Gamblers have a few things to think about and perhaps to worry about. They must know what games they wish to play in the casino and, if they desire to be outside the casino world, should they bet on such things as horses, sports of other kinds or, yes, current events.

The second big concern is how much money should they bet on these “inside the casino” and “outside the casino” endeavors. I think most gamblers, meaning players since that is what they are – players, don’t really have a handle on their money. They don’t know how much to bet or how much money to keep aside in order to bet it.

Introducing the Captain

The late Captain (he died over 12 years ago) was the savviest player I ever knew and I based almost all of my gambling advice on the gambling advice he gave me. 

As a young man just returned from World War II, he started a business in Brooklyn, New York. I detail some of his World War II adventures in my book Forever Craps. Even as a kid in that war he showed remarkable courage and endurance fighting in the Pacific theater. 

His plane was shot down and he survived more than a week behind enemy lines. Yes, he obviously lived but he also caught malaria. He was the only one who survived that plane crash. On that alone, he deserved high honors.

The Captain was a successful businessman but he did have one flaw – he loved to gamble. He bet on sports of all kinds. He bet the horses too. In the war he played craps, even booked the games, but he wasn’t a genius in that area then. He was as he called himself, “Just a player. Just like most other players.”

During the 1950s, he did okay at sports betting. That means he was behind but the money he lost did not do him in. The horses? That was a different story. He took a decades-plus clobbering betting the races. He was a complete and utter loser trying to figure out which horse would win which race. He found himself in league with the horse-racing losers that dominate that sport. Horses are indeed magnificently beautiful animals, the animals of the gods, but betting on them is an effort in futility for just about all players who are in no way, shape or form anything like the aforementioned gods.

After some horrible business trials, the Captain’s gambling life changed dramatically, as the advent of casino gambling came to the metropolitan New York area with the arrival of Atlantic City in New Jersey.

The Captain decided that he would figure out a way to beat the casinos at some of their games. He found that blackjack and craps were two games that could be beaten by smart players. The others? Not really.

However, it was obvious that the casino suits sniffed around the blackjack tables looking for players known as card counters. These players, when discovered, did not receive favorable greetings from the casino bosses, in fact, they were largely banned from the casinos.

However, there was no ban on advantage craps players because the game was looked at as unassailable. 

It wasn’t.

Over the years the Captain developed methods of controlling how the dice landed in ways that would give the players the edge – a small edge. He called this “controlled shooting” or “controlled throw” or “dice control.” Today, the appellation “dice influencing” or “dice manipulation” have been given to this skill as well.

He studied the betting choices at the game and over the years came up with the best ways to handle such wagering. In his last 10 years of play, he had radicalized such betting to increase the edge of a dice controller. I use that radical style of betting on almost all players with one exception.

But the Captain did even more. He looked at casino playing in a new way and outlined what he thought was the best way to approach even the games where players could not get the edge – which is almost all the games!

Here are his thoughts:

THE Universal Bankroll

The Captain came to the conclusion that casino players should have a universal bankroll that would back all their play. If, for example, you intend to go to the casinos twice a month in order to play your favorite games, then you have to divide your universal bankroll into 24 parts, one for each day of play.

The daily bankroll can only be played on one day. You cannot take money from another day to use for your playing today. On your play day, you figure how many sessions you’ll play and divide your money among those sessions. 

It behooves a player to learn the best strategies to play in order to keep the house edge as low as possible – but he never said not to play this or that game. He knew that gamblers like to gamble. He had been one himself. But there is smart gambling and stupid gambling.

The lower the house edge; the speed the game will combine to make (usually) a decent casino game. 

[Please note: If you are a wagerer of various sports and the horses, you also must have a universal bankroll from which you make your individual bets in these areas.]

What A Bet Actually Means

Placing a bet is not a mindless, emotionless exercise. It consists of many parts, including a conclusion which for some players is difficult and tough.

The Captain basically put a bet in the following categories when it comes to the emotions of the players:

• The anticipatory expectation of a hopeful upward trajectory
• The negative anticipatory expectation on the recent downward slide
• The result on the upward swing
• The result on the downward swing
• Second guess on the type of play being performed

Here’s a look at each of those topics in detail.

• The anticipatory expectation of a hopeful upward trajectory

When a player places his or her first bets in a casino session there is a somewhat delightful feeling that good things might be about to happen. No one wants to lose money and I doubt many of the casinos’ players dread going to the casinos to do that – why would they go if their thoughts are negative toward such places?

• The negative anticipatory expectation on the recent downward slide

However, things can get off to a rocky start or an awful start and now the anticipation is thoroughly tinged by regret for things that might happen, that might continue to happen as they have been happening. It doesn’t matter if the game the player is playing is strictly a random exercise such as roulette, there usually develops a feeling that this game has it in for this particular player.

• The result on the downward swing

If the downward swing seems to be the order of the day, the player starts to feel defeated. The exercise of playing becomes a dreadful experience as the player’s mind begins to imagine that this could be a devastating session.

Should the player stop playing? Or continue with a margin of hope? 

• Second guess on the type of play being performed

The player begins to doubt his or her skill level or the type of game he or she prefers to play. Are these games ever worth playing when they can cost a player’s hard-earned money?

Are the methods of play good for winning or are they a loser’s way of it? Isn’t playing my game a waste of my time?

• The results

If the player is playing the mathematically correct strategies and the results have been negative then nothing is wrong, with the player or with the game being played. Players have to realize that the house has the edge on the games and that edge presents itself to all players sooner or later.

Players cannot hide from that fact. But that fact does not have to destroy them; there is a way around such negative situations.

What percent of the universal bankroll should be used for each session?

Now for the nitty gritty of how much and how long one should play the games. This will come as a surprise to most players. It did to me when the Captain explained his economic plan for casino play for positive expectations for those players who could actually get a real mathematical edge and plans for those players who couldn’t get an edge but enjoyed playing casino games.

Your universal bankroll must be developed through the years. That’s right, it is not a stagnant entity. I now call this universal bankroll a 401G (the “G” stands for gambling) and it must consistently have money deposited into it. That is money from winning trips and money from one’s job or enterprises. 

The 401G does not need loads of money deposited into it. Not everyone has huge incomes. But small consistent deposits are called for. With a large enough 401G, a player can play the games and not give him or herself a heart attack when things start going poorly. Regular players and advantage players can both be knocked about at times. That is something to be aware of.

12 times a year

Let us say that you want to go to the casinos 12 months a year for two night stays each month. That’s 24 days of play. How should you divide your 401G?

Let us take an average $10 player. If they are playing against a house edge that will ultimately cause long-term losses, how should they use their money?

You need 24 sessions. You could call a session one hour or 10 hours or any hours in a single day. That’s fine. But you have to know when to call it an hour or a day and not play past the amount you have given yourself to play for that amount of time.

You have to divide your 401G by 24 to come up with your session stake for a single day.

The $10 player wishes to play blackjack and craps and roulette, the three favorite games in the casino. How should he or she do that? 

Let us say that the player has saved $10,000 in the 401G in order to fund his or her hobby. Divide 24 into $10,000 and you come up with $416 to be used in a single day. (Go to $20,000 and you have double that.)

