Caribbean poker is played with three to five players at a table and one deck of cards. Each player is dealt a five card hand, with two chances to bet. The layout of the game is very similar to standard five card poker.

The inclusion of a progressive jackpot makes Caribbean poker a popular game at the casino. In a progressive jackpot the jackpot for the table will continue to rise as each hand is dealt.

How Do I Play Caribbean Poker?

To start a hand of Caribbean poker each player must place an Ante bet. The minimum amount of the Ante bet is determined by the casino. Each player must also place a bet towards the progressive jackpot if they want a chance to win the pot before the cards are dealt. This happens before every hand and ensures the jackpot will continue to rise.

The dealer will then deal five cards to each player. Each card is dealt face down. The dealer also deals five cards to himself, with one card being face up for the table to see. Players are only dealt one set of cards. After their cards are dealt they can choose to fold or remain in the game. If they remain in the game, a player must double their Ante bet.

The advancement of Caribbean poker is determined by the dealer’s hand. If the dealer has a hand that is Ace King or higher (based on standard poker hands) the round will continue. The player’s hand must beat the dealer’s hand to win the round.

If the dealer’s hand does not qualify, all players receive two times their Ante bet, and have their progressive bet returned on an even-scale.

How Does Betting Work in Caribbean Poker?

Players have two betting options in Caribbean poker; betting on the single hand and betting on the progressive jackpot.

In order to be considered in on a hand, the player must place an Ante bet. This bet has a minimum and is placed before any cards are dealt. After the cards are dealt the player has one chance to raise their Ante bet during the round.

Players also have the option of betting on the progressive jackpot. This bet is completely optional and does not disqualify a player from the round. However, a player must bet on the progressive jackpot for the chance to win it.

Bet within your limits

If you have $100 you are willing to spend on slot machines then the best strategy would be to stick with nickel or penny machines.  Consider that if you play a $1 slot machine at five credits per spin, you will be able to make 20 spins, maybe a few more if you hit some small wins.  Twenty slot machine spins will probably take about 10-15 minutes, so that is not very long if you are looking to kill some time.  Conversely, if you take that same $100 to a penny slot machine you can make 2,000 spins at five credits per spin.  If you are looking to kill time, those 2,000 spins will take about 12 hours.

Video versus Physical Slots

A physical reel can hold about 20 symbols and a physical slot machine cannot really accommodate more than three reels.  On the other hand, a video slot machine does not have these limitations. A video slot machine can theoretically have an infinite number of symbols and reels.  The Random Number Generator (RNG) in a video slot machine can, and is, programmed to give certain symbols a different chance of coming up that is totally unrelated to the number of symbols. For example, the slot machine might have one star symbol out of ten symbols, but the RNG might be programmed to only have that star symbol land once out of every 20 random spins.  The resulting consequence is that less likely combinations can be programmed.  Therefore, the less likely it is to hit those combinations, which allows the casino to be able to afford to pay out for them.

With physical slot machines progressive jackpots of six and seven figures are nearly impossible, but they are quite easy to program into a video slot machine’s RNG.  As with any gambling, spending big money can lead to big rewards, but remember with slot machines your money can disappear more quickly than with any card game, so choose your machine and denomination wisely.

Tips for Success

Probably the most important tip would be to play with small chips and not risk much since the chances of winning and losing are exactly the same.  As any successful gambler is known to quote, “Bet with your head, not over it.”  Most importantly, never place all of your money on one spin.

If you have the option, always choose the European wheel as the odds are higher than the odds of American roulette (2.7%  to 5.26%).  A few casinos do offer European wheels, but you are most likely to see this option when playing Roulette on the Internet.

If you have the opportunity, use the En Prison rule which allows you to save the bet in case it landed on 0 for one more spin. Basically, if you placed a bet and the ball landed on 0 the bet will be kept for one more spin.  In the event your bet wins on the second try you will get your money back.  Conversely, if the ball lands on something else on the second try you will lose your money.  Again, it would be pretty rare to have this option in a casino setting, but if this option is available in a cyber setting be sure to take advantage of it.

