Blog Posts

Fruit machine secrets??

August 7th, 2010 by Carl

In England, slots are often called “Fruit Machines” which is a reference to the different types of fruit that were seen on the reels (or at least this is where I think the reference comes from).

I recall an instance back when I was in gaming where a Chinese punter would often take down the jackpot and I watched him once do this on all four machines simultaneously in the space of about an hour. That to me defied the laws of probablility and the jackpot on those machines was £250 at the time (since risen to £1000).

So he took £1000 in £1 coins to cash desk and I can still picture the scene of our cashier counting them all out even now. I have always been aware that there are techniques to beat slot machines even though the slot machine companies try to keep this under wraps. I think that this principle is the same as poker in that the people who really know the truth simply do not tell.

In fact this is more so than in poker, you can be a good coach without it affecting your long term income in poker. But to divulge the secret of how to get the better of slot machines would be very counter productive as the slot machine companies would quickly eradicate the problem area. This also knocks on to information that you pay for as well. The spies from these companies will be out there and will quickly identify any system that works and then adjust their machines to counter this.

So the fact of the matter is that I do not know how to beat slot machines and if I did know then I wouldn’t tell. The only reason why someone who knew would tell would be to do with how much you could expect to make as an hourly rate and if that did not compare to doing something else that paid more then there would be milage in selling the information in that instance.

Online Casino Slots Strategy

June 8th, 2010 by bwin Casino Blog

When players set out to play slot machines at an online casino they will want to make sure they have a good slots strategy so they can increase their chances of having a good time and winning. While it may be true that slot games are more about luck, there are some things players can do which will help them to have better chances. The decision a player makes about the online casino they choose to play at will be their most important decision regarding slots strategy.

Players should find an online casino with a high payout percentage, this slots strategy will not want to be overlooked. One of the nice things about online slot machines is the fact that players do have the ability to compare those percentages. While selecting an online casino with higher payout percentages does not guarantee they will win a certain amount, it will be a good slots strategy that will definitely take them in the right direction. A good payout percentage is considered to be one of 95.6% or higher. However, an online casino claiming a payout percentage of 99.99% is more than likely stating so as an advertisement stunt. A good slots strategy will always start with smart decisions.

The next step players will want to take which is a good slots strategy is to choose an online casino powered by reliable and stable software. The software will be what determines the security of the games, the graphics, and the other features which players will count on to provide them with the ultimate slots play. By choosing wisely, players will be able to count on this software to run error free and payout those wins. There is a lot of useful content online which will help players to spot the good software.
Another good online casino slots strategy is for players to start off with a good money management system. They should make a budget for themselves and set aside a certain amount of money they can afford to lose; this will be the money they will play with. It’s important for players to stay disciplined and stick to their budget. Since each online casino will offer different denominations in their slot machines, this part of a player’s slots strategy will be easy as well. They will be able to play slot games that easily fit into their bankroll.

Perhaps the most important part of a player’s slots strategy when it comes to playing at an online casino will be to focus on the fun. This may sound a bit out there, but a major reason for playing slot machines should be to have a good time. Players won’t want to spend time on the slots when they are irritated and the game is making it worse. An online casino is there all day and night, so players should enjoy the experience and take a break when it starts to get to them. Having fun is the best way to approach any type of online gambling.

Slot Machine Odds of Winning

February 26th, 2010 by bwin Casino Blog

Slot machines are notorious for having pre-determined payout levels for all customers at a casino, and learning how to leverage these to your advantage whenever possible can be the key to long-term gambling success at these machines. When looking at how to utilize the odds of slot machines for yourself there are three key concepts to bear in mind at all times moderation, discipline and bankroll management.

Moderation

When looking at most slot machines that have substantial payouts remember that the actual likelihood of you actually hitting that major payout is less than the probability of you actually winning the lottery. Still, unlike the lottery, slot machines can have a much better return on investment and can in some cases give you up to 97% returns on your money over a long period of time (though only at select machines in some casinos as this is far from the norm). Knowing this in order to better increase your odds at winning big at a machine and keep yourself playing regularly go for moderation and progressive winnings rather than wagering everything you have on one spin. While slots with smaller denominations may seem less interesting due to the fact that payouts may be slightly lower they can also help you stay in a game longer and thus make it much more likely you’ll see any money coming back to you at all in the near future rather than simply run your bankroll dry.

