Online poker has been incredibly popular in recent years, with online poker rooms making it easier than ever for seasoned players and newbies alike to get their poker fix each day. Thanks to the convenience of enabling players to play on to go with portable devices or even from the comfort of their own home, the numerous bonuses and promotions that online games are able to offer, and sheer variety of poker games available, people have been flocking to online sites like a moth to a flame.
According to statistics from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the four states in the US that have legalised online poker; New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware and Pennsylvania, have recently reported 90.9% increase in profits year on year. There were also a record amount of new players since March this year. One of these types of poker that is becoming increasingly popular for online players is Pai Gow Poker. Let’s look at what exactly Pai Gow Poker is and how it can be played.
The origins of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow poker was adapted from a traditional Chinese game that was played with 32 dominoes. In the original game, up to eight players would arrange sets of four tiles into two hands – a back and a front hand. The objective of the game was to beat each of the banker’s hands, in which players could win wagers that were paid out at odds. The game was widely played throughout China and casinos in Macau and is also poplar today throughout casinos in the United States and the UK.
However, owner of the Bell Card Club, Sam Torosian in, invented Pai Gow poker in 1985. The game combines eastern and western elements of gaming, in which its purpose was to encourage more Asian players throughout casinos in the US. Starting in California, the game quickly spread to clubs and casinos in the likes of Las Vegas and beyond and later began to also be offered at online casinos throughout the globe.
Unfortunately for Sam Torosian, the original inventor of Pai Gow Poker, he was ill advised by his lawyers during the process of authenticating the game and did not get a patent. Consequently, Sam Torosian did not get any rights to the game and has not been able to make a profit from it, even though it has today become widespread and incredibly profitable for land-based and online casinos alike.
How is Pai Gow Poker played?
Pai Gow Poker is played with a 52 deck of cards and a joker card. It is different to many variants of poker where players play against each other as in Pai Gow Poker; players will instead play against a banker – who is usually the house dealer. However, occasionally players may seek to bet against other players, and in this case, one player becomes the banker and goes up against the other players.
Unlike the traditional Chinese game where there were eight players, Pai Gow Poker consists of six players and is usually played in the casino pits with similar games such as black-jack and three card poker.
If Pai Gow Poker is played traditionally, the object of the game is to defeat the banker by creating two poker hands. The game begins with each player placing a bet, followed by the distribution of seven cards to each player. After this, players will split their cards into a five card high hand, which is placed in the back, and a two card low hand that is placed in the front. The game states that a player’s high hand must beat the low hand.
The strategy
Having a Pai Gow Poker strategy is vital, whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie.
For the low hand, which is up front and consists of two cards, players should make pairs. For this, pocket aces are recommended, as the cards in this hand must not beat the five card high hand in the back. If a player’s low hand does end up beating the high hand then that player must forfeit or will have the hand reset by the master dealer of the casino.
One of the key differences of this game when comparing to other poker variants is that once a players hand is set at the beginning of the game, they can no longer change it and have to wait and see how it plays out. The ultimate aim is to carefully select your hands at the beginning so that they will beat the dealer.
Top tips for playing Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow poker can be a bit tricky in the sense that you need to know what you’re doing and what strategy you have from the very beginning of the game, as you won’t be able to reset your hand once you begin playing. There are no pre-flops or flops to help the player out, simply the two-card hand up front and the five-card hand in the back. One of the best tips is that if you’re lucky enough to be dealt a full house, it will be in your favour to break them up.
Now you’re all set to play Pai Gow poker. Just remember, it’s essential to have a solid strategy in place.
By its nature, one of the key elements of online casino gaming is safety, from protecting our personal data and bank details when making a deposit, to ensuring that the platforms we use are verified and secure.
The way that hackers, phishing agents and scammers work has evolved, with new techniques being utilised to go after innocent gamers. But, with “technology for good” becoming an ever-growing concept, it’s little surprise that the way we protect ourselves has also levelled up.
In this article, we will explore how the way we stay safe while playing our favourite games has evolved.
Anti-virus
Anti-virus has been a big part of computing for more than 20 years, with major brands like Norton and Kaspersky enjoying a major market share around the late 90s and early 00s. In the old days, bulky anti-virus packages were offered as an add-on to customers purchasing PCs, often disrupting the gaming experience.
Today’s casino gamer does not want to be slowed down by bulky software or distracted by pop-ups every couple of minutes, so modern anti-virus packages are increasingly lightweight and tend to operate in the background.
Additionally, anti-virus provision is much more readily available than it once was. Many leading security apps are available for free online, Microsoft offers Windows Defender to users of its operating system, while Chromebooks have anti-virus functionality built-in.
With users connected to the web more consistently through wi-fi, apps are updated more frequently than in previous years, helping protect users from the newest threats and close newly discovered loopholes.
The anti-virus provision has also evolved to protect mobile phone users. With so much of today’s internet traffic being through the small screen, many of the established anti-virus brands have branched out to protect users of Android and iPhone devices.
We recommend checking what anti-virus you have in place before you consider entering your card details or transferring money.
