51 days of poker fun

Poker players can get out their calendars, as the 2024 World Series of Poker schedule has been released. Running May 28 through July 17, the 55th edition of the WSOP features 99 live bracelet events and will again be hosted by both Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas on the Strip.

If you’re a poker player, there is simply no experience on earth like the World Series of Poker.”

“Records are made to be broken, so our motto this year is bigger and better,” said Ty Stewart, Senior VP and Executive Director of the WSOP, in Friday’s announcement. “With our best schedule ever and more than 100 additional poker tables, we look forward to welcoming legends, first-timers and everyone in between. If you’re a poker player, there is simply no experience on earth like the World Series of Poker.”

The WSOP Main Event, won last year by Daniel Weinman, will begin on July 3 with the first of four starting flights. Survivors from the first three flights will play on Day 2ABC on July 7, while those who make it through Day 1D will play on Day 2D on July 8. The Main Event will then continue for a week until taking a break on July 15 before the two-day final table, July 16-17.

New events promise wild action

As is always the case, there are several new events this year. One of the craziest promises to be Event #41: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em / Pot-Limit Omaha Double Board Bomb Pot. In a bomb pot, everyone contributes a set amount to the pot before the hand, sort of like an ante. The pre-flop betting round is then skipped and the action proceeds immediately to the flop. And as it sounds, in a double board game, two sets of community cards are dealt; players can win one or both. Needless to say, there will be a lot of action in this tournament.

former Main Event champions will get to play for free, but there is a price for that privilege

The very first event of the 2024 WSOP will not be the Casino Employees No-Limit Hold’em tournament like it usually is, but rather a new $5,000 Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout. All former Main Event champions will get to play for free, but there is a price for that privilege: they will be targeted. Anyone who eliminates a former Main Event champ from the tourney will receive a free entry into the 2024 WSOP Main Event.

Other new events include a $5,000 Seniors High Roller, a $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em tournament starting the same day as Main Event Flight 1D, and the $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship No-Limit Hold’em event, which begins July 11. All told, there are nine new events this year.

2023 WSOP shattered records

Leading up to the 2023 WSOP, organizers were extremely confident that records would be broken, including the long-standing Main Event field record of 8,773, set in 2006. Their confidence was justified, as the 2023 Main Event destroyed the previous record, coming in at 10,043 entrants; Weinman’s prize of $12.1 million was also the largest in Main Event history.

$402,808,892 in total prize pools, obliterating the previous record

In all, the 2023 World Series of Poker broke a dozen records. There was $402,808,892 in total prize pools, obliterating the previous record of $347,941,800 set in 2022. 32,282 places were paid across the festival, also a record.

And from the 214,641 total entries in 2023 came a record number of events with prize pools coming in at over $1 million, breaking down as follows: $1 million (77), $2 million (50), $5 million (19), and $10 million (six). Additionally, 36 players won more than $1 million in a single prize, the most ever at the WSOP.

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In blackjack, every decision we need to make has a mathematically correct answer – the one that gives us the most likely positive outcome. By using basic strategy blackjack charts, we can ensure we always make decisions that keep the house edge as one of the smallest of any casino game.

In other words, using the below charts will help to keep the Return To Player percentage between 99.5% and 99.8%, so let’s get into it.

Using Our Blackjack Strategy Charts

On each blackjack cheat chart, you’ll find the dealer’s up card along the upper section of the table, and your possible starting hands down the left side.

The blackjack strategy charts are shown in the order that you should make your decisions in.

1. First, you want to look at surrender, if it’s even an option.
2. Then, if you have pairs, you’ll want to consult the split chart.
3. At that point, if you have a soft hand, meaning one of your cards is an ace, you will refer to the soft totals hit or stand chart.
4. And finally, you work your way to the hard totals hit and stand chart.

When you’re ready to play, simply download our free printable blackjack charts.

