Jamaica is a home to some of the most beautiful beaches and amazing casinos in the world and this is the reason a lot of tourists visit the country every year for spending vacations. Jamaica is famous for its natural beauty and different species of animals. Jamaica is an island country located in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the larger islands in the region, but still smaller than both Cuba and Hispaniola. Age structure in. The legal age for gambling here happens to be 18. Jamaica Tax gambling winning facts Lottery winnings in Jamaica use to be taxed at a pace of 15%. Certified gambling workers shoulder the tons of trouble related to tax. Gambling law was created to prevent minors from being exposed to the potential financial harms of gambling at too young of an age. How Old Do You Have To Be To Use A Sportsbook at a Las Vegas Casino? You must be 21, the same age as you have to be to use an online sportsbook in the state of Nevada. This applies to gambling laws too. An interesting fact is that the legal gambling age may be different for the different state, depending on the specific laws in the jurisdiction. In some of the states nearby Nevada, the legal gambling age is lower. For instance, in Idaho, the legal gambling age is 18 for casinos, poker rooms, lottery and Bingo.
Home to some of the most beautiful tropical islands known to man, the Caribbean is a major vacation destination.
Millions of people visit these island nations every year in pursuit of warm weather, clear blue waters, and sandy white beaches.
Yet another reason why people visit the Caribbean is because it's home to a large number of casinos. Of course, with so many casinos, common questions arise when choosing a gambling destination.
What are the best Caribbean casinos?
How should I plan for a Caribbean gambling trip?
Let's answer these questions and more by discussing popular Caribbean gambling nations, the top casinos, and some tips to remember before you depart.
Popular Caribbean Countries and Territories with Casinos
Antigua & Barbuda
A small island nation in the West Indies, Antigua is known for their online gambling industry. In fact, they've butted heads with the United States over the latter's internet gambling laws.
Antigua also has several land based casinos within its 108 square miles. King's Casino is one of the most popular, and it's located in the Antiguan capital of St. Johns. This casino offers plenty of slot machines along with blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, and roulette.
Found in Jolly Harbour Township, Grand Princess is the largest casino on the island. It spans over 70,000 square feet, offers a sports book, over 200 slot machines, and more than 20 table games.
Smaller gambling establishments include Royal Antiguan Beach and Tennis Resort at Deep Bay, St. James Club at Mamora Bay, and Casino Rivera at Runaway Bay.
Aruba
As the spot where stud poker originated, Aruba has an interesting gambling culture. It's also right near Curacao in case you'd like to gamble in both destinations.
One of the most popular casinos is Alhambra since it offers a wide range of table games. You'll find 3 card poker, blackjack, Caribbean stud, craps, double draw poker, Let It Ride, Mississippi stud, and roulette here.
Found in Oranjestad, Crystal Casino offers 420 slot machines along with almost two dozen tables. Another Oranjestad casino worth visiting is Seaport, which has 455 slot machines and nearly as many tables as Crystal Casino.
You'll find a cluster of smaller casinos along Palm Beach, which is on the northern side of Aruba.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is the Caribbean's biggest gambling destination, mainly thanks to the Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island. With over 1,800 slot machines and 800 table games, Atlantis would be well suited to compete in gambling capitals like Las Vegas and Macau.
Crystal Palace Casino, found on Cable Beach, is another large casino with 40 tables and 700 slot machines.
Located on Grand Bahama, the Bahamas Princess Resort and Casino offers more than 30 table games and 400 slot machines. Isle of Capri Casino is also found on Grand Bahama, and it features nearly the same number of tables and slots.
One more Bahaman casino worth mentioning is the Freeport based Crown Royal Oasis, which has over 500 slot machines and more than 40 tables.
Curacao
Like Antigua, Curacao is another online gambling haven that boasts multiple land based casinos.
The largest casino is the Holiday Beach Hotel and Casino, which is found in Willemstad. It has 300 plus slot machines along with plenty of table games.
The Hill Rose Casino at Trupial Inn at Willemstad is a mid sized gambling establishment that features 100 slot machines, blackjack, poker, and roulette.
Smaller, more intimate casinos found in Willemstad include the Hilton Curacao, and Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino.
Dominican Republic
Sharing an island with Haiti, the Dominican Republic features several promising casinos.
The Renaissance Jaragua Hotel and Casino at Santo Domingo not only houses a large amount of slots and table games, but also 5 restaurants. Another popular Santo Domingo casino is Hotel Hispaniola, which offers simulated horse races along with the traditional mix of tables and slots.
Hard Rock in Punta Cana can't be overlooked either since it features 400 plus slot machines and more than 40 table games.
Some of the smaller casinos that you'll find in Santo Domingo include the Barcelo Gran Hotel Lina Spa & Casino, Melia Santo Domingo Casino, and Occidental El Embajador.
Jamaica
While Jamaica is known more for its vacation offerings than gambling, it still has a solid casino scene.
