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Five Easy Casino Games Every Beginner Should Try

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a dealer's hands on a casino table

Casinos can feel like a maze of flashing lights and chimes, each corner promising fortunes beyond your wildest dreams. For the newbies out there, the sheer number of games can be overwhelming even for the most enthusiastic of beginners. But the secret to enjoying your first casino experience is simplicity – choosing games that are easy to learn, quick to play and thrilling enough to keep you coming back for more.

With online platforms being the norm for many players, the convenience of playing from your living room (or on your commute) adds another layer of accessibility. Apps like Betway mobile put the whole casino in your pocket, so you can dip your toe in the water without the pressure of a live crowd. But whether you’re spinning the reels online or sitting at a felt table, these five games are for beginners.

1. Slot Machines: The Casino Starter

Slot machines are the staple of any casino. They’re simple, fun and endless. At their heart they’re a game of chance: press a button or pull a virtual lever and let the reels spin. The aim? Get matching symbols across a payline to win.

Modern online slots have more than just spinning reels. They have shiny graphics, storylines and bonus features like free spins or mini-games. And the best bit? No strategy required – just sit back, play and enjoy the ride.

For beginners slots are a great place to start as you can get used to the casino atmosphere without having to memorise rules. With modern platforms, you can try themed slots for every interest, from ancient mythology to Hollywood blockbusters.

2. Roulette: Spin the Wheel

Roulette is another classic that’s just as fun to watch as it is to play. The concept is simple: a dealer spins the wheel while players bet on where they think the ball will land. Red or black? Odd or even? A single lucky number?

For newbies, betting on colours or number ranges keeps it simple while still giving you decent odds. Online roulette often has interactive tutorials to help you understand the rules. Plus many platforms have variations like European roulette (better odds) or American roulette (more challenging).

Roulette’s appeal is universal. Few moments in a casino are as dramatic as a spinning wheel and a bouncing ball. Whether you’re playing live roulette or an automated version online, it’s exhilarating.

3. Blackjack: The Card Game

Blackjack, also known as 21, is a card game that’s as classic as it is easy. The rules are straightforward: you’re dealt two cards and you need to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Face cards are worth 10, aces are 1 or 11 and the rest are worth their number.

Blackjack is perfect for beginners because of the balance of luck and skill. The initial draw is random but decisions like hit (take another card) or stand (keep your current hand) give you some control. For the most cautious, basic strategy charts are available and easy to follow.

Online casinos often have low stakes blackjack tables so you can practice without risking much. And with features like tutorials or in-game advice, learning the ropes is as smooth as a well-dealt shuffle.

4. Baccarat: The Luxury Option

Baccarat is known as the game of the high rollers but don’t let that scare you. In reality it’s one of the easiest casino games out there. The dealer does most of the work so your job is to place a bet on one of three outcomes: player win, banker win or tie.

Each hand is dealt two cards and the aim is to get as close to 9 as possible. Face cards and tens are worth 0, all other cards are face value. If the total is more than 9 only the second digit counts (e.g. 7 and 6 becomes 3).

Baccarat’s simplicity and sophistication makes it a favourite for those who want low-effort games with high rewards. Many online versions have live dealers so you can have the glamour of a real casino without leaving your home.

5. Video Poker: Slots with a Brain

For those who love the simplicity of slots but want a bit of strategy, video poker is the middle ground. The game starts like a slot machine: insert your bet and press “deal”. But instead of spinning reels you’re given a hand of 5 cards and you decide which to hold and which to discard.

The aim is to make the best possible poker hand, with payouts increasing for higher ranking combinations. The beauty of video poker is it’s easy enough for beginners but rewarding for players who learn the optimal strategy.

Online you’ll find various versions from Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild. These games often come with guides and practice modes so it’s a stress-free introduction to poker.

First Time Player Tips

Start Small: Stick to low bets as you learn the ropes. Many online casinos, including Betway mobile, have games with low stakes for beginners.

Take Advantage of Bonuses: Welcome bonuses or free spins can stretch your budget and give you more opportunities to play without extra cost.

Learn the Rules: Most games have tutorials or demo modes—use them. Don’t bet real money until you know the basics.

Set Limits: Gambling should be fun not stressful. Set a budget for your session and stick to it win or lose.

Conclusion

Entering the casino world whether online or in person doesn’t have to feel like jumping into the deep end. Start with simple games like slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat or video poker and build your way up.

