Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayID, Maestro, Neosurf, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin

Minimum Deposit: $20

Number of games: Over 2,000+

Bonuses: Up to $7,500 + 550 free spins

Wagering requirements: 50x

Welcome Bonus: $7,500 + 550 free spins

• Over 2,000+ games
• Deposit with Visa, Mastercard, PayID, Maestro, Neosurf, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin
• Minimum deposit: $20
• Wagering requirements: 50x

Welcome Bonus: Up to $5,000

• Over 2,000+ games
• Deposit with Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, Neosurf, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, Bitcoin
• Minimum deposit: $20
• Wagering requirements: 50x

Welcome Bonus: Up to $5,000

• Over 1,250+ games
• Deposit with Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, MiFinity, MuchBetter, STICPAY, Paysafecard, Bank transfer, Bitcoin
• Minimum deposit: $20
• Wagering requirements: 50x

Welcome Bonus: Up to $3,000

• Over 300+ games
• Deposit with Visa, Mastercard, Voucher, Direct bank transfer, MatchPay, Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, BCH, BSV)
• Minimum deposit: $5 for USDT; $10 for Voucher, BTC; $20 for Visa/Mastercard, MatchPay; $50 for Bank transfer, ETH
• Wagering requirements: 25x

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to online slots and you don’t know your wilds from your win multipliers and your scatters from your stacked symbols, take some to browse our A-Z slots glossary. This article lists all the common terms you’ll encounter the next time you play slots online.

Hopefully, you should have a better handle on how online slots work after reading this glossary. Our goal is to help you become the next slots slayer right here at LiveRoulette!

A

All Ways: Otherwise known as ‘win both ways’ these slots can have hundreds of available paylines  which can pay from left-to-right or right-to-left, maximising your winning potential.

Autoplay: If you want to play a multiple number of spins without having to press ‘Spin’ each time, set your gameplay to autoplay a pre-selected number of spins.

B

Bonus Games: Most online slots have at least one bonus game, which is often triggered by scatters or wild symbols. These bonus games can range from free spins rounds to bonus wheels and “pick-me” features.

Branded Slot: A branded slot is one that’s themed around a specific franchise, such as a Hollywood movie or hit television series, featuring exclusive visual and audio content.

C

Cascading Reels: Symbols involved in winning combinations are removed from the reels, leaving gaps to be replaced by new slot symbols that drop in from the top. This gives you a chance to win multiple combinations on a single spin.

Classic Slot: A ‘classic’ slot is one which nods to old-school fruit machines, featuring the classic fruity symbols, bells, lucky sevens and BARS, amongst others.

Cold Game: More common on casino floors than online slots, when a slot game is said to be ‘cold’ it means it does not pay out as frequently.

Coins: The funds you add to your chosen slot are displayed in a coin value, based on the minimum bet size per spin.

E

Expanding Wilds: An expanding wild is a special type of wild symbol (see ‘Wild’ for full description). Whenever the expanding wild feature is active, a wild symbol will expand to fill an entire reel to bring greater winning potential.

F

Fixed Jackpot: Online slots with a fixed jackpot have a fixed maximum prize, usually triggered by landing five of a specific symbol on a payline, or sometimes triggered at random.

Free Spins: It’s possible to unlock extra free spins by landing certain win combinations, such as three scatter symbols on a payline. A free spin is quite literally a free spin of the reels.

Fruit Machine: The British name for a classic slot machine. Fruit machines are the classic three-reel, three-payline slots featuring fruit symbols, lucky sevens, bells and BARs.

G

Gamble Feature: Within some slot games it is possible to gamble the winnings from your spin. You may be asked to pick a card suit or colour, or to guess high or low on the outcome of a card displayed on screen. You could double, triple or even quadruple your money depending on the game, but it’s also possible to lose all your winnings.

H

High Volatility: A slot deemed to have high volatility means that it is programmed to give out less frequent prizes and jackpots. However, most high volatility slots tend to offer bigger prizes when they do pay out.

Hit-And-Run: This term is used to describe slot players that play on single payline slots using maximum coins for a few spins and move on to the next slot if they don’t win.

Hit Frequency: How often a slot pays out on average. For example, a game with a hit frequency of five is expected to yield a winning payline approximately every five spins.

Hot Game: The opposite of a ‘Cold game’, hot slots are those that are said to be paying out regularly and in large sums.

J

Jackpot: The jackpot of an online slot is the coveted top prize, and can be fixed, progressive or linked across a network of slots.

L

Linked Progressive Jackpots: On occasion, there are multiple slot games whose progressive jackpots are linked together, often branded slots based on the same franchise. It doesn’t matter which one you play, you will be playing for the same progressive jackpot.

Loose Slot: A ‘loose’ slot is one that is considered to have low volatility, paying out more regularly than a ‘tight’ or high volatility slot.

Low Volatility: Low volatility slots tend to have higher hit frequencies and are often great slots for beginners. The trade-off is that low volatility slots may have smaller prizes on offer.

M

Maximum Bet: The maximum bet is the largest stake you can place per spin on your chosen slot game, based on the number of active paylines and the maximum coin denomination available.

Megaways^TM: This is a popular slot game engine is designed to expand the number of rows played per reel, giving you up hundreds of thousands of potential ways to win.

Mobile Slot: Mobile slots are those optimised for responsive gameplay across desktop, smartphone and tablet devices, utilising the latest HTML5 technology.

Multi-Line: This term is used to describe online slots with more than a single payline.

Multiplier: A multiplier could be a specific symbol which can multiply your winnings by a predetermined figure. Multipliers can also be found in free spins rounds, when the more consecutive wins you land, the bigger the multiplier grows.

N

Near miss: Players that narrowly miss out on a winning combination on a payline describe this as a near miss.

Nudge: Inspired by classic fruit machine gameplay, some slots have a ‘nudge’ functionality included, allowing players to hit the nudge button to move a reel up or down one space to form a winning payline.

O

One-Armed Bandit: The first slot machines produced in land-based casinos, which required players to pull a lever to spin the reels.

P

Payline: A payline is the line that symbols need to align with to trigger a payout.

Pay Table: The pay table for any slots online is designed to fully explain the rules and payout sizes of each game. It outlines the low and high-value symbols to look out for on the reels.

Penny Slot: A penny slot game is one which requires players to pay as little as €0.01 per spin.

Pick-Me Bonus: A type of slot bonus screen whereby players must select on-screen options to reveal instant prizes.

Progressive Jackpot: A progressive jackpot is a rolling jackpot that continues to increase in value until it is won. A percentage of each player’s stake per spin is contributed to the progressive jackpot, so the more players play, the higher the pot.

R

Random Number Generator: All state-of-the-art online slots are powered by a random number generator (RNG), which is a tamper-proof algorithm designed to randomise the outcome of every spin.

Reels: These are the columns within which the symbols spin to create potential winning combinations.

Return To player (RTP): The RTP percentage gives slot players an indicator of how much they can expect to return from their spins. If a slot has an RTP of 97%, for every €100 you stake, you can expect to receive €97 back on average.

S

Scatter Symbol: The scatter symbol is often used to trigger bonus rounds, and is usually the only symbol on the reels that the wild does not substitute for.

Stacked Symbols: Whenever the same symbols appear on top of one another on the reels, they are considered stacked.

Stacked Wilds: Whenever the wild symbol appears on top of one another on the reels, they are considered stacked.

T

Total Bet: The size of the total bet in an online slot is the total number of coins staked across all paylines.

V

Variance: The variance of a slot is the payout rate of a specific game. Slots with high variance are programmed to pay out less frequently than low variance slots. Variance can be used interchangeably with volatility.

Video Slot: A video slot game is designed to be displayed on desktop, smartphone or tablet screens using virtual reels instead of mechanical reels.

Volatility: Highly volatile slots are those that pay out less frequently, but with typically larger payouts when they do. Low volatility slots are those that pay out smaller prizes over a greater hit frequency.

W

Wild: A wild symbol is one of the most lucrative symbols in a slot game. Wilds can usually substitute any other base game symbol to improve winning combinations, except scatters. The same way that a joker works in a game of cards.

Win Both Ways: Slots with win both ways functionality can pay out on paylines running right-to-left as well as left-to-right.

Z

Zig-zag: Some slot paylines are designed to go up and down the reels or diagonally. These are known as zig-zag paylines.

Ready To Play?

Now that our slots glossary has equipped with all the slot lingo you need, log in or create a new account to play online slots at our Canadian online casino today!

18+  | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly | Terms & Conditions apply.

In this informative post, we will do a detailed exploration of everything that happened to Roger and Lara Griffith. Who are they, how their lives changed after winning the lottery, and we will see how quickly Lara and Roger lost everything. Feel free to use the panel below to quickly jump to a relevant section in the post.

Roger and Lara Griffith and Their Backstory

Before Roger and Lara won the lottery, they lived an ordinary life in England. Roger was an IT manager, earning £38,000, and living happily with Lara. She was an art teacher, and both supported each other. They lived in a four-bedroom ex-council house in Boston Spa and always paid their mortgage.

Lara and Roger had a happy life and always hoped to win the lottery. Roger regularly played with hopes of winning one day. Generally, life was going well for the Griffiths, but all that would change in 2005 when Roger pulled a winning lottery ticket and won £1.83 million from the National Lottery. He bought the ticket from a land-based location, as back in 2005, there wasn’t such a huge diversity of lottery sites in the UK.

Suddenly, Roger and Lara were millionaires. The result was that both quit their jobs soon after they won. An understandable decision, considering they were now millionaires. They were living the dream as one of the very few lucky winners of such a huge jackpot. We will cover what happens next further on in the post, as well as how things took a turn for the worst.

What Did the Couple Invest Their Money In?

The moment lottery winners Roger and Lara Griffth received the news that they were the lucky winners of the National Lottery in 2005, their whole lives would make a huge turn.

All in all, they spent over £15,000 in only ten days. They decided to buy an £800,000 barn conversion in the village of Waterbury, West Yorkshire. This was a huge barn, one that only millionaires could afford, and was their dream come true. Roger Griffiths, the lottery winner, soon bought a £28,000 Porsche Carrera to fill up one of the two garage spots, while Lara purchased a £24,700 Lexus 4×4. Later, they also purchased more vehicles, including a £18,000 soft-top Audi.

Both Lara and Roger went on many holiday vacation destinations like Dubai, New York, and Monaco, staying in five-star hotel suites. These vacations weren’t the only ones they attended, as they also visited numerous other top destinations to enjoy their millionaire lifestyle.

Obviously, every person has the right to spend their fortune in the way they wish to. Some make unreasonable purchases, while others spend wisely and invest. If you’d like to see another point of view and read another story, check out the lottery winner Jane Park article.

Lara Griffiths, the lottery winner, really liked shopping, so she bought handbags and many other luxurious items. A regular Saturday night that was an ordinary enjoyment of a movie plus a few beers turned into spending over £300 per night at One Aldwych. Roger had his teeth whitened and often bought very expensive designer clothes to represent his wealth.

As Roger loved rock, he decided to invest in his university rock band. They hired a publicist that cost him £1,000 per month and ended up recording only one single that sold 600 copies, costing him over £25,000. It was this way due to the rehearsals taking place in London. Even though the band had no success and didn’t meet Roger’s expectations, Lara was proud of him.

The couple bought even more properties in Wetherby, and one in Harrogate for over £200,000, with plans to sell them for a profit. However, the housing crash plummeted their investments. In only three years, their expenses surpassed over a million pounds.

And this is where things started to fall off. The once proud Lara accused Roger of overspending, and he accused her of doing the same. We will see where things took a turn for the worst in the next section.

Where It All Went Wrong

Here is the story of how Lara and Roger lost everything. Both realised that they were overspending and that in less than four years, Roger and Lara squandered their money. Over €1,1 million were lost, and the arguments and accusations started.

Lara blamed everything on Roger, as she claimed he was the one that wasted the fortune they had won. Everything started with a house fire on their main property in Wetherby, when a boiler ruptured and caused huge damages to their barn.

Over €120,000 worth of repairs needed to be carried out, and the couple realised their money would soon be gone. This, according to Roger, was “the final straw of our marriage”. Roger said he was so overwhelmed and overly excited about becoming a millionaire that it took him over six months to get used to it. At that time, he has not realised that everything would fall apart and did not make any plans for smart investments. He thought, since he had that much, he didn’t need a job and that he and Lara were set for life.