You can use that $416 right off the bat. You hit the tables in the morning and give it your best try. The fewer bets you make, the better it will be for your ability to last. The fewer bets, the longer you can usually last in a session.

In roulette, play the outside options of red/black or high/low or odd/even. Make it $10 a decision. You can last a significant amount of time playing this way.

In blackjack, play at full tables so you play fewer hands (more players means fewer decisions) and make sure you play the computer derived basic strategy.

In craps, play the pass line with odds. Or place the six or eight for $12. One bet only and you can last a long time at craps! The Captain went to one bet at the end of his career and only bet more decisions on dice controllers.

If you are playing $25 per decision you must increase the amount of your bets or go to the casino fewer days. You determine what is best for you in all cases.

Of course, if you are going to play fewer days, you will have more money to wager per decision than if you played more days. If you can save more money in your 401G, you also give yourself the option of playing for more time or for more money or both. 

Bottom line: You do control the money and the playing time, not the casino, and that is a key ingredient in enjoying play without negative anticipation.

All the best in and out of the casinos.
 

Veteran blackjack players are familiar with a number of rules that vary from casino to casino, or even from table to table in the same casino.

Variations in whether the dealer hits soft 17, how many times players can split pairs, on which two-card totals players may double down, whether blackjacks pay 3-2 or 6-5, and the number of decks in play are common in online casinos and in live blackjack alike.

Beyond those variations, there's a set of rare rules such as automatic payoffs on any player 21, five-card Charlies, double downs on more than two cards and even the size of a deck. 

You won't see these rules often in regular blackjack games, but if you do, they have a big impact on blackjack strategy and odds. 

More often, you'll see them in blackjack-based games such as Spanish 21 and Super Fun 21. Those trade off a few negative rules for the opportunity to use player-friendly options to make an interesting, fun game.

Let's check out some of those less common blackjack rules and how they affect the game.

Blackjacks pay only even money

Compared to full 3-2 returns on two-card 21s, paying 1-1 tacks a whopping 2.27% onto the house edge. Given that the house edge against a basic strategy player is usually less than 1%, that's an enormous swing.

You wouldn't want to play a regular blackjack game with even-money blackjack pays. But using this rule is why Super Fun 21 can allow players to double down on any number of cards along with other positive rules and why all dealer cards can be dealt face up in Double Exposure Blackjack.

The hike in house edge from the low blackjack payoff is largely offset by player gains on other rules.

Decks of only 48 cards, with 10-spots removed

Spanish 21 uses a so-called "Spanish" deck where the only 10-value cards are Kings, Queens, or Jacks. 

That decreases the frequency of blackjacks. If your first two cards include an Ace, there are fewer 10-value cards available to complete a two-card 21. 

Double downs also are affected. If you have a two-card total of 11, fewer 10-value cards means your draw will bring you to 21 less often.

That's a big negative for the player, but Spanish 21 offsets that by making winners of all player 21s, even if the dealer also has 21. Player blackjacks beat dealer blackjacks and players may double on any number of cards. Players may hit multiple times or double down after splitting Aces; and in a "double down rescue" feature, players may surrender and lose only their original bet if they get a bad card after doubling down.

That adds a lot of fun and intrigue for players, but they have to pay the price extracted by the Spanish decks.

House wins all ties

This is a Godzilla among negative rules, adding 8.86% to the house edge. You'll see it mainly in Double Exposure Blackjack and it has a huge impact on strategy.

If you know the dealer's first two cards total 20, you also know you have to hit if you have a 20. There's no settling for a push.

Five-card Charlie

A "Charlie" is a hand of a designated number of cards that total less than 21, so that a five-card Charlie is a non-busted hand of five cards and a six-card Charlie is six cards totaling 21 or less.

When such a rule is in place, a Charlie brings an automatic payoff. Even money payouts on five-card Charlies reduce the house edge by 1.46%. 

That's a huge swing, so needless to say, you rarely see it. Super Fun 21 has variations in which six cards totaling 20 or less make an even-money winner, or five-cards totaling 21 pay 2-1 regardless of dealer hand. Those are among the rules made possible by paying only even money on blackjacks.

Those who learn to play in home games sometimes are surprised to find Charlies usually aren't part of casino blackjack. Playing in Las Vegas, I once sat next to a player who held up a game by loudly insisting he be paid on his Charlie. Supervisors and the dealer had to work together to calm the player down and explain Charlie really didn't live there.

Blackjacks pay 2-1 or suited blackjacks pay 2-1

In rare cases, casinos have been known to offer big blackjack payoffs as a promotion. One Illinois casino offered 2-1 pays on all blackjacks and found big money players from all over the country crowding the tables. The game was shut down in less than a day.

Paying 2-1 on blackjack adds 2.27% to the player side, and that's more than enough under most rules to give players an edge on the overall game. If both cards have to be on the same suit, 2-1 payoffs decrease the house edge by 0.57%, still a big gain for players.

Player 21 is an automatic winner

If any player wins regardless of the dealer total, it knocks 0.54% off the house edge. How big is that? In a six-deck game in which the dealer hits soft 17, you're allowed to:

• double down on any first two cards
• double after splitting pairs
• split pairs up to three times

The house edge against a basic strategy player is 0.62% in this scenario. Paying all player 21s would knock that edge to less than a tenth of a percent.

Needless to say, you'll see this rule only in blackjack derivatives with a significant rule favorable to the house.

Players may double down on any number of cards

Imagine the dealer has a 4 up and you start a hand with a 2 and a 3, draw a 4 for a total of 9, then draw 2 for 11.

In regular blackjack, you hit once more and hope for the best. But in Super Fun or Spanish 21, you can double down on any number of cards. That decreases the house edge by 0.23%.

Player may draw to split Aces

Blackjack regulars know the drill. If you split Aces, you get one card on each Ace, and that's it. No additional draws

If you can draw or double down with split Aces, it reduces the house edge by 0.19%. That's a nice boost for players in Spanish or Super Fun 21.

Double Down Rescue

This is a variation on surrender available in Spanish 21. If you double down and don't like your draw. you can call for the rescue. You lose only your original bet and not your double. That reduces the house edge by 0.1%.

The list of potential rare rules can go on for dozens of variations, but you get the idea. Rules that add extra payoffs or give players extra options reduce the house edge, sometimes dramatically. Those that reduce payoffs or eliminate player options pad the edge for the house.

Creative game designers find ways to incorporate these rare options to make a game that's fun to play. Enjoy, but beware the downside of the big negative rules.
 

At any point in your contest with the casino you could be in any one of the following situations:

• You are way ahead and feeling like the true champion of the world.
• You are way behind, in short, you’re taking an absolute beating
• You are a little or somewhat ahead, not bad.
• You are a little or somewhat behind, not good.
• You are even or about even, you have plenty for another session sometime later or tomorrow.
• You’re tired.

Let us say you have played enough time at the table or the machine to feel you have had a full experience. You don’t feel short changed.

Should you be calling it quitin’ time?

Players’ theories about when to quit

Let me get the most obvious and ultimately ridiculous advice given by many (usually non-players) out of the way first. “Quit when you are ahead.” Follow me and see what nonsense this advice is.

