Gambling is a recreational activity prevalent in society today. Young and old alike, people are getting hooked to what today’s society calls as the game of the lucky ones.
Generally, gambling refers to any form of activities that involves taking the risk of betting the money or any kind of tangible items of value, which sometimes depend on chance or the skill of somebody to manipulate the game.
Since its inception, the profitability that gambling can offer to an individual is endless. That is why gambling had continuously dominated the world of chances.
However, even if gambling like blackjack, poker, and slot machines are so popular these days, people still don’t have any idea how it started and who started it.
Here’s a list of the people who, in some way or another, contributed to the development of gambling.
1. The first ever slot machine, known as the Liberty Bell, was invented by Charles Fey in 1985. Fey was a car mechanic in San Francisco when he thought of inventing the Liberty Bell.
The first form of slot machine was made of three spinning wheels that had three featured shapes: spades, diamonds, and hearts plus a “cracked” Liberty Bell drawn at each reel.
It was on 1907 when an arcade-like machine maker based in Chicago had thought of reproducing machines similar to that of Fey’s. The manufacturer was named Henry Stephen Mills. The machine was called Operator Bell.
It was from this point that the slot machines have evolved until today’s form.
2. In card games such as blackjack, nobody can ever tell how the game started and who started it. This is because nobody tried to record it for the purpose of history.
However, there were people who conceptualized the basic strategy for playing blackjack.
It was in 1958 when Cantey, McDermott, Maisel and Baldwin had devised a strategy that caused such commotion with both the statisticians and the gamblers themselves.
These four people have created the basic strategy in playing the game all using their hand calculators. After which, they created a book known as “Winning Blackjack,” which is now considered as one of the most valuable strategies in playing blackjack.
In turn, this gave birth to what modern gambling now calls as the “card counting techniques.”
These are the people who have made the gambling world truly a phenomenon. Though, there are people who do not accept them as great inventors because of the negative effects of gambling in the society today. Nevertheless, they have contributed a lot in gambling.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
When Losing Really Matters
As they say, gambling is a game of chance. This means that nobody is sure when one will lose or win.
However, there is only one fact that remains. In gambling, there is bound to be a loser. In fact, most people contend that a game is not to be considered as gambling if it will not have losers. This goes to show that when people gamble, they are bound to lose than win.
Today, more and more people are getting hooked up with gambling. They see this kind of activity as an outlet of their problems, a place where to get unwind from a hard day’s work, or simply a form of recreation. What they don’t know that when somebody starts to get hooked up with gambling, chances are he or she is bound to lose great things in the end.
So, how does it feel to lose gambling? Is losing really a part of the game? There are so many questions, yet, just a few answers. This is because people are not aware of the probability of somebody’s chance in winning the game of chance.
Here are some facts about gambling and its losing characteristic:
1. If people gamble more, chances are, they will lose more.
This is one great way how to lose in gambling. People just have to continue gambling and they will continue to lose more.
2. Because gambling entails a lot of money, most people tends to think that gambling is more about winning. They just don’t realize that losing in gambling has more impact and has more probability of getting it.
3. People will never win in gambling.
Statistics show that most of the people, who play gambling, will never be able to win because of the little chances that they have.
For example, in a game of card, there are 52 cards in a deck of cards, thirteen of which are four suits. A person’s probability of drawing the card that will make them win the game is only 1 in every 52 chances, and the chance of having a perfect hand of cards is 1 in 635,013,559,599.
Other examples are the games that use dice. Normally, each dice has six sides. This goes to show that for every 6 attempts people will throw, they will get 1 chance to get the number that they want. Though, there’s only 1 in 216 if the person will be using three dice.
Indeed, gambling is really a game of chance, even if some people contend it uses skills. With gambling, people are really bound to lose.
However, there is only one fact that remains. In gambling, there is bound to be a loser. In fact, most people contend that a game is not to be considered as gambling if it will not have losers. This goes to show that when people gamble, they are bound to lose than win.
Today, more and more people are getting hooked up with gambling. They see this kind of activity as an outlet of their problems, a place where to get unwind from a hard day’s work, or simply a form of recreation. What they don’t know that when somebody starts to get hooked up with gambling, chances are he or she is bound to lose great things in the end.
So, how does it feel to lose gambling? Is losing really a part of the game? There are so many questions, yet, just a few answers. This is because people are not aware of the probability of somebody’s chance in winning the game of chance.
