How Fair Is Provably Fair, Exactly?

Blackjack tournaments offer a unique and exciting way to enjoy this classic casino game. But before you dive in, it's essential to understand how these matches work and what strategies can help you succeed. This article will cover the blackjack tournament strategy to become a true winner. How to Play Blackjack Tournaments? For Blackjack tournaments, players pay an entry fee to participate and aim to collect the most chips within a set amount of time or to outlast all opponents via a series of knockouts. They have become increasingly popular in both land-based and online casinos. Although blackjack matches are ultra-competitive, they offer minimal risk because the player only risks losing the entry fee. Some contests may submit a free entry, but larger prize pools come from paying the entry fee. During the round, players compete against each other rather than the casino. All participants start with the same amount of chips and play the same number of hands, with the player who has the most chips at the end of the round advancing to play against other table winners. To succeed in a tournament, having more chips than the opponents at the end of each round is crucial. This requires not only knowing how to play blackjack but also how much to bet and how to react to opponents' chip counts. Progressing in a match with relatively few chips is possible if they are more than the opponents'. Therefore, participants must watch opponents' bankrolls to know if they are ahead or behind in the chip count as the round progresses. Tournament Blackjack VS. Casino Blackjack One significant difference between a contest and regular online blackjack is the amount of money at risk. Depending on their luck and strategy, a player can lose considerable money in a single night in traditional blackjack. On the other hand, in competitive blackjack, players only risk their entry fee and play with chips. Other significant differences that contrast the tournament & casino blackjack are: In a blackjack match, players compete against each other, and in a regular game, they compete against the dealer. In the contests, participants aim to collect more chips, but players tend to earn money in standard blackjack. Participants in contests can earn up to a six-figure prize. On the other hand, regular players can rarely win that enormous amount of money. Players should know how to outplay opponents, while in the regular game, it's essential to have specific techniques, such as shuffle tracking and card counting. The player's losses are limited to the competition entry fee in competition. However, You can always buy more chips if you lose your entire bankroll in standard blackjack. Types of Blackjack Tournaments There are different types of blackjack games, but there are also other types of contests. Each competition format has its regulations and objectives. Therefore, players must study the specific blackjack tournament rules before entering a game. Understanding the differences in formats can help players choose which games to join. We'll go through each type and explain how it works. Traditional Elimination Tournaments are the most popular format, where players compete only against those at their table. The table winners advance to the next round, and the others are eliminated. Players can pay a re-buy fee in most elimination matches and play again if eliminated. Tournaments with Elimination format was made famous by the televised Ultimate Blackjack Tournaments. After a certain number of hands, the player with the lowest chip count is eliminated. Non-Elimination or Accumulation Tournaments allow players to compete against each other to win the most chips after several rounds in this format. The leaders are often posted on a leaderboard, so players know how much they need to win to overtake the leaders. Mini-Tournaments have a low entry fee and take less than a day to complete, with a prize pool of $2,000 or less. They are usually held weekly in land-based casinos and often daily in online casinos. Major Tournaments have higher entry fees, take more than one day to complete, and have a sizable prize pool, often six figures. Casinos that offer major contests usually hold them over a weekend, offer the contestants free or discounted rooms, and typically include a banquet and gift. Live-Money Tournaments require players to purchase the chips, which can be exchanged for cash at the end of the tournament. So in live-money tournaments, players risk their own money. Sit 'N' Go Tournaments are continuously running matches that begin once six players have been assembled. In addition, sit 'n' Go contests have become popular on internet sites that offer blackjack contests. Required Skills for Blackjack Tournaments Players must possess skills beyond basic knowledge to succeed in a match. Developing a solid set of skills takes practice and dedication. However, the primary