Another subtle tip that could save you big money is choosing an actual table over an electronic one.  Many casinos now offer electronic roulette where the dealer drops the ball into an actual roulette wheel, but all of the bets and payouts are done electronically on the players’ screens encircling the dealer.  True, this may seem like a more comfortable atmosphere than a crowded table, but you will lose your money at a much slower pace at that crowded table.  The reason for this is that it takes quite a bit of time in between each spin for the dealer to clear the losing bets and then pay out the winning bets.  The more crowded the table, the longer the periods between spins.  On the contrary, with the electronic game there are no losing bets to clear and no winning bets to pay out; it’s just one spin after another.

Bigger Edge for the House

Roulette is an easy game to play and understand and therefore people flock to it.  Unfortunately, games that are easy to understand usually have the highest house edge.  Keeping that in mind, if you’re looking to get rich quick then roulette probably isn’t your game.  However, if you enjoy a slow paced table game, the comradeship of fellow gamers and free drinks then roulette is definitely for you. 

Shockwave Keno is played exactly like Keno with an added twist. In Shockwave Keno the Keno board is electronic and will randomly send a shockwave through the board. This shockwave gives players more chances to win. If a player’s number is chosen when the shockwave starts, the player’s bet is automatically increased.

Shockwave Keno is a popular game to play at the casino while players are waiting for a spot at a poker table or an open slot machine. Often, a caller will take number bets for several rounds and call the winning number over the loud speaker, so players have the option of playing more then one game at a time.

How Do I Play Shockwave Keno?

Shockwave Keno is one of the easiest games to play in a casino. A player can join in a round by placing a bet with the caller on one or several numbers. There are 80 numbers on the Shockwave Keno board to choose from.

Players are given one chance to up their bet on any of the numbers they have selected for that round, before the game begins. Once all bets have been finalized, the caller will select a keno ball from the board. While the ball is dropping through the board, if the shockwave is initiated a player has a chance to increase their bets. Shockwave bets are often doubled in most casinos.

To play shockwave keno at an online casino the player will select every number they want to bet on the playing board, out of the eighty numbers featured on the playing board. The player can choose to bet on as many, or as few, numbers as they wish. When the player has finished their selections they have the option of raising their bet on an individual numbers, or all their numbers or they can choose to keep their bet as it is and start their game.

How Does Betting Work in Shockwave Keno?

Betting is simple in Shockwave Keno. A player must first choose one, or several, of the eighty numbers on the Keno board. Once the numbers are chosen, the player will give them to the caller and place a minimum bet on each number. The player has the option of raising their bet higher then the minimum on any number they have chosen.

Betting is won when the Keno ball lands on a number the player has selected. Players are paid on betting scales according to the casino. These scales should be listed right next to the Shockwave Keno board.

Red Dog is played on a table with up to sixteen players and one dealer. Red Dog is based on a three card game, compared to the five card game found at most poker tables. The dealer deals two cards face up to the table. It is the player’s job to then bet if the third card will fall between the values of the two cards already placed on the table.

Red Dog moves very quickly, and if a player is lucky it is an easy game to accumulate winnings in.

How Do I Play Red Dog?

Before the game is started all players who wish to be in that round of Red Dog must place an Ante bet. This Ante bet qualifies the player for the round. There is often a minimum, and occasionally a maximum, set by the casino.

Once every player has placed an Ante bet the dealer will deal two cards face up. These two cards will display a range that the third card must fall within.

The player then has the option to bet or fold based on the two cards on the table. If the players chooses to fold the Ante bet is lost. If a player wishes to continue they must raise his or her Ante bet.

Once all Ante bets are raised the dealer will place the third card face down on the table. If the third card falls within the range of the first two cards the player wins. If the third card is higher or lower then the first two cards dealt, the house wins.

