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What is Responsible Gambling

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You would think that the answer to this question is easy but it isn’t. The reason you are probably familiar with the term is that you have been exposed to an initiative to help problem gamblers. Another term that is not as clear as you would think it is. The surprising thing is that a large number of gamblers are not familiar with these phrases.

An Interesting Story

To protect the identities of these completely fictional characters, we shall call them Steve and Jack. Although the characters are fictional the tale is based on actual events.

On a bright and sunny day, Steve got out of his office to go carry out a survey. As a worker in a data collecting company, his job was to conduct surveys on varies things. This day he was simply supposed to find out the number of real money gamblers at casinos Australia who knew what responsible gambling is.

As a regular sports bettor, Steve knew exactly where to start and he was sure (as we would all be) that everyone he would speak to know what responsible gambling is.

A Pleasant Surprise

The sports betting establishment was full of people. All busy with the business of the day, placing real money wagers on the outcome of several sporting events. Steve proceeded to carry out his survey discretely and diligently.

While quite a number of respondents to the survey knew what responsible gambling was, there were a few that did not know. Part of the questions included asking the punters what they thought responsible gambling was. To find out more about gambling rules visit www.newzealandcasinos.co.nz and educate yourself more

It was when Steve interviewed Jack that he his day got brighter. Steve was a young man who had just won real money on one of his bets. Steve asked him if he knew what responsible gambling was and Jack enthusiastically answered, “Yes”.

Then Steve asked Jack if he could tell him what it is. Jack simply got up and said, “I can do one better, I will show you.” Jack proceeded to pick up discarded betting tickets on the floor and threw them in the bin. As he completed the act, he gave a huge smile and said, “that my friend is responsible gambling”.

Why Dominoes Need to Go Digital

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drawing of dominoes

If you were to speak to someone a mere 20 years ago and describe to them a day in your life, they would no doubt be perplexed by the reliance on all things digital. Indeed, slowly our lives have been adapted to rely more on our phones, computers, and even electronics out and about, and less on things that are more analogue. From payment methods on our phones to the ease at which we can order and track food delivered direct or even taxicabs – everything has been given the modern twist that those back in the 1960s relegated for flying cars and living on the moon. But there is something still shrouded in its analogue roots that is desperately in need of a digital update – and could be fairly lucrative for whoever decides to do it on a large scale: dominoes.

Who Invented Dominoes?

Dominoes date back to 1120 CE in China and have been played and enjoyed ever since. Some claim that they were presented to Emperor Hui Tsung – others state that this is just when they were standardized and sent around China. In Europe, dominoes can be traced back to the 18th Century, according to Michael Dummett, who documented the game’s history. Some claim that a domino was found in the wreckage of the 1545 Mary Rose, while others state that there was so much documentation at the time that the game wouldn’t have escaped public knowledge. Whatever their provenance, dominoes have existed for longer than the Aztec Empire, Oxford University, and sliced bread. The game has many variations, including Mexican Train Rules, Chickenfoot, and Concentration dominoes. The fact we still play them shows how popular they are, how universal they are, and how easy the game is to grasp.

What Else Have We Moved Online?

Moving table games online was a logical step. After all, arcade games moved online, and even traditional pen and paper games did too, with Hangman and Tic Tac Toe both available in digital format. Even board games such as Monopoly and Clue have been given modern remakes with a digital element that encourages more skill to play. The Monopoly Here and Now app adds a jet-setting theme to the game for playing on the move. Even the traditional physical games on offer at the casino have been digitally updated, as online casino providers continue to improve their offering, such as live gaming, offering immersive experience, example being Betway Live Casino. The idea even stretches to traditional strategy games where on websites such as chess.com even offer games of chess against a fictional opponent for players to hone their skills. Ultimately, this shows that there is no barrier to digitizing dominoes. The vast amount of table games available online gives credence to digital dominoes and also provides countless opportunities to adapt the game with the functionalities that digital offers. Social media, for example, provides a way of playing with others that standard table games don’t.

