Avoiding Online Gambling Scams Before they Happen

Gambling scams were never as recognized and as widespread as when it finally came in contact with cyber space. Online gambling, although beneficiary for those gambling aficionados, allowing them to gamble and avail of the enjoyment at home, also has some of its downsides more specifically the existence of online gambling scams.

Online scams usually include the refusal of a certain game company to “give you” your winnings. Some gambling scams may even go as far as totally refusing to let you win with absurd probabilities, and then refusing to let you cash out the remaining money you’ve got left.

One way to avoid these scams is to know what they are. Here are two most prevailing online gambling scams that you should be aware of, and should be able to detect easily.

Illegitimate Bonuses

Some gambling companies even go as far as inviting their former scammed customers under the ruse of “bonuses” telling them how sympathetic they are about you being scammed, and offering a bonus if you play with them instead. Just think, where did they get your contact details?

Well they got it from that short form you filled out when you joined the first scam casino, and they’re actually looking to rip you off again.

What do they do? When it’s actually time for you to claim your bonus, they say that you are ineligible to receive the bonus.

To avoid being re-scammed, never fall for these types of offers. Even if you haven’t been scammed yet, they’d still send you a bonus offer then refuse to give it to you once you’ve deposited your money. A good rule of thumb with online gambling, if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.

Piracy

One way to know a legitimate online casino is its affiliations and memberships; one such is the Interactive Gaming Council (ICG). However, logos provided by such organizations can easily be copied on the net, and what scammers do, is they imitate, sometimes, go as far as duplicating the design of a legitimate casino to pass off theirs.

It is a good measure to look up the name of the online casino on the members list of the certain organization. ICG and others usually provide an easy to browse and search members list on their web sites.

To make sure that the casino you’re subscribing to is legit, type the company name and the word review in the search engine and read about them, you’ll more or less get an idea of how they work.

How to Deal with a Gambling Problem

A gambling problem usually occurs when a person over indulges in gambling, ending up being indebted and having dysfunctional relationships with loved ones.

First of all, Gambling is addictive.  The risk and the winning can have a psychological effect on a person, making him unreasonable and irrational.

The first step to solving a gambling problem is acknowledging it. Gamblers Anonymous have the following set of questions to test if you indeed have gambling problems.

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?

2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

3. Did gambling affect your reputation?

4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?

5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?

6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?

7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?

8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?

9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?

10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?

12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?

13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?

14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?

15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?

16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?

17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?

20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

A problem Gambler would answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

If you are indeed a problem gambler, the following tips should help you out of your gambling ditch:

* Never take credit cards or an ATM card with you when you gamble, just take the amount that you intend to spend that day.

* Limit the time you gamble.

* Remember, there are more chances of you losing than winning.

* When you win, keep the money and have an agreement with yourself not to use it.

* When you run out of money, give up, never borrow cash for gambling.

* Never hesitate to ask help from a buddy. Bring a gambling buddy who’s not addicted and ask him to keep you in check.

Offline Gambling with Lesser Risks

There is no foolproof way to always win when gambling. That is why it’s called gambling, you take risks and reap the benefits when lady lucks sides by you, but this isn’t always the case. Most of the time people end up being addicted, losing all that they’ve worked for all in the belief that gambling is the real get rich quick solution.

Gambling is addictive; therefore there is no real risk-free solution. But a person can still continue gambling without really getting addicted or getting drastically affected.

High risk gambling doesn’t necessarily mean you spend a lot of money. Think of gambling as a form of entertainment. Like other ways to get yourself entertained, you sometimes spend nothing and sometimes a lot.

Think of it as a play that you watch, except you participate in it actively. Therefore, low-risk gambling is essentially avoiding the mindset of losses, if you don’t think you lost then you probably didn’t.

Low risk gambling is essentially a mindset, not a drug, not a shrink; you can avoid gambling risks by thinking like a low risk gambler.

A low risk gambler knows that as time passes, most people will lose. The only party that wins in this gambling arena is the company that runs the casino. 

Never expect to win back what you’ve invested as this can only set your mind to play and play until you realize that you don’t have any money left to play anymore.

A low risk gambler should know that he is only playing for recreation, for entertainment, and like all forms of entertainment, gambling has a cost.

By doing this, you don’t recognize the losses as losses but rather expenditures. Just put it in your mind that the money you lost is the amount you pay for the entertainment, and don’t necessarily have to be won back.

Low-risk gambling is social gambling. The gambling part should be done with friends, family and loved ones.  The presence of friends provides a content sensation that is very different from winning, and can help you focus away from winning.

Gambling on your own can make it seem like a form of work, making it serious, letting you focus on losing rather than enjoyment.

Low-Risk gambling should be limited, both in frequency and duration. If you’re trying to lower offline gambling risk, you should be able to draft a timetable for yourself. Compulsive gambling should never be tolerated, and this may be a sign of a starting addiction.

Lowering Online Gambling Risks

Scams

Online gambling has many risks, aside from the risks on the game there are also the risks of scams and frauds. In the internet, these aren’t really uncommon. The internet reaches far and wide and it is no wonder that our dishonest brothers have finally found a way to again con our more honest brothers out of the money that they’ve worked hard for.

Online gambling risk comes in many shapes and sizes, aside from the addiction risk, there are of course the risk of scams.

Therefore you should know if the online casino you’re entering is legitimate or not. In today’s day and age, that is very hard to do.

