For starters, playing slots does not really require skill from the player. Despite the vast selection of slot machines that are available, all of them essentially function in the same way. A player simply needs to make a bet, push a button or pull a lever and wait for a potential payout. Many are marked with staggering jackpots that can reach into the millions, but have you ever stopped to wonder about the intricacies of slot machines or their popularity?

Slots games are perhaps a bit more complicated than you might realize. From the payouts to common myths; we here at Planet 7 want to help anyone completely new to slots or those simply looking to get some reliable information. So we’ve put together this online slots guide, to get you up to speed fast!

What is a slot machine?

Let’s start with the basics. A slot machine is a gambling game with three or more spinning reels. The reels come equipped with symbols that land randomly after a player places a bet and initiates a spin. Wins are determined when particular symbols line up or form a particular pattern; these are called paylines. Winnings or payouts vary based on the amount a player wagers. The larger the bet, the larger the payout according to the outcome of a payline or combination of paylines.

Types of Slot Machines

Upon entering a casino you will usually notice that there are two types of slot machines: reel slots and video slots.

Reel slots have physical reels that spin and are found in land-based casinos. They are sometimes referred to as fruit machines as the symbols represented resemble pieces of fruit like cherries or oranges. These incorporate single to multiple spinning reels.

Video slots function in the same way as reel slots but usually have a greater number of paylines. Symbols appear on a computer display and can run in patterns up, down or zig-zagged across the screen. Video slots are often very popular because of their unique computer graphics and stunning visuals. Players can choose from a variety of different games that are pulled from popular films or music for instance. They also offer lots of other unique features not found on traditional slot machines. Some of these include scatters, wilds, and surprise symbols intended to dramatically increase your rewards.

Scatters are desired by players because the more frequently they appear on the screen the more payouts a player receives pre-spin, regardless of the reel sequences. Wilds substitute any symbol much like a joker would during a game of poker, and help complete a winning combination. Surprise or hidden symbols are also a fun addition to video slots because they can appear at any given time during gameplay, and will increase winnings and/or give you free spins. Video slots are the way to go if you want to maximize your casino gaming experience!

Your money and slots

If you are playing at a standard casino you’ll notice that most machines no longer use coins. Instead, they operate on what is known as the TITO system [ticket in, ticket out]. Slots games at online or real money mobile casinos offer a variety of different betting and payment options from P2P money transfers to credit/debit cards and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Familiarize yourself with the different betting/payment options of a machine as well as the terms and conditions before you begin to play.

Slot machine RNGs

Regardless of the type of slot that you choose to play, they function in the same way. You place your bet and take a spin, and an internal computer chip in the machine will randomly determine whether you win or lose for each spin.

The outcome of a win for any slot machine is determined by this internal chip called a random number generator or RNG. The RNG cycles through thousands of number sequences per second and the computer program stop precisely at the moment when a player hits the stop button or comes to rest automatically. The result of the numbers is displayed on the screen or reel. Keep in mind that each spin is a completely unique event, one of a kind, meaning that patterns in how the symbols land are more illusion/coincidence than mathematical reality.

RNGs are always tested and certified by third-party agencies to make sure that they are fair and reliable, and that outcomes cannot be rigged. This is great news because if it’s your lucky day you could be walking away with some serious cash and coin!

Useful slots terms

Now that you’re getting a feel for what slots are all about, below is a list of some helpful slots terms for you to know!

Autospin/play – this feature enables the player to continue betting with a particular amount without having to manually push the spin button. The feature will usually stop once it hits a win.

Bet Max?– is the maximum number of credits a player can bet on a slot machine. It has the highest possible payout amount for that particular machine. Each slot game has a maximum amount that cannot be exceeded.

Betting Units?– these are wager units that are determined by the denomination listed on the slot machine. These can be increased or decreased by the player within the range of the maximum bet.

Bonus Feature – these are features offered on most popular slot machines and can include wild cards that increase payouts, prize multipliers, or free spins.

Cashback?– these are often rewards or comps given to players that hold membership with a particular online casino like Planet 7.

Certified Slots – these slots are machines that guarantee a payout of 98%-100%. They are usually well-marked within a casino.

Coins/Credits?– are what are gambled with on a slot machine in exchange for money. For instance, for a nickel slot machine when a dollar is inserted that player will have twenty credits on that specific machine.

Doubles (or more) – these refer to paylines that are multiplied based on the amount won. When a player wins on a payline they can choose to double their money by having another spin, if that spin loses they lose all of their bet.

Line Bet?– refers to the paylines that are activated on a slot machine. Max bets activate all paylines on a machine, single lines or any combination activate only those lines chosen by the player.

Loose Slot – is a term that refers to a type of slot machine that pays out frequently. These are highly coveted by online and classic casino players and are often well hidden.

Multiplier?– this refers to a bonus feature where payouts can be multiplied up to a certain limit.

Pay Table?– this is a sign that indicates the different possible winning combinations and how many credits each wins.

How to win on slot machines

So you’ve made your deposit at Planet 7 and are ready to start playing. There are a couple more things you should keep in mind, however. Unlike other popular casino games like blackjack or poker, slots do not require skill to win. In other words, there is no winning strategy for slot machines but there are tips and tricks that can push the odds in your direction. For more on this see our article: How to win at slots? Try these 10 amazing tricks that really work. Since the results of each spin on a slots game are programmed to be completely random, there is no way to determine when a payout will happen.

Statistically, you are as likely to win on a slot machine by spinning one time versus spinning one thousand times. Each spin is a separate event. So if the odds of hitting a jackpot on a given machine are 1 in 20,000, this means that each time a player spins the odds will remain 1:20000 to win the jackpot. It does not matter how many spins a player has made before or after, the odds cannot be influenced thanks to the RNG. This is precisely why slots games are so seductive to even the most novice of players. Large payouts and jackpots are available to any player regardless of skill or experience. It’s simply up to Lady Luck!

Slots payouts

It is good to note that the range of payouts for slots machines depends on the manufacturer or provider. This information is usually made public and can be found online. In general, however, slots machines that allow for higher denomination bets (dollar slots) compared to lower denominations (penny slots) are programmed to have a higher percentage of payout. The standard in the gambling industry is payout percentages ranging from low (85%) to high (98%) with the latter applying to higher denomination machines. This doesn’t mean that for every dollar you spend you will only receive 85-98 cents in return. Instead, the longer you play the closer your total winnings will begin to reflect the calculated percentage, this is what is known as the house edge.

Play using higher denominations

Though a player cannot influence the outcome of a slot spin, it’s important to keep the average payout percentages for particular machines in mind. Also, statistics show that players willing to bet using higher denominations will earn at a higher percentage. It’s hard to argue with mathematics.

Whole dollars count for more than fractions of dollars when multiplied. So, if you bet 10 dollars per line on a slot machine, and you win on 5 lines on a given spin, that’s 100 dollars you’ve just won. When you take into account multipliers and doubling-up, you can potentially exponentially increase your original bet! Just be sure to double-check each machine’s maximum jackpot. Two machines might look the same, but pay out different winnings per credit.

Fixed jackpots vs. progressive jackpots

There are other categories that slot machines fit into: fixed/basic, progressive and fixed value. Fixed or basic slot machines generally have a fixed maximum jackpot that does not change. Progressive machines have jackpots that will increase as more and more people bet on them and can be linked to a series of machines to dramatically increase the jackpot total. The jackpot will continue to increase until it is won. As a rule of thumb, it’s good to play on a progressive machine that is seeing a lot of action as this will ensure a higher jackpot. Fixed value machines are slots machines where the betting amount or coin size cannot be changed. These slot machines are usually one denomination, meaning one betting unit per spin.

Set limits

It’s a smart idea to set a “lose limit” before you decide to play on a slot machine. This will ensure that you don’t leave the casino with your bankroll empty. If you find yourself winning, a good time to stop is once when you have doubled your initial investment. The longer you play the higher the probability is that you will end up losing money. If you’re losing, stop when you reach your lose limit. It’s never a good idea to chase your losses. Have fun, but play responsibly. People win daily on slots and your odds of a payout are just as good as theirs, but be smart, and don’t overdo it.

Sign up for casino rewards and bonuses

Whether playing online or at a land-based casino, players should sign up for casino rewards or membership programs. These programs dish-out benefits according to how frequently players play and how much they are willing to wager each time. The benefits can be substantial. If you’re going to spend your money anyway, you might as well sign up as there is nothing to lose when signing up.

First time players can look forward to excellent start up packages and casino bonuses simply by joining. Benefits become even greater if they take advantage of loyalty programs or VIP offers. These vary, so be sure to find the one that is best suited to your style of play. Brick-and-mortar casinos often offer “slots club” cards and record the extent that players play on slots each time they step foot inside a casino. Compare the incentives of different casinos or sites to choose what works best for you. Here at Planet 7, we are proud to accept Players Rewards Card – a multi-casino bonus card that can dramatically increase your rewards.