Kingston's Acropolis Gaming and Entertainment Center offers blackjack, craps, roulette, and nearly 200 slot machines.
Other popular Jamaican casinos can be found at the Grand Lido Resort and Spa, Coral Cliff Hotel, and Sunset Jamaica Grand.
Puerto Rico
This U.S. territory has a dozen casinos, many of which are fine establishments that require a dress code. This includes the El San Juan Resort & Casino, which is one of the Caribbean's most lavish gambling venues.
Spanning 10,000 feet, the Inter Continental San Juan Resort and Casino has many different slot machines, blackjack, and roulette.
Other San Juan based casinos where you'll find slots and table games include the Condado Plaza Hotel, Hyatt Regency Cerromar, Ritz Carlton, San Juan Marriott, and the Wyndham.
Different casinos around the country include the Candelero Resort at Palmas Del Mar, Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino at Ponce, and the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort at Fajardo.
St. Maarten
With just over 33,000 residents, this is one of the smaller islands in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, St. Maarten still has a few casinos worth checking out.
The Maho Beach Resort & Casino offers a nice mix of blackjack, craps, roulette, and slot machines. The Princess Casino features many of the same games with the addition of Caribbean stud.
The Atlantis Casino is a nice place for high rollers who want to enjoy VIP rooms.
One of the most unique casinos in the Caribbean is St. Maarten's Coliseum Casino, which lets you gamble in an ancient Roman atmosphere.
If you like betting on sports, head to Lightning Casino, where you'll not only find lines to wager on, but also food, drinks, and numerous TVs.
Top 5 Caribbean Casinos
Atlantis, Nassau, Bahamas
Casino
Located on Paradise Island, Atlantis brings a touch of Vegas to the Caribbean in terms of size and aesthetics.
The casino floor features over 80 tables that offer classics like blackjack, baccarat, craps, and poker. Speaking of poker, Atlantis plays host to World Poker Tour events and the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure every year.
You can also look forward to over 1,800 slot and video poker machines, which is more than any other Caribbean casino.
Step off the main floor and you'll find two smaller gambling locations in The Cove and Sea Glass. You can even gamble online throughout the resort by downloading the Atlantis app on your tablet or smartphone.
Amenities
The Vegas theme continues with all the different amenities offered at Atlantis. These include: convention space, a golf course, salon, bars, waterparks, marine habitats, over a dozen restaurants, and shopping.
The spa is particularly impressive because it offers 15 treatment rooms, an herbal steam and cedar wood sauna, outdoor whirlpool spa, tea lounges, and a wet table.
You can also check out live performances by famous acts in the Atlantis Ballroom.
Hotel Rooms
Atlantis contains over 2,300 hotel rooms, more than half of which are in the Royal Towers. The Cove Atlantis contains almost 500 rooms, which are referred to as condos.
Artwork lines much of the hotel areas, including sculptures worth millions of dollars.
The views outside of the rooms are excellent, with Paradise Island being close to the Caribbean Sea at all angles.
Location
Paradise Island is on the north side of New Providence, located less than a mile away from Nassau's city center. This gives visitors plenty of things to do away from the resort if they feel like crossing into Nassau.
The only drawback to Atlantis' location is that the airport is on the other side of New Providence.
This means that you have to go through Nassau and beyond to reach the airport. But on the bright side, New Providence is a small island and you won't have many miles to cover.
Casino Royale, Maho, St. Maarten
Casino
Despite sharing a name with the hit 2006 James Bond film, St. Maarten's Casino Royale isn't reminiscent of the sophisticated Bond flick.
Instead, it features a vibrant atmosphere that makes you feel as if you're in a Caribbean festival. This is apparent as you approach the casino and see a barrage of flashing lights that blend Vegas with Miami.
The eye catching, tourist appeal continues with the car giveaways, monthly contests, and free cabaret shows offered here.
The biggest treat of all for gamblers includes the 400 plus slot machines and 20 table games found inside Casino Royale.
Amenities
Casino Royale is strictly a casino, so they don't offer the extensive number of amenities that other Caribbean casinos do.
Aside from a bar, snacks, and the cabaret shows, most of Casino Royale's entertainment comes from the games they offer.
Hotel Rooms
If you're looking for exclusive resorts to stay at hear Casino Royale, Belmond La Samanna, Sonesta Maho Beach, and Sonesta Ocean Point are all quality hotels that offer plenty of amenities.
For those traveling on a budget, Commodore Suites, Flamingo Beach Resort, and Holland House Beach Hotel offer fairly cheap rates.
Location
Casino Royale is located on the southwest side of St. Maarten, within walking distance of Maho Beach.
This casino is close to many of the nightclubs and resorts found in St. Maarten. Casino Royale is also less than one mile from the airport and the Mullet Bay Golf Course.
El San Juan Resort & Casino, Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico
Casino
If you're looking for elegance above size, Puerto Rico's El San Juan Casino is a nice choice. Featuring chandeliers above each table, this venue has a Monte Carlo feel.