Scenario: You just arrived at a casino. You’ve checked in, put your luggage in your room and now you go downstairs to play some roulette (or craps, blackjack, mini-baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, slots, video poker or one of the carnival games). 

You cash in at the table or put your money in the machine and you win the very first decision and now you are ahead. That’s that according to the above advice. Quit now, lad. Leave the casino and return home. You’ve had a successful trip, right? You are ahead. Quit!

No one would do that; no one sane that is. Who would pay for a stay at the casino to do such a thing? Players don’t go to casinos for a one-and-done. I’ve never met one who has that playing philosophy.

Even players who live near casinos and go frequently don’t have a one-and-done philosophy. That just isn’t in their cards. 

If you are a casino veteran, you probably consider different options of when to quit the game. 

Options as Excuses for Continuing Play 

(Please note: These are what players have actually said to me.)  

1. “If you are way ahead, stay in the game and leave when you know the game is about to change. That’s how I do it.” (How do you know that? You don’t. Some players think they know that. No one knows that.)
    
2. “Me? If you are tired, call it quitin’ time and take your win or your loss and come back at another time. Me? I don’t get tired. I can play forever.” (Check the tables and see how many players are playing as if they are sleepwalking. They are past being tired. The walking wounded are all around you and so are those who should be celebrating by taking a break. Just look closely and you will see them.)
    
3. “You’ve been ahead and now you are even. Time’s up? No way. A comeback is in the cards.” (The player might be fooling himself here. He stays and the tide has to change and be favorable again, right? Sadly, just like No. 2, the tide isn’t interested in your opinion of itself. It has no interest in your game. It might change for you; it might change against you. It is not consciously doing anything.)
    
4. “I’ve been behind and now I am even or almost even. Quitin’ time is right now? A few more hours and then I’ll head for breakfast.” (Again, why should the player figure the good times are about to roll in? No, not really. I’m guessing this player has played all night and deep into the morning. Breakfast? Bedtime is more like it.)
    
5. “Oh, yeah, I’ve played for 10 straight hours and I have consumed some drinks. I am about to nod out at the table. Should I leave now?” (Many players will continue to woozy their way for more play. A bad move.)
    
6. “I need coffee to keep me awake, that’s all. I can always sleep. I can’t always be playing in the casino.” (Some players figure that they will slurp up some strong coffee and wake up. Most caffeine is not that strong. The player might just get the jangles and be miserable for the rest of their play.)
    
7. “The slots have been cold. This one hasn’t hit anything big for a long time. Things must change now. Maybe I’ll move to another machine and see what I see before I leave the game. I’ve only been playing for eight hours. Maybe I should play two machines and play them as fast as I can. Or maybe I should go to a higher denomination because the hits can be bigger if I get some hits. Slots are supposed to hit sometimes, correct me if I am wrong.” (The faster you play the better it is for the casino. Isn’t eight hours enough time to take a break or go to your room for a good night’s rest? And going to a higher denomination? Can you afford a bad run on those machines? You have to play within your means.)
    
8. “Video poker can be a real pain.  I put in time at video poker and I am losing consistently. Have they fixed the cards? I’ll play this machine and see if it hits but if it doesn’t, I’ll go to another machine. How about a higher denomination?” (The player is staying at the party too long. A higher denomination? Just as in the above example; play within your means.)
    
9. “I gave myself $1000 to play with and I lost it really quickly. Maybe I should take tomorrow’s money or increase my credit line so I can keep playing. I haven’t had enough play.” (Do not increase the amount you planned to play. You took a beating and now is the time to stop and, yes, wait for tomorrow.)
    
10. “Why do I keep playing when I shouldn’t keep playing? Why? I know I should stop so why don’t I?” (You’ll find out what to do coming up now! Maybe there is a way to know without a doubt that you should stop and you won’t negate that and keep playing.)

The Still Small Voice

The still small voice was first written about in the Bible and meant that this voice comes from God and that it is your conscience that will speak to you. Religion has taken the quote and run with it.  

There is no need for a spiritual explanation of the still small voice because everyone, even atheists and agnostics, has such a small voice inside them that talks to them; that gives them advice in certain situations. 

Casino players definitely have this small voice inside them that gives them advice; often expert advice and if listened to such advice can save the casino patron much anguish. It is a question of listening to it and taking its advice. By the way, if your still small voice recommends going to the roof of the casino and seeing if you can fly, you have a defective one. Ignore it.

[Please note: I am guessing that casino players have such a small voice in their heads talking, perhaps only whispering, to them at times. Certainly, I have no scientific proof of such a thing. Maybe some players don’t have this small voice speaking to them. Maybe there are people in the world who don’t have a small voice of any kind. But for my purposes I suppose this small voice exists in us and tries to help us. Give it a listen and see if it exists for you.]

One Foot Toward the Door

Your players’ still small voice will usually talk to you about when it is time to quit. That’s right, the still small voice can be considered the farmer telling his farmhands it is time to head for the bunkhouse and strengthen up for the next day.

In casino playing, the still small voice might just whisper, “It’s quitin’ time” my friend. “Leave the table” or “Leave the machine.” Or “Don’t you dare take out another credit slip.” However, I am guessing that many players will at first ignore the voice or feel some inkling of understanding but they immediately reject the advice. Instead, they substitute one of the above options (or such options of such a kind).

I certainly do have the still small voice. I started listening to it in my third year of casino play. Until that time, I did make almost every mistake in all the books I would subsequently write.

I played the Martingale system at the now long-gone Sands casino in Atlantic City and got clobbered on the second day. I over bet my bankroll at Tropicana and went somewhat broke in my gambling funds. That took me a couple of months to replenish my bankroll. I bought (I am embarrassed to write this one) a super-duper slot magnet that would tell me the machines that were about to pay out.

Not one machine even hit.

Oh, there were other mistakes, yes, certainly, but I did learn and rather quickly at that.

My biggest problem was deciding when to leave a game. It was hard to pull away from the tables. In fact, I rarely wanted to leave a game because – see all of those options I wrote about above. I used just about all of them.

Now? I play with one foot pointed towards the door. If that still small voice says, “Frank, it is time to leave the game and come back later or tomorrow.” I listen to that voice and quit playing right then and there. I do trust my still small voice.

Early on, I might argue with the voice. I’d try to explain to it that I should play a few more hands of blackjack or wait for the dice to come to me so I can shoot or do a parley system at roulette or…you can guess it all.

But that voice won out because it was right. Leaving a game is the toughest thing most of us have to do. We come to the casino to play and often we play way too much. Shoving that voice aside is not a wise move. Quitin time’ is an important time.

What About Other Things?

Your still small voice might tell you other things too. Important things. For example, you are playing at a table and one player is such a pain in the neck that you think, “I should leave and go to another table.”

That, my friend, is your still small voice giving you good advice. It’s quitin’ time at that particular table because another table might just be a much better alternative to the table you’re at.

We go to the casino for fun, for good times, to maybe win some money; but it seems some players go to the casinos to whine and moan when the games turn against them. 

