Online Casino Spotlight

Slot machines are one of the most popular games at the casinos. Slot machines are something anyone at any skill level can play. While there is very little learning curved involved in slots, applying a few techniques will help you up your winnings, extend your play time, and have more fun on your casino trip.

5 Tips for Playing Slot Machines

1. Use your reward card. Most casinos offer some type of reward card. These cards are used by the casino to track how much you are spending. The amount you spend, win, and time you spend playing are converted in to bonus prizes given out by the casino. These prizes can vary from comps at the casino’s buffet to free playing time at a slot machine. Some casinos even offer incentive bonuses for new joiners and extra prizes on one’s birthday. In short, it pays to use your reward card. Always pop the card in the slot machine before you start playing.

2. Play the maximum bet on a progressive slot machine. If you were to hit the jackpot on a progressive slot machine and you were not betting the maximum your payout would be much lower then what lured you to the slot in the first place. If you are going to play a progressive slot, it is important that you bet the maximum allowed. If you can not afford to bet the maximum, play a slot machine that doesn’t pay on progressive.

3. Divide your bankroll. Most people go in to a casino with a set amount they plan to spend. Before you start playing, give your bankroll a limit. For example, if you plan to spend $500 and want to play at least five slot machines, only spend $100 at each slot. This way your entire bank roll does not go to one slot machine. Also, if you are on a gambling vacation and plan to spend more then one day at the casino, divide your bank roll in to days. This will ensure you do not run out of playing money on the first day.

4. Do not play your winnings. An easy trick to make sure you walk out of a casino with some cash in hand is to save your winnings. Any time you get ahead on a slot machine, cash out and keep your winnings separate. You can continue you to play on your bankroll up to your limits, and this way you still walk out with some cash.

5. Start out low and work up to maximum bets. While it does not pay to bet low on a progressive machine, betting lower on a standard slot will help you build up a bankroll and make your money last longer. People get excited when they walk in to a casino, and that excitement may cause them to blow their whole bank roll on large bets right at the start. Start off with a smaller amount until you build up a bankroll and your money will last longer.

Slot machines are a fun way to spend time at the casino. Larger casinos will have dozen machines with different styles and games. Using a little technique will help you up your winnings and have a better time at the slots.

Real Time Gaming is one of the leading providers of internet casino software and a major player in the world of online slots.  In this article, we will take a look at three of its most popular slots game to see why they have become such a big hit among online players.

Aztec’s Treasure

Real Time Gaming’s most popular attraction, Aztec’s Treasure is a slots game that revolves around the theme of ancient civilizations.  The reels have vibrant colors and symbols that feature the likes of the Aztec King, Warrior, and ancient artifacts that accentuate the theme of the game.  This slots game offers broad betting range, allowing you to be from $0.01 to a $100.  The maximum payout on scatters is 500while the payouts on fixed jackpots for five predetermined symbol combinations on an enabled payline range between 5,000 and 100.  When playing free spin rounds, payouts are tripled.  While Aztec’s Treasure is an online game of high volatility, which means it pays out larger sums less frequently, the fact that there is no bonus game to play on a separate screen helps to balances thing out.

Enchanted Garden

Enchanted Garden carries a mystical theme of charm reflected by the suitable symbols and overall ambiance of the game.  Just like Aztec’s Treasure, this one offers a broad betting range, allowing you to wager from $0.01 to $100.  The wild symbol pays out double and appears on four reels, demonstrating relatively high volatility.  However, the maximum payout for scatters is 200, which can be considered moderate compared to Aztec’s Treasure.  The payouts on fixed jackpots for five predetermined symbol combinations range between 2,500 to 100.  Although this indicates low volatility, the aspect of double payouts increases it.  Enchanted Garden offers more volatility with triple payouts in free spins rounds, but evens things out with the absence of an additional bonus game on a second screen.

