Archive for July, 2010

How to Choose Where to Play Pai Gow Poker

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Pai Gow Poker is a poker game of Asian origin with rules similar to regular poker. The player is dealt seven cards with the object being to make the best five card and best two card hands. Pai Gow Poker follows the normal poker hand rankings. All players compete with the dealer and must have a higher hand ranking with both hands in order to win.

The Skill Factor

With Pai Gow Poker being one of the few games available online where the player makes a decision rather than a bet, the popularity has significantly increased. The key to winning is balancing the two hands to give the player the maximum chance of a victory. For this reason many online casinos have added this game to their repertoire. With so many gaming sites offering Pai Gow Poker it can be difficult to decide which is best.

The Evaluation Period

Many players only register at one casino and stick to that. They usually stay because of promotional items and bonuses. This puts them at a great disadvantage and results in lost money over time. Most players like to register at multiple casinos to evaluate different games and play with different types of patrons.

What to Look For

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All Pai Gow Poker games are the same; the rules and payouts don’t change. However, there are two primary subtle differences, the house way and the commission. The house way allows the player to split their hand into two. The advantage is optimum splitting of the cards; the disadvantage is that it eliminates the skill aspect from game play. This is optional and should be used by first splitting the cards in your head, then taking action.

The second requirement relates to the commission taken by the house, which is generally 5 percent. For instance if you win $1, the casino pays out $0.95. Some online casinos implement a minimum commission. For example it you win a $1 and the commission minimum is $0.25, the casino only pays out $0.75. Therefore you’re winning less with those requiring a commission minimum.

Pai Gow Poker can be exciting and requires skill to master. Part of that is that ability to select the proper casino that maximizes your skills and winnings. This is accomplished by finding those casinos that offer the house way rule and do not have a commission minimum requirement. Finding a casino offering these two tips will help you maximize your earnings.

A Review of the New York Games of Chance Law

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The New York State Games of Chance Law has found that games of chance are exploited by professional gamblers, commercial interests and promoters. Consequently, the licensing and regulation of these types of games are regulated, controlled and monitored closely. Also, the laws that control games of chance must be strictly enforced to discourage the commercialization of all forms of gambling.

Specific Locations

This law however does grant every area in the state the power to authorize games of chance to specific organizations within the limits of the location such as found on a Native American reservation. In order for the town to adopt the authorization, the board of trustees of the village must support a resolution that issues the licenses for such games.

The Board of Trustees

The board of trustees has specific powers once the authority is granted. First, they have the ability to supervise all games of chance licensing and to change the rules for licensure. Next, they are able to conduct an investigation of the licensees for violations of the games of chance licensing law. Also, they can review all determinations of the department issuing gaming licenses. This includes revoke licenses that do not meet standards.

Furthermore, the board of trustees has the right to hear all appeals of license revocation or suspension. Additionally, the board has the power to carry out an ongoing study of the current games of chance law. The supervision of the distribution of money derived from these games by organizations not licensed falls within their jurisdiction.

Identification numbers to authorized applicants will be issued by the board; assuming the organization satisfies specific requirements. Finally, the board can approve and establish equipment for the games of chance. This ensures that the distribution of this type of equipment only goes to authorized organizations.

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Shipments of Gaming Equipment into New York State

This law also covers the shipment of gaming equipment, with the exception of slot machines and other coin operated equipment. It requires registration, recording and proper labeling which is the responsibility of both the manufacturer and the gaming organization. Assuming these rules are followed, gaming equipment can be shipped into the state of New York.

The Games of Chance Law does not restrict games of chance being played within New York. Rather, it simply regulates every aspect of it to ensure it’s not exploited. By following the various regulations this law enforces, many Native American tribes have been able to greatly profit on games of chance.

Tips for Proper Roulette Play

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Roulette is an exciting, fast paced, popular casino game with high payouts. The rules are simple, pick a number or group of numbers and place a wager. The dealer will spin the wheel and shoot the ball in the opposite direction, if it lands on a number you’ve selected, you win.

When joining a roulette table, there is a certain etiquette that must be followed in order to continue playing the game. The following tips will allow you to slide into any roulette game and participate in a professional manner. These include:

  • You can cover other chips
  • You can place bets after the ball is spun
  • Don’t place bets after the dealer says, “No more bets”

Unlike many other games, everyone is given a different colored set of chips. Therefore if another player is on a number you’d like to bet, don’t get discouraged. In Roulette its acceptable to place your wager on top of the chips of another player.

Also unlike other casino games where bets cannot be made after action has begun, Roulette allows betting after the ball has been spun. The dealer will always indicate when betting has ceased. This usually occurs when the ball begins to slow down. At that time the dealer will wave their hands and yell out, “no more bets.” Any bets made after this do not count.

Since roulette has a high house edge, it’s a difficult game to consistently beat. There is one pointer for winning in the short term; play at a full table. Finding a full game will offer approximately 30 spins per hour. This will slow down the amount of time your amount is susceptible to the house edge.

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There are many individuals that claim to have the next best roulette system that will win every time. Unfortunately this is never the case. Over the long-term, the house will always come out on top. The final tip is to never buy into any roulette systems, be it on the Internet or in person. It will simply result in lost money.

These tips will allow you to know the proper etiquette when placing wagers on Roulette games. With many players flocking to the Roulette table because of the payouts, it should be easy to find a full table which will decrease the amount of time your money is exposed to the house edge. If you simply follow the dealer’s direction while betting, there should be no problem when playing this simple, easy to learn game.

