Showing posts with label online gaming software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online gaming software. Show all posts

Monday, September 27, 2010

90 Ball Bingo: Where and how it started

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 18th 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!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Server-based Gaming: Along the Course of Time

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.

Friday, May 1, 2009

New Microgaming Slots Previews

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.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Note Taking is a Breeze

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.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Bird's Eye View on Online Gambling Software

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.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Learning Blackjack


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