Online Poker Tells: Checkboxes for Bets, Calls and Checks

There are a number of nervous poker players out there that have benefited from the advent of online poker, because by going online they rid themselves of numerous tells given off by their eyes, their hands and other shaking parts of their body.

However, just because you’ve taken your game online does not mean you’ve escaped from all forms of poker tells. Believe it or not there are a number of tells that only exist online, and poker pros have memorized them and can spot them like a science.

The most common poker tells are caused by using the automated checkboxes. For any true beginners that don’t have their online poker glossary next to them, the automated checkboxes are those boxes that appear on your screen after the cards have been dealt and you’re waiting for your turn to act. There’s a box for fold, check, and bet, and this allows you to pick your next move in advance. When you use the checkbox to call or check, it does so right away when it’s your turn to act. This immediate action is what causes the tell, because when you make the move yourself it cannot respond as quickly.

The most common tells are a quick check and a quick call. When a player makes a quick check an experienced player looking for tells will see this as a sign of weakness. The reason is why would a player plan on checking if they had cards worth betting? Unless they’re going for a check-raise or a slow-play, an auto-check almost always means their hand is junk. After picking up this tell you can use it by betting and stealing the pot even if you’re also holding a junk hand. If you know you’re up against a player who looks for tells, you can also use the checkbox to your own advantage the next time you’re planning a check-raise.

On the other side of the coin, a player who makes quick bets or calls usually has a strong hand. It’s not hard to see that anyone who plans on making a bet or calling any bet in advance must have either a great hand or at least a great draw. Whenever you catch a player making a quick call or a quick bet, be cautious because they’re likely holding something big.

Zambrano shines again as Cubs club Padres

Carlos Zambrano (6-1) made another quality start for Chicago, hurling seven
innings and giving up three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning five.
He had been scheduled to pitch Sunday, but was pushed back to Monday after
rain delayed the start of the game for nearly an hour.

Geovany Soto and Mark DeRosa also drove in two runs apiece for the Cubs, who
have triumphed in four straight. Derrek Lee went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and
Aramis Ramirez and Kosuke Fukudome each scored twice and knocked in one
apiece.

"We've been swinging the bats very well at home, putting runs on the board,"
said Chicago manager Lou Piniella. "When you do that, it makes it much easier
on your pitching. We put together two big innings. When we (hit) like tonight,
our offense really looks potent and good."

Randy Wolf (2-3) lasted only four innings for San Diego, surrendering seven
runs on eight hits and five walks. The southpaw slipped to 0-3 over his last
four starts, and 2-6 in his career against the Cubs. Sean Henn fared no better
in relief, yielding five runs on three hits and three walks over just 1 2/3
innings.

"(Wolf) pitched all right early," said San Diego manager Bud Black. "In the
fifth inning, he started to get his fastball up. The ball was up to Zambrano
and the ball was up to Soriano when he hit his home run. That started it for
them."

Jody Gerut went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two walks for the Padres, who
have dropped six of their last eight outings. Tadahito Iguchi and Edgar
Gonzalez -- who made his MLB debut -- each added an RBI, as San Diego fell to
12-4 in the last 16 meetings with Chicago.

San Diego deadlocked the duel in the third when Iguchi delivered a base hit to
right that scored Wolf, and then took a 2-1 edge in the fifth on Gerut's two-
out solo shot to right.

Chicago responded immediately, though, erupting for six runs in the bottom of
the inning. Zambrano began the offensive outburst with a double to right, and
Soriano followed with a blast over the ivy in center field.

"I feel very comfortable at home plate," explained Soriano. "I'm swinging at
strikes and being more patient at home plate -- that's what I want to do to
help the team win. I'm being more aggressive, but at the same time being
selective at home plate. When I swing at strikes, I know I hit the ball very
hard."

After Ryan Theriot walked and Lee singled to left, Ramirez swatted a single to
right that brought Theriot around to score. Fukudome then drew a walk to load
the bases, and Soto and DeRosa belted back-to-back base hits that plated three
more runs. Soto's single to center drove in Lee and Ramirez, while DeRosa beat
out an infield single that allowed Fukudome to cross the plate, and the Cubs
surged ahead, 7-2.

The onslaught continued in the sixth, as Chicago stretched its advantage with
another five runs. Ramirez worked a four-pitch walk to fill the bases, and
Fukudome then walked as well, enabling Soriano to trot home. After a Soto fly
out to center, DeRosa slapped another infield single, plating Theriot. On the
play, San Diego third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff threw the ball away, and
Ramirez and Fukudome both came in to score. Reed Johnson then connected on a
base hit up the middle, and DeRosa circled the diamond to give the Cubs a
comfortable 12-2 cushion.

The Pads trimmed the margin to 12-3 in the seventh, when Gonzalez singled home
Scott Hairston, who had reached base on a fielder's choice. However, that was
the only additional firepower San Diego could muster.

The Cubs got on the board in the home half of the first frame. Theriot smacked
a one-out base hit to right, and Lee knocked him in when he laced a double to
right.