Blackjack Surrender Chart

Surrender isn’t always offered, and when it is, it’s usually what we refer to as Late Surrender. It’s the option to throw away your hand after the first two cards are dealt, and after the dealer has already checked for blackjack. If you choose to do this, you only lose half your bet.

In Early Surrender, you can choose to toss away your hand before the dealer checks for Blackjack. This can be a very powerful but seldom-seen rule change. In the chart above, I am referencing Late Surrender.

• Basically, with 15 you surrender against a 10, but only if it’s not made up of the 8 and 7.
• You always surrender any 16, other than a pair of 8s against a dealer up card of 9, 10 or 11. 
• With a pair of 8s, you only surrender against a dealer ace if the rule requires them to hit soft 17.
• With a 17, you only surrender against an ace.

Blackjack Split Chart

When you split, you must be aware of whether you can then double if you get dealt two cards that our chart tells you to double. This is simply called Double After Split (DAS).

In the above chart, you should only split the hands highlighted in blue if the game rules you are playing do, in fact, allow you to double after the split; otherwise, move on to the Hit/Stand tables.

• You always split aces and 8s.
• 9s are split against everything but a 7, 10 or an ace.
• 7s are split against 2 through 7.
• 6s are split against 2 through 6, though against a two up you should really only split if you are allowed to double after.
• Never split 5s.
• Only split 4s against a 5 or 6 if you are allowed to Double After Split.
• With 2s or 3s, only split against 2 and 3 if you can DAS, and against 4 through 6 regardless.

Hit or Stand Chart – Soft Totals

Use this chart if one of your cards is an ace. But, before we get into whether to hit, stand or double with a soft hand, note that some blackjack games only allow you to double certain cards like 10 or 11. My advice is to stay away from those games. You will see our blackjack hand chart notes to double if allowed.

• With A2 and A3, you should double against a 5 or 6, otherwise hit.
• With A4 and A5, double against 4, 5 or 6, otherwise hit.
• With A6, you can double against 3 through 6.
• With A7, you can double against 2 through 6, stand against 7 or 8, and hit against 9, 10, ace.
• With the A8, you double against a 6 and stand on everything else.
• And with A9, you stand against everything.

Hit or Stand Chart – Hard Totals

A hard total is a hand that does not contain an ace.

Low hands (5 through 8) that aren’t pairs or soft hands are hit until at least twelve, regardless of the up card. Then, once we get to twelve, we can begin to use our blackjack basic strategy chart. You will double down some 9,10, and 11 value hands.

• 9s are doubled against a 3 through 6 up card. Otherwise, you hit.
• 10s are doubled against the dealer’s 2 through 9. Otherwise, you hit.
• And with a total of 11, you always double.
• With hands totaling 12, stand on 4, 5 or 6. Otherwise hit. 
• With a 13, 14, 15 or 16, stand against 2 through 6 and hit the rest.
• On any other hand with totals of hard 17 or more, you stand.

Printable Blackjack Charts

Use our printable blackjack strategy charts to make it easy to remind yourself of the best move to make when next playing online or in a casino. Just hit download to save each individual blackjack chart PDF to your phone or desktop, ready to refer to whenever you need them. Or, once downloaded, use the printer icon to print the PDFs.

FAQs About Basic Blackjack Strategy Charts

What is a blackjack strategy chart?

A basic blackjack strategy chart tells us exactly how to play each hand in the mathematically correct way. This information is presented in an easy-to-understand chart that shows how to play each hand.

How do you read a blackjack chart?

It’s important to remember that we need to walk through the hand in a certain order. Surrender if allowed, splitting pairs, playing soft hands, double downs, and finally, hitting or standing. The dealer’s up card is across the top, your hand is on the left-hand side, and the table is filled with how to play that exact hand.

Are blackjack charts allowed in casinos?

Yes! You can always use your blackjack chart whether you’re at a casino or playing blackjack online. Playing these hands perfectly will make a big difference to your bottom line, so never be ashamed about using a blackjack cheat chart to help you.

