Category Archives: Blackjack

Numerous blackjack fans love this game not only for the high winning odds but also because the player has the ability to control the process, influence the result and make decisions. There are a lot of decisions to be made here: do we need to split, do we double, take another card or wait for the dealer to bust? And it depends on your decision whether you lose or replenish your account.

If you are new to blackjack, it is difficult to understand some moments, so we do not recommend starting the game for real money right away. It is best to practice for free, that is, with no risk to your money. Our blackjack simulators almost completely convey the atmosphere and conditions of playing in a casino for real money.

Start playing the Blackjack Simulator on our site for free:

Free Classic Blackjack Simulator

You can run our blackjack simulators on any mobile device a smartphone or a tablet. The mobile version of the game is a lighter and more exciting blackjack, while the graphics are adapted to the low resolutions of mobile phones.

Blackjack Simulator is always free thats the best. Sometimes you have no money to gamble it is OK, you may play blackjack online just for fun, with no cash involved! Test some new strategy, have game experience and fun playing online blackjack.

The virtual blackjack is also instantly available online for 247. Any time you like you can play the game for any time long, just click your bookmark!

Our Blackjack Simulator is free and immensely realistic. Yeah, weve spent buckets of sweat and blood, creating this simulator, but it's worth it. Good luck!

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Free Online Blackjack Simulator

Everyone knows Florida for its amusement parks, coastline, and orange orchards. However, what few are aware of regarding the Sunshine State, is that it was once at the forefront of gambling legalization. It was the initial US territory to regulate greyhound and horse racing, and its lottery was the first to go live in the region. Yet, despite these facts, games of chance have remained a hotly debated subject, with a long history of multiple failed referendums and initiatives to see them become legal. Nowadays, Florida boasts a reputation as one of the healthiest card markets in the US, and over thirty casinos exist within its borders.

That said, table game action is not as freely available here as one would think. Yes, there are close to four hundred establishments in Florida that offer some form of gaming activities. Still, aside from sites that offer online blackjack, Floridians can only test their luck on the worlds most popular game at tribal venues run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. That is one of three federally recognized Seminole entities, with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. They have six reservations in the Sunshine State and a 796-acre tract of land north of Lakeland.

Operating from 1979 at 4150 North State Road 7 in Hollywood, Florida, the Classic is south of the Hard Rock Casino. The establishment boasts a 73,500 square foot gaming floor with over one hundred machines, high-stakes bingo games, and over thirty live tables. There are two full-service bars and four casual dining restaurants here, with the Stage Bar being a particular favorite for regulars. It offers a slew of unique cocktails and live entertainment. The Classics blackjack offer consists of multiple tables supplying the standard variation and a few Spanish 21 ones. Card gambling enthusiasts here get comp dollars for their live table activities, which they can later redeem at the venues bars, restaurants, and retail stores. Note that they expire sixty days after getting earned.

The Hard Rock Casino, better known as the Guitar Hotel, got up-and-running in January 2004. The structure on 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood is unmissable from a distance because the massive tower resembles two giant guitars, hence the resorts name. A substantial expansion of this establishment got completed in October 2019. They now have a 140,000 casino floor, a four-acre lagoon-style pool facility, an event center, and nightclubs. In terms of live tables, this venue has nearly two hundred croupier games. These include blackjack, Switch, Spanish 21, and Super 4 Progressive ones.

The Hard Rock in Tampa opened its doors around the same time as the Guitar Hotel. The location of this gaming complex is off of Interstate 4 on the Tampa Reservation at 5223 North Orient Road. Their casino space is far vaster than the two previously mentioned establishments at 190,000 square feet, the sixth most massive gaming floor on the planet. It is home to five thousand slots and more than one hundred live tables. The space is also unique in that it permits indoor smoking and displays legendary rock and roll memorabilia in its halls and galleries. The most notable restaurants here are Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and The Rez Grill. Those that come to test their luck at twenty-one action here can enjoy One-Card Blackjack, Double-Exposure Blackjack, Spanish 21, and Blazing 777s Blackjack Progressive, as well as the standard game. High-limit rooms are an option here. They provide an intimate and refined space that features complimentary beverage service and exclusive amenities.