Game Notes

Tuesday is slated for Chicago's Jason Marquis (1-2) to battle San Diego's
Shawn Estes (0-0)...Prior to Monday's game, the Padres purchased the contract
of Gonzalez from Triple-A Portland. To make room for him on the 25-man roster,
infielder Callix Crabbe was designated for assignment. Gonzalez, who made his
MLB debut as a defensive replacement at third base in the sixth inning, is the
older brother of San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

Who Will Lose Their Undies Tonight? Strip Poker - History and Rules

Walking through the streets of Las Vegas after a rough night at the casino, you may hear the screams and laughter of some other down-on-their luck folks, or even a pack of broke college kids, through the window of some rundown cheap hotel. Seeing that their luck was anywhere else but the casino floor during that night, this rowdy bunch most likely decided to cut their losses and partake in some good wholesome fun with one of the most popular and x-rated gambling games known to man- strip poker.

It has been suggested the strip poker originated around the same time in New Orleans as original poker (circa 1830). Around that time and place, gambling, drinking and womanizing- the main ingredients to a good strip poker game, went hand in hand at the popular bars and brothels of Louisiana. With the same spread of the popularity of poker to the neighboring states and beyond, its mischievous cousin tagged along and made its way to the hearts of gamblers nationwide and eventually to the world.

Admit It, You’ve Thought About It
Studies show that the most active strip poker crowd is generally between the ages of 18-30. Be it college students organizing a strip poker night in the dorm rooms, or a young couple hosting a night of fun for their friends, the game has made its way into the home. However, the game has gained a vast popularity on the internet through different software that allows players at home to compete against a model on the other end and attempt to win by stripping the other side of their garments. This should not be confused with online casinos , for the online strip poker rooms are usually created independent of any other casino games. Because of the virtual nature of a significant part of the game’s popularity, it is difficult to determine whether it has spread intensively throughout the other age groups.

For those still unable to organize their own event of the erotic game, National Lampoon’s took care of them. In 2004, the comedic group organized its first filmed strip poker match. It all took place in Negril, Jamaica at Hedonism II. Sixteen magazine supermodels participated in the competition and came-“dressed casually”, and showed their Texas Hold’emskills in front of the crowd and the camera lens. Veteran playboy model Taylor Kennedy walked away after “stripping” five other girls of their “assets”. The event was hosted by Carmen Electra and the DVD still sells nicely today on amazon .

How It’s Done

So you’ve convinced a few friends to try out this latest idea of yours and invited them for a night of drinks and fun. How do you present the rules? Well, first make sure that everyone knows the basic rules of poker. This will prevent any arguments once the game reaches the hot and heavy stages when most of the clothes are on the floor already and one player is about to re-acquaint himself with the group in a way he’s never before imagined.

The game is quite self-explanatory through its title. Players remove articles of clothing according to events that occur on the poker table. The loser at the end of the evening is usually the one who will be most sensitive to the cool breeze coming in through the window.

The game itself will go on in certain variations. Depending on how long you can allow the game to go on into the night, you should choose the pace of strip poker you want to introduce:

If you’re pressed for time, then fast strip poker is the solution. Here every hand goes to a showdown among all players involved and every player but the winner takes off an article of clothing. In this version of the game, each hand promises to cause a large number of players to remove their clothes on each round. It shouldn’t be too long until a winner is declared while the rest are trying to find their other sock from the pile on the floor.

With a bit more time on your hands, you can choose to suggest medium strip poker. Here, the end of each round brings only the player with the worst hand to remove an article of clothing.

If the whole night is ahead of you and there’s no work the next day, then an element of real poker can be added by playing slow strip poker. Here, each player is given a set of chips to play with like he would in a regular game of poker. The player who runs out of chips at any point in the game will remove one article of clothing. As you can imagine, at this pace, it won’t be before the sun comes when someone is finally found in their birthday suit.

For Your Consideration

Strip Poker can be good ("wholesome"?) fun if played in good spirit and with the consent of everyone involved. As long as it is played within a confined and private setting, the game is legal in most places in the world, though you should certainly check if you harbor any doubt.

Drinking and alcohol have undoubtedly become a part of our culture and there is no doubt that with this often come regrettable results. Guys, be careful not to fall to the temptation of inviting those cute blonde poker rookies just to try and exploit their ignorance. It is often suggested not to involve money in strip poker and by that, separate it completely from the casino, which contains its own stresses. Enjoy, have fun, go a bit wild, but most importantly, remain friends afterwards.

21 The Movie– Bringing Down The House

21 is a film adaptation of the book Bringing Down the House, by Ben Mezrich – which itself is a true story of a group of a group of MIT Card Counters and the blackjack team. The film stars many big name actors, including Kevin Spacey, Jim sturgess, Kate Bosworth and Laurence Fishburne

The main character in the book is Kevin Lewis, who graduated from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1994. Lewis was recruited into the MIT Blackjack Team in 1993 by Steve Fisher and Andre Martinez, two of the top players in the team. The film version is not totally faithful to the book, but tells a similar story of the students who trained to become expert card counters, and went on to win millions in Vegas casinos.

21 was filmed in Las Vegas, with many scenes filmed in actual casinos such as the Red Rock Casino Restort. Filming took a long time, as many scenes, such as blackjack hands, needed to be captured from several angles and repeated several times.

The film differs from the book in several ways – including the choice to set the film in a slightly different era, and use an all white cast – many of the team members involved in the actual MIT blackjack team were American-Asian. This casting choice has caused some controversy, however the on-screen chemistry of the cast that was chosen for the film means that it is still interesting viewing.