The table stakes will remind you of Monte Carlo too because they're higher than average. This will be viewed as a negative for some, but the stakes fit in with El San Juan's strive for refined clientele.
This isn't a casino for tourists who wear khaki shorts and tank tops, with a strict dress code that fits El San Juan's upscale crowd.
But the dress requirements shouldn't scare you away because El San Juan Casino has plenty to offer in terms of gambling and nightlife.
The well designed lobby bar and Brava nightclub are both Puerto Rico hotspots that are great for celebrating big wins.
Amenities
Part of the Hilton brand, El San Juan Resort & Casino offers plenty of amenities for their wealthy clientele.
Amenities include: a beauty salon, clothing store, day spa, fitness center, gift shop, pool, pool side massages, sight seeing tours, and snorkeling.
The outdoor pool is most impressive because it offers nice views of the ocean, palm trees, and well maintained landscaping.
Hotel Rooms
El San Juan seeks to blend 'Miami trendy and classic elegance' with their hotel rooms and suites. We can see this in their rooms, but the hotel isn't as impressive as the casino.
The rooms have a plain feeling with only a touch of Caribbean flair separating them from your average Las Vegas resort room.
Regular rooms offer nice views of the ocean, free Wi Fi, an LCD television, air conditioning, iHome, and an in room safe. The suites have better ocean views and more space than regular rooms.
Location
This resort is located at the northeast end of Puerto Rico, right by the Playa de Isla Verde beach. It's also just one mile from the airport, meaning you'll be at the resort almost immediately after landing.
El San Juan Resort & Casino is one instance where you might consider renting a car because you'll have miles of scenic coastline to travel down.
Alhambra, Aruba
Casino
Like Casino Royale, Alhambra also isn't part of a resort. But it's still worth a visit because this Aruba based casino has over 450 slot machines and a large variety of table games.
Alhambra has a good comp program that sees you earn cashback on slots play, and free spins that can earn you up to $1,000.
As for the vibe of this casino, it's a mixture of elegance and Caribbean flash.
You'll see neon lights outside of the casino along with more lights on the floor. But you'll also find chandeliers, art, and stained glass windows throughout Alhambra too.
Amenities
Despite being a casino first, Alhambra offers shopping, dining options, and golf.
You can shop at Aruba Aloe, Bijoux Terner Boutique, Shalom Body and Soul Spa, R Glass, The Lazy Lizard, and The Market.
Restaurants include Baskin Robbins, Dunkin Donuts, Juan Valdez Café, Hungry Piranha, TOF Twist of Flavors, Fusion Piano & Wine Bar, and Cioccolato.
Hotel Rooms
Some of the resorts located near Alhambra are Divi Aruba Phoenix Resort, Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort, Divi Dutch Village Resort, and Divi Tamarlin Beach Resort.
The Tamarlin Beach Resort is nice if you love great ocean views and spending lots of time on the beach. Those looking for a private, more exclusive stay will appreciate the Divi Dutch Village Resort.
Location
Alhambra is found on the northwest side of Aruba, just outside the city limits of Oranjestad. Given that this casino doesn't have a resort, it's nice that Alhambra is located in the heart of tourist country.
The coastline location also gives you easy access to many of Aruba's finest beaches, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Hard Rock, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Casino
While the Dominican Republic has many different casinos, none stand out like Hard Rock Punta Cana.
At 45,000 square feet, Hard Rock is far bigger than most Caribbean gambling venues. Within this space you'll find 40 table games and over 400 slot machines.
Texas holdem poker is very popular here, with the annual Punta Cana Poker Classic offering a guaranteed $500,000 prize pool.
This casino also offers a sportsbook, VIP rooms, and an extensive loyalty program.
Amenities
Hard Rock Punta Cana features all of the amenities that you'd expect from a major casino resortâ€'and then someâ€' including golf, the Little Big Club, Music Lab, salon, shops, and spa.
The Music Lab is worth checking out if you've ever had fantasies about being a rock star.
The Little Big Club is a fun play area that's great for keeping your children entertained while you enjoy the casino's grown up offerings.
Hotel Rooms
Hard Rock offers several different rooms, from the Junior Islander Suite to the Rock Star Suite.
The most basic of Hard Rock's rooms, the Junior Islander Suite offers a double hydro spa tub, balcony, liquor dispenser, minibar, and an LCD TV.
If you go with the top end Rock Star Suite, you'll also receive ironing service, a complimentary beach bag, shoe shine, aromatherapy, free couple's massage, and a Rock Royalty Personal Assistant.
Location
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is found on the southwest side of the Dominican Republic, near the Playa del Arena Gordo beach.
This resort isn't located near any major cities, which is a plus for those looking for seclusion. But if you're hoping to visit other nearby attractions, you won't find much around Hard Rock outside of the resort.
7 Tips for Planning Your Caribbean Casino Trip
1. Have a Plan for When You Want to Vacation
Some people choose their Caribbean destination based solely based on the cheapest flight and hotel rates. While this is fine if you're on a serious budget, you should also consider other factors.