Scammer Casinos need only to copy the layouts of legitimate casinos and adopt them as their own, including memberships and certifications. Logos and banners are very easy to copy so be weary of these.

The only way to make sure that you don’t get scammed is to go to online casinos approved by trustworthy organizations like the Interactive Gaming commission.

If however, you get invited, to a site, don’t make any deposits yet. Look up their certifications and make sure that these are indeed true by doing a quick search on the organization that gave the certification.

Most online gaming organizations have a quick search function that allows you to search for members. Usually, scammer casinos don’t take the time to become members because they usually “change names” in short periods, usually when their scam gets discovered.

Like any form of gambling, the risk doesn’t necessarily come in the game. The risk is part of the game, but risks that we are talking about here go beyond winning and losing money.

The highest risk is getting addicted.

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, and shouldn’t be viewed otherwise. It isn’t a living and it definitely isn’t a gold mine. This is what’s wrong about today’s gamblers; they view it as a fast way to get money.

You should know that a low risk gambler views playing in casinos, online or offline should be only a form of entertainment. Once you think that it’s a living, it’s already the onset of addiction.

To lower your gambling risk, make sure that you limit yourself. Never play for more than you thought you would, or for longer than you thought you will. Draft the length of time and the amount of money you would play, kind of like scheduling dinner or a trip to the movies.

The Secrets to Avoiding Addictive Gambling

Narcotic drugs aren’t the only things that are addictive in this world. Gambling is also addictive. There have been a lot of incidences of people stealing, getting too indebted sometimes even committing suicide just because of gambling problems. In addition Gambling happens legally in 27 states in the US.

Some people say it’s hard not to get addicted to gambling. Actually, it is only a matter of self control and knowing when to stop. Gambling need not be addictive if you don’t view it as that.

Off course, gambling is all around us, simple bingo nights for charity, bets with friends, these are all a gamble, but why doesn’t everybody get addicted if it’s this widespread? The answer is everyone that’s not addicted knew when to quit.

Most compulsive gamblers lose their rationality and actually believe that they are “lucky”, that there’s no way that they can lose.

First of all you must know that eventually, everybody loses in gambling. The only party that wins is the company. Gambling was designed to produce net profits for the owners.

If you are gambling for recreation and not for winning, it may only be a matter of time before you become a professional gambler. These are the people who live off betting and risking. A large win might be the single trigger to make you believe that you’ll always win. And this isn’t the correct mindset.

If you catch yourself finding the urge to gamble, why not ask your family or friends to play with you in a low-risk game, like bet tonight’s dessert or who gets to take out the garbage. As much as possible, never bet with money.

If you’re starting to have gambling impulses, better stay off casinos or any place that focuses on gambling. Ask the help of family or friends so that you won’t’ be tempted.

When the addiction is really starting to get hold, it’s probably best to find an organization or a share group in your community that deals with these types of addiction. Like Alcoholism, Gambling addiction is curable, and what better cure than prevention.

Remember, gambling is your choice, you’re not being forced into it; you don’t have to do it to have a good time. If you’re starting to think of borrowing money just to finance your gambling, tell someone close to you about it and with their help, discuss the disadvantages and probable problems that could come out of too much gambling.

Bingo for Beginners

Bingo is probably one of the easiest games on the planet; all you need are bingo cards, bingo chips, the ability to recognize numbers, fast eyes and a prize, even children can do it. 

Object of the game:

The object of the game is to complete the pattern called for in a certain game with the lowest number of calls. Patterns are determined before the game starts, it can either be a full horizontal, or vertical, a diagonal, an X, a box, or what they call block out, in which you’ll have to fill your whole card.

The Bingo Card

The Bingo card has the letters B, I, N, G and O across the top indicating five columns. Each column hast a set of numbers ranging from 1 to 75.

The B column has numbers from 1-15, the No. I column has numbers, 16-30, the N column has numbers from 31 – 45, the G column has numbers from 46 to 60, and the O column has numbers from 61 – 75. Each column may only have 5 numbers from their respective range.

The card forms a grid in which the middle grid, the third row of the N column is labelled free, this cell need not be filled.

The Game

First you need a Bingo card, you may have more than one bingo card at a time, depending on your labelling ability.

The game starts when the host tells everyone the pattern to be formed.

Listen for the first ball, the host will call out a letter, either B, I, N, G or O, for the column and then a number, e.g. O-70.

Look for this number in your card and label it immediately.

The host continues to call out letters and numbers until someone finishes than pattern required.

The person with a finished pattern should immediately yell bingo! To inform everyone that she has finished the pattern and has won the game.

The host will then verify all the numbers and their position in your card, either by taking your card, or by you shouting out the numbers that made you form the patter.

Another bingo game may resume afterwards, either with the same or different pattern, or same or different prize.

The prize should be immediately given after a Bingo.

Tips

Never yell BINGO if you haven’t formed a pattern yet, this halts the games and can be a bit annoying for other players.

When Luck Matters in a Gambling Business

For over a quarter of a century now, gambling has dominated as an industry. More and more people do not just see this as a form of recreational activity but as a lucrative business opportunity as well.

Nowadays, there are almost 445 casinos in the United States and still growing more. No wonder why many business people are opting to start a gambling business of their own because it seems to be the in-thing today. And wherever trends come, business-minded people would surely dominate the scene.

However, like any businesses, operating a gambling business also entails careful management and makes use of strategic methods so as to increase the business’ money-earning potential.

Luck or Skill?

Most people say that operating a business needs dogged determination, skills in all aspects of the business, and luck.