So remember the goal isn’t to win it’s to have fun. These games are simple and exciting so you can do just that. And with modern platforms bringing the casino to your hand the thrill is always at your fingertips. Just play smart, stay safe and enjoy every spin, deal or roll of the dice

The Nationwide Boom of Online Sports Betting in America

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Whenever we turn on the TV these days or even while browsing internet pages, it has become increasingly difficult not to spot advertising for sports betting. Not something we saw often in the past, although times have changed and just like many European countries, the United States has finally welcomed a pastime that entertains millions around the world.

Of course, here in the State of Nevada, it can sometimes be hard to understand all the fuss. Sports betting has been legal for a long time and for many years, it was one of the few places where people could wager on big sporting events. However, the digital age has changed all of that, creating a whole new boom that is quickly sweeping America.

Wider Acceptance of Online Sports Betting

Nevada is no longer the only gig in town and since New Jersey’s Supreme Court victory in 2018, any state desiring to do so can legalize sports betting. This landmark ruling quite literally opened the floodgates, repealing a decades-old federal law established back in the 1990s, sending the establishment of gambling laws back to state legislature control.

In April 2021 and according to the ESPN Sports Betting Bill Tracker, 22 states have now successfully passed legislation which legalizes online sports betting. Several more states are expected to pass legislation through 2021, potentially taking the total beyond 30 by early next year. The remaining states are still actively debating and drafting bill proposals.

All but three state legislatures have proposals to legalize sports betting in place. As yet, Idaho and Wisconsin have no publicly announced bills, with no plans for that to change any time soon. Meanwhile, given the anti-gambling stance enshrined in the Utah state constitution, it could be the one place in the US where gambling remains completely banned.

Image: Pixabay

Nevertheless, while the vast majority of states are embracing new bills to legalize sports betting, alongside other online gambling legislation, many have looked towards Nevada for inspiration. Boasting a long and successful history in the sports betting industry, Nevada has well-established rules and regulations in place.

While the vast majority of states across the country embrace new gambling laws, as the most established and mature gaming market, Nevada has influenced how other states have shaped their legislature. Nevada always features prominently as the benchmark for gambling rules and regulations, boasting an important history and vast experience in the sports betting industry, offering a path for others to follow.

That said, laws do vary considerably from state to state, due to some remaining a little reticent about going the whole hog, so to speak. Betting on college or minor league sports remains banned in many states, although nearly all have legalized online and mobile wagering, alongside in-person betting at casinos bookmakers.

Sports Grabbing the Most Betting Attention

Figures produced in 2020 by Research And Markets highlighted that last year, the United States online gambling market generated just over $2.1 billion, while in-person gambling still accounts for tens of billions. An increasingly large portion of that market is focused on sports betting, which is expected to enjoy exponential growth over the next five years.

Part of that growth is due to the existing appeal and popularity of major league sports, with the professional competitions in America viewed by tens of millions each week. In recent polls, 37% of people chose American football as their sport of choice, followed by 11% for basketball and 9% for baseball. In 2021, ice hockey actually slid below soccer in the popularity polls.

However, all five of those key sports attract massive audiences, with viewership continuing to grow in the online streaming age. NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS – they are acronyms any sports fan will instantly recognize, which is why they are also the most popular sporting competitions for online wagering.

Alongside the extensive coverage of every game in each of those competitions, throughout the country, millions of people are also finding additional entertainment via associated wagering. This can range from choosing in-game odds and betting line outcomes, to backing individual players and teams for success, playing the long game in the futures markets.

Predicting who might win the weekend NFL games is always popular, while predicting the Super Bowl winner is almost a multi-million enterprise in itself. In 2020, more than 26 million Americans bet around $6.8 billion on Super Bowl LIV alone, across online platforms, and at in-person sportsbook locations. That’s more than any sporting event in modern history.

Whatever the sporting event, one interesting fact is that with so many online sportsbooks to choose from in each legal state, the odds can vary wildly from one to another. This is why searching for the best US betting sites has become common practice, reading professional industry reviews and insights, along with browsing customer feedback and opinions.

Choosing Your Sportsbook Wisely

Just like the sports we love, competition in the online betting arena is equally fierce. We want to place bets and the sportsbooks want our money, although we should always do so in moderation and with plenty of responsibility. More than ever before, look for betting sites that serve your own preferences as the priority.

Beyond an attractive welcome bonus and appealing promotions, the most reputable online sportsbooks pride themselves on offering an excellent overall user experience, plus responsive customer support whenever you need their help. Great betting sites also earn trust with fast playouts and by protecting your private information. Always keep these things in mind when browsing reviews.

