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Tournament Play or Cash Games? Explaining the Types of Poker Play

Published

2 months ago

September 22, 2023

Newcomers to poker have to get their heads around new terminology. What is a “flop”? What is the difference between Omaha and Hold’em? As well as there being lots of variations in terms of the types of poker games out there, poker is mainly played in two ways, either through tournaments or in a cash game.

In this guide, we’re looking at both poker tournaments and cash games. They both have their own unique benefits for players, and you don’t always have a choice regarding which type of game you want to play. Different casinos approach poker in slightly different ways.

What is a Poker Tournament?

A poker tournament is often where the big audiences (and big bucks) come into the game. The prize pools can reach the millions and this means that players can be competing for huge money.

When you watch poker tournaments on the internet or even televised on a TV channel, they are likely to be tournaments. This is often because they have a defined structure, whereas cash games allow players to join and leave as they please, never really reaching a “winner” overall.

A poker tournament involves a buy-in. This means that the players pay for their initial chips, and usually everybody gets the same amount. These have a symbolic value rather than being able to exchange them. If you need to know more, this is your guide to any poker tournament and the rules, plus a brief look at the strategy that plays such a big part in deciding the outcome. Poker players who focus on tournaments may have a slightly different approach when compared to those who get involved with cash games.

In a tournament, the players need to stay in it to the end which means remaining focused on their ambitions in the game.

At the end of a poker tournament, a set number of positions get a prize. For instance, the top 10, or everyone who reaches a “final table” in the tournament may get a share of the prize pool. If the overall pot is $1 million, the winner overall might get $500,000, second place $200,000, third place $100,000, and the remaining money split between the remaining places. Of course, this is just an example and different poler tournament organizers do things in different ways. In 2023, the biggest total ever won on a single hand was awarded during a live-streamed poker tournament.

A lot of casinos are also embracing cryptocurrencies, so the prizes may be paid in USD equivalents, but actually transferred in Bitcoin, for instance. All these details can be checked when entering.

What is a Cash Game?

Cash games of poker are more simple in some ways. A cash game is one that you can join and leave at any time. There may be a minimum buy-in, but when someone has started to play the game, the balance in their account reflects its real cash value. This is a key differentiator when compared to a poker tournament.

Players in a cash game are also free to leave whenever they want. If someone starts with $10 in their balance and slowly builds it to $20, they might decide that is the time they want to cash out and take the money. The balance will be reflected in their account when playing online. In-person, chips are used to represent the value.

Cash games also make it easier to play with some flexibility, and players can do things like sit out certain hands if they want a short break. The balance in a cash game accurately reflects what a player has in their account, so when someone bets a dollar, they are betting a dollar of real money rather than a symbolic value in chips.

While some people ignore cash games due to the fact that they see tournaments as offering more potential, there are some upsides to this way of playing. Even one of the greatest poker players ever, Dan Negreanu, has shared his tips for playing cash games via his online Masterclass.

A good thing about this way of playing is the flexibility. If someone just wants to join for 20 minutes they can do so with no worries about having to stick it out for a whole tournament.

Conclusion

Most poker players experiment and explore different ways of playing when they’re just getting started. Tournaments aren’t reserved for the hugely successful high rollers, and even those with a few dollars to pay for entry may be able to join a tournament online. However, cash games may be less of a time commitment and a good way to learn the craft of poker.

Players have both options available, and some of the world’s best tournament players still enjoy the odd cash game here and there.

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The Most Popular Casinos in South Africa

Published

3 weeks ago

November 10, 2023

Maria Johnson

South Africa’s online gambling market is thriving, with major international brands and local companies both present on the market. Not all of them are worthy of the players’ attention, though. Between game libraries and bonuses, these are the most popular online casinos South African players are attending.

Springbok Casino: Unique Games

Springbok Online Casino is one of the oldest gambling outlets serving the South African crowd. Its popularity is due to several factors – sharing its name with the South African national rugby union team is certainly one of them.

Springbok is special because of its game library. It is one of the few online casinos that have games by Spinlogic and Realtime Gaming, providers you won’t see at many of its competitors. Springbok also has attractive bonuses, a comprehensive comps system, tournaments, and something you won’t see at most other casinos – downloadable software.