Found at 506 South First Street, in the town of Immokalee, Seminoles casino near Naples launched its operation in 1994. Precisely fifteen years later, it began housing slot machines. Now, it also has a ninety-nine-room hotel. Their gaming area is roughly equal to the Classic one, featuring more than one thousand reel-spinners, thirty-eight table games, and six poker ones. The dining options have expanded here in recent years. Many visitors rank the EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill and 1st Street Deli as must-tries. Concerning blackjack, Double Deck Pitch Blackjack is a creative variant offered by the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. Players will rarely find it elsewhere. Despite it, Switch, Spanish 21, and the classic variation are on hand here as well.

In the eyes of most veteran gamblers, the four casinos discussed above are the states premium destinations for anyone that likes playing the low house edge game of blackjack. Seminoles venues in Brighton and Coconut Creek are two other viable picks. The game may also get found in its electronic form in other gaming locales throughout Florida.

Shelly Schiff has been working in the gambling industry since 2009, mainly on the digital side of things, employed by OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com. However, over her eleven-year career, Shelly has provided content for many other top interactive gaming websites. She knows all there is to know about slots and has in-depth knowledge of the most popular table games. Her golden retriever Garry occupies most of her leisure time. Though, when she can, she loves reading Jim Thompson-like crime novels.

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Where to Play Blackjack in Florida - Floridanewstimes.com

Nevada gaming revenue hit $1.17bn in August, the sixth month in a row that the state has reported a ten-figure total, and a significant improvement on the prior years figures.

Revenue was up 56.9% year-on-year from August 2020 according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, when the states casinos were still subject to capacity limits and social distancing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Compared toJuly 2020s record-breaking total, revenue was down 14.3%.

Slots made up the majority of the months total, contributing $825.1m, up 57.0% from the prior year, with a further $340.7m coming from table, counter and card games. This too represented a significant year-on-year improvement, of 56.6%.

Among this segment, blackjack and baccarat were the star performers. Blackjack revenue came to $103.1m, while baccarat contributed $93.1m. Baccarat in particular has performed remarkably in the past two months, with revenue hitting $160.1m in July.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

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Nevada gaming revenue passes $1bn for six consecutive month in August | Finance - iGaming Business

Fears that shoppers in travel retail would shy away from interacting with staff in-store, making the role of brand ambassadors all but redundant in the new normal, have not come to pass.

Figures published earlier this year by m1nd-set and the European Travel Retail Confederation showed that 64% of European travelling shoppers will continue to engage with staff and 67% will continue to try products.

The experience of those on the front line is even more emphatic.

People are almost seeking out that human connection, says Blackjack Retail & Brand Director Leanne Nutter.

You can see people coming in and seeking out that human engagement.

Ethos Farm Founder & CEO Sally Alington echoes the suggestion that a more flexible, cross-category approach is needed for the future of travel retail.

There could be some fun discussions between retailers and brands about how we can tackle this differently, she says.

To discover the future of staffing for travel retail, read the full interview here.

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A flexible approach: The importance of staffing in travel retail's new normal - DFNIonline.com

Welcome to the exciting world of blackjack! Blackjack may be the most simple card game, but it is also one of the most entertaining. While there are minor rule changes now and again, you may find the fundamental game worldwide, both at offline and online casinos. Nonetheless, the fundamental game of blackjack is merely the beginning, as the number of blackjack varieties available in casinos has exploded in recent decades. Such blackjack variants were created to breathe fresh life into a classic game by adding an extra dimension of fun and excitement.

The popularity of blackjack has been furthered by both land-based casinos and the advent of online casinos, which allow individuals to play several variants of the game from their homes.