The Couple’s Breakup, Accusations, and Blame

Another event occurred soon after when Roger and Lara’s relationship ended. She had found out that Roger was emailing another woman and soon accused him of being unfaithful. This was a claim that Roger dismissed, but it was the boiling point of their dying marriage.

Lara and Roger were not divorced yet, but that would follow soon after because both of them started constant arguments about their poor investment decisions. Lara was angry that Roger bought all these properties and cars and was disappointed about the large amount of money that went into his unsuccessful rock band.

She also claimed they had completely forgotten about their children, who were initially sent to very expensive private schools. They were worried they could not support them anymore, so the children were again moved back to their original public establishments. This, coupled with the crumbling of their planned investments to sell the properties because of the financial crisis, was when Roger and Lara’s relationship ended.

To his defence, Roger said that Lara was also overspending. Her art saloon needed to be sold as it was also not thriving, and he claims that she was needlessly organising trips to first-world countries and cities that were very expensive, with little thought put into the financial hit this would cause to them.

All in all, it turned out that being a lottery winner isn’t all good. They had a lovely life, never failed to pay their mortgage, and were able to support their children. Their jobs weren’t low paid, but the jackpot completely changed their lifestyle. Winning the lottery will do that, and many people do not feel sympathy for the Griffiths.

The couple had undergone many interviews by the media. After all, they were the popular winners of the National Lottery. Everybody knew about the Griffiths, and when news broke out that their life had fallen apart, the public’s opinion was negative. Roger and Lara did not work for this money – they got it by a lucky lottery win, and due to poor financial decisions, they lost it all.

What are Roger and Lara Doing Now?

What happened next is that the Griffiths took a devastating blow to a previously happy family. Lara currently still lives in the Wetherby barn conversion, and Roger still insists he pays for the mortgage, though this is not confirmed.

The Porsche was returned, and the many properties that they bought had to be sold at a loss. Although people did not feel much sympathy towards the Griffiths, it’s hard not to feel some for Roger. He did cause harm to the family with all this overspending, but he was left broken after their marriage fell apart and all the accusations Lara put on him. See the below list for a quick timeline of how the issues occurred:

Roger was in a thought circle of where it all went wrong and how he did not intend for any of this to happen. He stated that “the one thing that I did not want to do was to spend and squander all that money”, yet this is exactly what he did, along with Lara’s expensive purchases and vacations too.

Roger did not regret the years he had after the lottery win. He said that they were living the dream, the millionaire’s dream. Few experience such a luxurious lifestyle, and he thinks that every lottery winner should be able to experience it.

All in all, things did turn out to be bad for the Griffiths, as they could have spent their winnings in a much better way. This is the main reason the couple wasn’t well received by the public. If they had been smarter with their investments, been wary of the financial crisis, and put more thought into saving what they could, this could have been prevented.

Other Lottery Winners in the UK

Let’s have a look at some other lucky lottery winners in the UK. One of the most recent and biggest wins was in 2022 when Joe and Jess Thwaite claimed £184 million on a lottery draw that took place on the 10th of May. They wanted to stay anonymous, however, they finally revealed their identity during a press conference.

We must also mention the popular lottery winner Callie Rogers, who, back in 2003, had an ordinary life, living on only £3.60 per hour. Her life took a drastic turn when she won the Lotto Jackpot, earning a total of £1.87 million. We’ve compiled data of the top lottery winners in the UK below.

These are our picks for the top lottery winners. No matter who you are, winning the lottery is surely a dream come true. As long as you keep track of your spending, of course. And for a detailed look at more lottery winners in recent times, see our page for the latest lottery winners around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the section below, you’ll find quick answers to the segments discussed in the blog. We’ve covered the whole life after the lottery win of the Griffiths, and the most common inquiries are below. Use the links to quickly go to the relevant section of the blog post.

OTTAWA, Canada, July 12, 2023 — Digital Opportunity Trust and the Mastercard Foundation are partnering to support over 300,000 young women and men to gain relevant entrepreneurial skills and foster a network ecosystem of support for young leaders.

The “Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future” project aims to scale DOT’s evidence-based, peer-to-peer model and will be executed in four African countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. The linkage to DOT’s model ensures comprehensive digital and business skills training, leadership development, coaching, peer-to-peer learning, and networking.

The Going Beyond project will foster a network ecosystem of support for young leaders with the aim of improving their quality of life and building their resilience, agency, and amplifying their voice. Notably, the project will also introduce a leaner, more scalable model for long-term, transformational change by fostering a community of practice among a continuously expanding ecosystem of partners.

Over five years, and with the support of DOT regional hubs in Africa, the Going Beyond project will progressively transfer the responsibility for delivering DOT’s programs and equip youth as leaders of the future through a three-pronged approach:

• Strengthening the capacity of 40 local youth-led and youth-led organizations (YLOs) to deliver high-quality digital livelihoods programming.
• Training and supporting 4,000 young people (Youth Leaders) under the guidance of YLOs as digital business coaches and facilitators to deliver locally appropriate and culturally relevant digital inclusion and enterprise growth programs to their peers.
• Training 300,000 disadvantaged young people with nascent Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in digital and entrepreneurship skills, 70 percent of whom are young women.

Most importantly, the project places young people at the center of the solution, tapping into their creativity, energy, and passion for making a difference; going beyond conventional development practices and extending impact to new countries for both organizations, without the need to establish and operate new offices.

““The Going Beyond program, which will harness the power of young people to lead community-driven solutions and create and obtain dignified and fulfilling work in four countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia – is an opportunity to tell a compelling story of youth leadership and capacity to transform Africa – and to catalyze the adoption of youth-led approaches across the continent,” says Janet Longmore, Founder and CEO, Digital Opportunity Trust

“Violette Uwamutara, Regional Vice President of Africa, Digital Opportunity Trust agrees, “DOT is excited to serve as regional hubs for this project and build a network of connected individuals, organizations and MSMEs that share knowledge, support each other and shift the mindsets of their peers, communities and systems – trusting youth as the leaders of community transformation and our future.”

The ‘Going Beyond’ project aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young people in Africa to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, particularly young women. It extends the impact beyond youth in work to advance youth leadership, digital skills, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.

Africa’s youth population represents a significant pool of human capital that can drive economic growth and social progress. Young people have the potential to be at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship in high-growth sectors such as technology, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy. Women and girls, in particular, can play a crucial role as powerful agents of change in their communities, contributing to economic growth and social progress.

Despite being a youthful continent, Africa faces significant challenges in harnessing the potential of its youth population. The continent has the highest youth unemployment rate globally – 20.8 percent in 2020 – more than 2.5 times higher than the adult unemployment rate. This situation is particularly dire for young women.

““Going Beyond is designed to envision young people as leaders in their communities, and we believe that a combination of YLO capacity building, locally appropriate 21st-century skills, entrepreneurship, and MSME support will be an effective means of bringing this vision to life while addressing youth employment in the four countries this project will be executed in. In addition, Going Beyond’s work, which is also in line with the Young Africa Works strategy, will help young women and men find dignified and meaningful work,” adds Reeta Roy, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation.

When applied in this way, the youth-led model equips young people with market-relevant technical skills and the confidence to secure, sustain and thrive in the 21st-century working world, in turn creating a ripple effect of change in communities across the African continent, with young entrepreneurs becoming catalysts for broader behavioral change and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

About Digital Opportunity Trust

DOT is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with a ‘footprint’ across 12 countries. DOT has locally managed offices in Africa, the Middle East; Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Lebanon and Jordan; Canada and the UK. DOT’s presence extends to Ghana, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia through local partnerships with youth-led organizations. As a youth-led movement of daring social innovators who have the tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and transform their communities in Africa and the Middle East, DOT has created an impact in over 25 countries as development innovators and catalysts placing youth at the center of its activity to unlock their potential, bridge the digital divide across communities, and inspire young people to realize their potential in an inclusive digital economy. www.dotrust.org

About The Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is a Canadian Foundation and one of the world’s largest foundations, with a mission to advance education and financial inclusion. It works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organization and separate from the company. Its policies, operations, and programs are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org.

Do you enjoy dinner and a show? How about enjoying dinner with a side of non-stop laughter? Kill two birds with one stone and nearly die laughing during this unique theatrical experience. The Island welcomes you to a wedding party like no other!

Lawfully Wedded, Unlawfully Hilarious

Wendy and Wendell are already married. They had the traditional dream wedding with the groom’s family including ties and tails, dinner and dancing. Now the bride’s family wants their turn. Only, they’re doing things a little…differently.

They want a handfasting ceremony – an ancient Celtic ritual where the bride and groom’s hands are bound to symbolize their new life together. And they want the ceremony performed by a Wiccan priestess. 

To balance the unconventional nature of the proceedings, the family has engaged the services of professional wedding reception hostess, Helen Hunt.

Only Helen didn’t count on babysitting a drunk grandma, managing wiley parents, disciplining an admiral whose stripes ran contrary to military decorum, placating an ambitious bridesmaid or deflecting the attentions of a best man with a hidden crush.

In classic screwball form, mayhem ensues and it’s anyone’s guess how many marriages are intact when the dust clears.

Don’t miss this show of a lifetime with one of the best meals you’ve ever had! Cocktails are served at 5:30 with a dinner of baked chicken & ham, garlic mashed potatoes, a seasoned vegetable medley and salad Wedding cupcakes follow at 6:00. A vegan meal option is available at the time of ticket purchase. Cocktail attire is preferred.

Meet the Wedding Party

Based on the book by Christopher King, Wendy and Wendell’s Wonderful Wacky WASP Wedding is presented and performed by Players de Noc Incorporated. Players de Noc is a community theater based in Escanaba, MI.

They’ve been producing high-quality theatrical experiences, including plays and musicals, since 1974. This 100% volunteer company prides itself on nurturing new and local talent. They believe in creating thoughtful entertainment for audiences of all ages.

Players de Noc are sponsored by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. In their 48 years, they’ve produced a diversity of shows from West Side Story to Waiting for Godot to Anatomy of a Murder. Come see why this company is such a community treasure.

You’re Cordially Invited

Wendy and Wendell’s Wonderful Wacky WASP Wedding is certain to be the gala of the season. Get your tickets today and reserve your spot at the dinner table. Seat belts optional. 

Show Details

• Date: August 10th, 2023
• Time: 
  • Cocktails at 5:30 pm. 
  • Dinner/Showtime at 6:00 pm
• Location: Island Convention Center
• Ticket Price: General Tickets $50 
  •  VIP Tickets: $75 includes a gift bag and preferred seating (limited amount available)
  • Vegan menu available upon request at the time of ticket purchase
  • Place card seating will be assigned by the venue 

Roulette is a casino game with an infinite number of spins.

Players bet on the outcome of the ball in the roulette wheel, or its position relative to numbers on the board or in relation to other numbers.

The game is played by placing bets with chips on various portions of the roulette table, which can correspond either to numbers, colors, or even whether the player is betting “even” or “odd”.

—

Roulette is a game played with a spinning wheel that has slots for placing bets. In this game, the players place their chips on the table as they choose one of the numbers or colors on the wheel. The croupier spins the wheel and then spins it again after all of the players have placed their bets.

In order to win, you have to bet on a number or color that is coming up in a random fashion under one of those two spins. You can also bet on a specific range of numbers or colors by putting your chips at the back edge of those numbers or colors. There is also an option called “outside bets” which are any other number outside of 0 and 00 that you can place your bet on.

The odds at winning roulette

The say you need plenty of skills and a generous helping of luck if you want to win poker tournaments, and Lukas “Robin Poker” Robinson had both in abundance this weekend. The popular Liverpudlian streamer, who once streamed playing online poker for 1,000 hours in 100 days, collared Team PartyPoker’s Jaime Staples en route to taking down the event for $13,371.

Robinson was one of 1,026 entrants in the $109 Sunday Party, our $100,000 guaranteed weekly tournament. After an intense opening day that saw the field whittled to only 16 hopefuls, Robinson found himself third in chips.

Sunday Party Day 2 Top 10 Chip Counts

Our very own Jaime Staples was the first of the eight finalists to bust, and he did so in cruel circumstances. The hand in question started with a min-raise to 600,000 from Robinson with pocket sevens in the hole, and a cll in the cutoff from Staples holding ace-jack of clubs.

