Archive for the ‘Casino’ Category

7 Tips To Limit Casino Losses

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

We all know that the house has the advantage when playing at any casino, but there are ways some things you can do to reduce the advantages that they have. Here are some things you can think about when playing online next time that will help you limit the amount of money you can lose in a single session.

1) Set a Daily Deposit Limit – You might be surprised to know that the casino gamblers that lose the most money aren’t the ones that deposit huge amounts of money in one go. In fact, many of the biggest losers in casinos are the players that make many small deposits over time. The issue is when players lose their first deposit, their emotions come into play and they start chasing that money by doing things that they normally would not do. Many of the best casinos allow you to set a limit on your daily deposits which means that if you do not make money on the first deposit then you will not be able to continue to deposit. This will allow you a cool off time where you can come back focussed the next day with a much more clear mind. If your casino of choice does not have this option you could look for a deposit option where you can limit this kind of activity.

2) Set a Time Limit – One of the casinos’ greatest edges is TIME. The longer you stay and play, the more likely you are to lose everything. If you set a timer at the beginning of your session and tell yourself you will not play past it, you can help control your betting activity better. One of the reasons for this is the longer you play, the more tired and impatient you might get which could cause your betting patterns to change. It is better to play 10 very short sessions where you are most focussed and mentally ready than 1 very long one where you could lose focus and have much more erratic play.

3) Set a Win Goal – If you don’t set a realistic goal of how much money you want to win then chances are you never will win. Everytime you start a gambling session you should tell yourself at what point you will stop playing and cash out. You can always re-evaluate your goal when you reach it, but if you do you should at least cash out your original deposit and some to ensure that it is a positive session.

4) Set a Stop/Loss – Similar to setting a win goal, you need to go into every gambling session knowing exactly how much money you are willing to lose. This is one of the toughest parts about gambling, but you need great self discipline to hold yourself to your stop loss and walk away from the tables when you hit it.

5) Keep Track of Your Play – Every gambler should keep tabs on all their gambling activity. This will allow you to keep a running tally of whether or not you are in the positive or the negative (and by how much). Many gamblers don’t realize how much money they are actually using because they just keep depositing/withdrawing more from the ATM. Keeping these numbers in front of your mind might make you hesitate from making that extra withdrawal.

6) Play in a Positive Mind State – Playing in a sad or depressed state is one of the quickest ways to watch your money fly right into the pockets of the casino. The more alert and mentally focussed you are on winning, the better your odds are of actually doing so!

7) Don’t Chase Comps – Many players chase comps that they could have just purchased many times over with the money they lost gambling to try to get them. Unless you know specifically you are only a few points off a fantastic comp, you should always play to win, not to get a comp.

Good luck, have fun, and go win lots of money!

Why Alcohol and Gambling Just Don’t Go

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

If ever there was a more unlikely match, it’s alcohol and gambling. Sure, casinos want you to think that the two go hand in hand, blissfully into the sunset, giving you the ultimate gambling experience.  But the fact of the matter is that drinking alcohol while gambling affects your good judgement, and the chances are that you’ll make some very bad decisions because your wits are simply not 100% about you.

Casinos will always have a bar conveniently placed near its center, with waitresses on hand to take your orders before you can even stop to think what you want. Salted nuts are conveniently placed around the casino to make you want to drink up.

So let me jump down from my high and mighty soapbox for a moment and make a confession: I won’t argue with the fact that there is something really great about sports betting and a cold beer, or blackjack and a whiskey. Somehow, these things seem to go together and I’ll be the first to admit it.  Also, if you can handle your drink (I mean, REALLY handle it), then a drink or two won’t make you gamble away the family home.  But when push comes to shove, you really should be trying to avoid alcohol when gambling.

One trick I have found that really works is simply taking my gambling online. That way, I am never tempted by the free drinks offered by the land casino and I am sure that the only drink that passes my lips is water from my own fridge.  Obviously, that doesn’t mean that I will never drink alcohol when I play poker with my buddies or when I’m in the mood for something stronger than a soda.  I am far from being a gambling teetotaler.  However, I make a conscious effort to remember that when I’m after a few drinks, my inhibitions are down, my decisions are slightly more daring and I may not have made them had I not drank the second beer.

Cheers!

