As one of the oldest table games in the casino world, it’s unsurprising that roulette has seen plenty of myths and superstitions develop over the decades. Unfortunately, some of these online roulette strategy fallacies can leave new players misinformed, resulting in making poor choices at the tables.

Within the latest of our casino mythbusting series, we explore five popular approaches to betting on roulette and determine whether they’re fact or fiction.

1. Pinpoint ‘Sleeping Numbers’ To Increase Your Winning Prospects

A sleeping number is a number on the roulette wheel that hasn’t won for several rounds. One of the biggest roulette strategies encountered as that players will bet bigger on numbers or colours that have been dormant for longer than usual.

False: There’s no mathematical explanation for certain numbers becoming ‘sleepy’. Experienced online roulette players simply put these scenarios down to variance. There are at least 37 different pockets for the ball to land on. Although statistically you have a one in 37 chance of making the right selection with each spin, that probability doesn’t improve for subsequent spins after losing ones.

2. Cover All Outcomes And ‘Force’ The Zero

The forced zero roulette system is popular with those who play online roulette. Typically, players will opt to place equal bets on zero, red and black for each spin. Let’s say you wager €2 on zero, €2 on red and €2 on black every spin. The minimum you’ll get back is €4 from winning on red or black – until you hit the zero. When the zero does come in, you’ll win €70 at odds of 35:1.

In theory, you should land the zero at least once every 37 spins, which should give you a chance to either break even or make a small profit during your online roulette session.

False: People believe that by betting on red and black as well as the zero pocket, they can ‘force’ the software into landing the ball on zero. Incorrect. Every online roulette wheel is determined by a 100% decentralised random number generator (RNG), ensuring wholly randomised outcomes for each spin.

3. Pick Your Lucky Numbers Over All Others On The Wheel

Some superstitious online roulette players will refuse to bet on any other numbers except their lucky numbers. But just like playing the lottery, are you any more likely to win by playing your favourites or someone’s birthday numbers?

False: Although certain numbers may have proved lucky in the past for some roulette players, this is pure coincidence. Roulette is a game of chance and no-one can guarantee whether the ball will land in one pocket or the next. It’s what makes it such an engaging game both to play and to watch. But to believe that certain numbers on the wheel can consistently be lucky for you over the long-term is incorrect and could damage your play.

4. Sit Down With Lucky Charms When You Play Online Roulette

Lucky charms and rituals are one of the most common superstitions in the casino and beyond. Whether it’s a horseshoe, a four-leaf clover or a rabbit’s foot or even sitting at a particular seat in front of the table, many roulette players choose to have these charms by their side, believing that they will influence the outcome of their gaming. It’s also true that some players will choose to wear clothes that they perceive to be lucky.

False: These charms sitting beside you at the roulette table are just that – charms. They have no influence or control over where the ball lands on the roulette wheel. Even the dealer has no control over that – they simply spin the wheel and let the ball do its thing! A lucky charm might make an individual player more comfortable at the table, but it has no effect on the outcome of a wheel spin.

5. Avoid Things That Can Bring Bad Luck Before Your Online Roulette Session

Aside from lucky charms, some people will also engage in pre-game rituals as they believe it gives them the best chance of winning on the roulette wheel. The perception of having a beneficial ritual might give players a sense of control over their gaming, but the reality is that crossing your fingers, knocking on wood or stacking your chips in a certain manner won’t bring you good luck.

False: Of course, movies like James Bond can make it seem like casino games such as roulette benefit from having a glamorous partner to bring you good luck. Unfortunately, not.

6. Roulette Strategy Can Help Your Bankroll Go Further

The realities of playing online roulette are that no-one can predict the outcome of online roulette wheels. The outcome of previous rounds never influences the outcome of the next. The RNGs of online tables reset for the next round, never taking into consideration previous results.

True: Although it’s impossible to account for the randomness of online roulette wheels, it is possible to make sensible, educated bets that spread your risk across the roulette table.

The reality is that roulette systems which encourage you to spread your chips across different numbers using inside or outside bets can help you to pick up small wins without taking huge risks with your bankroll. The key to enjoying your online roulette session and maximising your bank is to never get transfixed on the idea of number streaks or ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ numbers. Treat each spin on its merits with a measured approach.

How many of these myths did you manage to bust?

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

Online casinos are fun and entertaining, however, it’s always good to remember to play safe, be it with regards to responsible gaming, playing on licensed sites or choosing secure payment methods.

During these emergency measures, the safety and well-being of our players is our top priority, which is why we’re reminding you of our safer gambling tools.