Hence, it applies the same thing in gambling business. But where gambling mostly relies in the stroke of luck, gambling business owners should not do so. This is because operating a business, in whatever form, should not merely rely on luck but on one’s skills and determination.

Indeed, businesses also have the risk of losing or winning in the end, just like gambling. But nevertheless, it still needs the proper management and operative measures so as to have a successful gambling business.

Things to consider

Just like any kind of business, running a gambling business also entails money. A person can never continue running a gambling business if it no longer has money.

People should keep in mind that running a gambling business is not a “get-rich-quick_ scheme. Therefore, things that will be employed should be in conformity with the law.

It also needs good planning. Of course, there is nothing in this world that will be successful if not with good planning. Planning keeps the business right on track. It gives the owner a special guide in order to make decisions properly.

Moreover, dogged determination is required. Surveys show that almost 65% of the businesses, which were not able to succeed, had instantly given up their businesses just because of some trials.

And lastly, good accounting skill is needed in order to run a gambling game. After all, gambling entails lots of money, so it is just proper to keep track of whatever comes in and out of the business.

The bottom line here is that running a gambling business, like any other business, is not an easy job. What’s more, it needs a good combination of everything so as to get the business going, whether it includes luck or not.

How to be Smart with Gambling Scams

With the advent of technological advancements, people can find ways on how to do things differently. The problem is that some of these things do more harm than good.

One of the greatest problems brought about by technology these days are the scams. This is because with high-tech gadgets, most scammers can easily identify the information that they need so as to get hold of a person’s bank account, credit card, etc.

One great example of scams is those that are used in gambling. These fraudulent activities are so prevalent in gambling, especially online-gambling because a lot of people want to earn money. They are so hooked up with earning money that they tend to neglect areas that need careful analysis.

People who fall easily as prey are those who are vulnerable to ads that states about easy money, sure win, or higher chances of winning.

However, there are still ways to deal with these problems. The bottom line is to identify which gambling activity is fraudulent or not.

Here’s how:

1. People should learn to assess things whenever somebody is pushy about a certain thing. Chances are, if they are so pushy, they want to get what they want whatever the case may be. It’s like giving their victim a “now or never” ultimatum.

If a certain gambling activity claims it can’t wait until the next day, chances are, that activity is a scam.

2. Surveys show that when a certain gambling activity is offering lots of money in a short span of time for just a small fee, there is a higher probability that it is a scam.

The bottom line is that, if it looks and sounds too good to be true, chances are it is a scam.

3. If certain rules and regulations are too vague to be understood, chances are it may be a scam. This is because scammers will usually not lay down all the facts. They have hidden agendas or costs that will reap more money once they get their victim on the hook.

4. A gambling deal that would offer something for nothing is definitely a scam. In most cases, people get something without giving in return…at first. What’s more, they even give people a money-back guarantee, which may sound so enticing but all the more it is just like that, an enticement.

So, for people who fall to these kinds of situations, it would be better to be wary next time around. As they say, a person will never know what a scam is unless he knows how to spot one.

Things to Get Started in Gambling Business

Gambling is one of the lucrative gaming activities in the society today. It is lucrative in the sense that it renders endless possibilities for a businessman to earn more money.

This is where the reality sinks in, that, in gambling, the only person who gains from it is the business man or the owner of the gambling business.

This is because people who play gambling games usually end up losing more as they continuously try their luck by adding more bets and risking more money, and even property.

With this fact, no wonder why more and more people are resorting to put up a gambling business, especially now that the Internet is incessantly growing at breakneck speed.

Moreover, with the advent of the Internet, setting up a gambling business online is relatively easy. Best of all, you don’t just get to earn more money  but get to penetrate the industry faster and even better because of the wide diversity that the Internet can cover.

No wonder why in the United States alone, commercial casinos have accumulated almost $29 billion in just a year of gross revenue.

In fact, commercial casinos are prevalent in the US nowadays. There are currently 28 states that have Indian casinos, 11 have commercial casinos, and 40 states have lotteries. All in all, the US has 445 commercial casinos.

So for people who want to start gambling business, especially those online, here’s how:

1. If a person wants to start an online gambling business, it is important to get the needed items first. The most important thing of all is the software. Be informed that this costs millions of US dollars. This goes to show that people who want to start an online gambling business must be really rich.

2. Whether online or not, starting a gambling business needs an approval from the government. This goes to show that the gambling business being put up is legal and conforms to the rules and regulations set up by the law.

3. For online gambling business, it is a must that the owner has to be a licensee of an online gambling software provider. In this way, the business owner will be able to receive the necessary equipments and software needed in the online gambling business.

Indeed, gambling business can be very lucrative, especially if it is a legal one. And just like any businesses, proper management is the key element in order to succeed in the industry.

Gambling Addiction: How to Get Rid of It

There are many vices lurking in the society today. One of which is gambling.

What’s even worse is the fact that people who are so hooked up with gambling have the tendency to get addicted to it.

Addiction is a serious social issue that society is still trying to muster. With gambling addiction, gamblers just don’t lose money but life and family as well. That is why it is extremely important to solve the problem.

In reality, there are available measures and methods so as to treat gambling addiction.  Some of which are:

1. Through medications.

Usually, gambling addicts are treated through medications in the form of anti-depressants or what medical experts call as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or the SSRR. This medication has been proven to treat pathological gamblers or those who feel the blow whenever they win.