Every card in the deck has a value similar to standard five card poker hands. Face cards are worth their face value. From there the cards are worth an ascending value with Jacks being eleven, Queens being 12, Kings being 13, and Aces being 14.

How Does Betting Work in Red Dog?

Betting in Red Dog is similar to most poker games. Every player is required to place an Ante bet within the casino’s pre-set minimum and maximum amounts.

Players who choose to stay in the game after the first two cards are dealt must raise their Ante bet once to stay in the hand. Often, players are allowed to raise their Ante bet as high as they wish, but most casinos still require a minimum amount.

In Red Dog the odds of winning are highly based on the first two cards dealt by the dealer. If the two cards are similar in face value, the odds are low for the players and high for the house. If the two cards have a difference of seven or more the odds are greatly in favor of the players.

An Advanced Understanding of Mathematics

You need to know more then your basic adding and subtracting to become a professional poker player. The best poker players have a deep understanding of probability. Probability is a huge factor in winning poker hands. A good poker player can look at a game and know the probability of winning each hand with their cards.

Knowledge of Psychology

You do not have to be a psychologist to play a game of poker like a professional, but a deeper understanding in to the minds of your fellow players will help you win more rounds. Experienced poker players not only consider themselves, but the other players at the table as well. A player should always try to think like the other player is thinking. This will help a player determine who is bluffing, as well as help them read the other players and know when they are holding a good hand (also known as a tell.)

The Ability to Weigh Risk vs. Reward

The easiest way to tell an amateur poker player is their inability to weigh the risks against the rewards. More often the not, new poker players will go after every hand or fold too frequently. This error is caused by not taking the time to weigh your risks and rewards. An experienced poker player will consider the risk of every hand, and fold if the risk is too high. They will also know when the reward is worth it and ignore the risks associated with the hand.

With practice and dedication, it is not hard to develop these skills. Mathematics can be learned easily by taking courses or in private study. Developing a knowledge of other player’s mindsets can be learned through practice at the table. Weighing the risks and rewards in each hand can also be learned at the table or by practicing at home.

Popular Games with Free Spins Rounds

In online slots games, free spins rounds are defined by two parameters: the number of free spins and the multiplier.  With basic games, the house rules dictate that a specific number of spins will be given at a certain multiplier.  In more advanced games, the number of free spins and the multiplier are determined by playing a different game on a separate screen.  One example is the popular online slots game called Fat Lady Sings.  In this game, the first Fat Lady sings and the number of free spins is determined by the number of glasses she breaks.  Next, a different Fat Lady sings and determines the multiplier by the number of glasses she breaks.

The bonus game that collectively determines the number of free spins and the multiplier can also increase the element of chance in online slots.  A perfect example is Area 21, an online slots game recently launched by Cryptologic.  Microgaming’s Pedal Power is an example of slots games that allow you to select the combination you want from a list.  In Pedal Power, you have the option to choose from 25 free spins with a 2X multiplier, 10 free spins with 5x multiplier, or 5 free spins with a 10x multiplier.   Because you have to choose between a greater number of free spins and higher multipliers, making a decision is not always as easy as it sounds.

The free spins in slots games can be retriggered when playing at most online casinos.  This simply means that if the triggering combination appears on the reel during your free spin, you are rewarded with extra free spins.  However, some online slots enhance game play in more innovative ways.  A classic example is Sneak A Peek Doctor Doctor, a game in which a yellow capsule may appear on the fourth reel during your free spin.  When the capsule bursts, it provides you with additional free spins.  Likewise, the blue capsule may appear randomly on the fifth reel, which enhances the multiplier for the remaining rounds of the game.

Conclusion

Free spins rounds typically differ greatly from regular bonus rounds.  The background music often becomes more noticeable while colors of the reels or the background itself may alter to highlight the change in the game.  With online slots growing more popular by the day, new and innovative free spins features are sure to come in the near future.

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.

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.

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.