Online Casino Spotlight

A man walked and danced on a baccarat table while the game was in progress and Caesar’s allowed this to occur. Now, they are willingly paying a $250,000 fine to the Gaming Control Board because of it.

The Gaming Control Board’s Complaint

The Gaming Control Board filed a complaint that the casino did not take the proper actions to protect the customer and the game that was being played. Caesar’s and the Board recently reached a settlement to avoid any type of litigation. Next month, this fine will be presented for final approval to the Gaming Commission.

On October 10^th, 2009, a customer was engaged in a high-limit game of baccarat when they decided to climb onto the table from their chair, walk around and do a little dance. This happened on three different occasions during the session. The allegations state that while on the table, he also placed a bet each time prior to standing on his chair and eventually sitting back down.

The Details of the Settlement

In the settlement, Caesar’s acknowledges the action and accepts the allegations of the complaint. They are ready to pay the fine for not taking any action when this incident occurred. Litigation and legal troubles are extremely detrimental to the reputation of the casino, especially with the Gaming Control Board. This is the reason for the choice of a settlement.

Since this is such a rare occurrence in the gaming industry, it is believed that due to the amount of money the patron was wagering in the high rollers room, Caesar’s management did not want to scare away a big fish. As a result, they opted to allow him to pretty much do whatever he wanted as long as he continued to gamble at their casino.

Casinos are in the business of providing entertainment through gambling, nightlife, restaurants and shows. Although this gentleman was wagering large amounts, there must be a line that does not allow high rollers to do whatever they want. Yes they are pumping a great deal of cash through the casino cages, but that shouldn’t allow them to act disorderly and disrespectful to their gracious host.

Caesar’s has found that out the hard and costly way. In the future, it is unlikely they will allow this type of shenanigans to occur. If this behavior continues, they will be paying large sums often just to avoid legal troubles.

Baccarat has historically been a high-roller game for gaming whales. Although slight variations have been changed the game, the rules have remained fairly consistent since its conception. This raises the question: is Baccarat such a difficult game that the average player cannot participate in its excitement?

The short answer to that question is no, the rules of the game are not difficult. However, there are a few peculiarities that make it an interesting game. There are only two hands dealt each round despite the number of individuals playing. One hand is the banker hand and the other is the player hand. Those at the table may bet on either hand. The player holding the shoe must either bet on the banker hand or pass.

The game begins with the bettor holding the shoe sliding one card onto the table which is passed facedown to the dealer who then passes it to the customer with the largest bet. The next card, which is the first banker card, is placed next to the shoe. The bettor proceeds to deal another player and banker card. The dealer requests the player hand and the customer with the largest bet looks at the cards before passing them to the dealer.

The two player cards are turned face up and the dealer announces the point total for the hand. The dealer requests the banker hand at which point the shoe holder looks at the cards and passes them to the dealer. If the player or banker total requires a draw, the deal will say, “Card for the player/banker” who will turn it face up.

The object of the game is to bet on the two card hand that totals closest to nine. Cards ten to king do not hold any value and all other cards are worth their value; ace is worth one point. If the total is greater than ten, the second card is the value. The point total will establish whether a hand receives a third card.

Automatic winners occur when the banker totals a nine or eight. Players stay on totals of six or seven and zero through five warrants an additional card. The banker stays on seven, eight, and nine and draws on zero, one and two. The banker hits on three (unless the player’s third card is an eight), four (unless the player’s third card is a one, eight, nine or ten), hits on five (unless the player’s third card is a four, five, six or seven) and hits on six.

In addition to the regular betting, bettors can place a wager that the two hands will have an equal number of points at the end of the game. This pays off at 8-to-1 odds but carries a 9.5 percent house edge. Baccarat is a fairly simple game of addition that anyone can play. Just make sure to have a big bankroll!

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.

Baccarat is the most popular casino game among high rollers and whales. Baccarat is usually played in a separate roped off area in the casino. While it is portrayed as a game for the wealthy and well to do, the basics of the game aren’t too difficult to learn.

The basics of Baccarat

Baccarat or Punto Banco is a card game of chance. The standard playing table in the game is about the same size as a craps table. In the game, there are only two principal wagers to make. The bet will be on either the player (punto) or the bank (banco).

The value of hands in baccarat are unique but simple. In the game, cards 2-9 are worth face value. Tens, jacks, queens and kings all have a value of zero. The ace cards have a value of one. When hands are calculated, the tens digit is not included. So, the scores in baccarat range from a low of zero to a high of nine. Ironically, the baccarat name is derived from the worst hand (zero) in the game.

In North American baccarat, the casino banks the game. At the beginning of the game, two cards are dealt face down in alternate fashion. The initial card is dealt to the player. Then, the results of the two cards for the player and banker are revealed. Depending on the hands of each participant, the player and banker can either stand pat or draw another card. The highest hand will win the game.

A structured game

The game has some set procedures on when the player and bank must stand or draw. If either participant has a value of 8 or 9 from their first two cards, they must stand pat. For other initial outcomes, there are rules in place on whether a participant must stand or draw.  Here is a breakdown of what is required from the player and banker based on certain outcomes from their initial two cards:

• If the player has a total of 0-5, he will draw one card. If he has a total of 6 or 7, he will stand.

In turn, the banker’s play will be determined by the player’s hand. This will be based on whether the player drew a card, and on what card the player drew.

