Category Archives: Blackjack

RALEIGH Help Asheville Bears is offering a $5,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for fatally shooing a quarter horse in the head.

Poacher Strike Force (PSF) private investigators are prepared to assist the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office to bring who is responsible to justice. Blackjack, a 21-year-old horse belonging to Robert Hill in Rutherfordton, was killed at the familys farm on 759 Arrowood Road during the early morning hours on Monday, March 22. The motive is unknown at this time. Those who may have any information on this incident are urged to call the tip line.

Information leading to an arrest in this case is eligible for the Help Asheville Bears $5,000 reward. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Call 855-SOS-BEAR or 877-PSF-TIPS.

Through the Help Asheville Bears reward offering system, Poacher Strike Force investigators have been able to assist local law enforcement make arrests in poaching incidents. Most recently, the team awarded $10,000 to a tipster in West Virginia following a successful arrest in a bear poaching case.

Poacher Strike Force is working to stop the rampant poaching taking place around the country, and this is a high priority incident in the Rutherford County area. Tips from the public assist investigators make arrests in poaching incidents and will be compensated. Reports of additional stabbings along the North Carolina and South Carolina border are also under investigation. With the support of private donors, the PSF team of former police, wildlife investigators, military elite & woodsmen are committed to providing additional resources to assist local law enforcement make arrests in poaching incidents.

Anyone who has information on this incident is urged to call the Poacher Strike Force tip line at 877-773-8477.

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Group posts $5,000 reward in Blackjack's slaying | News | thedigitalcourier.com - The Daily Courier

Melissa Gorga and Matt James were spotted at a blackjack table together in Las Vegas. Pic credit: ABC/Bravo

The Bachelors Matt James was spotted out with The Real Housewives of New Jerseys Melissa Gorga at a casino in Las Vegas.

On March 25th, Virgin Hotels hosted a lavish grand opening party full of alcohol, food, and gambling.

The hotel invited reality stars from shows all across television, and they were able to rub elbows for the first time in a while since public-health restrictions have prevented much travel until now.

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Melissa Gorga took to her Instagram story to repost a photo that her cousin Nicholas Marco caught of her and James on the casino floor.

Shooters got to take their shot. Even if it is long distance. OMG - #Bachelorette alum Bennett Jordan seems somewhat enamored by #Bachelor alum Kelley Flanagan after she posted an Instagram story of her dancing around to Mariah Careys Fantasy.

In true Bennett fashion, he showed his interest by doing a similar video and its hilarious. His adorable caption to the video included the line, I didnt realize brief clips of Fantasy could give such feels until earlier this week.

Kelley has yet to comment but we are kinda hoping she does! Do you think these two could be a match?? See both videos at #linkinbio!

(: @kelleyflanagan /Instagram @bennettandrewjordan /Instagram)

-#BachelorNation #BachelorMondays #ABC #bachelorparty #bachelorabc #thebachelor #abcthebachelor #bachelormonday #bachelorviewingparties #bachelormemes #bachelorspoilers #kelleyflanagan #BIP #bachelorinparadise #love #thebacheloretteabc #bachelortea #bennettjordan #pilotpete #pilotpeter #couplealert #realitytvnews ...

With what Bachelor fans have dubbed his single guy beard in full effect, James hunched over in excitement over a game of blackjack. Melissas husband, Joe Gorga, was rooting them on from behind the table.

According to Eater Las Vegas, the new hotel boasts [a] 60,000-square-foot casino from Mohegan Sun, the first Native American tribe to operate a Las Vegas casino, plus it features 650 slots and more than 150 table games.

James and Gorga took full advantage of this brand new, state-of-the-art casino to have a good time.

The last we heard from James was his appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast.

In this interview, Matt expressed that he was ready to move on from his breakup with his seasons winner Rachael Kirkconnell; not by dating, but by putting his energy into his work, family, and friends.

James said he wants to leave The Bachelor world behind, especially since some fans harshly attacked him via social media after he broke off his relationship with Kirkconnell amid her plantation party controversy.

Due to the immense amounts of hate, James deleted his Instagram photo feed.

Matt recently reactivated his account, but he deleted the photos he had posted of his time on The Bachelor.

Because of his distancing from the reality TV world, fans were surprised when they saw James at the Virgin Hotels party.

But it seems James is just trying to have fun, and this Vegas celebration was his chance to party and gamble with other reality stars who may understand what he is going through coming off of his season.

Others seen at the star-studded event included Selling Sunsets Chrishell Strause, The Real Housewives of Atlantas Kim Zolciak, Vanderpump Rules Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, and Mario Lopez.

There are rumors that Bravo is going to demote Gorga from full-time Housewife to a friend of going into season 12.

RHONJ fans have been calling for her to be cut from the show after previews deceived audiences into thinking that Joe was cheating on Melissa. It turned out that the editing was used to ham up the drama, and there was actually never a cheating plotline. This caused many to think that she needed to be removed because of the lack of interesting storylines.

As this season unfolds, and until Bravo officially announces any changes to casting, Gorga is having a great time in Vegas with her friends and family.

The Bachelor is currently on hiatus.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

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Matt James spotted at a blackjack table with RHONJs Melissa Gorga - Monsters and Critics

Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino is one of the most vibrant casinos in the small town of Deadwood, South Dakota. One of over 20 casinos in town, Deadwood Mountain Grand sure has its perks.

Todays post will cover Deadwood Mountain Grands perks and what you can expect from this rocking and rolling casino if youre planning on making it one of your stops in Deadwood.

We will start with a quick overview of the casino, giving you an idea of what to expect before the latter sections describe things in greater detail. From the casino gaming to the number of area attractions the Deadwood area boasts, lets begin the discussion on yet another hot casino in the area.

Whether youre in the mood for an array of table games or if youre a slot enthusiast, Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino has it. Youll also discover a fair number of deals and promotions when you frequent the casino. This grows even sweeter if you become a member of Grand Rewards.

Deadwood Grand also possesses two dining options, each with a unique flair. Best yet, youre getting a dose of fun dining whether you frequent Six String or Santanas Sports Bar and Grill.

They also have some of the areas coolest entertainment options. Whether youre looking for the big-time act, or a smaller, upcoming local artist, odds are youll find a new group to cheer for when you frequent Deadwood Grand.

Their hotel turns this casino venue into a resort. Their modern amenities present just the tip of the iceberg. It also features vast meeting space, a coffee and gift shop, and even the Grand Spa and Salon.

Now that you know a little of what Deadwood Grand offers, the next sections will build on everything discussed here. So, if you have questions with, say, the gaming, you can expect them to be answered in the sections below.

Speaking of gaming, lets start with it.

As stated in the intro, gaming at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino comprises slots and tables.

Their slot machine count ranges at around 200, featuring both classic and state-of-the-art themes. Odds are, youll have fun stumbling upon an older game. However, theyre even greater that you will discover at least one new slot machine theme to add to your repertoire.

Plus, it doesnt matter if youre into recreational gaming or if youd like higher stakes. They offer more than just penny denominations here.

