May, 2011 | Best Casinos Online Casino Blog

Archive for May, 2011

Hit Las Vegas for Some Retail Therapy

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

We all know that shopping causes a stimulant in our brain that has been compared to that euphoric feeling we have after exercise, or, dare we say it, sex. If your plans are to head down to Vegas sometime in the near future, and you feel that you need to combine your gambling trip with some good old retail therapy, we’ve got the perfect list of places for you to visit, when you feel like a break from the slot machines and blackjack tables.

Town Square Las Vegas

If you want to spend an entire day doing nothing but shopping, drinking coffee, shopping, having lunch, shopping and then some more shopping, head down to the intersection of I-15 and 215 Beltway on the Las Vegas Strip and you’ll find yourself at Town Square Las Vegas. This open air shopping and entertainment area brings you a fantastic mish-mash of stores and outlets, ranging from H&M to Sephora. If you’re hungry, there’s something to suit every palate, including mixed grill restaurants and Asian eateries. If you have kids in tow, they’ll love the interactive children’s park.

Caesars Palace Forum Shops

If you’ve always dreamed of shopping on a typical ancient Roman street, you’ve come to the right place. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is considered one of Las Vegas’ premier retail, dining and entertainment destinations, boasting over 160 shops. The area is constantly being developed and expanded upon, and the latest phase saw over 175,000 square feet being added to the complex. Stores include Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Christian Dior.

Galleria at Sunset

This shopping mall is only one of three enclosed non-outlet malls in Vegas situated away from the Strip. Situated in Henderson, the Galleria at Sunset consists of over one million square feet of retail stores, including the anchor stores, JC Penney, Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. This complex has been noted for its unique architecture and travel guide book, Frommer’s commented that it was the “most aesthetically pleasing” out of all the malls in the Las Vegas Valley. Visitors will also find Bath and Body Works, Off the Wall, Foot Locker and more.

Tags: Las Vegas
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Gambling Under One Virtual Roof

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

I would bet on anything that are literally thousands of online gambling sites out there. I love the fact that if I feel like a game of poker, I can simply switch on the computer, find a table and ‘sit down’ to play within minutes – at any stakes and any level I want. Five minutes later, if I feel like a couple of hands of blackjack, I access my favorite online casino and spend some time there. In recent months, I’ve perfected my gambling sessions so that I no longer have to switch from one online casino to another, depending on the types of games I like to play. I prefer now playing at sites that offer me the opportunity to enjoy all my favorite game sand pastimes under one virtual roof.

There are plenty of advantages to sticking to casinos that offer a full range of games, services and products. The first is obvious – you can switch and change from poker to casino betting, from live gaming to bingo and from sports betting back to poker all at one site. There is no need to exit one site to enter another and then back to the original again. Check out sites such as Bet365.com where you can find all these products one one useful platform.

Another reason to gamble under one roof is that you have one single account to deal from. You don’t need to log in and out of multiple sites, and you won’t be exposing your personal details more than necessary. You simply log in one time to the site of your choice, and you’ll be able to play all the games and variants you want using one simple ewallet. This, of course, makes depositing funds and withdrawing your winnings a breeze.

Finally, you’ll be able to find fantastic bonuses across all products on one platform. In addition, you’ll be kept abreast of all the current news about running promotions and upcoming special offers so that you’re never left out of the action. And, more importantly, you’ll be able to acquire loyalty points at the one site at a much faster pace, increasing your VIP level and redeeming cool prizes and cash in the process.

Tags: online gambling
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Gambling Hots Up Down Under

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

Which nation do you think gambles the most out of all the nations in the world? Could it be the US of A – land of Las Vegas, poker rooms and high rollers? Could it be the Chinese, with their uber-gambling location, Macau? You may be surprised to hear that its neither. Instead, that laid back nation somewhere Down Under has earned itself the title of Biggest Gamblers in the World. Latest statistics in the gambling world show that Australians have been ranked the globe’s biggest gamblers per capita. Australians wagered $1,208.75 each last year, having led the world pretty much the entire last decade by quite a significant margin. The closest competition for Australia is Ireland – and the Emerald Isle’s numbers barely make half of Australia’s per capita.

