Online Gaming

90 Ball Bingo: Where and how it started

2010-09-27T02:06:00.000-07:00

Most people nowadays know 90 ball bingo only as an online casino game, but actually has a long and colorful history offline. To start off, 90 ball bingo was not intended for gambling or casino.

This bingo variation originated in the United Kingdom way back in the 16th century. It was introduced then as a state-run lottery game and was more of a community activity event. Then this lottery game spread throughout Europe. By the 18^th century, it had evolved and developed into a bingo type of game.

In those times, the game wasn’t yet called Bingo; although games like lottery, tombola, housey-housey (famous in military camps), and beanie (famous in carnivals) have already come out and were played pretty much like how 90 ball bingo is played today.

Then in 1929, Edwin Lowe, the acknowledged inventor of 75 ball bingo, named the game as bingo. He happened to stop by a carnival wherein people where playing beano and someone (who had the number of his cards completely marked) shouted ‘bingo’ instead of beano. Lowe then went home and, as a happy camper, commercialized the game, sold it as a toy set, and called it bingo.

Later in the century, the game’s popularity rose and moved outside the United Kingdom. It eventually reached the United States and captivated American audiences.

Nowadays, thanks to technology, 90 ball bingo has become more known, and has even captivated players from Asian and Latin American countries. In fact, 90 ball online bingo is now one of the most popular online casino games offered by top casino portals.

Indeed, bingo has come a long way. Yet from the early paper cards to the latest virtual cards, virtual callers, and virtual payouts, the game and its enjoyment factor is still the same. And however it basically still ends with that awesome resounding shout: BINGO!

Server-based Gaming: Along the Course of Time

2010-08-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

Around middle of 2005, server-based gaming was still in the process of realizing what seemed to be a good concept for casino’s slot machines. Three years after, in 2008, server-based gaming realized full fruition. Manufacturers and operators started offering server-based slot machine games. A certain casino in MGM, for one, converted an entire floor of slot machines to offer the server-based gaming platform.

Basically, server-based gaming gives both the players and the operators the freedom to customize their gaming according to what they want. Operators can choose which features to use and include in their slot machines, according to individual preferences. These preferences include the ability to ‘change themes, promotions, the amount that can be wagered and the hold at a touch of a few keystrokes.’ Of course, this is exactly what made the platform very attractive to casino players.

On the players’ side, server-based gaming, allow a number of players to play across a series of machines and will also make it possible for the machine to keep track of the players progress. This allows player to rejoin in the previously saved game from a server even if the player plays at a different location.

Since its breakthrough in 2008, and it’s subsequent popularity among gamers, server-based gaming hasn’t gone all-out to casinos yet. Some still prefer the old slot machines. People even testified that sliding a coin through a machine and hearing the coins jingle as they drop on the plate was way more fun than online slot machines.

But the (cliché) argument remains; technology is rapidly advancing. Embracing what’s new doesn’t really mean forgetting the traditional. It’s true that many of the older generation and the traditional casino die-hards are no fans of online casino. But they are only a segment of the population. That’s why land-based casinos are still raking in a lot of cash. Meanwhile, those who prefer the online media may also enjoy casino games through their computer consoles and mobile devices.

Become a Professional Poker Player

2010-05-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

The journey from amateur to Professional Poker playing

Often I get asked – what makes a poker player a professional one? And my usual answer is – there isn’t any magic component of a list of rules to live by that will turn you into a professional poker player. Each person is unique and each of us usually has a different starting point. Some of us played since they were three years old, and some of us played for the first time in their twenties. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the first out of the two above will play better than the one will less years of experience; it just means that the path these two people will need to take on their journey of becoming a professional poker player is different.

Should I buy a ‘Learn how to play pro Poker’ book?

Well, this really depends on whether you are the type of person who usually manages to learn from books. If you are, than yes, defiantly buy a book. ‘Poker lessons and tips’ or ‘Poker for beginners’ books are an excellent way of improving your technique. There are many professional poker players who are willing to share their experience in order to earn extra cash from books selling. On the other hand, If you never had a good connection with books, don’t start with poker books. Enjoying the game will not turn you over night into an enthusiastic reader and will not give you the sadden ability to learn out of books.

Should I participate in poker forums?

Poker forums are a great way to get some answers for question or indecisions you may have for how to handle yourself in certain situations when you’re playing a poker game or a Texas Holdem tournament. The popular forums might even provide you with an almost instant answer to any question. Generally forums are a great example of the internet global community and how people enjoy helping one another if they can. Poker isn’t different in that way and you’ll always find someone that can and will answer your question.

Should I play in real money poker games?

Real money poker games are a great way to get you toughened up and turn your amateur gaming to a more professional one. When real money is involved you tend to be more careful with your decisions. Of course, you shouldn’t start playing with real money till you’ve played some free online poker games. There’s no point in jumping into the deep water till you’ve at least learn how to swim, or at least master the movements you need to do in order to prevent yourself from drowning. Free poker games are available in many forms. Two major ones are: free flash games, usually can be found in free games sites and the free games that are available in all major online poker rooms that offer real money poker games.

Should there be an online poker income tax?

2010-03-24T03:05:00.000-07:00

Almost every source of income of every individual faces the word TAX. According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, tax is a charge usually of money imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes.

The popularity of online poker has undeniably risen from where it took off. More people playing, betting, and winning. Some play poker for fun, while others treat poker as an alternative source of income aside from their usual 9-5 job.

Since people are earning from online poker, is it just right to impose tax on it too?

Other countries, like Canada, have imposed taxes on online poker. Maybe because they could see that it brings in more income to people, meaning for revenue or money for public use - and it's a good thing if it really would go for public use.

Other countries who ban online poker, or that it hasn't been legalized yet may not have seen this little advantage of the game. It could help one way or another. But that's speaking about the advantages of placing income on online poker on the side of the authorities or government.

The big question would be: would the people playing online poker like the thought of it? Maybe yes, if they do think about the welfare of most people and if they do think that it could help the community, state, or country in a way. But others may not like it. It's their alternative way of living, they earn extra money in playing the game to somehow help them earn extra money to get pass the day. With crisis looming over the corner, people would want to earn extra and earn big.

Would the people go for it? Would the people like the thought of it? Would the people love the effects of it? The things is... it's money matters, and it's complicated.

Iowa’s Online Poker situation a sudden turn

2010-03-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Long before, when legislators were eyeing to legalize online poker in United States, Iowa had the closest and most possible chance of having online poker not only legalized but also expanded in their state, they could have been the first state to have that “precious” legalization.

But what seemed to be a sure shot suddenly turned a little twist in the story. After two weeks of deliberation, the dreamy legalization of online poker in the state was erased and totally out of the picture. Iowan legislators cannot decide on what to do and how to do it. Plans on legalizing and expanding online poker in the state have been abandoned. This decision has been the result of long debates and arguments thrown by both sides of the case. Clearly, the opposition won.

While other states still have a pending case to solve regarding legalization of online poker as well, this case would most likely happen. The longer the debates, the more time would the opposition have to persuade the ones who agree to go to their side. The end part would be, if indeed they would be persuaded or if they’re will is strong enough to really pursue the legalization of online poker.

Online poker rooms’ St. Patrick’s Day Special

2010-03-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

You don’t need four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, and golden nuggets to get lucky because online poker rooms themselves have brought in some luck for their loyal online poker players.

Different freebies and discounts are given by online poker rooms so that their players would enjoy their share of luck on their St. Patrick’s Day specials. Some poker rooms offer a 50% reload bonus so that players could continue with their play - that’s double the gameplay and fun! Others offer bonuses on St. Patrick’s Day upon making a deposit and players would also receive additional funds once they unlocked a certain score or level. While some poker rooms, amazingly, places a huge amount up for grabs – a whopping $50,000.

With big bonuses and a big cash prize at stake on different online poker rooms, players would surely want to play in different poker rooms to take advantage of the poker game that they used to play. And this only happens on St. Patrick’s Day!

Online gambling arrests in China rampant

2010-02-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

Looks like the Chinese government are taking serious measures regarding online gambling.

Around 210 are confirmed to have committed online gambling crimes while 918 others are in custody. These numbers grew rapidly in just a span of 13 days. The efforts of the Chinese government in enforcing strict measures on online gambling have been all out in full force. They have issued a warning on cracking down illegal online gambling within the country including anyone who is operating, advertising, or any ties with an online gambling site.

This kind of enforcement, not meaning to judge how China does it, may bring a negative impact to the face of online gambling to the world. People from other countries have been trying their best to legalize online gambling only to see such scenario from other part of the world. It might not happen to where they are but it can be an inspiration to those who oppose the legalization of online gambling.

Are your credit cards still safe?

2010-02-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

There were a couple of posts on the web regarding the use of credit cards and other debit cards when making a deposit in online poker rooms. Most of them are warnings on when, where, how to use these cards in utmost safety that they wouldn’t fall in the hands of fraud… or even in the hands of the law.

Gambling online is an enough risk. You are already risking the money that your are betting whether you would gain something from it or you would lost it entirely. The risk of disclosing important personal information to a website that you don’t know who’s running is also a huge risk. You don’t know if confidential information are safe enough that it would not be used for scams and other fraudulent activities that some crooks could think of.

The danger of the use of credit cards is no news and is really one of the main concerns of online gaming and online gambling. These cards can easily be used and manipulated once it get in the wrong hands. Even though the information you give would be something that people could not do anything to go over your account, but people who are wise enough to know how to connect the dots would easily penetrate into that teeny-weeny security that lies between you and the bank.

Basically, your credit cards are safe if they are in the safe hands and if the confidential information is indeed kept confidential, then there is nothing or just less to worry about.

Online gambling on the line

2010-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

What seemed to be a long protest to legalize online gambling still remains but a dream to many poker fans. They have had a share of momentum when more and more people, even officials, who stood by their side and helped them push the legalization of online gambling. Although lately, that has not beent he picture. The Feds are on the run.

Just recently, a man has been caught and pleaded guilty in front of the jury for hosting online gambling in US states to a company in Costa Rica. This probe also brought famous online gambling company, Doyle's Room, in danger. The government's federal probe against illegal online gambling have been heading strong and are really investigating further on the issue.

This scene doesn't only happen in United States. The same case goes to South Africa. The country's online gambling has been temporarily stopped and is now illegal on the place. There have been no proper laws and regulation of online gambling, thus they would need to further study and investigate the case.

With these scenarios going on in the online gambling industry, it is still too far and too impossible to say that online gambling would really be legalized.

A flashback on online gambling

2010-02-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

The history of online gambling dates back in 1994, although systems and programs to make such has been there long before the internet has been introduced. It started with Carribean's Free Trade and Processing Act. Since then, people from different parts of the globe have the free reign to put up their own online casino. With the growing demand, software developers didn't lack the initiative to make and further update the needed software to operate and online casino.

In 1998, the world's festivity over the rise of online gambling was seemingly cut short. During that year, U.S. Senator Jon Kyl opposed online gambling with his Internet Gambling Prohibition Acts making it illegal for US companies and citizens to participate in any online gambling or online casinos. From then on, other countries have also made other laws with regards to the restriction of online gambling.

Today, online gambling has boomed into a wide and huge industry that a number of people - of different ages and gender. Its popularity rose tremendously that even in courts, poker players fight for its right to legalize it. It would be a long run but for these people, they would fight and do everything just to legalize an industry that they deem potential to the economic growth of the country.

Online gambling software work on security issues

2010-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Whether it's past or future security issues, online gambling software providers and developers are working double time to ensure that players would be completely secured. Even if they have placed the best of what they could do regarding security on their software and casinos, sometimes, the inevitable still happens - coz that's what technology is about.

Technology grows, expands, upgrades through time. At times, it would be a bit easy to catch up, and sometimes catching up gets too tiring that technology already left us behind.

As time goes and technology grows, people learn the ins and outs of software development, thus it's easier for them to do something else that is unproductive and, most of the time, harmful to the software and to the end users. No matter how advanced of a programming software developers are using, in time, would be compromised.

So as a new year welcomes the world of technology, the possibility of hacking, data mining, and phishing would once again threaten these online gambling software. And since online gambling software contains a lot of personal information and even access to bank accounts, tremendous research and change is needed to further develop its security.

Online Gambling's rise could also be its fall

2010-01-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

Undeniable popularity. Fighting for their rights. More and more players sign-up. Different games, styles. Easy and accessible. All these is what online gambling is all about.

It had become popular over the years with a lot of different variety for each of online gambling games. More and more people are getting into it and more companies has been embracing this kind of change too.

But as online gambling became enticing to many, more are also getting hooked and is risked to become a compulsive gambler. With a chance to win a huge amount of fortune with just a click of mouse, the game could really be addictive especially if a new player has been welcomed with a big win. Win or lose, a player would want to play again either to win more or to try and win back the amount lost. Time will come and that person will strongly be obsessed and addicted to the game.

Compulsive gambling is not a new issue - with or without online gambling. The number of compulsive gamblers in traditional casinos alone is high. Now that it has become more accessible, the more that compulsive gambling has soared in numbers. This is one factor that makes it difficult for online gambling to be legalized in US.

What could give a possible rise of popularity, revenues, marketability, and the likes to online gambling, the after-effect (whether long-term or short-term) may at the same time bring it to the brink of its downfall.

An addition to Sega's gaming platform

2010-01-19T18:04:00.000-08:00

Sega, a gaming industry known for its various and top-selling video games, just adds something to their online gaming platform that most people would probably look forward to.

Sega recently acquired casino games from CTXM, an online casino provider. Sega is hoping that the entry of this new online gaming platform for their company would also give an impact on the online gambling industry. Compared to their competitors, Sega is taking a step further in giving out games that would interest their audience even more. Since online gambling has been very in demand for the past year and since the market is growing in numbers, the company could hope for an edge versus competition.