2.  Through psychological treatments.

Most psychologists contend that the problem of gambling addiction is often associated with a problem on their cognitive behaviour. Hence, it would be better to let the gambling addicts undergo cognitive behaviour therapy.

In this process, the gambling addicts are taught how to get rid of the negative ideas and replace them with positive ones.

3. Through group therapy.

Group discussions are also effective in treating gambling addiction. Through this method, gamblers will get to interact and discuss their own personal problems that led them to gambling.

One great advantage of this therapy is that gamblers get to listen to other gamblers stories. They will be able to understand some angles that may sound just like their very own situations but were unable to identify them because of the feeling of rejection or shame.

Gambling addiction must be stopped at once. It has already dominated the society and even perpetuated the problem among college students. In 2004, the Annenberg Public Policy Centre at the University of Pennsylvania has reported that 11.4% of their male students are fond of betting cards at least once a week.

This was deemed alarming because they had only 6.2% on the previous year’s report, which made it an increase of 84% in just one year.

Moreover, according to the Journal of Gambling Studies, gamblers who are college students make up 1.6% of the total population. It may seem little at first but the fact that the percentage is gradually increasing is enough to cause alarm.

So, the best way to cure treat gambling addiction is to lessen the chances of playing. This is because the more people can play the greater chances they get addicted.

The Truth About Winning Blackjack

Today, more and more people are getting hooked on playing blackjack. In fact, it is considered to be one of the most prevalent and well-liked games in the casino.

This is because it is relatively easy to play the game and with the correct strategy, a player can lessen the dealer’s edge and at the same time get an advantage in winning the game.

In order to win blackjack, players must get cards that have a total of 21 or closer to it. If the player gets a card over 21, they will end up losing the game.

In winning a game in blackjack, there is only one concept that players must bear in mind. They should always remember to utilize the right strategy.

In order to win a blackjack game, the player must know the basic strategies. This is because these strategies are considered as the vital element in winning blackjack.

The player's capability to use a line of attack and manipulate the game is the basic skills that a player must learn in order to win.

So, for people who want to win a game in blackjack, here are some ways how to do it. These things may not guarantee the players to win the game but using them will give them a good chance.

1. Players should know when to hit or stand.

Statistics show that 3 out of the 10 people who play blackjack make hits or stands without even knowing when to do it. Most of them merely rely on their instincts. Instincts can be a pretty factor in winning the game but it is not always like that.

So, it is a must that a player should know when to hit or stand just by looking at the cards already dealt and the cards of the dealer.

The idea of when to stand or hit is directly dependent on the dealer’s card.

2. Players should always assume that the dealer’s down card is 10.

This is based on the theory that if the dealer’s down card is a 10 and he gets a 6, chances are he will get the card. If he gets 7, chances are he would either be busted or the player’s probability of getting close to 21 is higher.

In this manner, depending on what card the dealer gets, the player can decide whether to hit or stand. The players will then have higher chances of winning.

Winning blackjack is, indeed, dependent on the dealer’s card.

HOW TO WIN POKER...Is there a sure way?

 As poker are very popular today and a favourite game to play among Americans, one may ask, if there really is a sure way to win at poker.

The answer is simple.  Study and check out these guidelines, try them at poker time and see for yourself.

Before starting to play the game, keep in mind these simple suggestions:

*Inspect the site.  Make sure that it is authentic.

*Read the terms and conditions of the site.  Check the maximum payouts and the minimum bets.

*Allocate a budget for the day.  That budget will determine how much you are willing to lose or to win in the game. Stick to the limit.

*Do not gamble if you cannot afford to lose.

*Practice playing the game.  Familiarize yourself with the game first before you play for real money.

At the table, here are some warnings that you should always remember:

*If you do make a big win, do not be greedy, stop.  Making a big win and gambling it all over again is a big sign of greediness.

*In poker, overall winnings are what count most.  If you are losing, or have already lost your allotted money for the day, don’t try to win your losses back.  You won't.  Stop.  Tomorrow is another day.

*Drinking alcohol is a big no no at poker time.  It can serious affect your judgment.  So stay away from it while on the game.

*Never take side bets.  Usually these are just gimmicks, so that more money will go to the casino.

*Never gamble your hard earned money unless you are very much ready to lose it.

While in the game, here are some important ideas to think about:

*Gaze at your opponent's eye.  Survey all their moves.  Observe them, to better know them.  This way, you will fear them less.  This way, you will know when they are bluffing or not.

*Play in silence.  Have that conversation with yourself as well as think deep to your opponents actions. Concentrate.

*Base your decisions on what the reality is.  See all movements as they are. Do not fear, instead, be calm and assess their moves accordingly.

*Don't take it personally.  At the poker table, it is always unavoidable that your opponent can irritate you.  Never give in to such responses.  Stay within the good game.  Be cool and objective. This is a bluffing game. 

But do keep in mind that just because your opponent has bluffed earlier, it does not mean that he does all the time.  Think tight.  Review each move.

*Think about what your opponents have.  Create a situation.  So when deciding, you'll have a better chance to be right.

*Know when to stop.  Is the hand that you are raising now the hand you folded a while ago?  This is a sign that you should go home.

*Play to enjoy. Do not play if you are sad, bored or tired.  If you can't play having enjoyment as your goal, then don't play at all!

ILLEGAL FORMS OF GAMBLING..WHAT ARE THEY?                                           

Gambling can come in many different forms and manner, carrying with it risks of varying levels.  An individual can gamble and can bet on all sorts of things.  Gambling is currently very popular and continues to expand around the world.