Gamble Responsibly

We want you to have fun but be responsible every time you play with us. LiveRoulette encourages its players to gamble responsibly, and to use your funds wisely. Borrowing money to play, spending more than you can afford or using money which has been saved for other reasons is not the right way to go, as it can cause problems for yourself and the people around you.

LiveRoulette has several responsible gaming tools in place to help you play in the right way. You can set up your own gaming limits, budgets and boundaries. We work together with the Global Gaming Guidance Group (G4) to provide players with the tools to prevent unhealthy gaming behaviour. Here’s a recap of our top tools:

Set Deposit Limits

If you’re spending more time at home or you’re spending more time online, you can control your funds with a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit. You can set up these limits through My Account and accessing the Responsible Gaming page. You’ll also be prompted to set a limit when you first open an account.

Use Reality Checks

These days, most online casinos offer cool-off options, from 24-hour time outs to more permanent solutions. Need a reality check on your gaming? No problem. With LiveRoulette you can be notified through a Reality Check which helps you keep track of how long you’ve been playing. You can be informed every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, one or two hours, depending on the frequency you choose.

The Reality Check feature will automatically stop the game you’re currently playing until you either decide to continue with the game or you choose to exit. This feature gives you a detailed breakdown of your online casino activity, such as information about your current gaming session with regards to time spent and information regarding any wins and losses.

Take Time Out

Think you might be playing too much? Give yourself time to cool off by temporarily suspending your account.

For players who may wish to self-exclude on a more permanent basis, LiveRoulette and a number of online casinos allow you to register with GamStop. GamStop is a handy and free service which allows players to self-exclude from all online gambling companies which are licensed in Great Britain. To find out more information and to sign up for this service simply visit www.gamstop.co.uk.

Take A Self-Assessment Test

If you’re concerned about the possibility of developing a gambling problem you can try our online Self-Assessment test (if you’re a registered player), and see what the results show. If your test result has reason to concern you, consider activating a timeout on your account or contact customer support to receive further advice.

Protect Your Kids

It’s illegal for anyone under 18 to open a casino account in the UK, and we take all the necessary precautions to ensure we do not attract or target minors. All accounts are fully age-verified before anyone can play, and if an account cannot be verified for any reason it is suspended, and no play can go ahead.

Whilst you and your children might be spending more time at home, there are measures you can take to ensure that your children aren’t exposing to gambling sites:

• Do not play in front of your children or minors.
• Log out as soon as you’ve finished playing.
• Keep any card details secure and out of reach.
• Do not use auto-fill for email addresses, passwords and other account details such as usernames.
• If you share your computer with people who are not yet of age, you can install software such as NetNanny to monitor, limit and protect your family from harmful content.

A Final Word Of Advice

Do not gamble if you feel anxious, tired or frustrated, and do not let your gambling get in the way of your daily activities. Gambling is not a solution to financial problems and should be done with your entertainment budget, not with your phone bill or rent money.

Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start playing, and remember once it’s gone, it’s gone. Apart from setting monetary limits, set yourself a time limit or a particular time window for play.

Get More Help

Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Thanks to the latest online slots technology, one of the country’s most loved slots has been given a facelift by none other than Red Tiger. The latest in a long line of payline-inspired updates, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM is set to take the conquistador’s adventure, and yours, to new heights on our Canadian online casino.

This new title hits our Vegas lobby on 23 July 2020, so stay tuned!

The setting, style, and mission remain the same. However, this time when you join plucky Gonzalo Pizarro, the adventure could be a lot wilder. As you play your way through the lost city of El Dorado, the search for ancient riches is helped along by a random number of available on each spin!

All part of the Megaways^TM upgrade, this mechanic not only ensures your adventure is full of twists and turns, but that you have up to 117,649 ways to win. Before you plot a course to the lost city of gold and play for the max payout topping 20,000x your stake, you need a map. This Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM guide is your map. Taking you from the first spin towards reels filled with potential, this online slot review will put you on the right path.

So, if you are ready to set sail for El Dorado and discover the latest in slot technology, let’s begin.

Gonzo’s Quest Theme

The year is 1541, and you find yourself aboard a ship floating somewhere off the coast of Peru. In the distance, you spot an island. Hazy at first, the landmass gradually comes into focus as you sail closer. It’s at this point Gonzo grabs his map and makes haste for what he believes is the lost city of El Dorado. The promise of Mayan’s riches prompts you to follow the intrepid explorer onto a beach. There, you find an ancient monument made of stone.

Each block is marked with tribal carvings that seem to form some sort of pattern. It’s at this point you realise you’re standing in front of the gates to El Dorado. However, only those that find the right combinations can enter. With that, your online slots adventure starts. You set the blocks free with each spin, knowing that matches are the key to unlocking prizes. Will you crack the code and find a way into the lost city of gold? Only time will tell.