Now, Sega's line-up would be more than just Sonic the Hedgehog running around your screens or exciting fight scenes of Virtue Fighter. They offer more than that - they now have poker, roulette and blackjack to add their growing list of online games.

To experience Sega's new online gaming platform involving online gambling, visit SEGAPoker.com and SEGACasino.com.

Easy Online Casino Signup through your mobile phone

2010-01-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

2009 could be called the Rise of the Smart phones. Undeniably, smart phones have been in anybody’s hand. People walk around the street with that little device in their hand – little device but with big (overly huge) possibilities of doing everything and anything. That’s smart phone for you.

If you’re into online gambling and would love to bring your online casino everywhere you go, with technology these days that’s nowhere near impossible.
Smart phones plus online casinos – an equation made possible by software companies who has been working on smart solutions to enable users to bring their online casino experience with them wherever they go. They do this minus the great risks of privacy and security invasion.

Thanks to Microgaming software, it is now easy to sign up in an online casino through your smart phone with high security. Plus, it’s easy. All you need is to register your phone number or email address and country number, receive an email with your activation code, activate your account, and you’re good to go.

Easy. Simple. Secure. That has been the thing for online casinos nowadays. Maybe in the near future, more and more software companies and online gambling operators would cater into these new technology of online casino gaming.

Online Casinos: More than just grabbing the bucks

2009-12-18T04:19:00.000-08:00

Online casinos. Often thought as a place where people gamble taking out all their money and try their luck to double it. People would think that online casinos are places of temptation and sin that could lead to further destruction. People judge it in just what they see outside not knowing that for these poker players, it is something more.

For casino players, they see online casinos as an avenue wherein they could break free from the stresses of work and other things that they are busy about. Yes, it could be for the money and all, but there are really just players who play for the sake of playing. Money might still be at risk but these players don’t really place all their bets in. They probably are the wisest players when it comes to financial risk involving online casinos.

Online Casinos: Helping an aging mind’s mental stimulation

2009-12-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

“Studies have shown that 70 percent of elderly people in the US had participated in a gambling game of some sort in the last year.” –Ed Bradley

You got that right. Studies in the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University showed that indeed, more and more elderly or aging people get themselves involved in various online games lately. This is because online games in online casinos (like blackjack and poker) help stimulate the mental ability of the elderly. These aging people are not only exercising their brains on how to operate the computer but they are doing more to that – they are strategizing and trying to gain focus as they play in online casinos.

These kinds of activities, as study shows, help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia – two diseases that comes in aging people. Highly-encouraged or not, online games in online casinos indeed help aging people to still keep their full mental function and slow down its deterioration.

FBI says cheating is easy in online poker

2009-12-05T02:19:00.000-08:00

News has it that FBI finds online poker cheat-prone.

According to a top FBI official’s letter to US Rep. Spencer Bachus, online poker could easily be cheated and could be done in various methods. Written on the 13^th of November, Shawn Henry said that “online poker vendors could detect this activity and put in place safeguards to discourage cheating, although it is unclear what the incentive would be for the vendor.”

What Henry said might be correct. Quite a few times, keen observant have seen such glitches in online poker. But the thing is, he should have not generalized his conclusion as true to all online poker operators, online casinos and poker rooms. The fault of one can’t be the fault of everybody. If one has ruined reputation because of its vulnerability to online poker cheating, it should not speak and stain those online poker operators who have had a good performance.

This testimony could be used against online gambling legalization, but it is not a strong enough argument to put down a strong force of followers of online gambling. They would need more proof on this than just mere observation and letters with statements that online gambling is prone to cheating. They would need more than just the drive to stop or slow down the move to legalize online gambling.

Celebrate Christmas in Online Casinos

2009-12-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

No, no, no. I don’t mean spend your holidays facing the computer and play online poker and the likes. I don’t think your family would like that thought (they might hunt me down if I’ll say so!). What I meant is just probably feeling the spirit of Christmas when you log in to your favorite online casinos.

If people are jumping up and down in decorating their homes, offices, vehicles, and even their gadgets, then why can’t online games software developers and online casino operators have the same Christmassy look and feel in gaming?

Probably by now, an online casino or two is designing their sites to make their constant gamers feel that it is Christmas. Poker tables, online slots, and other online games can be designed as such to give a little scent of Christmas in their scene.

It’s not much on sensationalizing Christmas. It’s more on giving people a tinge of the Christmas season so that win or lose, they would still leave the online casino happy and satisfied.

Online gaming issues: Are we losing culture and ethics?

2009-11-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

The virtual world – a little haven for people who are sort-of anti-social, and probably their preferable place to socialize instead of doing such in the real world; and in this kind of world where you communicate to someone quite anonymous with only a pseudonym and/or picture as identity, it is easier to make enemies and more difficult to make friends.

Zooming in, online gaming comprises more slice of the pie in the virtual world. People would love to have a few games at hand, wanting to excel on it compared to millions of people who want to do just the same. And in the virtual gaming world, can we still think of proper attitude, culture, and gaming ethics? First things first, are there such thing?

There may not be any but common sense would tell us that there is. Where are all the manners that our parents teach us while we were kids? In online gaming, they are forgotten.

China aired out on the goal of most online games: killing monsters and even human characters. They see this as something that would influence the physical activities and mental thinking of minors. True enough, most online games (especially RPG) are violent and full of gore. But there is more to violence than what people see on the game. Outside that is something more dangerous.

In an article found through the net entitled Online Gaming’s Dirty Little Secret, it stated:

Fast-forward to the current generation of games, and hearing racial epithets like the "n word" or homophobic slang like the "f word" shouted online is more commonplace than you might want to believe. Meanwhile, women who play in the male-dominated world of online gaming sometimes find themselves the victims of sexually suggestive comments and gender-based taunting.

We rant about these but, who should take action? There are not much regulations with regards to online violence. Some countries have, some countries don’t. Measures should be taken but if it’s online, it is quite inevitable.

Game developers should take the first step with regards to this matter since they’re the ones who are feeding the people with violence. With their games, it is like telling the people that violence is fun. It may not be their main goal in making such games but, have they thought about it when they made such games? Maybe no. Or maybe yes – but maybe they just disregarded ethics over marketability.

Social Media on online poker? Possible.

2009-11-16T00:20:00.000-08:00

Online poker software has become plain and too simple. It has stayed that way for quite a long time that most players are used to the boring facade they see while they play. The usual interface, the usual actions - entirely the usual gaming. It stayed long that way because it's what's working for everybody. Players of all ages, novice or veteran, or those who are used to playing online or those who play traditional finds the online poker software working for them. They could play any game and at any table that they want, and they could make use of that old platform, use it as an advantage and earn like there's no tomorrow.

But what if an online poker software company would include social media to online poker? It is highly possible.

A lot of gaming companies are now including social media in their gaming. Some would acquire existing social gaming platforms while some do a little gamble and try something new and place their games on social networking sites. Slowly but surely, it is working for them, and it is working for the gamers. How much more in poker?

Online poker is widely played. With proper control over the money at stake and with enticing game bonuses, this online game has been known worldwide and even invading reality television. It's popularity is undeniable. And so does social networking. With these two combined, it would be a winning platform already.

Imagine players getting so excited to play and would really try their best so that they can brag themselves on Facebook! Or probably players can invite other players to join in their table, or even encourage them to get into online poker. It's hitting two birds with one stone.

So probably in the coming days, we would expect that kind of online poker platform to come to surface.

Online Poker Software that could aid in your playing

2009-11-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

In a world where poker dominates, online gamers have seen tough and enjoyable competition in playing such game. Every player would want to place their A-game in every table they invade. But with constant advancement of technology, one could never help but to seek for virtual aid in their gaming. Thus, the creation of 3^rd party software.

In poker, these 3^rd party software helps a player a step further in winning a poker game. It isn’t necessarily cheating. It is just like calling a friend to help you with your cards out, only that it is virtual.

There are different kinds of 3^rd party software that players used in online poker. We’ll discuss each one briefly, give you a few ideas about it and hopefully give a valuable insight in helping you with your game.

CALCULATORS

Calculators are 3^rd party software that helps the player find odds and possible combinations of the cards he’s playing. The probability of these combinations plays around all the cards in the deck - cards both on the deck or those at the hands of the opponents.

Often, calculators are seen to be deceiving and known to be a software for cheating. But it isn’t really CHEATING. It’s simply showing what probably combinations could be used. The calculator cannot and does not reveal the cards of the opponents, so it’s simply like the player’s mind thinking of combinations only that the computer is doing it for him.

BOTS

There are also a few misconceptions of bots. Bots, in others’ understanding, bots makes instant money for a player in a certain pot. Although these bots really exist, but the real purpose of bots is to play for a player.

The bot is turned on, and does the playing for the player in case he is on a game and would badly need to do an errand – or have a visit in the toilet. It simply plays for the player.

TRACKERS

Poker trackers are probably the most helpful 3^rd party software - it may not be of the time being of poker playing, but its long-term contribution would make it very helpful.

Poker trackers track down the number of wins and losses, good and bad hands, betting patterns, and the likes. These factors would easily help players, especially the beginners, to track their gaming and further learn from their playing patterns helping them make a better move in their next games.

Third party software are okay, as long as the intentions on using them are clean. They aid, they help. They don’t mean to destruct, they don’t mean to cheat. And as far as online poker is concerned, there might still be a lot to do to make sure that these software are indeed safe. But as of the moment, if one player intends to use such in playing online poker, he should be careful and responsible in using it.

Online poker software to “stalk” players

2009-10-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

Now, an online poker software adds fun to poker playing by allowing the players to “stalk” other poker players. Don’t take it that serious though. Give it a read and know why.

A software called Player Stalker is a poker buddy list that would allow players to create a list of poker buddies and could track if they would go online (just like how instant messenger works). A player can enter the screen name, and if the player is online the software would give information like the casino and table where that certain player is. This online poker software is helpful to track friends on where they are currently playing or having their poker sessions.

Security is of no worry with this online poker software. The player being tracked is notified instantly when a player tracks him around and if their account is accessed.

An additional feature for this innovative online poker software is that a person can simply add other players and keep track of their own account through alerts via SMS messages through their mobile phones, e-mail, and other widely-used instant messaging software.

For those who are interested to give Player Stalker a try, there is an available 7-day free trial. Once the trial expires, they could subscribe to Lite Level (at $20 per month), Standard Level (at $30 per month) and Full Package with an equivalent of 150 text messages per month. Any level of this online poker software would allow unlimited number of people to stalk.

Basically, it isn’t the scary tactic type of stalking we’re talking about here. It’s the safe tracking of friends that might lead and endless fun on casino tables making sure you make the most out of your online poker playing.

How can online gaming rise from the fall

2009-10-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

The sudden recession and emergence of the global economic crisis has brought different industries into a decline of sales and revenues. A lot of companies have suffered losses, and left them to the choice of manpower-cutting increasing the unemployment rate.

Rising from the sudden fall is a big challenge for every affected company and one industry that has been greatly affected is online gaming. Sales have been low on software and consoles, not all patrons of their products still have the purchasing power and demands are getting low. What marketing strategy should they do? Should they decrease price and production and increase promotion? Would there be a win-win solution?

For online gaming, it has been and would be a great struggle to keep players on playing and purchasing their products. One thing that they could do is make a better version, improving the development of online games that they make. Once players would see a great improvement that they could take advantage of from the game, they would surely purchase the product to enjoy online gaming further.

Or they could take the risk of making new games from fresh ideas and the likes. They could probably take the advices or requests from avid gamers who purchase and use their products in a maximum level. From this, they could make a little transition of releasing a new game for a cheaper price before they sell the usual top-selling online games on its usual price.

Another challenge on the online gaming industry is how to lessen the cases of piracy. Piracy has brought a great impact in the loss of sales of these online games developers. Since people have lesser purchasing power, they would prefer cheaper software although it is pirated. Once piracy would lessen, online gaming companies can bounce back from the recession.There are many possible ways to rise online gaming from the economic fall. It would all depend on implementation and promotion, and who is willing to take the risk for change.

Problem Gambling: Signs and Cure

2009-10-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

One most debatable fact in the fight to legalize online poker is the possibility of a player to get into problem gambling. Problem Gambling is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop.

Problem gambling is more feared to occur in the existence of gambling online since games like blackjack, baccarat, and poker are already made available and accessible with just a simple click.
If you, or a close family or friend, love playing online gambling games, then you should check if there are existing signs and symptoms that might lead to a serious problem gambling.

One sign is when you try to keep gambling a secret. You don’t tell anyone, not even your spouse. You secretly access through gambling sites and you make a secret bank account where you keep your bets and winnings. Another sign is once you start gambling, it is difficult to leave the poker room and your pc. You tend to gamble until the very last dollar you have, and when you lost some, you would still gamble to make up for lost bucks.

You can also detect problem gambling symptoms from family and close friends. One could probably be nearing problem gambling when he/she has been overly defensive when the topic of gambling comes out, and even though he/she wasn’t tagged would suddenly become defensive as if the comments lead to him/her. And since gambling involves money, your loved ones or close friends might be in deep trouble if they hide their finances from the people close to them, and would sometimes borrow some money.

All these signs can be prevented, and for those who are already indulged into the game of gambling can still be cured.

There are various support groups for those who experience problem gambling. One could be also sent to a therapist. Even simple gestures of cure (like separating and abstaining oneself to using and accessing the computer) can help a person recover from such disorder.

Cheats, Hacks, 3rd Party Software: Possible in Online Poker?

