Online Casino Spotlight

The first thing to know about Roulette is that there is no way to predict where the ball is going to land.  All of the numbers are random, so much in fact that the number which was a winner in the last spin has no bearing on the next number.  However, there are tips that can increase your odds of making your trip to the roulette table a profitable one.

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. 

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.

Roulette is one of the simplest casino games to understand but not necessarily one of the best for players to turn a profit in. The casino game Roulette was first played in the late 18th century in France. The name of the game was formed from a French diminutive for “little wheel”.

The basics of the game

In roulette, a player wagers on the outcome of a how a ball will fall on a spinning wheel. In the game, wagers are placed on a table layout. In American roulette, the table layout contains 38 numbers (zero, double-zero and 1-36). The 1-36 numbers are evenly designated in colors of either red or black. The red numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34 and 36. The black numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33 and 35.

The player can place a betting chip on any of the 38 individual numbers. The table also gives the player a wider range of betting options. The player can wager on whether or not the number will be an odd or even figure. Bets can be placed on which color will turn up on the wheel. The player can also wager on a range of numbers (1-18, 19-36, 1st dozen, 2nd dozen and 3rd dozen). There are further bets available on specific columns and lines.

Split bets are wagers placed on two adjoining numbers. There is also a type of bet in roulette that is called a street wager. In this bet, the player will wager that the ball will fall on one of the three numbers on a single horizontal line.

Once the wagers are placed, the attention turns to the roulette wheel. The 38 wheel numbers in American roulette are arranged in the following manner: 0-28-9-26-30-11-7-20-32-17-5-22-34-15-3-24-36-13-1-00-27-10-25-29-12-8-19-31-18-6-21-33-16-4-23-35-14-2. The layout alternates between the black and red numbers. The distribution of numbers have been organized, ensuring that the sum of the numbers in any section of the wheel is approximately equivalent to other sections of the same size. Most numbers are part of a duo, with a single number between them. The pairs will sum up to either 37 or 39.

The croupier (dealer) will spin the wheel in one direction before spinning the ball in the opposite direction around the circular track of the wheel. The ball will eventually lose momentum and fall into one of the 38 pockets.

An edge for the house

Roulette isn’t quite as popular as some of the other casino games, like blackjack or poker. While those popular card games have elements of skill and luck, roulette is basically a game of chance with a sizable house edge. Most wagers in roulette yield a house edge of over five percent. In monthly win/hold reports released by the Casino Control Commission in Atlantic City, the house usually averages a hold of about 25% for double-zero roulette wheel games.

If you truly want to be successful at online gambling , then you need to make it a habit to learn more about the odds out in cyberspace.  While it seems like everyone would naturally seek out the more favorable options, research has shown that the average player consistently chooses casino games in which the odds lean more in favor of the house.  This indicates that players are either strictly in it for the fun, or simply don’t know the importance of, or to effectively calculate the odds.  The best way to get to the bottom of this issue is to take a look at a few games that have different levels of odds that work in your favor.

The Friendly Dice

Most gamblers have a clear understanding that craps is one of the best games you can play when it comes to favorable odds.  Being that it is essentially a skill game, craps is one that has proven to reward the player who has taken the time to make themselves familiar with all the intricacies involved.  In addition to blackjack, pai gow, poker and other casino games that typically rely more on smarts than blind chance, craps enables you to lower the house edge in a manner where it does not turn out to be an overwhelming hindrance against your success.

While craps is one of the better games to play, there are an alarming number of unfavorable odds to be found, mainly when proposition bets are involved.  If at all possible, prop bets are something you want to stay away from.  These type of bets are appealing to the proverbial risk taker who loves the thrill of knowing that a huge sum of money can either be won or loss on a single roll of the dice.  However, the more knowledgeable players should never be confused with the adrenaline junkies who come out broke more often not.  Any craps player who really understands the game will leave the tempting prompt bets to those who don’t know any better and simply can’t help themselves.

Picking the Right Wheel

If you are looking to play roulette online but still want to maintain reasonable odds, the type of variant you decide on will have a substantial impact on where you stand in this regard.   Anyone familiar with the game knows the European style of roulette comes with much better odds than the American version.  This is because there is only one “double zero” slot to worry about.  The result of this factor is that there are far less European roulette games to be found at the internet casinos.  On a good note, these versions do exist and can be found if you do a little research.

Once you have all of this information at your disposal, there may be a chance that you still prefer games that do not offer very good odds.  When this is the case, at least you will know and be able to make an informed decision instead of just going with the flow like so many other players.

Roulette is one of the oldest casino games in the world.  Its origins can be traced back to France in the mid 1600s.  While there are many different variations, it remains one of the easiest games to play as well.  As far as roulette goes, all you really need to keep up with is your favorite colors or numbers.

Basics of Roulette

Upon approaching the roulette wheel, you will feast your eyes on a layout featuring the numbers, 0, 00 and 1 through 36.  These numbers will alternate between the colors of black and red.  The wheel positioned next to the layout has corresponding numbers above notches.  These notches represent where the roulette ball will rest following your spin.

Roulette Betting Options

You will also find that there are side bets on the layout of the roulette wheel.  These sections indicate black or red, odd or even, first, second or third column, first, second or third dozen, first half and second half.  The first half is 1 though 18 while the second half is 19 through 36.  When you put your money down at a live roulette table, you will get a corresponding amount of chips of a specific color.  These chips will be of the same denomination.  The purpose of the color is simply to differentiate your chips from all the other players at the table.  Obviously, when playing the game of roulette online, you don’t have to worry about all this as there is no need to keep track of your chips.  When stepping into the internet realm, you are the only one at the table and have the luxury to play at your own preferred speed.

Placing a Wager in Roulette

In roulette, you are free to put down as many chips as desire anywhere on the layout.  This of course, is subject to the table limits.  Chips placed directly on a number pay out if the ball stops on that number on the wheel.   You have the option of splitting your bet between two, four or six numbers.  If any of them hit, you win but receive a lower payout.  You can also place chips on any of the side bets as well as 0 or 00.  For the most part, as long as you can meet the table limits, you have the ability to allocate your chips how you prefer on the layout.  This is true even while the ball is spinning about the wheel.  Your chips can be spread out until the croupier makes the announcement of “no more bets”.

Winning at Roulette

Like most casino games, players are paid in roulette according to the odds.  For example, your winnings are determined by what the odds would be of your number hitting if there were no 0 or 00.  Therefore, a straight number bet would pay 35-1, and a bet on black would pay even money.  Many players prefer European roulette because the wheel only contains one 0, which works out in your favor.

Winning at any casino game is never guaranteed, but your chances get a lot better when you know all the basics.

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.