How to play Blackjack in online and brick-and-mortar casinos? What is a soft hand, and what is a hard hand? Here, you’ll find answers to all these questions and much more. I’ll provide insights regarding betting strategies you can utilize, Blackjack etiquette, differences between a hard and soft hand, card values, and everything else you’ll need if you want to start playing the Blackjack card game. What Is a Blackjack Card Game? Blackjack, also known as Vingt-Un or Twenty-One, is a card game played with a 54-card deck where the goal is to get as close to 21 points as possible without exceeding it. Unlike some other casino games, Black jack or Blackjack is played against the dealer, no matter the number of opponents. If you already know some of the basics of this card game, you can try playing it online for free (or for real money) or in land-based casinos. There are many various versions of Blackjack you can try. However, if you want to learn more in-depth about how does Blackjack work, stick to the end, and you'll be ready. Blackjack Rules You Should Know In blackjack, there are a variety of rules and deck counts that need to be followed. There are several ways to play blackjack, but one of the most common ways is to use a shoe (a plastic device that distributes cards). Currently, there are still single-deck and multi-deck blackjack games in casinos. This article will illustrate how to play blackjack with six decks of cards, which is the most common game. The step-by-step process is as follows: A player purchases chips A player places a wager A player receives cards from a dealer A player plays a hand A dealer plays a hand Payouts Buying Chips As a requirement for playing the game, chips must be used. You'll have to exchange cash for casino chips at casinos that no longer accept cash. It's as simple as walking up to the table and putting your money on the felt. The dealers will never touch your money. There's a rule that prohibits dealers from taking items from players. You can see the amount of money on the table as soon as the dealer lays it out. A pit boss will verify it. After you buy in, a dealer counts out chips and pushes them toward you. Once you have the chips in your hand, you can begin betting. Your dealer will arrange the buy-in amount on the felt so cameras can see it. For $1,000, this is what buying in looks like. Placing a Wager At the start of a round, you first place a bet in the betting circle (sometimes a square or just the casino logo on the felt). There will also be a small sign that tells you what your betting limit is on the far right or left side of the table. On most US poker tables, a minimum wager of $5 per hand needs to be placed. This may vary depending on the casino and its regulations. Dealing Cards As soon as players place their bets, the dealer deals one card face up to each player and themselves. Another round of cards is dealt face up to every player, but the dealer's second card is dealt face down. Deciding How to Play a Hand In blackjack, you can decide to hit, stand, double down, split, and surrender, depending on the cards you're dealt. If you like your cards, the dealer will move on to the next player. That means you've decided to stand. The hand signal, in this case, is waving your hand horizontally over the cards. If you wish to hit, the dealer will give you more cards, one after another, until you reach 21 or decide to stand. There's no limit to the number of cards you can take as long as you stay under 21. Tap the felt with your finger to signal to the dealer that you want another card. In blackjack, you also have the opportunity to double down or increase your initial bet. If your hand total is favorable to you, but you need one more card to make it a winning combination, doubling your initial wager will allow you to take only one more card. To take more cards, you must place your initial wager on the left side of your original wager. Technically, you can "double for less," but it isn't a good idea most of the time. You can also place a second wager if you have an equal-value pair of cards, and the dealer will divide them so that each becomes the first card in two new hands. It's also possible to deal with a face card this way. If, for example, you have a King and a Jack in your hand, you can split them because they both have the same value, even though they're not a pair in reality. To indicate that you wish to split rather than double down, make a "peace sign." You will receive a second card when the dealer makes two hands out of your first. Finally, can surrender your initial hand in exchange for half of your original wager if you don't like it. Using your finger, draw a line across the felt behind your bet to indicate that you want to surrender. It's common for dealers to confuse this signal with the hit signal. If you want to be safe, just utter the word "surrender" and make a hand gesture for the cameras to see. Payouts You and the dealer have played your hands according to the 21 card game rules. Therefore, there are two possible outcomes. When the dealer busts, each hand still in play on the table will receive even money (1x the wager). The dealer will deal cards (17 through 21). It's just a matter of who has a better hand if your hand is still in play. The dealer sweeps your wager in that case. The dealer pays you a one-time bet if you have the higher hand. If your hand total equals the dealer's hand total, it's considered a push, so you keep your money but don't receive your wager as a reward. We have now reached the end of the