Discipline

Once you win even a small jackpot be sure to withdraw the money immediately from the machine. Slot machines count on people feeling “lucky” and wanting to keep going at the game in order to make themselves more money off of some small earnings in order to give the casino a better chance at getting money that is paid out back into their own pockets. Proper discipline of a player in order to know when to call it quits after a win is the difference most of the time between actually seeing some sort of return to your own coffers rather than simply dishing out money day after day. If it helps take frequent breaks as necessary in order to cool your mind and, of course, don’t get carried away in the rush if you do ever happen to hit it big, as you’re more likely to simply lose everything instead.

Bankroll Management

With the two other concepts in mind always remember that more is better when it comes to your bankroll. That means more lines and bigger wagers on a slot machine for the same money you would spend for less lines or less wagering power at another. Five lines at a nickel slot would be worth more than one line at a quarter slots, while a max bet of 25 coins at a penny slot should be viewed in the same way. Look for the machines that offer you the most “bang for your buck” and leverage them accordingly in order to best use your money where it is needed and can give you the greatest likelihood of winning. After all, slots are dependent upon pre-calculated odds, so using these as much as you can in your favor is necessary for true long-term success.

Online Slots Tournaments

February 24th, 2010 by bwin Casino Blog

Online slots tournaments are a fun variation of the offline variety that allow players to enter in for anywhere from free to a small fee and compete with each other online to see who can win the greatest amount in the shortest time possible. Cash prizes are typically the incentive for attracting players to slots tournaments and can range anywhere from a few dollars to even $100,000 in the World Series of Slots, with many other prizes being awarded to participants other than the #1 winner. These games can be fun and exciting as they can keep any monetary loss to the player at a minimum as all players generally enter into a slots tournament off of a set minimum fee and offer a quick final decision as to who is the overall champion of the slot machines and who…well…isn’t….after only 5 to 10 minutes of play.

Different casinos offer different types of slots tournaments to players as each casino competes with one another to offer the most competitive, best tournament available that can bring in more players daily for fun competition against one another. For some slot enthusiasts this can even be a fun free competition as many gambling sites offer free tournaments and award sign-up incentives to players for participating.

When looking at how to play in a slots tournament there are two main strategies to abide by: play hard, and play fast. This generally means keeping your bets at the absolute maximum at all times in order to maximize your winning potential during the game. Since most slots tournaments are typically only 5-10 minutes long this also means that you need to make the most out of the time given to you to wager as much as you can before the timer runs out. As online slots tournaments generally utilize two separate bins of counters – one for your “play” coins that tracks how many spins you can play and one for your winnings – that are not connected at all you don’t need to worry about wagering too much and risking your winnings. As you wager more, only your assigned “play” coins will be deducted and your winnings will always be safe, so keep your bets to the max at all times.

Be sure to be quick about your spins as well. Some slots tournaments offer a large number of “play” coins to keep participants in the game for a long time and in order to successfully go through all of the coins in the set amount of time you will be required to not move from your computer or take any small break whatsoever as you may not have enough time to fully play what you are given and utilize all opportunities that are available to you. Keep your eyes on the wheel and your finger on the mouse button in order to keep your machine rolling and money coming in so that you can help ensure that you are in the paying bubble when the timer runs out and the final winners are called.

Payout and Odds of a Slot Machine

February 19th, 2010 by bwin Casino Blog

Slot machines are notorious gambling devices that can be both entertaining and profitable for a lucky few, though as all players tend to know, these machines will always be in favor of the house taking home most of the winnings, regardless of what you may try to do in your own favor. That stated, slot machines do offer different payouts and odds depending on the machine played and the money up for grabs and, if played properly, can generally return most of your money over time so long as you make your plays right and gamble accordingly.