If you're from a colder climate, the winter is a good time to visit because the Caribbean offers an escape from the snow and ice. This is especially the case when considering that the average winter temperate throughout the Caribbean averages 79 F.
Of course, the winter is also the most popular time for tourists, which isn't favorable if you like peaceful walks on the beach and uncrowded beaches. In this case, you should consider the summer because there are fewer visitors during this season.
You'll also find cheaper rates on hotels and plane tickets in the summer, which is perfect if you want to go island hopping.
On the other hand, hurricane season runs from June to November and affects most of the casino islands, outside of Aruba and Curacao. If this bothers you, then we suggest looking into winter and spring trips.
2. Pack Extra
Even if you plan on spending lots of time in the casino, you never know where a Caribbean adventure will take you. This being said, we highly recommend that you pack extra just in case.
Take extra swimsuits, athletic shoes, dress shoes, bug spray, and sunblock. Even a rain jacket can come in handy when considering the frequent passing storms in the Caribbean.
If you want to save money, pack snacks to take on the trip with you. Very few places in Caribbean resort towns are cheap, and you'll end up paying far more than you bargained for to get supplies and snacks.
3. Consider how an Island Matches Your Personality
When you're dreaming of big casino wins, sandy beaches, and warm waters, it doesn't seem like individual island vibes matter much. But remember that the Caribbean Sea extends over 1,700 miles, and each nation/territory has its own culture and activities.
If you want to stay active outside of the casino, Dominica and Grenada are good choices due to their rugged terrain.
If you're looking for vibrant nightlife after your gambling sessions, you can't do better than Aruba, the Bahamas, or Puerto Rico.
4. Research Casinos and Activities Ahead of Time
One thing that many Caribbean visitors aren't prepared for is all of the tourist traps they'll encounter along the way.
Whether it's restaurants or gifts stores, make sure that you're getting good value when visiting a Caribbean country. The best way to ensure that this happens is by doing your research ahead of the trip.
You can find a wide range of websites with helpful information on navigating through different Caribbean countries.
It's especially helpful when you find travel sites with comment sections, where you can read real experiences from others.
5. Consider Not Renting a Car
If you want to see other parts of an island during your casino trip, renting a car is always an option. But there are drawbacks that you need to consider beyond the car rental price.
First off, some of the islands have you drive on the left side of the road, which Americans aren't used to. Also consider that certain islands like Barbados and Grenada can be difficult to navigate in a car.
One more aspect worth noting is that some countries lack sufficient road signs. This might not be a problem for locals, but it makes the driving experience hectic for visiting gamblers.
See if you can cut costs and still get where you need to go by renting a bike or moped, or just taking taxis.
6. Don't Let Paradise Make You Burn through Your Bankroll
While you may have the perfect bankroll management plan and follow it to a T at your local casino, the Caribbean has a way of getting people to loosen up with money. This is especially the case if you've had a few cocktails prior to entering the casino.
Don't let the white sands, amazing weather, and delicious liquor convince you to drop your bankroll management plan. Set a budget and limit your access to funds, a.k.a. keep money / cards in your room safe, before you visit the casino.
Beyond gambling, don't let the Caribbean convince you to take up potentially dangerous activities that you've never tried before. Just because you're on an island doesn't mean you should suddenly rent a motorcycle or go hang gliding for the first time.
7. Choose Your Resort Accommodations Wisely
Don't just choose the first hotel room that you find online at a decent rate. Instead, consider yourself and what accommodations will suit your tastes.
If you get stressed easily on trips and/or are an inexperienced traveler, then an all-inclusive resort is a good way to ease the burden. These include drinks, meals, and extra activities for when you're not gambling.
If you're looking to enjoy the local culture outside of casinos, then choose a smaller independent hotel. The benefit is that you'll get a truly unique experience, while drawbacks are that you won't have as many (if any) food options and you're basically on your own.
When you're traveling with a group, villas can be a cost effective and convenient choice. You can find some villas for less than $1,000, which is a bargain when you're with multiple people and want to enjoy privacy.
If you want the ultimate convenience during your stay, consider one of the casino resorts that we discussed above so that you'll be close to all of the action.
Conclusion
When considering the beautiful scenery and plentiful beaches, you can't go wrong with a Caribbean casino trip no matter where you visit. But if you want to ensure yourself an excellent Caribbean vacation, then we recommend that you follow the 7 tips we've outlined above.
It's especially important to make sure that your destination matches your personality.
You don't want to visit the secluded Hard Rock Punta Cana if you'll be club hopping after gambling sessions. Likewise, don't visit Alhambra in Aruba if you're searching for a low key vacation getaway.
Refer to the 5 casino resorts above for a shortcut when picking your Caribbean casino resort.
Another tip worth reiterating is to not let the Caribbean influence you into blowing your casino bankroll. The tropical weather and vacation feel has a way of convincing gamblers to go past their budget, so don't let this be you.