The flop landed seven-five-queen with two clubs, and both players checked its arrival. The eight of clubs on the turn completed Staples’ flush, and nudged him into the lead. Robinson bet 1,200,000, and Staples called. An offsuit five on the river improved Robinson to a full house. Robinson went into the tank for a few moments before unleashing a 3,000,000 bet. Staples pondered his options, settled on a jam, and moved all-in for 10,167,932. Robinson instantly called, busting Staples in eighth, and claiming a 24.6 million pot for good measure.

Robinson kept hold of the chip lead for most of the final table action, but he trailed “antiZZZZ” when the Sunday Party reached the heads-up stage. The eventual champion won more than his fair share of early pots, and began establishing a lead for himself.

The final hand saw Robinson limp in on the button with pocket kings, and “antiZZZZ” check their ace-four of diamonds. “antiZZZZ” check-called a bet on the seven-six-eight flop, and a chunkier bet on the seven of diamonds turn, which put two diamonds out there. The river was the king of diamond, improving “antiZZZZ” to an ace-high flush but Robinson to another full house. “antiZZZZ” checked again, Robinson bet half-pot and snap-called when his opponent moved all-in.

Sunday Party Final Table Results

“t1ltaka” Captures Sunday Carnival Title

“t1ltaka” came out on top in the latest edition of the Sunday Carnival, outlasting 1,479 opponents on their way to reeling in $4,258 of the $35,000 prize pool, making for a profitable weekend at the PartyPoker tables.

The campion-elect finished Day 1 with 16,838,036 chips, enough for second place from 16 surviving players. “t1ltaka” still had much work to do before being crowned the Sunday Carnival champion, because everyone in the top six places at the start of Day 2 were armed with eight-figure stacks.

Sunday Carnival Day 2 Top 10 Chip Counts

With bounty payments included, none of the finalists took home less than $434 for their $22 investment, with the top four finishers each scooping more than $1,100.

That quartet were “El-Filliponn” ($1,172), “rica_games” ($1.708), runner-up “UsteckaMACHINA” ($2,541), and your champion “t1ltaka” ($4,258.

Sunday Carnival Final Table Results

Virginia’s sports bettors totaled $293 million in wagers in July, the last traditionally quiet summer month before the kick off of the NFL season.

From that just-shy of $300 million in bets, the 16 operators saw $27 million in adjusted revenues for a hold of 11.1%, according to the latest figures from the Virginia Lottery Board.

Overall, online sportsbooks saw their handle up 10% year-on-year, but down 8.8% on June’s $325 million in total wagers.

Tax Implications and Revenue Distribution

Virginia’s sports betting regulations mandate a 15% tax on the total AGR. For July, this translated to a tax revenue that was 4.3% higher than June, and a significant 25.6% increase compared to July 2022.

The distribution of this tax revenue is split between the state’s general fund (97.5%) and the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund Allocation (2.5%). For July, the general fund received an allocation of $4 million, while the Problem Gambling fund was allocated $102,880.45.

In comparison, June’s tax revenue saw the general fund receiving $3,841,208.48 and the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund Allocation getting $98,492.53, totaling $3.9 million. Cumulatively, for 2023, Virginia sports betting has generated impressive tax revenue exceeding $38.5 million.

Online sports betting dominated retail betting in Virginia in July, as is reflected nationally. However, despite — or maybe because of — being the state’s sole retail book, Hard Rock Bet at the temporary Hard Rock Bristol Casino did quite well. It accounted for 1.1% of the total handle, with $2.162 million in bets wagered during the month.

Operators and New Entrants

The Virginia Lottery’s report for July highlighted that 12 of the state’s sportsbook operators reported a net positive AGR, contributing to a total tax payment of $4.1 million. The remaining four operators, which reported negative AGRs, did not contribute to the tax revenue for the month.

Other than that, the state regulator does not reveal operator-by-operator statistics. Nationally, FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the scene, so a similar trend could be expected in Virginia.

One operator who won’t have been in July’s report, but will be in September’s future release, is Jake Paul- backed sportsbook Betr. The microbetting-focused sportsbook app finally debuted in Virginia this week after securing a license six months ago.

Its launch was delayed after regulators questioned why Paul didn’t declare an ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission filing against him at the time Betr was granted a license. The Lottery Board subsequently fined Betr $25,000.

It will be hoping its launch in Virginia won’t see it join one of the four sportsbooks that reported a negative AGR for the month. However, based on its last-place performance in Paul’s home state of Ohio in July, it could be tough for the new market entrant.

There are currently no more license slots for online sportsbooks in Virginia. But at least one more (and potentially two more) retail betting spaces could open up in 2024. Caesars Entertainment’s high-performing temporary venue in Danville will be replaced by a permanent Caesars Virginia Resort with an on-site Caesars Sportsbook next year, and a long-planned casino in state capital Richmond is also slated to feature a sportsbook.

With a groundbreaking turnout of nearly 2000 contenders, the CEP Main Event has shattered records and ignited excitement.

The conclusion of the PokerStars-sponsored Campeonato España de Poker (CEP) tour in Barcelona marked a significant milestone, with the CEP Main Event drawing an astounding crowd of nearly 2000 entries. This unprecedented turnout has set the stage for the upcoming prestigious European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona, while tax-related concerns loom and expectations of record-breaking participation abound.

The CEP Main Event, which featured a €550 buy-in, attracted a record-breaking 1960 players. This accomplishment solidified the Main Event’s position as the largest in CEP history, surpassing the previous record set four years prior with 1773 registrations. The surge in participation reflects an impressive growth of nearly 50% compared to the previous year’s event.

Held at Casino Barcelona from August 11, the 2023 CEP Barcelona stop experienced strong turnouts, despite uncertainties stemming from recent tax changes in Spain.

The trend of robust participation was evident from the outset of the CEP, with various events reporting exceptional attendance. The opening event, with a €330 entry fee, witnessed 822 entries—almost double the attendance of the previous year’s edition. Similarly, the Mini Main Event, featuring a €200 buy-in, saw 786 participants, marking a significant 30% increase compared to the previous year.

The culmination of this enthusiasm was the Main Event’s remarkable achievement, resulting in a total prize pool of €854,560 across its five Day 1s.

The CEP festival aligns with a broader global trend of increased interest in live poker events. From the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to regional events in Europe and Asia, record-breaking attendance is becoming the norm, underscoring the undeniable demand for live poker experiences.

With the CEP chapter coming to a close, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona.

Commencing on August 21, the PokerStars LIVE Estrellas Poker Tour (ESPT) commenced, serving as an integral part of the main EPT festival.

EPT Barcelona, a cornerstone of PokerStars’ European destinations, is renowned for attracting substantial crowds. The city’s rich poker history dates back to 2004, hosting significant stops of the European Poker Tour. Last year, both the ESPT and EPT Main Events set attendance records, with the €5300 EPT Main Event becoming the largest-ever in EPT history, drawing 2294 players.

However, this year’s EPT Barcelona faces a unique challenge due to recent tax changes in Spain. These alterations impose taxes on poker players’ winnings, affecting both local and international participants, irrespective of their professional or recreational status.

While European Union players face a 19% tax rate, non-EU players contend with a higher 24% rate. This change in tax classification has raised concerns and uncertainty among players about the sustainability of EPT Barcelona’s historically impressive turnouts.

Nevertheless, the record-breaking attendance during the CEP festival provides assurance, suggesting another prosperous EPT Barcelona edition on the horizon.

Running from August 21, the EPT Barcelona series features the prestigious €5300 EPT Main Event scheduled from August 27 to September 3. Online satellites on the PokerStars platform have already begun, with buy-ins starting as low as €5.50.

A quarter of a million dollars. That’s the approximate size of the non-jackpot Pick 6 carryover up for grabs on Sunday at Saratoga.

No one assembled a winning ticket for the $1 wager on Friday or Saturday, resulting in a double carryover worth $251,590, to be precise. And truth be told, there’s a chance no one will uncover the winning combination on Sunday either.

After all, Sunday’s card is an absolute beast to handicap. If you want to chase a huge payoff, here’s your chance, because the Pick 6 sequence contains a staggering 79 horses (averaging over 13 per race) and 4,608,000 possible outcomes before scratches. Even once you account for the fact 15 horses are also-eligibles and a few others are coupled in the betting, there’s still a huge number of potential Pick 6 outcomes to analyze.

Finding a single is pretty much a prerequisite if you want to play a competitive ticket on a modest budget. Singles aren’t easy to come by in a Pick 6 this deep, but there’s a viable possibility in Race 9, the Spinaway (G1) for two-year-old fillies dashing seven furlongs on dirt.

A field of 10 has been entered, and you might assume #9 Brightwork (5-2) is the single we have in mind since she’s 3-for-3 with a blowout victory in Saratoga’s Adirondack (G3) to her credit. But we’re going in a different direction, throwing our support behind #8 Ways and Means (7-5).

On the same day that Brightwork won the Adirondack, Ways and Means was a spectacular winner of a six-furlong maiden special weight at Saratoga. The Chad Brown trainee settled in midpack early on before seizing command and finishing fast to obliterate her rivals by 12 3/4 lengths in the fast time of 1:10.51.

Ways and Means is a daughter of Practical Joke, an early-maturing Brown trainee who won Saratoga’s Hopeful (G1) on Labor Day weekend. And the dam of Ways and Means is Strong Incentive, whose previous foals include the Brown-trained juvenile stakes winner Highly Motivated. Clearly Ways and Means has the pedigree to excel from an early age.

All this is a way of saying that Ways and Means looks like a two-year-old star in the making. If she improves upon her debut performance (which isn’t out of the question since Brown wins at a lofty 27% rate with last-out maiden winners), her Spinaway rivals may be running for second place. That’s why we’re willing to single Ways and Means in the Pick 6.

Good luck!

With an established presence in more than 20 countries, Betsafe has finally made their sports betting experience available in Africa. The step was made through their Kenyan subsidiary; bet High Kenya LTD.

Betsafe has proven its dedication to football through its three-year-long sponsorship agreement with Kenya’s top-tier football clubs, Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards. This deal enabled them to touch base with Kenya’s most passionate football fans, to whom they will be able to provide their well-known range of betting experience. 

Alex Kobia, Acting Managing Director of BetHigh Ltd. puts emphasis on the fact that this launch is not only to provide the best possible sports betting experience, but to also serve as the industry standard for safe and responsible gaming.

Given that they are entering the market at such a crucial time for the Keynan Government and its new regulations for the industry, Betsafe is aware of the importance of safe betting. In light of the fresh efforts made with the help of the Betting Control and Licensing Board, Betsafe noted that they “will strictly adhere and fully support the Regulator in its objective of ensuring responsible gaming.”

A Unique Product Launch backed up by the two top-tier football clubs

Having that end goal in mind of providing the best service in the country, they have worked hard to tailor their product to the Kenyan market and their future users. Considering relatively low smartphone penetration in Kenya, most bettors still use basic phones, where SMS betting remains a popular and convenient way for placing bets. This is why Betsafe Kenya enables customers to place bets via SMS without the need for a gameID. The wager and stake can be set by simply texting #23333, and can be cancelled within a certain timeframe should the bettor change their mind. 

Fast payouts are a critical feature for both Betsafe and their customers, which is why they will do everything they can to ensure this is something that their customers can always count on.

Looking forward, in the span of a few months, they also aim to introduce and release several other new features, such as jackpots.  

In addition to providing Kenyans with the unique experience of online betting, the operator of Bet High Kenya Ltd. stated for CH that they plan to hire 150 employees during the upcoming 24-month period.

Alex Kobia’s final say on the launch was, “In essence, our ambition is to deliver a trustworthy product with safe and quick pay-outs, innovative betting services, passion, and commitment to Kenyan football, responsible gaming, and outstanding customer support.”

But where should you go? You could try the old “spin a globe” or “throw a dart at a map” trick, but why do that when you can get expert insight into the best poker destinations in the world?

Depending on your location, some of these may be slightly beyond your bankroll, but there are plenty of places to play around the world, so we’re sure that you’ll find somewhere within your reach. The top destinations recognized around the world for their affinity for poker are:

• Las Vegas, Nevada – United States
• Macau – China
• Monte Carlo – Monaco
• Rozvadov & Prague – Czech Republic
• United Kingdom

Las Vegas, Nevada – United States

To the surprise of absolutely no one, the first destination on our list is the fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. Home of the World Series of Poker, Las Vegas is considered a holy city amongst gamblers, and every poker player must make a pilgrimage to the famous city at least once in their life.