set of skills to be a victorious opponent in the competition include: Deep understanding of the game's regulations, cards, and odds associated with different hands. Strong observation skills to keep track of the opponent's chip counts and make betting decisions based on the insight. Quick thinking is crucial during the gameplay, as you must calculate the potential outcomes of your opponents' bets. Know when to bet high/low, when to correlate or increase bets, and how to lock out opponents. Calculate a player's game balance depending on their bet's outcome and determine their possible outcomes. Knowing the basic blackjack strategy and when and how to deviate from it is also essential. Blackjack Tournament Strategy Implementing the right strategy for the blackjack tournament is critical to becoming a successful player. In competition, you must consider many factors when betting and deciding whether and when to double down, hit, stand, or split. So, we'll go through the necessary steps to implement a winning blackjack strategy. How to Win Blackjack Tournament To win a blackjack match, it is crucial to have a good strategy in place. At the end of the tournament, placing a large wager, often recommended as half of your chip stack can give you an advantage. If you receive a pair, you can split it, and if you have enough chips left, you can double down on a two-card total that justifies it. When you reach the final table, your first rule should be not to bust out early. Instead, you should wait and see how other players bet before making big wagers. In the final hand, most of your opponents will go all-in, so you should do the same but keep one chip to advance in case the dealer wins. If you’re wondering ‘’How to win blackjack tournaments’’, the understanding of final hands will help you: You should start making larger bets at Hand 10 point in the tournament, but not too much, as you don't want to risk losing your chip lead. Keep your chances close to what your competitors are making, but be prepared to raise them slightly if necessary. Hands 17-18 are critical hands in the final table, as they can make or break your chances of winning. If you are leading, keep the pressure on with the same bets you have been making. If you are close to the pack, bet up to one-third of your stack. If you need to catch up, bet half your stack. Hand 19 is a significant hand, as it can be the difference between winning or losing the tournament. If you lead by more than a maximum wager, bet enough to get two stakes ahead plus $5. If you show by a small amount, watch the other bets closely and try to get ahead by a maximum wager plus $5. If you are not leading, try to bet up to half your stack. The higher payoff for first justifies busting out here and taking a lower profit. Hand 20 is the tournament's final hand, and you want to be the chip leader after this. Set your bet accordingly. That should be considered if most participants are close, and you can guarantee a second-place finish with a sure bet. Otherwise, bet the maximum. You should also consider that all players may lose the last hand while playing. If this happens, will you have enough chips to take first? When six or seven participants are still competing for first or second, and each is making the maximum wager, you may have a better chance of making a little bet, keeping more in reserve, and hoping the dealer has a killer hand. Do this if there is no way for you to get first, second, or third unless the dealer beats everyone. Betting Strategy for Blackjack Tournament One of the critical things to keep in mind is to avoid betting more than your bankroll. While it may be tempting to bet big to increase your bankroll quickly, it is a risky strategy that can result in losing everything in your first hand. Instead, bet conservatively and adjust your bets accordingly as the progresses. When you are not leading, it is advisable to bet slightly less than the chip leader. This will allow you to stay in the game without risking too much of your bankroll. If you are leading, however, you should consider betting slightly more to maintain your lead and stay ahead of the competition. It is essential to pay attention to the other players' betting patterns and adjust your bets accordingly. For example, if most players are betting aggressively, it may be wise to bet conservatively to avoid losing your chips. Similarly, if most participants are betting conservatively, you should take a more aggressive approach and bet more to gain an advantage. When in doubt, saving one chip and waiting for the next hand is always a good idea. This will allow you to stay in the game and open your options. Knowing when to split while playing blackjack is essential. Splitting pairs and doubling down is also crucial in matches. Generally, you should split pairs when you have a couple of eights or aces and double down when you have 11. However, you should