How Would Dominoes Be Digitized?

There are many ways in which dominoes can be digitized. A basic browser game could suffice, with points on offer for games won, which could then be traded amongst friends and others online. Video versions could give brands and franchises chances to cross-promote in order to attract more players. HD versions could be made, as well as ones that use revolutionary new technology. Virtual reality tech looks to be increasing and dominoes could be played on this platform. Developers could use dominoes in playtesting in order to test the functionality of VR before a full roll out.

But dominoes would be best if they were played for money. In much the same way that eSports are played – and bet on – dominoes could be monetized. Players could either input real money or they could harness the growth of cryptocurrency. Apps such as Sweatcoin, which allow players to gain money through walking in the form of money-off prizes and cryptocurrency have shown that there is a market for earning money doing enjoyable or necessary things in a very digital way.

dominoes on a table

What Would Differ For Digital Dominoes?

To bring a table game online would require some logistical changes in order to create the optimal functionality and to ensure the game resonates with fans of the original while being accessible to potential new audiences. In order to do so, dominoes would need to retain the basics of the game that people enjoy while giving it a modern twist that takes advantage of playing with the hardware of a laptop or smartphone. Touchscreen dominoes could work – tactile apps are more likely to intrigue players in order to break the barrier to them playing the game.

Ultimately a digitized version of dominoes would really have to focus on the gameplay. Another benefit of making a digital version of the game is the fact that dominoes also takes a fair amount of skill to play – including identifying opponents’ weaknesses, playing instinctively to get rid of higher valued dominoes and doubles, and keeping your own strategy hidden. Added elements of skill are more likely to encourage players to give a recommendation to their friends.

The game of dominoes represents the last bastion of the pre-digital generation. Adding to the pantheon of other games that have found their way into modern life, digitizing dominoes will be more symbolic in the succumbing of the general population to the inevitable modernization through digitization. Digital is here to stay – and when dominoes finds its place in the digital sphere, people will know that it is definitely there to stay.

Understanding Strategies and Stakes: Get Started on Roulette as a Complete Beginner

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There is no doubt that roulette is one of the classic casino games. Gamblers have been placing bets on where they think the ball will stop since at least the 17th century. Plenty of people are interested in giving it a try for the first time but not everyone is sure of how to do this.

Thankfully, there are some simple tips to get you going easily. If you have always wondered what it would be like to try this game then there is no need to worry. These tips will get you playing with confidence and without any delays.

“Roulette” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by ys*

Choose a Small Amount of Stake

The classic image of a roulette player is of someone who boldly places large sums of money on each spin. Many gamblers have won a fortune on this game over the years. Yet, as a newcomer you probably want to start off more gently.

In this case, it is a good idea to play with small stakes on your first attempts. You can still experience the glory of winning at a low stakes game such as LeoVegas 20p roulette, but you won’t run the risk of big losses. This is perfect for when you are building up your confidence. Having said that, a low stakes game can be ideal for anyone really. Even once you fully understand the game and some strategies, you might want to place a low cost of game just for fun at times.

Play Online

No matter how nervous you feel about your first game of roulette, you will be able to relax when you play it online. This is because internet roulette is simple and easy to get to grips with. The table will clearly show what bets you can make and what the odds are on each one.

There is none of the pressure that comes from being at the table while surrounded by other players. Instead, you can play comfortably at home or wherever suits you. If you prefer more of a vibrant, authentic casino atmosphere then you can try a live dealer game.

Source: Pixabay

 

Try Different Variants and Strategies

At the start, you might think that roulette is a single game and that the result is purely down to luck. Well, you will soon see there are several variants. You will also discover that you can improve your chances of winning with the right strategy.

Most variants of roulette are very similar to be fair. Some include a double zero, while others have additional types of bet that you can make. However, the overall idea is always the same. Therefore, you can switch from one to another whenever you want to try something different.