Located in the state of Nevada in the southwest of the United States, it’s a top vacation destination for poker players with dozens of poker rooms to enjoy. There are a number of hotels located on and off the Strip, with many casinos hosting their own poker room – allowing you to stay in the comforts of your hotel.

If you want to stretch your legs and look elsewhere, many players recommend the Golden Nugget or the Aria as two of the best poker rooms in the city.

Vegas is busy all year round, so no matter what time of the year you visit, you’ll be sure to find plenty of action. The World Series of Poker runs in the heart of Las Vegas every summer, so if you want the best chance of rubbing elbows with your poker heroes, we’d recommend taking a trip during the Series.

Macau – China

Once described as the next Las Vegas, Macau has arguably become the gambling capital of the world, with millions of people flocking to it every year. It receives a large number of visitors from mainland China, where the laws around gambling are much stricter than those of Macau.

Those of you who have been to Vegas will find a lot of the hotels in Macau to be familiar, as they have their own Venetian Hotel, MGM Hotel, Wynn Hotel, and Rio Hotel! If you’re looking for the best place to play poker, we’d recommend either the City of Dreams, The Wynn, or The Venetian, as they’re the casinos best known for their poker rooms.

However, if you’re going to play poker in Macau, make sure you bring plenty of cash, as the lowest stakes in many casinos are $25/$50HKD, which is around $3/$6USD.

This is definitely a destination for the big spenders amongst you.

Monte Carlo – Monaco

Another location popular with high rollers is the principality of Monaco. Seen by many as one of the most glamorous places on Earth, you’ll be surrounded by expensive yachts and high-end supercars, but the destination has a considerable amount of history to enjoy as well.

The iconic Monte Carlo Casino was founded in the mid-19th century by Monaco royalty. While the casino has gone through a number of redesigns and relocations over the years, the end result is absolutely stunning, with the renowned architect of the Paris Opera House designing the world-famous architecture.

While many of you will know the Monte Carlo Casino as one of James Bond’s favorite destinations, it’s also home to the Grand Final of the European Poker Tour, with thousands of players from across Europe descending on the principality every year.

Despite being best known as a tax haven for millionaires, there’s a surprising number of low-stakes games, making it the perfect destination for people of all bankroll sizes.

Rozvadov & Prague – Czech Republic

The small town of Rozvadov on the Czech border may not seem like a likely destination at first glance, but it’s home to the biggest poker casino in Europe with over 200 tables! King’s Casino Rozvadov has been built-up by well-known businessman and high-stakes poker player Leon Tsoukernik – a regular player in some of the biggest televised games in the world.

The casino is host to a number of poker festivals throughout the year, and over the last few years has played host to WSOP Europe, as well as multiple partypoker, WPT, and Eureka Poker Tour events. If tournaments aren’t your thing, then don’t worry, as there are dozens of cash game tables available every day, with tables for all bankrolls.

There’s even a four-star hotel on-site, giving you the perfect place to relax after a hard day’s grinding.

However, if you want a little more vacation mixed into your poker vacation, then Prague might be more your speed. Located just a couple of hours from Rozvadov, the Czech capital has a thriving poker scene, with a number of hotels hosting regular poker games. Prague is also home to the second biggest EPT event of the year (behind Barcelona), and is a great location for players of all stake levels.

United Kingdom

With so many fantastic poker venues available across the UK, it’s hard to pin down an exact location to visit! Of course, London has a bustling poker scene, with plenty of casinos within walking/Uber-ing distance of each other in the heart of the capital. The Hippodrome Casino is one of the best-looking casinos around and is a great place to play cash games, and just up the road, you have The Empire Casino, another place with plenty of cash game action.

There’s no shortage of places to play in London, with the Grosvenor Victoria Casino (locally known as The Vic), Aspers Casino, and Genting Casino all hosting dozens of cash game tables as well as a number of low-stakes tournaments.

If you want to travel somewhere a little cheaper than London, we’d recommend Nottingham – a small city around three hours north of London and home to the Dusk Till Dawn poker room. Owned and operated by Rob Yong, Dusk Till Dawn is the ultimate UK destination for poker players with hundreds of tables available. They offer a variety of cash games and tournaments each day and regularly host large events with huge prizes on offer.

Speaking of huge prizes, every year The Goliath poker tournament runs at the G Casino in Coventry – for £150, you get a shot to win a share of an over £1 million prize pool. Over the course of a week, the Goliath Poker Festival offers the biggest like poker tournament outside of Vegas, as well as a number of other tournaments and plenty of cash games for low-stakes players and high rollers.

There’s always something happening in the UK, so no matter what time of the year you come over, there’ll be a game waiting for you.

Summary

One of the great things about poker is that it’s enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. While these are some of the top poker destinations, there are thousands of other places around the world where you can enjoy this fantastic game. So, the next time you feel the grind of your regular poker room getting you down, consider taking a poker vacation!

We sit down with the financial crime trainer and apprenticeship coach to discuss why he left the police force, how criminal investigations have changed over time, the importance of education and accountability in an anti-fraud strategy, and why he would never become a KYC specialist.

Paul Stratton has always wanted to be a police officer. In fact, during a recent house clean-up, his wife discovered a childhood picture of Paul and his brother dressed up as characters from ‘Chips’ (an 80’s TV show about two motorcycle officers from the California Highway Patrol).  

However, after 22 years of working for Merseyside Police, including almost four years in the Fraud Unit, Paul knew he had to leave. 

“It got to the point where I was struggling with the lack of team ethos and internal politics. Before moving to the Fraud Unit, I was investigating domestic abuse, violent crimes, and sexual offences, and was starting to feel like an Uber driver, where the next job would just pop up in my inbox. I just didn’t have time to follow up as much as I wanted to with the people I had helped and that always bothered me. 

“Victim care is something that the police talk a lot about and I think it’s just become a soundbite. I don’t think we are doing as well as we could with victim care in certain areas of policing, and it frustrated me to just follow up with phone calls.” 

Little wonder then, that Paul left the police to pursue a career in fraud and financial crime training and raising awareness of the harm of fraud.  

The importance of education, accountability, and tangible messaging in the battle against fraud was a recurring theme in our discussion, as Paul believes a lack of consistent education – to the public, to the police, and the wider public sector – is a significant issue in the UK’s fight against fraud attacks. These rates, Paul believes, will not go down until that education gap is filled. 

Referring to the UK’s recently-released fraud strategy, Paul said: 

“We can’t hold departments accountable because, besides the general aim to reduce fraud by 10% by 2025, there are no specific figures [that they wish to hit] or how they’re going to do it, and no one knows what they’re tangibly supposed to be doing. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set out his five priorities for 2023, and, like them or not, they are clear, so why aren’t we doing something similar with the UK’s fraud strategy?” 

In this interview, we discuss everything from Paul’s skepticism regarding the strategy’s 400 promised new fraud officers, why he hates words like ‘scams’, ‘white collar crime’, and ‘money mules’, and why we’re still probably one or two generations away from fully recognizing the impact of social media and acting upon the dangers of online crime.

From detective at Merseyside Police to fraud specialist at Liverpool City Council, and currently, a full-time fraud apprenticeship coach and fraud and financial crime trainer, why the career change, and what are the main differences and similarities in roles, if any?

I spent 22 years with Merseyside Police, and never wanted to leave, in fact I still consider myself police, but I had to leave as I knew there had to be something better out there. Somewhere where a work/life balance is achievable.   

I brought the same principles and work ethic into my role at Liverpool City Council. In fact, it was working at the Council where I learned the most about fraud, corruption, bribery, conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, social media, KYC, and all the other typical red flags you look out for in police investigations. 

What did a typical day look like at Liverpool County Council?

I oversaw the Whistle Blowing process, reviewing, and allocating cases, and I was the lead investigator for all allegations of internal fraud and potential criminal activity. I was also part of the council’s effective Due Diligence Group and developed the council’s new Fighting Fraud & Corruption Together strategy. 

In 2020-2021, Liverpool City Council received a lot of bad press due to claims of widespread corruption, which led to numerous police investigations and government intervention.

I started my role just after the controversy started, so a lot of my work was focused on trying to bring Liverpool City Council to a point where there was that awareness of fraud and best practices. So, I would work virtually every day on building and delivering educational and engaging training sessions.  

We talk a lot about anti-fraud culture, and counter-fraud culture – that’s a phrase that’s bandied around. But anti-fraud culture is a difficult thing to achieve, as that would mean everybody knows about fraud, and how to prevent it and protect themselves from it.

What led you to leave the Council and launch your fraud and financial crime training and consultancy business?

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I am committed to providing quality training to delegates. Long gone are the days when trainers could just sit in front of a PowerPoint and talk for an hour. It must be immersive, with tasks, real-life examples, and problem-solving sessions. People want, need, and deserve more. This is especially true in the public sector, where there’s very little money to train people, so when a trainer does come in, it’s vital they deliver the best learning they can.

How have criminal investigations and intelligence operations changed in the two-plus decades since you began?

Since I started, back in 1998, it’s changed dramatically. For example, when I joined there was very little education on evidence-gathering at a scene, but now, with technology, recruits are even receiving Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and social media training. 

Whether it’s over Facebook (which it inevitably is), or Instagram or Twitter, investigators need to know and understand how to secure digital evidence. That’s where a lot of the crime exists now. It’s not in person anymore – it’s online.

Would you say the perception of fraud has changed over the years?

Yes and no. When I started in the police, the Fraud Unit, which was called the Cheque and Fraud Wing, would only deal with cases of a certain amount; it had to be of high value for them to even become involved. 

For example, £1 million in losses to a huge organization is a speed bump in relation to a single parent losing £500 in a month and being unable to pay the rent. You see this with romance frauds, where people lose everything.  

I think the perception of fraud can be too rarefied; we think ‘fraud’, we think “white collar crime,” and it’s a phrase I can’t stand, because many equate “white collar crime” with a business crime. 

The last suspect I ever interviewed before I left the police was a young lad involved in a gang that were dealing drugs and other types of criminal activities like selling fake Liverpool and Everton tickets. And they were doing all that through a bank account they’d created with the name of a vulnerable neighbor, and had done it horrifically easily at the time. There are increasing numbers of gangs moving into fraud and money laundering now.

What are your thoughts on the UK’s recently-released fraud strategy? Do you think it goes far enough, and is dedicating resources in the right place?

I think anything that looks at reducing fraud is a good thing. However, [in the strategy] there are a lot of new names for old teams, and reinventing the wheel somewhat, but that’s often law enforcement’s way. We go from priority to priority. You won’t have a burglary team for two years, but then you have a huge burglary problem, so you assemble a burglary squad and solve that problem, then move onto something else. Such is the lack of resources to specialize in everything at once. 

One of the things that I’m skeptical about is the government’s pledge to get 400 new specialist investigators. I don’t think these can be existing police officers, as no police force has enough staff to do what they need to do right now. So, I’m not sure where any new fraud specialists are going to come from, and whether they’re going to be trained or not. 

I also don’t think the fraud strategy factors in the educational component. The strategy may be on gov.uk, but are people seeing it in any kind of usable format? 

Are we doing enough education-wise with the public? I can’t ever remember seeing an advert on fraud prevention from the government. I see adverts about giving to charity and how people can spend money, but I don’t see adverts on how people can protect their money.

In the Foreword to the strategy, Home Secretary, Suella Braverman spoke of the need for coordinated collaboration between the police, the public and private sectors, as well as allies abroad. In your opinion, what is the most important component of a successful fraud strategy? Conversely, what hinders or can negatively impact the strategy, or a fraud investigation?

Intelligence sharing between the public and private sector and international arena is nothing new. The fact that, in 2023, we’re still talking about better intelligence sharing shows how far behind we are. From an investigator’s point of view, the mechanisms already exist for effective intel sharing. We have the National Crime Agency, which does a lot for police forces when they’re investigating abroad. 

For example, if I was investigating bank accounts or looking to get an IP address, we have Financial Intelligence Units that can act in the international arena. We have the Financial Action Task Force for money laundering.  

We need to look at how this affects investigators, and how we can make their jobs easier.  

I know they’ve assigned an MP (Member of Parliament) with the role of Anti-Fraud Champion [Anthony Browne, MP], which is fantastic, but I think it needs to be more effective than just naming someone a champion. Is giving this role to one MP enough? How is he going to do that amongst his constituency work, and other responsibilities? (Read more about the UK’s Anti-Fraud Champion, Anthony Browne here). 

But, for some reason, fraud is just not considered as severe. It’s almost perceived as a sort of invisible crime, where a lot of victims may report it but be too embarrassed to tell people about it.

