History of gambling in Britain: 1830 to 1900 – betting is everywhere

April 25, 2012 By

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the 1830′s there were gambling establishments all over London and they weren’t all as civilised as the gentleman’s clubs of the 1700′s. In 1833, The Times published this account:

“The generality of minor gambling houses are kept by prize-fighters and other desperate characters, who bully and hector the more timid out of their money by deciding that bets have been lost, when, in fact, they have been won. To these places thieves resort and such other loose characters as are lost to every feeling of honesty and shame.”

This article went on to talk of men losing their clothes and being sent home almost naked. This ‘bad’ behaviour resulted in The Gaming Act of 1845 which stipulated that wagers could no longer be legally binding contracts.

In the 1700’s, horseracing became a professional sport that people could bet on and by the mid-1800’s, there were more than 400 betting shops in London. The Attorney General recommended a bill to the House of Commons that would prohibit betting as “mischief arising from the existence of these betting shops is perfectly notorious”.

These betting houses were closed down but this didn’t seem to stop Britain from gambling. Street betting continued until it was banned in the Street Betting Act in 1906 – the only place where it was legal to bet was at the race course.

In September 1890, the Tranby Scandal, otherwise known as the Royal Baccarat Scandal, happened at the shipping magnate Arthur Wilson’s home. His guests, who included the Prince of Wales and Sir William Gordon-Cumming, were playing illegal baccarat when Gordon-Cumming was accused of cheating. The case went to court as slander and the future British king, King Edward VII had to testify. Gordon-Cumming lost the court battle and had to retire from the army in disgrace.

For the very best in online gaming play at Platinum Play.

Filed Under: Casino interest, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Online blackjack over online poker

January 3, 2012 By

 

 

 

 

One of the best things about playing at Platinum Play is the number of games that are available, and the only real dilemma you might ever face is trying to decide which one you should play over another. When it comes to table games, blackjack and poker have always somewhat dominated the casino scene, thanks to their immense popularity.

They both have a huge following for completely different reasons, with blackjack players favouring the fast-paced play and relative simplicity of the game, over the strategic mind game tactics that tend to be a major part of poker.

That’s not to say that one game is better than another, or that poker players are inherently smarter than their blackjack counterparts; instead it all just boils down to taste and the type of game that you prefer.
Personally I prefer to play blackjack over poker, especially when it comes to the online versions of both games. I really like the high-speed aspect of blackjack, and now that Platinum Play has a multi-hand version of the game, I can play multiple hands each and every round.

I also find that I don’t have very much luck when I play online poker, as I tend to sort of zone out when waiting for other players to take their turn. Good poker players don’t have that problem, and fully understand that they have to pay attention to every move and bet that is placed at the table, even when they have folded out of a hand. The key to being a great poker player is watching how other players bet in different situation, which can help tell when they have a genuinely good hand, or are bluffing. My short attention span does not allow me to be a good poker player, but it does make me a decent blackjack player, so I think I’ll just stick to what it is I do best, as that affords me the best chance to win regularly.

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Secret Admirer slot game

January 3, 2012 By

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day may still be a couple of months away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get a little TLC before the big day arrives. All you have to do to get your heart racing, and get your swoon on, is to check out the super sexy 5-reel, 9-payline slot called Secret Admirer.

The reels are covered with all the gifts that every girl dreams; diamonds, chocolate and perfume are just a few, and if you play your cards right, you might just score a massive 5,000 coin jackpot win.

There are tons of other ways that Secret Admirer shows you the love, including a super hold feature that allows you to hold onto the reels you love, whilst spinning the others to try and get a winning combination. It’s nice to see a feature that usually only shows up in pub slots make an appearance here.

Secret Admirer also comes with a scatter and Wild symbol to help get your winnings up, and it’s those diamond ring scatters that can really make your heart soar. Two or more rings activate the Free Spin feature where the winning can go over 25,000 coins if playing the max bet.

There are tons of playing options, and the multiple denomination levels make this game perfect for people with hearts of all sizes. There really is no better combination than Platinum Play and Microgaming when it comes to themed slots selections, and this is another one that fits perfectly into their already impressive stable of games.

We already know that you love Platinum Play, but why not come on in and see a little action with your Secret Admirer.

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Progressive video poker

December 26, 2011 By

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, I’m sure you have at some point been overwhelmed by the amount of entertainment on display, but one of the most alluring sights is actually found inside the casino. I’m talking about those big electronic displays that display the progressive jackpot amount, which is usually a dollar amount that most of us have only ever dared dream about.

Imagine my excitement when Platinum Play first introduced progressive games, and had that little dollar ticker going on the bottom left of their website. Just watching those numbers tick upwards, and then imagining someone else winning it, was more than enough to get me spinning.