The story has a 'Hollywood touch' to it, with a little more glamour and some different cultural references and innuendos. The makers wanted to keep the same feel as the book, but having set the film in a different era, certain things needed to be changed to keep them relevant to that era.

There is a lot of similarity between 21 and an older Canadian film called 'Last Casino' – the Canadian film is not as well known, but many people feel that the films are very similar, as Last Casino was inspired by Bringing Down The House.

The main cast of the film is:
Kevin Spacey (as Mickey Rosa)
Jim Sturgess (as Ben Campbell)
Kate Bosworth (as Jill Taylor)
Laurence Fishburne (as Cole Williams)
Liza Lapira (as Kianna)
Aaron Yoo (as Choi)
Jacob Pitts (as Jason Fisher)

Ben Campbell, the character played by Jim Sturgess is based on a real person – Jeffrey Ma – a water-polo playing MIT fraternity member who went on to co-found a stock-trading like sports site called Protrade. During his active blackjack playing days he was banned from most casinos, and even now runs in to problems attempting to play at newly opened casinos. Ben Mezrich, in a recent interview, said that when he and Ma went to play at 'The Playboy Club' in Vegas he only got to play three hands before security guards told him he was not welcome. Apparently when he went in to the casino, and gave his real name 'bells and whistlers practically started flashing in the security room'. Jeff Ma makes a small appearance in the film.

Another character in the film, Jason Fisher, is based on Michael Aponte, who a card counting school – the Blackjack Institute, along with David Irvine – another MIT card counting team member. The Blackjack institute offers blackjack training seminars and home training sessions, along with books and other merchandise, including training software.

Mickey Rosa is a character that is based on an amalgamation of two real people – the original managers of the MIT team during the early 90s. One of them, Johnny Chang, is a recent Blackjack Hall of Fame inductee. The other is 'Mr M.', also known as J.P. Massar.

Semyon Dukach, a Computer Science student and member of the MIT blackjack team told The Tech – the MIT news journal, about his experiences “At one point I had a casino convinced that I was an arms dealer”, he said relating stories of his high rolling games. The team set up corporations and paid taxes to avoid problems with the IRS. They racked up winnings of around 5 million dollars over a period of two years.

Dukach still plays casually from time to time – he is recognized on sight at most casinos in the country, but can often find a table at hotel casinos – just before the interview with The Tech he had been staying at a South American hotel and won a few thousand dollars playing some casual blackjack. When asked about his techniques, and his time with the team, he said “It definitely wasn't wrong. We were taking money away from casinos.”

Dukach is quite open in his dislike of casinos – pointing out that they spread an illusion that a casual player has a good chance of walking away a winner, when in reality even a good blackjack player in mathematically more likely to be a loser. He dislikes the techniques that casinos employ to keep people gambling – techniques that include keeping gamblers drunk, and even using aromatherapy to make them more relaxed and inclined to gamble. Dukach likened the actions of casinos to date rape, saying 'They get you in there, and you don't remember what happened'.

The MIT Blackjack Team included Andy Block, who was a poker pro in the early 90's, and joined the team at around the same time as Jeff Ma. The team split into two groups – the 'Amphibian' team and the 'Reptile' team. Jeff joined the Reptiles, which was the team that was most focussed on in the book 'Bringing Down the House'. Andy joined the Amphibian team, so does not get mentioned in this particular telling of the MIT Blackjack Team story.

The MIT team were eventually closed down after Griffin Investigations tailed them around the country to try to prove that they were involved in team play. It took years for the company to get enough evidence, but once they did they informed all the major casino companies, making it impossible for the team to continue to operate.

One of their most interesting ventures was a trip to the Mohegan Sun casino just after it opened. The story goes that the first weekend, the 'Amphibians' went to the casino, taking home $250,000. The next weekend, the Reptiles, lead by Kevin Lewis, went to the casino and won $330,000. After that weekend the casino changed how Blackjack hands were dealt. When asked in an interview about the MIT team's winnings, the Vice President of the Mohegan Sun casino was unwilling to comment, except to say that the weekend they visited the casino was the least profitable weekend for Blackjack in the history of the Mohegan Sun casino.

The techniques used by the team were more than just normal card counting – they tracked cards in the discount rack, with different players at the table watching the cards and the shuffle, to direct known cards to create a winning hand, or to bust the dealer. While Mezrich makes the technique seem easy, it actually requires months or years of practice. It is easy to believe that if they can do it, anyone can, especially as Hollywood is glamorising casinos and gambling in so many films these days. The reality, however, is that the team members possessed mathematical skill, keen eyes, and strong nerves. They trained together for a long time, and while their feat could be duplicated, it would take similar practice and patience.

21 is the third film in which Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth have stared together. They have previously worked with each other in Beyond the Sea, and Superman Returns. They will also be working together for the sequel to Superman Returns, which is titled Superman: The Man of Steel.

MIT would not allow filming on the campus, so the scenes in the MIT bar were instead filmed in the Boston University pub across the Charles River. Some other scenes were filmed in the Christian Science Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

As well as the book which this film is based on, Ben Mezrich has written another book on MIT card counting teams – titled 'Busting Vegas: The MIT Whiz Kid Who Brought The Casinos To Their Knees'. This book has been optioned for a movie, but it is unknown when, or if, this will be made. The Busting Vegas book focuses on the Amphibian team, so pro poker player Andy Bloch will be featured quite heavily should the film conversion be made.

