Video poker: Optimum Play; a book to help win at video poker

Video poker is a game that is not simply based on luck. A winning strategy is also a huge advantage and also the reason why a number of experts have thought of the idea of describing their techniques and detailing their advice ina book.

One of these books is “Video Poker: Optimum Play” by Dan Paymar. The book advises users as to how to ‘beat’ the machine, and how to make the right choices as the game progresses; indeed, is has been scientifically shown that a system can significantly limit the house advantage or, better still, even allow the player an advantage over the house itself.

Paymar moved to Las Vegas in 1980 and began his research into video poker in various casinos; creating and designing winning systems and strategies. He used a computer to confirm that his techniques worked before going on to publish his discoveries in his initial book, “Video Poker – Precision Play”. Additional work in subsequent years perfected his strategies, led to him modifying his methods and techniques, and finally, to the publication of “Video Poker: Optimum Play”.

The book primarily focuses on Jacks or Better video poker; the most popular form of video poker requiring players to achieve at least a pair of Jacks in order to win a money prize. However, Paymar’s book also covers other games, where the author is more than able to recommend excellent strategic advice for any video poker enthusiast.

The casino croupier; somewhere between myth and the hard truth.

When we find ourselves inside a casino in search of that elusive win – whether it be blackjack, baccarat or roulette – the croupier represents that somewhat detached person, indifferent to the coming and goings of the casino. He remains impassive whether the punter or the casino walks away with the winnings; cordial, discreet and as elegant as ever.

The role of the croupier is to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the challenge undertaken between player and ‘fortune’ is transparent and carried out without obstacles from either side. The role of croupier is similar to that of one assisting at a duel, carrying the weapons; the only difference lying in the fact that at the casino the battle is between player and blind fate, where the croupier seems almost an intermediary between mortality and pure chance.

However, the role of croupier is like any other. It has its features that undoubtedly set it apart from the rest; with its qualities and also its defects; let’s take a closer look at what exactly comprises the work of the croupier.

As with any other job, croupiers require certain skills. They clearly require a high school leaving certificate but also a knowledge of foreign languages and preferably qualifications in the area of mathematics or accounting which guarantee a certain affinity with mathematical calculations. They clearly need to have a presence, as well as being astute and quick thinking; a test that is carried out by the casino on any aspiring young croupier. Croupiers also need to be able to build relations with the customers, relations which can become potentially fraught and difficult to handle when it comes to gambling.

There are, however, many types of croupier. There are not only those skilled at handling the roulette wheel, but also those who deal the cards for blackjack or baccarat. Others manage the slot machines and make rare appearances in the event of malfunction or big wins. In other words, croupier character and skills can vary considerably depending on the type of role required inside the casino.

It is by no means easy to be a croupier. Not only do they have to handle long shifts – including nights – but also have to be constantly attentive when at the table to make sure that everything runs smoothly; no easy task and not lacking in responsibility given that there is a constant flow of money to be handled and dealt with appropriately.

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Las Vegas Casino set to be launched onto the Internet?

It’s no secret that the land-based casinos are keeping careful watch on legislative developments regarding online gambling, especially in view of the imminent arrival of the Barney Frank Bill which should help to clarify a number of issues concerning gambling in the United States.

Some leading offline casino brands, including Harrah’s and MGM Mirage, could well decide to set out on the Internet bandwagon – and do it in style, given that the trustworthiness and reliability of a leading land-based casino is no small matter and offers certain advantages when it comes down to offering a credible alternative in a ‘flexible’ online market.

Harrah’s seems set on going ahead, having already proposed Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment Inc. The man behind Harrah’s, Gary Loveman, maintains that the move is an obvious consequence of recent developments, “The largest leading gaming company, Harrah’s, is proactively moving towards interactive international expansion.”

Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment was set up primarily to target the European market with the aim of growing and gaining online credibility and reputation – not to mention a significant stake in the American market should online gambling legislation for the country take a turn for the better.

32Vegas makes way for the new Playtech 21 Nova Casino

21 Nova Casino is the latest Playtech casino to make an Internet debut, replacing the ‘good and faithful stalwart’, 32Vegas Casino. In terms of games, reliability and customer support, 21Nova has much more to offer with a top-class customer-loyalty scheme that rewards punters for each bet carried out and unbeatable welcome bonuses.

The best loved gambling games can still be found on 21 Nova Casino, such as roulette, baccarat, black jack and many more, together with a wide range of slot machines and video-poker, not to mention live dealer games, and fabulous daily progressive jackpots that hand out regular million-dollar winnings to players worldwide.

21 Nova uses the Playtech platform in order to guarantee the very best in terms of gaming performance and quality. Any fan of online casino games is sure to have experienced, at least once, this software’s sophisticated technology which ensures players can enjoy complete transparency and security during their time online; safe in the knowledge that cards are dealt randomly, slot machine line combinations follow no logical or pre-selected pattern, and so on for all other available games. However, one of the main strengths of the 21Nova Casino is undoubtedly the 320% welcome bonus for new members up to a maximum amount of €/USD 3,250.

With a product range of more than 90 games, 21 Nova caters to the taste of each and every player. The site also boasts a wide variety of progressive jackpot slot machines with the chance to bring home a significant win, such as with the Queen of Pyramids, Diamond Valley, MegaBall, or Safecracker. Last but not least, new games are being continually added to the site to provide users with new stimuli and emotions, and make sure pleasure and enjoyment remain a premium.