. Casinos, sports betting, or even arbitrage betting. If you pick one, master it.

*Learn about the game.
Read related materials of the game such as basic rules and tips. As the old cliché goes, knowledge is power. You can have the edge by investing on good books or download tips and secrets on the web.

*Set a minimum bet in every game.
After a win, bet only half of the pot you put in the previous round. When you lose, go back to your least bet. This is often regarded as progressive betting. Use it rather than straight betting.

*Always check the odds.
Choose a betting game that has 3 percent or less casino advantage. Among others, popular games are poker, black jack and craps.

*Watch the trend
Be attentive to your winning and losing trend. Get the probability and ratio of your winnings and losing. If you think that you are on the brink of losing, then don’t bet.

*Stick to a strategy.
Pick a strategy that works best for you. There is no such thing as the greatest strategy but there are proven ones. Collate all known gaming strategies and select the one that is effective and works for you.

*Don’t be overly greedy
Being greedy might give you a couple of dollars more but being overly greedy might cause you to lose them all.

*Be optimistic
Muster some confidence that you will win those dollars. This attitude would keep you betting until you get some good pay. But never expect to win all the time, which barely happens. You lose some, you win some.

Keep in mind that winning doesn’t mean you have to win a bet every time. What matters most are your total net profit earnings.

ROLLING THE DICE.........CRAPS STRATEGIES

Games at casinos are of two kinds. The game of skill which is one counts on the acquired skill of a player. Such games include blackjack, baccarat and poker. Games such as roulettes, slot machines and craps are games that rely on the player's luck, which are called games of chance.

The game of crap is played with a dice. As all players know, each dice has six sides with number one through six accordingly. Crap uses two dice. With it, two (1, 1) the smallest number that can be rolled, and twelve will be the biggest number (6, 6). Seven being the most common number that is rolled, establishes and determines the odds.

Here are reasons why players often lose the game. Understanding this, one can have a better game:

*More often then not, these gamblers rely on their luck.

*Usually these players already have losing in "mind".

*Often, players have very little understanding of the game.

Here are different strategies that one can count on in playing craps:

*Betting the Pass Line. When one wins, this pays an even winning. Place your bet on the Pass Line area. If the result of the rolled dice is seven or eleven, you win. While if two, three or twelve, you lose. If the results are other than these numbers, you continue dicing until you roll a seven, you win. If it comes out before a point, you lose.

*Betting the Don't Pass Bar. This is the exact opposite of betting the Pass Line bar. You win when the result of the come out roll is two or three. You lose if the result is seven or eleven. If the result is the number twelve, it is declared a push. You keep on rolling the dice until such time a point seven is rolled. You win id before the point, seven comes out.

*Come out bet. This type of a bet can only be done after a come out roll resulting in the following numbers - 4, 5,6,8,9, or 10. Similar to the Pass Line bet, if the result of the next roll is the number two, three or twelve, you lose. While if the resulting next roll is seven or eleven, you are a winner.

The bottom line in any game is to always play wisely. Think with your head and never rely on your luck when betting. Look at the statistics; they will increase your chances of winning, as they will show you the betting probabilities. Having a solid game plan, the discipline to execute them, as well as effective and precise money management will increase your winning chances.

Is Offline gambling A Dinosaur?

Over the past twenty plus years internet technology has developed and attracted millions. It has transformed the way people live. The way people consume products or services has changed drastically. People want instant information and service and by extension, people demand instant cash.

In cyberspace a gambler can have easy access to online gaming. Online gaming plays like a real casino but instead of interacting with a dealer at a table you use a web-based software instead.

What’s missing online?

Apparently the lack of atmosphere or ambience when gambling on the Net was cited in a study as one of the most important aspects of offline gambling that is missing online. The online games on the internet try to imitate the real deal by featuring graphics and text animation. Even including verbal interaction.

With every mouse click, the program gives a corresponding sound like coins in a slot machine. The software-dealer starts talking if there are no action or commands given. Despite all of this though, the atmosphere of a casino hasn’t been recreated.

The adrenalin rush in a real casino cannot be recreated online either. Playing at home, an online gambler is playing alone and no amount of tinkering in the program can create an atmosphere. The lack of atmosphere prevents a person from gambling with friends.

The live casino has been associated with a socializing ambience and a lot of gamblers feel an attachment to the environment.

Hey Big Brother!