The budget for the production of 21 was $75 million. The film was originally scheduled for a summer 2007 release, but the purchase of MGM by Sony meant that a lot of projects were put on hold, including this film. It is now due to be released at the end of March 2008. The soundtrack includes sons such as 'My Mathematical Mind' by Spoon, 'Break on Through (To The Other Side)' by The Doors, and 'Jukebox' by Bent Fabric.

Duel To The Finish

By Will Veda

Oh, the glorious game of Baccarat, the casino pastime of choice by many high rollers including Bond, James Bond. Well, Mr. Bond actually played chemin de fer, a version of Baccarat banked by the players. Baccarat is pronounced bock-err-rah (the word is even more impressive if you roll the r’s off your tongue) and is by far the easiest casino game to play, but the glamour and extreme wagers intimidate many people.

The only decisions players have to make are what to bet on and how much. There are just three bets that can be made: Bank Hand (has nothing to do with the casino—it could easily be called “heads”), Player Hand (has nothing to do with any players—and could be called “tails”), or the long-shot Tie Hand. Heads/Tails? This game is just that: a coin flip; you either win or lose (unless the hands tie, which results in a push except when betting on that rare tie). You can’t double down or split or for that matter make any decisions on the cards that are dealt. There are stringent and non-modifying rules that must be followed and the dealer(s) do all the work.

The players do not receive any cards; instead the card hands are laid out on the table. Each hand receives two initial cards, one first for the player hand, then one for the bank, one for player, and finally one for the bank. In Baccarat, a player (the one with the largest wager) actually deals the cards and gives them to the “caller,” who is the dealer running the game. There are two other dealers, one at each end, that pay off winning wagers, collect losing wagers, and keep track of commissions.

The card values are: 2 through 9 equal face value, an Ace equals the value of one, 10 through Kings equal the value of 0. After the cards are dealt the caller announces the two card totals and decides if one or the other hand gets a third card based on pre-determined rules (listed below). Three cards are the most that can be dealt to a given hand. Each card value is only equal to one digit (the second of the total), meaning if a hand receives card values of 5 and 9 the total is 4, not 14.

Wagers are paid at even money, except for the Tie bet, which is usually paid 8 to 1. If you bet on the Bank Hand and win you will be charged a 5% commission (which is a tax—where’s the Boston Tea Party when you need them?) Commission is usually collected after the eight-deck shoe runs out or if the player is getting ready to depart. A dealer will keep track of the due commission by placing coins and value markers in a numbered box for each player.

UFC 84 Odds and Betting Lines

The UFC returns to Las Vegas with one of most anticipated fight cards in months, J.D Driscoll brings you the latest UFC 84 odds. The card is headlined by a lightweight title fight featuring champion BJ Penn and contender Sean Sherk. Two other bouts should prove just as interesting and could have easily headlined a card on their own. Tito Ortiz will take on the undefeated Lyoto Machida in what is will most likely be Tito’s last fight for the organization. "The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva will face Keith Jardine, a battle between two of the best strikers in the light heavyweight division . A very sold line-up to say the least. Below are the current UFC 84 odds and lines.

Current Betting Lines: B.J. Penn (-225) vs. Sean Sherk (+190)

BJ Penn opened around -190 months ago but quickly was bet down even lower. His odds continued to drift and is now no lower available at -225 at bodog. Penn is considered the best lightweight by most MMA pundits and one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world at the moment. Sean Sherk is an excellent wrestler with world class cardio, he has never been submitted. Sherk strategy will be very simple. Survive for the first two rounds and use his superior cardio to dictate the rest of the fight.

Latest Lines: Lyoto Machida (-220) vs. Tito Ortiz (+190)

Lyoto Machida is another favorite on the main card who’s line has been bet quite heavily . Currently you can bet him at -220 . Like Dana White, odds makers aren’t showing Tito Ortiz any respect. He’s the underdog at +190. He remains a fan favorite and with a respectable record. He has only lost to 2 men in the last 9 years, Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture. His motivation will be at an all time high, this is last fight under his current contract the result of which will greatly influence his bargaining power with other promotions. Should Machida stop Ortiz there is very good chance of him getting the next title shot.

Are you a lover of gambling than, you must visit the site ILOVEGAMBALING.com

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On visiting our sites directory there are various list of websites related to card gambling, bonus gambling, online gambling, sports gambling, etc… you will also get enormous numbers of websites related to gambling system, gambling resources, gambling software, gambling problems & many more. Gambling addition behavior causes disruptions in any major area of life psychological, physical & social. Addiction Gambling is sometimes referred to as the "hidden illness," because there are no visible physical symptoms. Gambling system can work during a casino visit, because it takes advantage of the short term fluctuations in probability. The player has the option of quite any time. However most of them end up giving back any profits they made. Best gambling systems learn how to play basic casino blackjack with an online winning betting method. Gambling industry continues to be among the hottest, most profitable business on the web because it combines the explosive growth of the Internet with man's natural interest in gambling. As it provide the modern gambling software in their industry. Gambling online resource is a good place to start for new and veteran players because, it has information about great list of reputable online casino sites, poker sites, and bonus offers such as signup, no deposit and ongoing bonuses, so that one could be protected from frauds. A card gambling game is played with a deck or pack of cards intended for that game that are identical in size and shape. Each card has two sides, the face and the back. The backs of the cards in a deck are indistinguishable. The faces of the cards in a deck may all be a unique, or may include duplicates, depending on the game. In either case, any card gambling game is readily identifiable by its face. The set of cards that make up the deck are known to all of the players using that deck. Gambling horse racing is the betting systems, sports wagering or general gambling. Gambling Horse Racing will provide you with lively discussion, advice, tips, strategies and betting information. Many people who enjoy online gambling are not completely aware of the full implication of the online casino payout percentage rate. But it is a very important aspect of online casino choice. Some people win, other losses money. Casino analyzes and make own casino payouts percentages. Payouts vary from casino to casino. Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. All these and many more information related to gambling are listed on the GAMBALING directory.