Paydirt

Paydirt revolves around a gold mining theme.  This online slots game offers superb animation and graphics, particularly in the bonus games.  Similar to the games above, Paydirt has a broad betting range, allowing you to bet from $0.01 to $125.  The maximum payout on scatters is 200, which can be considered moderate compared to other games.  Payouts on fixed jackpots for five predetermined symbol combinations on an enabled payline range between 10,000 and 100.  Unlike Aztec’s Treasure, Paydirt offers a free spins bonus game on a second screen.  Free spins have normal payouts but can be triggered.  The good thing about this slots game is the high volatility, which is the direct result of the bonus rounds and additional winning possibilities.  This makes Paydirt an ideal choice for players who want to win big at online slots.

Conclusion

These are just a few of many online slots games in Real Time Gaming’s extensive portfolio.  Aside from being exciting and fun to play, they also give you a fair chance at winning a nice some of cash.  Therefore, you may want to keep these games in mind when setting out to hit the virtual slots.

Roulette, either the American or European version, is largely a game of chance and luck. For this reason, it is one of the most popular games at the casino as anyone from any skill level can play; and possibly win. However, this can also make Roulette a frustrating game for player’s who like to up their odds by using skill tactics. Fortunately, there are a skill tactics you can employ in Roulette.

Top Five Tips for Playing Roulette

1. Spread out your bank roll. Individual games of Roulette are completed very quickly. While this is great for the excitement level; it can be bad for your bank roll. Typically, the longer you stay in a game, the better your odds are of coming out ahead. To achieve this, divide out your bank roll going in. Do not place all your money on one bet in the first round of Roulette, but do not bet so conservatively that you never win any money either.

2. Start off betting even money bets. While even money bets may not be as thrilling, the odds of winning are higher. If you start the first few rounds of Roulette using even money bets you up your odds of increasing your bankroll. A larger bankroll will help you stay in the game longer.

3. Bet on the odd or even number sets to increase your odds. Unlike betting on a birthday, anniversary, or lucky number- placing your bet on all the odd or all the even numbers increases your chances of winning. The Roulette ball must land on either an odd or even number; meaning you have a 50/50 chance of winning that round.

4. Bet on the pocket colors instead of numbers. Like betting on all the odd or all the even numbers, betting on a pocket color gives you 50/50 odds of winning that round of Roulette. There are only two colors on the Roulette wheel, red and black, by placing a bet on one of them you have a good chance of winning.

5. Increase your odds by betting on a neighbor of numbers. Placing a bet on your luck number is fine, and many people enjoy playing Roulette this way- it adds a level of excitement to the game. However, by placing your bet on a larger set of numbers, you greatly increase your odds of winning. Try placing bets on a series of numbers when you first start out at the Roulette table, and switch to betting on your lucky number once you have developed a larger bank roll.

With a little strategy you can take the game of Roulette to a whole other level. Advanced gamblers often avoid games like Roulette, but strategy can be applied- increasing both bank roll and overall enjoyment.

Any poker player from the professional to the amateur wants to step up their skill level. An increased skill level means more money and more fun for the player. When you have a solid technique and know your game; poker can be an enjoyable way to win money. If you are looking to up your poker playing skill there are a few techniques you can use to increase your game. No matter what level you are at now, you can develop new skills and techniques by employing these methods.

1. Read. Sound simple? It is. There are hundreds of books written on the game of poker. Some of these books were even written by the most accredited poker players in the game. Pick up one or two and read through them. A book is a great way to brush up on technique, or develop a new skill. However, make sure you buy a book that matches your skill level. A beginner’s guide to poker won’t help you much if you have been competing in tournaments for years.

2. Go online. The internet has paved a way for almost anyone to become a published author. Poker players who would have never published a book have made a website highlighting some of their best tricks. A quick internet search can help you find tips on any aspect of poker. Several casinos offer hints and tricks sections as well.