Games to Learn and Play in 2021

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man playing checkers

The coronavirus pandemic forced society to shut down in March of 2020. When the pandemic forced people to stay at home, many people enjoyed the reprieve from work and school. However, a lot of people started to grow leery of being indoors within the first 2 weeks. The problem with staying at home all the time is that people didn’t know what to do after a while. They get bored quickly. This is one reason why they rebelled against quarantining and stay at home orders.

In December of 2020 and COVID-19 crisis continues to rage on. Many people across the nation are being strongly encouraged to stay at home again. This time around, people are figuring out new ways to deal with this situation. One way they have done this is by turning to board and card games. These old forms of entertainment are making a comeback during the pandemic era. We’ll now take a quick look at board and card games to learn and play in 2021. These games are expected to become a normal part of life in 2021 and beyond.

A Quick Word about the Pandemic’s Affect on Board and Card Games

Video games have been the dominating form of entertainment for many years. This trend first started in the late 1970s and continues today. However, by March of 2020; video game play has been slowly declining. The COVID-19 epidemic forced people to stop being sociable.

While people primarily played video games by themselves; they could still go out and meet other people. They also had the opportunity to gather with others as well. So, it wasn’t that much of a problem to play solitary video games.

People who had to quarantine and stay home for months tired of playing games alone. Keep in mind that not every household has a large family unit. At least 37.5 million Americans (around 28% of the population) live by themselves. During the stay at home orders, many of these individuals had limited or no social contact.

Families with children had social contact but most of the activities had to be centered around kids. The parents in the home have to rely on each other for socialization. At this point, people realized they needed to do something to maintain socialization. One thing they started to do was play board and card games again. People who lived alone and families started to connect with their relatives and friends to bring back this form of entertainment. One option is to do so on a site like new-casinos.ca, but let’s dive into other types of game as well.

Classic Board Games that People Still Play that Never went Away

There are some board games that never died off. They somehow managed to survive the past 40 years of the video game revolution. These games are traditional pastimes that have been around since the early 1900s. Here is a quick list of these games:

  • Monopoly – this game never died and there are over 20 versions of this game. These versions include Star Wars Monopoly, Pokemon Monopoly, and you can purchase a NCAA football team version of this game. The Michigan Wolverines have their own version. However, the classic version remains the most popular and is the best. Still, Monopoly is the number one board game of the modern era. People will have one set of this game in their home. Also, they don’t get tired of playing it – no matter how long it takes to win.
  • Sorry – this game is a huge hit in schools, daycares, and rec centers across the country. Kids from each generation grow up playing this game and they love competing. This game entertains them and helps them to connect with other kids socially. Many adults can use this game to play with their kids when they spend more time in the house.
  • Candyland – was created in the 1940s. This game is for young kids, but it is a time honored game that many American people (young and old) are fond of. This game is great for families that have younger children to keep entertained.
  • Chutes and Ladders – This game is similar to Candyland, but it has a different design in terms of how children advance through the board. This game is also for younger audiences between the ages of 4 – 7.
  • Connect 4 – this is another highly rated board game that has been around since 1974. This game is easy to play and it moves fast. Adults and children alike will get a kick out this game.
  • Jenga – Jenga is family favorite because it simply involves stacking blocks until somebody knocks it over. Jenga is a 20th century leftover that still has an audience today.
  • Clue – Clue is a mystery board game that keeps players guessing about who is guilty of a crime. This game has been around for a while and it is more adult orientated.
  • Operation – this is simple board game where players have to perform surgery. They must remove parts from a character’s body without causing a buzzer to go off. This game is for young and old alike.
  • The Game of Life – Life has been around since 1960. One of the reasons why this game has stayed around throughout the years is because it is a relatable game. The game is based off of real life situations. People have to figure out if they want to raise a family, how to take care of them, and what to do for a career. This game is very enduring and it is primarily for teens and adults.
  • Risk – this is a board game version of a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game. Players have to march their armies across the world to eliminate rival armies. This game requires cunning military knowledge and having the ruthlessness to become a world conqueror.
  • Scrabble – Scrabble is a game for people that love words. It is an interesting game that will keep a person’s mind constantly working. This game can help young kids to build their vocabulary and it can help older adults to improve their overall word knowledge. Scrabble is a game for adults, but teens and kids will enjoy it as well.
  • Jumanji – was originally a book, that was turned into a movie, before becoming a board game. There is even a video game version. However, the board game has been around since the mid 1990s and it has some moderate success. The new Jumanji movies have helped to keep this game relevant today.
  • Guess Who – this is a board game that is similar to Go Fish. However, players are matching characters, and it is more suited for younger audiences.
  • Battleship – is a strategy game where players have to sink their opponent’s fleet before they sink them. This game is fun, and it requires skill and a good memory to win.
  • Twister – this is a game for people of all ages. However, it is best suited for people who are comfortable being around each other. Couples should have a good time playing this game together.