Betway: Sports Betting And Games

Betway is a major international gambling brand with outlets in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and several African countries – including South Africa. It is a licensed betting operator, covering everything from soccer to eSports. It also has a well-equipped casino games section with around 250 slot machines, live dealer games, game shows, table games, a collection of Lucky Number games and Betgames, and virtual sports to bet on.

Hollywoodbets: A Well-known Local Brand

Hollywoodbets is a well-known South African brand. It opened its first betting shop in 2000 in Durban. Since then, its network of betting shops has grown to almost 100, and its online presence is unavoidable.

Hollywoodbets is primarily a sports betting brand but it has some games as well, most notably live dealer games from Evolution and Pragmatic Play, and hits like JetX and Aviator in its library.

Tusk Casino: Huge Game Library

Tusk Casino is a grey-zone international operator that’s especially popular among South African players for its support for deposits in rands and its huge game library. At the time of writing, it has over 9,000 (!) casino games in its collection from dozens of providers from all over the industry. This, paired with its frequent and generous bonuses, makes Tusk one of the fan favourites in South Africa.

Punt Casino: Huge Jackpots

An attractive welcome package, support for EFTs and crypto, cashbacks, and a comprehensive VIP program make Punt an attractive casino for South Africans.

And one more thing: it’s jackpots. The Punt website currently lists total available jackpots worth almost R45 million, with several games offering millions to the luckiest of their players.

To Conclude

Many online casinos are offering South African players an opportunity to play. Among them, the most popular ones include Springbok and its unique game library, Betway, local brand Hollywoodbets, and a couple of offshore operators with massive game libraries and large jackpots.

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Learning the Cards: What are Different Types of Online Poker Games?

Published

3 weeks ago

November 8, 2023

Maria Johnson

If you’ve ever been intrigued by the enticing world of online poker but felt a bit overwhelmed by the sheer variety of games available, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to take a delightful journey through the diverse universe of online poker games.

From the classics to innovative variations, we’ll unravel the secrets of different poker games and help you understand the unique twists that make each one exciting. So, shuffle your virtual deck, grab your chips, and let’s dive into the captivating realm of online poker!

1. Texas Hold’em: The Poker Mainstay

Let’s start with the superstar of the poker world – Texas Hold’em. If you’ve ever seen poker played on TV or in movies, chances are it was Texas Hold’em. This game is the bread and butter of the poker universe, characterised by its simplicity and strategic depth.

Each player is dealt two private cards (hole cards), and five community cards are dealt face-up on the “board.” Players use a combination of their hole cards and the community cards to make the best five-card hand.

The game involves a series of betting rounds, making it an exciting blend of skill, psychology, and calculated risk-taking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, Texas Hold’em is an essential game to master, providing a solid foundation for your poker adventures.

2. Omaha: More Cards, More Complexity

If you’re looking for a game that adds an extra layer of complexity to traditional poker, Omaha is your go-to choice. In this version of poker, players are dealt four cards instead of two. However, the catch is that you must use exactly two of your hole cards and three community cards to create your hand.

This rule adds strategic depth, requiring players to carefully evaluate their hands and anticipate their opponents’ moves. With more hole cards in play, the potential for powerful hands and intense showdowns increases. Omaha demands a keen understanding of hand rankings and a knack for reading the game, making it a favourite among players who crave a challenge.

3. Seven-Card Stud: Embracing Casino Tradition

For those who are looking for different types of online poker games for beginners, Seven-Card Stud is a bonafide classic. Before the rise of Texas Hold’em, Seven-Card Stud was the poker game of choice in casinos and home games. In Seven-Card Stud, every player is dealt seven cards.

The goal is to make the best five-card hand from the seven cards dealt. Players must rely on their memory, observation skills, and the ability to deduce their opponents’ hands based on visible cards. If you’re a fan of poker history and tradition, Seven-Card Stud offers a delightful throwback experience.

4. Five-Card Draw: The Ultimate in Simplicity

If you prefer a more straightforward and casual poker experience, Five-Card Draw might be your game of choice. In this game, players are dealt five private cards, and the goal is to make the best hand possible.