In terms of strategies, the main differences concern how you change your stake after winning or losing. Some of the most popular strategies involve increasing your stake after winning, while others have you decrease your bet after a win or loss.

By taking your time and finding out how you most like to play roulette you can start playing this game like an expert in little time. There is a lot of fun to be had and you might even grab a giant win at some point as well.

A Guide On How To Play Craps

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If you’ve come across this guide, chances are you are trying to find out just how to play this undeniably confusing game. From the moment you lay eyes on a craps table, the game can seem intimidating, but you’ll be relieved to know that this isn’t actually the case. Okay, so it may not be as simple as learning how to play tic tac toe, but we’re here to guide you through the process regardless! Without further ado, here is our ultimate guide on how to play craps.

What Is Craps?

If you are truly at beginner level, understanding the purpose of craps is a great place to start when it comes to learning how to play. Craps is a dice game involving wagers where players will bet on what they think the outcome of a roll, a series of rolls, or a pair of dice will be. What makes craps different from many other casino games, however, is that players wager together unless you opt to play Street Craps, which often involves wagering against other players. Bank Craps – also known as Casino Craps – involves one or more players betting against the casino as opposed to each other. With very little equipment involved, all we need to understand is just how the table works.

The Set Up

As mentioned before, craps involves very little equipment and as a result, alternative methods of play have been around for decades. Of course, street craps has been the game of choice for those not in casinos, and in more recent years, there have been more and more sites offering craps to players who prefer the online experience. However, the basic set up for Craps is fairly simple to understand.

When you walk up to a table, you’ll often see the table with a double layout. At one end will be the boxman. This is the man that handles and stores away any cash, and at the opposite end of the table will be the ‘stickman’ who, quite literally, operates the stick. This stick will be used to push the dice around, but the stickman will also control the entire tempo of the game by calling results, working the dice, and encouraging players to make decisions. Of course, there will be dealers who manage the bets, but anyone else at the table will be just like you – a player.

Types Of Bets

In order to play Craps with any hope of placing good wagers, you’ll need to understand the different bets that you can place when you play. This isn’t as simple as choosing a winning or losing outcome like it may be with checkers or chess, so make sure you read carefully!

Line Bets

  • Pass Line – The Pass Line bets are some of the most important in the game. The shooter (a player, this will alter per ‘go’) will roll the come-out roll, but before this happens, players must place a pass line bet. There are three outcomes: 7 or 11 means that the bet wins and the game ends, a 2, 3 or 12 that means the bet loses and the game ends, or a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 which will establish a point and the game will continue.
  • Don’t Pass – This is the opposite of a Pass Line bet, however there is a little more to it. 7 or 11 means that the bet loses and the game ends, 2 or 3 means the bet wins and the game ends, 12 means the bet is a push and the game ends with the bets being returned to the player, and the remaining numbers continue as before.
  • Pass Line Odds – If you’ve played the Pass Line and a point number comes through, you can place odd bets up to three times the original bet. You’ll need the point number to be rolled again before a 7 to win.
  • Come Bet – This is similar to a Pass Line bet but can only be made after any point number has been established.
  • Don’t Come– This is the opposite of a Come Bet.
  • Come Odds – When a Come Bet is placed on a point number, players can place further bets behind the Come Bet. This will lose is a 7 is rolled, but will pay out well if the Come point number is rolled again.

Single Roll

  • Roll 2 – You are betting on two 1’s being rolled. Odds are 30/1.
  • Roll 3 – The total of the dice needs to be 3. The odds are 15/1.
  • Roll 11 – You need a total of 11. Odds are 15/1.
  • Roll 12 – You need two sixes. Pay-out odds are 30/1.
  • Roll Craps – Craps isn’t often bet on. If you choose a 2, 3 or 12 and it comes out, then you win 7/1.
  • Roll 7 – You need a total of 7. Odds are 4/1.
  • The Field – This is a popular bet. You need a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. If you win this, you are payed even money, and if you get a 2 or 12, you’ll get 2/1 odds.
  • The Horn – This is four different bets made together. You play a bet on 2, 3, 11 and 12.