also consider the other players' cards and adjust your strategy accordingly. By following these tips and knowing when to split pairs and double down, you can increase your chances of winning the match. Blackjack Tournament Tips Participating in a blackjack contest can be an exciting experience. Here are some tips to improve your chances of success: Read and understand the regulations, including the number of rounds and hands per round, updates on the leaderboard, and gameplay practices such as betting limits and surrender options. Pay attention to your opponent's cards, actions, and the leaderboard while playing, and adjust your betting and decision-making accordingly. Consider your position in the betting rotation and adjust your blackjack tournament betting strategy. Be aware of the time and chip count, and adjust your bets. If you're lucky to be near the top of the leaderboard, manage risk to maintain your lead, and don't be reckless. Most importantly, have fun. Remember, the game's goal is to be entertained; if you don't win, there is always another chance. Conclusion Participating in a tournament requires a different strategy than regular online blackjack. Participants must understand the game's rules and odds and develop observation and quick-thinking skills to succeed. Implementing the right betting strategy and knowing when to split pairs and double down is also crucial in increasing the chances of winning the game. Remember, while the goal is to win, the main objective is to have fun and enjoy the thrilling experience of a blackjack tournament. FAQ What is the 212 strategy in blackjack? The 212 strategy in blackjack is a betting strategy where a player starts with a base bet, then doubles the bet for the second hand, returns to the base bet for the third hand, and then doubles the bet again for the fourth hand. How does a blackjack tournament work? A casino blackjack tournament typically works by participants paying an entry fee to participate and competing against each other to win the most chips within a set time or by outlasting all opponents via a series of knockouts. Do you hit on 15 or 16? Whether to hit on 15 or 16 in blackjack depends on the dealer's upcard. However, as part of the blackjack tournament strategy, the players are generally advised to hit on 15 or 16 against a dealer's seven or higher and to stand against a dealer's 2 through 6. How long does a Blackjack tournament last? The length of a blackjack tournament can vary depending on the format and directions of the tournament. Some contests may last a few hours, while others may span several days or weeks.

In the world of casinos, staying ahead of the game means being at the forefront of innovation. From the smoke-filled rooms of the past to the neon-lit extravaganzas of Las Vegas, the casino industry has always been a space where the allure of risk meets the promise of reward. The 21st century and the internet have brought about a host of new trends and technologies that are reshaping the way we think about gambling.  In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the future of the casino industry, exploring the latest casino industry trends, from cryptocurrencies and online platforms to cutting-edge technologies and the growing influence of esports. Welcome to the future of betting, where every roll of the dice, flip of a card, or spin of a wheel is being reimagined for a new era.  The Rise of Cryptocurrencies in the Casino Industry As digital currencies continue to gain traction, more and more casinos are starting to accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The real game-changer lies in the technology behind these digital coins—blockchain. Blockchain technology comes with benefits that are particularly advantageous to the casino industry. For starters, it offers a level of security and transparency that's hard to beat. Every transaction made on a blockchain is immutable, meaning it can't be deleted or changed. This minimizes the risk of fraud and provides a clear audit trail, which can be a significant advantage in an industry where trust is paramount. Secondly, cryptocurrencies facilitate fast and efficient transactions. The time-consuming process of traditional banking can often be a hindrance in the fast-paced world of casinos. With crypto, deposits and withdrawals can be made almost instantaneously, enhancing the user experience and keeping the games flowing smoothly. Moreover, cryptocurrencies open up the casino industry to a global audience. Traditional banking systems and regulations can often exclude potential players, especially those from countries with stringent gambling laws. By offering a decentralized alternative, crypto casinos can reach out to a wider audience, irrespective of geographical boundaries. A Digital Dice Roll: The Explosive Growth of Online Casinos The digital revolution has transformed the way we gamble. Online casinos