Here are some facts about gambling and its losing characteristic:
1. If people gamble more, chances are, they will lose more.
This is one great way how to lose in gambling. People just have to continue gambling and they will continue to lose more.
2. Because gambling entails a lot of money, most people tends to think that gambling is more about winning. They just don’t realize that losing in gambling has more impact and has more probability of getting it.
3. People will never win in gambling.
Statistics show that most of the people, who play gambling, will never be able to win because of the little chances that they have.
For example, in a game of card, there are 52 cards in a deck of cards, thirteen of which are four suits. A person’s probability of drawing the card that will make them win the game is only 1 in every 52 chances, and the chance of having a perfect hand of cards is 1 in 635,013,559,599.
Other examples are the games that use dice. Normally, each dice has six sides. This goes to show that for every 6 attempts people will throw, they will get 1 chance to get the number that they want. Though, there’s only 1 in 216 if the person will be using three dice.
Indeed, gambling is really a game of chance, even if some people contend it uses skills. With gambling, people are really bound to lose.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Compulsive Gambler: How to detect one?
A compulsive gambler is a person who is not able to resist the urge to gamble. The compulsiveness leads to severe personal and social consequences. The desire to gamble becomes so difficult to control that stress can only be calmed by gambling more.
1. Walks, Talks and Breathes Gambling.
The compulsive gambler preoccupies himself with gambling. He tells story of previous experiences. The compulsive gambler often discuss with anybody willing to listen, his new schemes or next winning strategy.
2. More, more and more.
The compulsive gambler finds himself gambling more and more money. In most cases he is not gambling for a bigger prize but for an increased thrill or excitement. The time he spends gambling usually lasts longer than planned.
3. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.
The compulsive has repeatedly been unable to curb his gambling. Worse, he becomes irritable and restless when attempting to cut back or stop altogether. Unfortunately, gambling is a way of escaping or relieving his problems.
4. Lies, lies and more lies.
The compulsive gambler starts lying to family and friends in order to hide his habit. But lies and brags about winnings. He denies having a problem when confronted. Often becomes angry if the issue is pursued. The lies start to become a way of life for the compulsive gambler.
5. Show me the money.
He starts depending on others to help in dire financial situations. He often borrows from family and friends to support his increasingly worsening problem. Mortgages and loans are refinanced. Life insurance is cashed in, as well as his 401k. The gambler may then start committing fraud and theft to finance gambling.
6. Self Destructing
Career is jeopardized or relationships with loved ones and friends are eroding. There is a tremendous amount of shame and remorse felt after gambling. Will consider or attempt suicide due to extreme helplessness of situation.
7. Losing control.
A shift in personality often happens to the compulsive gambler. He starts being manipulative, irritable, argumentative, critical, and controlling. The compulsive gambler starts losing interest in his regular activities and hobbies. Then makes poor excuses or evades questions of his whereabouts. Often withdraws from love ones and friends. Sees gambling as a way to cope and deal with his problems.
8. No Sense of time.
The compulsive gambler begins gambling to celebrate and in crisis. He starts spending his time gambling on holidays and special events.
Prevention is difficult and will not always be likely. Counseling may help people who are more susceptible to compulsive gambling. People who know of relatives that are compulsive gambler might be at risk and must be especially wary.
1. Walks, Talks and Breathes Gambling.
The compulsive gambler preoccupies himself with gambling. He tells story of previous experiences. The compulsive gambler often discuss with anybody willing to listen, his new schemes or next winning strategy.
2. More, more and more.
The compulsive gambler finds himself gambling more and more money. In most cases he is not gambling for a bigger prize but for an increased thrill or excitement. The time he spends gambling usually lasts longer than planned.
3. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.
The compulsive has repeatedly been unable to curb his gambling. Worse, he becomes irritable and restless when attempting to cut back or stop altogether. Unfortunately, gambling is a way of escaping or relieving his problems.
4. Lies, lies and more lies.
The compulsive gambler starts lying to family and friends in order to hide his habit. But lies and brags about winnings. He denies having a problem when confronted. Often becomes angry if the issue is pursued. The lies start to become a way of life for the compulsive gambler.
5. Show me the money.
He starts depending on others to help in dire financial situations. He often borrows from family and friends to support his increasingly worsening problem. Mortgages and loans are refinanced. Life insurance is cashed in, as well as his 401k. The gambler may then start committing fraud and theft to finance gambling.