One of the key factors to consider when looking at a slot machine’s odds is, naturally, the actual set payout rate. Many times high-paying slot machines with up to a 98% return rate are advertised by casinos in order to attract customers, and these machines should naturally be your own primary target when you enter into an establishment advertising them. If you cannot find them on your own, then feel free to ask any of the local slot machine attendants to assist you, as it is their duty to ensure that all customers find what they seek and are satisfied with their stay at the casino.

Further, bear in mind that virtually all modern slot machines are controlled by a random number generator set to provide randomized results based off of a set algorithm to pay out spins at complete random, without any other input. This means that any strategy you have for strategically betting more at times and less at others is effectively useless, as it will have no impact upon the actual randomly generated figures. Your only chance is to focus instead on maximizing the profitability of each spin, in order to take advantage of the successful results that are generated from time to time in whatever variation there may be. As most modern slot machines typically play up to 25 different lines at once, this means a payout in your favor could occur in any one of those lines at any time, so be sure not to miss out on a chance to cash in on what may come your way.

Maximum bets also offer the highest payout potential along with the highest risk. Given the fact that even major slot machines with the largest jackpots pay out some sort of return over time, the maximum bet whenever you play may be well worth your while. It is also the only way you can guarantee that you have a chance at successfully obtaining the major jackpot prize. While lesser bets may seem safer and allow you to play longer on a smaller bankroll, they will also offer less of a major payout potential, due to their limited overall value. Therefore, you should opt for the top bets whenever possible, in order to increase your chances of winning big. Just remember not to overdo it and go beyond your capabilities because if you keep playing, slot machines will, in the end, take back more than what you put into them. Always bear this in mind, and stop when appropriate no matter whether you are ahead or behind.

Slot Machine Etiquette

February 17th, 2010 by bwin Casino Blog

It is a given truth that every pastime undertaken in a social setting will have its own set of rules-whether formal or informal-and this certainly also applies to casino games. The first thing you might need to think about is whether or not the casino you are visiting has a dress code. If so, not adhering to it will render all else irrelevant! In some casinos, especially in Europe, it is important to bear in mind that you can also be ejected from a casino for bad language, so if your game isn’t going too well, remember that it’s only a game and keep a lid on your frustration and disappointment.

In terms of playing slot machines, one thing to bear in mind is that although slot machines can be used singularly, players are discouraged from using several machines at once in the hope of winning more money. It is widely held that players may use up to two machines at any one time, as long as the casino is not too full, but you should ensure that you are able to watch over the machines you are using in case the casino begins to fill and also to prevent yourself from being ripped off. There is a surprisingly good living that is unscrupulously made by snatching the winnings accumulated at unattended slot machines.

Also, whilst playing the slots, keep an eye out for the sight of a cup on the seat of a machine where you are thinking of playing, as, in general slot machine etiquette, this  means that the machine in question is taken already, and the player that owns the cup has either taken a short break or visited the bathroom. One of the biggest possible faux pas you can possibly make is to sit at a marked slot machine. If you do so, you will incur the anger of the player, and maybe of others, which will spoil the evening unnecessarily. In addition, if you are the player with a cup on a seat, it is considered good form to get back as soon as you can. You can ask an attendant to look after the machine while you are absent.

Another general rule of etiquette related to decency and manners, is that players refrain from kicking or hitting the machine in any way. Such acts are deeply frowned upon, and will most likely result in the player being ejected from the casino. In addition, just as screaming and cursing is against good form when one loses; it is also highly discouraged when players win. This can be different at jackpot wins, as euphoric yelps are different and are also good for casino business, as they like other punters to see other punters winning. It encourages further gambling! In general play, however, it is considered polite for players to talk quietly amongst themselves.

Lastly, it is certainly considered good etiquette to tip the slot machine host after winning a decent amount. If you bear all of these points in mind, a good and hopefully successful evening can be enjoyed by all.

Become a croupier

December 1st, 2009 by Carl

I had someone e-mail me a few days ago who wanted to ask me about becoming a croupier and how easy it was. They had read my blackjack book which kind of painted a somewhat negative picture of life as a croupier.