For example, with romance fraud, many people may think the victim has brought it on themselves and should have been wiser. 

I don’t like the term ‘money mules’; I call them money movers. I also don’t like the word ‘scam,’ people do not ‘fall for scams.’ They are defrauded by criminals. 

People may have a lack of empathy when they hear “falling for a scam,” and think how could they send £500 pounds to someone they’ve never met? Well, that’s the way of the world now – that’s how we meet people in 2023. We’ve moved on; we’re probably one or two generations away from a full understanding of the impact of social media. 

People now spend their lives online; on LinkedIn, on Instagram, everything’s done over email, if someone even rings you now, you think there’s a problem.   

I think it’s the same with fraud and understanding the full effects of it. I don’t think we’re going to get over the “How could they fall for that scam” for a couple of generations because people just think, “Well, I met my partner in person or I still bank in branch,” and it doesn’t work like that. Those days are gone. 

It’s for the same reason that people don’t like to be called “victims.” In the police, we call them complainants because they are complaining about a crime. 

Words matter.  

Apparently, just 1% of police resources are dedicated to tackling fraud, despite fraud accounting for 40% of all crime in the UK.  Why do you think fraud is such a neglected area?

Action Fraud has had a lot of bad press, and I don’t think people actually understand what they do. Not to diminish their work at all, but Action Fraud is like a call center and data warehouse. People call up and make a complaint; they’re not staffed by experts, or detectives or fraud experts.  

What hinders the effectiveness of Action Fraud is that we don’t tell people what Action Fraud is or manage people’s expectations enough to say that the complaint may not be investigated. So, when they get a letter a few weeks later, saying that the complaint is not being investigated, with no explanation, it’s tough. Whether it’s £50 or £5 million, you deserve a reason why the suspected crime isn’t being investigated, and you would get that if you were assaulted, for example. [Action Fraud will be replaced in Q2, 2024 with a new division. Read more about how it fits into the UK’s wider fraud revamp here.]

Apparently, just 1% of police resources are dedicated to tackling fraud, despite fraud accounting for 40% of all crime in the UK.  Was that your experience when you were working in the police? Why do you think fraud was such a neglected area?

Action Fraud has had a lot of bad press, and I don’t think people actually understand what they do. Not to diminish their work at all, but Action Fraud is like a call center and data warehouse. People call up and make a complaint; they’re not staffed by experts, or detectives or fraud experts.  

What hinders the effectiveness of Action Fraud is that we don’t tell people what Action Fraud is or manage people’s expectations enough to say that the complaint may not be investigated. So, when they get a letter a few weeks later, saying that the complaint is not being investigated, with no explanation, it’s tough. Whether it’s £50 or £5 million, you deserve a reason why the suspected crime isn’t being investigated, and you would get that if you were assaulted, for example. [Action Fraud will be replaced in Q2, 2024 with a new division. Read more about how it fits into the UK’s wider fraud revamp here.]

And that understandably has an impact on future reporting habits?

Of course, people just won’t bother reporting fraud. For years, victim support has been around the physical: assaults, sexual offenses, murders. But what do we do for people suffering financial and emotional loss because of romance fraud? Not enough. 

What most hinders an investigation, however, are the low numbers of staff, and inadequate training. Officers, detectives, and investigators all need to be trained, whether that’s in document fraud, cybercrime, or how to find an IP address from an email. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in the public sector, with local authorities. Although this is being changed with the recent Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship.

I suppose if complainants believe they are unlikely to receive any of the stolen funds back, then this would also have a knock-on effect in reporting rates?

Yes, you’re right, the ease with which Proceeds of Crime (stolen funds) can be moved around into multiple bank accounts is scary.  A lot of people may think that if it’s only £100, they won’t report it, because they’re not going to get their money back, and it’s more effort than it’s worth.  

Once that money is spent, even if the perpetrator is caught, it’s very difficult to get it back. 

Let’s say the perpetrator resides in the UK, and you get them, the likelihood is they’re doing it for a reason: because they have no money or they’re greedy, so they’ll just spend it. It may not bother them if they get convicted, because they’re not going to get a job where they need a DBS check anyway. 

Regardless of how much money has been lost, that shouldn’t necessarily factor into the decision to a) report it, and b) investigate it. We must look at harm. Unfortunately, currently, Action Fraud just does not do that.

The fraud strategy has earmarked £100 million for additional police resources. Is that enough?

No, it’s not; we lose millions of pounds every day to fraud. Again, it’s not the amount, it’s where it’s going.  

Putting maybe one more detective into a fraud squad will take the pressure off, and really help get more positive outcomes, but I think there needs to be real education, and refresher courses on, for example, the blockchain. Can some of the money be used to procure external services, and bring someone in to talk about it? We just don’t know. Can we bring experts in to help the police with investigations, because we don’t know everything.  

Of course, there’s a balance to strike, and you don’t want to saturate people with information on fraud and get people scared. Perhaps the best approach would be to properly publicize new fraud initiatives that show how the money is being used. Help teachers get training on fraud prevention, train doctors in how to deal with the mental health ramifications of fraud.

Education is a recurring theme, as is responsibility. Responsibility of the government to educate people, responsibility of victims to report complaints. What about companies and service providers, where does the responsibility lie there? What role will technology, and in particular KYC and identity verification services, play in the future of fraud prevention?

They bear a huge responsibility, don’t they? Having recently been onboarded by a company, it’s all completely digital now, isn’t it? One of the cases I dealt with before I left the police was with a new online bank, where a lot of criminals were using their friends’ photographs, passports and licenses to open bank accounts. 

Knowing Your Customer (KYC) is everything really. And, it’s not just knowing your customer, it’s knowing your applicants, and knowing your staff. It’s having all these things in place, especially in recruitment, as document fraud is rampant, so it’s a huge responsibility. 

You’ll have KYC specialists in banks, but what about the public sector and other private companies? In recruitment, for example, you’re relying on recruitment staff – are they getting the training they need? Are they all aware of the threats of fraud? Do they understand what KYC is?  

I can only speak from the public sector, but the public sector and local authorities can learn a huge amount from banks and a huge amount from the private sector. 

From a fraud investigator’s point of view, I think it’s going to get harder and harder, because long gone are the days where an applicant or consumer must come to a business, and if you’re opening a bank account nowadays, it’ll be online, and you don’t have to see anyone. 

I don’t envy KYC staff – let’s put it that way. It’s not a job I’d like to do; there’s a lot of risk on their shoulders to develop, keep themselves regularly updated.  

In this technological age, it’s also important to remember that fraud is about people as much as it’s about AI and machine learning. Someone must press that button at the start, and someone must be a victim at the end.

If you’re interested in more insights from industry insiders and thought leaders, check out one of our interviews from our Fintech Spotlight Interview series below.

By

Jody Houton
Content Manager at IDnow
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn

Euro 2024 will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024. We’re in the early stages of qualifications with no more than two games being played per side.

In total 24 will participate in the tournament, and 23 of those sides will come through the qualification process. As hosts, Germany automatically qualifies. 

We’re a year out from one of soccer’s most important tournaments – and with lots of qualifying matches left to play – but let’s take an early look at the odds board and who’s favored to win.

Odds to Win 2024 Euro

Odds as of June 13

Why Is France Favored to Win Euro 2024?

On an international level, the French are the second-best side. Les Bleus were runners-up at the 2022 World Cup. On that World Cup journey in Qatar, France took out some strong European opponents.

They bested Denmark 2-1 in the group stage (the Danish hold the ninth-best Euro odds), Poland in the Round of 16 by a score of 3-1 (Poland is at +5000 for Euro 2024) and then France dispatched the English 2-1 in the Quarter-Finals (England is third on Euro odds board).

Through the short qualification period, France is 2-0-0 with a +5 goal differential while keeping two clean sheets with wins over Ireland and the Netherlands. 

Star power is another big factor to consider, and the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge have the biggest star of them all in Kylian Mbappe. The PSG forward has no flaws in his game and dominates at every level. 

🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappe has only played in two World Cups in his illustrious career:

✅ 2018 World Cup:
👕 7 games
⚽️ 4 goals
🏆 Champions
🏅 Best YP

✅ 2022 World Cup:
👕 7 games
⚽️ 8 goals
🎯 2 assists
🥈 Runners-up
🥇 Golden Boot

Incredible. 👏🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/SoBokcdQRU

— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) June 6, 2023

In Qatar, Mbappe scored the most goals (8), lead the tournament in goal-creating actions with 11 (five more than the next best-player) and was third for goal-creating actions per 90 (1.74). When it comes to unlocking a game there’s no better player in Europe or even the world than Mbappe.

Euro 2024 Value 

France enters the tournament as slight favorites, what sides have greater value and have a chance to win instead of the favorites?

Germany

The hosts are just behind France on the oddsboard at +550. Because of their host status, we don’t have any sense of the form their in. They haven’t played any games because they don’t need to qualify.

If not for a shock 2-1 loss to Japan in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, Germany would have likely gone much further. They bounced back from that defeat to the Blue Samurai with a 1-1 draw with a strong Spanish side before dismantling Costa Rica 4-2 to close out their tournament. 

The Germans will hope that youngster Jamal Musiala builds off a strong World Cup where he was credited with 7.67 shot-creating actions per 90 and an even better 22-23 Bundesliga campaign where he scored 12 goals and had ten assists for Bayern in his 19-year-old season. The kid is only going to get much better.

England

The English are the top-ranked side in Group C of Euro qualifiers with wins over Ukraine (2-0) and Italy (2-1).

Gareth Southgate’s side is winning games they should (against Ukraine) and those where they’re second best (vs Italy). Against the Azzurri, England only had 42% of the possession and 42% of the shots, they even went down a man in the 80th minute thanks to a Luke Shaw red card and still won 2-1. 

With Southgate’s contract over in December of 2024, this will likely be his final major tournament. His sides have come close to glory a few times but never won a title. Sadly for the three lions, their returns have been diminishing for the last few years.

2024 Euro Dark horse

Every Euro tournament has its dark horse. A team comes out of nowhere and makes a deep run and upsets the landscape. 

In 2020, that was the Swiss who finished third in Group A and made it to the Quarter-Finals after beating France in the Round of 16.

Who should you have your eyes on in 2024?

Netherlands

The Dutch are no strangers to this competition. They won it once in 1988 and placed third four times. That last third-place finish came in 2004. 

At the 2022 World Cup, the Flying Dutchmen finished fourth with the third youngest squad in the competition. They had an average age of 26. Forward Cody Gakpo was a revelation with three goals in five matches for the Oranje in Qatar. 

Three World Cup games, three goals. Cody Gakpo, literally flying. ⭐️🇳🇱 #Qatar2022 #QatarWorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/Eeb0FHuqwm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2022

There’s a lot to like about Holland. At +1400, keep an eye on their qualifying. 

Croatia

The Croatians are at the top of Group D with four points in two qualifiers. Remember, they finished as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and then third in Qatar. Never discount Croatia at a major international tournament. With +3500 odds you could make $350 on a $10 bet backing them this early. That’s very tempting. 

Last Five Euro Winners

Favorites typically win this tournament. They have deep squads overflowing with some of the most talented players in all of Europe. But every few years a dark horse goes all the way and is crowned Kings of Europe.

At +15000 Greece, and those who bet on them, haven’t yet forgotten about that tournament in 2004.

Last Five Euro Runners-Up 

*After extra time
**Game tied 1-1 after extra time, ended 3-2 in penalties

The Euro finals are a low-scoring affair. Over the last five tournaments, three or more goals have been scored only once. It’s worth exploring the UNDER when the Final comes up in July of 2024.

How to Read Euro 2024 Odds

At any soccer betting site, you’ll see futures odds laid out like so:

If you were to make a traditional straight-up bet, the favorite would be shown with the minus sign (-). In cases like these where there is no clear front-runner, the country with the lowest odds is the fave even if they’re all represented with the plus sign (+) which is generally used to demonstrate underdogs.

Let’s say you’ve looked at the group schedule and think Belgium is going to dominate and make it all the way to the top. A $100 bet would give you a payout of $650 – your original money is returned coupled with your winnings of $550.

Our Odds Calculator is a tool that will tell you how much you’d win based on the offered odds and amount bet.

What is a Futures Bet on the Euro Championship?