Casino slots jackpots and lore

Many times in a casino you will hear players say whether certain tables or slots are running hot or cold. Hot machines dish-out winnings and cold machines fail to be generous, but the truth is that these are simply myths. Players might think that they sense when a machine is lucky or not, but in truth, they have no influence over the outcomes of the slots’ RNGs. In other words, a slot machine is never “due” to hit if it hasn’t paid out in a while. It’s important to remember that every spin is random. Streaks boil down to a matter of pure chance, even jackpots can occur multiple times on a single machine. Though the odds of striking a mega-jackpot aren’t exactly in a player’s favor, it might come as good news that each player has the same odds of winning big. You might just be in luck!

Important casino slots tips to remember

• There are a variety of slot machines styles, but they basically boil down to the following categories: reel or video/online slots, and fixed or progressive jackpots
• The spin outcomes for slot machines are determined based on random number generators or RNGs, these are verified to be fair and reliable based on independent third-party inspections for both standard and online casinos
• Be mindful of the various terms and meanings associated with slot machines and casino slot gambling, each machine is different, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of a slot game before you play it
• Though there is no sure-fire winning strategy for slots, there are calculated win percentages for low and high denomination machines based on the manufacturer, these percentages range from 85%-98%
• Use higher denominations and play tight when betting, this will ensure a chance for a higher return.
• Join the club! Whether you are a new joiner or returning player, take advantage of the various casino rewards, benefits and packages offered, so you can maximize your winnings each time you play
• Pay attention to the different kinds of jackpots and bet amounts that are available, such as fixed or progressive jackpots, and set a monetary limit on how much you are willing to spend gambling on slots
• Be responsible and have fun! Remember, slots are not about skill, so anyone can win big on casino slot games. That’s why they’re the most popular casino game around!

Slots are the world’s most popular casino game for a reason. There are so many different types of games to choose from. You can choose from our 14 exciting slot games at Planet 7 Casino. Anyone can become a winner! Whether you prefer to visit a standard casino or play online or on your mobile device, find out what slot games suit you best. You can sign up for a chance to play for free or win real money today. Simply visit Planet 7 to register and play on over 80 popular real money online slots games, and don’t forget to check out the latest promotions to pick up your bonus and extend your bankroll, playtime, and fun!

Check out Planet 7’s 450% slots or keno-only bonus with any deposit of $30 or more. Simply enter code SLOTSCRAZY450 at the cashier when you make your deposit and start winning at slots today. Escape to Planet 7!

The post The super easy BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SLOTS appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.

This handy manual will teach you everything you need to know about a game that offers thrills at the flip of each card. If you are a beginner, it will teach you how to play Baccarat, or if you simply wish to become better at the Baccarat game, you can follow its useful strategies and betting tips. Baccarat offers many angles for even the most experienced of gamblers to tackle. No need to be intimidated however, this guide is concise and has an easy-to-follow format; it functions as the perfect instructional for players of all levels. The Easy Baccarat Guide covers everything from Baccarat rules to the game’s unique history and advanced tips, and even wows with some exciting Baccarat trivia. So join us to learn more about the exciting world of Baccarat!

1. A brief history of Baccarat

The game of Baccarat is one of the most well-known casino games in existence today, but its exact origins are difficult to trace. Many historians disagree on where it first started, and variations of the game have been popular since the 19th century.?

Some sources claim that the game was invented in Italy some 500 years ago based on an Etruscan legend known as “nine gods”. It tells of a virgin whose fate was determined by the throw of a nine-sided die. If she threw an eight or nine, her status would be elevated to the priestess, but throwing lower than six would banish her to the sea.?

These same sources claim that French soldiers adopted the game from Italy after returning from the Franco-Italian War during the reign of King Charles VIII in the late 15th century. Whatever the reality is, there is little doubt of the game’s immense popularity today.

By the 1800s, Baccarat as we know it was popular throughout much of Europe. It was a game for the aristocracy and enjoyed among French royalty. There is even a town in France called Baccarat, famous for its crystal and glass making, which was founded by King Louis XV in 1764. The word Baccarat comes from the Italian “baccara” and refers to the number zero.

The French developed a version called Chemin de fer, named after the new railroad system popular at the time. In England, Baccarat became Punto Banco, and interestingly enough, it was this version of the game that would make its way to the Americas before the turn of the 20th century. After its introduction to Las Vegas in 1959, the game went through a shaky rise and fall in popularity in the U.S. It wasn’t until a more modest version of the game was developed that it managed to make waves among the casual gambling community.

Today, multiple varieties exist, yet all roughly follow the same set of basic Baccarat rules with minor differences.

2. Types of Baccarat Games

Whether played in land-based or online casinos, Baccarat is immensely popular. Before we discuss how to play Baccarat and its various betting strategies, let’s have a look at the most common versions of the game. If you’re impatient you can?start playing Baccarat online now to get the first-hand experience! If you’re keen to learn more, read on.

2.1. Punto Banco – This version of Baccarat literally translates to “player-banker”, and is the most common version found in casinos in America, Britain, and in parts of Europe. Often simply referred to as Baccarat, in this version of the game the casino banks during rounds and plays hands based on standard rules using eight decks of cards in a shoe. Most online casinos utilize this version of the game.

2.2. Chemin de fer – This version of Baccarat is popular in many casinos throughout Europe, particularly in France. The key difference is that players play against one another instead of the dealer. The role of banker rotates in a counter-clockwise manner from player to player. Each player also has the option to draw or stand on five, unlike in Punto Banco (player must draw). Chemin de fer is typically seen as a more formal version of the game. It is played on a large table holding up to 14 players and includes gambling accessories such as the palette with which players are moved their cards and chips.

2.3. Baccarat en Banque – This version of Baccarat is popular mostly in Europe, and uses three decks of cards. The drawing rules for Baccarat en Banque vary from casino to casino but are similar to Chemin de Fer. The key difference is that the role of the banker is designated to a single player before the start of each round instead of every player taking a turn as a banker. Deux tableaux (two tables) is another name used for this version because of its table set up.

2.4. Three-card Baccarat – This version of Baccarat is most popular in casinos in Macau and Asia. A single 52-card deck is used. Both player and banker receive three cards per round with the highest possible hand being three face cards. Likewise, it follows the standard rules of Baccarat. If both the player and banker have a hand with the same number of points, the hand with more face cards wins. Otherwise, it is a tie.

2.5. Mini-Baccarat – This version of Baccarat follows the rules of Punto Banco, and follows every aspect with one exception: the use of a single croupier. Similar to blackjack, players do not touch the cards. The reason for its popularity in the United States is its low table limits and ease of play.

3. Baccarat table set-up

Baccarat is unusual for a casino table game because it can be played on two types of tables. One is a conventional horseshoe design table that uses a single dealer or croupier who controls the game. This is common in provincial casinos that have opted to spread a more informal version of the game. Top-tier casinos, however, tend to go for a big, kidney-shaped table design, which uses up to three dealers. Players sit in armchairs and take turns dealing the cards themselves. This type of table uses numbers for the seats of the punters or players, which are also designated on the table.

Although American casinos do utilize the formal “full-pit” version of the game, its “cousin”, Mini-Baccarat has become the most popular version. Large table Baccarat is seen as a more exclusive version of the game, popular among high rollers. It is not unusual to see maximum wagers up to $5,000 in full-table Baccarat. Some casinos allow for bets of $15,000 a hand or more. See diagrams 1 and 2 below.

4. How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat might seem like a complicated game, but it is without a doubt one of the best casino games for beginners due to its ease of play and low house edge. Generally, it requires no skill as players simply bet on the outcome of two hands between the player and the dealer.

To play Baccarat, two two-card hands are dealt from a shoe. One hand is dealt to the dealer, known as the banker, and another is dealt to the player. The values of the two cards of each hand are added together, with the object of the game being to achieve a total as close to nine as possible.

Baccarat hand values:

• Tens and face cards = zero value
• Aces = value of one
• Cards two-nine = face value

There are only three possible outcomes for each round (or coup) in Baccarat: the player wins, banker wins or tie, also known as égalité. When neither hand dealt with both player and banker has a value of eight or nine, a third card must be drawn (see rules below). If both the player and the banker end up with the same total, the round is determined a tie and neither hand wins.

The way to count the value of a hand in Baccarat is simple. According to the rules, the value of the two cards for each hand is added together. If the value of the first two cards dealt exceeds nine, 10 is subtracted from the total in order to determine the hand’s true value. Another way to accomplish this is simply by dropping the right integer.

For example, if a player is dealt a five and an eight, the mathematical value of the hand is 13, but by subtracting 10, the true value becomes three. If the dealer is dealt a six and a four, the mathematical value is 10, but by subtracting 10, the true value becomes zero. A hand value of nine is called a natural or le grande and is the highest possible hand in Baccarat. A hand value of eight is also called a natural or le petit, which is the second-highest possible hand. The rules for the drawing of a third card depend on the tableau or Baccarat table rules.