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Gambling information

What is gambling?

• Actually there is no single, clear cut definition of what gambling is but it is widely agreed that:
• Two or more people agree to take part in the activity (usually an operator and the person who wishes to gamble)
• Normally money (the 'stake') is paid by the loser to the winner The outcome is uncertain
• The result is determined at least partly by chance
• Participation is an active experience but can be avoided by not taking part.

A brief history

• 2000 BC Egyptians used knucklebones as four sided dice
• 1500 BC in China, spinning discs were used to play an early roulette game
• 210 AD the first recorded horse race took place in England
• 1588 the first lottery was approved in Britain by Elizabeth I to raise money to repair the Cinque Ports
• 1895 Charles Fey, a mechanic from San Francisco produced the first slot machine
• 1906 gambling in public was prohibited by the Street Betting Act 1926 the first greyhound race in Britain was held in Manchester 1926 Winston Churchill imposed a betting tax (abolished three years later)
• 1960 the Betting and Gaming Act legalised betting shops in Britain. Before this there was widespread illegal gambling
• 1964 Gamblers Anonymous was founded in the UK (having originated in America)
• 1994 the national Lottery was launched
• 1995 Lottery Scratchcards were introduced
• 1996 for the first time betting shops were allowed to have (a maximum of two) fruit machines
• 2007 The UK Government introduced the Gambling Act 2005
  

Responsible Gambling

Remember; GamCare does not wish to restrict the choices or opportunities for anyone to operate, or take part in, gambling activities that are legally available in the UK. But, we ask that you keep the following simple messages in mind when you gamble.

We want people to enjoy their recreation and spare time, but do not forget that being responsible is key to staying safe, out of trouble and making sure things remain fun.

• You’re buying fun, not investing your money
• Before playing, set strict limits on how much time and money you’re going to spend
• Quit while you’re ahead
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
• Don’t spend more money on gambling with the hope to win back money that you have lost
• Keep up other interests and hobbies – don’t let gambling take over your life
• Don’t gamble in order to escape from stress or boredom
• Gambling in moderation is okay
• The key is… if you choose to gamble, gamble responsibly!

For more information on responsible gambling please visit I Love Gambling

How do you know a particular online casino is safe to play?

1. Transparent: The casino gives out the following informations:

• What gaming software is used.
• Information about it's owners, where the company is located and registered, the jurisdiction and the authority the casino is licenced and regulated.
• Also gives information about where they Random Number Generator (RNG) is certified and who is they independent auditor.
• What financial transaction services handle deposits and payouts and your options to deposit and to receive your winnings.
• Clear definitions on they bonuses and promotions and applied terms and conditions.
• Contact information.

2. Security and Privacy:

• It uses 128-Bit SSL encryption when data is transferred over the Internet to protect your online transactions.
• They promise your personal details are always under protection and will never be sold.

3. Responsible Gambling:

• The casino advocate responsible gambling and prevent underage gambling.

Credible Online Casino Guide Websites

Before most people play their favorite online casino game versions of those land-based casino games, they always make it a point to read through an online casino guide for effective online casino gambling strategies, and they also recognize the fact that they should read credible reviews about the online casinos and the internet casino game developers that power the suite of online casino games being offered by the casinos. An online casino guide together with a large number of reviews about a particular suite of online casino games and casinos can usually be found on a single website. But how do you assure that the online casino guide and reviews contain truthful information?

Here are a few tips for properly determining if the website that offers the online casino guide and reviews you need can be trusted when it comes to accuracy:

• the website should not contain an online casino guide and reviews with excessive exclamations and the like that would resemble Spam;
• the website should offer updated and technically accurate information on the online casino and the games it offers;
• the content of the online casino guide and the reviews should not resemble words that come out of a poet's mouth such as overly positive and flowery content since these online casino guides and reviews should directly educate readers about the online casinos and its games;
• and the website should not contain an excessive amount of online casino advertisements that could make its readers think that they're being spammed by online casino ads right then and there.

PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING

As the clinical director of Keystone Treatment Center, I treat over two hundred pathological gamblers a year. I am a nationally certified gambling counselor, and I have written a gambling workbook, The Gambling Addiction Patient Workbook by Sage Publications. This book helps gamblers learn the tools necessary to establish and maintain a program of recovery.

People who need gambling treatment come into treatment financially and emotionally depleted. Most of them put every penny into their addiction. Gamblers are not bad people. Most of them have never been in trouble before. Gambling treatment is needed to bring the gambling under control.