Despite what I said in that book, there are many advantages to becoming a croupier. Firstly it is something where a person can create a very respectable career without having loads of qualifications. Anyone can be a croupier almost, as long as you don’t have a criminal record or maybe visible tattoos then you should be able to train as a croupier.

There are probably other factors that prohibit someone from becoming a croupier as well but not having qualifications isn’t one of them. The natural career path in the UK used to be a six week training course followed by doing the actual job for real.

Then anyone with at least 18 months experience as a dealer would be considered for promotion to Inspector. Then there were further career advancements to Pit Boss and then Manager followed by General Manager.

So a person could end up with a very good job if they showed the proper initiative and attitude. The money at that time wasn’t great but then again I am referring to the area where I worked and I am going back to 1998.

There is always the possibility for croupiers to work abroad and many follow that option and see exotic places whilst getting paid to do so. I never personally had that option because I had a family at the time but it can be a far better career for single people in many aspects.

Working night shifts isn’t for everyone but I didn’t mind it as I always liked to get out of bed whenever I wanted rather than having to be forced to get out of bed first thing in a morning. So all I can say is that the career has different appeal to different people depending on individual circumstances so do not be put off or swayed by anything that I have said either in this post or in the past.

see you soon

Carl
Play blackjack online at bwin

Maximising profits

November 13th, 2009 by Carl

The objective of any casino is to maximise profits within set barriers. Obviously any casino owner in an ideal world would like to make 100% return on turnover on the gaming side but that isn’t possible.

Not one single punter would stand for not ever winning whether it be fruit machines, roulette, casino poker, blackjack or slot machines. The goal can really only be to take the maximum possible whilst still keeping the punters coming back.

This is why punters who win are the best source of advertising for any casino and adverse publicity is very bad. Roulette has always been the best money earner for the casinos due to its speed and its ability to be able to support more than a dozen players per table at any one time.

I don’t like it when land based casinos become agitated and disgruntled by punters winning sizable sums of money. I have worked on the inside so I know that it happens. I have seen countless situations where gaming managers have been openly hostile to punters who have won money.

I find this approach truly amazing in an industry where the casino has to depend on people repeatedly coming through the door in enough numbers to not only pay the overheads but to generate meaningful profits as well.

OK so casinos are not a means of social security but with areas like slots and Caribbean stud poker, then why in heavens name don’t they give the punter better value for a money?

Giving a player a 50/1 pay-off for a straight flush and this is based on the dealer having a qualifying hand of AK is ludicrous in my opinion. It is lucky for land based casinos that more punters are not aware of the odds of making these hands otherwise they simply wouldn’t play them.

Giving people value for money is the key to not only keeping them but to also keep them coming back for many years to come. Handing out a casino marketing code every month would be a good start or some other incentive for players to come and play and after that…to stay and be happy.

Carl “The Dean” Sampson

Some Big Jackpots Online Won and the Online Casino

August 17th, 2009 by bwin Casino Blog

You can win large amounts of money when you play the casinos at land-based casinos.  Some of the best casino slot machines come from an online software company known as Microgaming.  They are one of the most popular companies providing for the online casino industry.  The only thing is that the Microgaming doesn’t accept US Players at this time; however, there are some other companies that do. Sadly, they had to back down because of an unlawful internet gambling enforcement act that was put in place that affected many people in the United States.

One of the games that you can win large amounts of money from is the Mega Moolah slot machine game, which can be found online. The Mega Moolah slot is one of those slots that require you to use Microgaming. The jackpot in Mega Moolah was hit and the player won $6.3 million dollars. This win marked a very historic day online for casino players as well as the casino industry. The story was one that quickly spread online and more people started playing this particular game as well as others.

One of the other popular games online is Keno. Some people have won $800.00, $475.00, $180.00 just by playing Keno online. Depending on what site you play Keno on, you can win as much as $4,600.00 or $13,474.00. Each site will vary with how much you win. The great thing with Keno is that you can mainly play this game all over the world and not have to worry about certain laws; however, there are still some states that could possibly stop you from playing it.