now allow players to enjoy their favorite games from anywhere, anytime. This convenience, coupled with the potential for a larger variety of games, competitive odds, and enticing bonuses, has made online gambling a booming industry. However, this shift also causes challenges such as ensuring fair play, combating problem gambling, and dealing with complex regulations. Thankfully, advancements in technology like blockchain and artificial intelligence provide innovative solutions. With improved internet connectivity, widespread use of mobile devices, and a digitally savvy player base, online casinos are poised to continue their growth. They represent a new frontier for the gambling industry, offering a wealth of opportunities for innovation and expansion. Casino Technology Trends Technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, and the casino industry doesn't lag behind. Here are some of the most impactful technology trends: Artificial intelligence: The use of artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in enhancing the user experience. Personalized gaming recommendations, improved customer service through AI chatbots, and sophisticated algorithms that ensure fair play are just a few examples of how AI is being utilized. Virtual reality and augmented reality: VR and AR are catapulting the casino experience into a new dimension. VR transports players to captivating virtual casinos, delivering an immersive experience that replicates the thrill of a physical casino. On the other hand, AR enriches the real-world environment with digitally superimposed elements, offering an interactive gaming experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Biometric authentication: Biometrics, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, are used to enhance security. This technology can help prevent fraudulent activities and provide a streamlined experience for customers by speeding up identification and payment processes. Internet of things: IoT devices can be used to personalize the gambling experience. For example, smart devices can adjust lighting and temperature based on individual preferences or track player behavior to offer personalized gaming suggestions. Blockchain technology: As mentioned earlier, blockchain is important for the casino industry. By offering transparency, security, and fast transactions, it's set to revolutionize the way casinos operate. Predictive analytics: Casinos are using predictive analytics to gain insights into player behavior, helping them to offer a more tailored and enjoyable experience. It can also be used to identify potential risks and anomalies to prevent fraud. These technologies are transforming the casino industry, offering increased efficiency and improved security. As we look to the future, it's clear that technology will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the casino industry. Social Casino Trends The rise of social media has had a tremendous impact on numerous businesses, including the online gambling industry. Here are some of the important casino trends for 2023 that social media is driving: Social casino games: These are free-to-play games that resemble real casino games. They are often played on social media platforms and smartphone apps, allowing players to compete with their friends and share their accomplishments. While they don't provide real money gaming, they can introduce new players to the casino world and pique their interest in real money games. Influencer marketing: To reach new audiences, casinos use the power of social media influencers. Casinos can advertise their offers to a larger and often younger population by working with influencers who have a huge following. User-generated content: Many casinos encourage their clients to share their social media experiences. This user-generated material can serve as significant word-of-mouth promotion for the casino, strengthening its reputation and reaching out to prospective customers. Live streaming: Some online gambling sites live stream games on social media sites, allowing players to watch the action and interact in real time. This can make the whole experience more interesting and personal, even for those who gamble online. Community engagement: Through social media, casinos can interact directly with their clients, provide customer service, react to comments, and build a community around their brand. This can lead to increased client satisfaction and loyalty. According to these online casino trends, social media is becoming an increasingly significant instrument in the casino sector. Casinos can reach new audiences, engage with customers in meaningful ways, and create a more interactive gaming experience by using the power of social networks. Sports Gambling Trends Sports gambling has been a longstanding pillar of the betting industry, but the advent of online betting and the rise of esports are shaking up