4.1. Baccarat rules for drawing – tableau

It is impossible to “bust” or go over the highest value. In Baccarat, no decisions are made by the player or the dealer for how cards are played. If a winning hand is not reached in the initial draw, the dealer must draw a third card for both hands based on the rules. The player’s hand is always dealt first.

Rules for drawing the third card:

For Player:

For Banker:

The table above depicts that if the banker’s first two cards total 0, 1, or 2 a third card is drawn. If its two cards total seven it must stand. The only other possible totals are 3, 4, 5, or 6 and the decision to whether or not a third card is drawn is determined by the player’s third card.

The following table depicts the rules for when the banker must draw based on the player’s third card:

Essentially, Baccarat is a guessing game, on which hand will win. This is why it is such a great game for beginners. The rules do not need to be memorized; either it is up to the dealer to control the cards, or a player needs to simply consult the tableau listed at each Baccarat table to understand the play progression.

Baccarat is the only table game in the casino where you need no special knowledge of the game in order to take advantage of its low casino odds. You can sit next to a Baccarat player who has been playing for 30 years and have the same advantage to win even if you are a total beginner.

5. How to bet in Baccarat and Baccarat odds

Baccarat has two of the lowest house edges you’ll find among any of the games in a casino, which is what makes it a good game to play. It is also unique because the player can choose to bet on the dealer’s hand despite the hands in front of them. Below are the odds for the three Baccarat bets.

Banker bet: This bet pays even money at 1:1. The house edge on the banker bet is 1.06%, but the player must pay a 5% commission to the dealer on each winning bet. This might seem unappealing to some players, but the banker bet actually has a good statistical advantage to win.

Player bet: This bet also pays out even money at 1:1. The house edge on the player bet is 1.24% (this essentially has the same odds as the banker bet because of the commission paid to the dealer).

Tie bet (égalité): The house edge on the tie bet is 14.36%. This bet has one of the highest house edges in the casino, and we do not recommend it, despite the potential high payout. This bet usually pays out at 8:1, however, for some casinos it is 9:1, in which case the house edge drops down 4.85%. In the case of a tie, without a tie bet placed, this is a “push” and the player may collect their initial wager or must leave it on the table as per the rules of the table.

6.?Baccarat bankroll tips?

Although the Baccarat game is simple to understand, utilizing the proper bankroll tips and betting strategy will maximize your time at the table to earn consistent wins. Here is a comprehensive list of the best bankroll tips for Baccarat.

6.1. The truth about patterns

Many Baccarat tables keep track of the outcome of each round. By tracking previous round outcomes for wins on banker, player, or tie, some gamblers believe that they can spot hot or cold streaks within the game and that these can influence the outcomes of future rounds.

However, this strategy is insubstantial at best. The outcome of each game is in theory the same as determining the result of a coin toss. Each result is a separate event, so it is near impossible to predict future results based on prior events for a standard game of Baccarat, at least one that uses an eight-deck shoe. The truth is that you should not place trust in superstition or believe that pattern tracking will help you gain any sort of advantage because the odds nevertheless remain unchanged.

6.2. Bet on banker

There are only three options in a traditional Baccarat game, so determining which the best bet is isn’t difficult. Since all wins for betting on the banker are taxed a 5% commission by the casino, it might seem like a poor option for the new gamblers. Statistically, however, the banker bet is by a fraction of a percentage a safer bet to make despite the modest commission.?

The banker bet has a lower house edge, and therefore the statistical payout is significant given a longer period. Over time, the banker bet will typically win 50.68% of the time versus 49.32% on the player bet. Although it might not seem like a lot, this fraction translates to a larger percentage of gain over the long term.

6.3. Skip the tie bet (usually)

Those that have played Baccarat with regularity will surely tell you that the tie bet is one of the worst that any player can make in a casino. For casinos that utilize the 8:1 payout, the tie wager might seem tempting, but the house edge for that bet is a whopping 14.36%, which is worse than some slot machines!

On average, this means that you have roughly a 9% chance of pulling it off successfully. We will not argue that the payout is lucrative, which is precisely what makes it so appealing. Unless you are psychic, we recommend that you stick to the banker/player bet. They offer a much lower house edge (some of the lowest in a casino). We should note, however, that if you are lucky enough to find a Baccarat table that pays 9:1 on the tie bet you should play on it. The house edge for a tie bet that pays out 9:1 is just under 5%; a decent bet to make.

6.4. Keep your plays brief (beginner)

This aspect of the game cannot be overemphasized, and it is one that can be overlooked by even the most seasoned gamblers. Baccarat players more often than not experience short winning streaks followed by a drop that can turn into big losses. The reason for this is that Baccarat is different from all other table games that you will find at any casino. For instance, games like Poker or Blackjack require a degree of skill that will ensure that a player remains in the game to not suffer insurmountable losses.

Baccarat, on the other hand, relies on predetermined rules, which neither player nor dealer can influence. In other words, the player requires no amount of skill. There are no long, lucrative upswings. Gamblers should treat Baccarat more like a sprint than a marathon. If you catch a break and perform well, you should cut loose when your chips are up. Greed will eventually come back to bite you if you don’t have a betting strategy. As mentioned before, Baccarat is a sort of coin toss. It’s not to say that no amount of strategy will help you, but the longer you remain in the game, the greater your chances of walking away from the table empty-handed. Switch between your banker and player bets or tables if you have to, but if you are a beginner, the smart play is to keep it short.

6.5. Know your tables

Most casinos will collect a 5% commission on their banker bets at the Baccarat tables. Although this is standard practice at the most popular casinos or online, do not assume that all casinos adhere to the 5% rule. There are instances of casino operators utilizing Baccarat tables that collect 10% or even as much as a 25% commission on wins for the banker bet. Furthermore, this fact might not be listed at the table on which you choose to play! It is always a good idea to go over the table and commission requirements for each Baccarat table that you visit. The same goes for the tie bet. There are some casinos that will only pay out seven or six to one on the tie bet.

6.6. Less is more

Punto Banco, the most popular form of Baccarat, utilizes eight standard decks of cards in a shoe during gameplay. Playing online is the exception to the rule because all aspects of the game rely on computer software and the use of random number generators (RNGs). There are varieties of Baccarat that use less than eight decks in a shoe, and if you are able to find a Punto Banco table that has this option, we recommend playing on it. Furthermore, if you have an affinity for numbers, you can forget what we said earlier about keeping your playtime short. Card counting is a legal technique that can be utilized. The most skilled players have been known to “break the bank” using a combination of techniques including card counting and edge-sorting on tables that use only four to six decks of cards in a shoe. Perhaps the most famous case is that of Phil Ivey, a professional gambler who took the house for almost $20 million playing Baccarat at two of the world’s most renowned casinos, Crockfords, and The Borgata.

6.7. Playing baccarat online vs. at land-based casinos

This is a question of personal preference, but by the time you finish reading this paragraph, we might just persuade you to switch to online casinos. Many people enjoy the experience of going to a traditional brick-and-mortar casino because of the atmosphere. There is a certain buzz on the casino floor, hot with gambling action; especially if it is at a prestigious establishment like Caesar’s Palace in Vegas or along the Cotai Strip in Macau. This is precisely why land-based casinos are so much fun to visit!

However, online casinos offer many things that land-based casinos do not. For instance, the privacy of your home is the number one reason people prefer to play online. Playing at your leisure for a chance to win real money without ever having to step foot out your front door is an enticing aspect of online gambling. And wouldn’t you know it, the best online casinos offer a great selection of some of the most popular casinos games that you can find at any land-based casino, including Baccarat. You can choose to play with a live dealer if you need some human interaction or at an online table game where you deal the cards. Some online casinos also offer virtual and augmented reality sync capabilities that allow you to hook up a VR headset to certain games that let you feel like you are in a real casino!

This and many other features of playing casino games online are what make them so universally popular. The sky is the limit! Perhaps the number one thing that makes the best online casinos stand out from classic casinos are bonuses and rewards programs. For instance, Planet 7 Online Casino offers spectacular weekly bonuses, free games, holiday promotions, VIP packages as well as the Player Rewards Club option for returning gamblers. Players can also choose to practice their Baccarat skills before they play for real money.?

How many casinos can you think of that will let you waltz in and start playing their games free, no questions asked? Planet 7 does. It’s the best way to improve your gambling technique and up confidence in your game. Start by choosing to play Baccarat today free at Planet 7 Online Casino. All you have to do is register for a free account, which takes a matter of minutes, make a secure deposit with the Cashier, and start playing to win real money on all your favorite online casino games, including Baccarat.