What is the best blackjack strategy?

The best strategy can change based on the number of decks being used and various rule changes from one casino to the other. These slight changes can alter how our blackjack strategy chart looks and how you should play. For more on blackjack strategies, read our in-depth guide.

Should you always hit 12 in blackjack?

The math is very clear: you want to hit a 12 against a dealer 12 or 13, and honestly, it’s really a coin flip against 14. Many folks may disagree, but I wouldn’t lie to you, and neither will your strategy chart.

Why not put these charts to the test and practice playing blackjack for free? And then play online blackjack for real money when you’re ready.

BetMGM, the famous international sports betting and iGaming operator, has announced the establishment of a strategic partnership with X, the huge social network formerly known as Twitter before it was acquired by billionaire Elon Musk.

The agreement will see BetMGM become the exclusive live odds and sports betting partner for X. This is the very first partnership of this kind between a large sports betting and online casino operator and a global social media brand. The odds provided by BetMGM and the operator’s branding will be integrated into X, with each game linking back to the BetMGM mobile application or to its website.

This deal has immense potential for BetMGM because a massive number of sports fans discuss the games of their favorite teams on X. Moreover, news about teams and top athletes are frequently first announced on X, making it a very popular place for sports enthusiasts.

An Unprecedented Opportunity

Adam Greenblatt, the Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM, described X as “the center of the sports world’s conversation 24 hours a day, seven days a week” and admitted that having the operator’s website and application directly accessible from the social media platform is “an unprecedented opportunity to expand” the company’s reach.

Linda Yaccarino, the Chief Executive Officer of X, said that “sports never sleep” on the social media platform and added that the strategic partnership with BetMGM places fans “practically in the front row” at their favorite competitions.

The partnership is mainly aimed at users in the United States who can take advantage of BetMGM’s latest betting odds on professional football, while the other major professional and college sports will follow in the coming weeks. The odds interface gives users a quick way to get into the application or website operated by BetMGM, but the integration between the two platforms will further evolve in the coming months with the addition of new features and functionality.

A Major Player in the Industry

BetMGM was founded in 2018 and it is headquartered in New Jersey. The company was formed as a result of the partnership between MGM Resorts International, the well-known casino operator and entertainment company, and Entain, one the biggest sports betting companies in the world. B

BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s land-based and online sports betting operations in the United States, along with major poker tournaments and online gaming businesses. The company offers sports betting and online gaming through various prominent brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker.

Source: “BetMGM and X Sign Exclusive Sports Betting Partnership“. BetMGM. February 9, 2024.

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No love lost

The timing of a lawsuit against prominent dating apps Tinder and Hinge on Valentine’s Day certainly grabbed attention. The class action filing in San Francisco on Wednesday against Match Group, the owner of the apps, claims that they transform their users into gamblers by encouraging compulsive behavior.

subscription packages and other purchasable perks

Tinder and Hinge, among the most popular apps in their genre, have subscription packages and other purchasable perks that provide extra features, such as showing users which people already liked their profile or providing unlimited swipes.

The six plaintiffs are looking for $5m in damages for the company’s violations of statutes like the California False Advertising Law and the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act.

A range of issues

The plaintiffs claim that these platforms have changed social reality, replacing traditional courtship with technology. They also allege that the parent company designed the platforms with complex algorithms and technologies that make them addictive and exhibit game-like characteristics to get people stuck in an ongoing payment loop.

gamification aspect allegedly gets people stuck in a hunt “for psychological rewards”

The complaint contends that the company prioritizes profits over actually helping people achieve their relationship goals. The gamification aspect allegedly gets people stuck in a hunt “for psychological rewards that Match makes elusive on purpose.”

They believe that this is hurting the mental health of users, citing a study from eHarmony that showed that 90% of single people feel they have a dating app addiction. The research also stated that large portions of people check these apps right before going to sleep and first thing in the morning.