the game. Here are some of the key sports betting industry trends to watch: Online sports betting: The rise of online platforms has made sports betting more accessible than ever. Bettors can now place wagers from anywhere in the world, at any time, and on a wide variety of sports. The convenience and ease of online sports betting have led to its significant market growth in recent years. Live betting: Also known as in-play or in-game betting, live betting allows gamblers to place bets on sporting events as they're happening. This dynamic form of betting provides a more interactive and engaging experience, keeping bettors on their toes as the odds fluctuate in real time. Data and analytics: As in other sectors of the casino industry, data analytics plays an increasingly important role in sports betting. Sophisticated algorithms and AI are used to analyze player performance, predict outcomes, and set odds, leading to more informed betting decisions. Esports betting: Esports, or competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity, and the betting industry has taken note of it. Esports betting is rapidly growing, with millions of fans worldwide betting on games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The growth rate of esports betting is particularly significant for younger players, who are often more familiar with these games than traditional sports. Regulatory changes: Changes in laws and regulations are also impacting the sports betting landscape. Since more jurisdictions legalize or liberalize esports and sports betting, the industry is poised for further growth. These gambling industry trends suggest a future where sports and esports betting continue to evolve, driven by technological innovation, changes in consumer behavior, and shifts in regulatory landscapes. As the lines between the physical and digital worlds continue to blur, the opportunities for growth and expansion in sports and esports betting are substantial. Conclusion As we've seen, the future of the casino industry is influenced by a variety of factors, from the rise of cryptocurrencies and online casinos to the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the influence of social media. Each of these trends presents both opportunities and challenges, prompting the industry to adapt and innovate. In the realm of sports gambling, the surge of esports betting is reshaping the landscape, bringing in a younger demographic and creating new betting opportunities. As sports and esports betting continue to evolve, so too will the strategies casinos employ to engage bettors. In a world that's getting more digital and interconnected, the casino industry is poised to continue its evolution. As it adapts to these new realities, one thing becomes clear—the future of the casino gaming industry is bright, and it's sure to be an exciting ride. FAQ Is the casino industry growing? Yes, there are significant casino growth trends. The industry is experiencing a noticeable expansion, particularly in the realm of online casino sites. Technological advancements and regulatory changes are making casino gambling more accessible, driving growth in this sector as a result. What is the fastest growing sector of casino gaming? The online casino sector, particularly mobile gaming, is one of the fastest-growing segments in the casino industry in 2023. Moreover, esports betting is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by the increasing popularity of competitive video gaming among younger players.  What is the trend in casino revenue? The trend definitely revolves around growth. As of April 2023, the commercial gaming industry had seen 26 consecutive months of growth, reaching a total of $22.06 billion in the first four months of the year, tracking 13.8% ahead of the previous year's pace??. While land-based gaming revenue has remained relatively stable, online gaming revenue has surged, growing 50.4% in the same period.  Does online gambling increase during a recession? Many online gambling trends have shown that online gambling is resilient during economic downturns. In fact, it seems to be somewhat recession-proof. During lean economic times, online casinos continue to attract large numbers of players daily. The demographics targeted by these gaming platforms, particularly younger audiences with disposable income, are less likely to be affected by mortgage repayments and loans, meaning their propensity to participate in online gambling remains relatively steady even during a recession.   What is the future of the casino industry? The future of the casino industry is vibrant and dynamic, shaped by online casino trends like cryptocurrencies, cutting-edge technologies, and social media influence. Additionally, the rise of esports betting is creating new opportunities, especially among younger demographics. These casino industry trends signal exciting times ahead for the industry.