If youre into table gaming, Deadwood Grand is the casino for you. Given their vast table gaming options, theyre known more for their tables in Deadwood than perhaps anything else. Their main table gaming staples include: Texas Holdem, blackjack, craps, and roulette.

Youll also find a greater selection with newer games like Six-Deck Blackjack with a 21 + 3 Xtreme Side Bet, Three-Card Poker with a Six-Card Side Bet, Double-Deck Blackjack, Six-Deck Blackjack with a Lucky Ladies Side Bet, Six-Deck Blackjack with a Double Bonus Side Bet, and craps with 10x odds.

You have two outstanding dining options at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. If youre looking for fun and casual, head over to Six String: Casual and Fun Dining by Chef Aaron Richards. Yes, youre getting a decent layout of food and drink inspired by the chefs favorites.

And you cant go wrong at Six String. But if youre looking for an exceptional place to catch the big game, Santanas Sports Bar and Grill is where its happening. They claim to be

Deadwoods most unique place to refuel on fun, food, and drinks.

Given their reputation in the area, perhaps such a claim is not so farfetched.Along with your favorite crafts, cocktails, and bar food, youre getting professional and college sports games on their 12 big-screen televisions.

Besides the big games, they also feature lush Happy Hour deals along with free live music when the sun goes down. You cant ask for much more when you frequent Santanas.

For current promotions at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino, be sure to check the rundown of whats happening when you visit the venue. And as youll discover, theyre offering you more ways to win, or at least more chances to strike gold here.

You may also notice that you wont maximize these promotions unless you become a member of the Grand Rewards Club at Deadwood Grand.

As with any loyalty program, the Grand Rewards Club allows you to take advantage of those sweet casino promotions. Plus, they give you an opportunity to earn loyalty points and casino comps from playing your favorite slot machine or table game.

Its free to sign up, and you can earn Grand Rewards Points immediately. The more points you win, the sweeter those benefits become.

So, step up to your favorite game, insert or flash your card at the slots or tables and see what benefits await. Benefits range from exclusive offers and taking part in exciting promotions as a Base Member to $100 in promotional play during your birthday month as a Diamond Member.

Apart from those sweet promotions and loyalty programs, youre also getting top-notch entertainment at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. Check the events calendar provided in the link and youll come across some familiar big names in the industry.

Acts like Larry the Cable Guy, Home Free, and Under the Street Lamp frequent the venue. And its just a tiny sample size of everything you will come across here at one of Deadwoods finest outlets. Check the calendar, book your tickets, and brace yourself for something amazing.

Deadwood Mountain Grand Casinos Hotel provides an outstanding array of contemporary features and comfort.

Amenities include a grand, two-story fireplace, which is perhaps their premier attraction. They also feature a lounge, pool, hot tub, spa, and salon. Best yet, their amenities are rich with history, nature, and world-class entertainment.

Hence the name Grand Mountain, youre in for some of the most breathtaking views from the mountainside. Overlooking Deadwood, the 98-room hotel offers the most stunning looks of the nearby forests with Downtown Deadwood nestled within the valley.

Youre also getting luxury rooms and suites, meaning Deadwood Mountain Grand is the perfect way to go long. Of their 98 rooms, they feature five fully-furnished suites, in which they claim can be fit for royals. Thats a grand testament, right?

And perhaps youre looking for a place to hold your next meeting or work event. If so, the meeting rooms and spaces at Deadwood Grand provide enough space whether youre in a small group of 10 or if youre hosting a conference of over 1,000.

Given the hotels proximity to Downtown Deadwood, there isnt another venue in the region with so much under a single roof just steps away from top-notch casino gaming, dining, entertainment, and nearby attractions.

Now that weve mentioned attractions, perhaps there is no other tiny village in the Heartland so full of them, as you will discover in the next section.

Experience Deadwood by starting your journey at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. The Deadwood Experience comprises over 20 casinos of varying sizes and atmospheres. Youll find larger ones in the region, mid-sized casinos like Deadwood Grand, and even smaller venues.

However, dont limit yourself to just casino gaming when you frequent the area. Attractions also include the Adams House, Adams Museum, Calamity Jane Show, Deadwood Re-Enactors, Mount Moriah, Mount Roosevelt, Off-Roading, Days of 76 Museum, Broken Boot Candlelight Tour, and so much more.

Plus, Mount Rushmore and Chief Crazy Horse Monuments are about a 45-minute drive up the road. So, if youre willing to take a ride into the South Dakota wild for even more fun, Deadwood and the entire state of South Dakota have what youre looking for.

Whether youre looking for historical sites, the open range, parks, or monuments in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Deadwood is your ultimate hub. Odds are, you wont want to leave this vibrant area with more attractions than some of Americas largest cities.

Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino has it all. And as with many casinos in Deadwood, it doesnt have the largest gaming floor. However, it makes up for it with just enough gaming to keep you interested, along with a plethora of amenities that will make the casino trip just a small slice in a larger vacation pie.

If youre looking to make your trip to Deadwood the best vacation yet, youll spend some time catching a grand gaming experience at the casino, and even more time catching a grand vacationing experience around Deadwood.

Have you been to Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino? And have you been to Deadwood, South Dakota? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments. We cant wait to hear your stories and discover what you did during your time in the American Heartlands favorite village.

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Detailed Review of the Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino South Dakota - BestUSCasinos.org

DETROIT, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leanbackplayer.com announces the release of the review "Best sites to play Blackjack online'

Blackjack is a wonderful game. It's easy to learn but allows for quite a bit of strategy, and it's one of the games in which the house has the smallest edge.

Unfortunately, there's one small problem with it: in most cases, you need to live near a casino in order to play it for money.

At least, that used to be the case. Thanks to the power of the internet, though, it's now possible to play blackjack online for real money.

If you've ever found yourself playing cards in a shady casino, though, then you already know that not every cardroom should be trusted with your money.

With that in mind, we've put together a list of the best sites on the internet for betting on blackjack.

Best online blackjack sites by category:

1. Best welcome bonus: Ignition Casino 2. Best live dealer blackjack: Super Slots Casino 3. Best for free games: Red Dog Casino 4. Best loyalty bonuses: Intertops Casino 5. Best variety of games: Wild Casino 6. Best for unique games: Las Atlantis Casino 7. Best mobile gaming experience: Slots.lv 8. Low wagering requirements: Bovada Casino 9. Best for tournaments: Black Chip Poker 10. Best VIP program: Americas Cardroom

Runner ups for top online blackjack sites:

11. Jackpot City 12. Royal Vegas 13. Ruby Fortune 14. Cafe Casino 15. BigSpinCasino 16. Juicy Stakes Casino 17. mFortune Casino 18. Mr Spin Casino 19. Casino.com 20. CasinoRex 21. Ladbrokes

Ranking Methodology for Best Online Blackjack Sites

When assembling a list such as this, it's important to have a clear methodology behind your rankings. We're not just using our opinions here we're looking at the following objective criteria.

Game selection: a lot of sites offer regular blackjack. We looked for casinos that had a wide variety of games to ensure you never lose your thrill.

