What is Casino Etiquette | How to Behave at the Casino Table

As a classic form of poker, Seven Card Stud is one of those games that takes a lifetime to master. Seven Card Stud involves each player being dealt seven cards throughout the hand, with the best five-card poker hand for each player determining the winner. Seven Card Stud is a game where the bets are placed in fixed increments, unlike Texas Hold'em and Omaha, which are usually played with a limited betting structure. Please take a moment to check out our guide on how to play 7 card stud now. History of 7 Card Stud Stud poker took its inspiration from European games like Poque, Nas, and Bragg during the American Civil War. When The American Hoyle published its first edition in 1864, 5-card stud became an official poker game. New Orleans and riverboats on the Mississippi River became popular venues for the game, where con artists convinced tourists to bet a lot on games that they rarely understood. In their belief that poker is a game of chance, they would lose to those who understood that poker is a game of skill. Servicemen frequently played stud poker during both world wars, including 7-card stud. 7-card stud games are still available in casinos today, but they're not as common or popular as NLHE. Among all the poker games, stud is regarded as the hardest by most players. It's impossible to follow charts, and you can't replace experience. Therefore, new professionals and amateurs rarely commit to stud, and stud pros have a difficult time making a living playing their preferred game. Nevertheless, Stud Poker always makes an appearance at the World Series of Poker, and there has been some big wins that will go down in the game's history. Tom Koral, for example, ended a 13-year losing streak when he won the 2017 WSOP stud event. That's a lot of dedication to the game! On the East Coast, 7-card stud continues to be more popular than elsewhere. That is because, since Hold'Em was developed in Texas, that game is much more popular in the West. A regional and generational divide characterizes today's 7-card stud poker scene, and we'll have to see how it shakes out as we continue to play. Seven Card Stud Rules 7 Card Stud poker can be quite a change if you have previously only played community card games. However, there is no reason to be worried about this as the game's rules aren't too complicated on their own and are quite simple to learn. The first round of dealing cards begins with the player to the dealer's left and proceeds clockwise. It is common for players to be dealt three cards at a time (one at a time), with the first two being dealt face down and the third being dealt face up. Third street refers to this round. All players still active in hand receive a fourth card after the first betting round (the fourth street). Then, the same process is repeated for the next two cards (fifth and sixth streets). Finally, after a single card is dealt face-up, there is a round of betting that follows. After the sixth street, if players are still left, they are dealt one final card, face down. Thus, at the end of a 7 Card Stud hand, you will likely have up to seven cards, three being face down and the remaining four facing up. The dealer button may or may not rotate around the table according to 7 Card Stud Poker rules. In this game, being on the button has no inherent advantage, so even if the deal began with the same player every time, it would have no effect. How To Play 7 Card Stud When it comes to misdeals, the following situations are to be considered: Each player receives three cards after the dealer burns one card from the deck. Face down will be dealt to the first two cards, while face up to the final card. Third Street is commonly known as this. After the third street is dealt, the player with the lowest upcard will begin this first betting round. First, the player must place a forced bet at the table with at least the low bet limit. Then, the game continues to that player's left, with subsequent players raising, calling, or folding. After the first round of betting is completed, the dealer will deal a second round of cards to players face up, called Fourth Street. The betting order is determined, in this round and the remaining betting rounds, by the player showing the highest exposed hand. In both cases, the round betting proceeds clockwise around the table, with each player betting as the round continues. During the second round of betting, the minimum stake is set at the table's lower limit stake; during the third round, the maximum stake is set at the table's higher limit stake. During the second round of betting, if one of the players has a pair with their two face-up cards, players can bet in multiples of either that table's lower or higher limit stake. After a player bets at the table's higher limit stake, all following players must also bet there. Players will be dealt an exposed card in the next two rounds, and a betting round will follow the deal. It is generally referred to as Fifth Street and Sixth Street. In the final round of dealing, players will receive a seventh card face down. Following the River, another round of betting will take place, with the player showing the highest hand starting the game. The "Showdown" will begin following the final round of betting. If no betting had taken place in the final round, the player with the high hand will reveal first. If no one has placed a bet or raised it, the last player will reveal his cards first. As the first player reveals his cards, the rest of the players will reveal their cards clockwise. In the "Showdown," any remaining player can reveal their cards or "muck" their hand, folding their hand without revealing their cards. When all five cards are revealed, the player with the best five-card poker hand receives a pot of money. Seven-Card Stud Poker Variants 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo 7-card stud hi/lo variants are commonly found in online poker rooms; however, the pot is split only at the end of the game. There is an equal pot split between the highest and lowest-hand players. Mississippi Stud Due to the removal of the fourth and fifth street rounds, Mississippi Stud has only four betting rounds. As a result, the betting structure and number of down and up cards in Texas Hold'em are quite similar. Razz Razz is a lowball version of a 7-card stud. It is the goal of the game to get the lowest hand possible. Down the River As one of the most basic variants of 7-card stud poker, down the river, it is quite common in most poker rooms and is one of the most played variants of the game. Queens and After All Queen cards in this variant are wild cards, as is the face-up card dealt after the Queen card. All cards are changed to the card that follows the Queen if the following card is also Queen. Roll Your Own There are four rounds in the Roll Your Own variant, and two cards