round. Therefore, the cards are swept, and you start over. Basic Blackjack Strategy You Can Employ As you make your decision based on the cards you hold and the cards that the dealer shows, you employ the basic strategy to help you make the right decision. It's possible to calculate the most advantageous strategy for every possible combination of a hand and the dealer's up card. This strategy was developed by a computer based on millions of blackjack rounds to determine the best way to play each hand combination. For this reason, blackjack will never be a guessing game. Player Hand Resolution You can expect different outcomes depending on the situation. When dealt a hand where the basic strategy dictates that you shouldn't take any cards, you made the right move by standing. In order to make a hand, you must take more cards (hit, double, split) and reach 21 or under without busting. If you bust or surrender your hand, you're out of the game. When your hand busts, you immediately lose the wager you placed. This is beneficial to casinos. Since the player busted first, they still keep their money despite the dealer busting. As long as your hand hasn't busted and you haven't surrendered, the dealer has the option of playing their hand. The dealer then turns over their hole card and adds two cards. There is an automatic requirement that dealers stand when their hand totals 17 or more. If the dealer has a hand total of 16 or under, they will take additional hit cards. Unlike players, dealers can't double, split, or surrender and must play their hand the same way every time. The only exception is when the dealer has a 17 consisting of an ace and a 6. Depending on the casino, the dealer may decide to hit this hand because it counts as a 7 (since the strength of an ace can be determined in various ways), which will give them a chance of getting a better hand. The casino has an advantage when the dealer stands on all 17s in a row. The dealer usually indicates whether a soft 17 will be hit on the felt, so you know what to expect. Furthermore, dealers aren't allowed to deviate from the casino's rules. Blackjack Card Values Fortunately, it's very easy to figure out the total value of your cards at any given moment, which is good news. The value of cards 2 through 10 is the same as their number. In addition, all picture cards (i.e., jacks, queens, and kings) carry a value of 10. So that leaves us with the ace, which may be worth 1 or 11, making it a valuable card to receive because it gives you a variety of options. As a result, your blackjack card value chart should look something like this: Ace: 1 or 11 2: 2 3: 3 4: 4 5: 5 6: 6 7: 7 8: 8 9: 9 10: 10 Jack: 10 Queen: 10 King: 10 In blackjack, 52 cards are used as part of the standard deck. Depending on the number of players at the table and the preference of the casinos, the game can be played with up to eight decks. After most rounds, the dealer would have to stop and shuffle a single deck. Hard vs. Soft Hand in Blackjack When it comes to blackjack hands, there is only one card that makes the difference between a hard hand and a soft hand—an ace. Soft Hand As soon as the player is dealt two cards at the beginning of the game, the player is considered to have a soft hand if one of those cards is an ace. That's because the ace can either be a 1 or an 11. It all depends on the other card. Having a soft hand implies more liquidity and that the player has more choices. Hard Hand In contrast, in blackjack, a hard hand is when there is no ace in the hand. Therefore, a hard hand leaves the player with no options in certain situations. Betting Rules for Blackjack As with any other casino game, blackjack tables have a set of bet limits that all players must adhere to. A game's minimum and maximum bets vary based on whether it's designed for high rollers or low-stake gamblers, but they generally range from $2 to $1,000 for the minimum and maximum bets, respectively. In blackjack, players must make their wagers before any cards are dealt. The game begins after that. Even Money Rules If a player has blackjack and the dealer's up card is an ace, the dealer may offer even money. The player accepts a 1:1 payout on their original bet before the dealer checks for blackjack. Generally, this bet isn't recommended since players are statistically better off not taking it. How to Play Blackjack: Step-by-Step Instructions Now that we've discussed blackjack rules, let's see what strategies you can employ to maximize your winnings. Number of Decks Blackjack can be played using one or multiple decks of cards. The number of decks affects the house edge. In other words, the house edge increases as more decks of cards are included in the game. Also, the more decks are used, the higher the complexity of the game. In modern blackjack played in most land-based casinos, six to eight decks of 52 cards are typically used. When playing online blackjack, up to eight decks of cards are normally used. Live dealer blackjack, on the other hand, is streamed online, but it feels like a real casino. Typically, eight decks of cards are used in live dealer blackjack, but it's possible to play with six decks of cards. Hitting In order to receive another card, a player must "hit." No additional wager is required, and you can hit as many times as you like. Depending on the dealer's up card, you'll have to decide whether to hit or stand. It's generally recommended that players don't hit if the dealer's up card is a 6 or lower unless their hand is an 11 or lower. Splitting In the event that a player