Legal forms of gambling are those that are being run directly by charitable institutions, companies for profit or government agencies.

Whereas illegal forms of gambling are those by which bets are placed on underground gambling services, the internet, being such.  Gambling among peers or associates such as playing poker or pool that includes real money betting is also considered illegal.

Each City or State has complex rules that dictate legal or illegal gambling. Here are different forms of gambling:

*Casino.  This is a form of gambling rapidly growing especially in the internet, as an online gaming site.  This is a set up, usually referred to as "the house" wherein players can play in such games of chance, which include slot machines, poker, black jack, keno and roulettes.

*Sports betting.  In other parts of the world, this is considered legal.  Here in the United States, betting on individual sports events is accepted only as legal in Nevada.  This is partly because of the possibility for such events to be "fixed". As certain cases does happen when gamblers pay sports teams to lose in the game. 

*Horse racing is the most common type of legal gambling.  This is presided over by the pari-mutuel or French for mutual stake. 

This system works in such a way that all the betting is place in a fund, where it will be divided among winning bettors, minus a certain percentages that will go to the track.

*Lotteries.  This works such that tickets are being sold for a certain set of amount.  A portion of the proceeds is given back to the winners, through random draw process.  In most cases, while other players choose their own numbers, others allow the computer to pick numbers for them.

Such type of gambling offers different games.  There are instant scratch tickets, wherein an individual may win instantly with the right combinations on the ticket and super lotto's that offer increasing jackpots until such time that there is a winner. 

Eighty percent of States in the U.S. have laws that allow lotteries run by government.  Thus, twenty five percent of all legal gambling revenues are from lottery.

*Other forms of gambling include bingo, dog races, pool, playing ma jong and the stock market.

Gambling can be seen everywhere, especially today, where the internet offers a lot of sites where such forms of gambling can easily be accessed. This is why it is important to carefully assess the site or the place that you are in, before making any move.

LAS VEGAS GAMBLING TIPS....WALK OUT A WINNER!

Las Vegas, famous for tourism, entertainment and gaming, is "THE" entertainment capital of the world.

In Vegas, playing can be a lot of fun.  Playing can be very easy and winning there, can take little effort too.  But a question to ask is how to leave Las Vegas with money.  This is a deception that gamblers often encounter.

Here are a few general pointers to go home with your winnings:

*Set a rule for the pit games and as much as possible, stick to it.  It could be that you play no pit games at all, or if you should, set a strict budget. 

*Have some rest.  Playing can take place for hours.  If you find yourself losing, stop and have some rest.  Take the time to do other things, like going up to your hotel room to change, watch television, or sleep. 

After which you can then go back to the game.  Chances are, the winners have already left and losers are already drunk, so take advantage of the situation!

* Look around and study the players first.  These are unfamiliar faces.  Be attentive as to how they play the game.  Never be hesitant to change tables for better luck, if your game is not going smoothly. 

*When playing thru a slot machine, change your bet every time you spin.  Avoid betting the same amount of coins every spin.  This is good at machines that offer free spins.

*At slots, don't bet on all pay lines.  Bet maximum coins on just a few.

*Say no to alcoholic drinks while at play.  When high in alcohol, one tends to have great guts.  Avoid it; you might be very daring as to place a large bet for not so good cards.

*Manage your money well.  Allot a certain amount that you want to play with for the day.  Play the money through the slot machine only once.  

After that, take whatever winnings you have or stop if the allotted money is all used up.  If playing pit games, do the same, play within a budget.

*If you lose, you quit, Simple.  You will know your luck as you play along.  If you tend to be losing, don't push it and bet harder hoping you can win and recuperate.

  But, as in any game, the best strategy is patience.  Watch a while, stand back and study the statistics. 

Gambling above all, whether one be an expert or not, is a game of luck.

PERMISSIBLE GAMBLING

It's a fact that the legalization of some forms of gambling paved the way for the construction of gaming establishments catering for these services everywhere both public and private.

While some argue that gambling forms part of social ills the public have to deal with, indeed, the many benefits gambling contributes far outweighs the social costs it generates.

Gambling has become increasingly popular. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services survey (2003), more than 80 percent of U.S. adults have engaged once in gambling in the previous year. This figure alone gives you an idea how much money is generated from this commerce.

There are a considerable number of legal forms of gambling and innumerable places to look for them but before jumping into those busy tables let's have some checklists determining which works best for you without you getting into trouble.

• Casinos are the way to go - If you would like to experience something more personal, land based casinos are the best place to go. Casinos accommodate majority of the most popular gambling activities. You can play games of all sorts from poker to slot machines.

• Stop, Look, and Listen! - More often than not friends and acquaintances provide you valuable information and help you decide which place is best place to sweat on that excitement.

• Go high-tech - Latest research shows that 2 out of 25 Internet users have wagered on gaming centres online. Love casinos but do not have much of time to travel? Try it online.

• Watch out for Software! - Legitimate gaming companies openly inform the public which gaming software they use to operate on their respective sites.

Among those that still remain popular and are protected by gaming policies are Boss media, Wagerlogic, and Micro gaming although some use Playtech or Cryptologic. Keep away from Iglobalmedia, Electra Games, Handa-Lopez.

• Lottery - For most of us who cannot afford casinos, there is still another way to make that bet! Lottery is the answer. This form of gambling is perhaps largely participated and the cheapest way to put wager on. Select and win!