are dealt face-down in each round. Then, a face-up card is rolled, and the betting round begins. Low Chicago Low Chicago is played with a low spade in the hole covering half of the pot. A low spade becomes a high spade in High Chicago. Baseball Wild cards in this variant are the 3s and 9. In addition, a player gets an extra card if they receive a 4 face-up. Acey Ducey Wild cards are all Aces and deuces in this variant. Tips for Seven-card stud Despite Hold'em's reputation as the "Cadillac of poker," there are many strategic elements to stud games. If you want to become a winning player and succeed in the game, then it will be necessary for you to learn some fundamental 7 Card Poker strategies. What are the best hands to play? Your first and most important step is to learn what 7 Card Stud hands you want to play. When you get involved with weak starting hands in Hold'em, you are in for a world of hurt later. As you gain more experience, you can add more hands to your repertoire. A total of three trips (three of a kind) Pairs from AA to 88 (big and medium) You will need three broadway cards, including a 10 (preferably suited) Connectors of moderate suitability Even though this is quite a narrow range, it is recommended that you go this way when you are just beginning to learn the rules of 7 Card Stud and getting accustomed to the game. It's also important to pay attention to your kicker card when starting with a pair since the higher the kicker, the more playability you'll have on the later streets. Pay Attention to Discarded Cards A skill crucial to Stud's success is your ability to memorize the cards that are being discarded at any given moment if you want to be able to play Stud well. The importance of this can be attributed to two factors. In the first place, if you're on a draw, but you've seen four of your eight outs being mucked, then you should know your chances of actually making the hand are greatly reduced. Secondly, if your adversary attempts to represent a certain hand, it will be much easier to guess if they are actually holding that hand. Sometimes you might even find yourself up against an opponent trying to represent a hand they cannot hold. If, for example, they're betting as if they've got a straight, but you actually have a face-down nine in your hand. Many amateur players don't bother to pay attention to what's happening during a hand, even though this kind of thing will not happen to an experienced Stud player. As a player, you will need to memorize as many mucked cards as you can and use this information to your advantage to earn a lot of money playing this game. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="563266,567631"] Work on Your Board Reading Abilities The following piece of advice is related to the previous one. The key to 7 Card Stud games is to pay attention to your opponent's discarded cards and the cards they show in order to find out what they are chasing. While this may seem simple, developing the skillset required to do it well will take some time. It is best to think through all the possibilities in every situation and not make rash decisions. Then, if you make a mistake, at least you will know about it, and you will be able to learn from it, so the next time you find yourself in the same situation, you are better prepared to make a better decision. Play Your Big Hands for Value Seven Card Stud is a strong starting holding, consisting of big pocket pairs (pocket aces through JJ) and rolled-up trips. In order to maximize your chances of winning, you should play these hands as much as possible for value and avoid being too tricky with them. There will be times when you have to slow down and pull back because things will simply seem too obvious at the time. For example, you will know if you come in for another raise showing a 4 when a player with a King bet, then another player raises with an Ace. The strength of your hand won't need to be hidden too much in lower-limit games, though. Due to the fact that fixed-limit games are "just another bet," people tend to call a lot, even in situations where they are ahead. Observe Your Opponents Almost all poker variations follow this advice, and 7 Card Stud poker is no exception. Even when you're not playing a hand, you should pay attention to what other players are doing. You will benefit from the extra information here at some point in the future. Even when the opponent's board clearly indicates that they are never good, you can detect someone who calls too much. As these players don't have a fold button, you'll want to value bet against them relentlessly. This will help you improve much faster if you wish to learn how to play 7 Card Stud properly. Of course, if you want to boost your progress, you can always join Mixed Games Masterclass, but even these tips can help. As you think about the game and come to some conclusions, you'll be able to understand more complex ideas later in your career. Conclusion There is a great deal of importance that you pay close attention to the cards of your opponents as you play seven-card stud. When you have, for example, a straight draw with K♣Q♦J♥10♠, and you already see three aces on the table, you are only able to draw to one ace and the rest of the nines on the table. As a result, you may incorrectly estimate your odds of winning if you are unaware a player folded the case ace. FAQ What are the rules for 7 Card Stud? Before the first betting round, a pair of downcards and one upcard are dealt, followed by three more upcards and one more downcard. There is a final round of betting after the last downcard is dealt. The pot is won by the best five-card poker hand. How many cards do you get in 7 Card Stud? Starting-hand selection is critical in seven-card stud, as in every poker game. Each player is handed seven cards, three of which are dealt face down and four of which are dealt face up. The player must select his finest five-card combination from these seven cards. How do you win at 7 stud poker? Firstly, be more cautious with starting hands and pay close attention to any discarded cards. Try memorizing as many mucked cards as possible. Play your big hands for value, and choose your bluffing moments with caution, but don't be scared to bluff. Is 7 card stud the same as Texas Hold’em? The flop is not used in seven-card stud; in most circumstances, neither are community cards. This is the main distinction between seven-card stud and other popular poker variants like Texas Hold'em and Omaha. Read our guide to learn how to play 7 Card Stud, with its rules and tips. What are the odds of getting a straight flush in 7 Card Stud? A royal flush probability can be calculated using the number of royal flushes divided by the number of poker hands. As a result of our division, we see that a royal flush is indeed rare. The probability of being dealt this hand is only 4/2,598,960 = 1/649,740 = 0.00015%.