has two cards of equal value, they can split their hand and play them separately. A player must match their original bet to cover their new second hand. Among all moves, splitting has the most variations in rules. It's possible for players to split up to three times per round in casinos, resulting in four hands per round. If players are uncertain of the casino's betting rules, they should always ask the dealer or check the blackjack variation rules. As long as the dealer's up card is 7 or lower, pairs of aces and 8s are always worth splitting in Blackjack. Standing In order to end a turn, players should stand if they're satisfied with their hand. All players (including the dealer) draw cards until they've completed all their hands. After a player stands, their turn is over, and the rules state that they can't make any more bets. Players generally tend to stand when their hands have a value of 17 or more and 13–16 unless the dealer has an up card of 7 or higher. Doubling Down Doubling down can double a player's bet, but it's risky. In order to receive one extra card, players must match their original wager; they can't hit afterward. Dealers will give players face-down cards and must wait until all wagers are settled before the dealer flips them. In some blackjack games, you can only double down once per round if their hand value is 9, 10, or 11. Doubling down in Blackjack is a good idea on most hands containing 10 or 11 and can pay off on many hands containing aces and 2–7, but only if the dealer's up card is low. Surrendering In some blackjack variations, players can return their cards and receive half their original bet if they have a bad hand. Players who wish to surrender must do so before drawing any further cards. Surrender rules at casinos are generally divided into two categories: Early surrender: Before a dealer checks for blackjack, a player can surrender and pay only half of the initial bet. Late surrender: After a dealer checks for blackjack, a player can surrender and take half of the initial bet only if the dealer doesn't have a blackjack. Blackjack games with early surrender are rare. However, early surrender is available in a few RNG-powered PlayTech games, for instance. It should be noted that some blackjack variations don't offer surrender as an option. As a result, the odds for players are generally worse in these blackjack games. Blackjack Etiquette If you're wondering, "how do you play blackjack?" it's important to understand and learn the basic rules of the game. Blackjack etiquette is also important to follow to play the game effectively. Those new to the game who don't know the rules might get confused. It's essential to know what to do and what not to do to avoid embarrassment and enjoy the game. These blackjack table etiquette tips will help you avoid being a nuisance at the blackjack table. Don't hand your money to the dealer Never give cash to the dealer. In a Las Vegas casino, it's never allowed for a dealer to take the money out of your hand. It's not personal, but it's a casino rule. Before placing your cash on the table, wait for the current round to end. The dealer will spread out the equivalent chips before sliding them to your side of the table. If you wish to purchase chips of a particular denomination, tell the dealer. Keep your cards in one hand Make sure that you only use one hand when you are holding cards. In order to prevent the switching of cards, this rule is in place. It's easier for a player who uses two hands to switch cards than a player who uses only one hand. Table cards should never be removed Keep in mind that you should never remove your cards from the table at any point during the game. It's recommended that the cards are seen by other players, the dealer, and the security cameras. Once the dealer calls "no more bets," don't touch your chips. After you've placed your wager and the cards have been dealt, you aren't allowed to touch your chips until the end of the game. Your chips can only be collected after you've won. However, if you lose, the dealer will collect your chips for you. Don't touch the cards when they are dealt face up The shoe-dealt version of blackjack involves players receiving both cards face up and the house receiving one card face up and one face down. Players can't touch the cards. Instead, you indicate a "hit" or "stand" by using your hand motion for another card or signaling to the dealer if you're standing. Cards and chips can only be removed or moved by the dealer. Signal your decision, don't say it You must communicate your decision to stand or hit in Las Vegas through hand signals. Instead of saying "stand" or "hit," signal your decision to the dealer. Security cameras serve to record the game. Don't let hand gestures intimidate you. The dealer will be glad to show you the signals if you're new to the game. Conclusion Now that you know the rules of Blackjack, card values, hard and soft hands, moves, and all other instructions on how to play Blackjack, you can check a cheat sheet for Blackjack that you can use while practicing. If you already know how all these things, you can try to learn card counting, which can be a valuable skill in Blackjack. Lastly, I’ve prepared frequently asked questions regarding Blackjack. FAQ Is blackjack skill or luck? There are specific rules and tactics you can employ to win a blackjack game. For that reason, blackjack is considered a game of skill rather than luck. Should I hit or stand on 16? If you hold a hand of 10 or 12 to 16, it's best to hit. If you hold a 17 and over, it's wise to stand. It's important to note that when a dealer has cards 7–9, your chances increase because they can't make a blackjack. How much should you bet in blackjack? A typical blackjack bet ranges from $10 to $10,000 per hand. There's a little wiggle room—you might only find $20–$5,000 or $5–$20,000. A large casino blackjack game typically accepts between $10 and $10,000. Is ace 1 or 11 in blackjack? The value of Aces is 11, but if you need it to get to 21, it can be counted as a 1. Do you hit on 15 against a 10? In case you hold 15 in your hand that consists of an 8-7, you should hit against a dealer’s 10. What does it mean Blackjack pays 3 to 2? A 3:2 payout means you’ll get $3 for each wager of $2. This payout ratio is a standard one, giving a casino a slightly higher house edge.