2009-10-09T04:16:00.000-07:00

In every poker software, there is always a brilliant mind behind it all. From the interface to coding, each developer of an online poker software is working a step further to make their software better, hence satisfying their clients and customers.
But other “brilliant” minds are working contrary to these developers. Is hacking really possible for online poker software?

Hacking a poker software is hardly possible and remains a myth until now. There was one case of an online poker site being hacked but that was only because there was a flaw in a random number generation code. Since then, this problem has been addressed to and has been fixed. The encryption of the different poker software has been updated making it impossible for hacking.

It has also been said that there are certain sites that has cheats on it (for additional cash or to have a better hand) but it was never proven. Like hacking, cheats on online poker software is hardly possible. These software are made to have a strong protection against hacking and cheating to assure security in a player’s game play.

3rd party software, however are possible. There are certain poker bots and poker calculators that can aid a player’s game of poker but are barely harmful or can’t be called cheating. They help in strategizing and keeping records on the player’s game.However a hacker would like to invade a poker software, a good online poker software developer would always make sure that the poker software they develop is 100% hack and cheat proof.

The unending cycle of online poker strategies

2009-09-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

A lot of resources about online poker playing have been distributed worldwide – whether online or in books. They can speak about poker tips and strategies that a player could use in his game. The more it would be helpful to a gamer if it came from poker experts and those who have been in the game for quite some time. Hence, beginners would know the ins and outs of poker playing and would learn how to play the game effectively in just a quick span of time. What these experts have learned for months and years of playing can now be learned in a matter of hours or days. That is most possible with online poker since a player can play hundreds (or even thousands) of tables in a day.

But as strategies are often being used and as game play progress, individuals would see the strategy pretty much repetitive, would find it pretty boring, and would want to start something new. Thus, the need for a refresher.

While experts expose their gaming secrets, individuals who are learning them are also discovering strategies on their own making a counter-strategy. When all seems so “usual”, their counters would be the next masterpiece in online poker playing. And the cycle starts there.

In online poker, once a strategy is learned, practiced, and perfected, a counterpart would always emerge as a winning strategy. And as the discovering of strategy and trends goes on, so does the counter-strategies. How this would end is unknown. How this started is much easier to answer – it started with one good strategy.

Tips for Online Poker

2009-09-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Poker enthusiasts are always in search for tips and strategies on how to have a better game in online poker. Each tip and strategy they learn would all be a part of winning the game. Simply sitting, joining and playing in an online poker room can give lots of ideas to players on how they should play poker.

The game of online poker is pretty tricky. You learn a tip here, but what you learned could also be used against you. Just like fast check. If your opponent checks instantly, it is a good sign. You could wager in a reasonable amount and possibly earn the pot. However, the experts would use this against you. They would probably check so that you’ll raise the amount in the pot not knowing they have a better hand.

Another tip that can go around against you is to wait before you put on a wager. When you got a good hand, you need to wait for the others to place a bet in order for you to place your bet and hopefully get most of your opponents’ money. The caution here, however, is to be careful for those who are also taking a longer time to bet. They might be just after the same goal as you are or they may just be bluffing.

But there are also tips that can work really well with you, whatever game of online poker you are player or whatever is your strategy. You probably have read in various websites and blogs on this one: betting patterns. A player should note the betting patterns of his opponents – when they bet high and when they bet low, and how much they bet with strong cards and weak cards. Cliché it may seem but this is one good poker tip one should take note of. It is in observing how others would play will you know how to play the game.

Basically, poker tips are just for guidance and not for strict compliance. It is not your 100% ticket to winning. It’s a matter on how one would take on the tips and use it in their online poker game.

Reference:
http://www.internet-poker.co.uk/Poker-Strategy/Top-Online-Poker-Tips/

On Ireland’s Online Gambling Industry

2009-09-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

With the rise of online gambling, probably every corner of the world has been venturing in the said industry, and many more are making their moves to legalize online gambling in their respective places. As much as the government would push the disadvantages of online gambling – like gambling addiction and probable frauds – it is still undeniable that this said industry could possibly bring great revenues to a country. That has been the hold of online gamblers in what seems to be a very long debate on online gambling’s legalization.

However, in Ireland, their country’s online gambling industry is way far behind and probably, you could say, is living in the past. Their gambling industry remains regulated by the Betting Act of 1931, “an act to make provision for the better regulation and control of persons engaged in the business of bookmaking, and for that and other purposes to amend the law relating to betting and betting-houses”; and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, “an act to amend the law relating to gaming and lotteries”. These laws barred Ireland to make online gambling possible within Ireland, making it quite a waste for Ireland’s big contribution in the online gambling industry.

According to the co-director of Gaming and Leisure Association, David Hickson, Ireland has “a great opportunity to expand into the online casino sector”. This means that Ireland is a potential country to operate online casinos but are just really prohibited to be so because of their online gambling laws.

If only Ireland would make a move, like the US, to legalize online gambling in their country, they could possibly provide approximately 5,000 new jobs and can give their employees a worthy salary for them to enjoy. Also, this could be a good avenue, like other countries, for Ireland to get good revenues by placing the right percentage of tax on the possible online casinos that they could produce.

And if Ireland would make a move, they should move now or they might lose a big opportunity in online gambling now that every country is starting to, also, make a move about it.

Online Poker once again hits the TV screens

2009-09-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

It’s one reality show after the other for online poker. After the launching of G4’s “2 Months, $2 Millions”, another poker reality TV show is set to hit the airwaves soon.

Rounders House is a new reality TV show that, like the rest of online poker reality shows, will feature poker players playing poker inside a house surrounded by camera 24/7. The concept is more of online poker playing and Big Brother in one. The show is set to be filmed in Las Vegas this autumn.

Rounders House contestants should compete and win in various online poker tournaments to qualify for the show. What’s at stake is a 4-days stay in Vegas – airfare, food, and lodging provided, play poker and receive instructions from the pool of poker pros, live tournaments, and of course, money and fame.

Every day, the qualified contestants will be faced with challenges, play poker, and win some cash for themselves and (here’s the twist!) for their chosen charity.

Online poker doing publicity to hopefully gain attention is probably one of their ways to promote online poker for officials to consider the game as “acceptable”. This might be the most credible evidence they could hand on the table to prove that there is nothing illegal with online poker gambling.However, the contestants being set to play in the show should also show the earnestness towards this goal and be responsible in the kind of gaming that they would put up in playing online poker in the show – and they should try to see what the show’s goal is. They should know that this show is for not just for the money, but also for the future of online poker in United States – even if they’ll just play pretend, it would be the least that they could do.

Online gaming laws in Italy changes

2009-09-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

Being a worldwide concern, a big change in Italy’s online gaming laws would seem like a big leap to people’s plea on legalizing online poker.

Brought about by recent events, Italy’s online gaming regulator Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (AAMS) would be allowing operators to offer poker cash games, casino games and new forms of betting by the end of the year. Due to the earthquake that happened last April, and the failure of Italy’s ISP blocking system, the future legal changes of the country’s egaming is closely possible to fully legalizing online gambling in the country which most of the involved parties are delighted about.

According to Carlo Gualandri, chief executive of Italian poker site Gioco Digitale, in his Right to Reply written last month that this move of Italy’s online gaming regulator has come to no surprise. What they’re more concerned about is to how and when this implementation and legalization would happen. All that they need to do is “to provide a complete portfolio of online products defined in a legal and regulated form”.

These legal regulations on online gaming set by Italy would soon be copied and followed by France, but having this situation however, would not really assure an effective egaming regulation in different parts of the European market.

This issue on legalizing online gaming and gambling isn’t just an issue in Italy or in the United States, and it is not merely an issue of the government holding tight on their present laws or the people pushing their plight to change it. This is more of freedom, what people would want and knowing that there are limitations in what they are asking for. As of now, people could just settle on this stage of pushing and fighting the tug-of-war of online gaming legalization.

Oppositions on online poker legalization

2009-08-26T00:44:00.000-07:00

If the battle in legalizing online poker in California was tough, an opposition on the said legalization is making it all tougher. Online poker legalization has been a long battle over the legislature. Online poker has been banned in 2006 through Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, together with the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act. With these, it had been difficult to online poker players based in some US states to enjoy online gambling.

Within that period until today, poker enthusiasts have been fighting for online poker legalization, and just last month, a much improved move to for legalizing online poker has been passed – the Internet Poker and Games of Skill Regulation, Protection, and Enforcement Act by New Jersey Senator Robert Mendez.

The said bill proposed for online poker legalization in US states – with that, the government is entitled to regulation online poker gambling, enforcement of these regulations, and protect online poker players against fraudulent online poker rooms. This, as said in the proposal, would help both the government and the community – the government would earn revenues as the community enjoys the privilege of playing skills games online.

But just recently, Sacramento Democrat Senator Darrel Steinberg aired out a statement stating that no version of the bill is likely to be brought before the California Legislature before the current legislative closes. He said that it would take a much more longer time to make a concrete plan on regulating online poker, and that it would also take as much time in analyzing online poker’s potential economic benefits.

Top supporters of the bill, however, fears that opposing online poker legalization would bring further delay of the bill’s approval giving the opposition a time to construct execute more campaigns in opposing the legalization of online poker gambling in some US states.

Poker Personalities on reality TV shows: Is this part of a poker publicity stunt?

2009-08-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

A poker reality show, “2 Months, $2 Million”, just launched through G4 network with their pilot network last August 16. The show is starred by online poker pros Jay Rosenkrantz, Emil Patel, Brian Roberts and Dani Stern. The show’s plot is: these poker players play poker for the duration of 2 months aiming to win $2 million in a joint bankroll. They will all stay in a 10,000 square foot home equipped with large 50-inch plasma screens and computers to play online poker. They will be surrounded with cameras following their every move.

If this is a show for mere publicity of poker or of online poker companies, we don’t know. But this sure is a great poker game platform if advertising and publicity really matters.

This is not the first time that poker has been exposed to reality shows. Prior to these shows, poker personalities have been part of reality shows. People could think that this is merely a publicity stunt – or this might be part of a poker game platform. Poker has been shouting justice for a long time, anyways. Shouting out for publicity wouldn’t be something new.

Personalities like Jean-Robert (Survivor), Annie Duke (Celebrity Apprentice), Maria Ho and Tiffany Michelle (The Amazing Race), and even poker celebrity model Jennifer Korbin (Solitary V3.0) involved themselves in reality shows representing the poker community, consciously or unconsciously; willingly or unwillingly. Letting the people understand that there are advantages in poker playing is the best representation they could display in these shows. Their skills, strategies, and abilities led and would lead them to winning.

And if these are all publicity stunts or not, still, this kind of exhibit could be part of a poker game platform… or maybe a platform for the whole poker community to be known, recognized, and legalized.

Online Poker Calculators and its so-called “Issues”

2009-08-11T02:35:00.000-07:00

In the search of poker enthusiasts to up their online poker gaming, various software have been programmed and developed to aide poker players in their game. Third-party software exists to help players make a move or even anticipate their opponents’ next move. The most common among these is Poker Calculator.

Poker Calculators are third-party poker software that reads and calculates all the table data and displays all of the valuable information you need to improve your play. This includes all game statistics and odds in real-time.

These poker calculators, however, may or may not be allowed in some poker sites. To some, they are strict with third-party software. While others, it’s not an issue or whatsoever. But is it appropriate to use poker calculators? And is it secured?

It can be on some sites that allow the use of these. If the others could use it, then why couldn’t you? These are only “aides” in your gaming. It doesn’t really tell you the opponents’ cards. And even if your opponents are not using poker calculators, if they are pros of the game, they can just calculate everything in their mind.

But since these poker calculators enable the receiving of data from other online poker players, security, then, becomes a question. It might have a reverse effect. These poker calculators are not only calculating pots and bets, but also online poker player statistics – statistics that you might not want to be known. You might not want your winning “strategy” be busted and change it. It might take a lot of time to find another winning strategy.Cliché as it may sound, but everything comes with consequences – just like using a poker calculator. It might help you win big in online poker, but it could backfire on you and could lose big.

Online Gambling License gives You the Edge

2009-08-04T03:00:00.001-07:00

Of the thousands of online gambling casinos and online poker rooms accessible to the entire web, the competition of having the greater market is stiff. You would want to mix and match different online marketing strategies to put your online gambling business to the top. It would take a while though to really put up that name in the competition, but having an online gambling license is always the first step.

Obtaining an online gambling license would put your online gambling business an edge. In various online gambling casinos and poker rooms, a lot have been swarming without licenses, possibly just some frauds raking money illegally on poker players. It’s an edge because it would give your gambling business a sense of security and reliability – an impression that you would want to put upfront. Users would have confidence in playing in your online casino or poker room, giving you a greater chance to earn big with your business.

This would also gain your user’s trust that their money being deposited and their winnings are on safe hands. And basically, acquiring an online gambling license would make your business accessible to majority of your consumers since many countries would really require those who wish to operate an online gambling site a gambling license. Without a gambling license, your business would possibly be terminated or even be of criminal responsibility.

Having a gambling license would remove suspicions from online gamblers about your online gambling site. Users would easily determine the obvious difference of sites that are reliable or not through the license that they got. With a lot of gambling jurisdictions to choose from (Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, St Kitts, Dominica, Curacao and Vanuatu to name a few) it wouldn’t be much of a hassle to get an online gambling license.

Bluffing is twice as tricky in online poker gambling

2009-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Bluff: verb: a: to deter or frighten by pretense or a mere show of strength b: deceive c: feign. That is more of the formal definition of bluff. But if you talk about bluff in online poker gambling, to bluff is to bet or raise with a hand that will fold enough better hands to be profitable.

