17Black.com is your leading gambling portal to Internet Casinos that provide the best Casino Games for those who prefer to gamble in Rands. Without exception, 17Black.com only recommends casinos that make use of fraud protection software, so you can trust in the security of your game play. A suitable example is the tried and tested Microgaming Software. Any Online Casino, should furthermore be able to provide an excellent variety of games, with some more variants of the very favorite ones. 17Black.com recommends that any reputable casino offer the following types of casino games:
Progressives Progressive games- what are they? Most top online casinos are able to provide games that pay put progressive jackpots. This means that a network of casinos that use the same gaming software provider, all contribute to the winnings and expose the whole network’s players to the opportunity of winning that jackpot. The jackpot amount increases with each amount that is wagered by every player- resulting in a jackpot, which can only be accumulated from such a large pool! Progressive jackpots can be won when playing certain table games, slots or video poker. Table Games In the gambling environment, Table Games are traditionally card- or other gambling type of games, which can be played by one or more players, around a table. Due to its convenience, many people are looking to Internet Casinos for their entertainment. The most popular table games are therefore also on offer at Online Casinos. The most frequently played table games found online, are:
Blackjack
What is Blackjack
Simply put, Blackjack is a table card game, where a value is allocated to every card. The objective is to achieve the sum total of 21, or closest to that, by adding up the values of the cards that you are dealt. The winner is the player who achieves this objective successfully. When playing Blackjack at a land casino, there could be up to six players around the table. The game is also very popular with online casinos, where one simply plays against the house.
Play Blackjack OnlineM
When playing Blackjack online, the possible scenarios that could arise from playing with multi players around a gambling table, are eliminated. Online Blackjack rules are quite simple, as you simply have to play against the house.
Every one of the cards has a value, which is the number on the card. In the case of picture-or face cards however, the value of the card is ten (10).
Before you are dealt a card, you have to first place a wager. The dealer gets one card face up and one face down, whilst you will receive both cards face up. You must then choose to either stay or to take more cards, in an attempt to achieve the total sum of 21 with the value of your cards.
If you make the total of 21 with your first two cards already, you make “Blackjack” and automatically win. If your cards total more than 21, you are busted and automatically lose.
With straightforward rules and no hidden strategies, the game of Blackjack is easy to understand and fun to play. 17Black.com suggests that you first make use of the practice play-facility at an Online Casino, before you play for real money. And to ensure that you are given a fair chance to win in a fair gaming environment that does not necessarily favor the house, only play with eCOGRA-approved casinos that make use of fraud protections software such as Microgaming. Roulette Roulette: a game of skill or a game of chance
Roulette is one of the most intriguing and most written about games in the gambling environment. People are fascinated by the game for different reasons. Some claim that they play it because it is one of the most uncomplicated games that provide thrill and excitement at the same time. But then there are those who are convinced that it is a skillful art that, if played correctly, could pay off handsomely. So some regard it as a game of chance and some call it a game of strategy. So which is it?
The difference between a game of skill and a game of chance is as follows: In a game of skill, a person can win by learning how to play the game and outsmart an opponent. In a game of chance, amateurs or newcomers have exactly the same chance of winning, than those who are more familiar with the game. The results are therefore completely reliant on chance.
Just like with games such as bingo, a game of Roulette is generally classified as such a game of chance. Most people simply play it for its entertainment value, as it requires no real amount of skill. However, understanding the different types of rules in Roulette, could help one in keeping the house edge to the minimum and at least increase your chances of winning. American Roulette should best be avoided, as it has a double zero slot in addition to the normal zero slot (for a total of 38 possible slots) which is said to favour the house, whereas the European wheel has only one zero slot (for a total of 37 possible shots).
17Black.com would like to strongly advise all players against paying companies for information that will allegedly assist them with beating the casinos. Some companies claim that by understanding the mathematical sequence, you could predict where the next dice is going to roll. Based on that theory, a number of books and courses are also sold, which apparently provides “guaranteed proven successful roulette strategies.”
However, logically, none of these techniques make any sense. Regardless of how many times the dice has rolled on any specific number already, online casinos that make use of software provided by an independent third party such as Microgaming, is designed to be one hundred percent random. Well-known accounting firms independently audit reputable casinos’ game play and software as well. One can therefore safely assume that you have no way of predicting the next numbers and that you would have the same chances of winning, regardless of which style of roulette you choose to play.
Roulette gambling is not interactive, such as when you are playing a game of chess or a game of poker. You cannot determine your next ”move” based on the last numbers where the dice rolled. And there is no quantifiable science with which one can predict what the computer is going to do next.
So when you feel lucky, go play Roulette for the sheer joy you’ll gain from it. Just be sure to bet your money with someone you can trust. Craps How to play craps The game of craps can be played by up to 16 people at the same time, and is played with two dice. One player gets to be the shooter, who rolls the dice and the balance of the players bet on the outcome, in other words where the dice are going to roll.
