In honor of Black Cat Appreciation Day, we thought we’d shed some light on a few of the most well-known gambling superstitions. Lucky numbers? Pre-roll rituals? You name it, we’ve got it — and there’s plenty more where that came from in the casino!
Beware of the number 13. The number 13 has a bad wrap across many cultures for being unlucky — think ‘Friday the 13th.’ So much so, that many Las Vegas hotels have omitted the 13th floor altogether. Wouldn’t want to give guests stay on that floor bad juju!
Hold the fifties please. For years gamblers have steered clear of $50 bills. Legend has it that mobsters would stow a crisp fifty in the pockets of their victims before burying them. From there, the superstitions surrounding the $50 bill were born.
Purchase red undergarments. Chinese New Year celebrations boast the color red, and for good reason! The color is said to symbolize good fortune and joy, and to bring prosperity to those who wear it — and wear it they do! Many gamblers pack a pop of red in their suitcase, most often flaunting red underwear.
“Never count your money, when you’re sitting at the table.” Kenny Rogers had it right when he said this line in his hit song, The Gambler. Not only is it considered unlucky to tally up your earnings at a casino table, but it’s also bad taste.
Cut out the crossing. You fingers, your legs and even your arms should remain uncrossed at all times. Superstition says that crossing can “cross out good luck,” and we wouldn’t want that would we?
Keep your hands to yourself. Touching other players, particularly on the shoulder, is forbidden at the table. It’s considered rude and therefore unlucky.
Don’t wash those hands. If you’re playing a hot hand and keep racking in the chips, you don’t want to wash that luck away! On the other hand, if you’re on a losing streak, washing your hands is thought to help change the course of your luck.
Has all this casino talk gotten you in the mood to gamble? Why not press your luck with Casinos by M&M! Just call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST or visit our website to learn how we can help make your corporate event or family gathering a night to remember.
Virtual game play is the next best thing to hitting the casinos in real life or at a casino party. Not only is it a great way to pass the time, but it can help you practice your betting and bluffing skills as well. But before you press your luck at the first virtual casino you come across, you’ll want to take the following into account to ensure you’re selecting the right one.
What is their track record? Do a little bit of research to see which the online casinos the digital gaming community is buzzing about. You’ll want to learn more about their customer service and their overall reputation. The internet is a dangerous place, so make sure you’re feeling 100% secure before you input your credit card information and hit submit!
Do they hold the proper licensing and registration? This goes hand-in-hand with their reputation. If reviews check-out, do a deeper dive to make sure they’re legitimate. Avoid online casinos that fail to provide licensing information — a surefire sign that you’ll be duped!
How will you pay to play? The most reputable online casinos offer multiple ways to withdraw or deposit funds. You should also be wary of any daily or weekly withdrawal limits. This is a good indicator that something is not sound. As a general rule, paypal is usually the safest way to go.
Are there any signing bonuses? Many digital casinos will offer a one-time offer for bonus cash to play with when a new member signs up. Who doesn’t like perks? Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, check out their bonus offers and see whose takes the cake
Do they have a good variety of games? And finally, when all is said and done it really all comes down to personal preference. Make sure the sign you choose has gaming options that peak your interest!
Remember, participating in online casinos isn’t the only way to bring the poker party to you! Just call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST and let Casinos by M&M liven up your next party, fundraiser or family gathering. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
From playing on the streets of Ancient Greece with makeshift game pieces, to the world of televised and online poker, gambling has been a staple for centuries. If you’re a gambling enthusiast yourself, here’s a bit of history about how your favorite pastime has evolved.
2300 BC: Gambling Emerges – It was in Ancient China that we saw the first evidence of gambling. Archaeologists reported finding tile etched with have lottery-style games of chance.
500 BC: Poker Chips Prevail – You can thank a group of young rebels in Ancient Greece for today’s poker chips. With all forms of gambling for money being illegal, players invented chips so that they could claim they were only playing for the small tokens, and not really money if seen by guards.
800 AD: Cards Are Coined – While little is known about their purpose back in 800 AD, the first deck of cards appeared in China at this time. Some believe they were traded like playing cards or used to play the first games of Chinese dominos. Regardless, they were drastically different from 52-card deck we know and love today!
1600: Blackjack Begins – Though the term “blackjack” wasn’t coined until the early 1900’s in the US, the game itself dates back hundreds of years. Evidence shows it was played in both Spain and France during the early 1600’s, but little is known about where the idea truly came from.
1638: The First Casino – The first gambling houses that would resemble today’s casinos started popping up in Italy during the early 17th century as a way to limit illegal street and carnival gambling. Though it had little success at first, it paved the way to lawful and regulated gambling.