6.8. Manage your bankroll

Perhaps the most sensible and important aspect of being a successful gambler is to effectively manage your bankroll. It is the best way to ensure your longevity as a gambler. Never invest more than you are willing to lose when you gamble. This is achieved by setting a loss limit. If you are having an off night, this limit will ensure that you do not chase your losses. The simplest way to enforce it is by utilizing the 5% rule. This requires that you designate only 5% of your total gambling budget on all bets. As you get lucky and your bankroll increases, so will your wager amounts. If your gambling budget decreases, your wagers will become smaller. The 5% rule is the best strategy when it comes to managing your bankroll, and guarantees that you do not decimate your bankroll in a single session.

The most valuable advice that we can give any Baccarat player or general gambler: gambling is entertainment. The number one purpose for the table is to have a good time. Knock a few drinks back, laugh with your fellow gamblers, remember these baccarat tips, and you could not only win a few bucks but also thoroughly enjoy it. Try your hand at playing baccarat online for real money?at our online casino.

7. Baccarat for advanced players and betting strategy

So now that you understand the basics of the Baccarat casino game, and even have a little bit of trivia knowledge, it’s time to get into the “nitty-gritty” of Baccarat betting, particularly betting strategy for advanced Baccarat players. In a nutshell, there exist various forms of betting systems in the world of gambling, casino games, and sports betting. You might have even heard of the Martingale, Fibonacci, and Paroli betting systems, but in essence, they all boil down to three main categories: flat, positive, and negative progression betting systems. The method in which these three systems are deployed depends solely on the player. They can be neutral, aggressive, or defensive. The three main betting categories are as follows:

Flat betting – $25 bet amounts are made consecutively regardless of previous outcomes. The bet amount remains unchanged.

Positive Progression – A $10 base bet is made. After each win, the bet amount is doubled with the maximum bet amount set at $80. If the $80 betting limit is reached, the betting amount of $80 is continued until a loss. After any losing wager, the bet amount is dropped back down to $10. In other words, the bets made for a winning streak would be as follows: $10, $20, $40, $80, $80, etc. until a loss occurs.

Negative Progression – Functions the same as the positive progression bet with a $10 base bet. The key difference is that the bet amount is doubled after each loss with a maximum bet limit of $80. If the $80 bet limit is reached, $80 will continue to be wagered until a win occurs. After a win, the bet amount is dropped back down to $10. The bets made for a series of losses would be as follows: $10, $20, $40, $80, $80, until a win is reached.

7.1. Application of Baccarat betting categories

By using a computer model to record and compare the outcomes of 750 rounds of Baccarat for the three aforementioned types of betting using a $2,000 bankroll for each, the data revealed that flat betting had the highest statistical advantage of retaining one’s bankroll. In the model, bets alternated between player and banker in seven-round segments. Positive progression betting had the highest statistical likelihood of losing one’s bankroll. Negative progression betting had the highest risk of losing for the first 250 rounds, but once the bankroll increased from $250 to $2,000, the negative progression betting system had a paralleled percentage of risk compared to flat betting.

The key difference was that the total profit amount for negative progression betting was much higher than flat betting. In other words, while flat betting is the safest option, it has the poorest chance of winning. It is because of this factor that we recommend negative progression betting for the long term for the advanced Baccarat player. Though it might seem counter-intuitive, with a considerable bankroll, predetermined length of play, and alternating bets during sessions, it becomes a useful betting strategy, which yields profit for the game of Baccarat.

7.2. TAT Betting System

The aforementioned negative progression betting category works most effectively when it is utilized in conjunction with Trend Anti-Trend Betting also known as the TAT Betting System. It requires that a player alternate bets, always betting on the opposite of the previous bet for each following round (player, banker, player, banker, etc.). The key factor in TAT betting is that it goes against the more popular custom of increasing one’s bet amount after a win and instead uses a negative progression system. It must be noted that the TAT betting system works best in Baccarat with a sizeable bankroll, and an extended period of play, which is why it is an advanced Baccarat betting strategy.

8. Baccarat tipping etiquette

Lastly, despite the version of Baccarat you decide to play, whether at the large table versions of Chemin de fer at the Monte Carlo or the Ritz Club in London or the modest Mini-Baccarat tables of Vegas, when playing, it is important not to forget about Baccarat tipping etiquette.

For starters, it is important to be mindful of a Baccarat table’s minimum and maximum betting limits; these will influence your bet amounts as well as the amount of money that you can potentially win when you hit that lucky streak. These are always listed at each table and can vary greatly depending on the casino that you choose to visit. The most important factor, in addition to the average 5% commission charged by the casino for banker bet wins, is tipping the croupier once you cash out of a game.

Baccarat dealers, particularly the large table versions, are held in high esteem by high rollers, and even modest versions of the game place emphasis on the skill of the dealer. Out of courtesy, it is only fair to tip the croupier if you’ve had a fortuitous night playing Baccarat, therefore the question lies on how much one should tip. The 5% commission for wins on the banker bet can be substantial to the house especially if you are playing for high limits. However, this commission does not necessarily go to the dealer, but is either pocketed directly by the casino or is pooled among croupiers. We recommend tipping 1-5% on the overall amount that you take away from the table.

Pro tip: Casinos like it when you gamble, in fact, the more you are willing to wager and tip, the more you will receive in return such as complimentary rooms, food drinks, show tickets, and much more!

9. Baccarat Glossary

Banker – a designation for one of the hands a player may bet on. Banker bets collect a commission of 5% and are not associated with the house. Banker bets pay out even money.

Coup – a round of play in the game of Baccarat. Each coup or round has three possible outcomes: the Player wins, the Banker wins, or a Tie.

Croupier – the person in charge of the Baccarat table. The croupier is the one person who must fully understand the rules of the game.

Cut-card – a piece of plastic the size of a standard playing card used in shuffling the cards in a shoe. The cut-card (placed in front of the seventh to last card) signifies the last coup of a shoe.

égalité (tie) – a designation for one of the hands a player may bet on. It pays out 8:1 or in some instances 9:1.

Le grande (natural) – hand value of nine, the highest hand in Baccarat.

Le petit (natural) – hand value of eight, the second-highest hand in Baccarat.

Natural – refers to a hand value of nine or eight, the highest and second-highest hands in Baccarat.

Palette – the long wooden stick croupiers use to move players their cards during the large table versions of Baccarat

Player – a designation for the second hand a player may bet on. Like the banker bet, the player designation does not have to have an affiliation with the player.

Run – a side bet option utilized in some versions of Baccarat that allow players to bet on a series of hands

Skill – a joke used to indicate that a player has a good run

Suivez – in the game of Chemin de fer a player may choose to re-bet against the opposing player simply by saying the word “Suivez” – the French word for follow

Tableau – the fixed set of drawing rules in Baccarat that dictate all actions of the game based on the hands dealt from the shoe.

Upcard – a card turned face up

10. Conclusion

Now that you know the ins and outs of one of the world’s most popular casino games, how about hitting the tables? It’s time to feel like a real 00 agent, and use the strategies that you’ve learned with this one-of-a-kind guide, and hit the casino floor! Not quite feeling comfortable enough to play for real money yet? Not to worry, Planet 7 Online Casino offers the Instant Play feature on all of our games for you to test the waters.?

You can play Baccarat online for free in practice mode in the table games section. The same goes for our hundreds of exciting online casino games. You can enjoy Baccarat with zero risk! Once you’ve got the hang of it, make sure to order that tuxedo in your size, because all you need to do is register for a free account and hit the Baccarat online casino table to play for real money. Win big at the Baccarat tables with Planet 7 Online Casino!

The post THE SUPER EASY BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BACCARAT appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.

1891: The Brooklyn-based Sittman & Pitt Company invents a gambling machine with five “drums,” reels that contain the images of ten playing cards (a total of 50 card faces). First, the player inserts a nickel, and then he pulls the lever, causing the drums to spin and eventually slow to a stop, making a final poker hand. Based on poker, the gaming machine grows in popularity until it can be found in nearly every bar in the city of New York. There is no payout mechanism, so winning hands result in prizes like free beers or cigars, depending on the bar’s policy.

1887-1895: In San Francisco, mechanic Charles Fey invents a simpler mechanism containing three reels displaying five symbols: the four card suits, plus the Liberty Bell. The changes from ten cards to five symbols and from five to three reels decrease the number of possible wins, allowing for an automatic payout mechanism. (Accounts differ regarding which invention came first, but this feature adds weight to Fey’s credibility as a key figure.) The Liberty Bell is the first slot machine invention, offering a 50-cent payout when three bells are aligned. His machines are installed in many saloons throughout the city, but due to the illegal status of gambling, he is never able to patent his invention.

1901: Fey creates the Skill Draw poker machine, which includes a hold feature. This allows the player to keep one or more cards from the initial hand and spin again in an effort to improve his final hand. This is the first five-card draw poker machine.

1970: Dale Electronics releases Poker-Matic, the first video poker machine, though it receives a lukewarm reception as an unfamiliar addition to the gambling world.

1975: Si Redd, a distributor for Bally Manufacturing, has pitched the idea of marketing video poker machines to his employer. Unsuccessful, he leaves, retaining the rights to video poker, and forms his own company in order to sell the games. Si Redd’s Coin Machines (SIRCOMA), later to be renamed International Gaming Technology (IGT), begins to market video poker.