Establishing Casino Credit

Monday, September 5th, 2011

If you play regularly at a specific land casino, you may want to consider opening a credit line with that particular gambling establishment.  There are plenty of good reasons for doing so. For one, you won’t need to carry cash every time you visit top casinos because you already have a credit line in place.  You’ll be able to write a marker and withdraw cash so that you can gamble at the slot machines and blackjack tables at the casino, without having to worry about ATM’s and cash.

The advantages  are huge, but it should be noted that casino credit is not for everyone and if you have problems handling money or paying back debt, you may want to stick to paying with cash.

Applying for casino credit will differ from place to place, but it is generally recommended to make the application before your first gaming session so that you know that there will be no hitches when playing.  It usually takes a couple of days for the casino to check out and approve your application, so bear this in mind when pacing your game plan.  You’ll first need to fill in a casino credit application form, which can be obtained from the office, or you can ask them to fax it to you.  If you’ve ever applied for a credit card, the form-filling should be familiar to you because they work on the same basis.  You fill in all the vital information, including how much money you want to have made available to you.  Be realistic about this one – you don’t seriously expect the casino to give you $5,000 credit if your check  account only has $100 in it.  The casino will be doing a full background check on you anyway, so don’t be tempted to lie about anything on the form.

Having casino credit is extremely convenient, and it means that you can always obtain a marker to continue playing the great games on the casino floor.  BUT, as I said in the beginning, you need to be careful with this one. Self-discipline is an absolute must and you cannot afford to lose control with casino credit.

The Ultimate Gambling Getaways

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Itching to go on a trip with your friends or that special someone?  Now may be the perfect time to start planning. The summer crowds will be gone next week and the weather is still perfect to have a great time.

Here is a list of some of the best gambling getaways available in the world:

Las Vegas

Yes, yes. I know this is an obvious one, but you can’t start off any list without Las Vegas as the ultimate gambling destination. There are so many great hotels and resorts in Sin City that you are completely spoiled for choice.  Try out the Platinum Hotel and Spa or the Four Seasons for top pampering.  Enjoy a huge range of activities, including sky diving, shopping, bungee jumping and a whole lot more.  And of course, nothing beats Vegas for some of the finest cuisine in the world.

Puerto Rica, Caribbean

Stay at the Double Tree by Hilton San Juan or the Hotel San Convento for the ultimate island enjoyment.  There is plenty to do, besides gambling and slots gaming of course, and you can visit the beach, horse ride or just take in the amazing views in this Caribbean wonderland.

Baden Baden, Germany

In the heart of the Black Forest, Baden Baden beckons gamblers who love the sophisticated mood of European casinos.  You can take time to visit the healing baths of this area after a tough night of gambling and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Think white beaches, sleeping palms and exotic drinks and you’ve got yourself the ultimate gambling getaway. If the only pace you want to go by is your heartbeat and you want time to stand still, then Paradise Island is the location for you.  Don’t forget to check out the gambling opportunities here too!

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Ok, so maybe this list isn’t impartial and maybe, just maybe, I’m a Nevada freak, but you have to agree that Lake Tahoe’s scenery ranks pretty up in the world with some of the best out there. Stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort or the quaintly named Pine Cone Resort.

Anyone want to add to my list?

 

Most Beautiful Casinos in the World

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

What makes a casino truly beautiful?  After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what appeals to one gambler may be a big yawn for the next.  However, there are some casinos across the world that simply have that wow factor.  Whether it’s the architecture of the casino, the thought put in to its building, the materials used or all of these together, somehow you just know that you’ve stepped into one of the world’s top casinos when you visit for the first time.

These are a couple of my favorites, in no particular order.

Sun City, South Africa

I don’t know whether it’s the exciting merger of ancient African tradition with the last word in gambling and entertainment, but South Africa’s Sun City just ‘does’ it for me. The resort, which boasts two amazing casinos , is not considered the gaming Mecca of Africa for nothing!  Sun City is situated alongside a nature reserve where you can go out and see the Big Five when you feel like a gambling respite, while the casinos also feature no less than 35 restaurants – so that you’ll never go hungry!

The Venetian, Las Vegas, US

Yes, I know there are plenty of casinos in Las Vegas, but somehow I always go back to the Venetian, even if it’s just to visit on my frequent trips to Vegas. The stunning decor and the feeling that I’m walking down an Italian plaza whenever I step through the doors of this hotel-casino makes The Venetian one of the top gambling destinations in the world, and a firm favorite among top poker pros.

Casino Baden, Germany

If you want a gambling experience that’s steeped in history, with amazing architecture to match, then this stunning 250 year old casino is the place to play. The different gambling rooms are named after real people who featured in our history books, making the experience even more unique.

Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia

Daryl Jackson did an incredible job designing Australia’s most famous casino, and you’ll be blown away by the fountains, the atrium and the lighting – and that’s even before you discover the super casino floor with the last word in slot machines and table games!

Gambling with the Law: Most Outrageous Casino Lawsuits Ever

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

How many times have you opened a newspaper and read that this casino or another has been named in a lawsuit, usually by some disgruntled customer who lost a little too much at the blackjack tables or slot machines?  Because so much money exchanges hands at casinos, it is natural that most of these lawsuits involve the suing of one side by another.  Over the years, I’ve read of some pretty outrageous lawsuits against casinos, and here are a couple of them:

  • In 2009, a man sued two Las Vegas casinos – Caesars Palace and the Rio – for not playing their part in preventing him from losing over $127 million over a one year gambling binge. The man practically lived at the two casinos over the year and wagered a total of $825 million- equivalent to the gross domestic product of the Virgin Isles! The man used to hand out fistfuls of dollars to the dealers and throw around Tiffany gift vouchers worth hundreds to show his appreciation to casino staff.  
  • In 2011, nine Atlantic City cocktail waitresses opened up a lawsuit against the casino they worked in, claiming that they were fired after new, skimpy uniforms were introduced.  The women, who are between the ages of 40 and 60, hired feminist lawyer, Gloria Allred, to represent them in their fight against discrimination. The case is still ongoing.
  • This one isn’t a lawsuit against a particular casino, but it involves gambling in general. In one of the strangest lawsuits I’ve come across, a woman from San Diego sued the chain of family-focused restaurants, Chuck E. Cheese… for promoting gambling! The woman hired a lawyer to represent her in a bid to prove that many of the activities in the games room of Chuck E. Cheese restaurants are actually disguised gambling devices, reminiscent of slot machines and roulette tables!  In her lawsuit, she stated that children shouldn’t be “exposed to casino style gambling devices at an arcade.”  It should be remembered that the top jackpot at most of these games rooms is a stuffed animal…

What to Wear to a Casino

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

I know of so many personal stories of people who packed for their first casino holiday ever, and came back sorely disappointed that their new designer dresses and $500 tailored suits sat unused, while next to them, slobby gamblers in sweats and raggedy T’s had a blast on the casino floor.  For those players from the US who think that dressing up for the evening to go to an Atlantic City casino involves anything more than smart/casual, sadly they’ve been watching too many James Bond movies. Of course, there are some five star hotels in Vegas that require formal wear, including on their casino floors, but – for the most part – the general rule of thumb at most Atlantic City casinos is “no shirts, no shoes, no slots”.

If you really want to dress up for the casino, then you may be wise to take your gambling vacation in Europe.  At least here, for the time being, you won’t be able to get much further past the front door if you’re not suitably dressed in places such as Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo or the Ritz Club in London. 

If you still want to turn heads without looking like you just stepped out of Vogue, try some of these classic looks:

  • For curve hugging chic, try the new bandaid style dress that suits most figures. Pair the look off with a pair of toe-peepers in nude or black, and you’ve got yourself a look that isn’t too dressy but will definitely earn you some looks.
  • Maxi dresses are always a favorite. They skim any bumps you don’t want to flaunt, and create the ultimate feminine look with their flow and movement. Complete the look with a flower tied to a chignon or simply let your hair down – literally!
  • Gentleman always look smart with a pair of dark trousers and freshly pressed shirt, even if it’s without a tie.  Trousers could be dark jeans as well. The idea is to look neat and crisp.
  • Remember that accessories could make all the difference.  A diamante clutch bag could add bling to any dull outfit, while wedge shoes could even make a pair of shorts look smarter.

Jackpot Happy Progressive Slot Triggers Investigation

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Holland Casinos in the Netherlands, the government controlled gambling entity, has announced an urgent investigation into a progressive slot game that has hit one too many times in the past two years. Last year alone, the slot game, which boasts a massive seed amount, was hit ten times alone, prompting suspicion among management at the state run Holland Casinos.  But suspicions turned to instant panic when the jackpot was hit seven times this year already, the latest two wins only two days apart from one another.