What Are Megaways^TM Slots?

Before you can spin on Gonzo’s Quest and experience what this new video slot has to offer, you need to know what Megaways^TM means. This online slot innovation was created by Big Time Gaming. It takes the standard payline structure of popular slots and shakes things up. By introducing an extra reel and randomising the size of symbols, Megaways^TM makes it possible to activate a random number of ways to win on each spin.

For example, on one spin, you might have 100 ways to win. On the next, you could have 5,000. In tandem with mixing up the number of paylines, Megaways^TM makes mega-combinations possible. Because the reels are set in such a way that different sized symbols fall in random orders, it can open up more payout potential than your average slot. In fact, if things fall just right, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM will give you up to 117,649 ways to win from a single spin!

How To Play Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM

To play the game, it’s simple. Start by choosing your bet. The new Gonzo’s Quest has flexible betting limits, so you can stake between €0.10 and €10 a spin. Place your bet and you’ll unlock the six reels and set the blocks in motion.

What’s unique about Gonzo’s Quest, both the original and the Megaways^TM version, is that the symbols fall into place rather than spin. This not only creates a different slot feel, but sets up something known as the avalanche feature.

Gonzo’s Quest Online Slot Symbols

Since this is the gateway to the lost city of El Dorado, the symbols are suitably iconic. Each block has been carved into an ornate design. On any single drop, the six reels can host between two and seven of the following Mayan symbols:

• K ‘uk’ (quetzal)
• K ‘awil (spirit)
• Chan (snake)
• Hoy
• Grey stone god
• Yellow stone god
• Green stone god
• Blue stone god
• King of the gods

In addition to standard symbols, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM features a mystery icon in the form of a question mark. Substituting for all other symbols, this wild can appear up to twice on a single reel and can help complete winning combinations. Finally, to trigger the free spins bonus, golden coins must fall into place. Three or more coins (or two coins plus a wild) will initiate the bonus round and give you more potential ways to win.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM Payouts And Bonuses

Megaways^TM online slots are full of potential because you have up to 117,649 paylines on any given spin. This dynamic alone means that a single spin can unlock various payouts. In this game, winning combinations are formed when clusters of three or more matching symbols line up.

The list below shows how much you can win when you match a minimum of three symbols and a maximum of six. It is important to note that you will also win prizes when you match four and five symbols.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways Prizes

• K ‘uk’ (quetzal) = win between 0.1x and 0.5x your stake
• K ‘awil (spirit) = win between 0.2x and 0.5x your stake
• Chan (snake) = win between 0.2x and 0.7x your stake
• Hoy = win between 0.2x and 0.8x your stake
• Grey stone god = win between 0.3x and 1x your stake
• Yellow stone god = win between 0.4x and 1.2x your stake
• Green stone god = win between 0.5x and 2x your stake
• Blue stone god = win between 0.7x and 4x your stake
• King of the gods = win between 1x and 15x your stake

The Megaways^TM system means that you can make multiple winning combinations on a single spin. So, while a line-up of three matching symbols might not seem too lucrative, this could be one of many winning clusters on the reels. Unlike most current slots, Gonzo’s Quest works on a cumulative basis. In other words, multiple smaller prizes can translate into bigger payouts.

In fact, things get even better when you factor in this slot’s avalanche feature. Winning combinations will trigger an avalanche. This means that the symbols that formed a winning combination disappear and new ones will fall into their place. If the avalanche creates another winning combination, the process is repeated.

Each consecutive avalanche moves the multiplier metre along a notch. Consecutive winning combinations become increasingly valuable. In Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM the multipliers increase in the following way until you either max out or don’t hit a winning combination:

• 1x avalanche = 1x multiplier
• 2x avalanches = 2x multiplier
• 3x avalanches = 3x multiplier
• 4x avalanches = 5x multiplier

If you can trigger the free spins round (known as Free Falls), your multipliers are given a boost. By dropping in three scatters (coins), you will receive nine free spins. Trigger avalanches during this bonus round and your prizes will be multiplied by 3x, 6x, 9x and, finally, 15x.

Finally, for even more added value, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM features “earthquakes”. Like avalanches, earthquakes shake the reels and unlock extra opportunities. The way they do this is by removing low-value symbols. Earthquakes are triggered at random, so you never know when they’re going to strike. However, when they do, high-value symbols will fall into the mix and give you a chance to make winning combinations with more payout potential.

Gonzo’s Quest vs Gonzo’s Quest Megaways: The Showdown

Before we give you some tips on how to play online slots, let’s compare Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM to the original. Overall, the two games are virtually identical. In both, your mission is to unlock the proverbial gates to El Dorado by matching blocks of Mayan symbols. The two also contain the avalanche feature and successive wins trigger up to 5x multipliers. Finally, the Free Falls (free spins) round is available in both games.