Multi-Roll Bets

These bets could take multiple rolls before a winner or loser is determined.

  • Hard Way Bets – You choose either 4, 6, 8 or 10, and hope that it is rolled the ‘hard way’. In other words, you need a double roll. 6 or 8 pay out at 10/1, and 4 or 10 pay out at 8/1. If a 7 is rolled, all hard way bets are lost.
  • Big 6 & Big 8 – These are the easiest bets in the games. You’re betting that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7, and if you win, you get even money.
  • Place & Buy – Place and buy bets are similar, but have different pay outs. In both cases, you’ll place a bet on any of the point numbers being rolled before a 7, but will only become live once any point number has been established.
  • Lay & Place Lose – This is the opposite of a Place and Buy bet, as you’ll want the 7 to come up before the point number.

The Lingo

Craps lingo is one of the most entertaining parts of the game, and learning it to start with can make the gameplay much easier from the get-go. We’ve compiled a quick list of some of the most common lingo to get you started, or you can find a full list here!

  • Craps – 2, 3 or 12
  • Yo or Yo-leven – 11
  • C And E Craps – 11
  • Snake Eyes – Two 1s
  • Boxcars – Two 6s
  • Little Joe or Little Joe From Kokomo – 4, usually rolled as a 1 and 3.
  • Jimmy Hicks – 6
  • Skate and Donate – 8
  • Skinny Dugan – a losing 7
  • Centre Field– 9
  • Puppy Paws – Two 5s. This is more often called ‘hard 10’ or ’10 the hard way’.
  • Natural Winner – 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.

Hopefully you have more of an insight into how Craps is played, and feel ready and raring to go whether at a bricks and mortar casino, or online. While learning how to play the game can seem like a confusing process, with research, practice, and plenty of support from your fellow players, you’ll be well on your way to winning those much-deserved jackpots!

Infographic: Cheltenham Festival Leading Jockeys

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The famous four days at the Cheltenham festival has finally arrived again and it looks as competitive as ever. With the weather forecast continuing to be uneasy the ground is likely to come up soft which could scupper some connections preparations with their horses needing better ground. This is however likely to have less of an influence as usual as the ground has been similar throughout the season so most horses form will have been on the slower surface.

One race that had everyone talking at the start of the season was the Champion hurdle and the anticipated clash of 2017 winner Buveur D’Air and the returning previous winner in Faugheen. The latest Cheltenham 2018 betting on the race has Buveur D’Air as the solid 8/15 market leader ahead of the 13/2 Faugheen. Buveur D’Air has barely had a race all season so this would be a slight negative to his chances but on all recent form there is no horse in the race who would get near him so he is likely to follow up from last year’s victory.

Faugheen on the other hand returned this season following a 665 day break through injury but had previously looked one of the most dominating champions of recent times. He had only been beaten on a reappearance by stablemate Nichols Canyon back in November of 2015. His final performance before the injury was a stunning 15 length victory over Arctic Fire at Leopardstown which resulted in an RPR of 177. This puts him in with the best in history and he would have likely been a multiple champion hurdle winner if he had not picked up an injury.

Faugheen returned and looked as good as ever in beating another previous champion hurdle winner in Jezki by 16 lengths. This prompted him to favouritism for the race with expectations high that he was the same horse. However a pulled up effort followed at odds of 2/11 with connections having no answer for his poor performance. Faugheen then returned at the start of February and ran with a lot more zest in finishing second behind stayers hurdle bound Supasundae. However this was far below his previous brilliant best so it seems that we have seen the best of the horse. The Champion hurdle is next and if connections were able to get him to win the race this would have to be one of the greatest training performances alike to that of Henderson and Sprinter Sacre. Check out the infographic below which covers the leading jockey title race and the horses heading the chances.