Some players get quite testy. Some even shout out their frustrations to the casino at large. Some verbally attack the dealers for being rotten and against the players. Who wants to put up with these players if they can be avoided by simply switching tables? Your still small voice will probably say, “Head elsewhere.” I think that’s good advice.

Even the machines have their irritating players. Someone who sits next to you at another machine and asks “How are you doing? Is your machine hot?” If that happens just say that you are breaking even but the two players who had the machine next to you got creamed. That might be an omen. Maybe that player will head for greener pastures. (It is okay to lie to save yourself!)

I am convinced that the still small voice is a real phenomenon. Anyway, it is for me. It’s kept me playing for well over 30 years and the scorch marks on my play only came in the beginning.

My still small voice says, “All the best in and out of the casinos!”
 

Blackjack is a popular card game that is played at casinos all over the world. One of the key elements of the game is the deck, or decks, of cards that are used to play. In this article, we will explore how many decks are used in blackjack and why this number can vary.

1. Understanding the Rules of Blackjack

To begin with, it's important to understand the basic rules of blackjack. The goal of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible without going over. Players are dealt two cards, and the dealer is dealt one face-up card and one face-down card. Players have the option to "hit" and receive additional cards in an effort to improve their hand, or to "stand" and keep their current hand. The dealer follows a set of rules known as the "house rules" to determine when to hit and when to stand.

2. The Deck in Blackjack: How Many Decks Are Used?

Now, let's delve into the specifics of the deck. In a traditional game of blackjack, a standard deck of 52 cards is used. This means that there are four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) with 13 cards in each suit (2 through 10, plus the face cards jack, queen, king, and ace). In some versions of the game, multiple decks are used, with the number of decks varying from one to eight.

 

3. Shoe Blackjack: The Use of Multiple Decks

The use of multiple decks in blackjack is known as "shoe" blackjack, named after the physical device that is used to hold and dispense the cards. Shoes can hold anywhere from one to eight decks, although four, six, and eight deck shoes are the most common. The use of multiple decks can affect the odds of the game, as it becomes less likely for certain cards to be drawn as the number of decks increases. For example, if a player is holding a hand with a high probability of winning, they may be less likely to win if the deck has more cards remaining, as there is a greater chance that the dealer will draw a winning hand.

 

 

4. Multiple Decks or Single Deck?

So, why do casinos use multiple decks in blackjack? There are a few reasons for this. First, using multiple decks makes it more difficult for players to keep track of the cards that have been played. This can be an advantage for the casino, as it makes it harder for players to use card counting strategies to gain an advantage. Card counting is a technique where players keep track of the cards that have been played in order to determine the likelihood of certain cards being drawn. While it is not illegal, casinos may ask players who are suspected of card counting to leave the premises.

Second, using multiple decks can also make the game move faster, as the dealer does not need to shuffle the deck as frequently. This can be an advantage for the casino, as it allows them to accommodate more players in a shorter amount of time.

It's worth noting that there are some variations of blackjack that use a single deck. These games are known as "pitch" blackjack, named after the physical process of dealing cards from a single deck rather than using a shoe. Single deck blackjack can be found at some casinos, but it is less common than multi-deck blackjack.

5. Summary

In conclusion, the number of decks used in blackjack can vary. Traditional games use a single deck, while many casinos use multiple decks in a shoe. The use of multiple decks can affect the odds of the game and make it more difficult for players to use card counting strategies. Single deck games, while less common, can also be found at some casinos.

Attracting slot players and keeping them entertained requires continual refreshing of approach, gameplay and themes. Once players have seen everything a slot has to offer a few dozen times, they're ready to see something new.

Something new can include games revolving around pop culture icons, innovative bonus events and sometimes non-traditional ways to play.

The latest group of games that was shown to casino industry professionals last autumn at Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas includes all of the above.

Dozens of new games were on display. Let's pick out five and take a look.

THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE AND FRIENDS, Everi Games

Most modern slot machines use at least five video reels that are at least three symbols deep, and have paylines by the dozens. The three-reel games that once dominated the market have been pushed to the back burner.

Still, there is a corps of players who still love the three-reel games, and Everi's two themes under the Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends umbrella promise them a rollicking good time.

Based on Jay Ward's animated series that launched in 1959, the new slots take advantage of the sounds and graphic images from the show. One theme is Rocky and Bullwinkle, based on series heroes Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Bullwinkle the Moose. The other game is Boris and Natasha, built around the Cold War spy villains Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale.

Each three-reel game has nine paylines along with a bonus wheel and multiple progressive jackpots. That gives it the basic ingredients for a successful three-reel game in the 21st century. 
But the fun comes in the characters and voice overs, with actors doing spot-on impressions of the original characters. 

The series, which ran in the 1950s and ‘60s, had multi-level humor, lampooning events of the day and keeping adults entertained as they watched with their children. Boris' plan to use metal-munching moon mice to take over the U.S.A. was detailed in a book labeled "Mice Kampf." The slot machine doesn't have to worry about the kids, and the humor is a huge nostalgia play for those attuned to the late Ward's comic touch.

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS INSTANT WIN, Aruze Gaming

Part of Aruze's new series of Acti-Play games that emphasize player participation, Rock Paper Scissors drew big crowds in its debut at Circa casino in Las Vegas late in 2022. As the game makes its way into other venues, nothing could be easier.

Rock Paper Scissors features a lighted wheel with a dot-animation hand in the center.  Around the rim, the wheel is divided into segments showing potential win amounts. Included is a diamond symbol to indicate a top progressive jackpot that was in the thousands of dollars in a demo version. There are two ruby segments, each good for a secondary progressive, which was in the hundreds in the demo.

Players choose a bet size and push play to start the hand rapidly fluttering among rock, paper and scissors symbols. The player then must choose one of three buttons featuring white-gloved hands, one in a fist to denote rock, one flat-palmed to show paper and one with two fingers in a "V" sign to indicate scissors.

Once you've made your choice, a random number generator tells the hand in the circle to stop on one of the signs. Bets are decided by rules of the age-old game: rock breaks scissors, paper covers rock, scissors cut paper. If you tie, the game keeps your bet but increases the potential prizes in the wheel segments.

If you've chosen the winning sign, a light flashes around wheel segments. When the light stops, it indicates how much you win.

It's a different way to play than the usual spinning reels. It's so simple it might not hold up to extended play, but a big share of slot players is sure to want to give it a try.

FRANKENSTEIN, Light and Wonder

The  game maker formerly known as Scientific Games has rebranded itself as Light and Wonder. Horror fans are sure to find wonder in a new series of games called the Monsters Return.

Frankenstein is a showcase theme in the Monsters Return, along with games modeled on the Bride of Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Wolf Man and Dracula.

Above its five reels, Frankenstein features Light and Wonder's Cash Top. The top includes a field of rectangles displaying credit awards along with six progressive jackpots. The credit awards aren't fixed. If a "Power Up" symbol lands on the first reel below, wins are increased, including Cash Box multipliers. 

Reels feature symbols and characters from the classic horror movie, with the main event being the monster himself. If you land an "It's Alive!" symbol on the first reel and a Frankenstein's monster face on any of the other reels, the monster grabs credit awards from the Cash Box. The monster symbols sometimes are stacked, so a stack of three monsters filling a reel takes multiple Cash Box prizes that send your credit meter soaring.