1979: Draw poker is introduced by SIRCOMA. Once the rules are adjusted to include a pair of jacks or better among the winning hands, the popularity of video poker skyrockets.

Today: Many fans continue to play video poker, and it has become a staple of both brick and mortar and online casinos around the world, with Planet 7 being no exception. Real Time Gaming (RTG) founded in 1998, quickly becomes a leader in the field. RTG video poker games on Planet 7 include classics like Aces and Eights, Loose Deuces, All American Poker, Jacks or Better, Joker Poker, Sevens Wild and many more state-of-the-art games.

As with any casino game, learning to play video poker involves picking up unfamiliar lingo. Consult the list below for the most common terms used by video poker players – it’ll help you avoid getting confused mid-game, plus it’ll make you sound and feel like a pro, wherever you choose to play!

Video poker terms

• Action, n.

The total amount of money wagered by the player. This includes all bets made, regardless of the resulting wins or losses.

• All-in, n.

A player’s choice to raise a bet by putting all of his or her chips into the pot.

• Average payback, n.

The rate at which a game pays out to the player compared with the house’s profit. This percentage can be calculated based on all of the games at a specific venue, or on all the gambling machines in a state or nation, depending on the sample size.

• Bankroll, n.

The total amount of money that a player has designated for the purpose of gambling.

• Bet max, v.

See maximum bet.

• Bust, n.

A hand that does not improve after additional cards are drawn.

• Cash back, n.

The perk of having a percentage of losses returned as a result of using one’s player’s card.

• Cash out, v.

The act of claiming one’s winnings. The player’s credits are converted into money and awarded via the machine’s coin tray. Form online games, you must go to the cashier to request your cash out.

• Comps, n.

Short for compensation. These are free perks and benefits that casinos offer to loyal players, including meals, airfare, accommodations, and show tickets. These rewards also include cash back, insurance or free gifts that come with being a VIP or using a special card like Players Reward Card online.

• Cycle or royal flush cycle, n.

The average number of hands required for a video poker machine to deliver a jackpot, which typically occurs when a player hits a royal flush, roughly once in 40,000 hands.

• Deuce, n.

A term used to refer to a playing card bearing the number two.

• Discard, v.

The act of getting rid of one or more cards in one’s hand after the initial deal.

• Double up, n.

The option that a video poker player has after winning a hand to bet twice the amount of his win against the outcome of the following hand.

• Draw, n.

The second deal of cards after a player discards one or more cards from his initial hand.

• Drawing hand, n.

The initial deal a player receives that needs to be improved in order to result in a payout.

• Eighty-six or 86, v. (Eighty-sixed, 86ed, 86’d, adj.)

To eject someone or refuse service. This most often refers to a situation where a player is banned from a casino for cheating or fraud.

• Expected return, n.

The long-term average payback on a video poker game that a player can expect to receive.

• Expected value or EV, n.

The amount of money the player can expect to win on average for a specific bet. The term is often preceded by “positive” or “negative” to indicate the probability of one outcome or the other (+EV).

• Face card, n.

Any playing card displaying a face instead of a number, i.e., Jack, Queen, or King.

• Flush, n.

A hand containing five cards of the same suit.

• Four of a kind, n.

A hand containing four cards of the same value.

• Full house, n.

A hand containing three of a kind in addition to a pair.

• Full pay, adj.

Describes a video poker machine using the best possible pay table for a specific type of game.

• Hand pay, n.

A payout that the player receives from a member of the staff instead of the machine. This is applicable to land-based casinos, typically for larger jackpots.

• Hold, v.

The act of keeping one or more cards after the initial deal; the opposite of discard.

• Hopper, n.

The device located inside of a video poker machine that holds coins and releases them when the player cashes out.

• House, n.

A synonym for casino.

• House edge or house advantage, n.

The casino’s statistical profit advantage expressed as a percentage of the player’s original bet.

• Inside straight, n.

A straight for which the player requires a card in the middle of the run, in order to complete the hand.

• Jackpot, n.

The top payout offered by a video poker machine.

• Kicker, n.

A side card that does not determine the rank of the hand but may break ties between hands of the same rank.

• Low pay, v.

Describes a video poker machine with a pay table that is less than full pay.

• Maximum bet or max bet, n. (bet max, v.)

The highest amount of money that can be wagered, usually five coins per hand, also referred to as “maximum coins.” By hitting the “Bet Max” button, the player automatically places the highest bet possible.

• Multi hand, n.

A variation of video poker that allows the playing of more than one hand at a time.

• Odds, n.

The probability of obtaining a specific hand.

• Pair, n.

A hand containing two cards of the same value.

• Pat hand, n.

A hand that is complete and cannot be improved after the initial deal.

• Payback percentage, n.

The average percentage of each bet that will be returned.

• Payout, n.

The amount of money offered by a video poker game for a particular hand.

• Pay table, n.

A chart indicating the possible payouts for each hand.

• Perfect play, n.

The act of playing according to the highest expected value during every hand. Perfect play requires memorization or a strategy card and achieves the lowest possible house edge on any given machine.

• Progressive jackpot, n.

A jackpot that increases by a small percentage of each bet until a player hits it, typically through a royal flush. After it has been hit, the jackpot drops to a base amount and starts over.

• Random number generator or RNG, n.

A mechanism ensuring that cards are consistently shuffled at random, present in all gaming machines.

• Rank, n.

The numerical value of a card.

• Royal flush, n.

A hand containing an ace, king, queen, jack, and ten cards of the same suit; the highest possible hand.

• Sequential royal flush, n.

A royal flush displayed on the screen in order from lowest to highest, sometimes rewarded with an additional payout.

• Straight, n.

A hand containing five cards in consecutive order but of different suits.

• Straight flush, n.

A hand containing five cards in consecutive order of the same suit.

• Strategy card, n. (also known as a “cheat sheet”)

A reference card showing the correct plays for every possible hand.

• Suit, n.

All of the cards in a deck bearing the same symbol: spades, clubs, diamonds, and hearts.

• Three of a kind, n.

A hand containing three cards of the same value.

• Two pair, n.

A hand containing two separate pairs of cards.

• Wild card, n.

A designated card that can be a substitute for any other card in a hand.

• Wild royal flush, n.

A royal flush hand containing one or more wild cards.

• Winning hand, n.

A final hand that results in a payout.

The post Guide to Video Poker History and Terminology appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.

While classic poker is a game of observation with compelling social dynamics, with video poker the stakes change because your greatest opponent is yourself! As a beginner, it can be difficult to gauge precisely what style of play is right for you. Once you’ve mastered learning how to think at the moment and react accordingly you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful poker player. This is precisely why video poker might be the perfect game for you. Have you wanted to learn how to play? Or are you simply looking to gain an advantage the next time you decide to hit up a casino or play online? We’ve got what you need. Planet 7 Casino has created this super easy guide to video poker to give you the edge. Join us to learn more!

Basics of video poker

Video poker was first popularized on the casino floor during the 1970s; and has grown to become one of the most popular forms of gambling worldwide. Whether in bars, casino floors, or online gambling, there are hundreds of varieties of video poker. New players can rest assured however, because all forms of video poker more or less adhere to the guidelines of classic five-card poker, that picking up the game is quick, easy, and fun.

The major difference between video poker and classic poker is that instead of playing other opponents you play a computer/machine. Video poker comes with a low house edge and entices players with the possibility of large wins. In fact, video poker offers some of the best odds in the casino.?For those that like anonymity and prefer playing alone, video poker is a good alternative to slot machines because with the right strategy you are about five times more likely to hit a jackpot.

Upon their inception nearly 40 years ago, video poker machines entered casinos?across the United States?and became regulated by state and independent gaming agencies. The machines are required by law to deal cards in random sequences using a virtual deck of cards and a computer program. The rules were first enforced by the Nevada Gaming Commission and later became adopted nationwide. These rules are now the standard used by gaming authorities throughout the world. Any establishments or online companies that have these machines are subject to rigid tests to ensure complete compliance with legal requirements and fair play before they can be offered to players publicly.

The rules

The rules of video poker are simple.?You are dealt five cards randomly, and decide which ones to keep and which to discard simply by clicking/tapping on the video screen. Once your cards have been selected you continue by hitting the draw button. This gives you a set of replacement cards for those cards that you do not wish to keep. Certain hands and combinations of cards similar to those found in standard five-card poker ensure a win. Low hands like pairs in games such as jacks or better pay out less than higher hands like straight flushes or four-of-a-kind. Wagers are generally made by betting from 1-5 credits, and the payout amounts follow according to the type of game you are playing.