Trustworthiness: is the site playing fair? Will they give you your winnings when it's time to cash out? Needless to say, shady blackjack sites didn't make the cut.

Bonuses: many sites offer bonuses, loyalty programs, and other benefits for playing with them. We looked for the sites that offered customers the most free money.

Interface quality: if you're going to be spending a lot of time playing blackjack on a site, you want that site to be attractive and easy to use. After all, the last thing you want is to make an expensive mistake because the layout is confusing.

Using these criteria, we were able to determine the 21 blackjack sites we feel are the best for real money players on the internet today.

Story continues

The Best Online Blackjack Sites for Real Money Reviewed

1. Ignition Casino Best Welcome Bonus

Pros

Outstanding bonuses and loyalty program

Live dealer games available

Huge game selection

Several blackjack varieties on hand

Works on a variety of platforms

Cons

Ignition Casino really lives up to its name, as it's as close as you can get to a real-life casino experience from the comfort of your own home. They even have live dealer blackjack, where you can watch actual human dealers run your game.

You have a ton of table games to choose from, as well as a variety of real money blackjack games. These include classic, European, single deck, and more.

Ignition makes it easy to play, as they're available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android platforms.

They love to give away free money, too, as they offer a variety of bonuses and have a way above-average loyalty program. You can play for longer here than just about any other site.

It's surprising, then, that they don't have any e-wallet deposit or withdrawal options. This isn't a deal-breaker by any means, but it is annoying.

Go to: Ignition Casino

2. Red Dog Casino Best for Free Games

Pros

Great mix of free and real-money games

8 varieties of blackjack to choose from

Interface is intuitive and easy to use

Designed to be played on mobile devices

Cons

Red Dog Casino has a wonderful mix of free and real-money games, so you can make a bundle or just have some fun, depending on your mood.

There are 8 different blackjack games to choose from, including Perfect Pairs and Super 21. You can have a ton of fun with each of them, and the variety keeps things fresh.

If you're a beginner or you don't understand how to play one of the games, you can always play for free using their practice mode. It's a great way to learn the rules and it comes in handy, too, as their instructions aren't much help.

The interface is a bit old-fashioned and clunky, so don't expect to be blown away. However, it's also simple and intuitive, so it's unlikely you'll lose your shirt due to a misclick.

The games are designed to be played on mobile devices, and it's there that they look the best.

You can download their client or play it in your browser if you like, but the experience won't match up to the one you'll find on your phone or tablet.

Go to: Red Dog Casino

3. Super Slots Best Live Dealer Blackjack

Pros

Cons

Super Slots is a newer entry in the online casino game, but they've quickly made a name for themselves with their big bonuses and crypto-friendly deposit options.

As you might expect given the name, slot machines are the main attraction here, but their blackjack selection is good as well.

They have two weekly tournaments that draw a lot of attention, with the top 50 players enjoying the thrill of prize money.

Their welcome bonus is extremely attractive, as you can get a 300% match up to $2,000 and you can use it for your first three deposits. Of course, you'll have to work to cash in that $6k, as you may have as much as a 60x rollover.

They also offer multiple reload bonuses every week, so if you find yourself running out of chips, you can top off quickly.

You don't have much time to clear those rollovers, though, as many have 30-day requirements. Oh well guess you'll just have to play more blackjack!

Go to: Super Slots Casino

4. Intertops Casino - Best Loyalty Bonuses

Pros

Cons

No live dealer games

No deposit bonus

If you don't want to switch online casinos all the time to claim these welcome bonuses, then Intertops Casino is worth a look. They have the most generous loyalty bonuses which can keep you going for years.

Besides outstanding loyalty promotions, they have a huge variety of games, which is great as you can play for days in a row if you'd like and never get bored.

These include slots, blackjack, bingo, roulette, and many others. The only drawback here is that they don't have live dealer games. However, they make up with several fun table game variations like Zappit Blackjack.

As they recently updated their mobile app, it's very pleasing for an eye to hang out there for hours. Navigation and all the settings are very straightforward and intuitive.

Go to: Intertops Casino

5. Wild Casino Best Variety of Games

Pros

Cons

Let's get something out in the open right off the bat: Wild Casino isn't a great casino. If you're looking to play online slots, poker, or any number of other casino games, go to one of the other gambling sites out there.

If you're just interested in blackjack, though, it's an excellent option.

They have quite a few different types to play, including multi-hand and single-deck. You can easily spend an entire afternoon or longer exploring the various possibilities.

The games play equally well on desktop or mobile, so you can have fun wherever you happen to be at the time.

They have a large crypto focus in their banking, which could be attractive to some players.

However, that focus can work to their detriment as well, as those currencies can take up to 2 days to credit to your account.

Once you finally get some cash on there, though, you can quickly make it grow due to their generous bonus structure. The rollovers are clearly broken down according to game type as well, making it easy to claim your free money.

Go to: Wild Casino

6. Las Atlantis Best for Unique Games

Pros

No deposit fees

Payouts processed quickly

Game interface is easy to use

Works equally well on mobile and desktop

Cons

Las Atlantis is a fantastic overall casino, and if you're more concerned about things like ease of banking and ability to play other games, it's worth overlooking the fact that their blackjack selection is only pretty good.

They have 8 varieties of blackjack to choose from, so there's enough that you won't get bored, but not as many as some other casinos offer.

While the variety may not blow you out of the water, the games themselves are well-run. They're easy to understand and navigate, and you can play them just as easily on your phone as on your computer.

Everything else is top-notch, however. They don't charge deposit fees, and you can get your money off the site very quickly as soon as a couple of days or less in many cases.

They have some attractive deposit bonuses, but the best ones are reserved for slots, so you'll have to settle for scraps as a mere blackjack player.

Go to: Las Atlantis Casino

7. Slots.lv Best Mobile Gaming Experience

Pros

Cons

If you care how your games look, the Slots.lv is the place you want to be. They have the most attractive interface on the internet today, as well as plenty of ways to customize how your tables look.

That includes live dealer games, single- or double-deck games, and regular ol' blackjack. They also have fun variations like Zappit blackjack or Perfect Pairs.

It's not quite as attractive on mobile devices, largely due to the fact that they don't have a dedicated app. You'll have to play in your mobile browser instead.

They have a generous loyalty program with two different tiers, allowing you to make as much as $1,000 every month just for gambling. They'll even send you a gift on your birthday.

New players will find a great welcome bonus potentially worth $5,000, and the Bitcoin bonuses are exceptional as well.

If you do well at the tables, however, it could take some time to get your money off the site. Any withdrawals larger than $2,000 will be processed in monthly increments, so you could be waiting a while.

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Blackjack Online: 21 Best Sites to Play Blackjack (Live Dealers, Real Money, or Free Blackjack Game Options) - Yahoo Finance

RUTHERFORDTON Investigators are trying to learn who killed a 21-year-old quarter horse as he grazed on turnips on a family farm in Rutherfordton.

A family member of Robert Hill, of Arrowood Road, discovered Blackjack lying dead on the property Monday morning. She observed the horse while driving along Arrowood Road, with the familys property on each side of the road. Blackjack had been shot in the head by what Rutherford County Sheriff Chris Francis said appears to be from a rifle.