Tips for Protecting Casino-goers

Friday, July 9th, 2010

One of the primary duties of a surveillance operator as well as all casino and hotel personnel is to protect its patrons from thieves and scam artists. The gaming equipment and tables are worth nothing if there is nobody there to use them. Consequently the gaming establishment’s biggest assets are its customers. Any negative feedback from one guess can turn into hundreds simply by word of mouth.

The Easiest Targets

Unfortunately humans everywhere are careless, especially when distracted in crowded places. Women leave pursues sitting unattended and men drop their wallets into easily accessible pockets. Tourists are especially careless when surrounded by lights, sounds and numerous distractions while wandering around the casino floor. These are the people that need the most protection.

Ironically the easiest targets for thieves and scammers are foreign nationals. They are aware that if they get caught stealing, pick-pocketing or scamming them, the foreign national is unlikely to return to the United States to testify in a trial.

What to Look For

Casino surveillance personnel are trained to spot individuals in crowded places that aren’t there for entertainment purposes. They walk differently, are looking at different things and are much more alert. They tend to be more focused on individuals than their environment. If there’s any suspicion, it’s not illegal for personnel to track the potential perpetrator.

Common Target Areas

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Although a crime can be committed anywhere, the most common areas in a casino are at hotel check-in areas, valet areas and bell hop desks. They target these areas because of visitors arriving that are tired from traveling and guests leaving in a hurry, many of whom are hung over. This is a common area under surveillance by the employees, especially during busy periods.

Don’t Rule Out the Staff

Unfortunately the hotel and cleaning staff can commit the crime. Although this isn’t a common issue, it does occur. Maids, bellmen and others that go into the guest rooms can easily steal items. The casino cleaning staff can be suspects when coin bucket or purse thefts occur. They are usually working an unskilled job for low wages and are tempted by a bucket of money.

The bottom line is that the surveillance operators are well-trained to dealing with theft and scam artists. However to ensure you aren’t the next victim at a casino, mall or any crowded area, simply stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

The Fundamentals of Blackjack

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Blackjack, also known as 21, is a staple in casinos that provide table games. This is one of the oldest and most popular betting games offered. There are many different limits and anyone can play. The rules are fairly simple with the primary objective being to beat the dealer.

The Basics

Blackjack can be played with one to eight decks of cards (this is an effort to diminish the card-counting technique). Many casinos are not only using multiple decks, but have continuous shuffling machines. In single and double deck games, the dealer holds and shuffles the cards and distributes them. In a multi-deck game, the dealer distributes the cards from a shoe (a box that holds the cards).

One and two deck games are extremely uncommon in casinos with most dealing from the shoe. The hand is dealt face up to all the players at the table who are not allowed to touch their cards. The game is played in a heads up fashion with everyone against the dealer. If the total count of your cards is less than or equal to 21 and is higher than the dealers hand you win.

If your hand totals over 21 you bust which is an automatic forfeit of chips. If the dealer also busts, you still do not win. The player always makes the first move. Unlike other card games, the suit of the card has no bearing on the outcome of the hand.

The Card Values

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Cards 2-10 are counted as shown. All the face cards have a value equal to 10 and an ace counts as either a 1 or an 11. For instance, an ace and an 8 can either be combined to equal either 9 or 19 depending on the strategy for that hand. Hard hands are those that do not contain an ace. A soft hand is one that does contain an ace.

The Table

A blackjack table is shaped as a semi-circle. On the felt, there is a circle and a square for each seat. Chips must be purchased from the dealer and a bet is only valid if the chips are placed in the circle. Once all bets have been placed play can commence.

Blackjack is a fairly simple game consisting of simple math. Good decisions are based on mathematical calculations. Blackjack is one of the most fun and popular casino games due to its simplicity and immediate action.

A Guide to the Wire Act

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The Wire Act was enacted by Congress in 1961 to help thwart racketeering. The initial purpose of the act was to help states enforce their individual laws on gambling. It was also to help deter and suppress organized gambling rings. This attacked those involved with betting that use some type of wire communication to transfer bets or wagers or information dealing with gambling.

This means that gambling or betting, the transfer of money or credits or information cannot be conducted over the phone. The consequence of these actions is no more than two years in prison and/or a fine.

The Wire Act works in conjunction with numerous other federal bookmaking laws including:

  • The Travel Act
  • The Interstate Transportation of Wagering Paraphernalia Act
  • The Illegal Gambling Business Act

The Travel Act makes interstate traveling to aid any type of racketeering or gambling illegal. The Interstate Transportation of Wagering Paraphernalia Act makes it illegal to move around any equipment related to placing wagers or any other type of gambling. Finally the Illegal Gambling Business Act makes it illegal to run of finance any type of gambling operation.

In order for the Government to have a case against an individual or group, there are a few points that must be established. For instance, the person in question must be engaged in the business of betting. Also, the individual must have transmitted within interstate or foreign commerce any wagers, information that leads to the placing of wagers or correspondence that gives the beneficiary money or credits based on those wagers.

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Furthermore, the individual must have used some type of wire communication or wire communication facility. Finally, they must have knowingly used wire communication to connect with another party.

This regulation was initially aimed at deterring and shutting down organized gambling halls. These were usually run by some type of crime syndicate. Therefore, the casual, social bettor does not fall under the jurisdiction of this act. Under further scrutiny, it’s also been mentioned that casual bettors who wager large sums of money but who show sophistication are also immune from the penalties of this regulation.

The Wire Act is certainly still used today and is a major reason as to why online casinos cannot be created within the borders of the United States. It is also the reason many well-known online casinos stopped accepting United States customers. This Act has been a major setback for land and internet casinos. These laws were created to protect the citizens of the United States and make for a better country.


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