The outcome after the roll of the dice could pre-dominantly be one of two options: the “pass line”- bet, or the “don’t pass line”- bet. Some players will bet that the dice will fall passed the line, and others that it will not roll passed the line. Every time a “pass line”-bet wins, then a “don’t pass”-line obviously automatically loses. This is not at all as confusing as it might sound. The only real skill thus required in this game, is to roll dice. And off course, to know how to place your bets, you need to have an understanding of the basic bet types in a game of craps. But after a few practise rounds, you will quickly understand the mechanics of the game.
Before the game commences, the players must all first place their bets. The first roll made by the player who rolls the dice (named the shooter) at the beginning of the game, is called the “come-out roll”.
If the outcome of the roll turns out to be either 7 or 11, then all the bets that were placed on the “Pass Line”, win 1:1. Bets on the “Don’t Pass Line”, will obviously then lose.
If the outcome of the roll is 2, 3, or 12, this is regarded as “craps”, and the bets on “Pass Line” lose. The game will then also be over and a new shooter will be given the opportunity to shoot or roll the dice.
These are the basic types of bets that can be found in a game of craps, wit some variants that might occur occasionally.
The major difference between playing craps at a land casino, versus playing online craps, is that the person who plays the game, is also the shooter. Meaning that if YOU are playing, then YOU get to be the shooter.
Why play online craps? The game of craps is one of the oldest online casino games that offer the lowest advantage to the house. This means that players have dramatically increased chances of winning.
Due to its simplicity, it is also quick and easy to learn, and one can already start winning within just a few rounds of playing. Baccarat Where does Baccarat come from?
The seductive sounding Baccarat, pronounced Bak-khu-rah, immediately conjures up images of something foreign and exciting. Adding to its mystery, no one can say for sure where exactly Baccarat comes from. Many believe that it originates from Italy, as the word Baccarat exists in the Italian vocabulary- meaning “zero”. It is said that from there, it was introduced into France during the reign of Charles VIII, in the 15th Century.
Baccarat made easy 17Black.com offers a very simple explanation of Baccarat:
It is a table gambling game played with a complete deck of 52 cards, excluding the jokers. During the first round, one gets dealt your first two cards, and you then have to add the values of your cards, with the objective to achieve the total sum of nine, or the closest number to nine. This reminds one very much of a game of Blackjack- with the difference that in Blackjack one has to attempt to achieve a total of 21.
A second round will follow, during which you will have to stay, meaning keep your cards, or discard your cards in exchange for two new cards. You can also discard only one and accept another or simply accept a third card to add to your existing cards.
The value of each card, is exactly as the number that appears on the card- for example, the value of six remains six. This however, does not apply to face cards, as all face cards, i.o.w. the jack, queen and king, amount to zero.
The winner of the game, will hold two or three cards, with the closest sum total to nine.
Baccarat is pre-dominantly played in three major variations, namely: “Punto Banco”, “Baccarat Chemin de Fer” and “Baccarat Banque.” Punto banco, or North American Baccarat is only played in certain countries. For those who would like to take an in-depth look at the full history behind the game, the most comprehensive description of Baccarat can be found at Wikipedia website, with the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baccarat.
Baccarat on land or online At a land casino, punters will compete against other players. At an Online Casino, the punter will not play against other opponents, but have the opportunity to bet on who the winner will be. The choices comprise: The Bank, The Player or one can also opt to bet on a Tie between the two. So you have to calculate the odds and then decide who you think stands the best chance of winning, or whether they will end in a tie- in other words have the same sum total.
Where to play Baccarat The game of Baccarat is very popular amongst gamblers as it said to have the lowest house edge of all casino games and provide players with dramatically increased chances of winning. 17Black.com advises players to first polish their skills with an online casino, where one is allowed to play in practise mode, before playing for real money. Slots The history of slot machines Charles Fey, a car mechanic from San Francisco, invented the first slot machine in 1895. His very first invention, called “Liberty Bell, is allegedly still around and is said to be found in Virginia, at the very suitably named Liberty Belle Saloon & Restaurant.
The original “Liberty Bell” was a three-reel slot machine that contained symbols of bells, diamonds, spades, hearts and diamonds. For maximum payoff, one had to achieve three bells in a row. And your winnings for such a feat, amounted to a whopping Grande prize of fifty cents! And each time you hit the Jackpot; an old fashioned bell would ring to announce the occasion!
The term “slot machine” was a term that was commonly used for what we call today- automatic vending machines. As Charles Fey’s invention resembled these machines, the same term was used for these new gambling devices as well. In later years, it was reserved for gambling purposes only.
At inception, Charles was the exclusive manufacturer of the Liberty Bell. Twelve years later Charles Fey signed a contract to co-operate with the Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, a well-known manufacturer of arcade-type machines. Together they then produced the “Mills Liberty Bell”. The Mills Novelty Company introduced a slight variation in 1910, which was called the “Operator Bell.”