A player bluffs in online poker to make the other players believe the he has a dominant hand over them, thus they would be forced to fold giving the player a greater chance of winning. Bluff is one of the key strategies in playing poker in general, also applicable in online poker gambling. Although bluff is one of the poker strategies, it doesn’t necessarily have a rule to follow. Nobody can teach anyone ‘how’ to bluff. Probably, the strategy is more on ‘when’ to bluff.

Bluffing is no science – it is an art but it gets more difficult to bluff and read a bluff in online poker gambling. Online, you can’t read the eyes and hear the conversation of your opponent to give you a hint if the player is indeed bluffing or not. There is even a greater chance that your opponents would not notice your bluff if they’re distracted with lots of things. Plus online poker rooms change players from time to time, you won’t even get the chance to feel the other players. Players would also probably easily makes reckless calls on your bluff when you are playing online than playing in real casinos.

Don’t be discouraged though, if only you get the hang of bluffing on online poker gambling, it would possibly make you win it. Just remember that bluffing is about timing, position, and who you are playing with.

Government vs. People: Their say on Online Poker Gambling

2009-07-24T03:32:00.000-07:00

The fight for the legalization of online poker gambling is all over the place. Government says no, people says go. In this game of tug-of-war, both parties have been pulling the ropes hard, but who’s arguments can “out pull” the other?

The government says no to online poker gambling. Laws have been implemented to clamp down online poker playing – laws like the Security and Accountability For Every (SAFE) Port Act, an act covering port security and to which an online gambling measure was added to the last moment, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, an act prohibiting on acceptance of any payment instrumental for unlawful internet gambling.

But how could the government stop online poker gaming when it could help the country’s economy? That’s the online poker community talking.

The Poker Players Alliance, on the other hand, keeps on pushing for the bill to legalize online poker gambling with the help of some state representatives. Rep. Barney Frank introduced a bill that would legalize online poker gambling. The legalization of online poker playing would, as they propose, help the country’s economy through the revenues they would earn from online poker playing. The online poker population has grown enormously the past years and could still possibly grow in the years to come. More poker players who would want to put up an amount of money for online poker gaming would mean more revenue. Still, the bills introduced still remain as bills.

The government isn’t riding in this proposal, but the online poker gambling community wouldn’t back off without putting up a fight. Would the government only agree to the people when the country’s economy would drastically go down? Only time could really tell which argument would finally out pull the other in the game of online poker gambling legalization tug-of-war.

Online poker gambling could probably save economy

2009-07-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

Rebuttals have been thrown back and forth in opposing parties as the debate on online poker gambling in the US continues. The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) has been seeking political support to help push the bill to legalize playing of online poker games.

As US government bans people from playing online poker games, PPA says the government should regulate online poker gambling instead. Whereas to ban is to prohibit, to regulate speaks of a different case. Banning online gambling would mean stopping people from gambling online, making laws and their respective sanctions if caught playing, operating, and processing online transactions (referring to banks and other financial institutions). This would be quite an impossible case since they can’t totally barge in to someone’s internet activities. Banning would cause a long debate with online poker enthusiasts too.

But if the government would agree in regulating online poker gambling, that would be another case - probably leading to a win-win situation. Regulation would be advantageous to both the government and the online poker community. Online poker gamers need not fuss about laws and whatnots anymore if ever online poker gambling would be legalized. And if gamers enjoy the freedom of being able to play online poker, the government should also be twice as delighted since regulating online poker gambling would lead to bigger revenues. In the current economic situation of the United States, the revenues they would earn from online gambling would be much help to lift the economic crisis.

The danger now would lie on online poker scams and obsessive gambling that has a chain effect. The regulation of online poker gambling could somehow save players from scams by subjecting taxes. Also, regulating can help track players who are gambling beyond their limits and could possibly help them seek help from professionals.

The Dangers of Online Poker Software Development

2009-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Recently, online gambling has come to its peak challenging software companies to meet the demands of the online gambling community. Let’s take online poker software development for example.

There have been developments and redevelopments of online poker software and the process continues as technology forwards and as people demand for more.

Online poker have been widely known and used by online gamers throughout the globe making online poker software development more challenging. Various companies attempted to increase the quality of their online poker game to meet certain needs of the players.

However, there are dangers that gaming developers fear in developing online poker games. Developing companies are challenged to make a script that no other companies could copy. There have been previous incidents of pre-copyright pirating, which means that a copy of the developed software has been released by another company before it has been released by the original company. Aside from these, the usual pirating and distribution of online gambling software would be the most difficult to get rid of.

These cases are inevitable in online poker software development since their software are for public consumption. Also, competing companies could easily take notes of the development of other company’s released game. Game developers, in general, have made measures to minimize gaming software piracy like enforcing IP protection, seeking help from the government for strong implementation of intellectual right laws, and the basic use of registration keys. Measures are not totally piracy-free, but online games development companies are seeking for more effective ways to counter piracy.

Undeniably, online poker games have built a strong foundation of online gaming. Yet piracy could kill the online poker software development industry. Fighting piracy is not only the responsibility of online gaming companies, but it’s also the responsibility of every consumer of such software.

Betstopper Aims to Make the Web Kid Friendly

2009-07-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

Pretty soon parents can prevent their kids from gaining access to online gambling sites even if they are not there watching. This software is predicted to be so successful that an agreement is already in place between the software development company and the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation.

BetStopper, is the first of its kind to completely block online gambling and pretty soon porn, other adult web content, as well as other social networking sites. The application aims to monitor and moderate the children's online activity since BetStopper also enables parents to schedule days and times that kids can gain access to the internet. The best thing about it is that its FREE.

With Betstopper soon to be out and about in every child's computer, some would say that the UIGEA Bill is now outdated. The main arguement used by the supporters of this bill is that children are able to potentially gamble using their parent's account - and BetStopper eliminates this problem.

Currently, the software is only available for download in Nova Scotia, Canada. This region served as the pilot testing grounds for the software since they have alarming rates of underage gamblers. If and when BetStopper proves to be a big success in Nova Scotia, it is hope that it will then be extended to rest of the world.

So far the results of the test were extremely positive:

80% found the software easy to use
88% say they are more aware of the risks of online youth gambling
78% were motivated to talk to their children about the risks of online gambling
92% think BetStopper is an effective youth gambling prevention tool
99% believe it is important that NSGC make the software available to Nova Scotian families

CEO of Internetsafety.com said, “In ten years of specializing in helping parents shield their children from the unsavory side of the Internet, this is the first time we have been asked to create a project specifically to address underage gambling.”

For more information, visit their website at http://www.betstopper.ca/

Multi-Tier Bonuses

2009-06-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome bonuses are offered by an online casino to attract players to it. The traditional welcome bonuses were limited to the lower end of a few hundred dollars and applicable to the first deposit only. Once the player completed the wagering requirements on this bonus his engagement with the bonus was over and he was free to look at the offers from other online casinos.

Online casinos found a solution to this dilemma through multi-tier online casino bonuses. The multi-tier bonus is offered over a number of deposits. Some times these deposits can stretch on for months or even a year. The online casino is comfortable at offering the benefit over a longer period of time and simultaneously ensuring the player’s loyalty over that longer period. For the player the multi-tier bonus is beneficial because he does not have to make a very large initial deposit. Most online players are recreational players and cannot allocate huge amounts to online wagering. Even if they can they would hesitate to do so. Unless they have tried out the casino they would not like to make large financial commitments. With multi-tier bonuses the player spreads his investment over time.

Two of the online casinos that have very popular multi-tier welcome bonuses are Rushmore Casino and Online Vegas. Rushmore Casino offers a total welcome bonus of $888 that operates over two stages. The first stage offers a bonus of 100% of the deposit subject to a limit of $400. The second stage offers a bonus of 100% of the deposit subject to a limit of $488. This way the player need not make a deposit of $888 up front. He can start with $400 and if he finds that he is not enjoying the experience at the online casino he need not avail of the second installment. It is this aspect that makes the bonus very attractive.

Online Vegas has taken the principle of multi-tier bonuses to new levels by offering a watershed bonus of $5,000. This is offered over ten deposits. The first deposit offers a 100% bonus up to a limit of $500. The next two stages are really good. In the second stage the bonus is 125% of the deposit. A maximum deposit of $300 gives a bonus of $375. In the third stage the bonus is 150% of the deposit. A maximum deposit of $500 gives a bonus of $750. By now the player should be comfortable with the online casino and be willing to make the larger deposits needed for the next stages. The fourth to the ninth stage offer bonuses of 25% of the deposit subject to a limit of $250. The Online Vegas multi-tier welcome bonus ends with a bang. The tenth installment offers a bonus of 200% of the deposit. A maximum deposit of $1,000 yields a bonus of $2,000.

Trash Hands at Online Texas Hold'ems

2009-06-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

I define a trash hand as a hand that has no pairs, no straight or flush draws, and
does not have two overcards. For example A♣ 7♣, 7♥ 4♥, or K♠ 8♦ with a Q♦ T♥ 5♠
flop. The only time when trash hands are playable is when you are against one or
two opponents and you believe a poker bluff can be successful. Sometimes ace high is
the best hand, which might even justify a bet.
Let’s look at some examples of when playing trash hands might be profitable.
Sometimes bluffing out of the blinds can be profitable with an all rag flop, or when
there is a rainbow flop with only one high card. For example, you are in the big blind
with an 864 flop against two early position callers. Betting out might win the pot. as
it is unlikely this flop helped your opponents.
Another example is with a Q53 flop and you are in early position with AT. You might
bet out into one or two opponents representing a pair of queens hoping that they
fold. When the flop is two-suited, two-connected, or has two high cards, be less
inclined to make these types of bluffs, as it is more likely that your opponents either
have a hand or have a draw. The exception to this is when you are acting last and
both of your opponents have checked. In this case, bluffing may be successful
since your opponents have indicated weakness and they might suspect that you
were the one helped by the flop.

Internet Tip
You will find yourself in small blind versus big blind situations a lot more on the Internet than you would in a live game since in a live game you often "chop." Bluffing with trash hands in these situations can often be profitable. If neither player raised preflop, you only have to win once every three hands for bluffing to break even; therefore, betting out the flop from either the small blind or big blind cart often be successful.
There are many different scenarios when bluffs might work, but be careful in playing
these trash hands. Remember, bluffing is risky when you don’t have many outs.
Also, bluffs against three or more opponents are rarely profitable with these types of
hands. Hopefully, these chapters on the flop have covered most of the common situations
you will find yourself in. Although it is impossible to cover every situation, you
should now have a good background to be able to evaluate any situation that might
arise. One thing to remember is that there are always a wide variety of strategies
available to you. Sometimes two strategies could have an equal expectation. For
example, sometimes calling has a break-even expectation, so this is the same as
folding. Remember to vary your play so that your observant opponents aren’t able
to read you like a book, and pay close attention to your opponents so that you can
begin to learn their betting patterns. The more you understand the betting strategies
of your opponents, the better decisions you can make when you play against them.
If you have the discipline to play good starting hands and you have a good
understanding of how to play the flop, you should be a profitable player. Now we
move to the turn and river where mistakes become more costly, but if you have
played well up to this point, you should be getting the best of it)

Lottery Software

2009-05-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Winning in a lottery game is very difficult for most, if not all, gamblers. While they are trying their luck each and every time they bet, they just never win. What most gamblers do not know is that sometimes the results of lottery can be predicted. There are a lot of free lottery software that focuses on a particular type of lottery. Having a lottery software can give you better chances of winning in a lottery game. There are some free lottery software that analyzes the previous draws and then look for lottery trends that can be applied the next time you play. It carefully considers the possible patterns that can come out in the future draws, thus giving you a betting advantage.

If you have a lottery software, you need not suffer the dilemma between the money that you might lose to the government or the people who luckily wins every time. It's a good thing that the Internet offers a lot of free lottery software that you can utilize as you play the game. This software enables you to gain an advantage over the other gamblers. This can make the analyzing task better and easier. You need not to exert effort in analyzing the system since the software will do all the necessary task for you. Later on, you will realize that your chances of winning are getting better and better, and who knows, you might just win.

Having to pick a free lotto software online helps you develop strategies as you bet on the future draws. The strategies that you will learn are very significant since building techniques requires enormous research. Having to figure out complicated pattern in the lottery system is quite difficult and it can take up a lot of time. It's not easy to come up with an effective lottery strategy, however, with the help of a free lottery software, this can be a very overwhelming achievement. The software can give you a lot of techniques that can give you an advantage in the forth coming draws.

It may be a little hard to believe that there's actually a lottery software that can help you predict the future outcome of the draws, basically because you are worried about what the government can do. However, being worried can do you nothing. There is nothing wrong in trying out a lottery system that can help you improve your winning chances. But, just like any gambling game, do not tell yourself that you will win, you can only hope for a better result. With a free lottery software and a good amount of luck, it is not far from impossible for you to win money in no time.

For you to improve your winning chances and win in a lottery game, you need to have a free lottery software that can analyze the previous trends and can relate it dramatically to the future trends. You need to have a software that can predict what the future holds by understanding the results of the past draws. A software like this can help you have better winning chances.

Improving your Blackjack Games

2009-05-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Blackjack lends itself easily to certain rules and principles which can help increase the odds in your favor if you follow them. Use these tips and best practices to improve the way you play Blackjack, whether at a casino or online.

Every gambling game comes with a house advantage, which is how much the odds are stacked in their favor. If you pay attention to certain factors however you can systematically reduce that edge, allowing you more opportunity to win.

Anything less than a nine in Blackjack and you automatically hit, because you can't bust. With a 10 or 11 you should double down, because if you get a ten or an Ace on top of that you have 21 and you win. However you may not want to double down when the dealer also shows a 10 or 11.