Progressive slots take the excitement to a whole new level, but what about those casino players that has no interest in playing slots? I realize that the jackpot alone is enough to get anyone to play, but to sit for an extended period of time, playing a game that you don’t really care for isn’t anyone’s idea of fun.
That was quickly taken care of with the introduction of progressive table games, as well as a great video poker progressive called Jackpot Deuces.

Video poker is one of the most popular casino games in the world as it is, but adding a progressive element to the game quickly made Jackpot Deuces an instant success. The game itself is similar to Double Joker Poker in that the game is played with a 54-card deck which holds a pair of wild cards.

I’m assuming that you all know how to play video poker, so I’ll just skip to the part where you can win that massive progressive jackpot. Keep in mind that in order to do so you must be playing the max bet when the jackpot combo hits. The winning combination that will land you that big jackpot is a Royal Flush comprised of diamonds. That’s very appropriate when you consider how many diamonds you could buy with all that money.

 

 

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Mobile casino security

December 19, 2011 By

 

 

 

There are a number of things that have made Platinum Play such a successful online casino, and the great selection of games is really only scratching the surface. For me, one of the best aspects of the casino is the security that they provide to all their players every time we play there.

You hear so many horror stories about people having their information stolen whilst being online; it’s easy to be a little nervous any time you have to go on the net. The problem isn’t always with the person being careless, but instead it’s often down to the company that they are dealing with.

That’s not something that you will ever have to worry about when you log in at Platinum Play with their online security, because they make sure that your information is always safe, and part of that is choosing partners and deposit options match that level of security.

I am now officially over my “fear” of performing transactions online, and now know what to look for, and what sites to avoid when it comes to security levels. That faith doesn’t extend to my cell phone, so when I saw that Platinum Play was releasing a version of their casino software for mobile devices; I was a little concerned about depositing and safety issues.

I really shouldn’t have been worried at all, and the security encryption technology that is used in the mobile software is the same that is used at banks and major financial institutions all over the world. You really can’t get much safer than that, but PP go a step further by adding banking methods that are designed to protect all your private information no matter how many times you use them.

Playing casino games requires a high level of confidence in your skills, and if you are spending time worrying about your security, it’s going to affect your game. My advice is to get your game on at Platinum Play, where you can always place your bets with confidence.

 

Filed Under: Banking, Casino interest, Safety and security Tagged With: , ,

Types of online games available

December 19, 2011 By

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online casinos, while still relatively new to the world of gambling, have been around long enough for most people to have a basic idea of what you get when you log on to play. What most people may not really understand is the amazing number of games that are available to players. Platinum Play, using the incredible Microgaming software, leads the way in the number and quality of games, and it may come of something of a surprise many gamblers who have yet to make the online leap.

As you might expect, there are hundreds of different slot machines to choose from, including 3-reel pub slots, 5-reel video slots with amazing bonus games and jackpots, and of course those incredible progressive slots offering life changing money should you hit the jackpot. There are also the ever popular video poker games, with a bunch of different versions to choose from. All the best known table games are also available at Platinum play, with blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps all on offer.

Platinum Play also has its own poker and bingo portals, where fans of those games can go to play 24/7, without ever having to wait for a new game to start. These are all games that you would expect to find in any casino, but there are also a few that may come as a very pleasant surprise.

You can get your keno fill on PP, and if you only have a short time to play, then why not go with a couple of scratch cards, with a chance to win some real quick money. Perhaps the most exciting of those alternative games are the International Blackjack and Slots Leagues, where you can match your skills against other Platinum Play players from all over the world.

While many of these games may not be that familiar to many players, PP gives you the chance to get to know them all by offering the ability to play for fun. It’s how I learned to play the games that I didn’t know very well, but if you just want to jump in and play for real, then it’s clear to see that there are plenty of exciting ways to do so.

 

 

 

 

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Minimizing losses

December 12, 2011 By

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone’s goal is to end their time at the casino with more money than they started with, but as that isn’t always a the case, you have to set some limits on your playing time, or the amount of money that you spend, so that you don’t run into any kind of financial trouble.

Perhaps the easiest way to minimize your losses is to set a strict spending amount when you play. The key to responsible gambling is to never bet more than you can afford to lose, and that begins with knowing your limits. In order to keep it balanced, you should also set a walk away amount when you are winning. It’s easy to become free and easy with your money when you are winning, but the chances are that you could just end up losing it all by playing in a style that goes against the grain of your normal method.

Once you have an established amount in place, then your next choice becomes which games to play. If you are a fan of slots, then look for machines that have lower maximum bets, rather than using up a chunk of your bankroll on every spin. For example, if you are playing a penny slot that has 143 paylines, that’s going to cost more than a nickel slot with 20 paylines. The denomination isn’t always the key to the lowest wager, it’s the max bet.