For practical reasons the original cast iron slot machines gradually evolved to become less bulky and noisy. Smaller machines were designed that fitted into wooden cabinets. For a more appealing appearance, the aesthetics were also improved.
In 1931, a range was produced that simulated lion heads, which was followed shortly after, by more new designs, such as the “War Eagle”, “Roman Head” and “Castle Front”. Every machine was then created with a unique theme and symbols to match.
It was around this time, that people started referring to it by other terms such as “Fruit Machines”, or “The One Armed Bandit.”
Land Casinos and Slot Machines
Today, every single land casino has slot machines. After all, what glamour would any casino have without the over the top glitzy designs, flashing lights and very distinctive sounds of slot machines?
Slot machines contain three reels that spin individually. To spin these reels, you will have to either pull a lever, or push a button. To commence playing and obtain a chance to spin, you will first have to deposit the required amount of coins.
In order to hit the jackpot or achieve the maximum payout, al three the reels have to end up with the same symbol in a row- such as three bells, for example. Some slot machines also make allowance for alternative, smaller payouts, to increase the player’s chances of winning. This is achieved when the required symbols appear in other accepted sequences, such as diagonally or in a z-shape.
Slots Online With Internet usage growing exponentially, both for professional as well as entertainment purposes, it comes as no surprise that people are flocking to Online Casinos. And off course the ever-popular slot game, can also be played online. With a titillating variety on offer, slots online are no less popular than at land casinos. As a matter of fact, slots online provides even more huge advantages such as the facility to play anywhere at any time, or whilst in the comfort of your own home.
The online slot machine is not much different from slots found at land casinos, but only for the fact that the screen is not built into a cabinet, but appears on your computer.
Most online casinos also provide progressive jackpots. This means that a network of casinos that use the same gaming software provider, all contribute to the winnings and expose the whole network’s players to the opportunity to win a mouthwatering jackpot, which can only be accumulated from such a large pool! Video Poker What is Video Poker?
For any person who is new to the game of poker and keen to learn more, video poker provides a perfect solution. With video poker you do not have to focus on opponents, their strategies or bluffing skills, as you are only playing against the house. And with fewer disciplines to consider than when playing a game of table poker, this is so much less intimidating for any newcomer.
Many of the basic principles of poker remain the same with video poker. It is also important to understand the objective of the type of game you are playing at that point. And to succeed at the game, you have to re-strategize all over again, every time that you are dealt new cards. No player can ever predict which cards will be dealt, and that very unpredictable element of the game, requires the ability to think on your feet and adapt where necessary. This off course is what makes any type of poker, all the more challenging!
The basic types of Video Poker
Technically, there are only three basic types of Video Poker. However there are so many variants of these basic types, that one can enjoy hours of entertainment with the pleasures of video poker. Let us take a look at the most popular types of video poker:
“Jacks or Better”
In “Jacks or Better”, like its name indicates, the minimum requirement for a winning hand, is a pair of Jacks. The highest payout can be achieved through a Royal Flush. The best strategy to follow is probably an attempt to obtain cards that will result in exactly that- a Royal Flush. To hit the jackpot, it is advised to always bet the maximum.
“Joker Wild”
The minimum requirements for a winning hand in “Joker Wild”, is a pair of Kings or better. A wild card is added to the deck of cards, which means the deck will comprise a total of 53 cards. The handy joker can be used to replace any card to achieve the best possible 5-card hand. The ideal would be five of a kind, but as the odds of achieving that are quite low, it is recommended to also try for straights or flushes.
“Deuces Wild”
With “Deuces Wild”, the minimum requirement for a winning hand is three of a kind. Pairs or single hands are therefore of no use. The player has increased odds of winning in this game, as it consists of a full 52-card deck, with four possible deuces (2’s). The best possible strategy to follow, is more than likely an attempt to obtain four of a kind. Instead of holding 2 pairs for example, one should rather discard one pair, to increase your chances of obtaining 2 more cards similar to one of the pairs you already have. A “high card” has no benefit in this game, so it is will not pay to hold onto a “high card” to improve your hand.
The Variations of Video poker
Although some online casinos could offer up to 70 different video poker games, you will note that they are all actually just variants of the basic types mentioned in the above. You will therefore often see terms added to the names of these video poker games, such as for example:- “Double Double Bonus Jacks or Better”, or “Deuces Deluxe”, or “Triple Bonus Joker Wild” and so on. Some of them even have different names, such as “Aces & Faces”, or “Crazy 8’s”.
However, in principle, these are not much different from the basic types. With “Jacks or Better” for example, you would have to achieve the minimum requirement of a pair of jacks, but with “Aces and Faces” you would have to obtain at least a pair of Aces or a pair of faces, in other words, Kings, Queens or Jacks. But here you will have more chances of achieving that.
The variations are usually offered, to provide players with all the more excitement and more opportunities to win, to ensure that the thrill of the game remains.
17Black.com would advise new players to first become fully au fait at one type of game, as well as its different scenarios, before moving on to a completely new type of game. |