Thursday, June 25, 2009

Why Online Casino Betting Is A Great Recreational Activity


Gambling has been a great source of recreation for years. From ancient horse, camel and elephant races to the first card games, dice, and board games, there's always been a way to take a fun risk. Then, bingo, the lottery, poker, roulette wheels and other types of gambling got more popular. These days, many people who want to try their luck are moving to gaming in online casinos.

Online casino betting is popular with everyone, and it's a lot easier than making it to Vegas, a riverboat, or casinos that are out of the way. Just log in to your favorite online casino and start playing at the table or room that you like best. You might get lucky or you might not, but you're sure to have a good time along the way.

To bet in an online casino, all you really need is a credit card and to download the software. Once you're registered, you can start gaming, and there's no reason to take a road trip. Slots, cards, and plenty of other games are accessible twenty-four hours a day from the comfort of your desk chair. A high speed Internet connection is required for most casinos online, because the action moves too fast for dialup. However, this is getting a lot easier to find, and online casinos remain really popular.

There are a few things you should stick to if you want to make sure that online casino betting stays fun. One is never to borrow money or go over your budget. While casinos themselves and your credit card may offer loans for betting, they can be a real problem. Set a budget for your gaming, and if you lose the amount you've budgeted, take a break. Casino gaming should be fun, not a headache. Treat any winnings as a lucky bonus, not income. That'll help you remember that it's just a game and all for fun, instead of relying on that next big win.

You should also make sure that you only deal with online casinos you trust. Look at reviews online to find out which casinos are known for being honest and reliable, then choose the one you like best. Be wary of promises of big money - casinos only stay in business because someone loses. While it's fun to take a risk and see if you get lucky, you shouldn't treat gaming as a sure thing. If you go into it with the right attitude, however, online casino betting is a great way to pass the time.

Tips To Win At Blackjack

Want to increase your odds of winning in blackjack, whether you're playing at a casino or from the comfort of your home? Here are a few simple rules collected from the advice given by online players. Paying attention to just a few things will help you reduce the house's edge and improve your chances of going away with a little bit of money. No gambling tip will ever be a sure thing, but if you know what you're doing, there are some pitfalls you can avoid.

If you have a nine or lower, it's time to hit. A ten or eleven means you should double down, as long as your cards add up to more than the upcard the dealer is showing. If that's not the case, hit. If you have twelve through sixteen, hit if the dealer's card is seven or higher. Otherwise, just stand. Stand on seventeen or higher, too. These are most likely to get you the best results in ordinary blackjack.

If you're playing with soft hands, things get a little different. What's a soft hand? When you can use an ace as an eleven instead of a one, that's what's going on. A soft sixteen, for instance, would be an ace and a six. If you have numbers between thirteen and eighteen in this playing style, double down if the dealer has five or six as an upcard. Seventeen or lower should be a hit, and eighteen should be a hit if the dealer's card is six or lower. If the dealer has seven or more, stand. Stand when your cards add up to seventeen or higher as well. When it comes to pairs, there are a few rules as well. Never split tens, fours, or fives, but always split aces and eights, as well as all other pairs if the dealer has an upcard of six or less.

That's just some basic blackjack strategy. However, there are a few other things to remember, too. Check out players and tables to find a fun, fast paced playing environment that offers minimal interruption and interference. If you're playing in person, avoid drunk players. If you're online or at a casino, slow players are also an issue.

Don't take insurance unless you're an experienced card counter, and manage your bankroll carefully to get the most fun for the amount of money you have. Don't sit down at any table where the bet size is more than a twentieth of your bankroll. Your risk is lessened and you'll keep your money longer. This applies to lots of other games, too. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect, including the dealer, and make sure to have fun!