Opportunities are electrified when you land three Free Spins symbols. Then you get 10 free games with heightened chances to grab Cash Box awards and progressive jackpots. “It's Alive” symbols can be stacked as well as monster symbols. If you get a stack of three of the “It's Alive” symbols, then each Frankenstein monster symbol on the reel grabs three prizes.

Frankenstein also has a lock-and-respin bonus where fireballs are locked into place and held until respins bring no more fireballs. Respin bonuses are among the most popular features in slots today, and add another path to big wins in what looks like a monster hit.

LET"S MAKE A DEAL, IGT

Patterned after the long-running game show favorite, Let's Make a Deal bids for your attention with video from the show hosted by Wayne Brady and symbols such as jewelry, bedroom furniture and other prizes that might be featured on TV.

Dollar bill-shaped symbols usually are blue at the start, and as the spin ends, they reveal credit awards. When one of the bills is gold, that's when the fun starts. Gold bills bring the opportunity to make a deal.

Sometimes the deal is simple. Do you want the bill, or do you want what's in a virtual box? Your choice could bring a bigger or smaller credit award, or a bigger or smaller win multiplier.
Less often, the gold bill will launch the Big Deal. That plays just like the television show, with a chance to choose among Door No. 1, Door No. 2 or Door No. 3.  One door hides one of five progressive jackpots. After you choose, one of the other doors is opened, showing a non-jackpot prize. That heightens the drama before your door is opened.

There are also games within the game featuring stunts used on the TV show. A free spins bonus doesn't end until you accumulate at least three "Zonks," the word long used on TV to describe bad deals with gag prizes.

Plenty of entertainment value is built into the game to keep you going between deals. 

AMERICA'S RICH LIFE, Konami

With a star-spangled eagle complete with red, white and blue-striped feathers as a unifying symbol, this five-reel video slot leads you toward the land of jackpots. It's all set to the tune of Godfather of Soul James Brown belting out his Grammy-winning song “Living in America.”

The American good time of big wins features a bonus wheel. When six or more wheel symbols, each containing a credit award, land on the reels, the eagle flaps at the top of the reels and takes you to the big wheel for a chance at credits and progressive jackpots.

On the big wheel, the total credits shown in the on-screen wheel serve as the base for your three spins to accumulate credit awards. You get three wheel spins at the start, and on each spin, awards in wheel segments increase by that base amount. If the base is 500 credits and a segment award is 1,000 on the first spin, it will be 1,500 on the second and 2,000 on the third.

Wheel segments are color coded. The eight white segments contain credit awards. If you land on either of two blue segments, you get a credit award plus a minor jackpot. One red segment brings credits plus a major jackpot, while one gold segment brings credits plus the grand jackpot.

But wait, there's more. Most of the wheel display is an interior wheel, but around the rim there's an outer reel. Most outer segments bring no further prize, but some award extra spins. So you could win more than three spins, bumping up your credit meter each time around.

Wheel-spin games tend to be more popular in live casinos than online. The big wheels serve as an attraction, drawing attention from passers-by. Indeed, live casinos are where you'll see America's Rich Life first, but if it proves popular, online distributors will want to take a look.

Most players know that different video poker games mean different playing strategies. Jacks or better is quite different from double-double bonus so it is easy to see a different playing strategy is required.

What many video poker players may not know is even a minor change to a game’s pay table can cause changes to the playing strategy.

This article reviews some strategy changes caused by changing the pay table.

Contents

1. Playing strategy defined

2. Jacks or better playing strategies

Let’s look at an example of strategy for jacks or better. There are two generally available pay tables for jacks or better. 

• The first is the “full pay” table paying 9-for-1 for a full house and 6-for-1 for a flush. This game returns 99.54% with perfect play.
   
• The second pay table pays 8-for-1 for a full house and 5-for-1 for a flush. As the availability of the full pay game waned, the 8/5 pay table became more popular. This is probably the most common jacks or better pay table in casinos today. This version returns 96.14% with perfect play.

Consider the following initially dealt hand:

Ace of clubs, King of diamonds, Queen of spades, Jack of spades, and 3 of hearts – or more cryptically Ac-Kd-Qs-Js-3h.

Notice that this hand has the possibility of a royal flush, a full house, a flush and a straight, as well as high pairs and three or four of a kind. In the most common jacks or better pay table today, both the full house and the flush pays are reduced by one credit from the full pay version (8/5 versus 9/6 for full pay).

Will this impact the proper hold for the sample hand? Let us see.

The two top holds for both pay tables are:

• Ac-Kd-Qs-Js
• Qs-Js

For the full pay (9/6) game the returns are:

• Ac-Kd-Qs-Js: 2.9787 credits for five credits played
• Qs-Js: 3.0019 credits for five credits played

For the 8/5 version the returns are:

• Ac-Kd-Qs-Js: 2.9787 credits for five credits played
• Qs-Js: 2.9463 credits for five credits played

The first hold (Ac-Kd-Qs-Js) returns the same in either game because none of the possible final hands is a full house or flush. 

3. Double-double bonus playing strategies

Now let’s look at the double-double bonus game. Two different pay tables are generally available.

• One pays 9-for-1 for a full house, and 6-for-1 for a flush. This game returns 98.98%.
• The other pays 8-for-1 for a full house and 5-for-1 for a flush. This game returns 96.78%.

Consider this dealt hand:

Jd-Jc-Kc-Qc-4h

This hand has two obvious holds – the two jacks (Jd Jc) or the straight flush/royal flush hold of the king, queen and jack of clubs (Jc-Kc-Qc).

How do these two holds perform on the two pay tables?

9/6 pay table returns:

• Jd-Jc           7.2323 credits for five credits played
• Jc-Kc-Qc     7.3451 credits for five credits played

8/5 pay table returns:

• Jd-Jc           7.1795 credits for five credits played
• Jc-Kc-Qc     7.1462 credits for five credits played

4. How to determine and play the proper strategy

As this article has demonstrated, playing strategy can change between different games. It can also change if the pay table changes. 

Video poker players must make sure to verify the pay table as well as the game in order to play the proper strategy.

While there are video poker strategy cards available at gambling stores and in casino gift shops, they usually only are good for one pay table.

In order to make sure the strategy used is proper for both the game and pay table, a video poker strategy app should be used.

5. Summary 

• Most video poker players know the playing strategy for different games is different. 
• Some may not know that the playing strategy also can change if the pay table changes. Two examples of changed strategies are presented.
• In order to make sure you have the proper playing strategy, purchase a video poker strategy app or a practice app that has strategy generation included.

As most video poker players know, not all video poker is alike. There are different games, different pay tables for each game, games with few jackpot-sized winners and those with many jackpot-sized winning hands.

Each of these variations in the game affect that specific game’s variance – a measure of the size of swings, both up and down, in the player's bankroll.

This article explores the differences between high variance and low variance games.

Contents

1. Variance defined

2. Video poker game features that impact variance

In video poker, low variance means the pays for winning hands do not vary much. High variance means the pays for winning hands vary significantly. 