As long as you stay close to the tips we covered and carefully plan out your trip, then you'll certainly be in for an excellent Caribbean gambling vacation.
It's the age of the internet and mobile devices, and gambling is bigger than
ever before.
Despite that, the ways to gamble haven't really changed that much, although
the ways to access gambling games and services most definitely have.
If you're new to gambling, this snapshot of all the different ways to do so
will serve as your guide through the jungle of gambling. Think of it as a sort
of summary, taking all the different threads of betting and gambling and weaving
them into one easy-to-understand tapestry which you can scan quickly to decide
what's for you and what's not.
If you see something you like, feel free to delve further into it by clicking
the associated buttons, where you'll find more in-depth information on each way
to bet.
So, let's get started with casino gambling. We'll then look at sports
betting, poker, numbers games, and even the global stock and commodities
markets.
Casino Gambling
Playing casino games is without a doubt the most fun way to make and lose
money ever invented.
Whether shooting dice, spinning reels, or playing card games, casinos both
online and in the real world offer lots of ways to entertain yourself while
giving you a shot at walking away with money in your pocket, too.
The move online has revolutionized
casino gaming forever. It's
now possible to play slots and other games from literally anywhere, whereas
before you would have had to make tracks to wherever the casino was.
Some of the key differences between playing at online casinos and land-based
ones are:
- Online casinos almost always
offer a much bigger selection of games. Some have literally thousands of
slots titles alone. - The minimum bets are usually
lower at online casinos. This is directly related to the lower cost of
operating. - Online casinos give almost
everyone a bonus and ongoing comps, whereas land-based casinos reserve those
perks for the high-rollers only. - It's possible to jump around
from one online casino to another, claiming bonuses as you go, without
having to move from your sofa. - Despite these advantages,
many players do still prefer the land-based casino experience. It's hard to
beat the tasty food, cold beer, and the 'vibe' in a fun, well-run casino.
Types of Games
Whether you decide to play online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, you'll
need to know the differences between the various games. No two are exactly
alike.
This section will help you develop a better understanding of how each game
works. If you see something you like and want to learn more, each game has a
button linking to a much more detailed page on that game.
Slots
Slot machines are pretty much the same online as they are in the real world,
with the objective of creating lines of matching symbols to score cash prizes.
The range of online slots today is incredible, from classic 3-reel games with
one or two ways to win to flashy, movie-themed slots with hundreds of ways to
win and multiple bonus features such as 'free spins rounds' and 'picking games'
offering instant cash prizes.
Jackpots also vary greatly and can range from a few hundred clams to several
million.
If you fancy something which doesn't require much thought or strategizing,
but which can still get your adrenaline pumping, slots are the way to go.
To learn more about slots, such as how to pick the games with the biggest
jackpots, click the button below.
Blackjack
There are only a few games in the casino which involve skill, and blackjack
is one of them. In fact, there are professionals who make a full-time living
playing blackjack online.
If you don't know how to play already, you'll be glad to know it's incredibly
simple. You play against the dealer and will be dealt a number of cards, and
whoever gets closest to 21 without exceeding it will win the hand.
Of course, there's a little more to it than that, such as what number value
each card is assigned in the quest to hit 21.
In all blackjack games, you'll initially be dealt two cards, and can request
to either 'hit,' which means to take another card, or 'stand,' which means to
play with the two initial cards you've been dealt. Be careful if you choose a
'hit,' because exceeding 21 means you automatically 'go bust,' or lose.
Learn more about the incredibly popular game of blackjack by clicking the
button below.
Roulette
Sometimes it's nice to not have to think about your next move and to just
relax, have fun, and let Lady Luck do her thing.
Roulette is the ideal game if you like the sound of that. The objective of
this game is to throw a ball onto a spinning wheel and bet on which number,
color, row, column, or square it will land in.
If that sounds complex, don't worry; it's extremely easy once you start
playing. To begin, you can just bet on red or black and learn from there.
Most roulette players agree that there are few feelings more thrilling than
going on a run and watching your money double several times in a row. On a
streak of five wins, a $10 starting bet could be worth $320 in under a minute.
If you want to know more about this seriously fun game of pure chance, click
the roulette button below.
Craps
Gambling games featuring dice are about as old as civilization itself, and
the undisputed king of casino dice games is craps.
To put it as simply as possible, the objective is to place your bets on the
craps table, picking from a number of possible outcomes once the dice are
rolled.
For example, on the 'come out roll,' you simply bet on either the shooter or
the casino to win. The shooter then rolls the dice and either wins or loses, and
that's literally it.
Be aware that the craps table is enough to make most people's heads spin when
first encountered, but this game is a lot simpler than it first seems. Don't be
intimidated by the slight learning curve involved, because this is one of the
most rewarding casino games of all.
To learn more about how to play craps and the odds and intricacies of the
game, click the button below.
Video Poker
Video poker is one of the only games in the casino which, if the right
variant is played with perfect strategy, can return over 100% to players in the
long run.