Without a doubt, Australians’ love affair with their pokie machines accounts for the huge fore that they have over other nations in terms of gambling numbers. Out of the $19 billion spent by Australians on gambling in 2008-2009, $12 billion was spent on gambling poker machines, so you can imagine how popular these are among players Down Under. However, in recent years, Australians have taken to other forms of gambling as they have become more available and laws have changed.

Recently, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission dropped its objections for Australians to wager on interest rate moves, opening even more betting markets for this gambling-thirsty nation.

However, the hotting up of gambling Down Under isn’t being accepted by everyone. Problem gambling groups, for example, are kicking and screaming their objections, and politicians are using the issue as a bargaining tool to give their support to the new Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. Ms. Gillard is currently trying to iron out the thorny problem of independent MP Andrew Wilkie who offered his support to her government in return for a guarantee that there would be a serious clamping down on poker machines across the country.

It remains to be seen how Wilkie’s plans will be greeted by Australia‘s huge gambling conglomerates and their pokie-loving public. In the meantime, Australia continues to carry the title as the world’s biggest gamblers!

Tags: australia gambling, pokie machines
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Galaxy Macau Dazzles in its Own Universe

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Recently, a new resort opened up in Macua which has everyone talking. The Galaxy Macau opened its doors this month with over 20,000 people on the guest list at the official opening. These are the kind of numbers that management will need to get used to, as it is expected that the Galaxy Resort will welcome between 20,000 and 30,000 guests every single day! The resort mixes traditional Asian hospitality with Western management style, and the results speak for themselves.

The Galaxy Macau brings together three major hotel brands – Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Okura Hotels and Resorts and Galaxy Hotel. The three offer a total of 2,200 five star rooms, suites and villas across the new resort, accounting for 20% of Macau’s five star room capacity and 12% of the Chinese peninsula’s room capacity overall.

Some of the features that visitors will enjoy:

The Grand Resort Deck- A 350 ton white sand beach surrounds a 4,000 square meter skytop wave pool. This one-of-a-kind feature boasts several pools, private cabanas and gardens, as well as the first Banyan Tree spa for the ultimate in pampering.

Multiple Food and Beverage Outlets- The Galaxy Macau boasts over 50 food and beverage outlets, with more than half of them Asian cuisine for a truly authentic culinary experience. This makes it the widest selection of Asian food under one rooftop in the entire Macau region. You can look at this way – if you eat at Galaxy Macau restaurants once a week for an entire year, you won’t eat at the same place twice!

Entertainment - Multiple entertainment venues dot the Galaxy Macau, but the one that everyone is talking about is the soon-to-be opened China Rouge, an exclusive membership club that promises to become one of the trendiest nightclubs in the world. The China Rouge will carry a 30′s Shangai theme and clients will enjoy a performance theater, bar and much more. In addition, the Galaxy Macau will be opening a 9 screen cinema theater in late 2011.

Shopping - There are also multiple retail outlets located in the resort, some of them set on major boulevards to inspire an international shopping atmosphere.

Gambling - Gamblers will be able to wager across 450 casino tables and 1,500 slot machines at the $1.9 billion casino complex!

The Galaxy Macau Resort truly dazzles in a universe that is already full of stars!

Tags: Gambling, macau
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Visit: The Commerce Casino Poker Room

Friday, May 20th, 2011

There are plenty of great poker rooms in the United States, many of them situated in Las Vegas. These poker rooms range from exclusive to open-to-the public, from small rooms to the much bigger ones that incorporate dozens of tables. I can say that I’ve visited my fair share of land poker rooms across the country, but one that I always love coming back to is the poker room at the Commerce Casino in California.

In terms of size, the poker room at Commerce Casino is probably the biggest in the United States – so if you don’t like big bustling areas, this one may not be for you. But, having said that, there is so much going for this place, that I wouldn’t write it off based on size alone. There are over 200 poker tables on the casino floor space, which means plenty of action, and definitely plenty of variety. Whether you have a micro budget or whether you feel like heading off to a high roller table, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for at the Commerce Casino.

The amenities afforded to poker players are second to none. First of all, you can stay right next door at the Crowne Suite Hotel so that non stop 24/7 poker action is literally at your doorstep during your stay. Accommodation used to be a problem before the hotel was built, but that has all changed now. In addition, the Commerce Casino caters for its players like no other poker room I’ve ever seen. Management definitely believes in the policy that if the player’s tummy is happy, he’ll spend more time at the casino! As such, a full spread awaits players, from sandwiches to Asian delicacies. You’re even allowed to eat at the poker tables, so that you don’t miss a beat!