1829: Poker is Played – The game of poker is believed to have spurred from many other card games over decades of play, but the first true game can be traced back to the United State’s own New Orleans in the mid 1800’s. With over 100 million players worldwide and 7 variations of the game today, it’s hard to believe that poker was originally a pretty unpopular game. It wasn’t until World Poker Tournaments began in the 1970s that the game began to garner worldwide attention.
1891: Slot Are Born – The modern day slot machine is based on a design first seen in San Francisco, where playing cards spun around and stopped at random. At the time, prizes like gum or cigars were won, but soon after machines began spitting out money and evolved into the electronic machines we play on today.
1910: Casinos Flourish – It wasn’t till the Great Depression the gambling in several states was made legal. With so many people suddenly out of work, many found themselves trying to make their livelihood through casino games, leading to huge interest in casinos.
1994: Online Gaming – Suddenly, you no longer had to go to a casino if you want to gamble! With dozens of virtual casinos popping up by the day, in less than 5 years, online gambling became a multi-billion dollar industry — one that’s still lucrative today.
Has all this casino talk gotten you in the mood to gamble? Why not press your luck with Casinos by M&M! Just call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST or visit our website to learn how we can help make your corporate event or family gathering a night to remember.
Luck isn’t the only thing you’ll need at the casino if you’re looking to try your hand at a game of blackjack. While a little good fortune certainly helps, you should also be able to identify and avoid the most common blackjack mishaps. Here are a few blunders to be aware of to to take your card playing to the next level.
Are you ready to test your blackjack skills with friends, family and co-workers? Allow Casinos by M&M to bring the authentic casino party experience right to your venue!
To learn how you can book a blackjack table and dealer for your next event, or to see a full list of our party planning service, visit our website or call us at 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today!
Slot machines are some of the most popular games for casino goers, and for a good reason. Playing slots requires little strategy, but a whole lot of luck! Fortunately, there are a few steps you can follow before you pull that lever to increase your odds of hitting the jackpot.
Be selective. When you enter the casino, don’t just plop down at the first machine you see. Be strategic in your decision, seeking out machines that have multiple different pay lines. The more ways to win, the better! Avid slot player say that when you find the right machine, you’ll just know!
Bet max. No matter what machine you choose to play, always bet max lines! A machine with multiple ways to win does no good if you’re not trying to win in every way possible. Remember, the higher the risk, the higher the reward.
Limit yourself. Practice self control by setting a limit and sticking to it — or set multiple limits. Say you decide that you only want to bet a total of $100 per slot machine. After you select a machine, sit and play until that $100 runs out. Then it’s onto the next one!
Practice first. Familiarize yourself with the way a slot machine and slot machine betting works. There are a wide variety of free apps and online sites that can help you get more comfortable before you press your luck for the big bucks.
Looking for an easy way to put your slot machine skills to the test? Allow Casinos by M&M to provide some for your next party or special event. After all, it’s much more fun to win big among friends!
For more information about our slot machine rentals or for a full listing of our casino game offerings, visit our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today!
There’s a lot to be learned from a good old fashioned game of blackjack — and we’re not just talking about the mathematics of card-counting. Pressing your luck on the table can teach you a few great life lessons as well, that can be applied both in and out of the casino.
Never go in blind.
Know the rules, expectations and a few tips before you walk in — it’s as simple as that. Why lose money at a blackjack table because of silly mistakes? As such, you wouldn’t go into a job interview without researching the company a bit, or invest money without looking at stock market trends first. In every aspect of life, take time to do your research and learn what you are walking into.
Embrace the peaks and valleys.
Time spent playing blackjack will be filled with big wins and even bigger losses. Remember that “ups and downs” are a part of life. Good streaks will come to an end, but so will bad ones. Don’t focus too much on what the outcome is at that exact moment, but rather enjoy the ride.
Always have self-control.
Gambling is all about power — the power of the dealer, the power of a strong hand, the power to get up and walk away. That last one is the most important. Once you’ve hit your cap for the night, have the self-control to bow out, or risk suffering an even larger loss. In life, you should always set limits and goals for yourself. Whether it’s how much you spend on a house, or time you invest at work, be disciplined and remember what your limits are.
Know when to walk away.
Part of self-control is knowing when to call it quits, in blackjack, and in life. There are times when persistence is key, but there are also instances where you need to accept that no more time, energy or money poured into something will yield you a good return.
Are you ready to experience all the excitement and life lessons that blackjack can offer? Here at Casinos by M&M, our authentic tables and friendly dealers are just the thing!