Even though blackjack rules are the same whether you play the game in a land-based or online casino, the experience is quite different. When playing blackjack online, you don't have as many distractions you normally encounter in a brick-and-mortar casino. It's also far less noisy. Therefore, it's important to use specific hand signals to indicate your move. If you're new to the game, hand signals might be confusing. That's why we'll tell you all about blackjack hand signals to help you familiarize yourself with blackjack etiquette. Hand Signals in Classic Blackjack The key part of this guide is learning how to use blackjack hand motions correctly without disrupting the gameplay. It might not seem complicated at first, but they are quite basic. Each one can be mastered with just a little practice. In addition, there are variations in hand signaling based on the blackjack type. For example, face-up blackjack and face-down blackjack involve different hand signals. Below, you'll find a brief explanation of each signal in blackjack. Hit Hitting means asking for more cards. Generally, index fingers are used when tapping. Nevertheless, some casinos accept both index and middle fingers for tapping.There are different signals for hitting in face-up and face-down blackjack: In face-down blackjack, you scrape the table to indicate that you would like another card; In face-up blackjack, however, you tap on the table or simply point at your cards. Stand As opposed to hitting, standing means you are happy with the hand you're dealt and don't want more cards. Your round has now effectively ended, and all that remains is to see the dealer's hand. Face-up and face-down blackjack games have different signals for standing: In face-down, move your cards underneath the chips, but be careful not to move the chips; In face-up blackjack, wave your hand over your chips to indicate you want to stand, which is more simple. Double Down Doubling down in blackjack means that you want to double your bet in the middle of a hand. In that case, you'll get another card. Blackjack signals are the same whether you play face-up or face-down blackjack—just put extra chips next to your initial bet. Split You'll sometimes receive two identical cards in a blackjack hand. When this happens, you can choose to split the hand into two separate hands and place two separate wagers on each. Splitting a hand requires an additional bet equal to your initial bet. Each hand gets one more card after the cards have been split. The same signal for splitting is used in face-up and face-down blackjack. Simply hold up your index finger and middle finger to create a V shape. Surrender Use the blackjack surrender hand signal after seeing your first two cards and the dealer's up-card if you believe that you have less than a 50% chance of winning. Surrendering allows you to keep half of your initial stake instead of losing it all. In blackjack games where the cards are dealt out of the shoe, the hand signal for surrender is to draw a line on the table behind your bet using your index finger. You can also verbally announce that you intend to surrender. Procedures for surrender may differ in handheld games, so you might want to check with the dealer about the proper etiquette before playing. Insurance Some blackjack variants allow you to purchase insurance. In this case, you can place a side bet if the dealer's up-card is an ace. You can do that to protect half of your initial bet. There's no specific hand gesture in this case, so you can verbally signal to the dealer that you want to buy insurance. You can read here why experienced players have mixed feelings about blackjack insurance. Why Use Blackjack Hand Signals? In blackjack, hand signals aren't only the way for you to look cooler at the table. They serve the purpose of making your intentions clear. That's why universal blackjack signals are developed to make communication easier. Listed below are some reasons why using signals is so important. Ensuring Fairness in the Blackjack Game While playing, gestures show the dealer your intentions and eliminate the possibility of foul play. Furthermore, most casinos have security cameras positioned above the tables to determine if a player is cheating. Ensuring the Interests of Both Players and Casinos Are Protected In land-based casinos, for instance, blackjack hand signals are required in case any dispute arises. Most dealers explain the signals to new players. Speeding Up the Game It's necessary to use proper signals to maintain the rhythm of the game. Once players become accustomed to different signals, the game becomes faster. Blackjack signals enable players and dealers to communicate without any disruptions during the game. Providing Assistance to Novice