The Mega Millions progressive slot game has a EUR 1 million seed, which means that each time the jackpot is hit, the jackpot amount resets at a cool one million bucks. The game is found at all Holland Casinos around the Netherlands and players need to wager a mere EUR 3.75 in order to activate the jackpot and put themselves in line to win this incredible prize.  While the game is definitely an attractive one, it has never hit so many times in such a short period of time, and even an amateur would find a suspicious pattern to the wins in the two years or so.

Since 2009 – or a period of 28 months – the Mega Millions has paid out an incredible twenty six times, giving away a total of EUR 30 million! All in all, 26 people from different casinos around the country hit the jackpot and were paid out.  Last weekend, a woman hit the jackpot in Rotterdam and only 72 hours later, when the jackpot had only managed to reach the EUR 1,008,000, it was hit once more by a player in Groningen.

It was initially believed that these wins were random and just a matter of a lucky run on that particular progressive slot game which, incidentally, carries the highest jackpot in Holland. However, with the latest two wins, the security department of Holland Casinos has gone into full investigation mode to see whether there is something triggering too many wins on this machine.

It will interesting to see how this story unfolds… watch this space!

Australian Casino Finds Smoking Ban Loophole

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

An Australian casino’s attempts to offer its players a gambling opportunity in a smoking environment has irked the authorities to such an extent that even the state’s premier got involved and raised the matter in parliament this week.

It all began when Adelaide’s Sky City Casino discovered a loophole in the current gambling legislation which bans smoking in casinos and areas where poker machines are offered. The casino decided that if it couldn’t bring gamblers into a smoking area, it would take the machines OUT to the smoking area.  As such, the casino decided to move several of its pokie machines to an outdoor courtyard so that gamblers could continue smoking AND gambling.  The Sky City Casino moved around 20 machines out and placed awning over them to accommodate them.

Of course, it was only a matter of time that the authorities got wind of the casino’s antics and moved in for the kill. In a rare move, the gambling authority ordered the casino to shut the poker machines down until further notice. Politicians started getting involved and before anyone could blink, even the Premier had his say, calling the casino’s acts “reprehensible”.

Of course, the anti-gambling politician, Senator Nick Xenophon, also had to have his say on the matter and immediately let the media know his (already known) views on the matter and gambling on the whole. “This just shows people what a desperate and cynical industry this is,” he said. “The casino knows that smoking bans are giving gambling addicts a break from pokies, so the machines have followed them outside.”

The casino said that it had informed the local gambling authority that it intended moving the machines out, but the Gambling Minister said that it had turned down all requests in the past to run outdoor gambling in the area known as the Oasis as the casino.

The Premier even said that he would consider changing current legislation if it would close the loophole used by the casino. “If we need to amend the Casino Act, then that is what we will do,” he said.

Aussie Football Star Asks to be Banned from Gambling

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

A talented Australian footballer, hoping to reignite his floundering sports career and wean himself off a self-professed gambling addiction, has taken steps to ban himself from this pastime. But the Australian press is not buying it.

Brendan Fevola has reportedly written to all the bookmakers in the country, asking them to specifically not allow him to wager at their casino sites and establishments. Fevola apparently took this drastic step ahead of a possible deal that he is to sign with the Casey Scorpions. He told officials of the VFL team that he was adamant to put his gambling addiction behind him and start afresh.

Fevola was caught playing poker at Melbourne’s Crown Casino on Thursday and, in an embarressing incident, asked to leave the grounds. The casino told him that they felt it was unwise for him to be playing poker at $200 limit tables, considering that he had just left a rehabilitation center after 66 days of treatement for his addiction problems.

Over the past decade, the talented by clearly troubled player, has lost over $1 million to gambling. He infamously played away a cool $365,000 on horse races in one single day. Last year, Fevola admitted to being $200K in debt.

However, Fevola is keen to get back to earning money by playing football and has announced that all his debts have been repayed. “He said he has now written to all bookies ‘Don’t give me credit’. He told me that,” said an official with the Scorpions yesterday.  The official also said that there was a strong possibility that the player would specifically ask his ‘favorite haunt’, the Crown Casino to ban him from playing as well.

However, the Australian media is not being kind to Fevola, with The Australian running an article entitled “Sympathy has run out for a footballer with history of stupidity”.  The article says, among other things, that Australians “have far more worthy players and issues to concern ourselves with than the self-indulgent Fevola. Only when he truly recognizes and accepts he has problems he cannot overcome, accepts he needs a long and patient recovery, stops duping himself that he can beat gambling by continuing to gamble should we once again spare a sympathetic thought for him. For now, he is done with.”

 
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