Let’s talk about online casino facts you may not know so far. Over the past two decades, online casinos and gambling sites have grown from strength to strength and today represent the most popular way for players to enjoy their favorite gambling games without ever needing to leave the comfort of their homes. If you’re known to enjoy a couple of rounds at the online casino every now and then, this article may be for you. Here are some fun gambling facts you might not have been aware of until now. #1 – IT’S A MAN’S WORLD Among the first online gambling facts, you should know that most of the player base is predominantly male. Statistically speaking, about 11% of internet users actively engage in regular online gambling, with around 80% of those being male. Of course, these figures focus not only on slot machines and table games but also on sports betting, amongst others. Another interesting fact is that these players tend to be over 30 years old most of the time, which is great news as problem gamblers tend to be younger most of the time and are 7.5 times more likely to develop an addiction than when compared to their female counterparts. Regarding live casino games, it’s also statistically shown that men tend to prefer this option more than women. If you happen to be new to the world of online casinos, then live casinos offers a scenario where a live dealer is streamed on a 24/7 basis from a live casino studio, offering an online gambling experience that’s as close to real life as it gets. #2 – THE DEATH OF THE ONE-ARMED BANDIT Because land-based slot machines originally included a large lever on the side that was used to get the reels spinning, many referred to these games as one-armed bandits in the past. However, with the introduction of modern slot machines, all you’ve got to do is press the spin button most of the time to get the game going. In the past, slot machines were exclusively used for gambling purposes, but since many online casinos will allow you to play these same games for free these days, there’s also an element of entertainment that’s associated with these games too. Another interesting fact about modern online slots is that many of them are branded to represent movies, bands, and even video games that you’ve enjoyed in the past. For this reason, among interesting facts about online casinos is that you can experience your favorite bits of pop culture come to life on the reels, many a time, without the need to whip out your credit card before you’re entirely sure this slot is for you. #3 – IN THE VERY BEGINNING When it comes to online gambling, the first thing that generally comes to mind for most people is online casinos, however, did you know that the first form of online gambling actually involved a lottery instead? In 1994, the internet was still in its infancy and was considerably much slower than the broadband high speeds we’re used to today. Regardless, an online company called InterCasino launched the world’s first online casino and briefly introduced the first online lottery after this. This new concept completely revolutionized the way we think of money-stake games. It paved the way for the industry that was about to change everything we ever thought about gambling – how about that for a dose of online casino facts for the day? #4 – MODERN GAMBLER STATS The average age of online gambling players is between 18 to 39 years of age, which is interestingly lower than the general population’s average age of 37. These figures dispel the notion that online gambling and frequent casinos is generally reserved for older players. Apart from that, another fun fact about gambling is that statistics also show that the average online gambler is rather affluent, with a median household income of around $75,000 per year. These figures are above the median household income in the US, for example, which currently stands at just over $60K. This leads us to believe that if you’re on the lookout for online gamblers with disposable income that’s above average, then online casinos are generally a good place to make that connection, as well as being able to interact with live dealers. Finally, modern-day gamblers have proven to be even more tech-savvy, with around 85% playing from their computer and laptop devices and the remaining 15% resorting to their mobile phones or tablets in order to enjoy their favorite games. #5 – MEN LOVE SKILL WHILE WOMEN PREFER LUCK When it comes to game choice in modern online casinos, studies have indicated that men are more likely to gravitate towards skill-based games, while women would more often pick out luck-based games. As a general concept, this makes sense, as men are generally more likely to enjoy being analytical and logical, while women will often rely on emotion and intuition. For this reason, when looking up interesting facts about gambling to include in this update, we discovered that table games are still amongst the most popular form of online casino games amongst male online gamblers, while most women online casino players will often opt to play slot machines or bingo amongst others. Then again, there’s no hard and fast rule, and of