Most video poker games are played using the standard 52-card deck model. As an example we’ll use winning hands for Double Bonus Video Poker (no wilds). Most versions use this set up for winning hand combinations, but of course many other popular varieties exist that modify the high and low hands, or add wild cards as well as bonuses for certain hands. Winning hands (from lowest to highest) are as follows:

Jacks or Better – J?J

Two Pair – 5?5?8?8

Three of a Kind – 5?5?5

Straight – 5?6?7?8?9

Flush – 5?6?10?K?A

Full House – 5?5?5?8?8

Four 5 through King – 4 of a kind from 5s to King of any suit

Four 2, 3, or 4 – 4 of a kind twos, threes or fours of any suit

Four Aces – A A A A

Straight Flush – 9?8?10?J?Q

Royal Flush – 10 J Q K A

In most versions of video poker once a player attains a winning hand, they can choose to double up for a chance to earn twice their winnings. This is done by beating the dealer’s card, simply by choosing a card blindly from an arrangement of cards face down. If the player’s card is higher than the dealer’s they can choose to keep their winnings or play again to up their bankroll. Not sure what card to pick? Why not try a lucky number!

Video poker varieties

There is a staggering variety of video poker games available, and with the advent of mobile and online casino gaming, the scope of games is only getting broader. Generally speaking, all forms of video poker function more or less in the same way. As all operate by using a 52 card deck model, the key differences relying on the forms of wild cards or bonuses.

The most popular varieties include wild cards like Deuces (where the number two card serves as a?wild card) or Joker’s Wild (where joker cards are wild). Players can utilize these cards to get any combination of a standard hand. Special payouts are also awarded to players who manage to get five-of-a-kind or other combinations that solely incorporate a wild.

Multi-play poker versions are also extremely popular. In these poker varieties players start with a base hand, but can choose to play that particular hand in multiples (with bets placed on each). In other words, each additional played hand draws from a separate set of cards that is added to the base. Multi-play varieties can base hands that can be played in sets of three, five, ten, fifty or fifty two and even up to one hundred plays of the same hand at once. This results in much faster play when compared to classic poker or playing with a live dealer, as the odds, speed of play and bets are increased significantly.

For poker games that do not utilize a wild card, the rarer hands that players seek are genuine four-of-a-kind hands or the most sought after hand in poker, the royal flush. These hands usually have the highest payouts to the player, but also the lowest odds of actually having one turn up. Want to feel inspired? Check out these great poker films to have you feeling like a pro in no time!

Pay tables and returns

Video poker is extremely popular because of its low house edge, so one could argue that the old adage “the house always wins” might not necessarily apply to this game. As a rule of thumb, players should look for pay tables with the most liberal payouts. If played properly the player has the advantage.

Video poker is the only game on the casino floor that tells you what you could earn by implementing perfect play. For instance, if you’re used to playing slots, you never know what percentage the slot machine is set up to pay out to you. If you’re savvy, you can always calculate a video poker’s payback percentage by looking at the pay table listed on the machine.

The pay tables are displayed on the video poker machine or game screen. Under ideal conditions and with the right strategy, video poker games can pay out over 100%, so look around before settling on one. This will help increase your bankroll.

Video poker tips every player should know

1 – Bet max coins

This is good advice if you are looking to maximize your payouts. Since the odds of hitting a coveted royal flush or four aces is typically rare, once you do hit it you want to have betted maximum coins to get the full payout. For instance, the full value of a royal flush is a payout ratio of 800 to 1. If you wager lower this will dwindle down to about 250 to 1. Even if you aren’t seeking these particular hands, with winning hands for max bets you can always choose to double your winnings against the dealer’s card by choosing from the deck. If you guess correctly multiple times you very quickly increase your bankroll by double or even triple.

2 – Check the pay table

Always check the pay table. The great thing about video poker is that unlike slots for instance, you actually can determine your payout odds before you place your first bet. Since video poker has an incredibly low house edge, with the perfect strategy a player can actually profit over 100% of their initial investments consistently over a given period of play. Just be sure to check the pay table first, as certain payout and strategy combinations can be the difference between a 99% payout vs. 97% for instance, in the long run, the gap between these two figures will definitely add up. Pay tables are always listed on every poker machine or for online versions on the screen itself. Be sure to familiarize yourself with it before you play to know how much each hand returns.

3 – Apply strategy relevant to the variety of poker game

Let’s say you’re playing a form of video poker with wild cards (where wilds count for any card in the deck) and you’re dealt 5 5 8 8 7. How should you proceed to play? The question is: do you hold one or both pairs of cards? The correct answer relates to what variety of poker you are playing. If two pair is a winning hand you can proceed to pick two pair for a guaranteed win. However, if only three of a kind or jacks or better count as the lowest possible winning hands, then you would have to pick a single pair if you aren’t anticipating a full house. It’s that simple.

4 – Practice before you play

Be sure to practice online before you decide to play for real money. There are various types of computer software available for download that allow you to get familiar with hands during play or even instruct you on which hands are better to help enhance your gaming strategy. Almost every real money online casino also offers free play options either directly through your web browser or as a downloadable feature. Play for free to practice at Planet 7 today! A little bit of practice can make a big difference in your results and can be the difference between winning and losing!

5 – Play for the appropriate stakes

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to win, most people will win some of the time. However, we have to be mindful of the times that we lose. Always gamble with an amount that you are comfortable with and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If losing one hundred credits will end up bankrupting you, then you should reconsider or at the very least lower your stakes. Pay attention to the minimum bets listed when choosing an online casino game. Starting low and playing with modest amounts can mean all the difference in the long run. This way you can afford to absorb the punches when they come. It’s all about enjoying the game and not leaving the table with your entire bankroll empty.

Video poker and what you should know

• Video poker comes in many varieties, online or on casino floors, but all types more or less follow the rules of classic five-card poker
• Video poker players do not play other opponents, instead a computer randomly selects cards from a digital 52-card deck (without jokers – except for Jokers Wild machines) that allows players to choose which cards to keep and which to discard
• Standard video poker allows player to bet 1-5 credits per hand, payouts for winning hands can be doubled if you beat the dealer’s card, and players’ odds are better than with real money slot machines
• With perfect video poker strategy, players can earn over 100% of their initial investments consistently as video poker games have an extremely low house edge, pay attention to the pay tables to know what odds a particular game has
• Always bet max credits, apply the right strategy, and practice before you play for real money. These will guarantee you consistent wins in the long term!

Now that you’re starting to feel like a true card shark, Planet 7 Casino is the perfect place to start fattening your pockets. We offer some incredible casino games, and of course video poker! Try Bonus Deuces Wild to catch those lucky twos! Or why not Aces and Eights? One our most popular video poker games. Sevens Wild will make you difficult to tame once you hit that jackpot! Visit Planet 7 Casino to earn some real money today!

The post The super easy BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO VIDEO POKER appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.

Roulette is all about odds, simple physics, and statistics. The word roulette literally means “little wheel”, so it should come as no surprise that the spinning roulette wheel was invented by a well-known gambler and math wizard. However, what Pascal was actually trying to invent was a perpetual motion machine, and not a casino game.

For the non-science minded, a perpetual motion machine is a device that continues to operate without drawing energy from an outside source. A popular scientific endeavor at the time. Though he failed to invent such a machine, and one has yet to be invented, Pascal’s failed experiment gave birth to one of the most popular casino games in existence.

How to Play Roulette

Today there are three variations of the game: American, European and French roulette. In roulette players bet on single numbers or a range of numbers, the colors red or black, odd or even numbers, or high (19–36) or low (1–18) numbers.

The winning number and color is determined by a?croupier who spins a wheel in one direction, and spins a ball in the opposing direction around a track along the?edge of a moving wheel. Once the ball drops, it falls into one of 36 colored and numbered pockets on the wheel, or a green zero pocket (American roulette also uses a double zero pocket). If the ball lands on any number (or zero) accurately predicted by the player, the player gets a payout based on the type of bet made. As roulette remains a game of chance, placing wise roulette bets remains the best way how to win at roulette.

Betting

Now that you’re caught up with the history of the game, let’s go over the betting so you can learn how to win at roulette! Roulette tables usually have their own chips, and each player is designated different colored chips so the croupier will know who to pay and who to take. Before you start playing, be sure to take note of the minimum bet posted at the roulette table. The average minimum bet for most casino roulette tables is $5 or $10.

The roulette table is divided into two parts, inside and outside. The minimum bet for the table is generally the same (with some exceptions) for the inside or outside of the table with one key difference. Betting inside the table allows the player to spread out their minimum bet over a range of numbers, whereas betting outside requires that each bet be made to equal the minimum.

For instance, let’s say the minimum bet at a table is $5, an inside bet must be made that adds up to $5, e.g. one dollar chips can placed on a given number or range of numbers as long they add up to the minimum; whereas an outside bet must be made to equal the minimum (in this case $5) for each time the player bets. Players can bet on as many numbers as they like on each turn, and multiple identical bets can be made by players simply by stacking chips. Just keep in mind that the more you bet, the more you potentially have to lose.