What sets Five-Card Draw apart is its simplicity – there are no community cards, and players have the opportunity to exchange some or all of their cards for new ones in an attempt to improve their hand.

This element of strategy and the absence of community cards make Five-Card Draw a game of skill and intuition. It’s an excellent option for beginners looking to learn the basics of poker without getting overwhelmed by complex rules and betting structures.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a delightful tour through the diverse world of online poker games. Whether you’re drawn to the strategic depth of Texas Hold’em, the complexity of Omaha, the classic charm of Seven-Card Stud, the simplicity of Five-Card Draw, or the unique dynamics of Razz, there’s a poker game tailored to your preferences and skill level.

Each game offers a distinct experience, challenging your wits, honing your skills, and providing endless opportunities for thrilling moments and strategic victories.

So, the next time you log into your favourite online poker platform, consider exploring these different variations. Each game has its unique appeal, and you might just discover a new favourite that perfectly aligns with your playing style.

Whether you’re a casual player seeking a relaxed gaming experience or a competitive player looking for a challenge, the diverse poker universe has something for everyone. Shuffle those cards, place your bets, and may the best hand win! Happy playing, and we will see you next time!

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What Are Sweepstakes Casinos?

Published

3 weeks ago

November 8, 2023

Maria Johnson

The history of gambling and gaming in the United States is a long, storied, complex, and beautiful. Between the desert gem that is Las Vegas, Nevada, the thrilling lights of Atlantic City, and the numerous tribal casinos that have sprouted across the Native American land in the country, gambling and gaming have been deeply ingrained within the DNA of this nation.

Where Are Online Casinos Legal?

While casinos are a major part of the lives of many Americans, there are still millions of citizens who don’t have access to gaming and gambling that others in the country do. Currently, there are still nine states that do not have any in-person casinos, not including offshore casinos or racetracks. Citizens living in Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont have to travel out of state in order to gamble on slots, roulette, or any other purely luck-based games.

While those living in the 41 other states can visit a casino in their home state and play games in person, not every state’s residents can play wagers from home or anywhere other than in person at a retail casino. That’s because several of the states still don’t allow online casinos. In fact, only seven states in the country have legalized online casino gaming, and only six have it available at this time.

Rhode Island will soon join Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as states where residents can play online casino games and lose or win real money. Residents of the other 43 states either can’t play casino games in their home state at all or they can only play in person at a retail casino.

Except there is a loophole for those living in any state to play casino games online and come away with profit in real cash. Sweepstakes Casinos offers people anywhere the opportunity to use real money to play casino games and potentially win more real money. How is this possible in states where online casinos are prohibited?

That’s because Sweepstakes Casinos don’t technically operate around cash money, but, rather, virtual currency. Each Sweepstakes Casino has its own virtual currency. This virtual currency can be bought, wagered, won, and withdrawn. Players who wish to check out the list of best Sweepstake Casinos have a plethora of options as there are tons of operators in this space.

Rather than betting money on a game, players at Sweepstakes Casinos purchase virtual currency with real money. They then can use that virtual currency to bet on games like slots, blackjack, poker, or any number of casino games available. If they win, they accumulate more virtual currency. Then, in the end, these players can then sell or withdraw their earned virtual currency for real cash.

Because they deal with virtual currency, they can enter their patrons’ wagers as entries rather than bets, making them a legal operation in states that bar online casinos and betting. Because of this, residents of any state in the country can take advantage of these Sweepstakes Casinos to play their favorite games and earn real money.

Due to the wide reach and impact of these Sweepstakes Casinos, it’s a quickly growing market with plenty of great options for patrons, both new and existing. Some of the most popular Sweepstakes Casinos include WOW Vegas, Pulsz, High 5 Casino, McLuck, and FunzPoints. New users are joining every single day and taking advantage of the available sign-up bonuses to get a welcome present ahead of their first wagers.

Some Sweepstakes Casinos even offer players the ability to cast wagers on sports. There are limitless possibilities for the types of games that this medium can offer. With a huge reach and nearly endless market of demand, there’s no limit to how popular Sweepstakes Casinos can grow.