The main reason people give for not shopping in the internet is a perceived risk in security. That perception is much higher for online gambling. Although most sites give an information link to the existing security technology, still the perception remains.

Most people experience great discomfort in using a credit card on online gambling. Not only the perceived security issues that gamblers feel uncomfortable with, it is also the lack of any kind of control on the outcome.

Online people cannot move from one table to another and make crucial decisions. The reality of losing money on the internet is distorted, most people cannot feel that they are losing money. Simply because of the idea that you’re just sitting at home, how can they lose so much money.

All the light shows and sound effects an online casino can muster, it cannot substitute for the action happening inside the halls of a casino. People feel more in control when playing inside a casino, whether it’s strategizing or managing his money. The thrill of having a crowd and the joy of companionship is also a very important plus. Dinosaurs? Maybe, but they are still giants and very much alive.

Tips on How to Gamble Responsibly

Aside from becoming one financial roadblock, when one gets addicted to gambling, the preoccupation may just cause him his family and his whole social life. Who wants to be entangled into such problems like those, right?

Gambling is supposed to be fun, not something that will ruin your life. Here are some tips on responsible gambling:

1. Plan to Lose.

This is not being pessimistic. Keep tabs on your losses and give yourself a loss limit. And stick to it strictly. Aside from the loss limit, setting a time limit will also make you one smart gambler.

2. Don't ask for help.

This easily translates to never asking for some borrowed money to continue gambling. If you have determined a quite manageable loss limit, you will never have to borrow money to gamble.

3. Have a break.

Frequent breaks while playing online will not only make you relax, it will also give you time to just rethink how much you have been losing then subsequently quit it.

4. Don't just gamble, mingle.

Incorporate other less wallet pinching activities such as chatting with a new acquaintance or some old friend who also happen to visit the casino. Don't feel guilty when you don't get to gamble the whole night through. Practicing your social graces is also one good way to spend the night. Who knows you might just have let one investment deal pass just because you were too hooked up rolling the dice.

5. Don't play when depressed and stressed.

Just like shopping and eating, it's never a good way to make use of gambling as an outlet to belch out your woes or any trouble. Gambling when you are feeling low will not solve you problem. It might even blow it up to some mammoth proportion you never intended it to be.

6. Say no to ruining your budget just because of gambling.

Stay only with the budget you allocated for entertainment. Money for everyday expenses should never be touched if it's only your craving to roll the dice that you are trying to quench.

7. Don't go chasing your losses.

Acceptance is one mature way to deal with any problem. This does not exclude losing when gambling. It won't be smart to chase your losses since it might make you lose even more.

If all else fails to remind you that gambling should not be taken lightly, remember that casinos are not built as charity houses to give out money. They are making a business out of the gamblers' losses.

To Gamble Online or Not to Gamble Online - That is the Question

Compared to a real casino experience, here are some of the considerable pros and cons of online gambling:

Pros of Online Gambling

1. Hot Offers

As a competitive business, online gambling can give so much to persuade gamblers. They could offer bonuses for new customers to sign up, i.e., additional 10-50% of their initial deposit to their bankroll, random deposit of money in customer accounts, and giving away vacations for particular levels of total money bet.

2. Better Rules

According to experienced online gamblers, online gambling has better rules compared to physical casinos.

3. Cozy Gambling

Of course, the online world makes online gambling another convenient way to have fun in the comfort of home.

4. Less Annoyances.

Troubles with drunken people, smokers, thieves. With online gambling these real casino troubles are avoided.

5. No Tipping Obligation.

Unlike playing in a real casino, you don't have to be obligated to tip the waiters and dealers.

Cons of Online Gambling

1. Patience is a Virtue

Cashing out can be a bit tedious with online gambling compared to real casino gambling. One may be prompted to wait for about 2-4 weeks for cashing out. With this in mind, the use of debit card is advised since with it, it is a lot faster to make your credit appear.

2. Customer Service Boo-Boos

Depending on where you play, you don't have that face to face confrontation power with the online gambling site. Some sites may offer toll-free calls and e-mail correspondence. But these are prone to delays compared to just talking to the casino manager or something to that effect.

3. Online gambling casino calls the shots.

With online gambling, the player may have to deal with the casino's word as the final word when any dispute surfaces.

4. Credit/Debit Card Overuse

Your ability to balance your credit or debit card statement might fail with online gambling because of the temptation to play at a lot of places.