If table games are more your style, then try to stick to tables that have a minimum bet that is no more than 5% of your bankroll. If you follow that 5% rule, it’s going to take an awful long time for you to wipe out even the smallest of bankrolls.

Any player who has had financial success over the long haul will more than likely tell you that smart money management was at the heart of that success, as well as a little bit of luck along the way. Luckily for us all, Platinum Play has hundreds of games to suit players of all bankrolls, which means we all have a chance to win the amount of money we desire.

Filed Under: Casino interest Tagged With: , ,

Keno tips

December 12, 2011 By

 

 

 

 

Keno is seriously a game based on luck, very much like the lotto. You select your numbers and hope those are the winning numbers. But is there a way to be stronger at the game? Well actually there is, you need to learn more about the machine and how it really works.

The machine works with algorithms to randomly select different numbers. A good point to know is to play your numbers in patterns instead of spreading them all over and it is also good to keep the same set of numbers for every game. The good part is when you hit big on the numbers you have picked; the winnings can be very lucrative. Generally when you don’t pick your usual numbers that is the time the numbers do actually turn out to be the winning set and then you feel like slapping yourself for changing your numbers. So commit to your set of numbers.

You also have to manage your money during this game, so you need to obtain a bankroll. This will be a total sum of money that you are willing to lose. Selecting a good casino to play at is also vital and with Platinum Play I have found my gem amongst the casinos. Learning to actually play the game or giving it a test round is also worthwhile before you begin to play for serious money.

Take it easy when you play, bet little amounts at a time rather than a huge amount. You don’t want to end up the big loser just when you begin to play. This prolongs the game for you and you get to enjoy it more. Even though the house has a higher edge in this game, the payouts are usually massive so it makes up for that.

So the game won’t work with magic or some crazy method, but like mentioned before, understanding the game and playing on a constant level will definitely increase your chances of winning.

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Holiday casino tournaments

December 5, 2011 By

 

 

 

 

It is holiday time and now is the perfect time to sit back and relax and do absolutely nothing or something you really enjoy. There is nothing better than having some good fun with your favourite casino games. I checked out some of the awesome stuff that Platinum Play has to offer and was simply blown away by their selection of casino games and tournaments.

The most popular one would be the International Blackjack League that has been played for years. Top players from around the world gather and put their skills to the test during this awesome tournament and play against each other in real time mode. The winnings are super big and the overall experience is absolutely epic. Another well known tournament that a vast number of players indulge in is the International Slots League. Players get to try their hand at multiple slot games in hope of striking it rich and taking home the pot.

These tournaments work in the same way and there is one central winner at the end with the highest win box amounts. There are also free tournaments that you sign up for and play and Platinum Play also offers buy in tournaments where you may buy a seat.

It is easy and simple to sign up for these leagues; all you have to do is register with you the online casino of your choice and enter in the necessary details. Then select the tournament of your choice and you are all set to have a great time while showing off your true gaming skills.  There are two kinds of tournaments: “schedule tournaments” which start at a specific time and then there is “sit and go” tournament that begins when there are enough players willing to participate.

Platinum Play certainly offers the best in entertainment together with the Fortune Lounge Group. So make the most of the festive season and get gaming at Platinum Play, where you can win a whole lot of prizes this Christmas.

 

Filed Under: Casino news, Casino winners Tagged With: , , ,

Billion Dollar Gran slot game

December 4, 2011 By

 

 

 

 

For those of us old enough to remember a time when the 3-reel slot machine was king, it’s always fun to see a game that perfectly represents that time of our lives. Billion Dollar Gran is a classic pub slot with a little bit of a twist that brings it nicely into the modern world.

Billion Dollar Gran has everything that you would expect in a pub slot; 3 reel with a single payline, as well as the hold and nudge features that are considered standard. When you hit a winning combination on the payline though, you are not awarded cash, instead you win free spins and are whisked off to another page where you sit back and watch as the cash then mounts up on the freebie spins.

When you are done, you are greeted by a congratulatory message from Gran, who sounds eerily similar to Mrs. Doubtfire. The game is very colourful. And the graphics on the reels will be especially appealing to players from the UK who will instantly recognize the knitting, the cup of tea and the Battenberg cake, to name but a few.

Also on the reels are lawn bowls, and when those hit the pay-line you are treated to a cool little video bonus game where you pick the coloured ball that you think will land closest to the jack (white ball). You then get to watch as Gran rolls the bowls to try and win you a massive 2000X multiplier.
It’s a very cool little feature, as is the shifta mode, which occasionally kicks in and moves the reels around until you get a winning combination.

Billion Dollar Gran is fun and easy to play and is a fine addition to the other pub slots that are part of the Platinum Play stable of games.

 

Filed Under: Casino games, Slot games Tagged With: , , , ,
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