• Gamble with Sports - If you love both worlds, a handful of organized sports events like football or baseball allows you to place your bets on your favourite team through official wagers or bookmakers. In fact a handful of card games made their way to sports. One of them is Poker while others are still being played in-house such as Baccarat.

• Gamble Responsibly - While it’s true that we gamble for entertainment, we cannot underestimate the fact that some are predisposed to addiction. Only spend what you can afford to lose!

Tips on Beating the Odds!

There seems to be a thousand ways to gamble just as are there are a thousand ways and chances to lose. But let's face it, for most betters gambling is not about living the "bet-and-leave-if-you-lose" attitude. They play to win!

In any endeavour, it's essential to know the rules of the game in order to play it better and stay on the winning edge.

Keeping simple advice in mind and mastering several gaming strategies before jumping into any gambling activity will help you increase your chances of beating the bookies and eventually overpower them.

While it's true that this article aims to develop your winning potential, one mustn't forget that gambling is not all about winning. We gamble for fun while keeping a system which helps us defeat the percentage of losing.

Here are a few tips which you can apply when engaging in any gambling activity. It is also important to keep in mind that these systems are not perfect but following them offers you a great deal of certainty in winning.

• Keep It Small - Going small time won't hurt and is good to your pocket. Big time betting is perfect if you are sure that your chance of winning is always 100%.  You may lose your money in the end but you may have enjoyed the activity for a long time.

• Bet With Lucky Pals - There are hands and there are hands for gambling. Bet with lucky gamblers of the day.

No matter how you master the system operating on every game, if the day does not favour your side then live with it. Joseph Conrad once said that, "It is the mark of an inexperienced man not to believe in luck."

• Eye on the Pattern - Go with the flow. Bet on the numbers/players which gets the most wins. Predict its chances by keeping history of their wins and losses. This helps you formulate a decision when risking your stake for them.

• Avoid the favourites! - Good betting is impeded by unhealthy judgment about favourite players, numbers, etc. Improve your judgment by weighing the odds while looking at other prospects that get the possibility of winning.

• Unleash Your Psychic powers - Confucius implied that the first thing that comes in your mind is usually the best answer to a question. Playing on your inner psychic power pays!

• Stop Ahead - Be in control of your winnings. Take over gambling more than it takes over you.

• Gamble for fun - While it’s true that some people gamble to win, we must also consider that it was originally created to provide fun and entertainment. Investing in gambling is a bad idea!

GOING HIGH TECH WITH ONLINE GAMBLING

Just as traditional medicine was replaced by sophisticated capsulated drug production, the introduction of modern technology assisted gambling in making its way to the online world.

Whether you choose to gamble your money through the traditional or the virtual way the following tips will guide you on what's hot and what's not of the gambling world.

Should you choose to use online gambling products, here are a few tips on how to avoid risking those wagers while keeping your online micro gaming experience enjoyable.

• Who's who? - Current research shows that 3 out of 5 online gamblers fall into mischief.  It’s important to know the online operator of the online gaming site you are visiting before wagering those bucks so transactions will be easy should disputes arise.

• Is it Legal? - Applicable laws pertaining to online gambling exist in every US state so you may assume that every state varies in the provisions of the laws covering such activity.

• Is it Legit? - Despite the strict laws existing against offending online gaming sites there remain some people who prey on people's money. There are online gaming centres which are legally commissioned to conduct micro gaming events. And one way to recognize them is by the type of software from which these sites operate.

Software such as OddsOn, Playtech, Cryptologic, and Microgaming, are just some of the most favourite. Suspicious sites do not display these software’s. These sites are not legally bonded and are not protected by active gambling policies in the area where they are allowed to operate.

• Know the Rules! - Luck works and there are simply lots of psychology working on those lethal moves. Master the simple systems at which the game operates and you are certainly an edge away against the bookies!

• Read, Read, and Read - One fact about gambling is that most operators won't disclose real information about the details of the payout. Read the fine prints. It saves you in the long run.

• Develop a Strategy - As far as chance gaming is concerned, knowing when to go flops or turn cards is just as important as planning a military assault against your opponent. Varied but intelligently appropriate strikes are important.

• Risk it! - You tend to deregulate the amount of money coming out your of pocket as you progress. Latest statistics show that sixteen US states are currently financing gambling related problems.

Gaming and gambling is a form of entertainment so you expect to lose some money in the end. Given the consequences, realizing the money you can afford to blow out is important.

What You Don’t Know May Hurt You: Avoid Offline Gambling Scams

With commodities escalating to greater heights, more and more people are continuously are getting poorer each day. Here, there, and everywhere, people can be found seeking ways to sustain their daily lives.

Hence, getting into fraudulent activity is another way of combating the hard times. No wonder why people are experiencing scam-related activities these days, especially those who are into gambling activities. This is because in gambling, more people are easily enticed to engage into activities that will give them an easy way to win.

The Common Offline Gambling Scam

Contrary to most popular belief, gambling scams do not just happen in the Internet. In fact, surveys show that there are more people who get victimized by scammers off line than online.

One of the common gambling scams is the identity theft. This is so prevalent because most of the people who play in the casinos use their credit cards to buy the chips.

For people who are not aware of the scheme, they will fall easily as prey. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has estimated 350,000 to 500,000 of identity theft cases in the United States each year. This goes to show that more people are not as aware of how their identity gets to be stolen.

How to avoid them

There is no better way to avoid any kind of scam but to educate one’s self. Proper information about these activities will definitely help people identify any probable signs of scam at once.  It is alarming to note that there are so many cases of scams these days just because people are not aware of them.