Denying any wrongdoing

Match issued a statement in response to the filing of the lawsuit, saying that it is ridiculous and has no merit. It clarified that its business model does not focus on engagement or advertising. Rather, it aims to help people to find love and no longer need the apps.  

While Tinder is free to download, it costs $7.99 for a person to get the most basic single-month subscription.

Other social media platforms like Twitter and Meta have been on the receiving end of similar accusations of manipulating users to stay on the apps for longer periods of time.

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Casino corporation Penn Entertainment has bought a betting license to launch its vertical ESPN Bet to the largest legal sports betting market in the United States. The state of New York originally made only nine sports betting licenses available to leave some leading sportsbooks out of the market. As Penn was one of them, the corporation has paid $25 million to WynnBet to take over its New York license and become eligible to enter the lucrative jurisdiction via its sports betting subsidiary.

$25 Million License Acquisition:

Penn CEO Jay Snowden said in a press release: ”This is is an important development that will bring ESPN BET to the largest regulated online sports wagering market in North America. Together with ESPN, we’re building a brand that is synonymous with sports betting, and operating in the New York market is key as we grow ESPN BET across the U.S.” The news comes after the company reportedly announced in December 2023 that it was looking to buy the New York license for ESPN. According to LSR, such intentions were different to Snowden’s earlier claims that ”not a single operator [would] make money in New York.”

As LSR reports, Snowden said that in November 2021 after the New York State Gaming Commission had denied Penn’s bid to enter the market as Barstool Sportsbook. In the meantime, Penn sold Barstool back to its owner Dave Portnoy in August 2023 after capturing only a 4% US market share to proceed with the ESPN Bet acquisition. Penn closed the $2 billion deal with the sportsbook in November 2023 and launched ESPN Bet in 17 states.

Pending Regulatory Approval to launch ESPN Bet:

With the recently purchased betting license, Penn’s portfolio is now set to include the regulated New York market. The approval from the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) to launch ESPN Bet is currently pending. NYSGC spokesperson reportedly said: “The Commission has been notified of the sale. Penn’s operation in NYS is pending regulatory approval, which has not yet occurred. We cannot opine on the timeline.”  At the same time, Wynn Bet is leaving New York market after it terminated operations in eight states in 2023 due to high operating expenditures. The sportsbook has sought a buyer for its New York sports betting license since January 2022, as reported by LSR.

$1.7 Billion New York Market:

The same source reports that New York operators generated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2023 to make it a preferred destination for sports wagering operators despite the 51% gaming tax rate. Some gaming analysts, like Brendan Bussman from B Global Advisors, argue that ”with little to no margin, it makes the operations difficult,’‘ but the operations have been accelerated since New York’s initial launch in 2022. Over the same period, BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel have been holding a combined market share of more than 80%. Jordan Bender, a senior equity research analyst at Citizens JMP Securities, reportedly said: “The market has proven lopsided since launch as operators have generally taken a conservative approach toward spending on promotions and marketing in the state with contribution profit margin well below other U.S. gaming markets.”

ESPN Market Prospects:

As LSR reports, DraftKings and FanDuel have a combined 71% stake in the US online sports betting handle. On the other hand, Penn’s sports betting vertical ESPN Bet reportedly accounts for only around 7% of US online sports betting handle. Although the sportsbook may have a marketing advantage in 12 states featuring Penn’s casinos and racetracks, the lack of a land-based property in New York may reportedly affect the ESPN market performance. As reported by LSR, Bender said: “With no competitive advantage in New York, we do not see it overperforming or underperforming its current market share of mid-to-high single digits once it launches later this year.”

Commenting on the ESPN’s New York  prospects, Lloyd Danzig, a gambling investor and CEO of Sharp Alpha Advisors, told the source:  “While ESPN enjoys significant brand recognition, the success of ESPN Bet hinges on both effective marketing and a compelling product. It remains uncertain whether ESPN Bet can gain significant market share at the expense of established competitors who currently hold stronger product loyalty and affinity among users.” 