3. Watch Televised Tournaments. There may be no better way to increase your skill then by watching professional poker players. Professionals have been playing for years and each one has a specific technique they use to get the upper hand. By watching televised poker tournaments online, you can easily catch on to a few of these tricks.

4. Attend a boot camp. If you are serious about increasing your poker playing ability, you might look in to joining a boot camp. These camps are really an intense poker training session where you get the chance to both learn from the best and play against other players at your skill level.

5. Play. The saying “practice makes perfect” is true in the game of poker. The more you play, the better you are. If you can’t make it to the casino often, you can still practice at home. Set up a weekly game with some of your friends. Play for fun, and see how quickly your skill level grows. These weekly games will give you a chance to try out techniques you learned.

To stay on top of your game, it is important to refresh your skills and learn news ones often. Poker is more enjoyable when you feel more in control of your game. Employ these techniques and you’ll be a pro in no time.

Triple Ride Poker is a unique variation of the traditional five-card poker that is played at many casinos worldwide. In Triple Ride Poker the player starts the hand by placing three bets at their highest limit and decreasing those bets as the game unfolds. This reverse style of betting puts a unique spin on the game and gives players increased winning odds.

How Do You Play Triple Ride Poker?

To start a hand of Triple Ride Poker the player places three high bets on the table. The dealer then deals three cards to the player and two cards to himself face down. The cards dealt to the dealer are known as common cards and will be used to determine the player’s hand, essentially acting as part of each player’s hand.

Once all cards have been dealt the player will gauge their five card hand based off their three cards. If the player’s three cards show the beginning of a high five card hand the player will let their bet ride. If the player’s three cards do not show a high hand, they can decrease their bets.

Next, the dealer will reveal one of the two common cards. If this card helps the player’s high hand, they will let their bet ride. If the card hurts the player’s hand they can decrease their bet.

Finally, the dealer will then show the last card and the player will establish their high hand using all five cards. If the combination of the player’s three cards and the two common cards is the highest hand at the table, that player wins the round.

How Does Betting Work in Triple Ride Poker?

Betting in Triple Ride Poker works opposite of most betting in a casino. The player starts each round by placing three bets on the table. Since the player will have the chance to decrease these bets, they should bet as high as they are able initially.

Players are given three chances to lower their bets; once when the cards are dealt, and once each common card is revealed by the dealer. Players have the option to let all their bets ride or lower each according to the hand they are dealt.

Once smart phones left the corporate world and went off in to main stream society, a large variety of new applications were developed for the devices. Now smart phone owners can gauge the fuel economy on their car, schedule a lunch date, or level a house. People everywhere are asking, “Is there an app for that?” Harris Casino is right in line with the hundreds answering the call with their new poker app that allows people to play poker anytime, anywhere.

Harris Casino’s iPhone Application

The newly developed iPhone app lets poker enthusiasts compete in virtual World Series of Poker games. Players have a total of seven venues to choose from.

Once the player downloads the application to the iPhone or iTouch they start building a bank roll by playing in smaller poker games. When the player has reached a bank roll of $100, they can start competing in larger World Series of Poker games.

Players who play well can eventually win a virtual bracelet from Harris Casino, similar to the gold bracelets handed out during World Series of Poker Tournaments.

Players who utilize the Bluetooth on their iPhone can also compete against several other players within their Bluetooth range.

The Harris Casino iPhone and iTouch application costs $2.99 to download, and can be found at Apple’s website.

History of the World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker has been held in Las Vegas once a year since 1970. There are over fity-five events in the tournament and the highest participation was over 8,000. Millions of dollars in prizes are awarded to winners in the World Series of Poker tournaments, with the largest prize being over one million on the final day. That prize is awarded to the winner of the Texas Hold ‘Em competition.

In addition to prize money, the World Series of Poker also awards players with a coveted golden bracelet. These bracelets are a symbol for some of the best poker players in the nation.

iPhone – A Perfect Compliment to Virtual Gambling

The iPhone was created by Apple as a hybrid between a smart phone and their popular MP3 player, the iPod. The iPhone is the most popular smart phone for consumers on the market. It offers an advanced touch screen and highly developed graphics.