Want to know about some of the popular variants? Take a peek at five of these blackjack games.

Multi-Hand blackjack was among the first online blackjack versions. When online casinos recognised that customers enjoyed playing numerous video poker hands simultaneously, they applied the same concept to blackjack.

When youre playing at an offline casino, you can play multiple hands, provided there is space at the table beside you. But when it comes to the internet, there are no such restrictions, and you may play as many hands as you like, whenever you like.

This variant is your typical blackjack game, but you play many hands at the same time to simulate a real-world experience that is far too quick and intense to do in real life.

American blackjack (also known as Classic Blackjack) is the most popular version, alongside European blackjack. A change you will observe right away is how the dealers hole card is handled in the first rounds of the game. In blackjack variations played in the US, the dealer receives their hole card (the one that stays face down) before deciding about their hand.

Blackjack has a European counterpart, much like roulette. Like roulette, European blackjack gives somewhat good prospects to players over its American (or standard) equivalent.

To begin, European blackjack usually uses two decks of cards. The dealer standing on a soft 17 renders European blackjack more beneficial to players. Another feature that distinguishes European blackjack is that the dealer vs player blackjack game ends in a push or a tie. Whenever their cards reveal 9, 10, or 11, players may only double down. Lastly, blackjacks have a 3:2 payback ratio.

Geoff Hall first introduced this variant at the G2E Las Vegas conference in 2000. While you wont see Blackjack switch at many offline venues, its a wonderful opportunity to switch stuff up by playing online.

Blackjack switch has one significant distinction from standard blackjack. The players can switch the topmost cards of their 2 hands. The players get a tremendous edge here, which is counteracted by two more rules. Natural blackjacks payout at 1:1 rather than 3:2 and dealers with a 22 always push and never bust with any hands except those that have a natural.

This variant offers a one-of-a-kind possibility for players who believe that a solid betting approach is essential than a fantastic playing approach.

Perfect pairs blackjack follows the same principles as traditional blackjack but adds a betting element. Players can place an additional side wager at the start of every hand. Such a side bet is a wager on if the initial 2 cards given to you will have the same value.

So there you have it! A list of five popular blackjack variants for you to try at your next gaming session. So what are you waiting for?

About the author

I am a dedicated content writer and voracious reader with experience in coming up with unique writing ideas. Im a nerd and bit of a research enthusiast. I like researching and reading blogs, staying up to date on the latest trends, and putting my knowledge to use in the creation of original content. Playing card games of different varieties as well as travelling for fun and exploration are some of my hobbies.

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Check Out the Five Most Popular Versions of Blackjack! - UrbanMatter

Graham Stephan is on track to make more than $6 million this year, and he's finally allowing himself to open up his wallet.

For years, the 31-year-old YouTuber cut costs anywhere he could, eschewing everything from designer clothes to coffee shops. "No one is more frugal than me," he said an interview with CNBC Make It in 2019.

Two years later, however, Stephan has adjusted his philosophy slightly. Though he says he's "still really frugal" and refuses to ever buy coffee out of the house, he now spends much more money than he used to, including on things that his younger self would have never splurged on.

In the past, Stephan exclusively filmed his YouTube videos in the early morning or late evening because he didn't want to buy an air conditioner for his office. But now, he keeps several air conditioners running in his new Las Vegas home at all times.

"I remember [in 2019] the contractor gave me a quote to put in an AC unit in the garage. I think it was like $3,000. I thought to myself 'Well, I could just film in the morning anyway, I could film at night,'" he says. "That was so stupid of me and I wish I had just splurged that extra $3,000."

It's not just comfort that Stephan has decided is worth investing in. Because he works around 10 hours a day on his five different YouTube channels, Stephan also uses his money to buy back his time.

"This is a shift that probably happened for me about a year ago when I was overworked and taking on too much," he says.

