Minnesota blocks gambling sites
May 24, 2009
The state of Minnesota found a way how the block its citizens to access the online gambling sites.
The state’s Department of Public Safety asked about 11 Internet service providers (ISP) to prevent the access to hundreds of websites that are associated with online gambling.
The Minnesota government explained this action by citing a federal law, which conditions service providers to deny access to any telecommunications services used for gambling.
According to John Morris, who is a general counsel at the Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington D.C., the providers of the internet service are not network operators. Probably the Minnesota action won’t stand in a court of law, because it seems to be unlikely that a court would accept an ISP to discharge with Minnesota’s request. His opinion was reported in the Associated Press.
The co-director of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, John Palfrey, commented that the government can not force ISP to filter certain sites. It simply doesn’t work, because either too many or too few sites are blocked and it’s easy to circumvent the filters, so the result is kind of meaningless.
There have been already some companies that asked to block iGaming access, but now many of them are trying to rethink the request. One of those companies is also AT&T Inc.
Minnesota officials are not giving up and they are blocking even more websites, beyond the 200 they already blocked.
Minnesota’s public list of blocked sites
May 21, 2009
The state of Minnesota blocked 200 of online gaming sites and the list of all that sites has been published by iMEGA.
Of course this act has been criticized a lot in the gaming industry. The ones who criticized the most are PPA (Poker Player Association) and iMEGA.
Many legal experts, also some of the Minnesota government, claimed that they don’t really believe that such an action could succeed.
The state of Minnesota plans a legal prohibition of 11 ISPs and telephone providers, who has to prohibit their customers to enter those sites.
The state came up with a federal law from 1961, which has been rarely discussed. This law criminalizes gambling. Read more
Who is this year on the Fortune magazine’s 500 list?
May 15, 2009
Fortune magazine publishes every year a list of 500 national largest companies. The rankings are based on the annual income. This year 2 in Las Vegas based companies are on the list. We are talking about MGM Mirage and Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. These two companies are the only ones from Nevada on that list. In this year’s ranking, MGM Mirage is ranked No. 344 with 2008 incomes of $ 7.208 billion, last year the company was ranked No. 323. Harrah’s Entertainment was ranked on the 244th position and this year it is ranked No. 263 with 2008 incomes of $ 10.127 billion.
The company that reached No 1 on the Fortune magazine’s list is Exxon Mobil with an incredible income of $ 442 billion.
Marriot International was ranked first among hotel and casino companies in industry ranking with an income of $ 12.88 billion and Harrah’s and MGM Mirage were ranked respectively second and third.
But it wasn’t just a happy year for Harrah’s Entertainment, because beside the fact that it appeared on the Fortune Magazine’s top 500, it also appeared on the list of this year’s top 20 worst money losers. Its ranking was No 17 with a loss of $ 5.2 billion.
The number one on this list was the insurance company American International Group with a loss of $ 99.3 billion.
888.com inappropriate for argentine citizens
May 14, 2009
Luis Duacastella Arbizu, the municipal judge in Buenos Aires, tries to ban the website 888.com. he wants it to be inaccessible for city residents, because according to him, the site violates their local gambling laws, particularly the articles 116, 117 and 118 of the Buenos Aires Contravention Code. 888.com is actually not the only gambling site which seems to be inappropriate. The municipal judge wants to ban also the sites Victor Chandler’s Argentine-facing site and Bwin.
Arbizuís new ruling presupposes that the operating subsidiary Cassava Enterprises, which is 888ís Gibraltar-based, to block Buenos Aires residents the access to the sites 888.com and 888.com.ar.
This new ruling was published already at the end of march in the Buenos Aires governmentís official journal and then he also requested a publishing in the Buenos Aires- based gaming news service, called Yogonet.
The 888.com will take about 48-hours to take all the necessary measures to block the access to the websites to the Buenos Aires residents, who by the way are called also portenos.
Roulette Advanced Strategy Dos and Dont’s
May 13, 2009
Roulette is a game that has been found all over the world for centuries. It is also a game that appears on every major online casino site. The game itself is simple: Put chips down on the number, series of numbers, color or category of numbers that you like. If the ball lands in the niche on the wheel that corresponds with your choice, you win. As simple as it is, there are a few strategic dos and don’ts to consider.
Roulette Dos:
Look for a European or French Roulette Wheel
While all roulette wheels have one zero, American roulette wheels have another space for a double zero. This is true for both online roulette and live games. While this may not seem like such a large issue, it’s important to realize that the house edge in roulette comes from the zero. Bets are paid off at what their true odds would be if there were no zeroes, so the more zeroes, the worse it is for the player.
Look for En Prison Rules
The en prison and la partage rules mean that on an even money bet like black/red or odd/even, you do not automatically lose on a zero. If a zero should come up, the player will either get half his bet back or have it riding on the next spin, where he will get his full bet back if it wins. Which rule is in play depends on the online casino.
Don’t:
Play on an American Roulette Wheel
These are the wheels with the extra zero that should be avoided.