It is difficult for some people to understand problem gambling, but pathological gamblers do not have the choice to gamble, they are addicted. When pathological gamblers gamble, they are in a chemical psychoactive high. The moment the gambling is over, they slip into a chemical psychoactive low, an irritable depression they cannot tolerate. In time, their pleasure hormones become used up, and problem gamblers must gamble to feel normal. Pathological gamblers are not gambling for the money, they are gambling to feel normal. This is difficult for some individuals to understand because gambling, like drinking, seems like a decision of will. But pathological gambling is a brain disease that is chemically and genetically driven, just as addictive as crack cocaine in certain individuals.

Gambling is big business in America earning the gaming industry billions of dollars in net revenue annually. Americans spend more money each year on legal gambling than they do on movie tickets, recorded music, theme parks, spectator sports, and video games combined (Christiansen, 2000). Gambling is very attractive, particularly to people who need money. The Illinois Lottery did a study to see who gambles, and found people who made less than ten thousand dollars a year gamble six times more often than those who earn over fifty thousand dollars a year. People know they can win millions by risking a dollar. A recent program on the Discovery Channel stated that gambling is so attractive, that when the powerball is high, ninety percent of eligible adults buy a ticket. There is no other commodity where the percentages are this high. The real odds of winning a state lottery are approximately fourteen million to one, the same odds as being hit by lightening seven times while waiting in the lottery line.

Seventy years ago it was illegal to gamble anywhere in the United States. Our parents grew up thinking that gambling was morally wrong, but our children are growing up thinking that gambling is as easy as going to McDonald's. Today, all but three states permit gaming, and it's getting bigger all the time. For the first time in history, gambling is available close to home. People can walk to and from work and gamble. State governments actually encourage their citizens to gamble because it seems like an easy way to collect tax free money.

Most people who gamble enjoy gambling as a game; it's exciting and fun. But some citizens are caught up in an addiction as powerful as drug addiction.

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual oriental Disorders, Fourth Edition, pathological gambling is a persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five or more of the following criteria:

1. The individual is preoccupied with gambling (i.e. preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble.

2. The individual needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.

3. The individual has repeated unsuccessful efforts at stopping.

4. The individual is restless or irritable with attempting to cut down.

5. The individual gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (i.e., feeling of helplessness, guilty, anxiety, and depression).

6. The individual after losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses).

7. The individual lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.

8. The individual has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling.

9. The individual has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, education or career opportunity because of gambling.

10.The individual relies on others to provide money or relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling.

The Casino Scrutiny Guide to Online Casino Gambling

So I thought it would be fun to own and operate a guide to online casino gambling, but I didn't want to run the same old "you can get a $200 bonus here type site". There are plenty of guides to casino bonuses already available on the internet, and some of them are very good at what they do, very comprehensive. What I'm hoping to do with this website is something a little different, something a little more personal.

My Personal Experiences

Casino Scrutiny is going to consist of nothing but my own journals and logs of my experiences playing at some online casinos. I've played poker for some time now, but I've never really done much online casino gambling, because I always had a problem with the odds being inevitably stacked in the casinos' favor. But that's how they make their living, and I'll admit to having spent some time playing Major Millions and some other online slot machine games.

Online Casino Reviews

That being said, I'm not entirely sure how much actual "casino reviewing" I'm going to be doing. I'll detail whether or not the customer service crews at these sites treated me right, and I'll go into whether or not I liked the software. But what I'm really hoping to do is capture the feeling I get playing at these casinos.

What's it like to hit a royal flush playing video poker on the internet? What do the frustration levels feel like when playing blackjack for an hour and hitting a bad losing streak? How much play does it really take to clear the bonus requirements at these casinos? These are the kinds of questions I'd like to answer.

So yes, these are online casino reviews, but they're not the kind of reviews you're possibly used to reading. They're not sales letters. Think of these as casino inspections, and think of me as being the guy who is scrutinizing the casinos to see what value can be found there, if any. I'll include the usual details that everyone has in their reviews, like the licensing and banking info, etc, but those details will always be secondary to my main content, which will consist of relating my experiences as an internet gambler.

Why Gamble at an Online Casino Anyway?

This is a good question, and I'm not sure I have an answer for it. I've been playing Gambling Online Poker now for at least 2 years, and I enjoy it. But now that I've gotten reasonably good at that, I'd like to see what it's like being on the side with the disadvantage now. And I think that like all gamblers, I want to beat the odds just once today. And maybe again tomorrow.

Yeah, I know the odds are against me, and I also know they'll eventually catch up with me. Being a casino gambler is like being mortal; eventually the odds will catch up with you either way. It doesn't mean you want to give up easily or early because of the eventuality. So, in the pursuit of things bigger than myself, onward I travel down the gambling rabbit hole. And what better way to get things going than a strategic tip.

New Las Vegas Strip Casino Plans Not on Hold, Says Developers

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the few areas in the world that no matter what the economy, people will always want to visit. That does not mean that owners and future developers are not feeling the effects of a troubled economy.

A rumor has been circulating that a new multi-billion dollar casino resort developer was putting their plans on hold. The struggling credit market was cited as the reason.

The Plaza is going to be the name of the new casino resort, and the developers are denying that there are any holds on the project. "We are forging ahead," said Miki Naftali, President of the Elad Group.

The plan is for a super resort that would have 3,500 rooms. It would be built on the Las Vegas Strip and would have many amenities that customers have grown accustomed to in Las Vegas.