Players of all ages can benefit from Backgammon's positive effects on cognitive capabilities. The prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus are both exercised during play, which are parts of the brain responsible for memory formation and complex thought processes. The game's strategic and tactical elements are ideal for stimulating these areas. Moreover, playing this board game reduces your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's due to the mental stimulation it provides. So, if you want to learn how to play Backgammon, you have come to the right place. But before I answer the main question of this article, I’ll provide information about the game's origin, rules, and strategies. Origin of Backgammon Backgammon is among the most popular Western table games, and its roots can be traced back about 5,000 years to Persia and Mesopotamia, i.e., today's Iran and Iraq regions. Backgammon is a derivative of the Irish game that was first played around the 16th century. The first written record of Backgammon was found in 17th-century England. Essential Information About Backgammon Wondering how do you play Backgammon? It's played between two people using a board with 24 triangles. Those narrow triangles are called points and are divided into four groups of six triangles that alternate in color. Groups or quadrants are referred to as the home board and outer board. A ridge along the length of the board, known as the bar, separates the boards. Every point is numbered: for you, the outermost point is 24th, but at the same time, it’s 1st for your opponent. Everyone starts with 15 checkers, stones, tablemen, or just men. All 15 are of the same color. The following list is the Backgammon board layout, i.e., players begin with: five checkers on each player's 6th point three men on each 8th point five on each player's 13th point two checkers on each player's 24th point There are two dice per player. The current bet is displayed on a doubling cube with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 printed on its faces. The goal of Backgammon is to move all of your pieces into your home board and then bear them off. The first person to do it is the winner. Players roll a single die to establish who goes first, and the one with the greater number plays first. How to Set Up Backgammon? To understand what is Backgammon and how it’s played, I’ll dive more into the rules for setting up the board and the movement of pieces. Board The board represents the single largest expense, as the price of tournament-sized models typically ranges from $250 to $1,300. The dice can turn many times on these boards because they don't roll on top of the checkers or fall off the board. The boards can often be folded into little briefcases, making transporting them much simpler. The board is divided into four equal sections and in two by a ridge that runs down the middle. This ridge is called the bar or middle bar. Another imaginary line divides the board into four quadrants: two home boards and two outer boards. We’ve already gone through how to set up the Backgammon process, but I want to focus on a couple more details regarding the initial layout. Pieces The movement of the pieces, referred to as stones, men, or checkers, along the points is determined by the player's roll of the two dice. Each player begins the game with 15, which can be any one of several different colors. Dice The players each have two ordinary dice with six faces and numbers ranging from one to six. Most Backgammon players who take the game seriously opt to use precision dice. These dice have round corners, allowing them to roll more frequently and unpredictably. The dice will typically correspond in color to the pieces, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Some players prefer clear dice because they feature an internal marking that makes it simple to determine whether or not an opponent is attempting to cheat by exchanging good dice for crooked dice that have been weighted to generate more favorable results. Note that cheating can be avoided by using dice shakers or mugs. Last but not least, each Backgammon set comes with a doubling cube, a die with six sides, and the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 on them. This die is used to increase the amount at stake in a game. How to Play Backgammon: Step-by-Step Instructions Tablemen are moved by the person who rolled the higher number, using the numbers on both dice. Once the initial roll has been made, each player will throw two dice and take turns. A player's next move is determined by the number of points, or ‘pips,’ shown on the dice. When moving the pieces, you must follow these rules: The pieces are always moved forward to a lower-numbered point. A checker can only be moved to an unoccupied point, not taken by two or more opposing pieces. Two numbers on the dice give you different options. If you roll a four and a two, you can move one piece four spaces to an open point and another two spaces, or you can combine and move the same checker a total of six spaces, provided that one of the intermediate points, which would be the fourth and second place from the starting point, is open as well. If you roll a double, the number on the dice is played twice. If it happens that you roll a pair of sixes, you'll have four sixes at your disposal and can use them to advance the pieces as he sees fit. If allowed by the rules, you must use both numbers of a roll or all four in case of a double. If only one number can be played, you're obliged to do so. If both numbers are playable, but there's only one place available, you're obliged to play a bigger number. When you can't use either number, your turn ends. In the case of doubles, if all four numbers can't be played, you're obliged to play as many as possible. Entering, Moving & Hitting When you understand these basic Backgammon rules, you can move on to the next area: moving, hitting, and entering. There is only a couple of essential regulations, but the similarity of moves with those from other games compels me to go through all: A blot is a position on the board where just one checker of both colors is stationed. A blot is hit and moved to the bar if the opponent's checker lands on it. The first duty of any player with pieces on the bar is to move them onto the opponent's home board. To enter the game, a piece must be moved to an empty square whose value matches that of the dice. If you roll a three and a five, you can move a checker onto the opponent's third or 6th point, provided that the prospective point isn't already home to two or more of the opponent's pieces. In case you try to move while neither of the points is available, you lose your turn. But, if you can only enter a portion of your checkers, you must enter what you can and forego the rest of your turn. Any remaining numbers on the dice must be played after all your checkers have been entered, either by moving the entered checker or a different checker. Next on the list of instructions for Backgammon are doubling and a more comprehensive outlook on bearing off. Doubling When playing Backgammon, the stake is determined per point. Every game begins at one point. If you have a significant edge at any moment in the game, consider raising the stakes or doubling. This can only happen at the beginning of your turn before the dice roll. If you've been offered a double and declined, you'll lose the game and must pay one point as a penalty. On the other hand, you can take the double and continue playing for the bigger stakes. After accepting a double, you can request the next one. Redoubles are repeat doubles within the same game. If you decline a redouble, you're responsible for covering the original number of points at stale before the redouble. If not, you get possession of the cube, and the stakes are doubled from there on. Every player can redouble at any time during the game. Bearing Off You can begin bearing off once all 15 checkers have been placed on your home board. To bear off a checker, you must first roll a number that corresponds with the point where the piece is located. For example, you must roll a six to remove a checker from the sixth point. To bear off, you must make a move by placing a checker on a higher-numbered point if there's no piece on the point that you rolled. If there are no other checkers on a higher numbered point, you can and should remove your piece from the highest point. Any time a player has the option to make a valid play, he doesn't have to bear off. In order to bear off, all of your live pieces must be within your home board. If you hit the piece while bearing off, you need to return that piece to the home board before you can resume to bear off. You win the game if you're the first to bear off all the pieces. Gammon and Backgammon Knowing how to play Backgammon helps you minimize your losses. For example, if you remove at least one checker from the board before