Play the Basket Bet
If for some reason you should find yourself playing on an American roulette wheel, avoid the basket bet, which is five numbers (0,00,1,2,3). The house edge is 7.89 percent on these bets. They are the worst bets on the layout.
Blackjack Strategy and Betting System
May 12, 2009
Blackjack is a game with a relatively low house edge when played correctly, which means a player who gets on a winning streak can build up a nice pile of cash. Some people may find blackjack a little slow because you only get paid even money on your bets (except for an actual blackjack). A progressive betting system may liven up your blackjack game a little bit – whether it’s played in a live casino or on an online blackjack site.
Progressive Betting Systems vs. Martingale
Progressive betting systems are methods of betting where you increase your bet after a win. This increases your ability to profit from a winning streak without significantly increasing your risk of loss when things go bad. Such systems are considered preferable to Martingale systems where you increase your bet after a loss, as such systems can lead to ruin if you run up against the house limits or the limits of your own bankroll.
Progressive Betting System in Blackjack
One blackjack betting system you may have some success with is a 1/3/5 system. In this blackjack strategy you bet one unit until you win, then bet three units. If you win again, you bet five units. After the third win, you return to one unit. Over the three bets, you will win nine units if you win, but lose no more than two units if you lose. For example, you bet $10 and win. You keep the $20 and add another $10 for a $30 bet, of which you have invested $20. You win again and take back only $10. Now you have invested $10 and have a $50 bet up. If you win that bet, you will have won $100 for a $10 investment and a net of $90.
Blackjack Betting System Analysis
A progressive betting system does not guarantee a winning session by any means. You will still have to apply basic strategy correctly and get lucky. However, if you do get lucky, and combine it with casino bonuses, this system can lead to a big blackjack score.
Fearless Frederick Video Slot
May 11, 2009
A mighty superhuman hero sets the theme for ALL JACKPOTS Casino’s latest 5 reel, 30 pay line video slot
this month, appropriately branded FEARLESS FREDERICK.
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640.00 on the abundant Free Spins and Multipliers.
Depicted in cool modern graphics, FF flies to the rescue of damsels in distress and saves the world from
flaming meteoroids - all in a day’s work for a superhero like this. On the way, his presence as the Wild
symbol can help the player build winning combinations, doubling the prize with his mere arrival.
But it’s the FF logo rather than the hero himself who opens the second screen bonus of up to 25 Free spins
where all prizes are trebled. When 3 or more Scattered logos appear across the reels the player is given a
choice of a single heroic deed for Fred to perform from a selection of three. The rewards are cash prizes and
free spins that can be re-triggered, and if Fred successfully completes the task, the player stands to win cash
prizes and anywhere between 10 to 25 Free Spins where all the prizes are tripled in value.
Fred rarely fails, but if he does, there’s a consolation prize - the player’s triggering bet is doubled!
Fearless Fred is a slot full of fictional fun and generous prizes - click over to ALL JACKPOTS Casino and
see for yourself how entertaining this multi-faceted game can be!
Your Lucky Day Video Slot
May 10, 2009
Back in the awesome ‘eighties, television networks were famed for dazzling, big prize game shows that
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consumption in its new themed video slot YOUR LUCKY DAY.
Join the hosts of ALL JACKPOTS Casino’s own animated game show, “Your Lucky Day”, hosted by Hyped
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combinations to win….bigtime.
This 5 reel, 20 pay-line video slot is as full of opportunity as its theme, offering the player abundant chances
to score through Wilds, Scatters, re-triggering Free Spins with Multipliers and not just one, but two highly
rewarding second screen bonus games.
The betting range on this slot should suit all pockets, and runs from as little as 0.01 to 0.50, with a 200.00
maximum bet that could unlock up to 57 240.00 in the base game, a massive 114 480.00 in Free Spins, up
to 19 000.00 in the Hi-Lo bonus game and 12 000.00 in the Lucky Money bonus game.
The vibrant graphics in this slot thriller showcase the elements that players might buy with their winnings,
such as those luxury cars and trips to exotic places….and like the game show, there’s lots and lots of cash!
Take a look at the ways to win on this remarkable slot:
* The “Your Lucky Day” logo acts as the Wild to build winning lines. It substitutes for all other symbols except
for the show hosts and the Free Spins television screen.
* Those Free Spins television screens have value, too - when two appear on the reels there’s a 1x boost for
the total bet staked, and if three appear there’s a 2x boost to winnings, accompanied by 10 Free Spins where
prizes are doubled and more freebies can be re-triggered.
* The two energetic and money-laden show hosts act as Scatters, but more importantly pave the way to the
second screen bonus feature where two different bonus structures can deliver massive winnings.
When the player sees two Sexy Hostess symbols on reels 1 and 5 it’s the cue to enter the Hi-Lo bonus
game, where up to 95x the stake can be won by making the right four choices. The other Hyped Up Host, will
also be a welcome sight on reels 1 and 5, because he opens the virtual door to the Lucky Money bonus
game, where the player has one pick from a selection of 18, and stands to win up to 60x the stake.