Instead of doing everything himself, he spends $130 to have a technician come once a month to maintain his swimming pool and splits $250 a month evenly with his girlfriend, Macy, to hire a cleaning person for the house. He says that the expenses are worth it to have more time to relax or put back into his work.

"[A cleaner is] able to do so much more in two to three hours [and] I'm able to go and do so many other things," he says.

Stephan is also more willing to eat out or get food delivered after long days. "If that means I can save an hour and Macy doesn't have to cook, that to me is 100% worth it to pay that delivery fee or pay for food from a restaurant," he says.

Now that he lives in Las Vegas, Stephan even allows himself to visit a casino every now and then, though he has very strict rules for his gambling and never bets more than $100 or $200 in a single day.

"If I go to the casino, I do the same mathematics as I do for purchasing anything and I think about what game gives the best chance at me making money," he says. He avoids games such as slots, which have a high house advantage, and instead sticks to blackjack, baccarat and craps. "I have a thing where if I double my money I will always walk away. I think this last month I'm up $700."

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A 31-year-old 'frugal' millionaire explains why he decided to start spending more money - CNBC

Associated Press| Associated Press

Baraga Fred Dakota, whose garage casino in Michigans Upper Peninsula in 1983 was a milestone for Native American gambling, has died at age 84.

Dakota, a former leader of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, died Monday at his home in Baraga, according to Reid Funeral Service. The cause was not disclosed.

Tribal offices were closed Friday, the day of the funeral, along with Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. Ojibwa Casino locations in Baraga and Marquette were closed for much of the afternoon.

It was an honor and a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with one of the greatest leaders in Indian country, tribal President Warren Chris Swartz Jr. said. Fred impacted not only KBIC, but many tribal communities with his leadership abilities.

With a single blackjack table, Dakota opened a casino in a two-stall garage in Baraga County on New Years Eve 1983. A shot of whiskey was 70 cents; better stuff was 20 cents more.

We gave the government vast tracts of land in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota when we signed that treaty in 1854, Dakota told The New York Times in 1984. And what did we get in return? We got the government to agree not to kill us. Well, now its time we got something more. Gambling is going to make a lot of Indians rich.

The garage casino led to construction of a larger casino, but decisions by federal courts shut it down. Dakota said he couldnt afford more appeals.

By 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court used a California case to ease restrictions on gambling on tribal land, a turning point for Native American casinos. A federal law a year later allowed states to negotiate compacts with tribes.

A jury in 1997 convicted Dakota of accepting $127,000 in bribes from a New Jersey slot machine dealer and evading taxes on the money. He claimed the money was an advance for a telephone lottery game. Dakota was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

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Fred Dakota, Native American casino pioneer in UP, dies at 84 - The Detroit News

Casinos are a billion-dollar industry. Its worth 227 billion dollars, to be exact, according to Statista. Why? Because there is a provocative and exciting lure to casinos. Thanks to James Bond and the Ocean sagas, amongst other films, casinos are more than just about winning money. Theyre about class, style, and fun. Still, people go to the casino to win money. Often, success doesnt matter to most people; its the entertaining lure of a casino rather than gambling.

It doesnt get more entertaining than spotting a celeb, so keep reading to see who youre most likely to find at a casino.

Theres a lot you wont know about Matt Damon. One of them is that hes also a professional poker and blackjack player. The 50-year-old, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is best known for his role in Jason Bourne, The Great Wall, and The Martian. Hes won Golden Globe Awards, multiple critics awards, and even gambling tournaments.

Matt is an excellent poker player, often teaming up with other stars like Ben Affleck to play at some of the most luxurious casinos. As well as being linked to many famous casinos worldwide, he also likes to partake in various tournaments, both online and in land-based casinos. Attributed to Matts success in casinos is that one of the most recognized poker players trained him, Johnny Chan, for a film he starred in, namely Rounders.