Yes, you read that correctly. You can beat the house when playing these
simple 5-card poker machine games.
As with all poker games, the aim of video poker is to make the best possible
5-card hand, combining cards you start with and cards you trade for. As always,
the Royal Flush is the best possible combination and will pay most relative to
your initial bet.
Winning video poker depends on A) which variant you are playing, and B) your
video poker strategy. Get started learning about both by checking out the
in-depth video poker page below.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a simple card game which has been preferred by the rich,
aristocrats, kings, and people of importance throughout history. It's known as a
favorite game of high-rollers. Yet today, anyone with any sort of bankroll can
play baccarat online.
It's a remarkably simple game. You bet on either the player, the banker, or a
tie, and when the cards are dealt, whoever has nine (or the closest to it
without exceeding it) wins. Tens and face cards are worth zero, so if you got a
King and a five, your total would be five.
This is one of the few card games you don't participate in but simply bet on
the outcome of.
There are a few little intricacies, such as the banker's cut and baccarat
card values, that are worth knowing about before you start playing. Click the
button below to learn the rules, the odds, and how to play baccarat.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is probably the oldest form of gambling of them all. From
early cavemen betting on fights and horse races to ultra-modern stadiums packed
full of elite athletes, sports betting has evolved into a global mega-pastime.
These days, it's possible to bet on just about anything sports-related. The
most popular sports to bet on are horse racing, soccer, American football,
basketball, baseball, cricket, and combat sports.
Sports betting has taken on a new lease of life in the mobile era, and it's
now possible to bet on all sorts of propositions through 'in-play' betting. For
example, when a soccer team gets a penalty kick, it's possible to bet on the
outcome in real time.
Types of Wagers
There's a little bit more to sports betting than simply throwing your money
down on an outcome. There are a few different types of bets you need to be aware
of. Let's take a look at some of those now.
Moneyline
This is the simplest form of bet and the one you're most likely already
familiar with.
All that needs to happen for you to win a moneyline bet is for the team or
athlete you pick to win.
For example, if Arsenal FC is playing Manchester United and you pick Arsenal,
who then wins 3-1, you win.
Pay attention to the odds of any moneyline bet you are thinking of placing.
Bets on the underdog will always pay more than bets on the favorite.
Continuing with our previous example, if Arsenal is 2/1 (+200.00) to win and
you bet $10 on it, you'll win $20, whereas if they had been 4/1 (+400.00), you
would have won $40 from the same $10 bet.
Totals
Total bets are sometimes called over/under bets, and the concern here is what
the combined score/points will be at the end of the game or match.
For example, in the Manchester United vs. Arsenal example, a total bet could
look like this.
You'll need to pick whether Arsenal is likely to score more than three goals
in the entire match. You can pick over or under, and bets will pay accordingly.
If they score exactly three, this is called a 'push,' and the bet is refunded.
Total bets are notoriously hard to predict, but some betting wizards sift
through historical data and notice opportunities. It's your call as to whether
or not you engage in this type of betting. It's always optional.
Point Spread
When you first encounter point spread betting, it can seem a little
confusing, to say the least.
Yet once understood, this type of bet is both popular and highly lucrative.
Let's say the Steelers are playing against the Cowboys in a football game.
The point spread might look something like this.
In this case, the Steelers are the favorites. Don't worry about how realistic
this scenario is; it's just an example!
So, if you bet on the Steelers to win, they'll need to do so by a margin of
more than 6 points for the bet to come good. For example, they'll have to win
40-33.
Likewise, if you back the Cowboys and they lose the game by less than 6
points, your bet will still pay. It will also pay if they win outright.
Point spread betting is a little more complicated than straight-up moneyline
bets, but this type of betting is incredibly popular because there are lots of
hidden opportunities for knowledgeable bettors.
For example, if you see a team marked as the clear underdog with a large
point spread and you definitely don't agree, then that's a good opportunity to
make some money. Bet that the game will be a lot closer than the bookies
indicate with their spread, and if you're right, then count your cash.
Drinking And Gambling Age In Jamaica
Prop Bets and Specials
Live betting has changed the nature of sports betting forever, making it
possible to bet on an endless number of outcomes while the game or match is
still unfolding.
For example, going back to our Arsenal versus Manchester City example, let's
say Arsenal is awarded a penalty kick in the 80th minute. You can place a single
bet, unrelated to any other bets you've made, as to whether or not they'll score
the penalty.
This definitely adds an extra element of excitement into sports betting.
Suddenly, a boring corner kick or standard tennis serve becomes a potentially
profitable betting opportunity for those ready to capitalize.
Specials bets are a different animal altogether and don't even necessarily
revolve around sports betting. For example, you can bet on which city will have
the coldest weather this weekend, or whether or not a certain celebrity couple
will announce a pregnancy before the end of the year, or who will win a TV
talent show.