In the Financial Crimes Division of the Secret Service, authorities receive approximately 11 complaints a day from victims and 300 to 500 calls from people who have related problems. Most of the reasons why they were victimized were based on the fact that they did not know it was a scam and that the idea presented to them seemed okay.

Indeed, if people are just aware of the things that are happening around them, things would be better. So, in order to give those scammers the things that they truly deserve, it’s best to educate people about the activities so that they can easily report the fraudulent person at once.

As they say, ignorance is not an excuse. It really pays to know everything.

ONLINE CASINO TRIVIA....Great bonuses!                                                  

What is online gambling?

Exceptional and wide choice of games

Allowing the gambler to train

Exercise and refine one's skill

Any game, at anytime and anywhere

This is online gambling.

Considered as the fastest growing section on the internet, it offers online gaming such as poker, black jack, slots and a lot more.  With its availability, a player can enjoy his games right in his home.

Though very overwhelming at first tries, one gets to be at ease and enjoy the game in no time.  For winners, casino offers bonuses that players look forward to.  Trivia questions are one such bonuses or incentives given to the lucky player.

Bonuses are offered by almost all casinos online.  This too, enables the player to try gaming without a large initial investment.  This attracts people to play at certain sites, and hopefully keep on playing.  Trivia’s are offered as incentives.

There are rules in bonuses or incentives.  Try to familiarize yourself:

*The maximum amount that a player may win which comes with a free account is limited.

*For payouts on the amount won by a player that include free accounts will take a while to be cleared.  Screening and checking of the individual's records is done meticulously.

*Free account may be withdrawn only through certain methods of payment.

*Before requesting payout, it is a must that free accounts be open for certain number of days beforehand.

Here are sites with corresponding bonuses:

River Nile Casino - $15 FREE + additional casino bonus

Lucky Emperor Casino - $10 FREE + additional casino bonus

Virtual City Casino - $10 FREE + additional bonus

Jackpot City Casino - $25 FREE + additional bonus

Aceshigh Casino - $15 FREE + additional casino bonus

Club Player Casino - $16 FREE + additional casino bonus

Crazy Vegas Casino - $10 FREE + additional bonus

Casino Kingdom - $16 FREE + additional bonus

Aztec Riches Casino - $10 FREE + additional casino bonus

Usually, one goes through this process:

*Choosing a safe and licensed casino with good payouts and offer bonuses is the right start for the amateur gambler.

*Then one has to download the free software to start the online gambling process.

*After which, the gambler sets an account, providing all details where they can send one their winnings.  So it is important that one should carefully type in all data as correctly as possible.

*Then, one now can try the different games his chosen site has to offer.

*After lots of practice, and if one now is ready to play for real money, then go ahead.  This requires payment though credit card, Western Union, Stormpay or NETeller.  So choose your options well.

*It is then time to claim your bonus.  Try out all the available games.

*Then, you can now claim your winnings! Check out your casino site for details on how to claim it.

*Enjoy !

ONLINE GAMBLING GUIDE ...TO A BETTER GAME                                  

When gambling online, select the casino site carefully to avoid being scammed.  Review the site wisely.  Don't just give your credit card number to the first site you find in the net.  Take the time to ask yourself these questions:

*Is the site authentic? Look if it is government licensed.  If not, go locate another site.

*Does the site have a twenty four hour toll free customer service support?  If not, look for other sites.

*For slot machines and pokers, what is their smallest denomination?  Look for a variety in denominations. They should have nickels, quarters, dollar as well as five dollar machines.

*How many versions of video poker do they offer?  They should have at least three, because this will be your basis that the site has money for the software, therefore it can afford to pay you your winnings.

*Does the casino site have a place to record and keep track of purchases and cash out?

*What about customer care? Test them.  By sending them an email with a question, you can assess their customer service. 

*Does this site have a good reputation? What software does it use?  Know how to collect your winnings.  They should have detailed information about this.

*How many days will it take for you to claim your winnings?  Certain sites require you to send them email stating your request.  Others give payouts only once a month, and others every two weeks.

*What are the rules about bonuses?

When gambling online, here are a few pointers that should be of help:

*Do your homework.  Play only at authentic sites.

*Allot a budget for a day's game.  Never go beyond that budget.

*Gamble only with money that you can afford to lose.  Don't gamble the money allocated for your home rental.  You'll be needing help if you play this way.

*Never mix alcohol and gambling.  They simply don't work together. 

*Your data is to be protected at all times.  When signing up, note that the casino should have a secure and data encrypted link.  Identity theft is rampant on the internet.

*Spend ample time reading to familiarize yourself with the game.

*Play by statistics.  Know the odds of the game.  Study it by numbers.  Hunches have no part in gambling.

*Just stick to the game.  Never mind the gimmicks.  Side bets, insurance and the "crapless craps" are offered in order to lure you to spend more so that the casino will make more money.

*Know when to call it quits.  If you are already winning, stop.  Don't try to win more; you may end up a big loser.  If you are already losing more than your allocated daily budget, stop.  There is always another day.

*Expect that you can lose the game.  Casinos are in the business because they set the rules in such a way that the house's win is important.  Generally, they have the edge over you.

A fact is that ninety eight percent of casino gambling is designed for recreation.  Therefore, play to enjoy.  To be entertained, you spend money.  If it gets to a point where it is no longer fun to you, where you play beyond your means, then stop now, or else, you may not be able to stop later.