Brad Pitt is a sort of acting legend. While he doesnt star in as many films as he used to, the aging (gracefully) Brad Pitt is known for his role in films like Se7en, Mr & Mrs. Smith, Troy, and the iconic fight club. Hes probably more famous for his heavily publicized relationship with both Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie.

Currently, 57-years old and born in Oklahoma, Brad spends his days doing TV appearances and appearing in the media for his terrible relationship with Angelina Jolie. He also loves the casino, both land-based and online. Brad developed a passion for casino games while filming for Oceans 11. He loves interactive high-return slot games, blackjack, and poker. Hes often spotted at glamorous casinos around the world.

Paris Hilton is a public personality, fashion icon, and reality TV star who is loved and hated equally. She is well known for her nasal voice and her ability to act dumb. Whether or not she is as brainless as she makes out is yet to be seen.

Although, recently, she made a documentary that aired on YouTube, highlighting that everything from her voice to the way she acts is fake and how she wants to get rid of the image. It didnt stop her from creating a Netflix series with the same nasally voice rather than her own. When shes not a public personality, the 40-year-old from New York spends her downtime shopping, working out, and in the casino. Paris has been papped multiple times in Las Vegas casinos, letting her hair down on slot games.

George Clooney is by far one of the most successful actors. We know him for being a handsome, all-around good guy in many films. Most of the time, he plays the heroic, romantic womanizer. Best known for his role in films like the Ocean series, Gravity, Batman and Robin, and Fantastic Mr. Fox, George has had an esteemed career. Although he hasnt starred in many films recently, his presence is still felt in the acting world.

His link to the gambling world is probably down to his role in the Oceans films, in which world-class poker players trained him alongside other actors like Brad Pitt. He famously tried to set up his own Las Vegas casino, which ultimately failed because the construction never started. Still, his love for casinos is very much alive.

We know Floyd Mayweather Jr for his love of gambling, not just in casinos. He frequently shares betting tips for many upcoming fights. Floyd is an eccentric character who has been in the media for good and negative in equal measures. Recently he has been in the media because Jake Paul, a YouTuber he went head to head with, stated that Floyd tried to kill him.

The 44-year-old from Michigan often referred to as the Pretty Boy is known for his insane boxing abilities. He has competed in 50 fights and won them all. Hes a machine in the ring and outside, finding success in casinos and the ring. Floyd is best known for partying in Las Vegas, which includes some of the best casinos.

Casinos attract the rich and famous and the average Joe; you dont need to have a ton of money to go to one. Casinos attract attention because theyre fun, thrilling, and an easy way to win some cash. Which celebrity would you most like to meet?

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The Celebs You're Most Likely To Spot In The Casino - CelebMix

Who needs chill when you can have a stack of chips? Its been a great year for online streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. Here at Casino.com, we love a little ante with our visual action.

If youre scratching around for something to watch this week, here is our indispensible guide to the top 15 movies streaming today. Not surprisingly, they all have either a betting theme or are set in a casino or Las Vegas. Is your favourite film here? Did we miss one? Are you sitting comfortably? Lights, camera, action

If you like your clichs served thick and fast, with a large order of strippers, gangsters, crime, and raucous what-happens-in-Vegas-stays-in-Vegas exploits, Bachelor Party Vegas hits the spot. This is Friday night lads movie, best enjoyed with a tub of popcorn and a few beers. The plot: five lads go wild in Las Vegas and things get a lot crazy.

With a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Shakespeare it doth not be. It is however a no-brainer scattered with giggles and a few belly laughs. Just dont over think it and you wont be (too) disappointed.

Made in 2009, just three years after Bachelor Party Vegas, The Hangover was everything its predecessor wasnt. Once again, the pre-nuptial lads go wild in Las Vegas, scoring every stereotype during an unforgettable night which cue plot twist they forget.