Diamond Hill, Roberts daughter-in-law, said Blackjack had crossed Arrowood Road from the pasture toward a turnip patch but still on the familys property.

He was just eating turnips and minding his own business, Diamond said.

Blackjack was more than one of three horses on the Hills farm. He was born and raised there, then broke for riding.

He didnt have a mean bone in his body. He was as gentle as they come, Diamond said, adding Blackjack could be trusted to ride the familys younger children.

The Hills considered BlackJack a messenger from God. He was born on the same day Robert Hills infant grandson, William Bradley, underwent open heart surgery in Winston Salem. When they noticed Blackjack had a heart-shaped marking on his left side, they deemed it as a heavenly sign the child would survive the life-threatening operation. William Bradley, now 21, did survive and is among the family members grieving Blackjacks senseless death.

However, Bradley took a turn for the worse Tuesday and was admitted at Saint Lukes Hospital in Polk County. He was then transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville, according to Robert Hill.

Doctors believe Bradley has suffered a heart attack and currently has fluid around his heart, Robert added.

Diamond said the family has no enemies and knows no reason why someone would kill a harmless animal.

This was done by someone who has a sick, twisted mind, she said.

Francis said his investigators are following all possible leads, adding Blackjack was killed either late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Robert said he has also shared newly learned information, but declined to specify.

There have been a lot of things going on in the neighborhood, Robert said, adding those activities are believed to be drug-related.

Francis worries the killing of Blackjack could trigger similar incidents.

I hope we dont have any copycat cases, Francis said.

Robert Hill said a state veterinarian responded to the crime scene and removed shrapnel from Blackjacks fatal wound.

Afterward, Blackjack was buried on the familys farm.

Robert Hill wants justice for Blackjack.

I can forgive them, but I want them punished for what they did, he said.

Anyone with information about the shooting death of Blackjack is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS 828-286-8477.

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Family's horse shot, killed grazing on turnips | News | thedigitalcourier.com - The Daily Courier

Situated in Nevada in the United States, Las Vegas is a top world destination for tourists to visit. People from all around the world come to visit the Hoover Dam and Lake Tahoe. Tourists also come to experience helicopter rides from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon too.

But one of the main reasons that people go to visit Las Vegas is because it is also known as The Gambling Capital Of The World. According to Statista, Nevada is the U.S state with the highest gross gaming revenue (GGR) of casinos in the U.S. In 2019, the state had a GGR of around $12 billion dollars.

The Las Vegas Strip is around 4.2m long and features a range of casinos, hotels, entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants. There is a wide variety of casinos that are on the iconic Strip for adults to play card games, slot games, and experience world-class nightlife.

Characterised by breathtaking dcor, landscaping, and numerous dining options, Wynn Las Vegas is a five-star awarding-winning resort in Nevada. Its opulent setting provides gamblers with over 189,000 sq ft of gaming space where they can play roulette, blackjack, other table games, and plenty of slot games. The establishment opened fifteen years ago and some of its fantastic attractions include the Lake of Dreams and the Wynn golf club.

As a high-end facility, Wynn Resort also has exclusive bars and lounges such as the Eastside Lounge, Lobby Bar, and the Tower Suite Bar. The Wynn Las Vegas hotel is also on the Cond Nast Traveller Gold List as one of the top hotels in the world.

Did You Know?

Together with its sister property Encore, the Wynn resort has 4,748 rooms which makes it the seventh largest hotel in the world.

Circus Circus is one of the older casinos in Las Vegas, having been established in 1968. The 52-year-old resort is not just a hotel and casino but also an adventurous circus. The Adventuredome is a 5-acre indoor amusement park which features a range of rides and attractions for visitors. Circus Circus is popular for its circus acts and carnival games and also has 123,928 sq ft of casino space.

Their casino has over forty table games available and some of the latest slot games too. Players can play virtual and live craps, three card poker, eight-deck blackjack, and much more. One of their legendary restaurants is their award-winning Steak House which offers a range of fabulous food.

Did You Know?

The Circus Circus establishment featured in a James Bond film. The hotels midway was featured in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) starring Sean Connery.

The Venetian was opened 21 years ago in 1999 and is themed on Venice, Italy. The hotel design takes inspiration from Italy and also has replicas of various landmarks including the Rialto Bridge, Palazzo Ducale, and the Lion of Venice Column. Much like other luxury establishments on the Strip, The Venetian has a range of restaurants, suites, swimming pools, and entertainment.

For gambling entertainment, the resort features two casinos for players to choose from: The Palazzo and The Venetian. They have a range of table games available for players to choose from including baccarat, roulette, and blackjack. Visitors can also check out their extensive selection of slot games on their two casino floors. The Venetian casino has around 1000 slots to play and The Palazzo has over 900.

Did You Know?

Inspired by the canals of venice, The Venitian has gondola rides for guests to experience. Guests can coast down an indoor or outdoor ride and experience unique views on an authentic venetian gondola trip.

The Bellagio resort in Las Vegas is world-famous and is famed for its luxury and elegance. With the stunning theme of Bellagio, Italy, it was opened 22 years ago in 1998. The Bellagio has also been a popular film setting for Hollywood films too. The classic Oceans Eleven (2001) used the Bellagio as a central setting. Just like other casinos on the Strip, the Bellagio casino has many table games like blackjack, craps, three card poker, and roulette. Before heading out to Vegas, players can brush up on their skills by playing live roulette online as well as other games, to get a taste of what playing at a real casino is like.

The Bellagio also has a Club Priv high limit lounge that is a private and elegant lounge for players. Similar to its other neighbouring resorts, the Bellagio also has many signature attractions. Its home to the aquatic Cirque du Soleil productionand has the signature Fountains of Bellagio. Enhanced by music and light, the fountains are a spectacle to behold and is not something to miss out on during a trip to Vegas.

Did You Know?

The Bellagio won the AAA Five Diamond Award fifteen years in a row! (2000 2015)

Built in 2009, The Aria is a resort and casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. The property consists of two high rise towers made from glass and steel; 61 and 51 stories high. The towers hold a AAA five diamond hotel that includes around 4,004 rooms and suites for guests. The towers also hold 16 restaurants, 10 bars and nightclubs, and the casino also has around 300,000 sq ft of gaming space. Their casino has a range of table games and slot games available and they also have a High Limit Lounge too.

The most impressive feature of the resort is how technology is integrated into the hotel design. Popular Mechanics had reportedly called it perhaps the most technologically advanced hotel ever built. It has rooms with smart technology that can adjust curtains, turn off unused lights and electronics, and can also regulate the temperature when a guest enters or leaves the room.

Did You Know?

The poker room at the Aria has hosted events for the World Poker Tour. In 2014, the hotel attracted around three and a half thousand entrants with their WPT500 event.

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5 Best Casinos To Visit & Play At On The Las Vegas Strip - VIVA GLAM MAGAZINE - vivaglammagazine.com

Play free online blackjack - also called '21' - the classic casino card game of luck and skill!