Bill to keep smoking

A new bill introduced in Atlantic City could keep gamblers smoking inside the city’s casinos.

The bill, introduced by New Jersey State Senator John Burzichelli on Monday, has arrived as legislation to ban smoking in casinos has started to gain traction in the state Senate. Any calls for a ban have met opposition from casinos and businesses.

Opponents of a flat-out ban have called for a bill that would allow indoor smoking in casinos, which Burzichelli’s aims to do. His bill would keep the current 25% smoking limit on the casino floor. However, it would limit the smoking areas to two instances: unenclosed areas at slot machines, which need to be at least 15 feet away from live dealers, and enclosed rooms with ventilation.

losing one casino means thousands of jobs lost”

Speaking on his bill, Burzichelli said: “It’s about what we can do to keep casinos open, and how do we get it right. Losing one casino means thousands of jobs lost.”

Latest move

According to the group Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Harmful Effects (CEASE), the “bill … will not decrease in any way the amount of exposure workers have to secondhand smoke.” They added that the only bill to gain enough support to pass would be one calling for a ban on indoor smoking.

choose between their paycheck and breathing in secondhand smoke”

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is also urging lawmakers in New Jersey to reject the new bill. They argue lawmakers are forcing people who work in casinos “to choose between their paycheck and breathing in secondhand smoke.”

The value of smoking

A smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos could reduce casino revenue by around 11%, according to research from casinos themselves, also costing around 2,500 jobs.

The Casino Association of New Jersey, which commissioned the report from the Spectrum Gaming Group, an independent gambling research company, found that 21% of gamblers at Atlantic City casinos are smokers.

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If you decide to try a new hobby, then know that playing chess in the Philippines is one of the trendy options. The ancient game is drawing attention because it is available to everyone, and there is no special equipment required besides the chess board and pieces.

In this blog post, you can find out how the Chess Olympiad 2022 results for the Philippines prove that the game’s popularity is yet to increase even more.

History of Chess in the Philippines – How the Game Crossed Time

Today, anyone can join the thousands of people playing chess in the Philippines. All you need is a chess set, some free time, and an opponent. If we caught your curiosity, here is why chess is still so interesting to players in this country:

Considering all this, it is easy to understand why people are so fond of this strategy board game. Each person ranked as a Filipino chess player has taken his fascination to another level by becoming a professional.

The worldwide popularity of the logical game is the reason for the creation of many international competitions. Before reaching those peaks, Filipinos can enter the Chess Olympiad in the Philippines and other national tournaments.

Is Chess Popular in the Philippines?

The first Filipino chess grandmaster paved the road for many young players. Today, there are thousands of professional chess players and even more casual players. Here is what a chess PH Master says about it:

Chess is very popular in the Philippines; in every corner, you see people playing without clocks, just enjoying the game.FM Alekhine Nouri

Obviously, a game of chess has nothing to do with luck, however, gamblers often place wagers on chess games at the best sports betting sites in the Philippines for 2024. During the rich chess history, there have been ups and downs, but the game resists time and adversities.

The only negative of playing chess in the Philippines is the low monetary prizes for the champions. Players and fans of the game hope that with the increasing popularity, this will change, and the sport will become even more appealing with higher rewards.

Where Do People Go to Play Chess in the Philippines?

If you decide to play chess in the Philippines, you can do so by joining one of the 65 chess clubs registered at the National Chess Federation of the Philippines. There are 23 clubs rated 5 stars and 6 rated 4 stars.

If you prefer to be free from the restrictions of taking time to visit the land-based chess rooms, then know that 26 chess clubs have online chess sites. There are also many international sites open for Filipino players.

Are There Any Filipino Grandmasters?

There is more than one Filipino chess Grandmaster, and they all astonish the crowd in every feasible way. For example, GM Eugenio “Eugene” Torre became the first Filipino and Asian player who qualified for the Grandmaster title.