6. Self Destructing
Career is jeopardized or relationships with loved ones and friends are eroding. There is a tremendous amount of shame and remorse felt after gambling. Will consider or attempt suicide due to extreme helplessness of situation.
7. Losing control.
A shift in personality often happens to the compulsive gambler. He starts being manipulative, irritable, argumentative, critical, and controlling. The compulsive gambler starts losing interest in his regular activities and hobbies. Then makes poor excuses or evades questions of his whereabouts. Often withdraws from love ones and friends. Sees gambling as a way to cope and deal with his problems.
8. No Sense of time.
The compulsive gambler begins gambling to celebrate and in crisis. He starts spending his time gambling on holidays and special events.
Prevention is difficult and will not always be likely. Counseling may help people who are more susceptible to compulsive gambling. People who know of relatives that are compulsive gambler might be at risk and must be especially wary.
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Matter of Winning and Losing: Tips on Playing Blackjack
Today, blackjack seems to be one of the most popular card games. This is because playing blackjack is so easy to learn and play. Unlike poker, blackjack does not have any combinations to remember.
In blackjack, the object of the game is to get the sum of the two cards close to 21. When a person gets cards that are over 21, he or she loses the game.
Normally, a player receives two cards. After the players see their cards, they have to decide whether they would hit or stand. When a person says “stand,” this means the player thinks he or she is closer to 21 already. When a player says “hit,” this means that he or she still needs additional cards just to get close to 21.
Players can draw as many cards as they want until they feel they are close to 21 already. A player who is nearer to 21 wins.
However, there are people who have devised some tips and strategies to get an edge over the other players. There are times that these tips really can help some people win.
Here’s a list of some tips that players may choose to use them so as to win the game.
1. If a player gets 17 or higher, it is always better to stand, and if the player has any number from 13 to 16 and the dealer’s card is 6 or lower, it would be better to stand. But if the dealer has 7 or more, it would be better for a player to hit.
The theory here is that, if the dealer is showing a card of six or lower, the dealer may take a card, assuming that the dealer’s card facing down is a ten. The players, then, assume that the dealer is banking on a bust hand, so the other players have the tendency to maintain a lower card number.
The rule of thumb: players should always assume that the dealer’s down cards is 10.
2. If a player has aces or 8’s, it would be better to split them regardless of the dealer’s showing card.
3. A player should remember not to split 10’s. Chances are, they might end up getting busted.
4. If the dealer is showing 4, 5, or 6, it would be better for a player to stand on hard 12, or hit hard if the dealer is showing 2, 3, 7, or higher.
5. In order to win, players should always remember not to split fours, face cards, and fives.
Indeed, gambling is a game of chance, but with keen observation, winning is possible.
In blackjack, the object of the game is to get the sum of the two cards close to 21. When a person gets cards that are over 21, he or she loses the game.
Normally, a player receives two cards. After the players see their cards, they have to decide whether they would hit or stand. When a person says “stand,” this means the player thinks he or she is closer to 21 already. When a player says “hit,” this means that he or she still needs additional cards just to get close to 21.
Players can draw as many cards as they want until they feel they are close to 21 already. A player who is nearer to 21 wins.
However, there are people who have devised some tips and strategies to get an edge over the other players. There are times that these tips really can help some people win.
Here’s a list of some tips that players may choose to use them so as to win the game.
1. If a player gets 17 or higher, it is always better to stand, and if the player has any number from 13 to 16 and the dealer’s card is 6 or lower, it would be better to stand. But if the dealer has 7 or more, it would be better for a player to hit.
The theory here is that, if the dealer is showing a card of six or lower, the dealer may take a card, assuming that the dealer’s card facing down is a ten. The players, then, assume that the dealer is banking on a bust hand, so the other players have the tendency to maintain a lower card number.
The rule of thumb: players should always assume that the dealer’s down cards is 10.
2. If a player has aces or 8’s, it would be better to split them regardless of the dealer’s showing card.
3. A player should remember not to split 10’s. Chances are, they might end up getting busted.
4. If the dealer is showing 4, 5, or 6, it would be better for a player to stand on hard 12, or hit hard if the dealer is showing 2, 3, 7, or higher.