Players Blackjack dealers and fellow players can tell if you're using the hand signals correctly. The more experienced players can step in to help. Of course, there's always the option of requesting the blackjack dealer to assist you if you don't know what you're doing. Other Rules and Etiquette for Live Blackjack Now that we've established hand gestures in blackjack, let's go over some additional rules you need to know. When buying chips, many casino players turn over their money to the dealer instead of putting it on the table. Dealers in Las Vegas casinos aren't allowed to take the money from your hand. Instead, you should place your money on the table so that the dealer can spread it out, count it, and give you the chips. You shouldn't hold your cards with two hands. This rule is imposed to prevent players from switching cards. You should refrain from engaging in inappropriate behavior at the table, such as yelling or swearing. Furthermore, giving unsolicited advice to other players is not a smart move. Never remove the cards from the table. Everyone should be able to see your cards at all times. When the dealer announces that there are no more bets, you aren't allowed to touch your chips until the end of the game. You should never touch your cards when they are dealt face up. If you want to hit or stand, you should use hand gestures to indicate your move. You should always signal your decision instead of verbalizing it. This rule is imposed so that cameras can capture everything that players do at the table. What Happens If You Forget to Use a Hand Signal? Hand signals for blackjack may seem confusing if you're playing live blackjack for the first time. A fear of making a mistake can easily creep in, especially if the game moves quickly. The good news is that you don't have to worry if you forget to use a signal — nobody will remove you from the table if you forget to do so. The dealer will take the time to remind you how to play blackjack correctly. Even so, make sure you're prepared. Practicing hand signals in advance surely helps. Are Hand Signals Used in Online Blackjack? If you have ever played live dealer blackjack in a land-based casino, you know that it's a different experience from playing it online. The software is an intermediary between the dealer and the player, enabling communication via virtual controls and removing the need for hand signals. However, you can still see the dealer making hand signals to indicate open and close bets. These have more to do with the aesthetics of the game rather than necessity, as all the information will appear on the screen. Conclusion That's all you need to know about the blackjack hand signals at land-based casinos. To learn these signals, you'll need to practice them before you start playing blackjack. Use this article as a guide, and you'll master the game in no time. FAQ How do you tell a dealer you want to split in blackjack? To indicate that you want to split in blackjack, hold up your index and middle finger to create a V shape. It’s one of the classic blackjack hand signals. What is the hand signal for surrender in blackjack? The hand signal for surrender in blackjack is drawing a horizontal line behind the bet on the table using an index finger. What is the hand signal for double in blackjack? In blackjack, the casino signal to double down is to place an additional bet next to your original bet and then point to your cards. This indicates to the dealer that you want to double your original bet and receive one additional card.

Whether we love them or hate them, we hate to love them. There is no doubt that slot machines are one of a kind. Since the 18th century, they have been a part of our lives. Back then, there were no themes, no fancy electronics, and no flashing lights to be seen. Using the famous poker deck, you could make poker for as little as a penny with a drum-powered machine. In the past two hundred years, pennies were worth much more than they are today. Since then, we have come a long way, and below are some interesting slot machine facts you may not know about. Fascinating Slot Machine Facts 1. Slot machines pay 90% of the funds they collect. 2. The hot and cold machines don't exist. 3. Japan has more slot machines than the USA. 4. First slot games had five reels. 5. The first slot machine was similar to video poker. 6. Slot players are the ones who are addicted to gambling. 7. RTP percentage is higher in online casinos. 8. No strategy can be used in slots. 9. More than 80% of the casino revenue comes from slots. 10. Slots are a game of luck. 11. Slot machines have different names around the world. 12. Slot players are the ones who are addicted to gambling. 1. Slot Machines pay 90% of the funds they collect. Slot machines are responsible for 80% of a casino's revenue, but it does not mean they aren't very generous to the players. 