course, there are exceptions to every rule and statistic. However, there are always other fun facts about casinos to keep in mind the next time you’re about to strike up a conversation in a live casino lobby. #6 – THE DEVIL’S GAME You might not already know this, but roulette is often referred to as the Devil’s game by many players from around the world, and the reason for this is actually quite interesting. If you add up all the numbers displayed on the wheel, you’ll end up with a total of 666, which is sometimes also referred to as ‘the number of the beast’. Even though some might find this to be a little scary, it’s all just superstitious fun. Statistically speaking, most would agree that spinning the roulette wheel is one of the best games in terms of win potential, which makes it so massively popular in both brick-and-mortar as well as online casinos. Because you can bet on red or black, there’s almost a 50% chance of landing a win on each spin, which is very high compared to other games such as Blackjack or Poker. Even though the odds are relatively low in this game, there’s still the chance of earning your bet back at the end of the round. We say almost and not a confirmed 50% due to the fact that American roulette wheels have an extra double zero ‘00’ pocket when compared to their European counterparts, which could set this percentage a little off if you happen to be playing this variant. #7 – THE MOST POPULAR OF THEM ALL When it comes to the world of online casinos, the most popular table game at gambling sites is Blackjack, and this definitely doesn’t come as a surprise. Thanks to the simple nature of the game, along with the fact that it’s both skill and luck based, the age-old game of 21 beats all records when compared to other popular table games such as Baccarat or Poker, for instance. Another online casino fact that you’re going to want to keep in mind is that when it comes to the house edge, this is kept relatively low when it comes to Blackjack, with players offered the chance to potentially land a winning hand more regularly than they would in other games. The fast pace of the game also contributes to the entertainment factor of this game, however, when it comes to fast games, online slots definitely rank in first position, with game rounds taking a couple of seconds and no previous knowledge of gambling games generally required. #8 – IT’S BIGGER AND BETTER ONLINE Due to physical limitations, brick-and-mortar casinos needed to choose their game selection carefully in the past to ensure that they were able to house all of their games within the premises, however, this is definitely not the case with online casinos. Offering hundreds, sometimes thousands of game options, online casinos can load up as many games as they like without ever needing to worry about where to park the next slot machine, which is another fun fact about online casinos to keep in mind. Apart from that, online casinos are also known for offering bigger casino bonuses and promotions with lower wagering requirements, starting with a welcome bonus that generally includes a bonus as well as free spins in some cases, as well as a series of regular promotions that offered by the casino either directly through their website or by means of email notifications which are delivered directly to your inbox. #9 – LIFE CHANGING MULTI-MILLION JACKPOTS When it comes to jackpot online casino games, some of the biggest wins recorded have been in the eight-figure region, with the largest recorded win to date happening in April 2021 with a 20p spin. In this case, a Belgian player landed the life-changing spin of a lifetime and bagged an impressive $23.6 million win on Microgaming’s Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah game. Other impressive wins that happened in jackpot online casino games include a $23.5 million win on Mega Moolah, also by Microgaming in 2018, which subsequently made its way to the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest win at an online casino. In third place, we’ve got a $21 million win on NetEnt’s Mega Fortune that was one by one very lucky player in Finland, while another $19.9 million win was won once again on Mega Moolah by a player from Cheshire, UK. #10 – ONLINE CASINOS NEVER SLEEP And finally, our last interesting fact about online casinos today - while there was a time when players needed to abide by the opening times of their favorite land-based casinos, the advent of online casinos changed that concept completely. Available seven days a week, 365 days a year, on a 24/7 basis, you’re always one click away from your favorite games as long as you’ve got a decent internet connection – it’s really safe to say that the world of online casinos has literally revolutionized the game from start to end. This means that rather than needing to plan a trip to the casino, online gamblers are now able to enjoy their favorite online casino games, including live casino with live dealers anytime, anywhere, from all devices, including computers, tablets, e-readers, as well as their mobile phones, and keep their online gambling account topped up via credit card which is pretty handy.