For more information about our casino game rentals, visit our website or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
Baccarat is over 600 years old and it is arguably the most popular game in the casino. It’s popularity can be linked with its simplicity, with only three bets to make, you feel confident when laying down your chips. But here are some betting tips to send your confidence through the roof:
Let it Ride on the Banker’s Hand
Baccarat is unique because you can bet on other players’ hands against the dealer’s. This leaves you with more opportunity to succeed versus a game like blackjack. The house always wins right? That is why betting on the banker’s hand leaves you with the best chance to win. You actually have a .22% better chance to win on the banker’s hand than any other hand on the table.
The Risk-Reward Bet
Contrary to popular belief, Casino’s are in the business to make money, not throw it away. Betting on the banker will have you winning more frequently but at the cost of a 5% commission. Betting on the player’s hand will lead to bigger payouts and more up and down swings. Just like in investing, the higher the risk, the higher the reward.
The Forbidden Fruit
Betting on a tie is like betting on the Jets to win the Super Bowl, hopeful but not likely. The house loves when you take the tie because they automatically gain almost a 16% advantage over the player. While it might yield the biggest payouts, the risk is simply not worth taking.
Now that you are a baccarat expert, are you ready to play a hand against one of our friendly dealers? Hire Casinos by M&M to provide the entertainment and party games for your next celebration or corporate event.
For more information about our baccarat tables, visit our website or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST. And make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more casino game tips!
Practice makes perfect, and the same holds true for poker. If you want to be the best, you’ve got train hard, and here’s how you can get your mind on the money.
Just do it. That’s right! The wise words of Nike can be applied to almost anything, including playing poker. Sure you might keep telling yourself you’re going to read that poker strategies book, watch that tutorial or even schedule a practice night with friends, but when? We say, start now!
Ask yourself why. Having a reason for practicing means you’ve found your source of motivation. Figure out what it is about the game that you enjoy, and why getting better at it means so much to you — and remind yourself over, and over.
Set deadlines. Is there a big poker tournament coming up that you want to feel confident enough to enter? Well, what are you waiting for? Make yourself a set schedule with goals up until that point. Read 10 pages a night, play poker one night a week — once you have a distinct path, it will be easier to stick with it.
Find a buddy. The best way to make sure you stick to it, is to have a buddy on board to help hold you accountable. Perhaps set a weekly practice night, or choose a date to discuss your findings on the latest poker strategy books you’ve read. Everything is easier when you’ve got a friend along for the ride.
How do you motivate yourself to stay sharp and up-to-speed on the latest poker training techniques? We’d love to her all about it on our Facebook page!
And remember, if you’re looking to set a personal goal, why not book a casino party so you can prep yourself to hit the poker table hard? Casinos by M&M has everything you need to throw the party of a lifetime!
To learn more about our casino party rental services, dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today!
While it’s always fun, playing poker may not always be so rewarding. With so many intelligent minds at the table all vying for the same pot, it’s quite difficult to come away with a win each time. Lucky for you, we’ve got three great tips to help you win more, and lose less!
Think you’re ready to put your poker skills to the test? Why not do it in style with an authentic poker table and professional dealer from Casinos by M&M?
For more information about our casino party games, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today.
Did you know that world famous basketball player Michael Jordan is also an avid poker enthusiast? That’s right! Jordan’s love of poker is rumored to have been one of the reasons he chose to step off the court for good. If that’s true, he’s certainly got all the time in the world to devote to his poker passion now! How many other celebrities do you know that enjoy perfecting their poker face? We can name a few.
Matt Damon – Remember that good old Damon classic, Rounders? Well, it’s been suggested that the actor spend about $25,000 on poker just to prepare for his role in the film. Since than, Damon is known to get his hands dirty at the casino every once in awhile as well.
Tiger Woods – Golf isn’t his only passion! Tiger enjoys a night out on the Vegas strip playing blackjack with his buddies. In fact, it’s been said that he’s willing to spend as much as $25,000 a night on a blackjack run — a large amount that he typically doesn’t win back!
Ben Affleck – Good looks, great acting skills, and impeccable poker abilities! Is there anything that Ben doesn’t have going for him? He even snagged a win at the California State Poker Championship in 2004. Interestingly enough, he actually prefers blackjack though!
Floyd Mayweather Jr. – Poker is one of Mayweather’s favorite pastimes, but it’s not as high up on the list as sports gambling. This boxing sensation is said to have spent a total of $11 million dollars begging on the Denver Broncos in just one single game.
Tobey Maguire – Getting bit by a radioactive spider turned Tobey into a renowned superhero for his role in Spiderman, and practicing poker any chance he gets has turned him into a pro! He’s said to have learned the ropes from poker pro Daniel Negreanu.
Can you name any other famous poker stars and gambling enthusiasts? We’d love to hear all about them on our Facebook page!
And remember, if you’re looking to host a gambling extravaganza of your own, Casinos by M&M is the number one casino party planner in the tri-state area! For more information about our party planning services, visit our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.