90% of the money they gather is indeed paid to them. In other words, it doesn't mean that nine out of ten people will be able to walk away from the casino with enough money to buy a Rolex, it doesn't work like that. Initially, players are given small amounts of money, and as time goes on, the rest is accumulated into a succulent jackpot that can be won. 2. The hot and cold machines don't exist. Among the many examples of the gambler's fallacy, one of the most common is the belief that a slot machine game gets hotter or colder as time passes. The idea is that a game that pays out a lot of money is somehow "hot" and will continue to pay out in the future. Alternatively, if you're playing a slot game that doesn't pay out much, a game will remain "cold" and have a much lower probability of paying out in the future. There will always be streaks of luck, either good or bad, in any situation dealing with random results — retrospect only reveals those streaks of luck. Whether you won something on the previous spin or not, you'll have a one in 1000 chance of winning a jackpot and a 1 in 1000 chance of winning it on the next spin. In terms of probability, a spin of the reels on a slot machine would be considered an "independent trial." Thus, previous results do not affect future results. In modern slot machines, the results of the games are determined by a random number generator (RNG). As you can see, the program generates thousands of random numbers per second, each of which is associated with a particular result on the reels in the game. When you press the "spin" button (or pull the lever), the RNG (random number generator) stops. In a nutshell, it's impossible to predict which number will land as far as I am concerned. That's because there are too many numbers being sent through the machine at the same time. 3. Japan has more slot machines than the USA. It's natural to think of Las Vegas when you think about gambling, as it is associated with the American culture, movie industry, and whatnot. However, you'll be surprised to learn that Japan has surpassed the USA in the number of slot machines by a lot. Namely, studies have shown that there is a slot machine for every 27 people in Japan, while in the United States, there is one machine for every 350 people, which is a huge difference. However, there's an exception with Las Vegas, which has a record of allocating one machine for every eight city residents. 4. First slot games had five reels. Online and electronic slots are making five reel slot games a resurgence, but until recently, they were only three reels. Since slot machines were inspired by poker back in the 18th century, five reels were needed when they were invented. However, at some point along the way, the design was simplified to only three. 5. First slot machine was similar to video poker. Developed in the 19th century, the first poker machine was based on a simple mechanical design. Each drum of the machine had ten cards, and each drum had five rolling drums. A five-card poker hand would randomly appear after the player spins the drums. The famous inventor Charles Fey, responsible for the invention of the first slot machine at the start of the 20th century, adapted the poker machine and added a "hold" feature. As a result, he named the game "Skill Draw." The players could hold some of the cards after the initial spin and re-spin those cards they didn't hold after the initial spin. 6. Slots with fruit symbols appeared after slot machines were banned in the USA. The term 'fruit machines' is frequently used to describe slot machines. In the early days of slot machines, it was common to feature fruit symbols on the reels, such as cherries, oranges, lemons, and plums. Since then, the nickname has been used to refer to slot machines in general, especially in the UK and Europe. In 1907, Herbert Mills developed an American slot machine sufficiently different to receive a separate patent from Charles Fey's monopoly on American slot machines. Besides the mechanical differences, it's important to note that he used fruit symbols on the reels instead of the then-customary numbers and suits. Also, it's worth noting that when slot machine owners were questioned as to the legality of their machines, they replied that they had dispensed gum instead. Fruit symbols represented the flavors of gum that players could win. 7. RTP Percentage is higher in online casinos. Among interesting facts about online slots is that the slots pay better than their land-based counterparts. It's common for land-based slot machines to have a return to a player percentage between the mid-80s and the low 90s. On the other hand, online slots tend to offer a return to player (RTP) percentage between 94% and 98%. Additionally, some Megaways slots have a high RTP in comparison to some classic slot titles. 8. No Strategy can be used in slots. In the internet world, you will find plenty of snake oil salesmen who claim to be able to tell you how these games work, how you can make more money at them, and how you can win more frequently. However, they are all equally worthless in the end. When machines are at rest, many like to share the idea that symbols on them can give you a clue about which ones are ready to pay out. It's called the "zig-zag" system, which doesn't make sense. The reels only show the results, as the real results are determined by the random number generator inside the machine. In the 1970s, there might have been some relevance to this type of thinking, but modern slot machines don't have mechanical parts and aren't subject to this prediction. In other systems, the gambler's fallacy predicts which games are hot or cold. For example, John Patrick, the gambling author, attempted to predict whether a machine is hot or cold. And in one of his theories, he believes that you should stop playing a game if you have been playing it for seven spins in a row without any wins. While these systems and strategies make for exciting ways to pass the time and play, they don't increase your chances of winning. 