When holding between 12 and 16 you should only hit when the dealer is showing a seven or higher. This is because you need to try to beat his high card and likely high outcome. However, if you have 17 or more you should stand since the likelihood is high that you will bust.

Of course there are a few additional rules to consider if you are holding an Ace and therefore have a soft hand. This means that your Ace can count towards 11 or one in value, giving you increased flexibility in your choices.

If you have an Ace and your high value is between 13 and 18, double down if the dealer has a five or a six. If you have seventeen or less you should always hit with an Ace, and eighteen can be hit if the dealer has six or more.

When the dealer is showing a seven or higher you should stand, as you should when you have seventeen or more. There are also additional rules concerning pairs.

Some pairs you always want to split, such as Aces and eights, while some pairs you never want to split, such as tens, fours and fives.

These are some basic guidelines that can help increase your odds of winning every hand. You should also keep in mind that to improve your experience you should be looking for a game where you can play without interruption and the game is moving quickly and easily.

Never play when there is an obvious drunk person at the table, since it can throw you off your game and you may also want to avoid slow players who hinder the action.

Insurance is really a suckers bet unless you have been counting cards and know the likelihood of a situation. Always be sure to keep stock of your chips and don't bet recklessly.

You should only play at a table that has a minimum bet equal to or less than 1/20th of your bankroll. This is a tolerable level of risk and will allow you to go on losing streaks without losing all of your money. As in any situation, treat the fellow players as well as the dealer with respect.

Online Gambling Law Trailblazers Are Doing a Rethink

2009-05-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

They blazed a legislative trail shortly after the turn of the millennium and now find themselves wondering whether they took right path. Governments that thought they could control how, where and with whom their residents chose to gamble with on the internet are now having to rethink their online gambling strategy.

One of the best case studies in this regard is the Australian experience.

In 2001 the Australian Government surprised many industry observers when they passed the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 ("the Act"). The Act took a prohibitive approach to online gambling, rendering it illegal for offshore operators to offer their product to Australian residents, as well as limiting the nature of bets that locally licensed operators could offer. 'In-play' sports bets were a notable bet type that Australian licensed sports books could not offer.

It was a bold law with clear intent; to limit Australian resident access to gambling sites that were not licensed in Australia. But from its release many believed that the government was being overly optimistic regarding their ability to effectively police the provisions of the Act. One blaringly obvious issue was that those who the legislation was primarily aimed at - offshore online gambling sites, were beyond the jurisdiction of the Australian judiciary and therefore unlikely to change their operating practices because of the law.

Another key difficulty was the fact that the law would have no real impact on either Australian's propensity to gamble, or their ability to access the sites which the legislation was supposed to prohibit.

Nevertheless, lawmakers thought the Act would make a difference and curb 'illegal' online gambling. But the reality 8 years down the track is that the number of Australians gambling online at websites prohibited by the Act can be counted in the hundreds of thousands. Locally licensed operators are now complaining that they can't compete with their offshore counterparts and the government is seeing millions of dollars in potential tax revenue flowing out of the country.

As a result, the Australian Government is now undertaking a consultation process to study gambling reform. This is government speak for 'we got it wrong the first time round and are now going to have to do an about face.

And the Australians are not alone. France is another country that went down the online gambling ban path, only to do an about face years later and announce their intentions to enact new laws opening up their online gambling market and licensing processes. Of course France has the added incentive of having to please the European Commission and not breach freedom of provision of services laws. But that's another story altogether.

Online Poker Traps

2009-05-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Online poker tournaments are this simple plan of casinos to many. When there is yours, the house collects a five percent commission on any winning hands. You want to get started playing any other poker game, but you dont know how. The players also never win at the game. In the internet poker world, you pay online and are given money of arbitrary chips. First, find Texas Holdem you want to play on. If you only bet $ 50 (bringing poker to $ 150), of good poker players all he has to call is $ 50 to win $ 150. While gambling on poker it can become expensive. At a good thing, new players have the option to play or fold. A flop is the tension building up seeing new players closer and closer to your way. It's suggested that top winning players win just 8 % - online of a few hands over the long term. Know your betting position and alter you this strategy according to how new players bet. The game plan, especially when advertised on play make this strategy of offering the cautious approach. Late position went 1-1 the time in the game, giving them play of 78-18 in the cautious approach. The game is to check this strategy in order to see what times the WPT qualifying events are held. So let's get started and learn your tactics and how to play. Lucky for myself before I got to know the game, he did not take me for any of the money when I sat down and played at blackjack table. If you need to spend the time practicing your tactics, online tournament play is much more effective than showing up at the next card, hoping to get lucky. Any players need to play at traps or free blackjack phone with the patience and strength of trustworthiness, transparency and legitimacy.

New Microgaming Slots Previews

2009-05-01T01:07:00.000-07:00

Microgaming is really good at attracting the gamers’ interest. Every third week of the month you can find the previews of the new slots which will be launched around this month. That’s why during the fortnight these games are told about all over the place. The players will share their impressions with each other and discus the expectations. In the first week of the month they will be busy trying these new games. On average Microgaming releases four slots every month, so the players are busy with learning new releases during two weeks. After it the new part of previews is published and it repeats again and again.

Very soon four new games: Stunt Pilot, Lucky Eggsplorer, The Great Galaxy Grab and Mayan Princess will be released. All four games have completely different themes, the Stunt Pilot is connected with flying, The Great Galaxy Grab is based on the popular space theme and Mayan Princess describes the epoch of the ancient civilization. But Microgaming keeps up to date and Lucky Eggsplorer has the Easter theme, because April is the time of Easter.

Furthermore most of the Microgaming powered casinos shows the screenshots of all new slots. But Roxy Palace also selects one of the games and describes some of the details. Today we have the opportunity to learn some information about the Stunt Pilot. This is 5 reel 30 payline video slot game which has the aerobatic flyer theme. It offers different coin values from 1 to 25 cents and as the game has 10 coins max bet that is 75 dollars per spin. Stunt Pilot has a nice mixture of different features, including scatters, multipliers and free spins. Also Microgaming performs some innovative bonus games but all the details are the top secret now. Stunt Pilot has the popular gamble bonus feature, so the players can try to double or quadruple the sum of the prize if they guess correctly the card colour or suit.

Video Poker Quick Playing Tips

2009-04-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Like to play video poker machines? Step into any casino in Las Vegas and one thing you will quickly notice is that the casinos spend a lot of layout space on machines. Much of that layout goes to Video Poker. If you have played Video Poker for any amount of time, you know that not all machines where created equal. As the years have gone by, more and more "specialty" video poker machines have come into being. Today, I will share some of my Video Poker tips , I hope you will enjoy them.

Tip One: Finding a good machine

Finding a good machine is as simple as looking at the payout schedule. You really want to stay away from specialty pay machines that have larger top payouts, but negate the lower payouts. For example, a machine might pay a little more on four of a kind, but will pay less on two pair, flushes and full houses. Since you will rack up lower scale payouts often, because of the probability of receiving these hands, you want a strong lower scale payout system.

Tip Two: Playing strategy

Learning how to play properly (optimally) is a must. Your playing strategy will, in the end, determine your average return, and your final bankroll amount. Knowing what to do in a situation where you have, for example, two Kings, but four to the flush is vital. Do you keep the Kings and the guaranteed money or roll the dice for the harder to hit flush? Playing a good machine with a good strategy will give you a great opportunity to win money over the long run.

Tip Three: It's random

Over the years, I have watched people play Video Poker in Las Vegas using all sorts of superstitious movements. Some will only use cold coins to play, some will push the buttons extra hard, some will tap the machine with their money before playing and the list goes on and on. Each hand is setup by a RNG (Random Number Generator). The moment you start to play, the hand is set in stone. The machine will randomly select all the cards from a 52-card deck and deal them out.

Tip Four: There's no memory

This is a big one. Many players believe that if they start to see hands with three of a kind, four to the royal and so forth that the bigger hands are due any moment. This is simply wrong. As explained in tip three, the system uses a RNG to setup the hands. The system has no memory. It does not know that you have not had a full house in 400 hands or that you just received three four-of-a-kind hands in a row. It's possible to go 100,000 hands without a four of a kind and it's possible to get ten in a row. The machine does not keep track, because in the end, the numbers work out.

I hope these tips have helped you grow as a Video Poker player. Misconceptions on how the game works can be far more deadly than simply playing wrong. I have watched people spend (and lose) hundreds of dollars on a machine simply because they believed the machine had a memory and was "due" to hit. Don't fall into traps like this. Understand that Video Poker is random and needs to be played properly. Now, go have some fun.

Important Roulette Related Terms

2009-04-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. If you don't know the terms of the game, you are going to have trouble playing. Roulette is a great game and thankfully, it's not that complicated. In this article, I'm going to explain 9 must-know Roulette terms for you. These are common Roulette terms that ever player that aspires to win must know. Take a couple minutes and read over these terms—print them out if you want. Let's get cracking.

American Wheel: If you play Roulette in Las Vegas, you are playing on an America wheel. Basically, the American wheel has the numbers 1-36 plus 0 and 00. This differs from the European wheel, which we'll talk about in a moment. Many online casinos offer different wheel options.

Column Bet: The column bet is located on the outside of the layout. It's on the right and allows you to play all 12 numbers in the column. The column bet pays 2:1 when you win.

Dozens: The dozens bet is located right under the numbers in the layout. There are three dozens in the game you can wager on—first, second and third. When you win, the wager pays 2:1.

European Wheel: The European wheel contains the numbers 1-36 plus a single 0. Unlike the American wheel, there's no 00 spot and therefore the odds are a little better.

Low or High: There are two bets—low or high. If you bet on the low, you are hoping the winning number is 1-18. The high bet is for the numbers 19-36. The bet pays even money.

Odd or Even: This even money bet is pretty simple. Bet on odd and the winning number must be odd to win. Bet on even and you need the winning number to be even.

Red or Black: Another simple even money wager. Bet on Red and you need the winning number to be red. If the winning number is green (0 or 00), both bets lose.

Split Bet: Can't make up your mind between two connecting numbers? Bet them both. By placing your chip on the line that connects the two numbers, you are making a split bet. If either number comes up, you are paid 17:1.

Straight-Up Bet: Simply put, placing a bet on any number by itself is a straight-up bet. If your number comes in, you get paid 35:1. This is the hardest to hit bet in the game, but the highest paying one.

You know now 9 vital Roulette terms. Read these over again to get them in your memory. Good luck at the Roulette table!

Why There Should be Rules...

2009-04-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

The reasons why online gambling should be regulated include a broad range of ideas. The most compelling one is regulations and rules create order and fewer problems. Because the industry in the USA is not regulated by any American government agencies, it is difficult to know what problems exist and how prevalent they are.

Computer hackers, for example, who illegally gain entry into computer systems, are also a problem for the online gambling industry, as in all Internet-based industries. Operators of gambling Web sites say that hackers try to break into their financial databases and take information or manipulate gaming software in their favour. Online gambling sites are very secure as far as hackers are concerned and the established casinos and information portals are there because they have earned good reputations for security.

Studies have shown that a lack of trust is a major factor keeping many traditional gamblers away from Internet sites. People worry that the games are "fixed" or that winnings will not be paid. It should be kept in mind that many financial analysts believe the risk is low when credit cards are used because credit-card transactions are closely monitored and recorded. Without regulation there is a fear that other, less traceable payment methods will become popular, as credit-card use is increasingly being blocked at online gambling sites. Something that could be solved with regulation.

Without federal or state regulation of online gambling sites, no measures are taken to prevent underage gamblers from participating. Research into human behaviour says we like to be entertained and online gambling can provide a great deal of fun. Teens are naturally attracted to fun. To have a regulated system for online gaming gives youth a fair shake. Regulation costs something as everyone knows but not regulating has costs too. Legalization means we can be better equipped to keep it safe and fair for all who want to play.

Stop Online Gambling Addiction

2009-04-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

The gambling business has always been a big business with high turnover of millions of money involved. At present, online gambling addiction has become a very common problem for many people of different ages. The presence of over 1700 gambling websites on the Internet, through interactive television and mobile phones, have caused a significant increase in online gambling addictions. In other words, the convenience of gambling at home and the ease of setting up a gambling account, have given online gambling an extremely seductive and attractive nature.

Generally, gambling habits that begins as a recreation will eventually turn into a harmful gambling addiction. Gambling can be for leisure and entertainment, however, where money is involved, greed will be formed. And addiction often derived from the root of greed.
When you have online gambling addiction, you will eventually be numb to your feelings, putting you in your own world and preventing you from being authentic and honest with yourself.

The symptoms of online gambling addiction?

Low cash flow
Loss of interest
Less contact with the outside world
Loss of motivation
Absence in work
Anti-social
Dishonest
Debts
Begging for loans

How To Stop Online Gambling Addiction?

Online Gambling addiction is widely common in the world today. Many has tried but failed in quitting the addiction. It has been made so easy to access into the Internet today that convenience has made quitting extremely difficult for gamblers. Self help books aren't great quitting tools as well because they take a one-size-fits-all approach and words on a page aren't taking you anywhere. One of the effective approaches is by prohibiting the ease of access to gambling online. It can be done by installing an effective web filter, so that you can block out betting websites from your computer. Apart from this method, there is a new method through audio programs. This allows user to quit gambling progressively and it has been proven effective through tests.

One of the effective approaches is by prohibiting the ease of access to gambling online. It can be done by installing an effective web filter, so that you can block out betting websites from your computer. Apart from this method, there is a new method through audio programs. This allows user to quit gambling progressively and it has been proven effective through tests.

Online 3D Poker

2009-03-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Online Poker has been a huge hit over the past several years, and by the looks of things it is going to stay that way for more years to come. Technology is continuously evolving and many game developers regularly updates their software to pave way for a innovation.