Source: Unsplash
SSL certificates
There have been several innovations delivered as part of the browsing experience that are helping to protect users while they play online casino games. One of the major recent concepts is the SSL Certificate, which quickly tells the user if the platform they are browsing is secure.
Sites with an SSL Certificate display a padlock on the address bar. The certificates work by digitally binding a cryptographic key to permit secure connections, making it much more difficult for hackers to access personal information. Many browsers provide built-in safeguards that will warn a user when they are about to visit a casino platform that doesn’t offer a secure connection.
Of course, the vast majority of leading casino platforms feature SSL security and many of our industry’s aggregators help pull together trustworthy platforms. For example, the platforms featured on this list from WDW Bingo are reviewed against several criteria and are all verified as being secure. That means users can make use of welcome bonuses without added concern.
These kinds of websites offer a great starting point for exploring reputable brands, but if you ever stumble upon somewhere new, be sure to look out for the padlock in the address bar, and be sure to do a little research before making your first deposit.
Source: Unsplash
As the way, we use the internet changes, and with a growing number of gamers now accessing casinos from mobile, anti-virus provision has been forced to evolve to keep up. It’s interesting to reflect on how much things have changed, and fascinating to consider what the future may hold.
It’s no secret that online casinos have become quite a big trend these days. With so many of them seeing an increase in players, the casino scene is becoming a lot more active, and game developers are taking notice. Thanks to this, we’re all treated to exciting new titles, especially when it comes to the endlessly entertaining online slot games. Whether they’re branded as big jackpot slots for high rollers or penny slots for casual gamblers, the one thing we can always rely on is a great theme to spice them up. With that in mind, here are a few go-to slot themes that everyone loves!
Fantasy Slots
We all love a little bit of magic. There’s something about exploring new worlds and testing the limits of the human imagination that never fails to give us a feeling of satisfaction, and it seems that slot developers know that all too well. Whether they’re boasting designs inspired by ancient mythology, forgotten worlds, or sword & sorcery, these slots are always full of action-packed gameplay and mesmerizing visuals. If you’re in the mood to go explore what these slots have to offer, Casimba online casino is always packed with a ton of variety.
Fruit Slots
If there’s one thing that all of us can’t seem to get enough of, it’s nostalgia. The feeling of familiarity and warmth we experience when seeing something nostalgic is irreplaceable, so it makes sense why so many slot enthusiasts are huge fans of the classic fruit-themed slot design. Recently, the fruit theme has received a few updates when it comes to slots. While the main elements that make it a classic are still there, many studios have been experimenting with mixing up the fruit theme with a party theme to give it some more flavor.
Asian Slots
Slots have shown appreciation for Asian culture since their very start. The gorgeous designs, the rich background, and the beauty of the orient are quite common when it comes to slots, whether that be online ones of traditional slot machines. For many, Asian-themed slots are considered just as classics as fruit-themed ones! They’ve been around from the very beginning, and for a majority of players, they’re the first image that comes to mind when slots are mentioned. The most common ones you’ll see are those sporting dragon designs, but the use of Chinese symbols is also a running theme.
Horror Slots
While it might seem a bit unorthodox to add the theme of horror into games like slots, it’s worked incredibly well for the majority of horror-themed slots. The adrenaline rush we often get from spooky visuals and scary sounds seem to only enhance the slot experience and increase the anticipation of what the reels will show tenfold! If horror isn’t your thing, you don’t have to worry too much. While these slots are purposely designed to give us a bit of a scare, they’re not too explicit or nightmare-inducing like some TV & movie horror content.
What Are Penny Slots
Many Americans believe that the penny is valueless. Thus, there have been attempts to abolish it and make the nickel (the five-cent coin) the lowest denomination of currency in the US. However, that will not likely come to fruition any time soon.
Penny slots online are pretty much the same as any other reel spinner, except that they have a low minimum bet limit. Despite their name, some group all games that accept bets below a nickel within this category.
Developers create these titles intending to instill a sense of safety in players, for them to think that since the bet sizes here are so small, they aren’t risking much. Affordability is the marketing ploy they use, as they aim to attract those that want to play but are not willing to risk much. If you’re inexperienced, begin with these games before moving on to 10 cent slots or accepting bigger wagers.
Best Online Casinos for Penny Slots
Nowadays, the internet is full of gambling platforms that provide games of chance, and as slots are the industry’s cash-cows, they are the main feature at online casinos. Thus, it becomes difficult to discern the best platforms overall and play penny slots online that are of a certain quality.
Finding terrific gaming sites that accept players from your country may be difficult, especially if online gambling has yet to undergo proper legislation in your region. Those from the USA struggle as it’s hard to find a decent platform that accepts US players. Experienced players recommended that you play penny slots reviewed by rating-sites that survey the casinos each month by test playing and considering user reviews. All of the mention ones feature jackpots, bonuses, free spins, coupon codes, and more that makes for an exciting gaming experience.
How to Play
As previously said, playing online casino penny slots is the same as any other game that involves digital reels turning on your screen. What you have to look out for is bankroll management. Just because you are playing for such low stakes doesn’t mean that potential losses won’t add up. You should always know when enough is enough.