A futures bet is a wager made far in advance of a big event. Here, the bet is on the quadrennial Euro contest. It can be said that most bets are made prior to a sporting matchup, but futures can be placed weeks, months or even years in advance. In fact, as soon as the last championship is won, new odds will be released.

The odds will shift as the group stage gets closer and continue to move until right before the final is played on July 14, 2024, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. If you see odds you like, take them to get the most value on your bets (should you win).

Contents

1. A Complete Roulette Glossary
2. Live Roulette FAQ

A Complete Roulette Glossary

American Roulette: A variant of roulette that features a double zero (00). The double zero sits next to the single zero on the betting board. This means there are 38 numbers in play and puts the house edge to 5.26%.

Backtrack: The outer section of the roulette wheel where the ball spins.

Biased Numbers: A section of numbers that is said to hit more frequently than is statistically likely. Biased numbers can be caused by an uneven or otherwise faulty wheel. Unless there is a software glitch, you’re unlikely to see biased numbers at an online roulette table.

Biased Wheel: An unevenly worn or faulty roulette wheel. In live roulette games, a biased wheel could cause certain numbers to hit more often than they otherwise would as it’s not spinning in an even, random manner.

Black Bet: An outside bet in live and online roulette. When you bet on black, you’ll win a 1:1 (even money) return on your money if any black number hits.

Bottom Track: The slanted inner rim of the roulette wheel that remains static during a spin. When the ball slows down, it slides from the backtrack and onto the bottom track before falling into a numbered pocket.

Carre: The French term for a corner bet.

Cheval: The French term for a split bet in land-based, online and live roulette.

Colonne: The French term for a column bet in roulette.

Column Bet: Like dozen bets, column bets allow you to cover 12 numbers with a single chip. There are three columns to choose from, and the payout on winning bets is 2:1.

Combination Bet: In general, a combination bet can be made with one or more chips and will cover two or more numbers. An example of a combination bet is a dozen, which covers 12 numbers in one section of the table.

Corner Bet: A single bet that covers four connected numbers. To make a corner bet, you must place a chip in the middle of a square of four numbers. This means you’re selecting all four numbers in the square. The payout for a corner bet in live or online roulette is 8:1.

Dealer: The person in control of a game, also called a croupier. When you play roulette, the dealer will be present and actively control the game. When you play roulette online, the game will be controlled by a random number generator (RNG).

Dozen Bet: A single bet that covers 12 numbers in one section of the table. Dozen bets are split into three sections: 1st (numbers 1-12), 2nd (numbers 13-24) and 3rd (numbers 25-36). Zero isn’t included in a dozen bet. If any number in your dozen hits, the payout is 2:1.

Double Zero: In American Roulette, double zero (00) is the additional number on the wheel.

En Plein: The French term for a straight-up bet in online and live roulette.

En Prison: A rule common in French Roulette, en prison literally means “in prison”. This rule applies to even money bets and allows you to either take back half your stake when zero hits or leave it “imprisoned” for the next spin. You’re choosing to either get a 50% rebate on a losing bet or keep your stake for the next bet.

European Roulette: The most common form of online and live roulette in the majority of casinos. This game is the older cousin of American Roulette. The main difference between the two variants is that European Roulette doesn’t feature the double zero. Because of this, it has one less number in play than its American counterpart. In total, there are 37 numbers in European Roulette, with a maximum payout of 35:1. The house edge is 2.70%.

Even Money: This term refers to a 1:1 payout. In other words, you win the same amount that you staked. For example, if you stake €1 and win, your total return will be your €1 stake back + €1 profit.

Five-Number Bet: This is a single bet that allows you to cover five specific numbers: 00, 0, 1, 2 and 3. If you win with this bet, your return will be 6:1.

High Bet: This is an outside bet in live and online roulette. When you bet on “high”, you’ll cover all numbers between 19-36. If you win, the return is 1:1 (even money).

House Edge: This term refers to the advantage the house (casino) has in any given situation. The house edge in roulette is created by a difference in the odds of any bet winning and the payout you receive. For example, the payout for a straight-up bet is 35:1. However, in European Roulette, there are 37 numbers on the table. This discrepancy (37:1 vs. 35:1) is where the casino gets its advantage. 

Inside Bet: Any bet made within the inner section of the table is known as an inside bet. Inside bets can be straight up or a combination of splits.

La Partage: When you play French roulette online or live, La Partage is a special rule that allows you to receive 50% of your stake back on even money bets. When it applies, if you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you’ll get half of your money back. This is similar to the En Prison. However, you don’t have the option to let your bet ride on the next spin with La Partage.

Line Bet: Also known as a six-line bet, this option allows you to cover six numbers (two rows of three) with a single wager. To make this bet, you split both rows with a single chip. The chip must be placed at the nearside end of the rows. The payout on this bet is 5:1. 

Marker: In live roulette, a marker, also called a ‘dolly’, is a small implement used to mark the winning number. When the round is over, the dealer will place a marker on the winning number and clear away all losing bets from the roulette table before paying out the winners.

Neighbours: In roulette, neighbours are numbers found next to/near each other on the wheel. These have relevance to certain types of bets, such as Orphelins.

Orphans: A type of bet that allows you to cover the numbers 6, 34 and 17 with a single wager.

Orphelins: A French term that refers to the process of betting on neighbours (numbers that sit near each other on the wheel). By betting on “neighbour” numbers (i.e. orphelins), it allows you to cover groups of numbers with fewer bets.

Outside Bets: Any bet outside of the inner table. Outside bets offer lower returns than inside bets. In roulette, the inner board is any betting option contained without the main, rectangular betting area. The inner board is where the individual numbers sit. 

Pockets: These are the slots where the ball lands on a roulette wheel.

Random Number Generator (RNG): When you play roulette online, the outcome is determined by a computer program known as an RNG. An RNG uses mathematics to generate random results. This allows online casinos to offer games that are as fair as their live counterparts.

Red Bet: An outside bet in live and online roulette. When you bet on red, you’ll win a 1:1 (even money) return on your money if any red number hits.

Sixainne: The French term for a line bet.

Split: A bet that covers two adjacent numbers. The bet is known as a split because you’re literally splitting the chip by placing it on the line between the two numbers. The payout for a winning split bet in roulette is 17:1.

Straight Up: A bet on a single number is known as straight up. The payout on winning straight up bets in roulette is 35:1.

Street: Similar to a line bet, a street bet allows you to cover three numbers in a row with a single bet. To make a street bet, you need to place a chip on the nearside end of a row. The payout for a winning street bet in roulette is 11:1.

Tiers Du Cylindre: Another neighbours bet in French Roulette, tiers du cylindre covers a third of the wheel. This bet requires you to cover 12 numbers with split bets. To make it, you split the following pairs: 5-8, 10-11, 13-16, 23-24, 27-30, and 33-36. The payout on this bet is 17:1, as any win will be a split bet.

Transversale: The French term for a street bet.

Trio Bet: Another term for a street bet in live and online roulette.

Voisins du Zero: A neighbours bet that’s popular in French Roulette. Voisins du zero translates as “neighbours of zero” and sees you cover the 17 numbers that flank zero on the wheel. You have to cover all 17 numbers with nine bets. You do that in the following way:

• Two chips on the 0-2-3 trio
• One chip on the 4-7 split
• One chip on the 12-15 split
• One chip on the 18-2 split
• One chip on the 19-22 split
• Two chips on the 25-26-28-29 corner
• One chip on the 32-35 split

Zero: A number in the game of roulette. Zero is slightly different to other roulette numbers because it’s green. This means that it’s excluded from any outside bets. 

Roulette FAQ

How do live casino games work?

When you play live roulette or any other live casino game, you’re connected to a live game via a webcam. This allows you to see what’s going on at the table in real-time. In tandem with the live stream, RFID sensors on the table link to a computer program that allows you to place bets on the action via your desktop or mobile device.

What Are RFID Sensors?

These are small devices that record data in real-time. Each sensor records actions that take place on the table. These actions are then sent to a computer program so our system knows the result of each spin. This information is compared with the bets you made to determine whether you won the round or not.

Are Live Casino Games And Live Roulette Safe?

Yes. Live roulette and all live casino games are tightly controlled and regulated. In fact, every live roulette game you play online will be as fair as one in a brick-and-mortar casino. To ensure fairness and safety at all times, live roulette games have to be tested and monitored. These conditions form part of a company’s licensing duties. In other words, without proving a game is safe and fair, the company wouldn’t receive a gaming licence and, therefore, wouldn’t be able to offer products online.

Is There An RNG In Live Roulette Games?

No – with the only exception being Lightning Roulette. In this game, the location of the five numbers that are struck by lightning are controlled by a computer program called an RNG. This is very much similar to the process behind digital casino games such as online slots, blackjack and roulette, in the action is controlled by the game’s Random Number Generator. In this instance, the program does the job of a dealer and produces random results. In live roulette, however – bar Lightning Roulette, the dealer is solely responsible for controlling the wheel and, therefore, generating random results. 

How Can I See The Action?

All live roulette games online are broadcast to your screens via HD webcams. To ensure everyone has the best experience, you can adjust the quality of the stream to suit your connection. Additionally, many of the best live roulette games now feature multiple cameras so you can get different perspectives on the board and wheel.

What Types Of Live Roulette Are There?

As well as European, American and French roulette, live casino developers have created new variants in recent years. Games such as Lightning Roulette feature bonus options that allow you to potentially pick up enhanced payouts. As the popularity of live casino games grows, you’ll find more innovative offerings at LiveRoulette our Canadian online casino in the coming years.

To play live roulette and enjoy the action of a truly immersive online game experience, click the link below and join LiveRoulette today.

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

Before considering the top five qualities a casino gaming app must have, the first thing you should do is recognize just how powerful your smartphone is. It can help you learn languages, order groceries, and even give you the tools to film and edit a full-length feature movie if you want to. In short, it can do a lot. Now imagine what it can do when it comes to delivering wow-worthy gaming experiences.

Casino gaming apps today can come loaded with a variety of games as well as helpful educational content. When done right, the overall experience takes advantage of the power of the smartphone platform. But how can you tell which apps are great and which ones should be avoided? That’s where we come in. Our list of the top five qualities a casino gaming app must have is the answer. Use it to find apps that are both fun to play and accessible.

1. Game Variety
   Easily the biggest thing any awesome gaming app must have is a variety of games to pick from. Slots and table games (like Blackjack and Poker) are two types of games. But it’s the variety within the category that’s key. Take slots, for example. An app should offer choices within the category, including titles to pick from, different betting options, gameplay styles, reel structures, and varying payouts. When it comes to Blackjack and Poker, the same applies: different versions of each game, including themes, betting options, and even game style help give people a chance to find a game that delivers the fun and excitement they’re looking for. So why settle for an app that only has a few when you can have them all?!

2. Game Demos
   A casino gaming app should help new players feel comfortable with the games themselves, before they play for money. Free demos are the best way to do this. In addition to being free, demos (and the app itself) allow players to learn at their own pace and in an environment they find comfortable. If this sounds like something you want to see for yourself, you can try OLG’s free demos here.It’s worth mentioning that PlaySmart takes this one step further, giving players access to more beyond a demo, offering up a virtual encyclopedia of all things gaming. It covers language and terms, odds, even tools to help manage your play. Pair that with a free demo, and not only will you be ready to play, but you’ll be doing it with games that match your style and budget.

3. Player Data Protection
   When considering gaming apps, another quality to look for is how the app itself keeps you and your private info, well, private. Look into the privacy policies that you’re shown when you sign up. You should see details on whether or not your personal info and play history are protected. If not, think twice. And then check us out, because we have some the most advanced safeguards in the industry in place. Click here to read OLG’s privacy and cookie policy.

4. Intuitive User Experience
   Not mentioning the actual design and user interface of the app would be a miss. Because that’s absolutely one of the most important things, as it’s how you interact with each and every game. Responsive, engaging, and exciting play doesn’t just happen naturally.It takes time and effort by developers to ensure the app works and behaves exactly as it should. For example, the OLG app has an intuitive user experience that is designed to provide seamless gaming. It’s simple and straightforward so players can easily browse through the app. Also, the app’s layout is visually appealing and organized, allowing players to quickly locate their favourite games, manage their account budget, and review their gaming history.

5. A Player-Focused Support System
   Last but certainly not least, a quality gaming app must have a system in place that keeps the games fun for everyone with facts, tools, and advice on how to play your favourite games. We’re also talking about things like letting players control their time and budgets, helping players take a break from playing when necessary, and offering ways to gain insights on their player habits that could serve to curb problem gambling. It just so happens that PlaySmart has these in spades with the My PlaySmart Tools. And for good reason: OLG has been helping Ontario play responsibly for 25 years and counting.