Poker
From fat cats in pinstripe suits smoking cigars while enjoying a game of
high-stakes Texas Hold'em to Joe Poker playing against players from around the
world in an online tournament, poker is more popular today than ever before.
This is one of the most exciting games of them all since it's possible to win
based on pure psychology and/or skill, rather than having a winning hand.
Different Types of Poker
Despite its popularity, many people don't understand at first that there are
different types of poker. Texas Hold'em is definitely the best-known, but it's
not the only game in town.
Let's take a quick look at some of the most popular poker games and how they
work.
Hold'em
This is the mac daddy of all poker games, played by legions of fans all over
the globe.
The objective is simple enough – you need to make the best possible 5-card
hand, according to Texas Hold'em poker hand ranks, using the two cards you are
dealt and five community cards on the table.
The best possible Texas Hold'em hand is a Royal Flush, which would consist of
a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit, whereas the lowest is a high
card, which would be something like a King versus your opponent's 10.
Playing Texas Hold'em is a lot of fun, and unlike many other gambling games,
it's one where skill and psychology are involved. This is what allows
professional poker players to make a living playing it.
7 Card Stud
This is a stud variant of poker, and while not as popular as Texas Hold'em, 7
Card Stud is still played at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) events every year.
Each player is dealt 7 cards, three facing down, and four facing up. The aim
of all poker games is to make the best possible 5-card hand, so you'll need to
decide what your chances of winning are by peeking at your down-facing cards as
they are dealt and assessing what hands you have or are likely to make when the
up-facing cards are factored in.
Unlike with Texas Hold'em, there are no community cards in 7 Card Stud. The
seven cards you are dealt are the cards you will play with.
While all players will be able to see your up-facing cards, only you can see
your down-facing cards, and vice versa. This is where the intrigue and
excitement lies and what allows for 'bluffing' and other poker tricks.
Ultimately, the poker hand ranks are the same, with a Royal Flush being the
best possible outcome. If you have one of these, you'll want to bet big.
Sound complicated? Play a few hands, and you'll soon pick it up.
Omaha
Omaha has some similarities to Texas Hold'em, but there are some definite
differences, too.
In this game, there are five community cards and four 'hole cards,' which are
your own individual cards no other players can see.
The objective is the same as other poker games – you need to make the best
possible 5-card hand. In Omaha poker rules, this has to be done using three
community cards and two hole cards. No other combination is accepted.
Having four hole cards, as opposed to the two in Hold'em, changes the game
quite dramatically and makes it possible to make big hands more often.
If you understand Hold'em, you're 90% of the way there to understanding how
to play Omaha poker.
Lottery Games
You've probably played the national or state lottery at least a few times,
but thanks to online gambling, you don't have to wait for the weekly draw
anymore.
It's worth noting two things here. First, there are a few different types of
lotto games. Second, these almost always offer the worst odds in the house, with
only the luckiest players making any money.
Unlike some card games and sports betting, lottery games are down to pure and
simple chance. There's nothing you can do to alter the outcome or improve your
odds.
Scratch-Offs
It's estimated that in the UK alone,
52% of people buy scratch cards, and the average player spends $416 annually
on them.
That's a heck of a lot of money for such a small country, and when the view
on scratch cards is expanded globally, there's a truly phenomenal amount of
money being spent on them.
The objective of scratch-offs is to find matching symbols – for example,
three of the same car symbol – after scratching off a layer of (usually silver)
film. Of course, when playing online scratch cards, this is done automatically
by clicking a button.
Scratch-offs are so popular specifically because they don't require any
thought or strategizing. They're just a fun game of pure chance, with prizes
ranging from a few bucks all the way through to hundreds of thousands.
State Lotteries
State and national lotteries are a well-known phenomenon, and those who win
them can instantly join the leagues of the mega-rich.
The idea is simple enough – you pick various numbers (usually five or six)
from among a pool of possible numbers. If your numbers come up, you win a share
of the available prize money. The more numbers you match, the more money you
win. If all your numbers come up, you win the jackpot.
The rules of each state lottery will vary slightly, with the UK lottery being
slightly different from the New York State lottery, for example.
Again, your odds of winning are low. Think one in millions, depending on the
game.
Keno
Keno is found at lots of online casinos, but it falls squarely into the lotto
games category because that's exactly what it is.
There are multiple different variants of keno with a few unique twists such
as extra or special balls, but the objective of all of them is the same. You
make various number picks from 1-80, place your wager, and wait for the keno
hopper machine to make the draw.
The more numbers you match, the more money you win. The hopper machine will
make 20 picks in classic keno, and the top prizes are reserved for those who
match 15. It's possible to get paid for matching just two, though.
Despite the poor odds, keno is a highly enjoyable game, and that's why so
many people play it.
Bingo
The days of old ladies with blue rinses holding up bingo cards and collecting
on them are still well and truly alive, but these days it's much more common to
find people from all walks of life playing online bingo.
There are a couple of different variants of bingo, with 80-ball and 90-ball
variants being the most common, depending on whether you're in North America or
Europe.