5. Inaccurate transaction documentations.

Transactions don't usually have the name of the casino you played at but instead only the merchant bank is identified.

With this information, weigh the differences as to whether you prefer to do online gambling or not. As long as you don't get too hooked up on it and you're enjoying yourself, go ahead get a feel of the online world of gambling.

What You Don’t Know May Hurt You: Avoid Offline Gambling Scams

With commodities escalating to greater heights, more and more people are continuously are getting poorer each day. Here, there, and everywhere, people can be found seeking ways to sustain their daily lives.

Hence, getting into fraudulent activity is another way of combating the hard times. No wonder why people are experiencing scam-related activities these days, especially those who are into gambling activities. This is because in gambling, more people are easily enticed to engage into activities that will give them an easy way to win.

The Common Offline Gambling Scam

Contrary to most popular belief, gambling scams do not just happen in the Internet. In fact, surveys show that there are more people who get victimized by scammers off line than online.

One of the common gambling scams is the identity theft. This is so prevalent because most of the people who play in the casinos use their credit cards to buy the chips.

For people who are not aware of the scheme, they will fall easily as prey. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has estimated 350,000 to 500,000 of identity theft cases in the United States each year. This goes to show that more people are not as aware of how their identity gets to be stolen.

How to avoid them

There is no better way to avoid any kind of scam but to educate one’s self. Proper information about these activities will definitely help people identify any probable signs of scam at once. It is alarming to note that there are so many cases of scams these days just because people are not aware of them.

In the Financial Crimes Division of the Secret Service, authorities receive approximately 11 complaints a day from victims and 300 to 500 calls from people who have related problems. Most of the reasons why they were victimized were based on the fact that they did not know it was a scam and that the idea presented to them seemed okay.

Indeed, if people are just aware of the things that are happening around them, things would be better. So, in order to give those scammers the things that they truly deserve, it’s best to educate people about the activities so that they can easily report the fraudulent person at once.

As they say, ignorance is not an excuse. It really pays to know everything.

ONLINE GAMBLING GUIDE ...TO A BETTER GAME

When gambling online, select the casino site carefully to avoid being scammed. Review the site wisely. Don't just give your credit card number to the first site you find in the net. Take the time to ask yourself these questions:

*Is the site authentic? Look if it is government licensed. If not, go locate another site.

*Does the site have a twenty four hour toll free customer service support? If not, look for other sites.

*For slot machines and pokers, what is their smallest denomination? Look for a variety in denominations. They should have nickels, quarters, dollar as well as five dollar machines.

*How many versions of video poker do they offer? They should have at least three, because this will be your basis that the site has money for the software, therefore it can afford to pay you your winnings.

*Does the casino site have a place to record and keep track of purchases and cash out?

*What about customer care? Test them. By sending them an email with a question, you can assess their customer service.

*Does this site have a good reputation? What software does it use? Know how to collect your winnings. They should have detailed information about this.

*How many days will it take for you to claim your winnings? Certain sites require you to send them email stating your request. Others give payouts only once a month, and others every two weeks.

*What are the rules about bonuses?

When gambling online, here are a few pointers that should be of help:

*Do your homework. Play only at authentic sites.

*Allot a budget for a day's game. Never go beyond that budget.

*Gamble only with money that you can afford to lose. Don't gamble the money allocated for your home rental. You'll be needing help if you play this way.

*Never mix alcohol and gambling. They simply don't work together.

*Your data is to be protected at all times. When signing up, note that the casino should have a secure and data encrypted link. Identity theft is rampant on the internet.

*Spend ample time reading to familiarize yourself with the game.

*Play by statistics. Know the odds of the game. Study it by numbers. Hunches have no part in gambling.

*Just stick to the game. Never mind the gimmicks. Side bets, insurance and the "crapless craps" are offered in order to lure you to spend more so that the casino will make more money.

*Know when to call it quits. If you are already winning, stop. Don't try to win more, you may end up a big loser. If you are already losing more than your allocated daily budget, stop. There is always another day.

*Expect that you can lose the game. Casinos are in the business because they set the rules in such a way that the house's win is important. Generally, they have the edge over you.

A fact is that ninety eight percent of casino gambling is designed for recreation. Therefore, play to enjoy. To be entertained, you spend money. If it gets to a point where it is no longer fun to you, where you play beyond your means, then stop now, or else, you may not be able to stop later.