To Gamble Online or Not to Gamble Online - That is the Question

Compared to a real casino experience, here are some of the considerable pros and cons of online gambling:

Pros of Online Gambling

1. Hot Offers

As a competitive business, online gambling can give so much to persuade gamblers. They could offer bonuses for new customers to sign up, i.e., additional 10-50% of their initial deposit to their bankroll, random deposit of money in customer accounts, and giving away vacations for particular levels of total money bet.

2. Better Rules

According to experienced online gamblers, online gambling has better rules compared to physical casinos.

3. Cosy Gambling

Of course, the online world makes online gambling another convenient way to have fun in the comfort of home.

4. Less Annoyances.

Troubles with drunken people, smokers, thieves. With online gambling these real casino troubles are avoided.

5. No Tipping Obligation.

Unlike playing in a real casino, you don't have to be obligated to tip the waiters and dealers.

Cons of Online Gambling

1. Patience is a Virtue

Cashing out can be a bit tedious with online gambling compared to real casino gambling. One may be prompted to wait for about 2-4 weeks for cashing out. With this in mind, the use of debit card is advised since with it, it is a lot faster to make your credit appear.

2. Customer Service Boo-Boos

Depending on where you play, you don't have that face to face confrontation power with the online gambling site. Some sites may offer toll-free calls and e-mail correspondence. But these are prone to delays compared to just talking to the casino manager or something to that effect.

3. Online gambling casino calls the shots.

With online gambling, the player may have to deal with the casino's word as the final word when any dispute surfaces.

4. Credit/Debit Card Overuse

Your ability to balance your credit or debit card statement might fail with online gambling because of the temptation to play at a lot of places.

5. Inaccurate transaction documentations.

Transactions don't usually have the name of the casino you played at but instead only the merchant bank is identified.

ONLINE GAMBLING SCAMS...HOW TO AVOID THEM                                            

As the online gaming business flourishes on the internet today, so do online gambling scams.  These scams are rampant.

There many online casinos that is not "real".  They look like casinos, offering games and prizes.  Often many fall victim to such traps.  People trust too much and are usually misled by such disguises. 

Certain casino sites are a scam in itself.  These sites offer pretty much the same as the authentic sites.  Once you have deposited your money, you might be surprised that they have rules that prevent you from withdrawing your funds.  It is always better to read and understand the rules before registering.

Bonus scams targets players that have been banned or moved to other casino sites.  This is the simplest and most effective of all scams.  Casinos are in need of continuous flow of fund deposits from gamblers. 

Thus, bonuses attract players in.  They do this by sending emails to prospects, stating that they are entitled to certain bonuses once they deposit money to their existing accounts. 

After a deposit has been made, casinos will state that a player is not qualified to receive a bonus.  Yet players still continue to play their deposits.  This is what casinos are expecting to happen and they have achieved their goal.

If you do suspect that you are a victim of such a scam, do the following:

*As soon as possible, stop making deposits.

*If you can cash out, do it immediately.

*Contact the site's customer care if your cash out attempt failed.

*They should respond within forty eight hours to your inquiry.  If not, contact them again.

*If credit or debit cards were used to deposit funds, contact the establishment to inform them that you might have been a victim of internet fraud.  So they could take all the necessary precautions.  And as needed, cancel your credit card.

*If you have used Neteller take out all funds left in that account.

*If ten days have passed and still no contact was made by the casino site, contact them again.  State your demand firmly.

*The Online Players association can be of help in mediating to settle disputes between parties. Ask their assistance.

*Wait and hope that all will be settled.

*Report to certain web portals the incident.  So this won't happen to other players.

Here is a list of some blacklisted casino sites:

1LuckyGambler.com

DiamondCoastCasino.com

100kcasino.com

ExcelsiorCasino.com 2

000-casino.com

GalaxyCasino.com

Casino-Titanic.com

aaaacasino.com

games4money.com

AceInTheHoleCasino.com

Beat your Online Poker Opponent

Playing and winning online poker is a science. It is both a skill and an art of mastering things that most players take for granted.

If you are signing up for an online poker game, keep in mind never to choose the “any game at this limit” option. By choosing this, you are also hindering your capacity to take control of your position on every sign up list.

There are options that give you the privilege of having the top position by winning and giving up the place by quitting and at the same time you could still rejoin and have you name at the bottom of the list.

Always look for a card room that fits your style. This way you always get the upper hand. If luck strikes in and you get on a bad round, look around the page for another table.

Playing two games at the same time seems a nice idea. It seems that by doing this, you could double your money in one playing hour. This could be true for some players, but remember, it happens for a few and not for everybody.

Besides, playing two games at a time would definitely lay down your small blind more and you sure are most likely to tilt. Keep yourself focused on one game. This way you could have the upper hand especially if you’re playing a major, drawn-out pot. Playing one game at a time also helps you play straightforwardly with only one opponent to concentrate on.

There is online software that has proved to be marvellous. However, there are minor glitches that you need to stay away from. This is the “in-turn” button. This button allows the player to act on hand before your actual turn and allows him to go back trying on other moves.

But there may be instances that the internet connection may not be at their best. There may be a time that while clicking the “check in-turn button,” the action may already be on you. What will happen is that the “call” button might be popping out on your screen in the place where you are supposed to click the “check” button.

In poker, the only sure way of winning is by showing down the best hand. This is true not only for casinos but for online as well. However, there a number of reasonable ways a smart player could increase his chances of winning.

The sure way of acquiring winning poker skills is by checking out how players deal with their games and keeping in mind the right moves.