One of the reasons why people like playing at the online casinos is because of the variety of games that you can pick from. You can pick from the slots, poker, craps, among various other games. Almost any game that you find at a land-based casino, you can find online.

With the way the casino industry is growing online, many people are pushing to make it legal in every state throughout the USA. Just like playing at the casino in real life can change people’s lives when they hit the big one, it changes people’s lives just the same online once they’ve hit the big jackpot!

A lot of people are now very excited about playing at the online casinos.  This is something that has emerged and become very popular over the past several years.   There are many positive things about online casinos other than the fact that they are similar to that of a land-based casino.  In addition, when you play at the online casino, you are helping them with their business just as you are when you play at a land-based casino.  You are playing and are promoting the online casino by bringing traffic to their site and in real life, you are playing and spreading the world about the casinos, which brings in more gamblers or traffickers!

On the development side of the online casino industry, the software continues getting better for the casino players online. They can tell you how exciting it is playing at the online casinos and watching the reels spin because it looks just like the ones in real life. There are many individuals that are unable to experience a land-based casino due to personal health problems or other circumstances, so online casinos bring the enjoyment and adrenaline rushes to the comfort of their very own home.

It will be very exciting to watch and see how many more people win the various slot machines online. Once Representative Barney Frank is able to push his new bill that many people are talking about, a lot more online sites will be able to open and more people will be able to win huge jackpots. Many people are able to benefit from playing online and hopefully soon, more options will be available for the ones that enjoy it so much.

Some Recent Casino Winners

August 17th, 2009 by bwin Casino Blog

Do you remember watching the movie Wizard of Oz growing up? It’s a very popular movie that many people enjoyed. It was so popular and well-known that it was turned into a famous slot machine called the “Wizard of Oz Slot Machine”.

The images on this slot machine are just like watching the movie in real life. After what just happened to Susan Nott in California, the Wizard of Oz slots has really launched off. Susan Nott gambled with this slot machine and won $1.6 million dollars. She quickly found out that she wasn’t in Kansas anymore!

Susan Nott made it a tradition to stop by the Thunder Valley Casino before work. She would play the slots for a little while prior to heading to her place of employment. What she has been doing for a very long time might stop for now as she changes her routine a bit. She said that the money was a life changing experience and that it would be going towards many different things. She will be paying off car loans while some of the money will go towards trust funds for her children. She is even helping her best friend out and buying her a brand new car.

Susan Nott is just one of several people who have won the slots this past month. As more people play and win, the more they will be able to come out of debt. When they come out of debt, the more they start helping other people considering that they are considerate people as you may find some that would be a bit greedy and keep the funds all to themselves! However, if someone were to help others, those that were helped would be able to come out of depression and debt themselves from the help of their friends. When that starts happening, think of all the good that one win will be doing. That is why people continue gambling their money and is also why it has created such a positive effect on many states.

I am sure that we all remember Diana from Reno, NV winning $163,994.25 dollars playing Keno and winning the jackpot. She was only on her tenth game and suddenly the numbers came up. Diana wants to buy her husband a Porsche with the money. This took place at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa when her and her husband enjoyed a relaxing Easter Sunday. Atlantis Casino Resort is said to have some of the best staff on board and a very friendly gaming environment. They make people feel welcomed and it definitely shows. The staff at the casino resort gets very excited when someone wins the jackpot, or a large amount of money.

At the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno, Wanda won $216,577.70 playing the really popular game Wheel of Fortune. Another really big winner at the Eldorado Hotel Casino is Anthony. Anthony walks home rich after getting 10,000 dollars in a cash give away from the Casino Royal.

With so many big wins, it’s no wonder that people continue to play the slots at the casino as well as other casino games. Risking those 5 cents can help you win $1.6 million dollars in some games like Susan Nott found out. That is one of the exact reasons why the casinos will continue bringing in large amounts of money around the world.

The casino workers really love watching people win the jackpot and large amounts of money.  I think that this is one of the many reasons why they love working at the casino and because of the love that they have for their job, casino gamblers continue to come back to play more as they enjoy the atmosphere that they are surrounded by.

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