Inside betting

There are a variety of ways a player can bet inside of the table. Below is a list of the type of inside bets:

1. If a player chooses to bet on a single number, their chip(s) must be placed on any number inside the table. This is called a straight bet, and the payout for winning is 35:1.
2. If a player chooses to bet on two numbers at the same time, their chip(s) must be placed on the line that separates the two numbers. This is known as a split bet, and the payout for winning is 17:1.
3. If a player chooses to bet on three numbers simultaneously, their chip(s) must be placed on the line that separates the inside and outside of the table, this is known as a street bet, and the payout for winning is 11:1. A double street bet can also be made by placing a chip on the line between two rows of numbers between the inside and outside of the table, this has 5:1 odds.
4. If a player chooses to bet on four numbers, their chip(s) must be placed on the line intersecting four numbers, this is known as a corner or square bet and the payout for winning is 8:1.
5. American roulette also utilizes a five number bet, and this is placed on the line beside the zero, double zero and numbers 1-3, the winning payout is 6:1.

Outside betting

There also are a variety of ways a player can bet outside of the table. Below is a list of the type of outside bets:

1. By far the most famous bet at the roulette table is red or black, determining whether the winning number will be a red or black number, and this bet pays out even money (1:1).
2. A player can bet odd or even, determining whether the winning number will be an odd or even number, and this also pays out at 1:1.
3. Field bets may be made in the designated sections marked “1-18” or “19-36” to determine if the winning number will land within a range of high or low numbers, the payout is 1:1.
4. A player may also make a dozen bet, which involves betting on 12 numbers at once that range from the first, second or third set of 12 numbers out of 36 or bet columns (marked at the end of the three number columns). Both of these types of bets payout at 2:1.

Specialty bets

There is a form of betting utilized by French and European roulette tables known as French or called-bets. These bets refer to specialized sections of the roulette table that have names designated to them. They are represented by corresponding numbers and phrases on an ellipse. These bets are Voisin du zero, Orphelins and Tiers du Cylindre and they are based on each particular segment’s proximity to zero, the numbers within the ellipse function in a similar manner.

The House Edge

The house edge is determined by one simple factor, which version of roulette you are playing. European and French roulette wheels, have one green zero slot. As there are 36 numbered slots and straight up bets pay 35:1, this green slot gives the casino the house edge. Without the green slot, the expected takings from the table earned by the casino would average out at zero, and there would be no point in running the game.?This was first utilized in the mid-19^th century by the king of Monaco, and was adopted later on by various casinos in Europe.

In American roulette the payout odds are the same, but instead of one there are two green slots on the wheel; these are zero and double zero. These zeroes are marked on the table for every variation of the game, and just like the numbers, they correspond with the zero(s) on the wheel. The addition of the double-zero makes it twice as likely for the ball to land in a green slot on the wheel, and therefore the house edge for American roulette is higher; a major disadvantage to the player. Unless you’re betting on zero, all wagers lose when the ball lands on green.

The calculation of the house edge goes as follows for American roulette:

?1 ×??37?38?+ 35 ×??1?38?= ?0.0526 (5.26% house edge)

And for European or French roulette:

?1 ×??36?37?+ 35 ×??1?37?= ?0.0270 (2.70% house edge)

The only difference between European roulette and French roulette is the payout to the player when the ball lands on zero. When you make an outside bet (odd/even or red/black bets or any other bets paying 1:1) and the ball lands in the green slot in French roulette, half of your bet is returned to you. This is known as La Partage or the share rule. It has even been adopted in some casinos around the U.S. (most notably in Atlantic City).

How to Win at Roulette

Stick to the Outside

As a rule of thumb, especially for beginners, it is good to stick to betting outside the table. Though the profits may not be as large, they are statistically more consistent. Keeping your bets on?red/black, high/low, or odd/even ensures that you have a less likely chance of losing your money, since you are given 1:1 odds. This does not necessarily grant a large return on a short game, but in the long run it’s much better for your bankroll.

Though the house edge doesn’t change with this strategy, your odds of winning may increase simply because betting e.g. red and odd has a higher percentage of coming up instead of betting a single number or small range of individual numbers.

Double Up

It’s simple, double up.?If you are betting black instead of red or odd instead of even, you should follow this strategy: each time you lose, double up the amount you lost the first time, and proceed to bet on the same color combination until you win. This is called the?Martingale Strategy.

If your first bet is $5 on red and it lands on black, your next bet should be $10 on red so that you can try and win your money back to make a profit. If it lands on black again, double your amount again, betting $20 on red. Continue doing this until the wheel lands on red (which it inevitably should), to win your losses back and gain a profit. This is of course isn’t a guarantee, just a simple matter of probability.

Generally speaking, consistent betting and doubling up should only be done if you can afford it. And starting with the minimum bet, instead of betting large is recommended when trying this strategy.

En prison rule

This is a variation of La Partage generally only applied to European wheels. It’s a rule that brings down the house edge to 1.35% on even money bets. And here’s how it works:

After a loss a player may be given the option to place their original stake?en prison or “in prison”. The stake is left on the previous bet, and the croupier places a marker on it to show that it is?being held. If the bet wins on the next spin, the player’s stake is returned.

In other words, if you bet $10 on black and the ball lands on zero the house keeps your $10, once the ball spins again if it lands on black, you get your $10 back. You don’t win anything, but you get to keep your original $10!

A Game of Chance

Whatever the version you decide to play or how you bet, there is no absolute winning strategy. The outcome of where the ball will land is a matter of chance, which is what makes roulette such an easy game to play for beginners. There’s an old saying concerning roulette, “the wheel has no memory.”?This means that if say black comes 10 spins in a row, the next spin is?not?more likely to be red. Black and red still have equal chances of hitting on any given spin.

It’s also important to note that since roulette has one of the lower return percentages compared to most casino games, it’s best to play a version of the game that enforces the share rule (previously mentioned) or online versions that have similar rules of play.

Just remember to keep these helpful tips in mind to increase your chances of how to win at roulette:

• Roulette is a game of chance, making it hard to predict the odds of any particular number landing on each spin
• Every roulette table has a minimum bet, sometimes the minimum bet can be different even on the same table for inside vs. outside bets
• Roulette chips come in different colors for each player at a table, a standard casino roulette table seats up to six people
• Multiple bets can be made for each spin, and spreading out your bets increases your chances of winning (if you lose however, you lose more)
• Payouts vary based on the type of bet made and amount wagered, and some roulette versions such as French roulette have sections marked of for special bets known as called-bets
• The casino’s edge for roulette is 5.26%, but this can change based on the version of roulette played (French/European vs. American) and types of bets made

Pay to Play or Just Have Fun!

Roulette is a great game that offers the thrill of winning for even the most novice of players. If you’re keen on testing your luck Planet 7 Casino offers this excitement to you with our American and European Roulette games online! Take the information we’ve given you and practice your skills today. All of our games come with free practice or fun play.

So, now that you know how to play roulette and win, once you feel comfortable playing or have even mastered the basic skills of the game you can play for real money. So why not have some fun and register with Planet 7 Casino for a chance to win serious cash today! See you at the roulette tables!

The post The super easy BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ROULETTE appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.

1. Understanding Blackjack
2. How to Play Blackjack
3. How to Win at Blackjack Everytime

Understanding Blackjack

Blackjack is the most widely played casino game in the world. It’s the game that has inspired countless books, movies, and television shows, both fictional and true. The initial appeal in blackjack comes from the relative ease of gameplay and the fact that players compete with only the dealer, but the biggest draw to this casino game lies in the fact that through the power of mathematics, blackjack has been proven to be beatable. Perfect execution of basic strategy makes blackjack a profitable game, and that’s something that players all over the world have become enamored with. It might even be the reason why you’re here.

If you’d like to start winning real money playing blackjack, read on, my friend. We’re here to tell you what you need to know to make this game work for you.

The History of Blackjack

Blackjack is a card game beloved by millions all around the world and a game that’s been around for more than a few years. In fact, the ancestor of blackjack was known simply as “twenty-one,” and the exact origins remain unknown.

However, the first written reference can be found in Novelas Ejemplares, a book written by Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish author who penned Don Quixote. In the story titled “Rinconete y Cortadillo”, the main characters are a pair of cheats living and working in Seville, Spain. The pair are talented at cheating at a card game known as ventiuna, Spanish for “twenty-one.” In the story, the characters state that the goal of the game is to get to a total of 21 without going over, and that the ace can either value 1 point or 11. Unlike modern blackjack, the game was played with a Spanish baraja deck, which didn’t include eights and nines.

Novelas Ejemplares was written between 1601 and 1602, which implies that ventiuna was played in Spain at least since the beginning of the seventeenth century, possibly earlier. Later, the game is found in references in France and other regions of Spain.