The Commerce Casino poker room has earned itself an international name for its top notch poker services. As such, a number of major poker events are staged here each year, including the LA Poker Classic.

Next time you’re in Commerce, CA, take a drive to East Telegraph Road and check out this amazing place!

Tags: commerce casino, poker rooms
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How to Look After YOU at the Casino

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

Casinos are known to be fun places, where you can easily spend an entire evening having an absolute blast. What better combination could there be – music, gambling and drinks, as well as superb company? But – as with everything in life – playing in a casino needs to be done in moderation. So how do you go about looking after YOU at the casino so that you don’t get gambling burn out?

Know How Much You Want to Gamble With

Don’t go onto the casino floor with unlimited funds. Instead, put aside the amount of cash that you are prepared to lose and don’t go over that amount. Another way to limit your spending is to go with a card that has a limit on the funds. That way, you can’t spend anything over than what is credited to that card. If you win at the slot machines or roulette tables, put your original bankroll aside and play with the winnings.

Don’t Go Overboard on the Booze

This may seem an obvious one, but alcohol can really dull your senses on the casino floor and prevent you from making sound judgements. Limit your intake of alcohol to what you HONESTLY know you can handle and nothing more. Even better, stick to sparkling water and don’t touch the booze. Not only will your bankroll be safer, but you’ll also enjoy yourself more. Don’t be tempted by the free drinks handed out by lovely cocktail waitresses – there’s a catch to that generosity!

Keep Your Winnings Safe

After you’ve won some money at the casino, don’t put yourself in harm’s way by flaunting your padded wallet. Be discreet. Don’t go wandering off into dark parking lots or making your address public knowledge. This is another reason to avoid intoxication as carrying large sums of money while under the influence of alcohol is not a good idea.

Online Casino Safety

While online casino gambling is considered incredibly safe, there are some steps you can take to make sure that your security is never compromised. For example, stick to well known and reputable online casinos, use secure payment methods and don’t reveal personal information.

Tags: Casino, Online Casino
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Film Review: The Gambler and The Lady

Friday, May 13th, 2011

One of my all time favorite gambling movies is The Gambler and the Lady, starring Dane Clark, Naomi Chance, Meredith Edwards, Kathleen Byron and Erich Pohlmann. This 1952 classic is made all the more endearing by the fact that it’s in black and white, and answers all the criteria to be a hit in its own genre.

The story tells of an American (played by Dane Clark) who makes his livelihood from illegal gambling activities. Our hero wants to do something more with his life, and his ultimate dream is to be accepted into the upper circles of British society. His dream promises to come true when he meets the lovely Lady Susan (Naomi Chance) and he starts moving in the ‘right’ circles. However, his perfect new life is threatened by a number of elements – gangsters who want to take over his gambling business, bitter ex-employees and his naive belief that that British upper class is more honest than the people in the world he left behind.

The Gambler and the Lady may not be one of the best known movies out there, but it certainly holds a universal appeal with its classic tale, its storyline that unfolds like a Greek tragedy and its cast of actors. According to the film’s history, it was shot in only a month, which means that a lot of the film’s merits stand on the acting and storyline.

Another interesting aspect about The Gambler and the Lady is the fact that it had three different directors – Patrick Jenkins, Terrence Fisher and Sam Newfield, two of which were British in order to fit in with the demands of the English film union. And while this may be a difficult feat to pull off, the final result showed absolutely no production difficulties. The shots are fine and the dialogue flows, even if it seems someone outdated compared to modern movies. Hammer Film Productions, in my humble opinion, have done a fine job, and I am proud to be an owner of this film in disc form.

Tags: gambling film
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Blondes and Gambling

Friday, May 13th, 2011

I don’t know what your take is on ‘dumb blonde jokes’ and this isn’t meant to cause any offense – whether you’re a real blonde or you get a bit of help from a bottle. I happen to be blonde as well, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating some of the funniest dumb blonde jokes that regularly do the rounds.

Over the years, I’ve come across quite a few jokes that mix blondes and casino gambling, and what better time to share them with you than now!