Without a doubt, Backgammon is a popular board game worldwide. But did you know it's also one of the oldest games in history? Unlike traditional games such as chess and go, Backgammon has been around since 3,000 BC. In this article, I'll talk more about the history of Backgammon, so read on if you're interested to learn the origins of this game. The History of Backgammon Evidence suggests that Backgammon has been played by the rulers of ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, Persia, and the Far East for thousands of years. Iran The oldest known backgammon board, which dates back 5,000 years, was found in 2004 in the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan. Pieces were made of turquoise and agate, and the board was made of pure ivory. During those days, these materials were commonly used to construct backgammon boards and other board games. Around the same time, ancient dice made of human bone were also discovered. Ancient Mesopotamia In the 1920s, archaeological discoveries were made in ancient Mesopotamia and present-day Iraq, dating back 5,000 years and revealing six artifacts similar to what we see today in backgammon boards, dice, and different colored pieces. These discoveries provided a fascinating glimpse into the game's potential origins in ancient Mesopotamia. Even though there's a debate over the exact origin of Backgammon, it's known that Egyptians, Sumerians, and Persians all played games similar to our modern backgammon games. A 5,000-year-old backgammon board was found in the Royal Tombs of Ur in Mesopotamia in 1962. Although, as previously mentioned, this was the area where The Royal Game of Ur was played, the wheel, the first written language, and the first known math system were all invented. Roman Empire There were times when the Romans were so enthralled with the game that they proclaimed it to be the sport of emperors; they played it on surfaces such as wood, with stones as markers and dice made from bones, wood, or pottery as dice. It's believed that during the long journeys of Emperor Claudius, he incorporated a special board into his chariot to be able to play the game during those long journeys. Backgammon was believed to have been taught in the Holy Land and brought back to Europe by the Crusaders. In the Middle Ages, Backgammon was an advantage of knighthood in England; it was the privilege of the aristocracy and noblemen. References of Backgammon English literature and art used to refer to Backgammon as 'tables' until 1645 when the word 'backgammon' first appeared in print. There are several references to the game in works by Chaucer and Shakespeare, as well as Dr. Jan Steen's masterpiece of the 17th century, 'Argument over a Card Game,' which deals with the game's history. A reference in the book written by writer Edmond Hoyle in 1745 describes the rules of Backgammon and discusses some strategies still used today in the game. The invention of the double cube took place in the 1920s. The Doubling Cube Among the most significant developments in the history of Backgammon, the invention of the doubling cube is most notable. The doubling cube is shaped like any six-sided dice, except its numbers are different — six numbers are displayed on the doubling cube, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. The cube sits between each player. So, using the cube, one player can double their stakes if they feel they have the advantage. In the 20s, the doubling cube became popular in New York City, but it's unclear who introduced it to the public. Today, the doubling cube is used by western players in modern backgammon games. And, for example, in Armenia and Greece, the doubling cube isn't commonly used. Backgammon Today During the 60s, there was a surge in the popularity of Backgammon, partly because of the influence of the Russian Prince Alexis Obolensky. It was believed that he was the father of modern Backgammon for a time. He was a co-founder of the International Backgammon Association and wrote the first set of rules for the game. He also hosted a series of tournaments in Manhattan in the 1960s, drawing many celebrities and royalty. Backgammon was once one of the most popular games in the Western world. Over the years, it has always been one of the most popular board games throughout the Middle East, and its popularity has never diminished over the years. In the late 60s, Hugh Hefner's backgammon parties were held at the Playboy Mansion. And during the last days of Hefner's life, he played the game with his family and close friends. In 1967, there was even a World Championship held in Las Vegas. As a result of the establishment of the United States Backgammon Federation in 2009, Backgammon has become more and more popular worldwide. This federation is composed of all-time top players and tournament directors worldwide. For this reason, backgammon tournaments have become increasingly popular in recent years. Backgammon has become a popular game in most land-based and online casinos. However, in casinos, it may have slightly different rules, but its popularity shows just how common it is. And lastly, home versions of this game are available at the major board game manufacturers. Digital Backgammon It's now possible to play Backgammon anywhere at any time. There are hundreds of backgammon versions available on flash game websites. Moreover, versions are available through Apple and Android's app stores. Alternatively, you can play a version of this game through iMessage with other iPhone users. Conclusion I provided a brief overview of what I've mentioned in this article about the history of Backgammon: In 2004, the ancient backgammon board was discovered in an Iranian province, dating back 5,200 years. In the 20s, six artifacts were in Iraq that originated approximately 3000 BC. A 5,000-year-old board was discovered in Iraq in the 60s. In England, in 1645, the word 'backgammon' first appeared in print. The father of modern Backgammon is Alexis Obolensky. First World Championship took place in Las Vegas in 1967. In 2009, the United States Backgammon Federation was established. It's one of the oldest dice games, but people still love playing Backgammon at home, at parties, land-based and online casinos. In case you don't know anything, you can learn the rules and gameplay of Backgammon.