Your Lucky Day is as entertaining and potentially rewarding as those major television game shows back in
the day, so why not click through to ALL JACKPOTS Casino and join in the fun!
Fat Lady Sings, new video slot from Microgaming
May 9, 2009
ALL JACKPOTS CASINO invites players to shatter glasses and pick up some tempting prizes
The cliché “It’s not over until the fat lady sings,” certainly applies to ALL JACKPOTS CASINO’S latest new
slot, where large opera sopranos provide for major player winnings.
FAT LADY SINGS is a 5 reel, 25 payline Video Slot that is both colorful and amusing, offering a host of the
sort of advanced features that slot players enjoy. These include an innovative bonus system, Free Spins
galore, generous Multipliers, Wilds, a Gamble feature and Scatters, all of which present the player with great
opportunities in terms of both entertainment and rewards.
The key to both Free Spins and bonus action is the thespian mask - get 3, 4 or 5 of these across the reels
and open up a second screen wealth of opportunity in Free Spins and Bonus picks.
The symbols take the player into three bonus screens, each overseen by a distinctive soprano and each with
three choices of volume for the singer’s voice to shatter glasses and reveal prizes. The first screen
determines the number of Free Spins - between 5 and 30 - to be awarded; the second decides the Multiplier
level between 1x and 5x during free spins and the third delivers a bonus win value.
Spend a fun night at the ALL JACKPOTS CASINO opera with beefy Brünnhilde, sumoesque Madam
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Presenting the player with additional winning chances is the popular Gamble feature, where players are
given the chance to double or quadruple their winnings by making the right suit and color calls.
Fat Lady Sings rocks - visit ALL JACKPOTS CASINO to shatter the glasses and pick up the prizes!
Online vs Offline poker
May 8, 2009
Television might be the primary “culprit” is popularizing the game, but online poker offers the hands-on possibility to play, for all people interested, no matter where in the world they may be.
Suddenly, playing poker has become a matter of turning on the computer and clicking on a few links.
Online poker is accessible to all, regardless where they live, and regardless of the language they speak. Each and every one of the other advantages online poker room possess over brick and mortar ones, stems from this accessibility.
Because the World Wide Web is basically a world-wide display case as well, there are virtually no limits to how many players can join a given poker room. Thus, while a few tens or a few hundred players pass as huge crowds in any live poker event, a few thousand players do not represent an outstandingly good traffic for an online poker room. Because there are thousands upon thousands of players at their tables, online poker rooms can afford to give their patrons much more generous bonuses (sign-up ones or loyalty ones) and often times allow them more-than-generous edges like rakeback or cashback.
The rake that they take off each pot is also much reduced compared to live poker rooms, and it is strictly proportional with the amount of money in the raked pot.
A live poker room won’t be able to afford to count exactly 5% of each pot that is taken down, to a max a $3, like online rooms do. Real poker rooms usually take the rake based on time collection. Thus, playing in low or micro-limit games becomes a bad investment, and people will generally end up paying more rake. On the other hand though, the time-collection rake will lead to looser games at higher limits, because people are aware the rake is not a percentage of the pot they’re so generously stuffing.
Besides the rake that you pay by the hour, you need to add up a few other expenses to your overall live-poker rake as well. Live events take place in certain locations, and that means you have to travel to get there. Once there, food and lodging represent yet another hurdle. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider all that part of the rake. If you look at things that way, plus you consider that no live poker room will ever give you a sign-up bonus, (except maybe the comp dollars that some establishments grant you) then you’ll realize there can be no fair comparison between online and offline rake rates.
We all know what a great edge game- and table selection can provide for a skilled player. Online, you couldn’t possibly ask for a better opportunity for table selection: you can check out any table you want to, you can watch people play for as long as you want to, (without them knowing about it) you can learn everything about their true colors before you actually take a seat.
I’d like to see you do that in a brick and mortar poker room. You should be glad if you can find more than a single table at the limit/stakes you’re comfortable with.
To top it all off, you’ll waste a tremendous amount of time chasing down line poker games, even when all you’re after, is a game at your local poker room. Travel not only takes money, it takes time too. More often than not, you’ll be forced to wait until a seat frees up at your preferred limit, which means more time lost, time you could’ve spent playing poker and making money.
Offline, there are much fewer hands played/hour than online, and I’d really love to see someone try to multi-table in real life.
Bottom line is: the online poker environment is much more forgiving than the offline one. In live poker, you have the odds stacked against you, so in order to eek out a long-term win, you’ll need to bring something very special to that table.
Latest Headlines
- Spain wants a casino city
- Minnesota blocks gambling sites
- Minnesota’s public list of blocked sites
- Who is this year on the Fortune magazine’s 500 list?
- 888.com inappropriate for argentine citizens
- Roulette Advanced Strategy Dos and Dont’s
- Blackjack Strategy and Betting System
- Fearless Frederick Video Slot
- Your Lucky Day Video Slot
- Fat Lady Sings, new video slot from Microgaming