Online poker software development seems to be shifting to 3d. The best way to describe playing at a 3D Poker is that it's similar to that of an advanced poker video game that you will find on game systems such as a PS3 or an Xbox 360. The main difference with playing 3D Poker on the Internet is that you have the ability to play for real money rather than just for fun.

3D Poker offers features and experiences that traditional Online Poker Rooms can't even come close to. For example, at one of the highest rated 3D Poker Rooms, players have the ability to make their own unique character and even send a photo of themselves to the room to make the face of that character look like the photo. While playing, players can make different expressions or emotions to help keep the table exciting and even try to throw off an opponent's potential read.

There are still a couple downfalls to 3D Poker that will likely change as technology improves. The biggest downfall is 3D Poker takes a much faster computer to run the software than the traditional online poker rooms. Another downfall, that some players may or may not care about, is that players won't be able to see as many hands per hour since the actual game play is slightly slower than that of a traditional poker room.

Note Taking is a Breeze

2009-03-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

For players who do not use tracking software to help them obtain reads on players, keeping detailed notes is very important. When you face the same players in the future, you can quickly pull up your notes and be well on your way to winning. However, when you have several tables open, it is very difficult to take the time to make a detailed note, especially when you have windows popping up requiring your attention. Some players copy and paste the hand history into the chat box, but it is difficult to go through it in the future to try to gain useful information quickly. What usually ends up happening is players will type abbreviated notes, but have no idea what they meant when they pull them up at a later date. Thanks to a very simple AutoHotKey (AHK) script, this will no longer be a problem. Note taking will be faster than ever. NoteAbbs is a free, open source program that simply allows you to type abbreviations into the chat box and they will instantly change into the full phrase. For example, type in “d” and it will instantly change to “donkey” or type in “fl” and it will change to “floats.” The script operates using a very slick Graphical User Interface (GUI) and you can add as many new abbreviations as you'd like. This script can also be used with all of the instant messaging programs out there. The possibilities are endless.

Enjoying Online Bingo

2009-03-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

There are a huge number of online games available nowadays but very few enjoy the status and popularity of Online Bingo. This is a game that has taken the online gaming community by storm since its inception. In earlier days people had to go to the Bingo halls for playing Bingo. But after the advent and huge growth of the web, the scenario has changed for better. Now one can play Bingo online whenever and wherever he wants.

In fact the main benefit of the online bingo games is their flexibility. One can play at the time he wants from the comfort of his room. The Bingo games are easy to learn and fun to play. That explains why a huge number of people are joining the Online Bingo community over time. There are no specific age restrictions on the players and women and men are equally enthusiastic about it.

Even the people leading hectic work schedules can play Bingo for relaxation and beating the workplace blues. The various online Bingo games offer the players variety and one can liven up his spirit by playing them. One need not be a techno savvy person for installing the software in his computer. Everything from download to registration at the bingo sites is straightforward. The best part about these games is that one can start playing just after registering at the sites.

Learning the games does not require much time. One can start by playing at the free sites and when he develops skills he can start playing at the paid sites. The sites offer lucrative prizes and the instances of people winning huge amounts of cash awards from the sites are not uncommon. The Bingo sites have help lines for assisting the novice players.

Besides, one can always use the chat rooms at these sites for making friendship with other veteran players. The seasoned Bingo players often give useful tips to the new ones. The option to mix with a lot of similar minded people online is a sort of refreshment for many. There are many sites but one can try out Bingo Wags for some great offers.

One can see the Bingobase website for getting all kinds of information on Online Bingo. The veteran Online Bingo Players sometimes get surprise Bingo promotions. This adds to the excitement. The Bingo games are also liked by the players for their catchy and jazzy interface. The Bingo games usually do not guzzle a lot of internet bandwidth and hence the people with slower internet connections can play them with ease.

However there are certain things one need to be careful before registering at a Bingo site. One needs to check the safety and security measures offered by a Bingo site. Another criterion is the customer service. There are certain Bingo sites that offer telephonic support and they are more suitable for the new players. One should always look for the sites that offer a variety of games.

Tips on Downloading Poker

2009-03-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

With browsers going through a phase of following a similar standard of HTML codes, some of the download poker that is developed by very new programmers is not compatible with older versions of browsers like Netscape. So, in such cases when you download poker, it is necessary that you download poker after checking if the program is compatible with the browser that you use. Otherwise, you can download the browser that it supports to your pc and start playing right there. It is not really offensive to have more than one browser in your desktop.

Some of the older browser versions have stropped their support team and they are not anymore going to develop patch programs. So, with such browsers it is better you stop using them and switch over to latest browsers so that all your download poker games can be fairly played on it.

With some sites there is no download poker available. All one will have to do is to log in to the site, register and start playing. This is one of the most advantageous kinds of poker rooms, because you need not break your head on download poker and you can right away start playing, but to enjoy this advantageous option, you need to have an unlimited internet supply. For those that have a dial up plan and are wishing to practice with a computer opponent then a download poker with multiple computer opponents is the best option.

When making a download poker you need to find out about the nature of the computer opponent. The computer software that allows you to play with a computer opponent of different intensity and different nature is the best choice. The computer download poker software allows the player to choose between tight opponents, tight-aggressive, tight-passive and lot more kind of choice. By playing with computer opponents of different nature you get a better insight in to playing these games.

Most of the sites that have been offering the best download poker options to their players are trying to making it one of the best quality one can ever find in other online poker rooms. With the growing competition, each poker site is competing and working hard to constantly improve their download poker software and download poker tournament offerings. When companies compete with other companies there are going to be lot of quality download poker, which is ultimately advantageous to the end player outside.

Poker Must-Haves

2009-02-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

Poker Padz

PokerPadz™. Made from the same materials used on casino poker tables around the world PokerPadz™ feature an 8” x 14” felt covering a foam pad, edged by a vinyl bumper in the oval shape of a poker table. It comes complete with ten 11.5 gram poker chips. It lets online players recreate the feel of playing live action while clicking their mouse and their chips. It’s a “must-have” for online poker players or fans of poker across the world.

Visit www.pokerpadz.com for more information.

Eat Professional Pokers Alive

The ultimate guide to today's Texas Hold'em, Razz, Stud, and Omaha for all skill levels...

336 pages Published by Just Fold Enterprises Inc.

The First 500 Pre-orders will receive an autographed book and a Personalized autographed glossy photo of world renowned author Frank Wiese.

Visit www.eatprofessionalpokerplayersalive.com for more information.

DB Dealer Button

The DB Dealer combines two essential elements of tournament play. No more need to use the kitchen, stovetop and microwave timers. Having the blind timer on the table allows all the players to know how much time is left in the round. DB’s tamper proof design stops accidental blind time changes. Features include: large easy-to-read LCD display, one minute warning, auto shut-off(battery included) and lifetime warranty.

The DB Dealer’s packaging is designed to fit in a chip case card slot.

Visit www.dbdealer.com for more information on this product.

Online Bingo Myths

2009-02-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

Bingo, as with all other gambling activity, has its fair share of myths and legends that accompany the game. The growth in popularity of the online version of the game has contributed to the tale telling and many of these are quite untrue. Because of the fact that bingo is now available online, many people who have never played bingo before have had their interest piqued and want to try the game.

One myth that needs to be dispersed regarding playing bingo online is that bingo websites are unsafe. This is absolutely not true, fears are varied and include losing your deposited money, crooks being able to access your credit card details, having your computer bombarded with spyware or viruses and being unable to claim any prizes you have won

Online bingo sites use the most state-of-the-art encryption devices available today; this is part of their license requirements. This essentially means that any information you share with the bingo site will not be able to be accessed by anyone with devious aims. When it comes to viruses and spyware, all responsible computer owners have virus software that can counter the effects of this type of threat.

One of the most prolific myths is that online bingo players can’t win cash prizes and that any other online players are created by the website to entice them to play. Also completely untrue! The only way a good online bingo site will attract other players to the site is by having winner, it is the best form of promotion for the site. If a bingo site was ever rigged, there would be huge complaints and it would be immediately shut down.

Another silly myth is that online bingo sites to not have large jackpots, this is also not true, there are regular big winners online, not only in bingo, but in the slots games that often accompany bingo sites. If no jackpots were ever won in online sites, people would stop playing there and the online site would go belly up.

It has also been said that online bingo players who regularly win are using some kind of secret method of beating the system, the probability of this is absolutely nil, just as the land based form of the game is fair and randomized, so too is online bingo. It is just a case of sheer good luck, people who believe that they are lucky are generally good winners.

Bird's Eye View on Online Gambling Software

2009-02-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Online gaming has been gaining more and more popularity over the years. Online Poker is one of the biggest attractions on the internet today. However, amid the entire buzz, it is essential that customers get their hands on the right piece of gaming software that suits their needs and gaming style.

Once you log on to any Online Casino, the first thing that you are asked to do is to download the poker software. It is only after this that you start playing.

Different online casinos require different software in order to be able to play their games. There are several differences between the various gaming software. Some of them have excellent graphics and flash designs to make you feel as if you are sitting in a real casino. Others offer simple graphics and functional gaming. Another major difference is on the prices among online software. The cost for one of these software ranges between Zero and hundreds of dollars. Many of the free software deliver the same gaming experience as their paid counterparts. Further, if you buy an expensive piece of software, it does not imply that there is a lower house advantage or that the payout of jackpots will be any higher or more frequent.

There are a few dangers and risks while playing one of these software though. You should never download software without doing some research beforehand. Firstly make sure that the software is compatible with your PC. Check out the System Requirements of software before downloading. They are published on the websites from where you are downloading usually. Plus, any unpleasant event means that the casino has one less customer and frustration for you.

Make sure you first check out the terms of use of the software before downloading software to play online poker. You are required to follow these rules under the law once you agree to the terms and conditions applied by the website. It is treated just like a written contract and you are prohibited from distributing the software to others.

Online Casino and gambling rules and regulations do not apply to poker though. Although online gambling is illegal in the United States, most countries in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world do not have laws restricting their use. If you like betting on sports, sportsbook is the software for you. Through it, you can bet on your favorite teams sitting at your home computer. This software works on much the same principals as the ones mentioned above. There are terms of use and system requirements for this software.

Online Poker Tips for the Rookies

2009-02-06T05:32:00.000-08:00

Below are some essential tips on online poker for the newbies.

Browse the internet for legitimate poke sites. It will help if you familiarize yourself with at least 3-5 sites so you can choose prudently.
To gain the necessary experience and mastery of the game, one of the sound poker tips for beginners is to try out free poker. Several poker sites are offering free games that you can try. You will be learning techniques so you can map your own strategies and tests them without losing money.
If you have mastered the game and feel that you are ready to play poker online, and then set the budget that you are willing to spend. Remember, because of the excitement that the game brings, online poker can be addictive. Be sure to have the right discipline to gamble only the money that you can part with.
If you are serious in mastering the game, give it your undivided attention. When you play the game online, stay away from distractions and pay full attention to the game. You have to focus on the game for you to analyze the moves of your opponents. This can give you the edge in the game.
But don't take the game very seriously as of your livelihood depends on it. You must remember that playing online poker is meant to bring you fun and relaxation. Don't be stressed in wanting to win to earn money. A gamble is a gamble. You can never make a decent living out of it. It is meant to have fun. Play it as it is - just a game and for fun.
Be sure to fold when you have to. Avoid losing more money when you know that you have got to fold up.
Perhaps, one of the most important poker tips for beginners is to play poker hands that you can handle only. Anything that is too much too handle should be avoided. But this is the common mistakes of poker beginners - they play as if they are experts of the game already. They think that the more hands they play; the better chances of winning. Learn to control and play just a few poker hands. This way, you will be able to concentrate more and increase your game winning chances.

Doyle's Room is switching to a more US friendly casino software

2009-01-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

Doyle's Room may be at the lead of a new trend in online gambling, as the Internet poker room has decided to switch online poker software providers to allow a return to the US market. Doyle's Room sent e-mails to patrons this week alerting them to massive change on the site, expected to focus on a shift from Microgaming to Cake Poker.

Microgaming decided in November to withdraw from the US market to avoid further legal hassles like the Kentucky online casino domain name case. At that time, all sites powered by Microgaming were required to follow suit and stop accepting new US players. But studies have shown that as much as half of all online gambling involves US players, and a fledgling site like Doyle's needs that base to draw upon.

Therefore, Doyle's will become a member of the Cake Poker network. While Cake has blocked Kentucky players in a protective response to the ongoing court case, players from other states are still welcome. No word has been released about potential returns to prior service by either Microgaming or Cake in light of the appellate victory in Kentucky by online gambling sites.

Meanwhile, rumors persist that other online casinos may choose, or be forced economically, to follow Doyle's move to switch software providers that are still accepting US players. Playboy Casino, which expected to exploit the brand name so well-known in the US, has announced it will shut down next week after two years of struggling to survive following software provider Cryptologic's dropping of US players after the passing of the UIGEA.

More Internet casinos are sure to conclude their best path for survival and growth may lie in placing their companies with software companies still serving the US. With the arrival of new gambling solutions from Rival Gaming and Wizard Gaming, there are a growing number of high-quality, innovative programs to choose from.

Women should indulge in online gambling because...

2009-01-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting fact. Although men dominate the online poker segment, in online gambling as a whole, women have the bigger number. So why should we indulge ourselves in a little online gambling? Below are 8 of the top reasons.