The Clark County Commission will get to review the project on Wednesday when the plans will be submitted. The developers are hoping to have the casino resort open for business by 2011.

Las Vegas is in need of some new establishments in the city. They were recently surpassed by Macau as the gambling capitol of the world. Macau is also making advancements on their end, which could lead to a battle for gambling supremacy in the future.

Online casino types

Online casinos can be divided into three groups based on their interface: web-based casinos, download-based casinos, and more recently live casinos. Some casinos offer multiple interfaces.

Web-based Online Casino Gambling

Web-based online casinos are websites where users may play casino games without downloading software to the local computer. Games are mainly represented in the browser plugins Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Shockwave, or Java and require browser support for these plugins. Also, bandwidth is needed since all graphics, sounds and animations are loaded through the web via the plugin. Some online casinos also allow gameplay through a plain HTML interface.

Download-based online casinos

Download-based online casinos require the download of the software client in order to play and wager on the casino games offered. The online casino software connects to the casino service provider and handles contact without browser support. Download-based online casinos generally run faster than web-based online casinos since the graphics and sound programs are located within the software client, rather than having to be loaded from the Internet. On the other hand, the initial download and installation of a download-based online casino client does take time. As with any download from the Internet, the risk of the program containing malware does exist.

Live-based casinos

Live-based casino gaming allows web players to interact with games played in a real world casino environment. Online players can see, hear, and interact with live dealers at tables in casino studios worldwide.

OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY ONLINE GAMBLING

Like combinations always win in gambling, the winning of Online Casino Gambling tremendously are based on the combination of two hot industries – Internet and Gambling. While the first one is comparatively newer and a brain-child of scientists in technology, the latter is much older for centuries. Both have a universal application irrespective of caste, creed, color, ethnicity, language, territory and gender limitations whatsoever. The internet has made e-commerce possible through out the world and so also gambling which was confined to brick and mortar gambling dens inside various countries.

Simply because of this universal nature of internet gambling, countries through their governments are scratching their heads as how to promulgate laws forbidding online gambling. However some countries like U.S., Germany and Australia have enacted laws with a view to cripple wagering on the gambling sites by round-about methods of restricting financial transactions. These statues can only contain the citizens of these countries but here also there is a great escape for them to circumvent the enforcement of such poor-sighted enactments through offshore financial accounts. The organizers of the gambling sites also have a variety of options to cross the barriers of curbs on them, by incorporating their establishments elsewhere in foreign countries. Thus the “forbidden apple” for these countrymen becomes theirs for the tasting, once they launch themselves into the cyber-world as netizens.

The revenue loss is cited as the main reason for prohibiting online gambling sites by the respective governments, who are being pressurized by the barrens of the real world gambling outfits on the one side for fear of competition and the inability to track the taxation accountability of the online gambling sites owing to the vastness of the internet transactions on the other side.

As regards the gamblers are concerned online, they are least bothered about these promulgations and worries of their state governments and embark on their activities of indulgence in a plethora of online gambling sites. They are immensely pleased with the opportunities being offered by online gambling. The foremost of them is they can blissfully engage into gambling online right from the comfort of their homes; no commuting; no dressing up; no hassles of traffic jams; no waiting for a seat in their favorite game table; no jostling in the milling crowds with their annoying smells; an array of games to select from the sea of varieties offered; the warm welcome and offer of a seat in the gambling table any time and every time; a gathering of players in thousands from the nooks and corners of the universe; preference for appearing as self with introduction or in total anonymity; no entrance fees as demanded by the offline clubs and casinos; on the contrary there is offer of welcome bonus on registration as member in some websites; easy and hassle free transactions of money with secure software; modest price of tickets for betting for a long time and in different options of games; chances of playing free games and acquainting with the techniques of the intended gambling game, before risking their own money (never imaginable in a real-world casino or club) and above all fabulous prize monies through jackpots accumulated through an enormous number of players online, which is never possible in any of the offline gambling dens.

What Is Compulsive Gambling?

Moderate gambling, like moderate alcohol use, is an accepted part of our culture and causes no problems. As with alcohol use, however, gambling to excess is a common weakness that may lead to serious security problems.

Compulsive gambling, or pathological gambling as most psychiatrists prefer to call it, is an inability to stop gambling even when one recognizes that gambling is causing serious financial, family, work, or other problems.

Compulsive gambling parallels alcohol and drug addiction in many ways. Compulsive gamblers lose control over their behavior and commonly lie and cheat in order to continue their gambling. They frequently try, unsuccessfully, to cut down or quit.

Compulsive gambling does not involve use of a psychoactive substance, but the "action" which compulsive gamblers crave is an aroused, euphoric state comparable to the "high" sought by drug users. This aroused state is accompanied by changes in brain chemistry similar to those caused by alcohol or drugs. There may be a "rush," often characterized by sweaty palms, rapid heart beat, and nausea which is experienced during the period of anticipation.

Alcoholics and drug abusers develop "tolerance" for their drug of choice and then must increase their consumption in order to feel the same effects. Similarly, compulsive gamblers develop "tolerance" for the "action" and must increase the size of their bets or the odds against them to create the same amount of excitement.

About 2 1/2% of the adult population now has some degree of gambling problem. The rates of compulsive and problem gambling among 16 and 17 year olds are similar to those for adults.