Welcome to this online blackjack page where you can play the best free blackjack games. The benefits of playing online are that you can learn blackjack rules in no rush and there is no actual monetary loss if you lose! You can click the menu button on the top right corner to read the rules. What's best: We also automatically save your game so you can come back anytime to play blackjack online! Remember, you don't win because you are closer to the value of 21 -- you win because your combined value of the cards is greater than that of dealer.

1. When the value of dealer's revealed card is 4,5 or 6, it may be fruitful to double your bet with an Ace and 4 in hand.

2. You may want to surrender if you have 16 in your hand while the dealer has a 9,10 or A.

3. You should always split if you have a pair of Aces.

4. If you get a pair of 7s, only press hit if the dealer has 8,9,10 or Ace.

Play Blackjack for free now to test whether the strategy works!

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This is our first blackjack game and trainer and I'm proud to finally add our version 2 with enhanced graphics and the ability to learn how to count cards to my website. The game is mostly self-explanatory. If you make an inferior play, the game will warn you first. I recommend that before you play for real money both online in person that you practice on the game until you very rarely are warned you a making an inferior play. If doubling or splitting is mathematically the correct play, but you don't have enough chips, the game will give the best advice for what you can afford to do. Do not change rules mid-hand. If you do, the change will not take effect until the next hand. The advice is based on my own analysis and basic strategy tables for one, two, and four+ decks. The deck(s) is(are) shuffled after every hand.

If you find any bugs, please contact me. A screenshot would be appreciated if you claim the game is misplaying a hand. I get a lot of incorrect reports that the advice given is incorrect. This usually can be explained by the user not using the correct basic strategy for the rules selected. I have also had many comments about the advice on a player 16, composed of 3 or more cards, against a 10. As a rule of thumb, the player should stand in that situation. However, that is a basic strategy exception. The game only knows basic strategy. Also, please note that it is a standard blackjack rule that split aces get one card each. If one of them is a ten, it is not a blackjack, it is just 21 points. That is how blackjack is usually played.

I would like to thank JB for his outstanding work on this game, and Dingo Systems for the cards.

Q1: What are the rules in online blackjack games?

A: As in land casinos, they vary. Online help files are notoriously badly written and incomplete. The Wizard of Odds, we try hard to keep an accurate listing of rules for every brand of software and live dealers. You may find such rules, for every game, in our Software Review section.

Q2: Generally speaking, are the rules better in land or online casinos?

A: All things considered, I would say they are better online. For one thing, you almost never see a blackjack (ace and 10) pay 6 to 5 only online, while this is becoming the norm in land casinos in the United States.

Q3: What are the typical rules at live dealer casinos online?

A: Live dealer rules are very similar to what you would see in a land casino. The typical rules are:

Be careful double or splitting if the dealer has a ten or ace showing. At most live dealer brands, you will lose everything if the dealer gets a blackjack. Under this "no peek" rule, the only time you should put more money out on the table against a potential dealer blackjack is to split two aces against a dealer 10.

The house edge under the rules above is 0.61%.

Q4: When are the cards shuffled in online blackjack?

A: In a fully electronic game, they are probably shuffled after every hand. In a live dealer game, they are usually shuffled about half way through the shoe.

Q5: Oh really?! Even with only 50% penetration, what is to prevent me from counting cards against a live dealer?

A: I've asked this question of some people in the business. Nobody would tell me exactly how they protect their game against counters, but they assured me that they do. If I ran a live dealer casino, I would run a test of every player to see how their bet size is correlated to the true count. Then I would carefully examine the play of such players with a strong correlation.

Q6: How do "probably fair" casinos accomplish so-called in blackjack?

A: It is rather involved, but here is typically how it is done:

I go into this in greater depth for a particular brand in my page on Blackjack (Encrypted Version).

Q7: I don't want to bother jumping through all those hoops to verify fairness in an encrypted game. Do you think that just the ability to verify fairness is enough to keep the casinos honest?

A: No. Encrypted or not, a casino could cheat the player in any game, except sports betting, any time they wished. In the case of an encrypted casino, the operator could choose a Server Seed that causes the player to lose after the bet is made. If the player catches them in a hash mismatch, which I think very few players bother to check, the casino can simply ignore the accusation or deny it without comment. This is exactly what happened to me at Wixiplay.

Q8: Your story aside, how common is cheating at blackjack, or any game, online?

A: In my opinion, it is quite rare.

Q9: How can I improve my odds of not being cheated?

A: There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Internet casinos out there. In the absence of any serious government regulation, the industry has done a pretty good job of regulating itself. Between legitimate watchdog affiliate sites and some common sense, here are some ways to choose a reputable brand to trust with your hard-earned dollar:

Q10: Any other words of advice before playing blackjack online?

A: Whether playing online or in a land casino, use the appropriate basic strategy for the rules offered. The Wizard of Odds blackjack strategy calculatorwill give the correct basic strategy for almost any set of rules.

A much greater problem than outright cheating is online casinos faulting players on a technicality in the rules and seizing whatever funds they deem appropriate. This is a particularly a problem with bonuses. The terms and conditions for bonuses can be pages long and very restrictive in terms of allowed games, bet sizes, and types of bets. If the player loses, nobody ever checks, but after a win and withdrawal request, suddenly the play may be subject to careful review for compliance. Never assume that because you were invited to play a bonus via Email that you're eligible for it. Casinos typically blast everybody in their list. An easy rule to overlook is when a bonus is eligible for "new money" only. Don't expect the casino to enforce this rule when entering a couple code, but do expect it when you actually make a withdrawal and they look for any reason to deny it.

While bonuses can make your money last much longer and increase your chances of winning, they are a minefield in terms of compliance. Read the rules carefully. If in doubt the way you play is compliant, then don't ask for the bonus in the first place.

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Gambling card game

A blackjack

Blackjack, formerly also Black Jack and Vingt-Un, is the American member of a global family of banking games known as Twenty-One, whose relatives include the British game of Pontoon and the European game, Vingt-et-Un.[1] It is a comparing card game between one or more players and a dealer, where each player in turn competes against the dealer. Players do not compete against each other. It is played with one or more decks of 52 cards, and is the most widely played casino banking game in the world.[2]:342

Blackjack's immediate precursor was the English version of twenty-one called Vingt-Un, a game of unknown provenance, but probably of Spanish origin. The first written reference is found in a book by the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, most famous for writing Don Quixote. Cervantes was a gambler, and the main characters of his tale "Rinconete y Cortadillo", from Novelas Ejemplares, are a couple of cheats working in Seville. They are proficient at cheating at veintiuna (Spanish for twenty-one), and state that the object of the game is to reach 21 points without going over and that the ace values 1 or 11. The game is played with the Spanish baraja deck. This short story was written between 1601 and 1602, implying that ventiuna was played in Castile since the beginning of the 17th century or earlier. Later references to this game are found in France and Spain.[3]

The first record of the game in France occurs in 1768 and in Britain during the 1770s and 1780s, but the first rules anywhere appear in Britain in 1800 under the name of Vingt-Un.[6] Twenty-One appeared in the United States in the early 1800s, still known in those days as Vingt-Un. The first rules were an 1825 reprint of the 1800 English rules. English Vingt-Un later developed into an American variant in its own right which was renamed blackjack around 1899.