the end of the game, you’ll only be penalized the value that's displayed on the doubling cube. However, you’re Gammoned and lose twice the value of the doubling cube if you haven’t borne off any of your checkers before the game ends. Alternatively, if you don’t bear off any pieces and still have a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board, you’re Backgammoned and lose three times the value of the doubling cube. This is the worst possible outcome for the loser. Additional Rules in Backgammon The following guidelines are frequently applied in practice: Automatic doubles Beavers The Jacoby rule Automatic doubling is an optional rule. The stakes are immediately increased if both players turn the same number on the first roll. The doubling cube now reads two and is kept in the middle. Usually, players agree that there will only be one automatic double throughout each game. After a player has doubled, that player can redouble or beaver instantly while maintaining ownership of the cube. As with a standard double, the original Doubler can accept or decline the double. With the Jacoby Rule in play, it’s only possible to count Gammons and Backgammons as a single game in the event that neither player has offered a double for the game's duration. This rule helps speed up the game by removing circumstances in which a player would want to avoid doubling to continue playing for a gammon. Irregular Moves in a Game of Backgammon Any comprehensive ‘How to play Backgammon’ guide also needs to emphasize illegal moves. Both dice must land flat on the surface of the right-hand portion of the game board after being rolled together. If either die lands outside the right-hand board, on a checker or if it doesn’t land flat, you must re-roll both dice. The turn is considered complete when you pick up dice at the end of the round. If the play is invalid or unfinished, you can either accept it as it is or ask the player to make a valid move. The result of a roll is nullified if you roll before the opponent has finished his turn and picked up the dice to end the game. However, this rule is often disregarded. In Backgammon, the concept of a stalemate is practically impossible. It can only occur when both players actively prevent the other from moving forward. Both of them may have prime in front of the other player's checkers. Both players can only maintain their prime positions once they are pinned to the bar. Therefore, if both players are currently on the bar, one of them will ultimately re-enter the game unless both players are eliminated at the same time. The only way to reach a deadlock is for both players to be on the bar simultaneously and for both players to be closed out. However, this scenario isn't going to play out. If you are on the bar and your opponent closes the gap, you can't hit your opponent. So, stalemate is possible only if one of the players performs a move outside the rules. Strategies for Backgammon You Can Employ The dice rolls determine the outcome of a game of Backgammon; therefore, if your opponent rolls 6s while you roll 1s, you'll likely lose regardless of what you do. Considering there are so many throws of the dice in a game of Backgammon, the luck tends to equal out, and the player who employs the superior strategy is most likely to emerge victorious. Therefore, learning the ins and outs of these methods is essential if you want to become proficient in Backgammon. So, in addition to the rules for Backgammon, you’d want to check out a rundown of the five fundamental Backgammon strategies: the blitz, the running game, priming, the holding game, and the back game. The Blitz The Blitz is an all-out assault against your opponent's weak checkers in one or more areas. Instead of just running for home or attempting to create points along the board, this approach emphasizes landing on your opponent's checkers whenever possible to send them to the bar. The advantage is that you’re setting your opponent back a certain number of pips, and it also allows you to trap certain checkers on the bar if your opponent doesn’t roll the appropriate numbers to come back onto the board. Remember that attacking close to your home row doesn’t cause your opponent to lose a significant number of pips and that if your attacking checker remains susceptible, you run the chance of losing a significant number of pips yourself. The Running Game The Running Game is the most basic Backgammon board game strategy. It entails moving your checkers toward your home board in the quickest possible manner. If you and other players want to engage in a running game, the match's victor will be determined by who rolls higher than the other. Having this in mind, you should only commit to a running game if you start with powerful rolls at the beginning of the game. Priming A connected series of made points along the board is an important part of the Backgammon strategy known as priming. Many experts consider this the most crucial technique when learning to be successful at Backgammon. You have formed a wall that your opponent cannot get around until they roll a five or a six. This wall slows down your opponents and makes it simple for your other moving pieces to find safe locations by providing an easy target. Priming is the most efficient when used in conjunction with the blitz, referred to as the two-way forward offensive. Your opponent's checkers will be placed on the bar due to the blitz, and getting off the bar can be challenging. This will cause your opponent to waste a lot of dice rolls. Holding Game As you move away from your home board, the Holding Game depends on maintaining an anchor point in your opponent's home board. Leaving an anchor point on the opponent's home board provides you with two advantages, although it’s frequently prudent to advance your furthest checkers early in the game to prevent getting trapped. For defensive purposes, it provides you with a secure position to fall back on in the event that one of your checkers is sent to the bar. This stops an opponent from entirely baiting you into an automatic defeat. When playing offensively, the Holding Game allows your anchor to provide a reasonable threat to the pieces that your opponent is advancing. Even if your opponent responds by capturing one of your checkers from your home board, you'll still come out on top in terms of pips if you capture a checker from your opponent's home board. Back Game The Back Game is an extension of the Holding Game that focuses on keeping numerous points on your opponent's home board. Considering that you begin the game with only two checkers on your opponent's home board, it's obvious that the only time you'll play this strategy is if your checkers are repeatedly knocked onto the bar. The Back Game is a backup strategy. Some call it a last-ditch effort to save face when losing badly. This tactic not only makes your opponent's life more difficult by increasing the offensive threat of the Holding Game, but it also makes your life more difficult by taking up a valuable part of the home board. Conclusion To wrap up, I all reiterate a couple of the most important rules and guidelines you must know to learn how to play Backgammon. It’s a board game between two people with 15 checkers. The winner is the first player to put all his pieces into a quadrant of the board, i.e., the home board. To do that, players use dice or doubling dice if doubling has already occurred. In this Backgammon guide, I’ve explained all the rules, complimented with the list of irregular moves and the standard tactics that will help you win when you start playing it. FAQ How do you start a Backgammon game? To decide the Backgammon starting position, you and the other player roll a single die to determine who goes first, with the higher of the two getting the first turn. If you roll the same number, you need to repeat the action. After that, you alternate turns and roll two dice at the beginning of every turn. What is an object of Backgammon? The object of Backgammon is to be the first player to remove all pieces from your inner table, which is called bearing off. If the opponent removed at least one piece, you win a single game and receive the current stake. If he doesn’t remove a single piece, this is a 'gammon,' and it's worth double the current stake. Is it hard to learn to play Backgammon? The rules are easy to understand, and a new player can pick them up in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, these rules are easy to grasp once you've played a couple of games. It's easy to see why so many people keep coming back to play it and why it remained popular after thousands of years. Why is the 5-point important in Backgammon? The 5-point is deep in your home board, along with the 6-point, which is effective protection when your opponent is trying to re-enter from the bar. When your opponents roll a five or a six, they'll fail to re-enter and, as a result, waste a lot of their pips.