Women can ultimately impress their man by showing that they too can kick-ass at online poker, blackjack or backgammon. You can show your man that you can not only play but can earn more money than him as well.
Online gambling let's you play at the comforts of our home even if you're just in our pajamas. You can focus more in the game since there are no distractions unlike in it's land-based counterpart. Playing online poker from home, rather than dealing with the noise and lights in actual casinos, gives you time to think and concentrate. This helps you play better, which in return helps you win.
The payout rates in online gambling sites are higher compared to its land-based counterpart. Higher payout means more profit for you.
Online gambling sites are more tailored to get better odds. The computer software itself are ruled by Random Number Generator system and is meant to give all the players a fair chance.
Playing at online gambling sites is easier for you to win. Since you don't have to deal with people and you don't need to put up your poker face to the test. You can smile, you can frown and no one will be there to analyze each and every twitch your eyes made during the game.
If you're not as good to start wagering your money, you can always practice using an online gambling site's free play feature.
Since women are sociable well-beings, you can immerse yourself with different cultures as you mingle with other online players.
Women can spare themselves being mugged in casino parking lots since online gambling sites have several payment options to choose from.

Loose- Aggressive and Tight- Aggressive Poker Game

2009-01-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

It is often naturally presumed that whenever you play poker you should employ the Tight Aggressive style of play. With that being said the majority of poker players worldwide do actually adopt this approach. Although the TAG style of play might be the best strategy for no limit cash games it is not always the best tactic to employ when you are playing large tournaments or to a lesser extent single table sit-n-go tournaments.

A common strategy known amongst experienced players is to play in the opposite style to your opponents. Since the majority of players adopt the TAG approach, you may want to consider adding some LAG (Loose Aggressive) elements to your tournament game. This will add an extra dimension to your game; you will constantly keep your opposition guessing by playing a large variety of hands.

After playing poker for a long time I have come to realize that you cannot stick to one particular style of play for a long period. If you are always playing the TAG game you will eventually become too predictable and your opponents will figure out that you only play with premium hands. You will get bluffed at a lot more and won't get paid off with your monster hands. In order to overcome this problem you must be able to effectively mix up your play by shifting gears at the right times to continually keep your opponents on their toes; this is the key to playing solid tournament poker. I'm not saying that you should permanently switch to a LAG style of play, however by simply adding some key LAG elements to your tournament game you should see you a major overall improvement.

Now, what exactly is the Loose Aggressive approach? The LAG player is defined as a poker player who calls and raises a large variety of hands with the intention of outplaying or outdrawing an opponent who is usually holding a stronger hand. This type of player is also very aware and will usually back down when there is retaliation or resistance, However he will semi bluff at a lot more pots and sometimes come over the top if he feels his opponent is weak and cannot call.

This type of variety in a player's game can very easily help them exploit the enormous number of players who don't let a single chip slip into the pot without holding a premium hand in the early stages of poker tournaments. In No Limit Cash Games you can sit around and wait for the nuts all night, but in tournaments and sit-n-gos you don't have that luxury, the blinds and antes are continually eating away at your stack, so you must be making some moves regularly. By adding LAG elements to your game in the early stages of Sit-N-Gos and Tournaments your stack will be better equipped to deal with the frenzied circumstances at the end stages of the game.

When you are using the LAG approach you will probably be able to pick up a lot of small pots without much resistance. If you raise pre-flop with hands like 35 when you are in position and if you only get 1 or 2 callers you are in a good spot to take down the pot a majority of the time. Even you miss the flop entirely the pre-flop raise has put you in control of the hand and if your opponents check to you it is most likely they missed as well (Two Thirds of the time your opponents will completely miss the flop), a continuation bet in this spot will usually take down the pot.

Obviously this tactic won't always work; sometimes you will bet and get check-raised, but that doesn't matter because you should be able to get away from the hand easily and you wouldn't have lost that much. Overall you will accumulate more chips by continually winning those small pots, after all you can't win every pot, and even if you missed the flop with AK or AQ and you got check raised you would most likely have to fold.

Another major advantage that makes the LAG style of play so profitable and enjoyable to employ is the fact that sometimes you will hit the flop hard and make a huge hand, e.g. you flop a straight, a flush or 2 pair. If this occurs it is very unlikely for your opponents to put you on something like 86 or 47, and if they have high pockets or got a piece of the flop you will get paid off in a big way and take down a huge pot.

Although, there are some disadvantages of using the LAG approach. When using this style you will always come across inexperienced players or calling stations that will call you down with bottom pair or AK and absolutely destroy your stack. So to employ the style effectively you must study your opponents very carefully and know who to target. Remember there is no point bluffing a calling station or re-raising with bottom pair if you know your opponent never folds when he hits any pair.

Also by going into the pot with marginal hands you will constantly find yourself holding the second best hand. Whether you are holding middle pair or your kicker isn't good enough, a good LAG player should be able to away from 2nd best hands without losing too much money. However if you are not careful this could seriously damage your stack and jeopardize your chances for the latter stages.

Nevertheless overall, by adding LAG elements to your game in the early stages you should be able to amass extra chips and acquire a nice stack early on. You immediately gain a huge advantage over players who play a cautious, tight game. The extra chips that you accumulate will allow you to survive tough decisions in the end stages and give you some breathing space.

So if you happen to get involved in a race situation in the latter stages you are able to withstand a loss and are not completely crippled. You will have an extra buffer of chips that will be much needed and treasured when you are placed in those situations. On the other hand a player that always pursues the TAG approach will most likely be Dependant on his AK to win a race or be eliminated out of the tournament.

Online Gambling's - UIGEA

2009-01-09T04:01:00.000-08:00

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is a part of the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006, or commonly known as the SAFE Port Act. The SAFE Port Act was enacted to cover online gambling and the U.S ports in relation with the continuous threat of terrorism. Title VIII of this Act has covered online gambling and is also commonly known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. This title prohibits the transfer of funds from a financial institution to an Internet gambling site, with the notable exceptions of fantasy sports, online lotteries, and horse/harness racing. Title VIII's main objective is to prevent money laundering by terrorist organizations.

Surprise spread quickly over the online gambling industry when the UIGEA was passed by Congress in 2006. Several publicly listed members of the gambling industry took it so seriously that they ceased taking bets from American players even before having read the Statute. The UIGEA faced severe criticism both internationally and from the online gambling players community in the U.S. The international community that was critically affected by the loss of the players from the US, has pressed the matter that UIGEA has violated WTO standards. Antigua who is a major online gambling destination, has claimed $ 3.4 billion after it has obtained a ruling from WTO. Despite all the protests and criticism, the US authorities remain silent and continue to ignore the issue.

The opposition within the online gambling community is more effective. Online poker players, together, formed the coalition, Poker Players Alliance aiming to speak with one voice in order to promote poker, and to protect their rights as players. Online casino players have also organized the group Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (IMEGA) that aims to foster cooperation between the online industry and government at all levels, and to promote innovation, openness and freedom on the Internet.

The iMEGA went to court in March 2008 on behalf of a client against the UIGEA. The judge rejected the petition but acknowledged that there were deficiencies in the UIGEA that were best addressed by higher courts. The iMEGA has filed an appeal in the higher courts. The Internet gambling industry has challenged the UIGEA on several counts. The foremost is that it violates the fundamental rights of privacy, speech, expression, and conduct. Another important argument is that the UIGEA discriminates against Internet gambling as compared to land-based gambling. There are several arguments that are technical rather than fundamental. The most forceful of these is that the UIGEA does not define Internet gambling and is therefore vague. Several legislative challenges have been initiated against the UIGEA as well. The bill HR 6870 seeks suspension of the UIGEA till all issues raised against the UIGEA have been satisfactorily addressed. The bill S 3616 seeks to identify poker as a game of skill and therefore take it out of the purview of the UIGEA.

The online gambling community has come to terms with the fact that if it wants prohibition of Internet gambling removed then it will have to accept regulation. In fact many have begun to advocate regulation. In addition to the issue of money laundering regulation will address issues like underage, problem gambling and tax avoidance that will therefore increase the credibility of the online gambling industry.

Online Gambling and Banking

2008-12-31T23:27:00.000-08:00

Before the US Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act, transactions with online casinos were quite convenient and easy. Today most banking institutions are declining their customers' request to do any type of credit or debit card transactions related with online gambling. The size of your bankroll does not have any bearing at all, banks are simply refusing to carry out this type of transactions, even though this law has not been finalized yet.

Although most major credit card companies do not accept online gambling transactions there are some that do, but then these transactions are treated as "cash advancement" which bear a much higher interest rate. For this reason more and more online gamblers and online casinos are shying away from using Credit and Debit Card payments to handle their online gambling transactions, instead many are opting for online processor services, which have become very popular in the online gambling community.

With the introduction of this new Act on Internet Gambling, more and more online based processor websites are popping up on the internet as these entrepreneurs realized the need for such a service. Today there are many different methods for deposit and payment transactions at online casinos. Some of the popular online companies offering these online processor services are; Bank Wire/E-wallet, Pre-Paid ATM, NETteller, Citadel, Fire Pay, Eco Card and Click2Pay and even though these are all web based companies that are accessible to anyone who has internet access, if you happen to live in the USA, depending on which online casino you happen to log into, you may or may not be able to sign up for these services.

Whatever the outcome of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act, and despite the banks refusal to carry out Credit Cards/Debit Cards transactions relating to online gambling, it is in the interest of the online casino websites as well as the online gambling community to find a way to work around these obstacles and ensure that online gambling will be around for a very long time to come.

Texas Hold'Em Online Poker Lingo

2008-12-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

Bad Beat: When you lose a hand despite having strong odds that supposedly should have been in your favor. For example, if you were holding pocket Aces against a player holding pocket 2s, and your opponent ended up beating you by hitting another 2 on the last card, you would have suffered a bad beat.
Big Slick: Refers to holding an Ace and King as your two pocket cards.
Blinds: Texas Holdem is based on what is called a blind structure, meaning that two players at dealer's left-most side must place a bet before seeing their cards. Since they are forced to bet without seeing their cards, or are playing blind, those bets are called "blinds".There are two blinds, the big blind and the small blind. The small blind position must post half the minimum bet and sits immediately to the left of the dealer. The big blind must post the full minimum bet, and sits immediately to the left of the small blind, two seats to the left of the dealer. As the deal rotates around the table, each player takes turns posting the small blind and the big blind bets. This blind structure forces the action on the table since there will always be a pot to win. So, for example, if you are seated at a $1-2 limit hold'em table, the small blind must post $.50 and the big blind must post $1 bet. As play rotates around the table, each player may choose to call that $1 bet, raise, or fold. When it's the small blind's turn, that player only needs to call $.50 to play the hand.
Board: This refers to the community cards dealt face up on the table. In Texas Hold'em, there will ultimately be five community cards on the board, not including the two pocket cards dealt to each player.
Button: Also called the "Dealer's Button", this is a white puck that indicates the dealer's position on the table. The Dealer Button rotates around the table, so each player takes turns being "on the button".
Check-raise: The act of checking a hand, in hopes of luring your opponent to bet, so that you may then raise over him and build a bigger pot to win.
Flop: This is when the first three community cards are dealt on the board. The fourth card is called the turn, and the final, fifth card is known as the river.
Flush Draw: A hand where you have 4 of the 5 cards needed to make a flush. For example, if you are holding two clubs, and the board flops two more clubs, you would be holding a flush draw. You would need to draw an additional club to complete the flush.
Gut Shot: A hand where you have 4 of the 5 cards needed to make a straight, but your 4 cards are not in sequence, and you need a single card in the middle of your straight to complete the straight. This type of hand is also known as "inside straight draw".
Kicker: This is your tie-breaking card. For example, if you hold an Ace and King, and the board shows Ace, 5, 8, 2 and 6, you will have a pair of Aces with a King kicker. Your opponent may also hold an Ace, but with a weaker kicker, in which case you win the showdown.
Limp: To limp into a Texas Holdem hand refers to calling the minimal bet to play your hand.
Maniac: This is a player who plays ultra-aggressively, making big bets on poor cards, throwing money around in the hopes of winning by bluffing and intimidation. Important: A maniac may be a big source of profits!
Muck: The act of folding one's hand without showing the cards
Nuts/ Nut Hand: This is the best possible hand at that particular moment. In other words, there is no hand that you can lose to at that moment.
Pocket Rockets: Also known as American Airlines, because it implies that you are holding two Aces as your pocket cards. Double A or AA, get it?
Rake: This is the commission the house takes from every pot. The rake can be set dollar amounts or a percentage of the pot, depending on the casino.
Semi-bluff: The act of betting on your hand when your hand is not made yet. So if you have four cards to a straight or flush and you place or raise a bet, you have a chance of bluffing your opponent out of the pot or hitting the card to complete your hand.
Slow Play: The act of intentionally under-playing a very strong hand in the hopes of tricking your opponent into thinking that he/she has done you in, which leads to him/her betting more in later rounds.
Smooth Call: The act of just calling a bet or raise with a very strong hand to conceal your strength and keep the attention on the initial raiser.
Stone Cold Bluff: The act of betting with no real possibility of winning the hand if your bet is called. In other words, you rely on your opponent folding.
Tilt: This refers to a player who is angry, upset, or emotionally unstable, affecting his/her game in a negative manner.

Source: http://www.flopturnriver.com/

News Clippings: Norway Now Bans Online Gambling

2008-12-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

I was actually on my way to bed when I saw this news at OnlineCasinoTopic. It seems that Norway is now on the same page on US' stand against online gambling and casinos. So far the enactment of the law has caused an indignation of the several sectors.

It looks like the country of Norway has decided to take a page from the United States’ book on online casinos and banning them. In 2006 the United States passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The bill was cleverly concealed inside a bill that supported port security against terrorist acts and it was never debated or investigated by the members of Congress before it was passed. The law has since caused havoc with online casinos and poker rooms, causing legitimate businesses in the online casino community to withdraw from the American market and depriving American citizens of the joy of playing. Instead a black market online casino industry has emerged and it is preying on American citizens and growing by leaps and bounds.