There is a popular myth that, when Vingt-Un ("Twenty-One") was introduced into the United States in the early 1800s - other sources say during the First World War and still others the 1930s - gambling houses offered bonus payouts to stimulate players' interest. One such bonus was a ten-to-one payout if the player's hand consisted of the ace of spades and a black jack (either the jack of clubs or the jack of spades). This hand was called a "blackjack", and it is claimed that the name stuck to the game even though the ten-to-one bonus was soon withdrawn. French card historian, Thierry Depaulis has recently debunked this story, showing that the name Blackjack was first given to the game of American Vingt-Un by prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush (189699), the bonus being the usual Ace and any 10-point card. Since the term 'blackjack' also refers to the mineral zincblende, which was often associated with gold or silver deposits, he suggests that the mineral name was transferred by prospectors to the top bonus in the game. He was unable to find any historical evidence for a special bonus for having the combination of an Ace with a black Jack.

The first scientific and mathematically sound attempt to devise an optimal blackjack playing strategy was revealed in September 1956. Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel and James McDermott published a paper titled The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack in the Journal of the American Statistical Association.[10] This paper would become the foundation of future sound efforts to beat the game of blackjack. Ed Thorp would use Baldwin's hand calculations to verify the basic strategy and later publish (in 1963) his famous book Beat the Dealer.[11]

Players are each dealt two cards, face up or down depending on the casino and the table. In the U.S., the dealer is also dealt two cards, normally one up (exposed) and one down (hidden). In most other countries, the dealer only receives one card face up. The value of cards two through ten is their pip value (2 through 10). Face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are all worth ten. Aces can be worth one or eleven. A hand's value is the sum of the card values. Players are allowed to draw additional cards to improve their hands. A hand with an ace valued as 11 is called "soft", meaning that the hand will not bust by taking an additional card. The value of the ace will become one to prevent the hand from exceeding 21. Otherwise, the hand is called "hard".

Once all the players have completed their hands, it is the dealer's turn. The dealer hand will not be completed if all players have either busted or received blackjacks. The dealer then reveals the hidden card and must hit until the cards total up to 17 points. At 17 points or higher the dealer must stay. (At most tables the dealer also hits on a "soft" 17, i.e. a hand containing an ace and one or more other cards totaling six.) You are betting that you have a better hand than the dealer. The better hand is the hand where the sum of the card values is closer to 21 without exceeding 21. The detailed outcome of the hand follows:

Blackjack has over 100 rule variations. Since the 1960s, blackjack has been a high-profile target of advantage players, particularly card counters, who track the profile of cards that have been dealt and adapt their wagers and playing strategies accordingly. In response, casinos have introduced counter-measures that can increase the difficulty of advantage play.

Blackjack has inspired other casino games, including Spanish 21 and pontoon.

At a casino blackjack table, the dealer faces five to seven playing positions from behind a semicircular table. Between one and eight standard 52-card decks are shuffled together. At the beginning of each round, up to three players can place their bets in the "betting box" at each position in play. That is, there could be up to three players at each position at a table in jurisdictions that allow back betting. The player whose bet is at the front of the betting box is deemed to have control over the position, and the dealer will consult the controlling player for playing decisions regarding the hand; the other players of that box are said to "play behind". Any player is usually allowed to control or bet in as many boxes as desired at a single table, but it is prohibited for an individual to play on more than one table at a time or to place multiple bets within a single box. In many U.S. casinos, however, players are limited to playing two or three positions at a table and often only one person is allowed to bet on each position.

The dealer deals cards from their left (the position on the dealer's far left is often referred to as "first base") to their far right ("third base"). Each box is dealt an initial hand of two cards visible to the people playing on it, and often to any other players. The dealer's hand receives its first card face up, and in "hole card" games immediately receives its second card face down (the hole card), which the dealer peeks at but does not reveal unless it makes the dealer's hand a blackjack. Hole card games are sometimes played on tables with a small mirror or electronic sensor that is used to peek securely at the hole card. In European casinos, "no hole card" games are prevalent; the dealer's second card is neither drawn nor consulted until the players have all played their hands.

Cards are dealt either from one or two handheld decks, from a dealer's shoe, or from a shuffling machine. Single cards are dealt to each wagered-on position clockwise from the dealer's left, followed by a single card to the dealer, followed by an additional card to each of the positions in play. The players' initial cards may be dealt face up or face down (more common in single-deck games).

The object of the game from the player's perspective is to win money by creating card totals that are higher than those of the dealer's hand, but do not exceed 21 ("busting"/"breaking"), or alternatively, by "standing" (not taking a card) at any total in the hope that dealer will bust. On their turn, players must choose whether to "hit" (take a card), "stand" (end their turn), "double" (double wager, take a single card and finish), "split" (if the two cards have the same value, separate them to make two hands) or "surrender" (give up a half-bet and retire from the game). Number cards count as their natural value; the jack, queen, and king (also known as "face cards" or "pictures") count as 10; aces are valued as either 1 or 11 according to the player's choice. If the hand value exceeds 21 points, it busts, and all bets on it are immediately forfeit. After all boxes have finished playing, the dealer's hand is resolved by drawing cards until the hand busts or achieves a value of 17 or higher (a dealer total of 17 including an ace valued as 11, also known as a "soft 17", must be drawn to in some games and must stand in others). The dealer never doubles, splits, or surrenders. If the dealer busts, all remaining player hands win. If the dealer does not bust, each remaining bet wins if its hand is higher than the dealer's, and loses if it is lower. If a player receives 21 on the 1st and 2nd card it is considered a "natural" or "blackjack" and the player is paid out immediately unless dealer also has a natural, in which case the hand ties. In the case of a tied score, known as "push" or "standoff", bets are normally returned without adjustment; however, a blackjack beats any hand that is not a blackjack, even one with a value of 21. Wins are paid out at 1:1, or equal to the wager, except for player blackjacks which are traditionally paid at 3:2 (meaning the player receives three dollars for every two bet) or one-and-a-half times the wager. Many casinos today pay blackjacks at less than 3:2 at some tables; for instance, single-deck blackjack tables often pay 6:5 for a blackjack instead of 3:2.[12]

Blackjack games almost always provide a side bet called insurance, which may be played when dealer's upcard is an ace. Additional side bets, such as "Dealer Match" which pays when the player's cards match the dealer's up card, are sometimes available.

After receiving an initial two cards, the player has up to four standard options: "hit", "stand", "double down", or "split". Each option has a corresponding hand signal. Some games give the player a fifth option, "surrender".