If an operator of an online casino or sportsbook wants to do everything legally and “by the book,” then they must get licensed. Licensing allows casinos to operate legally and under regulation from a regulatory body of the jurisdiction they are registered. While regulations place many burdens on operators, in the end, the benefits of being legal and legitimate far outweigh both the costs and the legal limitations imposed. In this comprehensive guide on online casino licenses, we will go over the whys and hows of getting licenses. And also, take a look at some of the most popular gambling license jurisdictions to help you make your decision. What Are Online Casino Licenses? Simply put, an online gambling license is a legal document conferring the right onto a company to operate a gambling business in a given territory. Just as land-based casinos must be regulated, so do their online counterparts. In order for an operator to offer games of chance, such as video slots, table games, or sports betting, legally, they must have a license that covers the territories they want to offer the games. Getting one, however, is usually no easy feat. Not only do they cost money (depending on the jurisdiction, the licensing costs may represent a significant barrier to entry into the market), but they also create an obligation for the company to follow regulations. The exact nature of the regulations depends on the given jurisdiction. Some, like Curacao, are known for being less stringent. While for instance, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission is considered especially tough. What’s important to note is that the early days of unlicensed and “wild west” online gambling are largely over. More and more countries want to bring this form of gambling into the legal mainstream and have begun to crack down on anyone who operates illegally. Therefore, those who do so are not only risking steep fines but even potential jail time. In general, the role of the licensing authority is to make sure that all gambling, including online, is above board and safe for the consumers. Those who want to open an online casino must have a license. The hard part of this decision is actually figuring out where to pursue getting a license. Many different jurisdictions offer them, and all of them have their own pros and cons. But, with this guide in hand, you will be able to figure out most of these questions and know what to expect as you set out on the journey to get your budding online iGaming empire up, and running, and, most importantly — legal. Where And Why Should Casinos Get Licensed? When considering online casino licenses (and operators definitely should), there are a lot of things to take into account. But the most important thing to remember is that players today expect an online casino to be operating under laws and regulations. Most of the sites that review casinos make a note of the jurisdiction. Players are sensitive to this info, as they do not want to deposit their money into a venue that could be deemed unsafe. And as the events in the iGaming industry in 2021 show, more and more countries are moving to regulate all forms of online gambling. This means that to be a viable option for players today, operators must be licensed. And that is just on the perception side of things. The main reason why operators pursue gambling licenses is to protect themselves from legal liabilities and to be able to operate normally as a business. That last part is extremely important. These days, players expect to be able to deposit and withdraw money using many different payment providers and to be able to take a punt on a large catalog of games. And here’s the thing. You won’t be able to offer many payment options and many games if you’re not a licensed online casino. It’s simple. Respectable companies want to work with other respectable companies. Your fly-by-night operation simply won’t attract such game providers as NetEnt or Microgaming, sorry. In order to be able to collaborate with the best providers, whether it’s in payment, games, or the casino platform itself, you will need to be licensed and operating legally. Some who do not do so run pirated software on their sites, but this opens additional legal liability as those companies can sue for copyright and intellectual rights infringement. Since we settled the question of why it’s time to address the where of it all. We will go over the different jurisdictions in-depth a bit later in this guide, but for now, let us say this choice primarily depends on where your company is based and which market you want to go after. While all jurisdictions have their own rules and requirements, there are things they have in common in broad strokes. What is called “fit and proper persons” will have to occupy ownership and senior positions, there are tests for this. The random number generators (RNGs) in the software will have to be regularly tested and validated. Some may even ask you to publish a full RTP (return to player) list for each and every game you offer. Some clientele may be barred from playing with you, and you may need to establish limits on deposits. These are just some of the requirements, and this is by no means an exhaustive list. When considering where to get licensed, it is very important to go through the full legal requirement list. Agencies exist to help companies through this process due to the volume of work involved. How Online Casinos Apply for Gaming Licenses? Each licensing authority will have its own process of application. But there are some things that they have in common and that prospective casino operators can expect as parts of the process no matter where they apply. In general, you can expect to pay various fees (one-time and/or yearly, more on those later in this guide), deal with a considerable load of paperwork, and also wait. For a couple of months at least. Common requirements include things like background checks, business plans, proof of funds, and software and compliance checks. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be necessary to also incorporate in the jurisdiction and to house servers in the same location too. A lot of the time, the authorities also enforce standards on platform providers so it can increase the chances of a successful application to cooperate with providers who are already licensed and reputable. Speaking frankly, getting licensed is no cakewalk. There are many checks, demands, and requirements. Criminal records will be checked, as well as passports, bank references, information on target markets, and measures to prevent minors from gambling... Anti-money laundering and know-your-customer procedures are other big parts of what is asked from prospective iGaming operators. To keep track of all of this and to avoid wasting time and funds, many companies seeking online gaming licenses employ the services of legal firms and consultancies that specialize in this area of corporate law. Note also that gambling authorities do not operate in a vacuum. They are able and willing to use inquiries with other national and international regulatory bodies to fully check your probity and get the necessary info about your background and history. Therefore, it could be argued that the best way to get through the licensing process is to be as forthcoming and transparent as possible. This goes even for those who do have blemishes in their history, as the investigation will most likely uncover them. As to how to actually begin the process, applications can be made through a licensing agent or independently. Sometimes, it will even be possible to apply online. What all online casinos or sports betting sites need to know is that while most will be operating in many countries, the legislation of the country where it is registered will always take precedence over any international laws. That is yet another thing to keep in mind. A number of gambling jurisdictions exist now, and most casinos tend to choose one of the most popular ones, such as Malta, Curacao, or Gibraltar. The choice of jurisdiction is possibly the most important step in the process, as it will dictate the rest of it. How Do Online Casinos Choose an Online Gambling License? Out of so many different options, how do companies seeking to operate online iGaming sites decide where to incorporate