The iPhone allows owners to download small applications directly to their smart phone. These applications can do anything imaginable and provide a more customized feel to the phone.

Currently, the iPhone is the only smart phone to carry the World Series of Poker application developed by Harris Casino.

Due to their fast growing popularity, just about all casino software makers create gaming platforms with slots games.  One of the most unique variations is I-Slots, a collection of slots games developed by respected software provider Rival Gaming.  If you like to play slots online, you will definitely want to know more about what makes these games stand out from all the rest.

What Make I-Slots Different?

Rival Gaming’s I-Slots differ from other slots games in a variety of ways.  For example, each time a bonus game is triggered, you must play an entirely new game until the cycle is complete.  Other unique aspects are more subtle yet differences nonetheless.  When playing the bonus games, stories unfold and the outcomes ultimately determine how these stories proceed.  This is a factor that adds a higher degree of interaction to the game, hence the “I” for interactive in I-slots.  In addition to being more interactive than other slots, some of the bonus games are based on skill, which makes them more attractive to players who love a good challenge.

I-Slots Favorites

Based around a golf theme, Hole in Won has quickly become one of the most popular games in the I-Slots franchise.  It is also one of the easiest games to play.  The bonus games in Hole in Won take you through a nine-hole mini golf course.  Bonus points are accumulated depending on various factors, including the wager, number of scatters that triggered the bonus, and the number of strokes needed to put the golf ball in the hole.  Skill is also a factor because the ball must be aimed correctly in order to for you to sink it.  This is not as difficult as it may sound as you simply move the mouse to set the direction in which the ball will travel.  When the bonus is triggered again, you are taken to the next hole, and this process continues until playing all holes on the course.  Once all nine holes are complete, you return back the first one and start all over again.

Reel Crime Heist is one of the more exciting, yet complex I-slots games.  This game is based around an art heist masterminded by Remy and Rauol Mourchard.  Your role is to help them get away with it.  Reel Crime Art Heist offers five bonus rounds in a single cycle.  Each round consists of choosing the piece of art to steal, selecting the tools to pull off the heist, actually conducting the robbery and eluding the law, finding a shady collector to purchase the stolen merchandise, and selling the art without getting busted.  If the band of thieves are caught, they are arrested and you must start over from the beginning.  However, if you complete the heist in its entirety, you are rewarded generously with bonus credits and a virtual trip to Jamaica.

Where to Find I-Slots

You can find these popular I-Slots games and more at casinos powered by Rival Gaming software.  Some that come to mind are Superior, Club Vegas USA, and Cocoa Casino.  The good news is that each casino accepts U.S. players.  Have fun!

Fans of the hit HBO TV show, Sex and the City, got a surprise recently when the show made its way on to the casino floor in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. International Game Technology, a company that makes casino equipment like slot machines, created the Sex and the City game with permission from HBO, and several casinos across Nevada recently unveiled the new game on the floor.

Sex and the City- The Slot Machine

The Sex and the City game is one of many slot machines based after popular movies and TV shows. The trend is not a new one, and most casinos offer several games based on characters from hit shows. Sex and the City’s predecessor include Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Green Acres, and the Wizard of Oz to name a few. These games are extremely popular for the recognizable themes and fun-play.

The Sex and the City game feature all the main characters of the show; Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda, Carrie and Mr. Big. It is a modern style slot machine with several betting lines and an interactive bonus. The slot machine also has video clips from the show, voice-overs, and a soundtrack.

International Game Technology’s Multiplay

One of the most drawing features of the multi-progressive slot machine is the incorporation of International Game Technology’s Multiplay feature.

Multiplay is a technology offered exclusively by the slot-machine maker. In Multiplay, the player can play up to four games at once on the same screen. This means the player is betting more then usual, but there are also more chances to win. With four games running 30 pay lines a piece, it’s a hard thing to pass up.