The genius premise, of the protagonists trying to work their way back through the night, delighted both viewers and critics. It also introduced the world to nerd extraordinaire Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, and Bradley Cooper. Funny, sharp, and clever enough to flip the clichs, The Hangover is a must-see and available on Netflix right now.

Gary Oldman, Christian Slater, and a title that promises much. Sadly, this sub-par Quentin Tarantino tribute act largely misses the mark but its not without its good bits. The critics destroyed it but the viewers take is quirky, borderline tacky, and fun stupid fun. Want to give it a whirl? Its on Amazon Prime enjoy

Win It All is a critically acclaimed 2017 film from director Joe Swanberg. Its a Netflix Originals movie and tells the tale of hopeless gambler Eddie who agrees to stash a bag for an acquaintance who is headed to prison. Curiosity rears its head, Eddie opens the bag, finds money, and goes gambling. Next, we find out that the prisoner is getting out early and wants his bag of money. Will Eddie win it all back? Entertaining, sparky, original, and a solid 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.

With his hangdog, dour, looks, The Cooler was a role made for actor William H. Macy. Bernie Lootz aka The Cooler is a living jinx; used by Las Vegas casino management to stop winning streaks and take the win out of a table. In the film, Lootz falls in love and flips the jinx; helping players clean up at the blackjack and baccarat tables. Smart, complex, and available on Amazon Prime.

Stylish, witty, and packed with stars, Oceans Eleven is a ridiculously enjoyable heist movie that makes Las Vegas look almost as good as its cast of A-listers, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts. Beautifully shot and directed by Steven Soderbergh, Oceans Eleven is streaming now on Amazon Prime.

Based on the true story of Las Vegas legend Frank Rosenthal, Casino is Martin Scorseses masterpiece about the evolution of Las Vegas. No other film has ever given the casino such a central role, with support from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. If you have never seen it, this is definitely not one to miss. Its on Prime.

Set a generation earlier than Casino, Bugsy tells the true-life story of gangster Bugsy Siegel. The 1991 film was directed by Barry Levinson and stars Warren Beatty as its eponymous hero. Siegel was the inspiration behind modern Las Vegas and built the Strips first hotel the Flamingo in 1946. An amazing story and yours to enjoy on both Prime and YouTube.

No list of casino-themed films can be complete without at least one James Bond movie. Casino Royale is one of the most iconic. In the 2006 film, the Casino Royale is supposed to be in Montenegro. Its actually the five-star Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, Czechoslovakia. One of the best 007 out of 10.

This film is a favourite with Poker fans. Its a brilliant portrayal of the world of high stakes underground poker and its many perils. Stand out performances from Matt Damon and Ed Norton make this a winning hand. Deal it out on Prime.

Terry Gilliam and Johnny Depp do a half-decent job of putting Hunter S. Thompsons drug-addled, insane, Las Vegas road trip on film. It split the critics but Depp gives the performance he was born to deliver watch out for the bats.

Mark Wahlberg stars in this cautionary tale of a literature professor who spirals into a cycle of self-destructive gambling. His secret life eventually catches up with him and drama ensues. Weighty stuff but worth a watch.

If Blackjack is your game, this movie needs to be on your bucket list. This true-life story of Harvard card counters beating the casino, under the tutelage of rogue professor MIcky Rosa, played by Kevin Spacey. The critics gave it a rinsing but its worth a look on Prime; especially, if you want to learn the secrets of beating blackjack.

Set in a London casino, Croupier is a masterpiece of low key, understated, cinema, from director Mike Hodges. Starring Clive Owen as a failing writer looking for inspiration, Croupier combines the search for human truths with a slick thriller. It all kicks off in the casino. Arguably, the best on this list. Check it out on Amazon Prime today.

Adam Sandler turns in the performance of his career in the brilliant thriller Uncut Gems. It tells the story of hapless gambler and jeweller Howard Ratner and his battles with debt, the mob, and a six-way parlay. Its definitely one to watch and its on Netflix right now.