9. Slot players are the ones who are addicted to gambling. There has been a significant increase in slot players attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings and seeking similar help for their gambling addiction since the early 1990s. 10. More than 80% of casino revenue comes from slots. In the middle of the 1980s, the casino industry underwent a dramatic change. Slot machines were considered to be a distraction for women at the time when they were introduced. Instead, blackjack and craps were the games they played with their boyfriends and husbands. Interestingly, there were no stools in front of the slots back then, and they were placed in the hall or near the elevator to avoid taking up space on the gambling floor. Only a decade has passed since slot machines started generating twice as much revenue per year as all the table games combined in the industry. Gambling machines generated a total of 85% of the casinos' revenues by the year 2003. 11. Slots are a game of luck. You can win at slot games in several ways, but luck will always play a significant part. As I mentioned, if you play slots on a physical machine or online, there's no solid strategy to be followed to win prizes consistently. There is a reason for this since the bet is randomly selected through a computerized random number generator. Although, you can still use the RTP (Return to Player) and the slot machine's payout percentage to get a better chance of winning. 12. Slot machines have different names around the world. There are a lot of funny names given to slot machines in different parts of the English-speaking world. Each of these names has some fascinating historical significance, and here are a few of the best tales behind them. The names range from cute terms like "puggies" to downright puzzling phrases like "liberty bells." Conclusion Even though slot machines seem simple, they're a fascinating phenomenon, and going through these slot machine facts will provide you with the necessary knowledge if you haven't played them before. Through the use of these machines and the people who play on them, companies worldwide generate a great deal of revenue. No one understands these games better than casino management and game providers. In any case, if you're a gambler who's going to play slot machines, then you owe yourself to know as much as possible about them. What you could learn next is how slot tournaments work, so you can participate in them and potentially win money. Slot machine opponents argue against them in the same way that gun control advocates argue against guns. There is no doubt that some of their arguments are compelling. However, as far as the nature of these games is concerned, they seem to be significantly different from the nature of other games. Therefore, I believe there's nothing wrong with responsibly playing slot machines. FAQ Who invented the slot machine? The slot machine was invented in the modern sense by Charles August Fey, who built his first coin-operated gambling machine in 1894. Why is it called a slot machine? "Slot machine" refers to a machine with slots for inserting and retrieving coins. The term "fruit machine" derives from the traditional fruit images on the spinning reels, such as lemons, plums, and cherries. What is the oldest slot machine? One of the very first slot machines that Charles August Frey invented was called the Liberty Bell. Due to the highest payout available from the machine, it was named after three bell symbols. How do slot machines determine payout? One of the slot machine facts is that the random number generator is capable of generating thousands of numbers, and each number has a different combination of associated symbols. Random numbers are generated instantly you press "spin," which determines whether you win or lose. If the number matches a pay line, you win. When do slot machines reset? A local area progressive is connected to a group of other slot machines within a casino. Any play on one of those machines increases the jackpot for all those games. All of the machines reset their jackpots when a jackpot is hit on any of them.

Currently, you can insure anything, including your car, boat, home, and even your life. If you choose, you can also get insurance for a blackjack game at a casino. Things are a little different when it comes to the latter insurance. Many individuals dispute the idea of insuring bets, yet few can deny the importance of insuring assets. The more time you spend around gamblers, the more you realize that insurance is unquestionably a contentious topic in blackjack. That implies it's time to dig deeper and find out what is insurance in blackjack. What Is Insurance in Blackjack? During a blackjack game, players can buy blackjack insurance if the dealer's up-card is an ace. The insurance bet is, in fact, a side bet. The insurance bet is typically offered at a payout of 2:1 if the dealer's second card is a 10-value or picture card, resulting in a blackjack. In other words, if the dealer has a blackjack, the player will receive twice the original insurance bet. If the dealer doesn't have a blackjack, the insurance will be lost, and the game will continue as normal. Opinions on blackjack insurance are divided in the gambling community, as many experienced gamblers believe that it's better to rely on a solid blackjack strategy. It's mostly because blackjack insurance odds aren't usually in the player's favor. Let's go into detail below to learn more about blackjack insurance. How Does Blackjack Insurance Work? The purpose of the insurance bet is to protect the player in case the dealer has a blackjack. Here's how blackjack insurance works: When the dealer's face-up card is an ace, the dealer will offer the players the option