3. Characteristics of low variance video poker games

As stated in the previous section, low variance video poker games have few or no very high-paying hands and many lower-paying hands. This means that most of the paying hands pay about the same amount.

A good example of a low variance game is jacks or better. There are a total of nine winning hands. They are (from lowest to highest pay):

Notice that six of the hands pay relatively close to the same amount, and there is only one very high-paying hand (royal flush).

What winning hands pay is only part of the equation that determines variance. The frequency of occurrence and percent of total return must also be considered.

Frequency of winning hands and percent of total return:

* Totals may not appear properly due to rounding.

Over 99% of the total winning hands pay 9-for-1 or less. Less than one-half of 1% of winning hands pay more.

Also, the three top paying hands contribute about 2.5% of the total return. The rest contribute fairly evenly.

4. Characteristics of high variance video poker games

Now let us look at a high variance game – one with more of the winning amounts coming from higher paying hands.

One very popular higher variance game is double-double bonus. This game has 13 winning hands. They are (from lowest to highest paying):

Notice the much higher payouts for the top several hands. Here is a list of frequency and percent of total return for these hands:

* Totals may not appear properly due to rounding.

The double-double bonus statistics show a different story. While the frequency of winning hands looks very similar to those for jacks or better, the percent of return is quite different.

The six lowest paying hands contribute less than 80% of the total return – not the better than 90% return in jacks or better.

The top paying hands contribute over 20% of the total return. 

The concentration of over 20% of the return in the less than one percent of the frequency causes the variance to soar – to 41.98. 

Adrenaline junkies tend to prefer high variance games.

High variance games have more of the total return concentrated in several high-paying hands. To pay for this, the pays for lower-paying hands are reduced. High variance games tend to have wild bankroll fluctuations. More frequent high paying hands shoot the bankroll up and reduced pays for other hands quickly drain the bankroll.

5. Summary 

• Variance is low when most or all of the winning hands pay roughly the same amount.
• Variance is high when a larger portion of the total return is concentrated in fewer, higher paying hands.
• Low variance games require a smaller bankroll.
• High variance games are a wild ride.
• High variance means high bankroll requirements.
   

They came in all sizes and shapes, almost exclusively men. Some were studious, some somewhat scholarly, some devil-may-care adventurers, and they figured out a way to beat the game of roulette without actually needing loads of good luck and fortuitous bounces. They used their brains and the fact that the casinos were not really aware of the weakness that inherently existed in their roulette wheels.

But these players knew better.

They studied the wheels or paid other people to study the wheels for thousands of spins, and indeed found weaknesses in them, usually due to such wheels being biased as in unbalanced, as in some pockets were slightly bigger or smaller than other pockets, so that certain numbers came up much or somewhat more frequently than their probabilities predicted. 

It only took a slight change in probabilities to make the game favor these players and when these biased wheels said to such players in their ears, in a whisper, “Play me, my dear sir, and perhaps win a fortune. You can’t pass me up now, can you?”

Of course, those roulette players, today they are known as big number players, extracted what in our modern world would be millions of dollars in winning hits, the casinos (of course) caught on.

Sometimes it takes smart players to alert the casinos to the flaws in the casinos’ games. This happened in blackjack in the 1960s with the introduction of card counting. It happened in craps in the 1980s and 1990s by the use of controlled throws by skilled players. 

This certainly happened in the game of roulette. 

The big-number players smashed the casinos’ hopes that the roulette games were merely random exercises giving just random results. Yes, the games were random sometimes; the games weren’t at other times. The overwhelming thousands of players had no idea of how to actually beat the games so even biased wheels were not much of a problem to the casinos.

Players played their birthdays, their favorite numbers, big events in their lives, and such. None of these techniques had any merit. Good luck was good luck – and that’s all it was. Rely on luck and the casino wins now and forever.

The big-number players took it to the casinos. We know who many of them were but there were countless unknown players who also took it to the casinos.  

Oh, yes, those were the days of the big-number players; the 1800s into the 1900s. Playing big numbers continued into the 1990s.

[Please note: My wife, the Beautiful AP, and I discovered a biased wheel at a major Las Vegas casino in the early 1990s and it was a glorious session for the two of us when we realized what we had found. It took the casino a little while, merely hours, to realize what kind of wheel they had and they closed that game down but we had done some decent damage during our play. In a table with other players, we were the only ones playing those three big numbers. Casino players often have their preferred playing methods no matter what is actually happening right under their noses.] 

Yes, many big-number players were caught and expelled (or worse) by the casinos. Monte Carlo took many hits. The earliest big number players seemed to flock to that venue as it was the – and I mean the – Valhalla of the gambling world. That was the town to hit. And it was hit.

How to Find Big Numbers

I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that figuring out what numbers are big numbers is relatively easy.

On the American double-zero wheel (0, 00) there are 38 pockets, numbered 1 through 36 with an additional 0 and 00. On the European single-zero wheel you still have numbers 1 through 36 with only one additional zero (0). That gives the game 37 pockets into which the ball can come to rest.

A single hit on a number pays 35-to-1 at each game. If one of your numbers hits a 35-to-1 payoff seems great even though it actually isn’t that great due to the real house edge at the games.

The American game has a house edge of 5.26 percent; the European game has a house edge of 2.7 percent. The American game will extract $5.26 for every $100 wagered by the players. The European game will extract $2.70 per $100 wagered. It is difficult to overcome either of those edges as just about any roulette player will confess.

The American game tends to dominate the field so I will use that game to go through how to look for big numbers.

The selection principle requires two ingredients from the players looking to take out the casino by beating the game. Over tens of thousands of roulette decisions, we can expect the decisions will have each number hit an average of once every 38 spins. Will that actually happen in the real world? No. 

Some numbers will dominate now and again but even with tens of thousands of decisions it will be rare to see each number hit on average once every 38 decisions. In fact, in our lifetimes we would not see that theoretical assumption happen in reality.

Still, if a wheel had a defect of some kind, you could ferret out a way to beat it.

Get That Big Number

Let us say that you have recorded 38,000 decisions on a wheel. Each number would be expected to appear 1,000 times. (In reality that would not happen. The real world doesn’t always follow our predictions.) One number has hit 2,000 times.

Let’s pretend you are betting one dollar on that number every spin. You spent $38,000 in bets but you would win $70,000 on the 2,000 times your number hit. Of course, you lost 36,000 times when your number didn’t hit, so your profit would be $34,000.

That number would be a great choice to keep betting. It is a really, really big number! 

Some version of that would be what a big-number player would hope to discover. And, in fact, the successful big-number players of the past found numbers that made them money.

So much for the good news. Now to the facts of today’s wheels.

The Bad News for Today’s Roulette Players

The past is dead when it comes to really finding roulette wheels that are biased enough to give a player a chance to win that is not just based on luck. 

Today’s wheels are sophisticated mechanisms that are constantly checked by the casinos to make sure they are actually giving the players a random game. Such a random game is bad for the players as the casino does not pay the true odds of the bets the players win. However, such a game is good for the casinos because they get to keep the money their edge on the bets makes them.

A simple unpoetic saying suffices: Random is good for the casino. Random is not good for the players.