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Our Review Of The Top 15 Gambling Movies Streaming Today - blog.casino.com

Skillz (NYSE:SKLZ) stock appears to have climbed recently due to takeover speculation and a boost from Reddit traders.

Source: NYCStock / Shutterstock.com

But I believe that the takeover speculation is likely unwarranted, while SKLZ stock remains extremely overvalued.

A publication called CTFN suggested that a casino could look to buy Skillz because there has been consolidation between casinos and online gaming, Seeking Alpha reported.

Skillz, however, does not feature gambling or emphasize games that gamblers traditionally enjoy such as poker, craps, or blackjack. It does appear to have a blackjack game and a poker game, but they arent a big part of Skillzs offerings.

As Casino.org explained in an Aug. 2 article, The bulk of the games featured on Skillz arent traditional casino fare, such as blackjack, craps, or poker.

And its tournaments with cash prizes involve traditional videogames, rather than traditional gambling games.

Given these points, its obvious that most of Skillzs customer base are probably fans of traditional video games. Casinos and companies that feature traditional gambling games online (known as iGaming) are targeting different types of consumers.

Specifically, theyre seeking consumers who enjoy the traditional gambling games, whether online or in-person or both. Thats why DraftKings (NASDAQ:DKNG), in an effort to expand its iGaming offerings, bought Golden Nugget (NASDAQ:GNOG), which owns many casinos and an online gambling site. Thats why MGM (NYSE:MGM) launched a joint venture called BetMGM, which specializes in iGaming and sports gambling.

Skillz has very limited iGaming infrastructure, and it caters to fans of traditional videogames, not lovers of iGaming and sports betting. Therefore, it would make no sense for a company that specializes in iGaming, operating brick-and-mortar casinos, and/or sports betting to buy Skillz.

Skillz is changing hands for nearly 13 times analysts average 2021 top-line estimate for the company. Ive heard value investors say that stocks which are trading at ten-times revenue are too expensive.

I believe that, if a company is growing explosively, has a huge addressable market, is moving towards profitability, and has great disruptive potential, ten or even 20 times revenue could be a worthwhile price to pay for long-term, growth investors.

But as far as I can tell, Skillz does not have any of these attributes.

In Q2, its top line climbed 52% year-over-year. I think thats impressive growth, but I wouldnt call it explosive. As Ive pointed out in other columns, many video games now have online multiplayer options, giving Skillz plenty of competition, and there are signs that eSports, which appears to be the main area in which Skillz has a strong competitive advantage, is not a very large market. Finally, the companys EBITDA, excluding certain items, dropped $283 million YOY last quarter, falling to -$31.6 million.

There are concrete signs that the popularity of video games is waning as economies reopen. For example, Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO) recently provided a lower-than-expected Q2 bookings estimate, causing its stock to fall sharply.

And in July, video game sales rose just 10% YOY. I wouldnt call that impressive or explosive growth.

Finally, Ive predicted for a couple of months that meme stocks would weaken. Although some meme stocks have been making a bit of a comeback in recent weeks, many, if not, most of them are already down a great deal from their recent highs. For example, SKLZ stock itself has fallen to around $12, versus its July 28 high of around $14.70.

I continue to expect most meme stocks to weaken over the longer term.

The takeover speculation about Skillz is unrealistic, while the company does not have any of the characteristics that a good, highly valued growth stock should have. Whats more, its facing a number of important macro challenges.

In light of these points, I continue to recommend selling SKLZ stock.

On the date of publication, Larry Ramer held a long position in MGM stock.

Larry Ramer has conducted research and written articles on U.S. stocks for 14 years. He has been employed by The Fly and Israels largest business newspaper, Globes. Larry began writing columns for InvestorPlace in 2015. Among his highlysuccessful, contrarian picks have been GE, solar stocks, and Snap. You can reach him on StockTwits at@larryramer.

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The Valuation of Skillz Stock Remains Excessive - Investorplace.com