Sex and the City Bonuses

On top of the Multiplay, the Sex and the City slot machine has attractive bonuses.

There are a total of five bonus rounds in the game that offer nine unique patterns. This is a far cry from the standard singular bonus round featured on most slot machines, and it is paying off. Most players are playing all four Multiplay games on every round in hopes of hitting one of the many bonuses.

The bonus games consist of Simply Fabulous, Hello Lover!, Change of Dress, and Perfect Present. While the games vary, they are all interactive. The bonuses either offer free spins or give the player a chance to pick prizes on the screen.

Overall, the Sex and the City slot machine is such a big hit for the casinos that one has to wonder if more HBO style games are in the works.

Pai Gow poker is a variation of five-card poker played at most casinos. In Pai Gow, six players compete against the dealer using a single card deck with one joker. Each player is dealt seven cards. The players must have two high hands for every round, one hand consisting of five cards and the other consisting of two cards.

How do you Play Pai Gow Poker?

In Pai Gow, the dealer deals seven cards face down to himself and the players. Each player arranges their cards in to one five card hand and one two card hand. The goal of Pai Gow poker is for the player to have the highest two card hand and five card hand. However, the two card hand can not go higher then the five card hand.

Once the cards are arranged, the players compare their hands to the banker. Traditionally, the dealer serves as the banker for the table, but a player can also serve as the banker. If both hands in the player’s deck beat both hands in the banker’s deck the player wins the hand. If only one of the player’s hands beats the banker, then the player must push and get their bet back. If none of the player’s hands beat the banker, the player loses their bet. In the event of a tie, all bets go to the banker.

How Does Betting Work in Pai Gow Poker?

Betting in Pai Gow is similar to traditional five-card poker. Each player must place an Ante bet. Often the ante bet will have a minimum and maximum limit set by the casino. While there are two hands in Pai Gow poker, betting is only paid out as one hand. The Ante bet is placed before any cards are dealt to the players. Once the cards have been dealt, players can raise their bet up to the casino’s maximum.

In some casinos, players are allowed to play as the banker in Pai Gow poker. Acting as the banker greatly increases the player’s winning odds, as any bets on tie hands are given to the banker.

In Baccarat, cards are dealt to the house and to the player. The card’s value is then added together to determine the winner.

How do I Play Baccarat?

To play Baccarat, the dealer will draw two cards face down to himself and the players. These cards are then added together at face value. At first, if the player or dealer received a total of 9 in the first hand no more cards are drawn. If no hand has a value of 9, then the dealer will continue to draw more cards.

There are exceptions to this rule:

• If the player has 6 to 7 no cards will be drawn.
• If the player has 0-5 he will draw one card.

After the initial hand has been established, the banker will then draw more cards to their hand based on the cards the player’s already drew:

• Should a player not draw a card, the banker will then draw at 0-5, or stand at 6-7.
• Should a player draw a 2 or 3, the banker will then draw at 0-4, and stand at 5-7.
• Should a player draw a 4 or 5, the banker will then draw at 0-5, and stand at 6-7.
• Should a player draw a 6 or 7, the banker will then draw at 0-6, and stand at 7.
• Should a player draw an 8, the banker will then draw at 0-2, and stand at 3-7.
• Should a player draw an Ace, 9, 10, or face-card, the banker will then draw at 0-3, and stand at 4-7.

Whoever has the highest hand based on the face value of the cards after the cards have been dealt wins the round. If the dealer and the banker have the same total of cards a tie is announced.

The value of the cards for Baccarat is a simple formula. Numbered cards are taken at face value. 10’s and face cards are worth 0. The Ace in Baccarat is worth 1.

How Does Betting Work in Baccarat?

Players must place their bets before the hand starts. The player can either bet on the player’s hand or the banker’s hand. If the hand wins, the player wins the bet.