PERMISSIBLE GAMBLING

It's a fact that the legalization of some forms of gambling paved the way for the construction of gaming establishments catering for these services everywhere both public and private. While some argue that gambling forms part of social ills the public have to deal with, indeed, the many benefits gambling contributes far outweighs the social costs it generates.

Gambling has become increasingly popular. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services survey (2003), more than 80 percent of U.S. adults have engaged once in gambling in the previous year. This figure alone gives you an idea how much money is generated from this commerce.

There are a considerable number of legal forms of gambling and innumerable places to look for them but before jumping into those busy tables let's have some checklists determining which works best for you without you getting into trouble.

• Casinos are the way to go - If you would like to experience something more personal, land based casinos are the best place to go. Casinos accommodate majority of the most popular gambling activities. You can play games of all sorts from poker to slot machines.

• Stop, Look, and Listen! - More often than not friends and acquaintances provide you valuable information and help you decide which place is best place to sweat on that excitement.

• Go high-tech - Latest research shows that 2 out of 25 Internet users have wagered on gaming centers online. Love casinos but do not have much of time to travel? Try it online.

• Watch out for Software! - Legitimate gaming companies openly inform the public which gaming software they use to operate on their respective sites. Among those that still remain popular and are protected by gaming policies are Bossmedia, Wagerlogic, and Microgaming although some use Playtech or Cryptologic. Keep away from Iglobalmedia, Electra Games, Handa-Lopez.

• Lottery - For most of us who cannot afford casinos, there is still another way to make that bet! Lottery is the answer. This form of gambling is perhaps largely participated and the cheapest way to put wager on. Select and win!

• Gamble with Sports - If you love both worlds, a handful of organized sports events like football or baseball allows you to place your bets on your favorite team through official wagers or bookmakers. In fact a handful of card games made their way to sports. One of them is Poker while others are still being played in-house such as Baccarat.

• Gamble Responsibly - While it’s true that we gamble for entertainment, we cannot underestimate the fact that some are predisposed to addiction. Only spend what you can afford to lose!

ONLINE CASINO TRIVIA....Great bonuses!

What is online gambling?

Exceptional and wide choice of games
Allowing the gambler to train
Exercise and refine one's skill
Any game, at any time and anywhere

This is online gambling.

Considered as the fastest growing section on the internet, it offers online gaming such as poker, black jack, slots and a lot more. With its availability, a player can enjoy his games right in his home.

Though very overwhelming at first try, one gets to be at ease and enjoy the game in no time. For winners, casino offers bonuses that players look forward to. Trivia questions are one such bonuses or incentives given to the lucky player.

Bonuses are offered by almost all casinos online. This too, enables the player to try gaming without a large initial investment. This attracts people to play at certain sites, and hopefully keep on playing. Trivias are offered as incentives.

There are rules in bonuses or incentives. Try to familiarize yourself:

*The maximum amount that a player may win which comes with a free account is limited.

*For payouts on the amount won by a player that include free accounts will take a while to be cleared. Screening and checking of the individual's records is done meticulously.

*Free account may be withdrawn only through certain methods of payment.

*Before requesting payout, it is a must that free accounts be open for certain number of days beforehand.

Here are sites with corresponding bonuses:

River Nile Casino - $15 FREE + additional casino bonus

Lucky Emperor Casino - $10 FREE + additional casino bonus

Virtual City Casino - $10 FREE + additional bonus

Jackpot City Casino - $25 FREE + additional bonus

Aceshigh Casino - $15 FREE + additional casino bonus

Club Player Casino - $16 FREE + additional casino bonus

Crazy Vegas Casino - $10 FREE + additional bonus

Casino Kingdom - $16 FREE + additional bonus

Aztec Riches Casino - $10 FREE + additional casino bonus

Usually, one goes though this process:

*Choosing a safe and licensed casino with good payouts and offer bonuses is the right start for the amateur gambler.

*Then one has to download the free software to start the online gambling process.

*After which, the gambler sets an account, providing all details where they can send one their winnings. So it is important that one should carefully type in all data as correctly as possible.

*Then, one now can try the different games his chosen site has to offer.

*After lots of practice, and if one now is ready to play for real money, then go ahead. This requires payment though credit card, Western Union, Stormpay or NETeller. So choose your options well.

*It is then time to claim your bonus. Try out all the available games.

*Then, you can now claim your winnings! Check out your casino site for details on how to claim it.

*Enjoy !