NM Florencio Campomanes is the only non-European FIDE president (1982-1995). GM Barbossa So is a three-time U.S. Chess Champion and three-time Philippine Chess Champion. And that is just part of the list of Philippines’ chess Grandmasters.

Alekhine Nouri is another name you may see as the best Filipino chess player. He became the youngest Filipino and international FIDE Master and current Philippine Juniors Champion.

The girls also astonish the crowd. In 2017, Janelle Mae Frayna became the youngest Filipino chess Grandmaster – Woman Grandmaster by FIDE and the current Philippine Women’s Chess Champion.

On June 9th, 2023, the 10-year-old Nika Juris Nicolas became the first female chess National Master. It is expected this to be one of the many future achievements of the young player.

Most Popular Chess Tournaments

We can find a lot of sports news about chess in the Philippines about the current best players in the world ranking. There are even PH online casinos that also offer sports betting services and provide players with the opportunity to bet on and support their favorite players in international and Filipino competitions.

Chess Tournaments in the Philippines

The first official chess championship in the country was held in 1908 during President Emilio Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government. The first winner became the Filipino Cabinet Secretary General Fernando Canon.

During the last century, the championships ranked Filipino players and showed who were the National Masters. Today, there are online, in club, and national championships organized by the Philippines Chess Federation.

Filipino Chess International Masters

Every Filipino chess grandmaster has participated in an international chess competition and has a spot in the international ranking. The largest tournaments are the Chess Olympics, Grand Swiss, and FIDE tournaments.

The rank lists change constantly because many competitions and games help players improve their scores. Here is a list of the most popular Filipino players in 2023:

Considering all the above, it becomes clear that in the last 20 years, chess in the Philippines has drawn attention. The glory of the Filipino players grows as they take over higher positions in international competitions.

FAQ

Chess in the Philippines has always had fans, but the question is whether the fanbase is growing or not. We answered this and a few other questions below. If the answers are not enough, the links will lead you to the special blog post dedicated to the popularity of chess.

Ending real money games…for now

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks has been ordered to pay $15m to New York’s gaming commission after operating without a license.

According to a document signed by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) and PrizePicks, the operator had violated the law for years. The amount PrizePicks needs to pay is based on how much the company generated through its contests from June 4, 2019 to December 19, 2023.

operated in New York in a good-faith belief that it had the ability to do so”

On top of the monetary penalty, PrizePicks has agreed to end its real money contests. A spokesperson for the operator states that it “operated in New York in a good-faith belief that it had the ability to do so.”

However, a spokesperson for the NYSGC said that the settlement agreement “[spoke] for itself.”

PrizePicks wants changes to the law

Despite having to pay the $15m and cease its contests to New York players, PrizePicks can still apply for a license. Understandably, the company will now apply for one so that it can continue offering its product to people in the Big Apple.

will work constructively with policymakers on thoughtful legislation”

Speaking of its intentions, a spokesperson said they “…will work constructively with policymakers on thoughtful legislation that allows New Yorkers to play the contests they love, ensure strong consumer safeguards, and generates tax revenue for the state.”

The PrizePicks comments come at a time when lawmakers are taking a hard line against DFS betting. 

In October, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr had been banned in several US states. Based on a lack of consensus on whether pick’em fantasy sports are sports betting or games of skill, platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel asked for clarity on the future of such offerings.

Previous trouble in Florida

The previous month, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr received cease and desist letters from the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC).

According to the FGCC, their position on DFS and pick’em games is that they are illegal. Sharing correspondence on X, CEO of Underdog Jeremy Levine wrote: “…. they are saying that all paid fantasy violates FL law in their view, including our season-long, daily drafts, and pick’em games.”

PrizePicks claims that it was a “smear campaign” and that “larger competitors” have spread misinformation to US regulators which has “driven inaccurate understandings of our contests and the laws governing them.”

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