Most casinos have computer programs that check the results of the wheels. The casinos do not want to take a chance that a wheel will go “off.” The wheels can be checked every day. No chances are being taken at the roulette game except by the players betting their hard-earned money.

Of course, random numbers will appear in different ways, different sequences. Some numbers will seem hot for a short while but they cannot be relied on to beat the game because they cannot be relied on to continue hitting. Some other number or numbers will become ascendant as the formerly hot number recedes. 

Random does not have a plan for how these numbers or what actual numbers will hit. Random has no consciousness. The numbers appear or they don’t appear. We know what the math says but the math does not control things. It merely explains things.

Random controls things, meaning (here is a fact) nothing controls things. 

We have 38 pockets that are numbered. One pocket will hit when the ball finally lands after its descent from the wheel. Short of the ball flying off the wheel (and perhaps hitting a player in the head), the game is fully dictated by those pockets and the ball traveling down the side of the wheel, often hitting the bumpers, and then bouncing and careening in and out of a bunch of pockets before it settles into one, whose number is the winner.

[Please note: What are players doing when they bet on roulette? They are hoping that they can make the game adhere to their private wishes, their individual wills. They want the game not to be random but to be controlled by their choices, their desires. They want to conquer randomness by the power of their betting choices. Does it happen? No. Even if a player picks a winner on this or that spin is irrelevant and does not mean that player has conquered the nature of the game. Our will power has no power in this case.]

Let’s Make It Simple

Since today’s roulette game is beyond our scope of winning by getting a real edge, as opposed to the players merely needing a dose of good luck to allow them to win some money, we can forget tracking 38,000 numbers or anything close to that. Why waste the time?

In fact, we are going to only look at 20 numbers. That’s the number of numbers on the typical roulette scoreboard.

We are going to look for repeating numbers and there will be, over even a short period of time, one or two or in rare occasions three repeating numbers on a 20-number scoreboard.

Those repeating numbers will be considered our big numbers. These are the numbers we will bet.

When to Stop Betting the ‘Big’ Numbers

Let us say you are betting the 19 and now one of the 19s leaves the scoreboard. Yes, there is only one of the 19s on the scoreboard right now. What should you do? You bet one more 19 and then abandon the number after that.

[Please note: I am guessing that the most numbers you will have to bet will be three. This is not that common. Having two numbers that have repeated will occur far more than you realize. Remember that with 38 numbers and 20 shown on the scoreboard, it is a better than 50/50 chance that one of those 20 numbers will repeat.]

Can This New “Big” Number System Actually Work?

Sad to say this – no, it can’t work to give you any kind of a real edge. It is a fun way to play, yes, and you won’t be spending too much money betting one, two or possibly three “big” numbers. Everybody has their method of playing the game, this could be one of yours. You aren’t increasing the house edge at the game; you are just playing the game the casino wants you to play. 

Players using the new “big” number approach will need as much luck to win as anyone else playing the game. It is always 37-to-1 for your number to hit at the American game (and 36-to-1 for it to hit at the European game) and there is nothing you can do about this.

I will admit that reality can be annoying when we consider casino play as a recreational activity. If we were living in the 1800s, we’d have a shot at maybe getting a real edge over the game of roulette. Now? Sorry, that’s not to be.

Still the new “big” number method can make play somewhat more exciting than just throwing out a bet or two with no thought behind them. Sure, thoughts can’t affect the game but it makes a player think that in some way, shape or form they are doing something positive as they play. That’s fine by me.

All the best in and out of the casino!

In this article I explain what the Supernova roulette betting system is and how to use it on live roulette games.

Table of Contents

1 – Introduction to the Supernova Roulette Betting System

The Supernova betting system is a skilfully worked out roulette predicting system. The concept was designed to be used on live (croupier started) roulette games with European or American roulette wheels. 

• How many roulette numbers are bet on using the Supernova Betting System?

15 chips are used in each game with the Supernova roulette betting system. And for some games, certain key numbers are bet on more than once. But no more than 15 numbers are bet on.

2 – Supernova profit/loss fluctuations 

When keeping score on roulette games using the Supernova betting system, a player should notice waves of wins and waves of losses that fluctuate above and below a player’s break-even bankroll.

The following outcomes are possible when playing the Supernova roulette betting system;

• Recovering losses – If a player has double or triple payout wins, when on a down wave, recovering losses can be fast. And this may be a signal that a winning wave has started.
• Generating profits – When on up waves, that winning state can be sustained for longer and a greater winning chip count target reached.
• Giving back profits – The frequency of wins has declined and fewer double and triple payout wins are occurring.
• Losing chips – Whereby losses are outweighing wins and thus a player’s bankroll is decreasing.

3 – How do you win using the Supernova Roulette Betting System?

To win at using the Supernova betting system, your win/loss ratio needs to be consistently stable during a roulette session until your bankroll peaks into profit.
This is achieved by flat betting on straight-up numbers. There are single (x1), double (x2) and triple (x3) wins during most roulette sessions.

• The stake is 15 chips.
• A single, x1 chip win returns 36 chips (35-1 the win, plus 1 chip stake returned) – this represents gains of +21 chips.
• A double, x2 chip win returns 72 chips – this means that +57 chips of profit were gained.
• And a triple, x3 chip win returns 108 chips – this is a whopping +93 chips of profit. 

4 – Why Flat Bet using the Supernova Roulette Betting System?

Flat betting or wagering the same chip value on each game is an easy way to determine if a player is winning or losing i.e. flat betting tests how well a betting system is functioning.

The Supernova roulette betting system goes through cycles of winning and losing waves. There’s no need to take on further risk by increasing stakes at any stage. 

Because the number of wagered chips is set at 15, increasing wagers can prove dangerous if winning outcomes don’t materialise. 

A player need only stick with the system in order to allow the strength of flat betting to work itself out. The pockets a roulette ball lands in over many games will have a bearing upon the success rate of the Supernova betting system.

5 – How does the Supernova betting system operate on live roulette games?

A casino croupier sets roulette games in motion by:

1. Rotating the wheel – the speed at which the croupier rotates a wheel will have an impact upon the outcome of games.
2. Flicking the ball into the ball track – The force at which a croupier flicks the ball will determine the number of times the ball travels around the ball track.

A roulette ball has to travel at least three times around the ball track for a roulette game to be valid. The ball will likely strike deflectors and pocket dividers before landing into a pocket. 

The ball-wheel association occurs within a limited area to produce outcomes and the patterns those outcomes form. 

The Supernova roulette betting system takes advantage of the ball landing in repeat areas of the wheel. The result is the signature of the ball resulting in outcomes.

The random nature of roulette games are maintained. However within that randomness, patterns do form. 

6 – How to play roulette using the Supernova Betting System

The Supernova Roulette Betting System is a neighbors by five bet selection. This means, the number you call and the two numbers on each side of that number. 

For instance, if you make a No. 17 neighbors bet on the racetrack then the completed bet will cover the following numbers:

• 2-25-17-34-6

Before you place your three neighbor bets which form the 15 chips total outlay per roulette game, first select your flat betting unit amount for each chip.  

Make sure that your neighbor bets are by five, because some online casino games allow players to select neighbors by three and neighbors by seven.