Hand signals are used to assist the "eye in the sky", a person or video camera located above the table and sometimes concealed behind one-way glass. The eye in the sky usually makes a video recording of the table, which helps in resolving disputes and identifying dealer mistakes, and is also used to protect the casino against dealers who steal chips or players who cheat. The recording can further be used to identify advantage players whose activities, while legal, make them undesirable customers. In the event of a disagreement between a player's hand signals and their words, the hand signal takes precedence.Each hand may normally "hit" as many times as desired so long as the total is not above hard 20. On reaching 21 (including soft 21), the hand is normally required to stand; busting is an irrevocable loss and the players' wagers are immediately forfeited to the house. After a bust or a stand, play proceeds to the next hand clockwise around the table. When the last hand has finished being played, the dealer reveals the hole card, and stands or draws further cards according to the rules of the game for dealer drawing. When the outcome of the dealer's hand is established, any hands with bets remaining on the table are resolved (usually in counterclockwise order): bets on losing hands are forfeited, the bet on a push is left on the table, and winners are paid out.

If the dealer's up card (the card that is showing) is an ace, you are allowed to make an insurance bet. This is a side bet that the dealer has a ten-value card as the down card, giving the dealer a Blackjack. The dealer will ask for insurance bets from all players before the first player plays. You make this bet by placing chips equal to a maximum of half of your current bet on the insurance bar just above your cards. If the dealer has a ten, the insurance bet pays 2:1. In most casinos, the dealer then peeks at the down card and pays or takes the insurance bet immediately. In other casinos, the payoff waits until the end of the play.

In face-down games, if you are playing more than one hand, you are allowed to look at all of your hands before deciding. This is the only time that you are allowed to look at the second hand before playing the first hand. Using one hand, look at your hands one at a time.

Players with a blackjack may also take insurance, and in taking maximum insurance they will win an amount equal to their main wager. Fully insuring a blackjack against blackjack is thus referred to as "taking even money". There is no difference in results between taking even money and insuring a blackjack.

Insurance bets are expected to lose money in the long run, because the dealer is likely to have a blackjack less than one-third of the time. However the insurance outcome is strongly anti-correlated with that of the main wager, and if the player's priority is to reduce variance, they might choose to make this bet.

The insurance bet is susceptible to advantage play. It is advantageous to make an insurance bet whenever the hole card has more than a one in three chance of being a ten. Card counting techniques can identify such situations.

Note: where changes in the house edge due to changes in the rules are stated in percentage terms, the difference is usually stated here in percentage points, not percentage. That is, if an edge of 10% is reduced to 9%: it is reduced by one percentage point, not reduced by ten percent.

The rules of casino blackjack are generally determined by law or regulation, which establishes certain rule variations allowed at the discretion of the casino. The rule variations of any particular game are generally posted on or near the table. You can ask the dealer if the variations are not clearly posted. Over 100 variations of blackjack have been documented.[13]

As with all casino games, blackjack incorporates a "house edge", a statistical advantage for the casino that is built into the game. This house edge is primarily due to the fact that the player will lose when both the player and dealer bust. However, blackjack players using basic strategy will lose less than 1% of their total wagered amount with average luck, which is a substantially lower house edge than most other casino games. This is not true in games where blackjack pays 6:5 as that rule increases the house edge by about 1.4%. The expected loss rate of players who deviate from basic strategy through poor play will be greater, often much greater.

Surrender, for those games that allow it, is usually not permitted against a dealer blackjack; if the dealer's first card is an ace or ten, the hole card is checked to make sure there is no blackjack before surrender is offered. This rule protocol is consequently known as "late" surrender. The alternative, "early" surrender, gives player the option to surrender before the dealer checks for blackjack, or in a no-hole-card game. Early surrender is much more favorable to the player than late surrender.

For late surrender, however, while it is tempting to opt for surrender on any hand which will probably lose, the correct strategy is to only surrender on the very worst hands, because having even a one in four chance of winning the full bet is better than losing half the bet and pushing the other half, as entailed by surrendering.

In most non-U.S. casinos, a 'no hole card' game is played, meaning that the dealer does not draw nor consult his or her second card until after all players have finished making decisions. With no hole card, it is almost never correct basic strategy to double or split against a dealer ten or ace, since a dealer blackjack will result in the loss of the split and double bets; the only exception is with a pair of aces against a dealer 10, where it is still correct to split. In all other cases, a stand, hit or surrender is called for. For instance, holding 11 against a dealer 10, the correct strategy is to double in a hole card game (where the player knows the dealer's second card is not an ace), but to hit in a no hole card game. The no hole card rule adds approximately 0.11% to the house edge.

The "original bets only" rule variation appearing in certain no hole card games states that if the player's hand loses to a dealer blackjack, only the mandatory initial bet ("original") is forfeited, and all optional bets, meaning doubles and splits, are pushed. "Original bets only" is also known by the acronym OBO; it has the same effect on basic strategy and house edge as reverting to a hole card game.[14]

Each blackjack game has a basic strategy, which prescribes the optimal method of playing any hand against any dealer up-card so that the long-term house advantage (the expected loss of the player) is minimized.

An example of a basic strategy is shown in the table below, which applies to a game with the following specifications:[15]

Key:

The bulk of basic strategy is common to all blackjack games, with most rule variations calling for changes in only a few situations. For example, to use the table above on a game with the stand on soft 17 rule (which favors the player, and is typically found only at higher-limit tables today) only 6 cells would need to be changed: hit on 11 vs. A, hit on 15 vs. A, stand on 17 vs. A, stand on A,7 vs. 2, stand on A,8 vs. 6, and split on 8,8 vs. A. Regardless of the specific rule variations, taking insurance or "even money" is never the correct play under basic strategy.[15]

Estimates of the house edge for blackjack games quoted by casinos and gaming regulators are generally based on the assumption that the players follow basic strategy and do not systematically change their bet size.

Most blackjack games have a house edge of between 0.5% and 1%, placing blackjack among the cheapest casino table games from the perspective of the player. Casino promotions such as complimentary match play vouchers or 2:1 blackjack payouts allow the player to acquire an advantage without deviating from basic strategy.

Basic strategy is based upon a player's point total and the dealer's visible card. Players may be able to improve on this decision by considering the precise composition of their hand, not just the point total. For example, players should ordinarily stand when holding 12 against a dealer 4. However, in a single deck game, players should hit if their 12 consists of a 10 and a 2. The presence of a 10 in the player's hand has two consequences:[16]

However, even when basic and composition-dependent strategies lead to different actions, the difference in expected reward is small, and it becomes even smaller with more decks. Using a composition-dependent strategy rather than basic strategy in a single deck game reduces the house edge by 4 in 10,000, which falls to 3 in 100,000 for a six-deck game.[17]

Blackjack has been a high-profile target for advantage players since the 1960s. Advantage play is the attempt to win more using skills such as memory, computation, and observation. These techniques, while generally legal, can be powerful enough to give the player a long-term edge in the game, making them an undesirable customer for the casino and potentially leading to ejection or blacklisting if they are detected. The main techniques of advantage play in blackjack are as follows:

During the course of a blackjack shoe, the dealer exposes the dealt cards. Careful accounting of the exposed cards allows a player to make inferences about the cards which remain to be dealt. These inferences can be used in the following ways:

A card counting system assigns a point score to each rank of card (e.g., 1 point for 26, 0 points for 79 and 1 point for 10A). When a card is exposed, a counter adds the score of that card to a running total, the 'count'. A card counter uses this count to make betting and playing decisions according to a table which they have learned. The count starts at 0 for a freshly shuffled deck for "balanced" counting systems. Unbalanced counts are often started at a value which depends on the number of decks used in the game.