Whichever type you choose to play, the objective of bingo games is to 'mark
off' numbers on your bingo card as they are 'called.' In the real world, this
will be done by a bingo host, whereas online it is done by a computer program in
most cases.
When you make a winning pattern, which could be a straight line across, a
diagonal line, or something else entirely (depending on the bingo variant), you
will win a cash prize.
Unlike in the real world, where you'll need to stand up and call out
'BINGO!', online versions will pay out cash prizes automatically.
It's a game of pure chance, just like all lotto games, so don't worry about
learning bingo strategy or anything like that. The objective of bingo is to have
fun, and that's one thing that's guaranteed.
Other Types of Gambling
We've already covered the most popular forms of gambling online above, but
there a few others you won't necessarily find at an online casino or sportsbook.
These include the following.
Raffles
Most people have encountered a raffle at some point in their lives. Schools,
workplaces, and organizations of all kinds hold them to raise funds for good
causes or other purposes.
The point of raffles is simple – you buy a ticket for a fee, and if it's
drawn from the 'hat,' you win the associated prize. This could be a cash amount,
a car, tickets to a gig, or a teddy bear, depending on the type of raffle.
Raffles are a lot of fun, but they're also a game of pure chance. You won't
normally find them at online casinos as a game in and of themselves, but some
casinos have regular prize draws for cars and holidays, which are run exactly
the same way as raffles.
Flipping Coins
This is about as simple as gambling can get, and your odds are 50:50 – unless
a trick coin is being used, of course!
Betting on a coin toss is as simple as choosing heads or tails. If you win,
you double your money, whereas if you lose, you walk away with nothing.
We've encountered a few digital coin toss games at casinos online, but
they're mostly played in the real world. Online casinos don't tend to like games
where they don't have an edge.
Stock Market
Warren Buffett might strongly disagree with our inclusion of the stock market
as a form of gambling, but even the Oracle of Omaha isn't always right.
The fact is, stock trading, commodities trading, binary options, spread
betting, derivatives, and the countless other ways to play the stock market are
exactly that – gambling.
There are now countless online brokerages and platforms to play the financial
markets online, and some people have been seriously successful in making
tremendous amounts of money doing so.
However, as of yet, nobody has devised a perfect system for predicting the
stock market (not for a lack of trying, mind you). Until that day comes, there
will always be an element of chance with buying and selling stocks and shares,
trading commodities, and all of the other ways to bet money on the outcome of a
stock or asset.
Which Type of Gambling Is Best?
The best type of gambling for you really depends on what you're looking for.
Fun
Gambling Age In Jamaica
If fun is your main objective, then it's difficult to go wrong with video
slots or roulette. These games require little thought, and the rush of going on
a winning streak is difficult to describe until it's experienced first-hand.
Skill
If making money is your objective, it's best to stick with a skill-based game
such as poker or blackjack. There's no way to win any game every time, but these
are games you can improve at over time, and there are many professional players
who make a living playing these games.
Wealth
If you just want a shot at the big time, with no thought required, then
lottery games are your best bet. However, the odds of becoming a millionaire are
terrible. The odds of winning the UK lottery, for example, are approximately 1
in 14,000,000.
Action
If you're a sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of a given sport, then
obviously sports betting is your best bet.
There are plenty of pro sports bettors (see
Billy Walters), and while nobody can predict the outcome of a sports event
perfectly, the more you know, the more success you will generally have.
Unlike casino games, where the odds are always tilted slightly in the favor
of the casino, no bookmaker can perfectly predict what will happen in the world
of sports, either, and so it's definitely possible to win any given bet.
Problem Gambling
If you feel the fun has stopped and you're now gambling because you need to,
rather than want to, you might be addicted to gambling.
Some signs of gambling addiction include:
- Gambling money you don't have
or borrowing to gamble - Keeping your gambling
activities a secret from partners or loved ones - Strained relationships as a
result of gambling - Feelings of shame or
helplessness after gambling - Mood swings if you can't
gamble - Financial problems as a
result of gambling
If you recognize any of those symptoms or are suffering in any other way as a
result of gambling, help is available. Click the button below to go to our
resources for overcoming problem gambling page.
Conclusion
As you can see, gambling is a part of human life, and we as a species have
invented a way to place a wager on the outcome of just about anything.
Just as with drinks, sports, travel, or anything else people do for fun,
there are different 'strains' or 'types' of gambling to suit different tastes
and types of players. Which one suits you best, only you can decide.
Remember that while it's entirely possible to make money gambling, in most
cases the house will have an edge. This is especially true if you play casino
games, rather than play poker or bet on sports or the stock market. The main
reason to gamble is for fun, and not as a full-time money-making pursuit.
Whichever form of gambling you decide on, you'll need a little luck to walk
away in the green. No matter what happens, though, you're sure to have a lot of
fun along the way, and that's why there are so many ways to gamble.
We wish you the best of luck and hope you bring down the house!