The key difference between compulsive or problem gambling and Gambling Internet is self-control. Each social gambling session usually lasts for a set period of time and involves pre-determined spending limits. It typically occurs with friends or colleagues rather than alone. The player gains satisfaction whether he/she wins or loses.

Online Casino Offering Revenues For Life

Online casino Ilovegambaling.com has announced that it has joined the Everleaf Gaming network and launched a new program offering affiliates up to half of the total revenues they generate forever.

This latest deal takes the total number of online poker sites for the Red Planet Poker-powered network to 18 with the promise of more to come in the future. The Malta-licensed network provides fully managed turnkey solutions to independent poker websites and, according to independent poker tracking site PokerScouts.com, has recorded up to 206 concurrent players during peak periods with weekly averages of 91 players.

Also licensed in Malta, Ilovegambaling.com launched in August of last year and offers online and e-mail support to both players and affiliates. New players depositing at least $20 receive a full match up to $100 on their initial deposit and a weekly ten percent reload along with a monthly free bonus depending on their activity.

The St Julian’s-based online casino stated that, unlike many other affiliate programs offering revenue shares of up to half for the first few months, it is giving newcomers the chance to share half of the revenues for life with sub-affiliates receiving ten percent for the duration.

Affiliates have no minimum requirements in receiving their commission and may cash-out at any time of the month even if their account only has one dollar in it. Automated payments take place on the fourth day of every month and affiliates receive $100 to establish a freeroll tournament exclusively for their players upon joining.

The program also offers a mass-mailing feature meaning affiliates can contact current players at Ilovegambaling.com with messages regarding new tournaments and poker leagues.

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term "Problem Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

Our Purpose and Mission:
The Mission of the National Council on Problem Gambling is to increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education.

Guide For Users:
Go to the Problem Gamblers section for information and referral resources, frequently asked questions, self assessment tools, state by state help, directories of counselors and treatment centers.

Go to the About Gambling for information on the Board of Directors, staff, committees, conferences, programs, goals, annual reports and tax returns.

Go to the Public Awareness section for NCPG press releases, reports, literature, prevention and education tools, as well as first person stories of problem gambling and recovery.

Go to the Advertising Gambling Online for the National Certified Gambling Counselor application, exam information and an online searchable directory.

Problem & Compulsive Gambling

One of the biggest problems related to gambling and other compulsive and addictive behaviors is that the person with the problem tends to be the last one to see it. You probably picked up this brochure because you wondered either about your own gambling or the gambling habits of someone you care about. We're glad you had the courage to do so, and we hope the following information will increase your understanding of this problem area.

What is Gambling?

Risking money or valuables in hopes of winning more than you're risking is gambling. Calling it a "friendly bet," or a "gentleman's bet," or saying "We're just making the game a little more interesting" does not alter the fact that it is still gambling.

Gambling can include buying instant lottery tickets, playing the on-line or video lottery games, playing cards, dice, or dominoes, playing in casinos, playing slot machines, betting on sporting events (with or without a bookie), betting on the horses or greyhounds, betting on games of skill (bowling, pool, golf, video or arcade games), and many other activities.

But Doesn't Everybody Gamble?

Most all of us have sat around and fantasized about what we would do if we won the lottery or hit it big in Las Vegas. But for most of us, these fantasies remain fantasies. Perhaps we buy an occasional lottery ticket, but that's about it. And some people can gamble occasionally without it affecting their lives seriously.

But many can't. Time magazine estimates that there are nearly eight million compulsive gamblers in America, one million of whom are teenagers. An Illinois criminal justice professor found eight times as many gambling addicts among college students as among adults. Closer to home, a study by the Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling found that teenagers and young adults are at much greater risk for developing serious gambling problems than are adults.

In the central area of Texas (including Austin), the average gambler was more likely to be a White male (although females and minorities are definitely included), younger, never married, relatively well educated, but with an income on the low side.

More so than gamblers from other regions, the gambler from Central Texas said he liked gambling on games of skill, video lotteries, sporting events, high-risk investments, and card games. He said he gambled out of curiosity or for the challenge, he was more likely to have used alcohol or drugs, and he reports a higher number of substance problems. These problem gamblers also had significantly lower academic grades, and they were more likely to skip school.

What if a Friend has a Gambling Problem?

As we said at the beginning of this brochure, one of the hardest things about helping people with gambling problems is that they are very likely to deny they have any problem even when it's obvious to people around them. "It's no problem for me. I can quit any time I want." "It's not a big deal. I can cover my debts." "When I'm hot, I win back even more than I've lost." "My friends all bet on college football-it's just for fun."

If you think a friend has a gambling problem, show your concern. Don't avoid the topic. Do avoid sermons, lectures, judging and verbal attacks, however. Don't continue the conversation if you begin to feel impatient or angry. You may encounter defensiveness and denial. Don't take this personally, but make it clear you're concerned and tell the person how his or her gambling behavior affects you. You may have to set limits with the person. Don't be manipulated into excusing, justifying, overlooking, enabling or participating in the person's self-defeating behaviors.

If the person agrees that he or she has a problem, try to:

• Remain supportive and reinforce even small efforts toward change.
• Be prepared for some steps backward as a normal part of the recovery process.
• Help the person make contact with recovering gamblers and organizations like the Counseling & Mental Health Center and Gamblers Anonymous.
• Encourage activities that are not related to gambling, and curb your own gambling behaviors.
• Educate yourself about problem and compulsive gambling.