and which license to seek? To answer this question, companies need to think about their needs and business possibilities. This is what will guide the decision. Any type of gambling will require a license, and businesses have to get one before they go live. Before they set out on the difficult and demanding trek of licensing, online casinos take into account the requirements each jurisdiction imposes, the costs associated with the fees, and the taxation policy. Many choose to speed this process up by hiring outside help, such as lawyers. Different jurisdictions also have different reputations. Some are seen as more lenient, while some are seen as very heavy on the rules and limitations. As an example, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission has recently decided they will start regulating how fast a single round in a video slot game can be. In Sweden, the regulatory body decided to ban the offering of bonuses. There are quite a lot of factors to consider when choosing a license, and it’s of the highest importance to get it right. The Overview Of The Most Popular Gambling License Jurisdictions In this section of our guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular and most commonly selected online gambling jurisdictions. Each of these has its own pros and cons, opening certain opportunities while closing some others. They also vary in requirements and the costs associated, so those looking to get their online casino up and running need to have a good hard think about what might work best for their specific needs. Malta Gambling Authority Malta has for many years been the iGaming hub of Europe. That’s for a good reason, as their license is considered very reputable and offers access to the lucrative European market. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the body that carries out the licensing process and confers the license to an operator. They are also the ones issuing regulations and checking compliance. MGA offers four classes of licenses. The first type gives the right to organize games of chance where the result is determined by an RNG. This is the license that you want if your online casino offers video slots and table games. The other licenses offer the ability to organize games based on event outcomes (i.e., sports betting), poker, and fantasy sports. In 2018, the body streamlined some of the taxation systems, removed the need for current holders to apply for separate licenses, and waived the monthly compliance contribution for the first 12 months of the casino’s operation. Getting licensed in Malta, however, is a long process. Prospective operators go through at least five stages which include several compliance audits. It takes 3 to 4 weeks for the application to be considered, followed by a temporary license of six months. After that, based on extensive checks, a five-year license is given. The process is definitely involved: a fit and proper check, a business planning check to ensure the viability of the business plan, a financial reserves check, and a system review. But with so many licensed online casinos and sports betting sites choosing this license, it’s clear that it is worth it. It gives access to the European market and players place a high trust in it. United Kingdom Gambling Commission Then there is the UKGC. This is the regulating body that oversees gambling in the United Kingdom and offers a host of different licenses based on what a company is doing. These include five types of remote betting ones (as an example, accepting sports betting on real events and on virtual events requires the possession of two different licenses) as well as a range of intermediately and industry licenses. This is one of the drawbacks of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission license, as operators who later want to branch out into other aspects of iGaming will need to apply for a separate license for each. In addition, the UKGC has some of the longest approval processes, which can last up to 16 weeks, and in recent years, the regulatory body has begun tightening the leash on what operators in the country are allowed to do. So, why get licensed by the UKGC at all? The UK is one of the largest contributors to the international gambling industry, generating a gross gambling yield of £2 billion between October 2011 and September 2012. There’s your answer. Before 2014, the UK had a more relaxed attitude to remote gambling, and operators from so-called “whitelisted territories” (such as Malta and Gibraltar) were able to both accept bets from Britons and to advertise in the country. Since 2014, changes in regulation mean that anyone wanting to access the UK market and advertise in it must be licensed by the UKGC. So, despite UK regulations being onerous with a trend of increasing regulatory pressure, online casinos still get licensed here due to the lucrativeness of the UK iGaming market. Curaçao Curaçao is a small island in the Caribbean with a large presence in the online iGaming industry. This is in large part due to the ease and low costs of gaining a license. How it works is that there are master licenses and sub-licenses. New operators apply for a sub-license at one of the four master license holders (they have been fixed since 1996). Master licenses are renewed every five years, and sublicenses are valid for as long as the master licenses are. The main advantage of this system is that online casinos need only one license for the entire iGaming vertical. This is in contrast to jurisdictions like the UK, where separate licenses need to be obtained to offer different kinds of gambling. Where the Curaçao license really shines is in how cheap it is. While each of the four master license holders has its own rules and fees, it is in the neighborhood of $5,000 annually. There is a one-time application fee (around $2,000) and a couple of other smaller ones. In addition, Curacao has a 0% corporate income tax and a 2% net gains tax. Getting a Curaçao license is fast and takes as little as six weeks. There are a couple of significant drawbacks, however. Casinos licensed in Curacao cannot accept players from the USA, France, the Netherlands, and Curacao itself. Overall, however, due to its simplicity and quickness, Curacao is an excellent choice for many first-time operators. Of course, such operators can always choose to be licensed somewhere else later. Gibraltar Gibraltar is another of those jurisdictions that is very attractive due to low taxes — just 1% of revenue and capped at £425,000. Quite possibly, Gibraltar is the most exclusive jurisdiction there is. Online casino owners need to prove financial solvency, provide a business plan and be ready to perform all transactions solely through banks based in Gibraltar. This jurisdiction also has some of the most stringent regulations and is the golden standard of trustworthiness and reliability. The license fee is paid in one lump sum of £100,000. But that’s far from the only thing you’d need to pony up to get a license here. Gibraltar is selective, preferring to give licenses only to already established operators that already hold reliable licenses. As it states on the regulator’s website, the authority only considers “blue chip companies with a proven track record in gambling.” And perhaps the most important thing written on that same website — “Licenses are generally difficult to obtain.” So, there you go. This is an option for established operators who want to pay fewer taxes. If you’re someone looking to get started, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Sweden’s Spelinspektionen For a long time, gambling in the country was a state monopoly. But recent changes have seen the market open up. Spelinspektionen is the regulatory body that decides who gets a license and who does not. Sweden, being a new market, is also quite stringent. The focus of the Swedish regulators is player protection and the reduction of gambling addiction. It is also a very reactive body. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Sweden took temporary responsible gambling measures such as a SEK 5,000 limit on deposits (around 488 ) and a bonus limit of SEK 100 (less than 10). Spelinspektionen may be seen as a very restrictive jurisdiction, but it also represents an opportunity for iGaming companies as the market gets liberalized. How Much Do Online Casino Licenses Cost? This is a tricky question as different jurisdictions charge differently for applications and may have other additional fees. Another important thing to consider is the tax rate. Prices can be quite cheap, such as in the case of Curacao. Or alternatively, expensive, such as in Gibraltar. Of course, Gibraltar offsets this high upfront license cost with a very favorable corporate gains tax rate. In Malta, which remains the most popular way to get into the European iGaming market, the application fee is €5,000, and the annual license fee is fixed at €25,000. New tax rules since 2018 will see online casinos with the B2C Type 1 license (that’s the one that lets you offer video slots) pay annual taxes on a progressive scale: of 1.25% if the profits do not exceed €3 million and 1% for profits up to €4.5 million and so on. If a casino makes up to €10 million, it will only pay 0.55% in taxes. So for those companies that are very successful, Malta is clearly an excellent choice. In general, depending on the jurisdiction, the fees will be different. So anyone looking to get one of these licenses will have to weigh the costs. In Sweden, for instance, casinos can expect to end up with licensing costs of between €229,950 and €257,450 based on the number of founders (this total includes things such as local servers and management fees). FAQ on Online Casino Licenses What is an Offshore Casino License? An offshore gaming license simply means that the provider works remotely from their home country, but their operation takes place without locally imposed restrictions. A very large number of online casinos today have these types of gaming licenses that enable them to work from one country while serving gamblers in many different territories where their license is accepted. Why Should I Get a Gambling License For My Casino? As online iGaming has become more and more widespread, governments have started regulating it. At the same time, players want to play at casinos that are fair and legitimate. Therefore, getting a license is essential to being able to be a proper player in the iGaming market. Not to mention that payment processors, banks, and software suppliers will only work with regulated casinos. This essentially means that operating properly as an online iGaming venue is not possible without a license from a competent gaming authority. How Do I Obtain a Gambling License? The first step in obtaining an online casino license is figuring out which markets your casino wants to serve. After that, you will look into what jurisdictions can give you a license that will enable you to do business. There will probably be more than one, so things like license fees, tax rates, and more will factor into your decision. Given the complexity of this task, many prospective casino owners seek out help from legal firms to complete this process.

Gambling has intrigued people for ages, but it's still surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions. In this article, we debunk these falsehoods to uncover the truth behind them. Join us as we explore common myths related to poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. We'll also address misconceptions about gambling addiction and its impact. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of the world of gambling. Let's dig in. Gambling Myths and Facts First things first, let's separate fact from fiction when it comes to gambling. These are the common myths and their corresponding facts: The more you gamble, the more likely it is that you'll win big The outcome of each game is based on chance. Each event, such as a lottery draw or spin of a roulette wheel, is independent of previous or future gambling outcomes. Time spent gambling doesn't affect the outcome. It's important to remember that, more often than not, gambling leads to spending money rather than making it. If you play long enough, you'll eventually win all your money back The odds are in favor of the house, so the more you gamble, the more likely you are to lose money. While some individuals may win, the majority will likely lose. It's crucial to understand that the gambling industry thrives on this statistical advantage. Knowing the game increases your chances of winning While knowledge of sports betting or games like poker can influence decision-making, the outcomes ultimately depend on chance. Even with expertise, there's always a level of unpredictability. Stronger cards in poker or past wins of a football team don't guarantee future success. Responsible gambling involves recognizing the role of chance and playing within means. Keeping track of previous results can help determine future outcomes Gambling outcomes are random and can't be predicted. If patterns existed, everyone would know them, and there would be no losses. Each stage of the game is entirely independent of previous results. If you're familiar with the gambler's fallacy, you know that it's a dangerous concept to believe in. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="505863,768534"] Poker Myths Now that we know the truth behind some popular casino myths, let's immerse ourselves in the world of poker and uncover the realities of this captivating card game. Poker is a game of chance Although luck does play a role, poker is primarily a game of skill. Seasoned players continue to prove that with each poker session. You need to be good at math to play poker While understanding odds and probabilities is important, you don't need to be a math prodigy to play poker well. Learning the game's strategies and concepts is key. Poker is a game of bluffing Bluffing is a component of poker but not the sole determinant of success. Many skilled players win a poker game without relying on bluffing. Online poker, where physical cues are absent, requires different strategies. You need to be aggressive to win at poker While aggression can be advantageous, a successful poker player knows when to be more passive. Adapting to the situation is crucial. You need to have a "poker face" to win While maintaining a stoic demeanor can be beneficial, a perfect poker face doesn't mean victory. Successful players utilize various tactics that go beyond facial expressions. Poker is a game for rich people Playing poker doesn't require wealth. While money is involved, there are ways to participate without significant financial investment, including free online poker games for practice. Poker is a game of deception Deception is a tool in poker, but it's not obligatory for success. Skilled players employ a range of strategies beyond deception. You need to be a risk-taker to play poker While some risk-taking is involved, successful players aim to minimize unnecessary risks. They make a calculated decision and strategically choose when to go for it. Blackjack Myths Next, we have blackjack, a timeless card game that has captured the imagination of players worldwide. Here's a closer look at the myths surrounding blackjack and the truth behind them. The aim of the game is to hit 21 While getting close to 21 is desirable, the actual goal in blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a better hand without exceeding 21 (busting) Good blackjack players have a head for numbers Basic math skills, such as addition and subtraction, are sufficient for playing blackjack effectively. Advanced mathematical abilities are not necessary. The dealer's winning streak The outcome of previous games does not impact future results. A dealer's winning streak does not guarantee continued success, as each hand in blackjack is independent and influenced by chance. Unskilled players lower your chances of winning The moves other players make at the table don't affect the outcome of your game. Each player plays against the dealer, and the result is based on random chance. You'll always win after consecutive losses Each hand in blackjack has an equal chance of winning, regardless of the previous outcomes. Believing that consecutive losses guarantee a subsequent win is a fallacy. Blackjack always has the lowest house edge Blackjack can have a low house edge, but it depends on favorable rules and employing the right strategy. Poor strategies can significantly increase the house edge. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="501298,828831"] Roulette Myths It's time to explore the fascinating world of roulette, which is regarded as a game of chance, but with interesting characteristics that astute punters recognize. Roulette is a game of chance Roulette is commonly regarded as a game of chance. However, some players utilize their analytical and mathematical skills to exploit certain characteristics of physical roulette wheels, such as the rotation of the ball and the speed of the spin. The croupier knows the outcome The truth is that croupiers are typically focused on their duties and rarely have the time or inclination to predict winning numbers. Their attention is primarily on managing the game, handling chips, and maintaining professionalism. Physical and online roulettes work the same way Physical roulette wheels may have elements of randomness due to potential wheel defects, while reputable online roulette wheels operate through a random number generator (RNG) system, ensuring unbiased outcomes. You can predict the next result based on the previous outcome The outcome of physical and digital roulette is in no way influenced by previous results. Reputable online casinos implement rigorous testing and quality control measures to prevent predictable patterns. The probabilities of winning are very low The odds of winning this game depend on the types of bets made. Simple bets like color or odd/even have almost a 50% chance of winning (except for the green 0 or 00 pockets). Betting on specific numbers offers smaller odds but a bigger potential for higher gains. Slot Machine Myths Last but not least, let's delve into the realm of slots and uncover the truth behind the myths and misconceptions that surround them. The existence of hot and cold streaks in slots Slot machines don't have permanent hot or cold streaks, as every spin's outcome is random and independent. Casinos manipulate online slots to ensure that the house always wins While casinos have a house edge, online slots are not rigged, and their outcomes are determined by RNG algorithms. Autoplay yields fewer payouts compared to manual spins The method of spinning, whether manual or autoplay, can't influence the payout as the RNG governs the outcome. Bonus offers result in poor slot results Slot outcomes are not influenced by playing with bonuses or real funds, as the RNG operates independently. Slot machines are "due" to pay after a period of no payouts Slots operate on random number generation, and previous payout history doesn't affect future results. Max bet button increases winning chances Placing maximum bets per spin doesn't improve winning probabilities, and prudent bankroll management is advisable. Casinos can manipulate payout rates. Payout percentages and RNG chips are predetermined by the developer, and casinos can't manipulate them. Common Gambling Addiction Myths Gambling addiction is a complex issue that affects individuals and their loved ones. Unfortunately, several myths surround problem gambling that can perpetuate misunderstanding and hinder effective support. Gambling addiction is a choice or a moral failure Gambling addiction is a recognized psychological disorder classified as a behavioral addiction. It's not simply a matter of choice or morality. Only weak-willed or morally weak individuals develop gambling addictions One of the most common myths about gambling addictions is that it only happens to morally weak individuals. But that's untrue. Gambling addiction can affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their strength of character or moral values. It's a complex condition influenced by various factors, including genetics and environment. Gambling addicts can simply stop if they have enough willpower Quitting gambling is not as simple as saying no. Like other addictive disorders, it often requires professional help, support from loved ones, and a comprehensive treatment approach to achieve lasting recovery. Gambling addiction is only a financial problem While financial problems are commonly associated with gambling addiction, it's not solely a financial issue. It can have severe psychological, emotional, and social consequences, impacting relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. Gambling addicts can easily recover by winning a big jackpot The idea that winning a big jackpot can solve gambling addiction is a misconception. In reality, chasing losses and seeking the next big win can perpetuate addictive behaviors and further worsen the addiction. Pathological gambling only affects individuals who gamble frequently or excessively Gambling addiction can develop in individuals who gamble occasionally or even in individuals who engage in moderate gambling. It's more about the negative consequences and loss of control over gambling behavior than the frequency or amount of gambling. Gamblers can use gambling as a way to make money and solve financial problems Relying on gambling as a means to solve financial problems is an illusion. The odds are always in favor of the house, and over time, the financial losses from gambling are likely to deepen financial difficulties. Gamblers can quit on their own without professional help While some individuals have the ability to quit gambling on their own, many compulsive gamblers find it challenging to do so without professional intervention and support. Treatment programs, counseling, and support groups can greatly assist in the recovery process. Conclusion Debunking common myths about gambling is crucial for promoting responsible gambling and understanding the complexities of addiction. By dispelling these misbeliefs, we can encourage informed decision-making and provide support to individuals affected by gambling-related issues. It's important to approach gambling with caution, set limits, and raise awareness of the risks involved. If you or someone you know is addicted to gambling, seeking professional help and accessing support organizations can make a significant difference in the recovery journey. FAQ What is the number one rule of gambling? The number one rule of gambling is to only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Gambling should always be entertaining, and the funds used for gambling should come from a budget allocated for this purpose. It's essential to set a gambling budget and stick to it and avoid the temptation to chase losses. Remember, gambling should never jeopardize your financial stability or interfere with your everyday life. Is there a secret to winning at the casino? While there's no guaranteed secret to winning at the casino, there are ways to improve your chances. Instead of relying on some popular casino myths, you should learn the rules and strategies of the games, manage your bankroll effectively, play games with better odds, take advantage of bonuses, and know when to quit. By following these principles, you can make informed decisions and potentially boost your chances. Why do gamblers get high even when they lose? The excitement or "high" that gamblers experience, even when they lose, can be attributed to psychological factors. Gambling activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine associated with pleasure and motivation. This creates anticipation, thrill, and excitement, regardless of the outcome. Cognitive biases like near-misses and the social aspects of gambling also contribute to the enjoyable experience that's independent of winning or losing. Are casino algorithms real? Yes, casinos use algorithms, particularly in online gambling platforms. For instance, random number generators ensure fair game outcomes. Casinos also utilize algorithms for tasks like player tracking, fraud detection, and optimizing game offerings. These algorithms are used to maintain transparency and protect players' interests. Reputable casinos adhere to strict standards and independent audits to ensure fairness and integrity. Are casino games truly random? Despite some gambling myths about casino games being rigged, reputable gambling sites ensure that their games are truly random. They employ random number generators to determine game outcomes. These RNG systems are regularly tested by regulatory bodies and independent auditors to ensure fairness. While the casino always has a statistical advantage, the random nature of the games provides players with a genuine chance to win.