However, the popular game didn’t receive the name “blackjack” until it was brought over seas. When twenty-one was first brought to the United States, gambling houses dished out bonus payouts on certain hands to garner player interest. One of these bonuses was a 10:1 payout if a player’s hand contained the ace of spades and a blackjack – either the jack of clubs or the jack of spades. This hand was called a “blackjack,” and the name stuck to the game long after the special bonus was discontinued. In the modern game, a blackjack refers to any hand consisting of an ace and a ten or a face card, no matter the suits or colors.

Folks have been trying to work out the intricacies of blackjack for a while, but the first mathematically backed attempt to develop the optimum strategy was developed in 1956 by Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott. The four published The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack, a paper featured in the Journal of the American Statistical Association, which would become the basis for all future attempts to further beat the game of blackjack. Beat the Dealer is possibly the most famous book on blackjack strategy, and author Ed Thorp utilized Baldwin’s calculations performed by hand to validate his basic strategy.

These days, blackjack is the most widely played casino game in the world, and it’s no wonder why. While it hasn’t been around as long as other casino games like craps, blackjack is probably the best understood and most heavily examined of all the games you’ll find on the casino floor.

Ready to dive into it, then? Head to the next chapters to get into the rules of blackjack, how gameplay works, and the strategy you need to utilize in order to make blackjack work for you and your bankroll!

The post The super easy BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BLACKJACK appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.

1. Understanding Craps
2. How to play Craps
3. How to win at Craps

Understanding Craps

Look for the rowdiest crowd in any casino and you’ll find them by the craps table – whooping and yelling and loudly enjoying every minute of every game. You might not have much luck quietening them down, but it’s very possible you’ll have a huge amount of luck at the table, and walk away a winner too. But what exactly is craps? How do you play it? Why does the table look so complicated? And WHAT is with that name?? Stay tuned as we reveal all the inside info you need to win with every roll of the dice.

The Game of Craps – A History

Firstly, let’s get the name out of the way. While today the game is known as craps, a dice game in which players bet on the outcome of each roll, originally the game was known as ‘crapaud’, the French word for ‘toad’. In its early days, craps was played on the floor, no fancy table needed, which meant people had to squat down in order to play – a position that gave them a distinctly toad-like appearance. So now you know.

What you may not know is how far back the history of craps stretches – all the way back to the Roman Empire, in fact. While soldiers didn’t have access to modern dice, they were able to carve small cubes out of pigs’ knuckles instead, giving rise to the craps term, ‘rolling the bones’.

Later moving to France by way of returning soldiers from the Crusades, craps was known as ‘hasard’, derived from the Arabic game of ‘azzahr’, or ‘the die’. Having taken on a French influence, the game then migrated across the Channel to England, where it evolved into ‘hazard’ and quickly spread in popularity – so much so that mention of it was even made in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

From England to the New World and then to New Orleans, craps moved even further across the globe, undergoing changes in order to make the outcomes fairer. With amendments made to the betting structure in the form of the ‘Don’t Pass’ option in 1865, the modern version of craps was born – the game that is still played in casinos throughout the world to this day.

But craps wasn’t done there. Not content with taking over the casino floor, it decided to take over cyberspace too, in the form of online craps. With the introduction of online gambling in the 1990s, craps underwent yet another transformation into a virtual game, opening itself up to a wider audience, and drawing new crowds just as excited, and just as eager to see what fortunes a single roll of the dice could bring. That’s why if you’re feeling lucky, there’s no need to travel to an actual casino anymore. Just open up your laptop, log on, and let the winning begin!

The post The super easy BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CRAPS appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.

Keno History

Origin

The word “Keno” originated either from the French quine meaning “five winning numbers” or the Latin quini meaning “five each”. While the exact origin of the modern name is uncertain, it is well known that the game began in China over 2,000 years ago.

Legend says that the invention of the game saved an ancient city during a war by funding the war effort, and its increasing popularity helped pay for the construction of the Great Wall of China.

The original game was known as baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket”, and is a reference to the carrier pigeons that delivered results of the games from gambling houses to outlying villages. Baige piao didn’t use numbers like today’s Keno, but instead used the first 80 characters from the Thousand Character Classic, a Chinese poem used to teach Chinese language characters to children. Baige piao is still popular in China today, and is the ancestor of Keno, bingo, and the lottery.

Development

During the 19^th century, Chinese immigrants brought baige piao to the West when they traveled across the Pacific Ocean to help build the First Transcontinental Railroad. The name was then westernized into “boc hop bu” and “puck-apu” and gained popularity into the 20^th century.

In the beginning of the 1900’s, the game adopted the name “Chinese lottery” and gained further traction across the United States. During this time it also acquired the name “Keno”. In 1933, Keno was brought to Reno, Nevada and featured in casinos as “Racehorse Keno”, using the names of horses instead of numbers due to the state’s laws concerning lotteries at the time. In 1951, Nevada laws changed to outlaw track betting. The game then featured numbers and the official name “Keno” – the game has only gained in popularity ever since, and people started to develop keno strategy.

Keno Terminology

Ticket – the Keno betting cards that players use to pick numbers

Race – a Keno game

Spots – the numbers that a player picks

Catching a spot – when a number randomly drawn matches a player’s pick

Pay table – a casino’s set series of payouts; normally depends on how many numbers are drawn total, how many spots a player chose, and how much money was wagered

Example: If you choose eight spots on the ticket, depending on the pay table you might have to catch five spots before you win any money during a race.

How to Play Keno

Choose spots

Out of the 80 numbers typically offered on a Keno ticket, players can usually choose from 1 to 10 spots, though many casinos offer players the opportunity to pick up to 12 or 15 spots per race. Payouts change depending on how many spots a player chooses, how many spots a player catches, and differ from casino to casino. When playing online, players can often see the payout change in real time depending on how many spots they choose.

Choose a wager

While many gamblers typically stick to a lower wager for a higher number of spots and races, others might up the bet and choose a fewer number of spots and races. The wager is per number of races – if a player wages $1, chooses 10 spots, but only one race, the player is wagering $1. Choose whatever works for you and stick with it as part of your keno strategy.

Choose a number of races

In online keno casino games, players have the option of using the same set of spots for multiple races. While many players may choose to keep their chosen spots for only one race, it is possible to use the same spots for 5 or even 10 races in a row. Online games often feature “play 5” and “play 10” buttons, and players can continue pressing these for unlimited games with the same spots.

Payouts

Payouts depend on a number of factors and differ greatly from casino to casino, whether they’re brick-and-mortar establishments or online. A casino’s pay table is calculated by the number of spots the player chooses and how many spots a player catches, which is multiplied by the ratio of the player’s original bet to the base rate of the pay table.

Sounds complicated, but all you need to know is that the payout ranges depending on how many spots you pick, how many you catch, and how much you wager. Generally, the more spots a player chooses and the more numbers he catches, the greater the payout. Though there are some pay tables that pay for hitting a lesser number of spots – some casinos offer $500 or $1,000 for a catch of 0 out of 20 spots with a $5 wager.

Keno Strategy

Odds

Keno isn’t known for having a low house advantage – in fact, it normally hovers around 20%. It’s helpful to study the odds of Keno in advance to know how likely it is to catch a certain number of spots in certain situations. If anything, studying the odds will help players understand why the pay tables operate the way they do.

Find a Good Game

To ensure you’re getting a good pay table, you might have to shop around for a while. For example, one online Keno game may offer a 12:1 payout on a $10 wager if you pick two spots and catch both of them, while another game may offer a 7:1 payout for the same situation. The second casino sounds worse, but this casino may also offer a smaller amount for catching only one of the two spots, while the other offers nothing. When you find an?online casino that offers free play, jump on it – the free play will allow you to mess around with the pay table and see if it’s worth pursuing before playing keno online for real money.

Make sure you look around before settling on a particular casino and it could seriously help your bankroll.

Pick a Way to Play

If you want to win big amounts, the best way is to bet higher on fewer games. And, depending on the pay table, picking fewer numbers isn’t necessarily a bad idea. When you study the odds you see it – at a certain casino, catching 2 out of 2 spots has a payout of 12:1, and catching 8 of 15 spots has a payout of 25:1. However, getting 2 out of 2 spots has a chance of 1 in 16, whereas catching 8 out of 15 spots has a chance of 1 in 136. However, if players want a chance at winning the jackpot they must pick the maximum number of spots to qualify.

If you want to extend the length of the game, do the opposite keno strategy– bet smaller amounts of money on more games.

Remember It’s Random

The numbers that are picked during Keno are completely random. They either come out of a ball machine or they’re generated by a random number generator, meaning there’s no pattern or magic trick. Just because a number hasn’t shown up in five races doesn’t mean it’ll show up in the next one; just because a number has shown up for three races doesn’t mean it’s a lucky number. Chance is what makes Keno risky and exciting, so the best advice is to sit back, relax, and have fun. If you go into Keno thinking you’ll win big money every round, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Remember it’s random and you’ll actually enjoy yourself.

Ready to try your Keno strategy out for yourself? Play real money Keno or for free at Planet 7 today!

The post The super easy BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO KENO STRATEGY appeared first on Planet 7 Casino.