Other games such as Parcheesi, Trouble, and Boggle are also classical favorites as well. These are classic board games that continue to entertain people today. They have never gone out of style though their popularity has waned. Still, in 2021 and beyond they will be making a comeback during the current and post-pandemic era.

Ancient Board Games that have Survived the Test of Time

Ancient board games that have been around for thousands of years will never die. These games were created thousands of years ago (in one form or another) and remain with us today. People also continue to play these games and will do so during and after the pandemic.

Chess – this is the world’s oldest most time enduring game. This game is arguably the greatest game of all time. Modern computer strategy games are designed on chess principles. Also, the game influences other genres of games. Chess is truly a game that will never go out of style and no two matches are exactly alike.

Checkers – checkers is a strategy board game, but it hasn’t been around as long as chess. Think of checkers as Chess’s little brother. This game has a different set of rules and is less complex than chess. Still, this game is entertaining and fun. It will help people to pass the time.

Backgammon – was created in the Middle East. The game has been around for many years and it is a classic game that continues to draw new players from each generation.

Mancala – this marble like board game has been a favorite in Eastern Africa for millennia. Players have to move their pieces through a grooved board to defeat their opponents. While it might not be a favorite American game; it provides enough diversity, entertainment, and challenge to keep people busy.

Othello (Board Game) – this classic game requires players to change their opponent’s tiles unit to their color. Once they have made all their opponent’s tiles their color, they win. This game has some moderate success, and it will provide something different from the games that most people play.

Tic-Tack-Toe – this game probably shouldn’t be mentioned. However, it is a classic game that should be honored. It can be played on a regular sheet of paper and a pencil. It is a good game for younger children. However, older adults will not find it entertaining because they will know how to keep people from winning.

Dominoes – is an ancient game that evolved from China and Italy. This game requires players to use their tiles to score the most points. It is a favorite for many people, and it is sometimes referred to as “bones”.

Contemporary Board Games for the Pandemic Era

Contemporary board games are more complex than their classic and ancient counterparts. These games require more time to play but they are engrossing, and they do keep people entertained. Let’s check out what they are.

CATAN – this is the biggest selling board game of the modern era. With over 80 million sales (and counting) CATAN has become a standard part of the modern board gaming world. This is a strategy-based game where players build settlements and trade resources until somebody wins. While it might seem boring many players find the game play stimulating and hard to turn away. It is recommended for teens and adults.

Pandemic – While we’re living in a pandemic, that doesn’t mean that people want to play a game that has this theme. Still, Pandemic is a modern board game that allows players to find solutions to stop the pandemic from wiping out life in regions of the world. The twist to this game is that everybody has to work together to stop the pandemic – otherwise they all lose. Maybe we should all take a lesson from this game in cooperating with others to defeat the pandemic today.

Betrayal at House Hill – this board game brings horror movie fiction into real life. We’ll, the horror is not real, but it certainly will feel that way once people start to play. This is a game to keep people in suspense and thinking about the best way to survive.

Gloomhaven – this is a tactical game where players take on adventures in a fantasy world.

Scythe – is a strategy board game where players compete to dominate the board.

Other popular board games include Codenames, Tickets to Ride, Pinch and Pass, Blockbuster (yes there is a board game based off the old popular video rental franchise), and the Disney villain inspired board game called villainous. These games might not be for children, but many adults find them to be entertaining and fun today.

Card Games in 2021 and Beyond

A hand holding a deck of cards

Card games are an ancient form of recreation that have been around for a very long time. Card games are popular in casinos, but many households don’t play them like they did from the 1970s to the late 1990s. Many classic card games are still thriving in casinos as a popular form of entertainment. For example, check out the available netent games in 2021 to get an idea.

Here are some popular card based games that are still popular today.

Classic Card Games – these games require a standard deck of cards. The games include Poker, Blackjack, Go Fish, Gin Rummy, Crazy 8, Hearts, War, and Solitary. All of these card games time honored and will be played during the pandemic.

Uno – this is a classic card game that has been around for some time. It provides alternate fun for people who like to play cards. It is also a kid friendly game.