Blackjack's house edge is usually between 0.5%1% when players use basic strategy.[18] Card counting can give the player an edge of up to 2% over the house.[19]:5

Card counting is most rewarding near the end of a complete shoe when as few as possible cards remain. Single-deck games are therefore particularly advantageous to the card counting player. As a result, casinos are more likely to insist that players do not reveal their cards to one another in single-deck games. In games with more decks of cards, casinos limit penetration by ending the shoe and reshuffling when one or more decks remain undealt. Casinos also sometimes use a shuffling machine to reintroduce the exhausted cards every time a deck has been played.

Card counting is legal and is not considered cheating as long as the counter is not using an external device,[19]:67 but if a casino realizes players are counting, the casino might inform them that they are no longer welcome to play blackjack. Sometimes a casino might ban a card counter from the property.[20]

The use of external devices to help counting cards is illegal in all US states that license blackjack card games.[21]

Techniques other than card counting can swing the advantage of casino blackjack toward the player. All such techniques are based on the value of the cards to the player and the casino as originally conceived by Edward O. Thorp.[22] One technique, mainly applicable in multi-deck games, involves tracking groups of cards (also known as slugs, clumps, or packs) during the play of the shoe, following them through the shuffle, and then playing and betting accordingly when those cards come into play from the new shoe. Shuffle tracking requires excellent eyesight and powers of visual estimation but is more difficult to detect since the player's actions are largely unrelated to the composition of the cards in the shoe.[23]

Arnold Snyder's articles in Blackjack Forum magazine brought shuffle tracking to the general public. His book, The Shuffle Tracker's Cookbook, mathematically analyzed the player edge available from shuffle tracking based on the actual size of the tracked slug. Jerry L. Patterson also developed and published a shuffle-tracking method for tracking favorable clumps of cards and cutting them into play and tracking unfavorable clumps of cards and cutting them out of play.[24][25][26]

The player can also gain an advantage by identifying cards from distinctive wear markings on their backs, or by hole carding (observing during the dealing process the front of a card dealt face down). These methods are generally legal although their status in particular jurisdictions may vary.

Many blackjack tables offer a side bet on various outcomes including:[27]

The side wager is typically placed in a designated area next to the box for the main wager. A player wishing to wager on a side bet is usually required to place a wager on blackjack. Some games require that the blackjack wager should equal or exceed any side bet wager. A non-controlling player of a blackjack hand is usually permitted to place a side bet regardless of whether the controlling player does so.

The house edge for side bets is generally far higher than for the blackjack game itself.[28] Nonetheless side bets can be susceptible to card counting. A side count, designed specifically for a particular side bet, can improve the player edge. Only a few side bets, like "Lucky Ladies", offer a sufficient win rate to justify the effort of advantage play.

In team play it is common for team members to be dedicated toward counting only a sidebet using a specialized count.

Blackjack can be played in tournament form. Players start with an equal numbers of chips; the goal is to finish among the top chip-holders. Depending on the number of competitors, tournaments may be held over several rounds, with one or two players qualifying from each table after a set number of deals to meet the qualifiers from the other tables in the next round. Another tournament format, Elimination Blackjack, drops the lowest-stacked player from the table at pre-determined points in the tournament. Good strategy for blackjack tournaments can differ from non-tournament strategy because of the added dimension of choosing the amount to be wagered. As in poker tournaments, players pay the casino an initial entry fee to participate in a tournament, and re-buys are sometimes permitted.

Some casinos, as well as general betting outlets, provide blackjack among a selection of casino-style games at electronic consoles. Video blackjack game rules are generally more favorable to the house; e.g., paying out only even money for winning blackjacks. Video and online blackjack games generally deal each round from a fresh shoe (i.e., use an RNG for each deal), rendering card counting ineffective in most situations.

Blackjack is a member of a large family of traditional card games played recreationally all around the world. Most of these games have not been adapted for casino play. Furthermore, the casino game development industry is very active in producing blackjack variants, most of which are ultimately not adopted for widespread use in casinos. The following are the prominent twenty-one themed comparing card games which have been adapted or invented for use in casinos and have become established in the gambling industry.

Blackjack is also featured in various television shows. Here are a few shows inspired by the game.

Examples of the many local traditional and recreational related, blackjack-like games include French Vingt-et-un ("Twenty-One") and German Siebzehn und Vier ("Seventeen and Four"). Neither game allows splitting. An ace can only count as eleven, but two aces count as a blackjack. It is mostly played in private circles and barracks. The popular British member of the Vingt-Un family is called Pontoon, the name being probably a corruption of "Vingt-et-un".

In 2002, professional gamblers around the world were invited to nominate great blackjack players for admission into the Blackjack Hall of Fame. Seven members were inducted in 2002, with new people inducted every year after. The Hall of Fame is at the Barona Casino in San Diego. Members include Edward O. Thorp, author of the 1960s book Beat the Dealer which proved that the game could be beaten with a combination of basic strategy and card counting; Ken Uston, who popularized the concept of team play; Arnold Snyder, author and editor of the Blackjack Forum trade journal; Stanford Wong, author and popularizer of the "Wonging" technique of only playing at a positive count, and several others.

Novels have been written around blackjack and the possibility of winning games via some kind of method. Among these were The Blackjack Hijack (Charles Einstein, 1976), later produced as the TV movie Nowhere to Run, and Bringing Down the House (Ben Mezrich), also filmed as 21. An almost identical theme was shown in the 2004 Canadian film The Last Casino.

In The Hangover, an American comedy, four friends try to count cards to win back enough money to secure the release of their friend from the clutches of a notorious criminal they stole from the previous night while blacked out. A central part of the plot of Rain Man is that Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant, is able to win at blackjack by counting cards. In the 2014 film The Gambler we see Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) playing high stakes Blackjack in order to win large sums of money. This movie displays different blackjack lingo and risky moves that have high rewards.

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Blackjack - Wikipedia

Play free online blackjack - also called '21' - the classic casino card game of luck and skill!

Welcome to this online blackjack page where you can play the best free blackjack games. The benefits of playing online are that you can learn blackjack rules in no rush and there is no actual monetary loss if you lose! You can click the menu button on the top right corner to read the rules. What's best: We also automatically save your game so you can come back anytime to play blackjack online! Remember, you don't win because you are closer to the value of 21 -- you win because your combined value of the cards is greater than that of dealer.

1. When the value of dealer's revealed card is 4,5 or 6, it may be fruitful to double your bet with an Ace and 4 in hand.

2. You may want to surrender if you have 16 in your hand while the dealer has a 9,10 or A.

3. You should always split if you have a pair of Aces.

4. If you get a pair of 7s, only press hit if the dealer has 8,9,10 or Ace.

Play Blackjack for free now to test whether the strategy works!

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