to take insurance before they continue playing their hands. To buy insurance, the player must place a bet on the insurance line that is located on the blackjack table. The insurance bet can be up to half the player's original bet. If the dealer has a blackjack (a hand totaling 21 with only two cards), the player who placed an insurance bet will win 2:1 payout, which means the player will receive twice the amount of their original insurance bet. If the dealer doesn't have a blackjack, the player loses the insurance bet, but the game will continue. The player can still win or lose their original bet based on the outcome of the game. Advantages and Disadvantages of Insurance Betting Before you make a decision, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of blackjack insurance. Let's take a closer look. Advantages of blackjack insurance: Protects against dealer's blackjack. The main advantage of blackjack insurance is that it protects the player's original bet if the dealer has a blackjack. Additional payout. If the dealer doesn't have a blackjack and the player has insurance, the player will receive a double amount of their insurance bet, offsetting the loss of their original bet. Disadvantages of blackjack insurance: Negative expected value. The odds of the dealer having a blackjack are less than the odds of the dealer not having a blackjack, so taking out insurance on every hand will result in a net loss over time. Higher house edge. By offering insurance, the casino increases its overall edge, meaning that players who take insurance are effectively giving the casino more of an advantage. Distraction from basic strategy. Many experienced blackjack players consider insurance to be a distraction from the strategy. If players focus on their own hand based on the basic strategy, they have more chance of winning over time. When to Take Insurance in Blackjack Let's say that your strategy is to get blackjack insurance. In that case, knowing the best circumstances for that strategy to pay off is vital. For instance, if you know how to count cards and have a high count, you may have a better chance of determining if the dealer has a blackjack. Insurance is a good idea if you think the odds are in your favor. Furthermore, if you play high-stakes blackjack and bet a large sum of money, you may want to buy insurance to protect your investment. Finally, if you play in blackjack tournaments, you may have to take risks to increase your chip stack and advance to the next round. Taking insurance in specific scenarios may be a calculated risk you're willing to take. What Are the Odds for Insurance Bets? The probabilities of winning an insurance bet in blackjack are determined by the number of decks used and the specific rules of the game being played. When the dealer's up-card is an ace, the dealer's odds of having a blackjack are around 9:4, or approximately 31%. This means that around 4 times out of every 13 times the dealer displays an ace, they will have a blackjack. The reward for an insurance bet, on the other hand, is normally 2:1, which means that if the player bets $10 on insurance and the dealer has a blackjack, the player will receive a $20 payout. The expected value of the insurance bet can be determined by multiplying the likelihood of the dealer having blackjack by the insurance bet payoff. In this situation, the anticipated value of an insurance bet would be negative, implying that the player would lose money over time on this form of wager. For example, if only one deck of cards is utilized, the dealer's probability of having blackjack is 4.83%. If the insurance payment is 2:1, the expected value of the insurance bet is -8.75%. This indicates that the gambler will lose 8.75 cents for every dollar wagered on insurance. Conclusion: Is Blackjack Insurance Worthwhile? There's no doubt that casino gambling can be profitable in a single night. However, if you want to find out what is profitable and what isn't, it will take time and effort to figure it out. Therefore, it's also important to keep in mind that blackjack insurance will cost you money in the long run. The dealer must either have a 10 or a picture card in their hand for you to win your insurance bet. A single deck contains 16 of those, so there's only about a 30% chance of hitting one. If you do, you get a 2:1 return, so your 30% shot doesn't seem so bad. However, it still means you'll lose this type of bet most of the time. Therefore, in most cases, buying insurance is not worthwhile if you want to maximize your chances of winning. Instead, you should focus on basic blackjack strategy and making strategic decisions based on your own hand and the dealer's up-card. FAQ Is insurance a good bet in blackjack? Taking insurance at a blackjack table is almost always a bad idea. It is preferable to stick to a simple blackjack approach. What's the point of taking blackjack insurance? Although purchasing insurance at a casino appears to be a good idea, there is more to it. Casinos have a bigger house edge in this scenario, making it a poor decision for most players. In blackjack, how much may you wager on insurance? The amount you can bet on insurance in blackjack is usually limited to half of your original bet. What role does insurance play in blackjack? Insurance is a side wager in blackjack that a player can make when the dealer's face-up card is an ace. Taking insurance protects the player's original bet in the event that the dealer has a blackjack. If you want to know more, see our article "What is insurance in blackjack?" above.