Next select the last three roulette outcomes. And use these numbers to make your three neighbors bets.

If 17 is one of the last three outcomes, then select 17. If you have selected neighbors by five, your bet will be placed and chips will automatically be arranged on 17 and the four other numbers; two numbers on one side of 17 and two numbers on the other side of #17. 

If #23 was the number before #17, you would select #17 neighbors and #23 neighbors. 

Chips will appear on the 17 neighbors and on 23 and its four neighbor numbers that are as follows: 30-8-23-10-5

So, whatever the last three outcomes displaying on the scoreboard when using the Supernova roulette betting system, you bet on the last three outcomes as neighbors by five. 

Be careful because sometimes casino scoreboards make mistakes and show the wrong results so keep notes of all outcomes following each roulette game.

Carry on betting until you reach your target, i.e. the number of unit wins or percentage increase of your bankroll. When you have to bet on the same number or a number next to it just do it. Whatever those last three outcomes are. 

So, if 28 appeared as the last three outcomes, using the Supernova roulette betting system, your next bets need to be 28 neighbors by five, three times. 

The concept that forms the Supernova roulette betting system is the ball-wheel relationship. And although the croupier plays a role, ultimately the signature of the ball’s journey to a pocket on a wheel is the key to the system. 

Because a wheel only has a limited number of pockets, the signature of the ball is seen and thus the Supernova roulette betting system takes advantage of this random generated anomaly.

It is important to only bet on the last three outcomes and only neighbors by five.

7 – Supernova Roulette Betting System recap how to play

Consider the following outcomes and see how I’ve applied the last three outcomes onto the racetrack betting area. 

• 32–2–34–26–16–5–30–29–35–28–3–4–15 

There are wins on numbers 26, 5, 28, 3 and 15. There is a double win on 28 because its neighbors are 35 and 29 which were within the range of the neighbors by five, the two previous outcomes. 

So for the next bet you would take the last three outcomes which are 15, 4 and 3. As you can see, if the next outcome is 0, 15, 19 or 4, you will secure a double pay-out (x2) win. 

This is because the ball would be visiting that area of the wheel connected to the last three outcomes.  

By using neighbors by five, clusters form and sometimes double or triple pay-out wins are possible.

If you do not win and the ball visits another area, then you release one of your two groups of neighbors by five to take a position in that area. 

Thereby, if the ball revisits areas bet on in future games, you stand a good chance of winning. 

The ball may return to the area/s your other two groups of neighbors by five bets are still on the wheel. If this is the case then your bets could win. 

8 – Is the Supernova Roulette Betting System worth trying?

If you prefer flat betting and enjoy playing roulette in a structured way then the Supernova betting system is well worth trying.

The aim of the Supernova roulette betting system is concentrated on the patterns of future outcomes; from the croupier’s hand to the pockets a ball lands in. This is what sets it apart from most other roulette betting systems.
 

Live online game shows are all the craze at 888casino nowadays. So, it's no wonder that Crazy Time by Evolution is an instant hit with players. Fans of the Wheel of Fortune will feel a rush of nostalgia with Crazy Time. A funky attraction, this stylish live casino game brings plenty of excitement to your screen in a dizzying spin fest.

 

How to Play Crazy Time 

Crazy Time features 8 unique bets, including 1-2-5-10 number selections. As with the Big Six, the straight payouts are equivalent to your number bets. For example, 1 pays even money, 2 doubles your bet, 5 pays quintuple your cash, and 10 rewards you tenfold. All of this unfolds in real time with a casino host. But that's the bare minimum that you can win because there are multipliers in this game.

Similar to the Dream Catcher concept, Crazy Time adds lots of multipliers to boost your payout potential. Directly above the giant money wheel is a Top Slot. This is where the multipliers are generated. Lucky you if your number bet comes in with a bigger multiplier than the standard payout. With 4 different bonus games in play, this game show delivers exciting action and giant-sized rewards.

You can scoop up different-sized multipliers during two of the four bonus rounds. Evolution's proprietary gaming tech lets you enjoy sophisticated RNG entertainment on-screen. When the multipliers are at full throttle, winnings of 25,000 X are possible. Designed as an audio-visual spectacle, Crazy Time rocks.

Once you make your bet selections 1, 2, 5, 10, Coin Flip, Pachinko, Cash Hunt, or Crazy Time, the top slot spins alongside the Crazy Time wheel. Suppose you land a selection with a multiplier; more power to you. This multiplier value can do one of two things: multiply your number bets or multiply the multipliers during a bonus round. Now, wait for the Crazy Time wheel to stop at the right spot.
 

Four Unique Bonus Rounds

 

Everybody loves a bonus round, and this game has four of them. Crazy Time introduces players to the following bonus rounds:

Cash Hunt Bonus

Remember those carnival-style shooting galleries? Well, Cash Hunt features a shooting gallery with 108 random multipliers. Each random symbol is shuffled around on screen, courtesy of the RNGs. Then, you pick a target on screen – preferably hiding the biggest multiplier – and wait for the cannon to unload. This immersive bonus game brings you onto the field of play. Bullseye!

 

Pachinko Bonus

Pachinko is lots of fun. This bonus round showcases a giant-sized Pachinko wall with loads of physical pegs. The casino host drops the puck on the field of play. Away she goes, and where she lands, nobody knows. The multipliers will double if the puck happens upon a double value. There is a 10,000 X multiplier limit with the Pachinko bonus game.

 

Coin Flip Bonus

There's nothing like a good old-fashioned Coin Flip. It's a 50-50 chance of generating a big multiplier. Each coin has a red side and a blue side. Whatever side lands face-up wins. Before the Coin Flip, multipliers are randomly selected. You guessed it – two of them, one for each side. So, cross your fingers for the biggest multipliers on every Coin Flip bonus round. 

 

Crazy Time Bonus

We saved the best bonus round for last – Crazy Time! If you bet on the Crazy Time bonus game and the Crazy Time wheel lands in that position, you're in luck. Watch the live dealer walk through the red door in the gaming studio. This is augmented reality gaming at its best, folks. A zany, surreal scene unfolds before your eyes. You will notice a brand-new version of the Crazy Time wheel with plenty of multiplier segments highlighted.

There are three stoppers on the Crazy Time virtual wheel. These are green, blue, and yellow. Choose one of these stoppers during this round of play. Once you've selected a colour, the dealer will press the red button on stage to spin the super-sized Crazy Time wheel. The result of the spin determines the size of the multiplier you receive. The multipliers on the Crazy Time bonus wheel can increase the size of the multipliers as the rounds progress. The maximum multiplier value during this round is 20,000 X.

Once the Crazy Time bonus round ends, the dealer exits the special room, closes the red door, and you're ready to do it all over again.

Nice to Know: With every bet you place, maximum benefits accrue when the top slot matches your wheel bet selection.

 

Play Crazy Time at 888 Live 

 

Get in on the action with the world-famous Crazy Time game show at 888. The minimum bet size is £0.10, and the maximum bet size is £5000 per spin. This popular game is a big hit with fans, thanks to the huge multipliers and eight unique bet selections. You've arrived at the capital of live gaming – the U.K.'s premier live casino. So, log in to your 888casino account, and make your play today.