Let the Online Game Play Begin

With the expansion of Ontario’s iGaming market, it’s now more important than ever to look for an online casino app that not only has the five points above, but also prioritizes the well-being of its players.

It’s worth mentioning, we’re no stranger to any of this. In fact, our PlaySmart program has been around since well before games went digital (and not to brag, but we’ve won awards for it too). Look for other unique offerings that will help you crank up your fun, in ways you may not have thought about. Like our play style quiz that helps you find out what kind of player you are, complete with a list of games that match your unique style.

In its latest report, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) revealed that the combined total revenue generated from all forms of gaming during July was $467.04 million. That includes income from:

• Slot machines
• Table games
• Internet gaming
• Sports betting
• Fantasy contests
• Video gaming terminals (VGTs)

Online gambling revenue in Pennsylvania throughout July was $132.86 million, a yearly increase but a monthly drop.

Total tax revenue generated collectively through all forms of gaming and fantasy contests was $192.0 million during July 2023.

Pennsylvania’s online casino apps took in more money from players in FY 2022/23 than in any previous fiscal year. 

Pennsylvania gaming revenue reaches $467 million in total

Twenty Pennsylvania casinos collected $467,043,707 in total gaming revenue in July, a 6% monthly increase from $440,491,675 collected in June. July’s revenue figure is also an 8.85% yearly improvement compared to revenue generated in July 2022.

The best-performing Pennsylvania casinos throughout July 2023 were:

1. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course: $70,085,180
2. Parx Casino: $56,108,246
3. Valley Forge Casino Resort: $54,642,48

While Hollywood Casino and Valley Forge Casino showed a yearly increase of 25.62% and 32.07%, respectively, Parx Casino reported a 0.48% yearly drop.

PA online gambling revenue increases yearly, drops monthly

There are currently 10 online casino operators in the Keystone State that compiled $132,859,997 during July. The number is a 35% yearly increase from $98.57 million in July last year. However, it is a 19% monthly drop from the $164.3 million generated in June.

The top three PA operators in July were:

1. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course: $54,392,661
2. Valley Forge Casino Resort: $29,221,202
3. Rivers Casino Philadelphia: $26,825,080

Tax revenue generated from internet gaming play during July 2023 was $57.30 million.

PA sports betting revenue in July decreased from June

PA licensed sportsbooks won more than $32 million in total revenue during July 2023. The figure is a slight monthly decrease from June 2023’s $33.8 million. At the same time, the taxable revenue figure for July 2023 is a 26% yearly improvement compared to July 2022, when taxable revenue was $25.44 million.

In July 2023, the total sports betting handle was $338.45 million or 0.58% above the July 2022 total of $336.51 million.

Pennsylvania reported a record fiscal year 2022/23

Last month, the PGCB reported record tax revenue for the state for fiscal year 2022-23 of $2.3 billion.

Gaming revenue reached a record $5.5 billion, a 9% increase from 2021-2022’s previous record-high figures. Nearly $2.45 billion in revenue came from slot machines, while $974.0 million came from table game revenue. FY 2022/23 was the state’s second highest-performing fiscal year for slot machine revenue, after FY 2011/12’s $2.47 billion.

Pennsylvania’s online gaming sector of $1.53 billion also increased by 24% from the previous fiscal year.

Memoir by SharmaJI

Posted by Naman Sharma on 2023-04-04 at 7:56 PM

After busting two recently found bankrolls, I was sure I needed to do something differently (mostly bankroll management errors and skill overestimation). I consider myself one of those ‘feel-players’ who know very few technical details about the game, but my love for poker is such that I keep bouncing back somehow.

Working for PokerGuru and seeing the journey of numerous poker enthusiasts and pros, I’ve sometimes been envious and uncertain. However, it has also been one of my biggest motivations to persevere despite losing considerable money.

I was on top of the world after scoring a career-best payday (3rd in PokerStars India’s Master Minds [8-Max] for ₹89,125) in November 2022, and it was smooth sailing for some time. January and February were drastic months for me as one thing led to another, and I went bust before realizing it.

On the other hand, March was a harbinger of new opportunities. Although I have much to learn, I was asked to stream for PokerGuru under the ‘SharmaJI’ moniker, one of the most exciting challenges I’ve ever been issued.

On March 30, right after reaching the PokerGuru HQ, the usual work continued, with everyone pitching in for the Daily Majors report. I was writing about a few of the ongoing NPS and ITM events, wondering when I would get to take down an event.

Around 6 PM, I started grinding on PokerStars, playing the ₹375 buy-in, ₹50K GTD Super Stack PKO 8-Max. Only fifteen minutes into the event, I busted out once, and in hope and desperation, I fired my second bullet, which did the trick for me. Moving one step at a time, I was doing everything quite cautiously and built a decent stack before the close of late registration. The next step was to wait for the money bubble to burst, which was a task. Somehow, I reached the money and entered the final table as one of the shorter stacks.

On the FT, I worked my way up before a misclick of folding pocket aces once. Lady luck smiled upon me, and I found a double-up with pocket jacks. The game continued, and at the time of three-handed play, I was again the shortest stack before jamming jack-eight suited (diamonds) from the button and finding a double-up from another runner who held ace-king suited (spades). After that, I had the chip lead; from then on, it seemed like a cakewalk. I eventually shipped the tournament for ₹12,154.

What made March 30 even more memorable was my getting to the final table of two more PokerStars India tourney’s ₹1 Lakh Gtd Ultrasonic (4th for ₹7,754) & Late Night Last Chance [Hyper-Turbo] (4th for ₹1,089).

This is a start, and I feel blessed to be part of a community that is so supportive when at the end of the day, we are all competing against each other at the tables.

Also, a big shoutout to all who have been tuning into my streams. I hope to see you all on my next stream very soon.

Most companies offering goods and services rely on raw materials and capital goods obtained elsewhere. Multiple major conglomerates are creating these capital goods that facilitate manufacturing businesses that cannot develop them themselves.

Here, we take a peek at these wizards behind the curtain who help all kinds of companies produce anything from medical devices and medicine to cars and planes.

So read on to learn how the modern industry sector works.

What Are Capital Goods?

Put simply, capital goods are physical products used to create other goods—for example, tools, vehicles, machinery, chemicals, and even various spaces and buildings.

The capital goods industry plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and product innovation and development. After all, without them, we wouldn’t have the variety of consumer goods available today to make our lives better and easier.

The 10 Best Capital Goods Companies

So let’s delve into the top 10 companies in the capital goods field, exploring their market value, growth trajectory, and key details about their operations.

1. General Electric (GE)

• Market Value: $121 billion 
• Employees: Over 172,000

General Electric, commonly known as GE, is a multinational conglomerate based in Boston and New York. With a rich history spanning more than a century, GE has established itself as a leader in various industries, including aviation, healthcare, and power.

Businesses of all sorts use GE’s engines, software solutions, wind turbines, and even weapons on a steady basis. To stay on top of the game, GE invests a huge chunk of its yearly revenue into R&D of new competitive technologies to stay ahead of its rivals.

2. Siemens AG

• Market Value: $134 billion 
• Employees: Approximately 311,000

Headquartered in Germany, Siemens AG is a global powerhouse in the capital goods sector, as it successfully provides automation and digitalization products and services for several sectors, including construction, energy, healthcare, and transportation.

Specifically, the company is a well-known pioneer of several innovative technologies, such as medical imaging equipment and various industrial automation solutions. Lately, they’ve also been making significant progress in AI and machine learning.

3. Honeywell

• Market Value: $138 billion 
• Employees: Over 103,000

With experience dating back to the early 1900s, Honeywell was built into a technology and manufacturing giant producing cutting-edge capital goods for a while now.

While operating in the aerospace, building, and safety sectors, Honeywell offers a rich portfolio of everything from avionics systems and navigation technology to heating & ventilation products, various performance chemicals and materials, and protective gear.

4. Caterpillar Inc.

• Market Value: $134 billion
• Employees: Over 109,000

Also known as CAT, this construction equipment manufacturer became a global behemoth over the last decades and is now offering all sorts of mining and construction equipment, vehicles, and materials, as well as engines, power systems, and financial services.

A slew of industries across the globe are relying on Caterpillar’s premium products, including the mining and construction sector, agriculture, transportation, forestry, energy production, and many more. Without infrastructure, there’s no development, and without Caterpillar, building a country’s industrial infrastructure is rather difficult.

5. 3M

• Market Value: $58 billion
• Employees: Over 92,000

Originally known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, 3M has evolved into one of the world’s leading capital goods manufacturers, producing everything from adhesives and laminates to medical and car products and software solutions.

Nowadays, 3M is focused on expanding its global presence across several industries (healthcare, electronics, construction, and automotive) and investing heavily in its R&D department to create breakthrough technologies.

6. Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

• Market Value: $142 billion 
• Employees: Over 190,000

Formed after the merger of Raytheon and United Technologies, Raytheon Technologies (RTX) has an expansive area of influence in the aerospace and defense sectors. On top of that, the company is operating in the space exploration and cybersecurity spheres.

So can encounter the brand’s stamp on anything from military equipment (missiles, radars, weapons, etc.) to cutting-edge cybersecurity software, aircraft, and aerospace products, such as avionics systems, flight control systems, landing gear, and more.

7. ABB Group

• Market Value: $75 billion
• Employees: Over 105,000

This Swedish-Swiss conglomerate has been one of the leaders in the capital goods sector for decades, thanks to its state-of-the-art robotics, automation, and electrical equipment.

You’ll find it offers anything from various robotic assistants to power generators, electrical components, and software platforms for automation purposes. For that reason, you’ll find its products in industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and utilities.

8. John Deere

• Market Value: $132 billion 
• Employees: Around 70,000

Deere & Company, commonly known as John Deere, is a renowned American manufacturer of construction, agricultural, and forestry machinery. Its commitment to quality, durability, and innovative solutions has contributed to its excellent growth and market value. 

With a strong customer base and a global presence, Deere & Company continues to expand its product portfolio to cater to the evolving needs of the agriculture and construction sectors, which products like top-notch tractors, harvesters, excavators, and more.

9. Hitachi

• Market Value: $59 billion 
• Employees: Approximately 300,000

This diversified Japanese conglomerate has operations in various sectors, including construction machinery, power systems, and information technology. Regardless of the sector in which it operates, Hitachi delivers innovative and unique products.

Thus, its portfolio includes all sorts of products, ranging from data storage and server solutions to power generators, industrial pumps, railway systems, medical imaging technology, mining equipment, and engine electronics for motor vehicles.

10. Emerson Electric

• Market Value: $53 billion 
• Employees: Over 85,000

Based in the United States, Emerson Electric is another company older than a century that has grown into a key player in the capital goods industry with a portfolio covering the manufacturing, energy, healthcare, electronics, and telecommunications sectors.

The company’s product line includes everything from automation solutions and commercial and residential systems to climate technologies, home tools and products, and networking solutions. On top of that, this giant is shaping technological advancements daily.

Conclusion

All of the companies listed above are powerhouses that drive innovation, growth, and technological advancements. After all, they supply essential machinery, equipment, and services to various other manufacturers. On top of that, they are also major employers with vast workforces and employment opportunities. 

Furthermore, sustainability is a key focus for these companies, as they keep on implementing environmentally friendly practices, investing in clean technologies, and promoting energy-efficient solutions. So as we move forward, these behemoths will keep on shaping the industrial landscape, the global economy, and our lives at large.

With the popularity explosion of Brazilian jujutsu (BJJ) in recent decades, most people are unaware of what traditional “Japanese” jujutsu even is. Although both are relatively similar fighting styles, their utilities and competitive scenes are vastly different. In this article, we will compare Brazilian jujutsu (BJJ) and Japanese jujutsu, breaking down all the differences and similarities. Let’s dive straight in!

SIMILARITIES

Before we jump into the differences, let’s first highlight what is similar. As you may be able to guess, jujutsu originated long before the development of Brazilian jujutsu. However, interestingly enough, BJJ didn’t directly develop out of jujutsu. Instead, BJJ is based on the martial art of judo—which is based on traditional jujutsu. So, you can think of Brazilian jujutsu as the grandchild of jujutsu rather than an offspring.

Therefore, although the two jujutsu styles share many similarities, BJJ is slightly more similar to judo than it is to jujutsu.