Bingo – Bingo is a cross between a board game and a card game. While traditional Bingo requires cards and chips, there are some versions that use cards. This is another popular game that can be used to entertain families who have to stay at home.

All of these board games can be purchased online or from a retail outlet. Many of the older games can be brought from thrift stores or found at garage sales. Many people might have these games lying around in their home in some box from when they use to play them in the past. Remember, board games help people to be more social. People are also playing board games against each other over Zoom like or video chatting connections. The links listed below will help you to find some of the board games that were mentioned in this article.

Online Gambling Regulatory Bodies

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judge hammer and books

In order to make sure that online casinos and other real money gambling sites are safe and secure, there needs to be certain governing bodies to make sure that this is so. As such, today we look at some of the most popular gambling regulatory that you can trust to guarantee you safe and secure online gambling.

Top Online Gambling Regulators

UK Gambling Commission

The UK Gambling Commission or the UKGC has been issuing out gambling and cricket bettings licenses since 2005. Other than giving out international gambling licenses, they are also responsible for regulating gambling activities in Great Britain.

The UKGC’s aim is to make sure that all games are fair and crime-free. They also make sure that they prevent slot rigging and illegal gambling activities.

Alderney Gambling Control Commission

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission was created in 2000. There are two types of online gambling licenses that you get from this body. Namely:

  1. Business to Consumer licenses (B2C): These are for gambling sites that offer services to players and handle financial payments.
  2. Business to Business (B2B): These are for the cinemacasino games providers e.g. Microgaming, NetEnt and of the like.

The Isle of Man Gambling Commission

Another of the most respected online gambling licensing boards is the Isle of Man. They offer 4 different licenses. Namely:

  1. Betting Offices
  2. Land based casinos
  3. Controlled gaming machines
  4. Online gambling

The Malta gaming Authority

The Malta Gaming Authority was founded as the Lotteries and Gaming Authority, however the name was changed in 2015.

The licensing body is in charge of online gambling activities and licenses in Malta.

The game that are regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority includes skill games, Commercial Halls for Bingo, Land-based casinos, No profit games, amusement machines, gaming devices, advertising lotteries, cruise casinos, the national lottery, and Racecourse sweepstakes and bets.

Advanced Blackjack Strategy – Tips and Tricks

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Blackjack might not be a dice game, but it is most definitely a game off odds

Blackjack, as one of the top popular card games found on both land-based and online casino floors globally, is played with the purpose to beat the dealer. In this endeavor, players often make attempts to employ some kind of strategy or another, and ultimately turn a healthy profit.

While beginners and intermediate-level blackjack players are encouraged to stick to the basic tips and tricks, experienced blackjack enthusiasts have their own strategy to boost their bankrolls. Of course, opting out for any such move does not guarantee anything, but considering the precision of the odds and the hand outcomes that experts have calculated based on card deck numbers, some of the tips are definitely worth a try. If you consider yourself an experienced blackjack player, click here and test your skills.

Specific Hand Maneuvers

Knowing when and where, or even if, a specific hand is going to turn up is quite specific for a game that can include as many as 8 decks of cards. Still, not all card combinations are the same, and players tend to focus on those that cannot be solved through simple reasoning. For one, the insurance bet is promoted as the safe game play in blackjack, when in fact it’s a way for the casino to gain edge over the players. The only time to choose insurance is if the dealer has a 10 and there are several cards of same value left in the shoe, or in case you have a blackjack. Another case scenario is the ‘Rule of 45’, making players stand in all cases when the dealer has a 10-value card facing up, and the player has a 16-value hand made up of three cards.

Bet with an Advantage

Having any kind of advantage over the dealer is a plus, and should you have really played long enough to know the game, you should already have developed yours. The place you sit at the half-round table, and the stakes you place on it are ultimately responsible for your game success. For one, most experienced players tend to sit on the Anchor seat – the one at the end of the table – in order to keep track of the cards that have been dealt in previous hands and no longer influence the deck. As for staking advantages, the best thing to do is to try multiple betting strategies during less serious game plays or even mix them up, all with the purpose of finding the best way to go through your bankroll that should result with a return of the investment.

Odds, Odds, Odds

In blackjack, there is hardly a combination of player-dealer hands that hasn’t been accurately converted into a table of odds, and with due right. This game is among the few that has extremely low house edge, with the added potential of reducing it in specific situations. Due to this, experienced players tend to account for the odds of a particular card situation before determining whether to hit, stand or split, assuming that they are keeping tabs of the cards along the way.