Joke #1

So, a blonde was in Vegas having a cool vacation with her friends. She was standing in front of the candy machine and put two coins in, turned the knob and a candy bar fell out. She picked up the candy bar and put it in her pocket, then she proceeded to put two more coins into the slot and turned the knob, again a candy bar fell out and she put it in her pocket.

She put two more coins into the machine and again turned the knob and – amazingly – another two candy bars fell out.

A man standing in line for the candy machine tapped her on the shoulder and said: “Excuse me Miss? What are you doing?”

She said, “Duh! I’m winning here!”

Joke # 2

Two bored casino dealers are standing at the crap table, waiting for clients. A very attractive blonde woman from the South arrives and bets $20K on a single roll of the dice. She said, ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I feel much luckier when I play topless.’

With that, she strips to the waist; rolls the dice; and yells, ‘Come on, Southern Girl needs new clothes!’

As the dice bounce and come to a stop, she jumps up-and-down and squeals ‘YES! YES! I WON! I WON!’

She hugs each of the dealers…picks up her winnings, and her clothes, and quickly departs.

The dealers stare at each other dumbfounded. Finally, one of them asks, ‘What did she roll?’

The other answers, ‘I don’t know… I thought you were watching.’

Tags: gambling joke
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How to Keep the Perfect Poker Face

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Ask any good poker player what the key to success is, and you’ll get a number of answers. While it’s obviously important to be skilled in the game and know how to create a good poker hand, the importance of knowing how to bluff your way to success isn’t any less imperative than others. So how do you create the perfect poker face, you may ask. Check out our perfect tips:

Keep it neutral

Practice keeping a neutral expression throughout the entire game. This is easier said than done because real feelings are hard to hide if you feel like bashing your fists on the table in frustration or shouting out in joy. However, if you can just master this step, you are on your way to becoming the perfect bluffer.

Accessorize

One way to keep part of those tell-tale signs away is to keep some of your face covered. Choose big avatar glasses, and a cap to hide away behind and make you look seriously unapproachable.

Don’t Forget that Body Language

While your face is the most expressive part of your body, don’t forget that your body language is also a major part of bluffing. If your face is neutral but you’re nervously tapping your leg or biting your fingernails, the chances are that nobody will buy the story of your bluff. Sit as still as you can and only use what you need to make your poker moves.

Practice in the Mirror

Play a game of poker with yourself in the mirror and see how you sit and how you react. Practice your neutral face and see where you can improve so that you develop the perfect poker face.

Build on your Confidence

Once you’ve mastered the art of the perfect poker face (including no tell-tale body language moves), build on that confidence and have some fun! Trick your opponents by looking scared/afraid/angry but don’t overdo it because good players can also see right through bad bluffing.

Tags: poker, poker face
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US Poker Pros Migrate to Canada

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

It’s hard to believe that so much has changed in the US since the government decided to go on a witchhunt after online poker sites and prosecute their main men. Since Black Friday, which April 15th has become known as, many professional poker players in the United States have been forced to question the state of their livelihood and whether they can continue to live in the country in order to continue supporting themselves and, in many cases, their families as well.

One of the phenomenas we are experiencing is the migration of some of these professionals to Canada. It seems almost preposterous that in this day and age, decent American folk, who simply want to support their families by doing what they do best through something that harms nobody, would be forced to even consider leaving their home and country in order to make a living. But here you go folks – welcome to Prohibition circa 2011.

If you already have to move, then Canada may seem to be the best option. For one, players are used to a similar lifestyle, and the language is naturally the same. That clears up some of the settling in problems. Another good thing about being a pro in Canada is that you are now able to play at poker sites that weren’t previously open to you, such as Party Poker. In addition, if you can prove that you have a Canadian residential address and bank account, you’ll be accepted back to Poker Stars, for example.

But with every advantage, there are disadvantages as well, and nobody is promising US pros that the grass is always greener on the other side of the border. For one, there are greater expenses involved if you decide to become pro in Canada, this biggest being the fact that you are taxed on your winnings. Also, you may need to work in another profession for a while in order to meet the criteria for Canadian immigration laws. Naturally, all these things need to be taken into account if you decide to make the move.

Tags: canada, Online Poker
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