Norway has decided to pass a similar law to the UIGEA that makes assisting any online gambling sites a violation of the law, including processing transactions. So far the reaction to the new law has been met with outrage from every sector regarding the way the program has been implemented. The Norwegian financial institutions have stated that the law is ‘unworkable’ and a ‘competitive disadvantage’. Civil libertarians are completely horrified by it.

Additionally, global law experts feel that the law may be violating or conflicting with the national obligations as set by the European Union. Already a complaint about the law has been filed with the European Free Trade Association by the Remote Gambling Alliance. The measure as it currently stands makes any assistance to the online gambling sites illegal and says that the only ‘legal’ online gambling in the country are through sites that are state owned which includes the lottery.

You can view the whole article here.

Backgammon Players Should Avoid These

2008-12-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

In backgammon, there are things that players must always make a point of doing. On the other hand, there are also certain things that these online players should avoid and we're going to discuss some those below.

After or ever during the game, online gambling players must not stress the luck of their opponents. This means as an online gambling player, you should possess the value of sportsmanship and be able to respect each other by not reminding your adversary how lucky he just got on a particular dice roll he made.

Doing this can be insulting to any gambling player since you are equating their abilities on pure luck. You see, most gambling players like to think they are good (and not just lucky) and by telling them they won because they got lucky is insulting. Don't presume that just because his game went extremely well, he was just lucky. Maybe he just appeared to be lucky because he was doing the right thing, making the right decisions.

And if you shouldn't emphasize your opponent's good rolls, there is not need to make a big deal about his bad ones. Making a player's morale low just so you can win is an online gambler that's desperate.

In backgammon, you must not also roll the dice if your opponent's turn is not clearly over yet. Your roll may not count because he can argue that he is not yet finished. Aside from that, this is another form of intimidation since you are signaling to the other gambling player to hurry up with his move. What you are actually doing is destroying his concentration and is such a cheap tactic.

These are just simple guidelines that you should not do as a sign of respect to other online gambling players and a reason that you should also be respected.

Lessons We Get from Playing Online Poker

2008-12-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

There was an interesting article on business week that discussed how playing and winning online poker or a conventional poker for that matter can help you in making your business even successful.

The main point of BusinessWeek is that you improve people skills while playing poker.

"Acting persuasively, reading opponents’ motives, and handling the subtleties of a monetary transaction are skills the poker greats work tirelessly to hone. These same skills are essential for negotiating a business deal."

Come to think of it, I'd have to agree. However other than the suave people skills you learn, online poker is good for you since you gain other values that you can apply to life in general. I have below the summary of David Sklansky's (professional poker player) post on why poker (online poker) is good for you.

Here’s a summary:

Poker improves your study habits.
Poker develops your maths skills.
Poker develops your logical thinking.
Poker develops your concentration.
Poker develops your patience.
Poker develops your discipline.
Poker teaches you to focus on the long term.
Poker teaches you that forgoing a profit equals taking a loss (and vice versa).
Poker develops your realism.
Poker teaches you how to adjust to changing situations.
Poker teaches you to adjust to diverse people.
Poker teaches you to avoid racial, sexual and other prejudices.
Poker teaches you to handle losses.
Poker teaches you to depersonalize conflict.
Poker teaches you how to plan.
Poker teaches you how to handle deceptive people.
Poker teaches you how to choose the “best” games.
Poker teaches you the benefits of acting last.
Poker teaches you how to concentrate on the important subjects.
Poker teaches you how to apply probability theory.
Poker teaches you how to conduct risk-reward analysis.
Poker teaches you how to put things in context and evaluate all variables.
Poker teaches you “how to get into people’s heads”.

Who would have thought that you learn a lot of things from playing online poker. If you read the book, "The Art of War", most of these are quite essential not only in actual battle but in life. Many successful online (& offline) poker players have gained these skills and they acquired more out of life because of it. Although not everything in online (offline) poker is dandy, there are some downsides to it too. Always remember to play in moderation.

Learning Blackjack

2008-11-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

I found this nifty site that's a great resource for blackjack beginners. The web site I'm talking about is called, Hit or Stand. It is a free online blackjack game and trainer that teaches you blackjack strategy while you play. The goal of the game is to make a high percentage of correct moves and not to earn money, as most online gambling websites are.

The Game Play and Strategy

The Hit or Stand game works just like any other online blackjack game, however your score is determined by your ability to execute the correct moves on each hand. After the cards are dealt, you have the option to Hit, Stand, Double, or Split. Because this game is a trainer, it is up to you to add the cards and know whether you are allowed to split or double. An illegal move will be counted incorrect. If your move is legal, it will be determined to be correct and will be an increase in your points.

This online game has two modes of play: easy and difficult. In both modes you will be dealt 20 hands, and your final score will be the percentage of correct moves you made out of the incorrect ones. In difficult mode, the hands will by more challenging, and there is now a time element since you'd only be given 4 seconds to make a decision.

Basic Online Blackjack Rules

While blackjack does change from casino to casino, it generally has to form of rules - Las Vegas rules or Atlantic City rules. However the fundamental correct moves do not differ that much and in many large scale casinos the rules are similar. Below are some very basic blackjack rules.

The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21.
Face cards are worth 10. Aces are worth 1 or 11, whichever makes a better hand.
Each player starts with two cards, one of the dealer's cards is hidden until the end.
To 'Hit' is to ask for another card. To 'Stand' is to hold your total and end your turn.
If you go over 21 you bust, and the dealer wins regardless of the dealer's hand.
If you are dealt 21 from the start (Ace & 10), you got a blackjack.
Blackjack usually means you win 1.5 the amount of your bet. Depends on the casino.
Dealer will hit until his/her cards total 17 or higher.
Doubling is like a hit, only the bet is doubled and you only get one more card.
Split can be done when you have two of the same card - the pair is split into two hands.
Splitting also doubles the bet, because each new hand is worth the original bet.
You can only double/split on the first move, or first move of a hand created by a split.
You cannot play on two aces after they are split.
You can double on a hand resulting from a split, tripling or quadrupling you bet.

If you plan on seriously learning blackjack and maybe later on learn the art of card counting, visit hit or stand to learn the basics.

Website: www.hitorstand.net

Online Gambling Etiquette

2008-11-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

It is a fact that online gambling or online casinos lack much of the protocol and etiquette of its offline counterpart however this certainly doesn't mean that anything goes. There are still certain rules to follow and respecting other online gambling players in terms of maintaining game speed and communicating appropriately to others ensures a more pleasurable experience for everyone.

Below are some very basic online gambling etiquette that both new and old players can adhere to.

Be considerate with other online players. Adhering to this rather simple online gambling etiquette is making it easier for yourself to adhere to the rest of the online casino etiquette presented below.
Always, always know the rules of the online game before playing. Do a research online such as how to play online poker or what is backgammon before playing with a money at stake. There are a lot of online casinos that offer newbies to try their online poker games, and such, using fake money. Availing of the free trial let's you understand the online gambling platform even more.
Always make sure, that you as a player is 18 and years old and above as required by most online gambling sites. This rule is taken very seriously. Violations of this rule shows disrespect toward the online gambling operator and the other players.
Maintain the speed of the game: Online gambling games are often much faster than the real casinos and thus more appealing to many players. You should do your best to keep the speed of the game although "moments" are normal. Nonetheless, you should constantly avoid lagging behind to show courtesy and consideration towards other online poker players.
Unless if you are playing specifically for a certain language, communicate only using English so that you can keep other online gambling players on the same page.
Don't abuse the chat feature: Refrain from using it for profanity, criticizing other players, or making poor jokes. A lot of online poker players and other online gamers value having their identity unknown and if these people would just like to focus on the game without socializing, then reconsider and respect their choice. Also refrain from using the chat feature to advertise your business, criticizing the hosting site and/ or talking about the hand-in progress. Forbear using ALL CAPS and exclamation points since not only is it impolite and inappropriate, this can also imply that you are shouting to the other online poker players.
There is never any pressure to gamble for money on most online gambling sites. However if a person just wants to bet for fun with points, let them. Pressuring people to gamble is, actually, not fun for anyone.
Should you feel that an online gambling player is downright improper and is not practicing good online gambling etiquette, it is in the best interest of the game, and every other online gambling players, to report the player to the operator as soon as possible.

Online Poker Games 101

2008-11-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

Poker is a card game that share betting rules and usually (but not always) hand rankings. Poker games differ in how cards are dealt out, how hands may be formed, whether the high or low hand wins the pot in a showdown (for some games, the pot is split between both the high and low hands), bet limits, and how many rounds of betting are allowable.

When we speak of online poker, this is a poker game played over the internet. Online poker gambling has been particularly responsible for the growth of worldwide poker players. The increase of many avid online poker players has also caused poker revenues to increased from $82.7million in 2001 to a whopping $ 2.4 billion last 2005. Imagine how many people got incredulously hooked to online gambling especially with online poker games. For this post, we will briefly discuss online poker games that got millions hooked. Below are some popular online poker games among online poker players.

Texas hold 'em

Among all poker games this one is the most popular both online and offline. This is a community card poker game where each player can use any combination of the five community cards and the player's own two hole cards to make a poker hand.

Omaha

This online poker game is similar to the Texas hold'em, a community card game. Each player is given four cards and he must use his best hand in picking the two cards of choice, plus exactly three of the five community cards.

Seven-Card Stud

Seven-card stud used to be the most popular online poker game before the Texas hold'em grabbed the attention of the majority in online gambling. Two to eight players can play this particular poker game. The players are dealt seven cards throughout the course of the hand, but only the best five-card poker hand possible for each player is used to determine the winner.

Razz

Razz is a stud poker game that is normally played for ace-to-five low. The objective of this particular poker game is to make the lowest five-card possible hand from the seven cards given to you during the deal. Straights and flushes do not count against you for low while the ace always plays low. The best possible Razz hand is 5-4-3-2-A, or 5 high, also known as "the wheel" or "the bicycle".

Online Poker Gambling Basics

2008-11-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

Before we start off with rants and raves about online poker gambling, we should embank on theoretical knowledge that encompasses poker; otherwise, it’s tantamount to discovering the trends of developing poker software and not knowing how to play the game. Due to this, even online poker software development companies like CyberArts need to know the basics of poker, or better be poker players themselves, to know their trade well.
Online poker gambling demands time and patience for undergoing a learning curve, the game being a skill-based. Definitely, like any other online gambling, online poker gambling has a set of terms and jargons that every online poker player needs to know.
For the benefit of the first-timers and newbies of the game, we made a list of terms that should be part of every online poker player’s survival kit.
Play- This stands for a single game, from one card shuffle to the next.
Hand tie- When there are two online poker players and both of them have the same winning hand, they will divide the amount between them; if the amount is not divisible by two, the online poker player with the highest bid gets the major amount, leaving the leftovers to the second.
Rake- In online poker gambling, it’s a commission taken by the poker rooms at the total amount won after several hands, their sole revenue.
Pot- It’s the total amount accumulated after online poker players bet; this builds up in the entire course of the game: the ultimate goal of every online poker player, in whichever online poker gambling site they play.
Ante- Simply called “blind bets,” they are the money online poker players place on the pot without seeing their cards.
Hand- This pertains to every online poker player’s combination of cards.
Showdown- Just like any other thing that’s spectacular, even when you go watching dancers in dear Las Vegas, a showdown in any online poker gambling site would mean to every online poker player the most-awaited part: the finale of determining the final winner of the pot when all the betting is done.

Online Poker vs. the Real McCoy

2008-10-29T02:33:00.000-07:00

They say nothing beats the real thing; netizens need to get more fresh air and time away from their laptops. This extends to online poker players. Recently, Sorel Mizzi, a professional poker player who has been dominating the tournament scene was banned from Pokerstars for letting somebody else play on his account, rationalizing that he forgot about the play and was on board to London then. Apparently, that's not the way we want to grab some fresh air. Still yet, it's a good indication of how popular online poker has become.

There are a few good points why online poker can be better than the real game. First is accessibility, it's right on your face; you just have to log on to a poker room. Second is variety, you are bound to discover different kinds of poker online than off. Third, you learn a lot due to one thing: focus. You have lots of it when you've nothing but the poker room and perhaps a bottle of beer beside you.

Furthermore, convenience is the greatest factor that'll make any poker player turn around 360 degrees to online poker.

Imagine yourself hosting a poker game night. You have to clean the house, prepare a couple of beers, and set up the whole plethora of chips, cards, table, and what have you. In a poker room, you just grab your swivel chair and play on.

You don't have to wait up for your friends to play with you. Most of the time, they don't come. Online, you can gain a lot of friends; and you'll never run out of opponents cause games are available any time you choose to play and no matter how long. And when you want out of the game, you can easily do so; unlike real life poker, you would have to wait for the game to finish, especially if you're hosting it.

Oh, there's one addendum to that; isn't it cost efficient to just stay home and play online poker than drive miles away to play the real McCoy? So rock on, pros!

A Warm Welcome to Poker Pros, Trying to be Pros, and Enthusiasts

2008-10-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

As you may see, blogs have cluttered around the Internet, they be on the most absurd topics to blog about. I'm starting out this blog as some sort of "freedom wall" for poker players, pro or less pro, and even those who stay on the sidelines, content by being mere enthusiasts. I'm leaving the comments open for any of your ideas or violent reactions to articles and whatnots that I'll be posting soon.

It seems that there are still a million and one things about online poker that people need to know, not only because it's an intimate part of American culture; but more so because it skyrocketed as a high-paying, skill-based online game that no amount of legal sanctions and prohibitions can contend with.

So here it goes, I'm glad to welcome you to my blog. Happy reading!