Know that the casino has a mathematical edge over its players. Meaning, over time, it should always come ahead. Though in the short-term, anything is possible. Thus, when playing any slot, always look for ones with a higher RTP (return-to-player). The RTP number signifies how much the game will pay back to its players over time. In Nevada, laws mandate that the payout percentage on low stakes machines be at least 75%, while the online industry average is around 96%.
Other things newbies should look out for are the game’s volatility and its max exposure. The first explains how often the game will payout, the inherent risk. Know that titles that feature low volatility provide small wins frequently—high volatility slots pay out huge sums, but rarely. The max exposure signifies what is the largest prize that the game can provide.
The best strategy encompasses figuring out how much you can afford to lose and budget accordingly. Consider all the factors mentioned above when looking for the best online penny slots. Below is a list of the best games. They all feature minimum bet limits of only a few pennies, and you can find them at the platforms we listed above.
10 Hot Penny Slots Online
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hydet
An older game still popular due to its fantastic design and creepy atmosphere. It’s a Betsoft product based on the classic 19th-century novel that can yield impressive payouts for low-stake players. The max exposure in this medium volatility game is x480,000, while the RTP is 96.17%.
Book of Dead
Likely the best Ancient Egypt slot ever. Though quite average in most aspects, its presentation and storyline are what wins players over. You can find this Play’n GO title at 888 Casino and spin its reels for only a penny. It is a high volatility slot that features a max win of x5,000 your bet. Book of Dead’s RTP ranges, and at some sites, it is 96.21%, while at others 94.25%.
Bonanza
Bonanza is another low-stakes game that has become massively popular. It’s a slot that is very rich in color and can provide wins x10,000 your bet. The Big Time Gaming offering features an expanding grid format and a payout percentage of 96%. It is a high volatility game that incorporates the 117,649 ways to win scheme.
Good Girl Bad Girl
Released in 2014, it was one of the more complex games at that time. Many review sites recommended that you only play it if you have excellent internet service, as featured advanced graphics requiring heavy loading. That aside, the key reason to play this title is its ultra-high RTP of 97.79%.
Catch and Release
There aren’t many fishing-themed games in the slot-verse. However, this is one that you should look into if you are into the hobby. It is a fun and cartoony 2017 release from Nucleus Gaming, where bet sizes start at only two-cents. Catch and Release features twenty paylines and an RTP of 96.4%.
A Night in Paris
A Betsoft classic from 2011. A medium volatility slot perfect for players of any size bankroll. You can bet as little as two cents or as much as $150 per spin. It’s a five-reel, three-row game that has a return-to-player of 96.92% and a max win-potential of x954,000 your bet.
High Noon
Sadly, this game does not feature Gary Cooper, as it shares no similarities with the legendary 1952 movie, other than its name and western theme. That said, if you want to experience the Wild West while targeting big prizes via two-cent bets, this is the game for you. The payout percentage here is lower than the other slots we’ve discussed, as it’s only 94%, but the max exposure is decent at x15,000.
The Hive
The only 2020 release on our list. A cartoonishly styled game that plays out on a 3-4-5-4-3 hexagonal honeycomb grid with 30 paylines. It is a low volatility slot with a hit frequency of 48.71 and a 96.97% payout percentage. Bet start at a penny, and you can win a prize that is 378 times more than what you wagered.
Mr. Vegas
In 2010, Mr. Vegas managed to make reel-spinners jaws drop as it successfully incorporated the glamor of Sin City into a terrific 3D slot. With its visually stunning graphics and a dynamic soundtrack, it eased players into some low-stakes action (starting at two cents) that could win them a prize up to 119,700 times their bet. The game is still popular and wildly available today.
Gladiator
Though its main character features an uncanny resemblance to that of Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius, the two have nothing else in common from the movie of the same name. Nonetheless, this medium volatility slot, for two cents per bet, will allow you the opportunity to do battle inside the arena in its bonus game and win a prize that is x261,600 your wager.
Low Limit Vs. High Limit Reels
Low-limit slots are favorites of those starting and players that seek entertainment that can provide some pocket change. High-limit games attract those that have massive bankrolls and can afford to lose what they bet. Often, these are career gamblers that go after big prizes.
The games themselves are almost always identical. However, the hit frequency, how often you can win, and what size prize can change depending on your wager. Also, when playing a low-limit game, you will be able to bet more paylines than a high-limit one. So, consider all these things before spinning.
Bonuses and Coupon Codes
Before registering at any gaming site, you should do a Google search to see any available promo codes for that particular online casino. If they are, enter them upon sign-up to earn perks. After registration, look through the platform’s promotional page, and explore all the deals presented there. See how and if you can benefit from each one. Often, there will be a reload-bonus that provide free spins if you deposit on a specific day. Doing the proper research can lead to you doing some online gambling for free.
Advice to Players
If you are a newbie, then penny slots are the way to go. Sure, you can demo the games if all you are looking for is to understand the title’s gameplay, but that isn’t much fun. When there is nothing on the line, it feels like you’re watching a YouTube video instead of playing. It’s better to budget a few dollars and play them on a penny slot, one or two-cents per bet. That way, you gain experience, but you can also win a little extra and feel a rush.