5. In order to win, players should always remember not to split fours, face cards, and fives.
Indeed, gambling is a game of chance, but with keen observation, winning is possible.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Secret Formula of Black Jack Winners
When someone plays a game, they play to win. One of the many simple games at the casino is Blackjack. For those who don't know how to play the game, it's always best to start by learning the basics.
When playing Blackjack the most important feature to remember is that there are four times as many cards that have a value of 10 (10, J,Q,K) as any other value. With this information, one must always assume that the next card to be drawn from the deck has a value of 10.
By keeping this in mind, one may realize that if one has any hand that has a value over 12 one will likely lose or in blackjack terms bust (go over 21). Likewise if the dealer's card is a 2-6 it is likely to draw a 10 card which means he will have to draw again, likely causing him to bust.
Another way to make the odds more favorable to the player than the dealer is by counting cards. This of course requires many pages and charts that must be memorized. Having a professionally written guide is very helpful and there are many different authors that have different styles and different counting systems. It's always best to get more than one opinion to find out which style works best.
Practice makes perfect. By investing time and money with online training software learning the game, it will eventually pay off at the casino.
Upon entering the casino, one must choose the right table to play at. When one observes that the players at a table seem to be winning a lot, it is a good time to join in the action. Likewise, if you notice the dealer has a lot of chips and the players seem to be doing more losing than winning, then look for a better table.
Reward the dealer by tipping when one is winning. If the dealer knows he will be tipped when the players wins, he may begin rooting and actually do subtle things to help such as performing less thorough shuffles and penetrating deeper into the shoe before he re-shuffles thus allowing the player to get a more accurate count of the cards.
Though if the dealer starts losing too much money for the casino the pit boss will likely change dealers.
Although it may be impossible to find the perfect game, one should be familiar with how certain house rules affect the player.
Keep in mind that as a rule of thumb, the fewer decks the casino uses the more advantageous it is for the player.
When playing Blackjack the most important feature to remember is that there are four times as many cards that have a value of 10 (10, J,Q,K) as any other value. With this information, one must always assume that the next card to be drawn from the deck has a value of 10.
By keeping this in mind, one may realize that if one has any hand that has a value over 12 one will likely lose or in blackjack terms bust (go over 21). Likewise if the dealer's card is a 2-6 it is likely to draw a 10 card which means he will have to draw again, likely causing him to bust.
Another way to make the odds more favorable to the player than the dealer is by counting cards. This of course requires many pages and charts that must be memorized. Having a professionally written guide is very helpful and there are many different authors that have different styles and different counting systems. It's always best to get more than one opinion to find out which style works best.
Practice makes perfect. By investing time and money with online training software learning the game, it will eventually pay off at the casino.
Upon entering the casino, one must choose the right table to play at. When one observes that the players at a table seem to be winning a lot, it is a good time to join in the action. Likewise, if you notice the dealer has a lot of chips and the players seem to be doing more losing than winning, then look for a better table.
Reward the dealer by tipping when one is winning. If the dealer knows he will be tipped when the players wins, he may begin rooting and actually do subtle things to help such as performing less thorough shuffles and penetrating deeper into the shoe before he re-shuffles thus allowing the player to get a more accurate count of the cards.
Though if the dealer starts losing too much money for the casino the pit boss will likely change dealers.
Although it may be impossible to find the perfect game, one should be familiar with how certain house rules affect the player.
Keep in mind that as a rule of thumb, the fewer decks the casino uses the more advantageous it is for the player.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Best Gambling Spots Online
Gambling has always been akin to mentioning Las Vegas in one breath. Nowhere has gambling been as lucrative and as consuming as it is in Las Vegas. Thus, no one has called Las Vegas the gambling capital without due cause.
However, the introduction of the internet has proven that traditional gaming venues are becoming passe.
Thus, here is a rundown of the best gambling spots that you could find online. A word of precaution to the buyer. . .be careful.
Feature Check
There are some features you need to check and verify before going into a website and loading your credit card information.
The website must be licensed. It also must have passed testing by government regulatory agencies. Thus, it must show and prove that it is regulated.
It must have policies against under age gambling, a code of conduct for players and for responsible gaming.
It must also assure the privacy, security and safety of the individual's use. Information needs to be encrypted to keep all client information confidential.
The games matter, thus, featured games must always be up-to-date, interactive and challenging.
Sites to Choose From
If you are into internet gambling, some of the best spots you can go to include:
* Sportsbetting.com is into the wagering system focused in online sports gaming. It has been in operation for 15 years now and one of the largest online sports gaming websites in the world.