• If the player did not draw, the banker will draw if he has 0-5, and stands at 6-7.
• If the player draws a 2 or 3, the banker will draw if he has 0-4, and stands at 5-7.
• If the player draws a 4 or 5, the banker draws if he has 0-5, and stands at 6-7.
• If the player draws a 6 or 7, the banker draws if he has 0-6, and stands at 7.
• If the player draws an 8, the banker draws if he has 0-2, and stands at 3-7.
• If the player draws an ace, 9, 10, jack, queen or king, the banker draws if he has 0-3, stands at 4-7.

Finally, bettors are required to pay a 5% commission for winning wagers on the banker because it has been determined that over 8-decks of play, the banker will usually win three of four more hands than the player.

Online casinos have exploded to popularity in recent years as more players come to grasp the intricacies of web-based wagering.  The major draw to these casinos is the array of games up for grabs.  The most common options you have are table games and there are quite a few to choose from.  Because there is such a wide variety, it is good to know just what is available so you don’t find yourself wondering aimlessly from room to room.

Head up with the Dealer

Table games are generally the same games you will find at the tables in brick and mortar casinos.  Two of the most popular choices are baccarat and black jack.  Both of these games are favorable to the player and make a great option for beginners.  Baccarat has become such a hit because it is simple and doesn’t require any real skill to play.  While the concept isn’t difficult, blackjack tends to be a little more challenging.  However, the fact that it does require a little know-how and gets so intense makes a favorite among serious players.  Because winning against the dealer is much harder, you will probably want to get familiar with blackjack before placing a wager online.

The Many Faces of Poker

There are many other card games available but most fail in comparison to the popularity of poker.  With poker you get options such as Texas Hold ‘Em, Let it Ride, Caribbean Stud Poker, Tri Card Poker and the list goes on.  In many of these games, you aren’t necessarily playing against other players, but against the dealer, similar to black jack and baccarat.  There are numerous poker rooms online, most of which offer generous incentives such as bonuses, promotional offers and huge progressive jackpots that seem to never stop growing.  Competition is heavy in the poker room so you definitely don’t want to approach the tables without your skills and virtual game face intact.

Dice and the Big Wheel

The main table games that don’t involve cards are craps and roulette.  Arguably the most popular land casino game, roulette typically gives the house a higher edge but that doesn’t take away from the excitement involved with spinning the wheel.  This game is often a first choice of beginners for the simple fact that it doesn’t require any skills – roulette is the ultimate game of luck.  Roulette comes in many niche variations such as French, European and American, which ironically is the least popular.  Craps is another risky game filled with plenty of sucker bets that make it harder to distinguish between the good wagers.  Though exciting an nearly as fun as the real life version, this isn’t a table you want to try without your head in the game.

The plethora of online casino games is enough to make your head spin.  While many of the rules are the same, it would be wise to get some information on online play before heading into a room.  Fortunately, there are numerous communities and tutorials that will provide you with essential tips on how to play virtually any game.  Even better, there is also a nice variety of casinos that will allow you to play for free and gain the confidence you need to play for money.

Online casinos have been around for more than a decade now but really exploded over the last five years or so.  These web-based platforms present a dynamic virtual atmosphere that mimics the real-life casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City nearly to the tee.  Best of all, there are plenty of options for game play, thus finding your favorite game should be quite easy.  Here are some of the most popular casino games you have to choose from.

Baccarat

Though many people are not familiar with the game, baccarat is a major hit in online casinos.  The object of the game is to draw a hand with a face value as close to 9 as possible.  You begin with two cards, add their value and if they equal 10 or higher, the first digit is discarded.  From there, you play the hand against the dealer.  In baccarat, the winner isn’t necessarily based on who has the better hand.  Instead, you place a wager on who you think will win a particular round – you or the dealer.  Make the right choice and you get paid out at the odds, no matter whether you lose the hand or not.

Blackjack

Originated centuries ago in Europe, Blackjack is one of the most exciting and easiest casino games to play.  The object is simple – draw your cards until the face value adds up 21 or close as possible.  You start out with two cards and can be hit with more until you decide to stay or get busted.  The dealer than draws until they reach 17 or bust.  You generally get paid 1:1 odds if you win.

Roulette

Poker is huge, but roulette is crowned as the “King of Casino Games.”  What makes roulette so fun is that it is a game of pure chance with little to no skill involved.  The wheel consists of number slots, usually colored black or red.  You place your bet on the number or color you think will come up, the dealer spins and drops a silver ball into the wheel, which bounces about until it stops at one of the slots and reveals the winning number.  If it stops on the one you chose, you could win big.

Slots

Online slots are basically the same as those you would find in a real casino.  Simply place your bet, pull the virtual level and the drums go spinning.  Once they stop, the images are aligned and of course, different configurations result in different payouts.  The most exciting part about online slots is the progressive jackpots as they tend to mount up very quickly.  Some pots even climb into the millions.

Video Poker

Just like Saturday night poker at your buddy’s house, the goal of video poker is to build the most powerful hand you possibly can.  You place your bet and the virtual dealer gives you five cards.  If you get something good on the first try, click the buttons underneath your cards to hold them.  The dealer discards the ones you don’t choose and deals you more cards, which result in your final hand.  With a good casino, the payouts are increasingly higher the better your hand gets.  With poker being such a phenomenon right now, finding a casino that offers video poker should be a breeze.