The similarities shared between BJJ and jujutsu are as follows:

1) Both sports make use of similar combat techniques

In both jujutsu disciplines, fighters utilize many of the same techniques, such as throws, ground fighting, and grappling. However, the extent to which each of these skills is used differs between the two sports.

2) Fighters in both sports wear the same uniform

Most Japanese martial arts (jujutsu being one) require fighters to wear traditional robe-like uniforms known as “gi”. Although BJJ developed in Brazil, as evidenced by its name, this traditional attire has remained chiefly in practice. With that said, BJJ is more lenient on uniform requirements, and some events allow fighters to wear traditional MMA attire instead of a gi. Additionally, both sports use colored belts to signify a fighter’s skill level.

3) Both sports are fundamentally based on self-defense

Although jujutsu was initially developed for offensive and defensive war-time purposes, its modern use is almost solely that of defense. BJJ, meanwhile, is considered one of the most practical and efficient forms of self-defense training in the world.

4) The primary objective in each sport is to subdue/submit the opponent

As both martial arts are based on self-defense, each aims to subdue an attacker. Fighters can do this with several different joint-locking techniques or chokes.

DIFFERENCES

While Brazilian jujutsu (BJJ) and jujutsu may sound the same, they are, in fact very different sports with varying sets of rules and regulations. Here are the main differences between BJJ and jujutsu.

EVENTS

BRAZILIAN JUJUTSU

Competitively, most BJJ events are similar to most other combat sports: one-on-one matchups in which one fighter wins by either submitting their opponent or earning the most points. These fights range in length from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the fighters’ skill level (belt color).

JUJUTSU

While jujutsu does have a form of combat fighting that is similar to BJJ (known as “freefighting” or “contact jujutsu”), this style of jujutsu competition is extremely rare nowadays, especially in the West. The main reason for this is that most traditional jujutsu techniques were developed to actually injure, paralyze, or even kill an adversary. As a result, modern jujutsu fights generally can’t be authentic to the true nature of the sport.

Instead of traditional fights, most jujutsu competitions are done as performative routines. These events are often known as “duos” and feature two (sometimes more) teammates—one assuming the role of the attacker and the other the role of the defender—showcasing a display of various jujutsu techniques and combos. These routines usually involve some degree of improvisation, as judges will usually call out a certain type of attack that the defending fighter must react to. Of course, these routines are friendly performances.

SCORING

BRAZILIAN JUJUTSU

In a BJJ match, fighters can win by submitting their opponent (forcing them to tap out) or by accumulating the most points by the end of the match. These points can be scored with the successful use of various techniques, including:

• Takedown (2 points) – Bringing a standing opponent to the ground
• Sweep (2 points) – Switching places with an opponent who is on top and maintaining that new top control position
• Knee-on-belly (2 points) – Placing a knee on the opponent’s stomach on the ground
• Guard passing (3 points) – Getting past the opponent’s guard position, such as swiping their knees out of the way when they’re being used to keep distance between the two fighters.
• Full mount (4 points) – Laying directly on top of their opponent’s torso
• Back mount (4 points) – The same as the above, except the fighter on the bottom is lying on their stomach

The fighter must maintain these positions for at least three seconds to gain points (with the exception of takedowns and guard passes).

JUJUTSU

In contact jujutsu, fighters determine the match with a submission or knockout. However, matches can also be decided by points or the referee’s decision.

• Submission: Just like in BJJ, a submission is scored immediately ends the match and is scored whenever a fighter forces their opponent to tap out. This often results from being put in a chokehold or a painful joint lock. A submission that results in a fighter losing consciousness is automatically considered a submission. Furthermore, any sort of outcry or scream of pain is considered a surrender.
• Knockout: A knockout occurs when a fighter is knocked to the ground and unable to get up after a three-second count. If the fighter gets up before the three-second count is complete, it will be immediately considered a knockout if they get knocked to the ground again in a similar manner.
• Points/Referee’s decision: Referees keep track of various effective techniques used by each fighter during a match. These points are factored in with the referee’s overall impression of the match (such as each fighter’s passivity) to determine the winner if no submission or knockout occurs.

In jujutsu duo performances, fighters are scored as pairs by a panel of judges based on their performance. Each pair of teammates are scored from 0 to 10, with this final score being influenced by the speed, accuracy, control, and realism of the performance.

RULES

Brazilian jujutsu and combat jujutsu share many of the same rules, many of which concern safety. This means that many of the same dangerous chokes, joint locks, and other techniques that intentionally cause unnecessary harm or risk of injury are prohibited.

Apart from safety, one major rule difference exists between these two sports: jujutsu allows the use of strikes (kicks, punches, knees, elbows, etc.), while BJJ allows nothing of the type (other than leg sweeps, which aren’t considered a kick). This is a significant difference, as it is the primary reason why BJJ is focused almost entirely on ground fighting while jujutsu consists of a healthy mix of standing and ground fighting.

UTILITY/POPULARITY

Since it was developed as a wartime combat style, traditional jujutsu is somewhat obsolete in modern times. After all, safety is a major component of any modern sport, and jujutsu was fundamentally supposed to be the opposite of safe. Instead, jujutsu is now embraced solely as a martial art, not necessarily a competitive sport (hence, the performative displays). As a result of this transition, jujutsu isn’t well-understood around the world, with it instead being kept alive by those fascinated by its long-standing history.

On the other hand, Brazilian jujutsu has been growing exponentially in popularity in the West, especially in the United States. Much of this growth has to do with the fact that BJJ techniques are relatively easy to learn and are effective in nearly any situation while used by just about any person. Furthermore, BJJ techniques aren’t necessarily intended to cause severe bodily harm. Because of this, many people don’t only practice BJJ for self-defense purposes but also as a daily form of exercise.

However, it’s worth noting that modern competitive jujutsu styles have also evolved over the years. These modern jujutsu styles may emphasize self-defense, grappling, and ground fighting, similar to BJJ.

OVERALL COMPARISON

Like most martial arts, many similarities exist between Brazilian jujutsu and traditional jujutsu. Both use similar techniques, with the main ones being grappling, ground fighting, throws, and various submission techniques (choking, joint locks). Furthermore, despite its Brazilian influence, BJJ still honors many Japanese traditions that are present in jujutsu and other Japanese martial arts, such as the wearing of the gi, the use of colored belts to signify rank, and forms of pre- and post-match gestures of respect between opponents.

In many ways, the main differences between these two jujutsu disciplines result from BJJ simply being a modernized version of traditional jujutsu. After all, BJJ was developed so that the average person could learn how to efficiently defend themself, while normal jujutsu was developed nearly 500 years ago as a form of combat training for highly skilled Japanese samurai.

While it is unlikely that jujutsu will ever surge to prominence again, Brazilian jujutsu is only expected to keep growing in popularity at a profound rate.

I am a passionate writer who enjoys inspiring others to play games and have fun. I ran a pub crawl for 3 years, running drinking games almost daily with my guests. I also come from a huge game-loving family, so you could say games are in my nature.

THREE CARD POKER IS A VERY SIMPLE GAME BASED ON THREE CARD BRAG.

The winning card combinations are based on standard Poker hands, so it’s probably best to learn these if you want to become a Poker whizz.

Place your bet on the box marked Ante.

You can place an optional separate bet on the Pair Plus box at the start of each game. This can be a stand-alone bet or in addition to your Ante bet. If you’re dealt any of the hands in the Pay Table below, you’ll be paid at fixed odds regardless of whether the dealer qualifies or has a better hand.

Pair Plus Pay Table

There is also an optional side bet Prime on Three Card Poker. You can only place this bet once you have placed an Ante and/or a Pair Plus wager. The objective of this bet is to see whether the three cards dealt to you are of the same colour, that is, all red or all black, see Pay Table below.

Prime Pay Table

The dealer will deal three cards to each player and three to themselves – all face down.

Look at your cards and if you want to stay in the game place your Play bet on the table. This should be the same amount as your Ante bet.

You do not need to play the hand and stay in the game, and can instead choose to Fold, which means you surrender your Ante bet.

If the dealer’s hand doesn’t have at least a Queen High it doesn’t qualify so your Ante bet will be paid even money and your Play bet returned to you.

If the dealer does have a Queen High, you win even money on both your Ante and Play bets if your own hand is better.

If the dealer’s hand is better than yours, you lose both bets. If you continue in the game by placing a Play bet, and your hand is a Straight or better you will receive an Ante bonus, see

Ante Bonus Pay Table

The rules are the same as above except you bet against the dice. You lose if a 7 or 11 is thrown on the first roll and win on a 3 or 12. If a 2 is thrown, it is a standoff and you neither win nor lose. If a point is established and then made, you lose. If a 7 is thrown before a point is made, you win. Your wager may not be increased after the establishment of the come-out point until that wager is either won or lost.

Once a point has been established you are then allowed to lay that point.

Winning Hands

VIEW PDF

Comments

comments

Card games like Bridge continue to provide timeless entertainment to players looking for a unique blend of skill and strategy. The thrill of forming partnerships, devising tactics, and outwitting opponents makes Bridge a truly engaging experience. However, if you’re looking for card games to win real money, you might want to check out online casino games. There are several online casino games that share some of Bridge’s intriguing features. In this article, we will take a look at each of these online casino games that come with all the thrills and excitement of Bridge.

Online Poker

Poker is a strategic card game where you use your cards to make the best possible hand. It’s fun because you can bluff your opponents and use your wits to outsmart them. You play with other people, just like in Bridge, and you can make friends and win money.

The goal is to try to make combinations like pairs, three of a kind, or a straight. You can play the game in demo mode for free or bet money to make the game exciting. To win more easily, learn the different hand combinations and strategies.

Online Blackjack

Blackjack is another card game to try out, though this game relies more on chance. In this game, you need to get a certain total without going over. The fun part comes when you play against the dealer and beat them.  Blackjack is one of the most popular card games at online casinos. This means you will find them at any online casino you come across, whether you’re playing at European online casinos or online casinos in Ontario. To play the game, you need to make a bet and you will be dealt cards. The goal is to add up to 21 or close, but not more. You can ask for more cards, or you can stay with what you have. If you get closer to 21 than the dealer, you win. But if you go over 21, you lose.

You can learn some basic strategies about when to hit (get another card) or stand (keep your cards) to boost your winning chances. For example, if you have a low total, it’s usually a good idea to get another card. Also, pay attention to the dealer’s face-up card, as it can help you decide your next move. Just remember, it’s all about getting closer to 21 without going over.

Online Rummy

Rummy offers all the excitement you get from playing Bridge. Like the others, this game comes with a mix of luck and skill, and you need to plan your moves ahead. You can play with friends or people from around the world.

To play online rummy, you will need playing cards. Your goal is to make sets (like three cards of the same rank) and sequences (like 3, 4, 5 of the same suit). You draw and discard cards to improve your hand. Once you have the right sets and sequences, you can declare and win the round.

Winning rummy is all about focusing on forming your sets and sequences quickly. Try to remember which cards your opponents are picking and discarding, so you can guess their strategies. Also, keep an eye on the Joker cards, as they can substitute for any other card. 

In conclusion, while Bridge remains a timeless classic, these online casino games provide a modern twist to the thrill of card games. From the strategic gameplay of online poker to the chance-based excitement of online blackjack and the cunning tactics of online rummy, there’s something for every card game enthusiast. So, whether you’re a seasoned Bridge player looking for new challenges or a newcomer eager to explore the world of card games, don’t hesitate to give these online casino games a try. Who knows, you might find a new favorite pastime and win some real money along the way!

(This is the typical set up for the game Faro)

Card Game Rules

Faro is a historical casino game for two or more players. It requires a standard 52 card deck, an extra set of 13 cards for each rank, a set of betting chips for each player, and a penny for each player. In Faro, Aces are low and Kings are high. The objective is to win the most bets. 

If you are looking for cards to play Faro with, check out a standard deck here or check out one of our recent arrivals here.

For more casino games, check out our guides for In-Between and Baccarat.

You can also find an 1882 rule book to Faro here.

Set-Up

To set-up a game a Faro, place the extra 13 cards in two rows face up in the middle of the playing table. These cards make up the tableau. From the top left going right, the card order should be King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, and 8. The 7 should be placed to the right of and halfway down from the 8. The 6 should then be placed to the left of the 7 and directly below the 8. From the 6 going left, the card order should be 5, 4, 3, 2, and Ace.