* Sands of the Caribbean Online Casino offers a variety of casino games such as video poker, slots, black jack, roulette, and craps. It has been in operation, licensed and established since August 1997. It has won several awards since its operation began, such as the "Best Reputation" award for three consecutive years from the Gambling Online Magazine in 2001 to 2003. It has also been awarded the "Best Payout/ E-Cash Program" from the readers of the Casino Player Magazine.
* Winward Casino is another online casino leader since its operations began in 1998. What Winward Casino has that others don't is its wireless capability that individuals can play via their personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular phones.
Payouts from these online casino gaming sites are within the range of 95 percent to 99 percent each month. The customer service is also open 24/7 to provide quality service consistently to every player.
These are just one of the few online gambling spots that anyone can check out. But remember, always be alert and look for the safety features of any site before divulging your personal information. Happy betting!
However, the introduction of the internet has proven that traditional gaming venues are becoming passe.
Thus, here is a rundown of the best gambling spots that you could find online. A word of precaution to the buyer. . .be careful.
Feature Check
There are some features you need to check and verify before going into a website and loading your credit card information.
The website must be licensed. It also must have passed testing by government regulatory agencies. Thus, it must show and prove that it is regulated.
It must have policies against under age gambling, a code of conduct for players and for responsible gaming.
It must also assure the privacy, security and safety of the individual's use. Information needs to be encrypted to keep all client information confidential.
The games matter, thus, featured games must always be up-to-date, interactive and challenging.
Sites to Choose From
If you are into internet gambling, some of the best spots you can go to include:
* Sportsbetting.com is into the wagering system focused in online sports gaming. It has been in operation for 15 years now and one of the largest online sports gaming websites in the world.
* Sands of the Caribbean Online Casino offers a variety of casino games such as video poker, slots, black jack, roulette, and craps. It has been in operation, licensed and established since August 1997. It has won several awards since its operation began, such as the "Best Reputation" award for three consecutive years from the Gambling Online Magazine in 2001 to 2003. It has also been awarded the "Best Payout/ E-Cash Program" from the readers of the Casino Player Magazine.
* Winward Casino is another online casino leader since its operations began in 1998. What Winward Casino has that others don't is its wireless capability that individuals can play via their personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular phones.
Payouts from these online casino gaming sites are within the range of 95 percent to 99 percent each month. The customer service is also open 24/7 to provide quality service consistently to every player.
These are just one of the few online gambling spots that anyone can check out. But remember, always be alert and look for the safety features of any site before divulging your personal information. Happy betting!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Texas Holdem Lesson
Understanding texas holdem odds is the key to the success of the game. You must know, given the cards you’re dealt, what the odds are of making something better off the flop. After the flop you must know the odds of your desired card or cards showing up in the turn or river. You must at all times know the odds of your opponents having something better.
Real poker players are not the flashy made-for-TV gamblers of popular imagination--even when a moment of inspiration on ESPN or an oft-told story seems to portray them as such. No, successful poker players are men and women who know the odds at all times. They are often people with an innate ability to understand and handle numbers--not mathematical geniuses, but folks with a natural grasp of probability of poker odds.
This is what makes a gambler. Not an ability to read faces, or “listen to his gut,” or some mystical ability to divine human nature. These things certainly help, and are part of the game, but they are all secondary to understanding Texas Holdem Odds
And its not even close.
Those other elements of gambling--all the psychology and the tells--those are important for the big moments, the big decisions, the times when the poker odds are too close to call. Yet the day-to-day stuff is all handled quietly and efficiently by the business of knowing odds. Poker players who make a living at the game grind it out, day after day, with their probabilities and understanding texas holdem odds.
In some ways, their jobs are more like those of accountants or actuaries than any of us would like to believe. In fact, it was a former accountant, Tom McEvoy, who won the WSOP of 1983, and the profession is rife with poker players. The game has always been very popular among scientists, engineers, and mathematicians as well who all have an understanding of texas holdem odds.
In the intermediate section of the first book from the 5 Minute Holdem System well take a look at a few different kinds of texas holdem odds and calculations that figure into the playing of holdem hands. At this point, however, well just look at the basic texas holdem odds of drawing a given hand, and use this to examine their relative strength.
To learn more texas holdem odds situations sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.5MinuteHoldemSystem.com
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