For all the similarities between the two online slots, there are also some differences. Gonzo’s Quest features five reels, 20 paylines, and bets ranging from €0.20 up to €50. In contrast, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM contains six reels, up to 117,649 ways to win and bets ranging from €0.10 to €10. The Megaways^TM version also has the added power of the earthquake feature.

The other major difference between these two popular slots is payout potential. Gonzo’s Quest has top payouts worth up to 2,500x your stake. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM has top prizes worth over 20,000x. This, combined with avalanches and multipliers, means you could win more from Gonzo’s Quest Megaways than the original.

Our Recommendation: Play both games and see how the two compare!

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM Tips and Strategy

Online slots are all about having fun. Gonzo’s Quest is no different. Regardless of whether you play the original or the Megaways^TM version, you should always bet at a level that suits your bankroll, and not focus on the prizes. Always remember that slots are games of chance, and play responsibly!

Winning should be a happy consequence of playing the game. Adopting this mentality will help you get the most from Gonzo’s Quest. The Megaways^TM structure is expansive and adds a new level of excitement to the game. Add to this some vivid graphics and there are plenty of things to hold your attention as you play.

When you piece all of these elements together, it’s easy to see why NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest became an instant hit when it was released in 2013 and why its 2020 predecessor is equally successful. As long as you remember to play within your limits and enjoy the experience, you’ll get maximum entertainment value from this impressive online slot.

Gonzo’s Quest FAQ

Is Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM fair?

Yes! This game has not only been developed by one of the biggest companies in the business, Red Tiger, it has been tested and certified by an outside agency. Before this game was licenced and allowed to go live on casino sites around the world, its randomness and RTP (return to player) had to be checked. The results came back positive and, as well as receiving a 96% RTP rating, the game has been classified as 100% fair.

Can I win real money playing Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM?

Yes, you can. The amount you win is never guaranteed, and the size of prize will depend on your stake and the winning combinations you land. However, if everything lines up in the best way possible, you could win up over 20,000x your stake.

Where can I play Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM online?

You can play Gonzo’s Quest Megaways at LiveRoulette. If you have not already created an account, you can register your details today. Once you are a member, you can make a deposit, scroll through our online slots lobby, and try a heap of top slots!

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

With all four majors behind us and the curtain coming down on the 2023 golfing season, it is time to take a look back at some of the best performances and moments from the past year.

Below we take you through the five best moments from the last year in golf.

‘Rahmbo’ wins final round shootout at The Masters

It certainly didn’t take Jon Rahm long to find his stride in 2023 as he picked up his first win just eight days into the year at the Tournament Of Champions, making it two in a row at The American Express just two weeks later.

Rahm headed into The Masters with three titles to his name already, after picking up the Genisis Open title in mid-February to rise to third in the world golf rankings prior to the sport’s most prestigious tournament.

Heading into the final round, Rahm was two shots back from leader Brooks Koepka, with the two set to go out last to battle it out for the title. What followed was to be a combination of John Rahm being absolutely on fire, and Koepka melting under heat.

Rahm would go on to shoot an impressive three under par score of 69, whilst Koepka wilted to a three over 75. Rahm would win his first ever Masters title by a four-shot margin, joining an illustrious club of Green Jacket owners.

Michael Blocks out the pressure at PGA Championship

Prior to the 2023 PGA Championship, Michael Block was little more than the club pro in Southern California. He had played in 25 PGA Tour events, making four cuts, and winning the Southern California PGA Player of the Year nine times from 2012 to 2022.

Block caught the headlines at the end of the second day as he was the only club professional to do so. Fans really started to take notice when Block shot a level-par third round, whilst playing with Justin Rose, to finish the day in eighth position.

The pressure was piled on Block after he found out that he would be playing his final round alongside Rory McIlroy, but the American certainly didn’t crumble. After a largely steady round, Block scored a hole in one at the 15th hole on his way to a round of 71, which saw him finish in 15th place to complete one of the greatest underdog stories in golf’s recent memory.

Harman walks alone atop Royal Liverpool leaderboard

If you had told someone in 2017 that Brian Harman was going to win The Open in 2023, not many would have questioned you after he finished T13 at the tournament, as well as T2 in the US Open that year, but at 125/1 he didn’t roll up to Royal Liverpool with much expectation.

Harman didn’t set the field alight straight away and after the first round all eyes were on hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood who led by one. The second round was when the tide took an insurmountable shift with Harman ending the second round five shots ahead of the rest, the joint largest lead after 36 holes at the Open Championship since 1934.

On what was a sparse, windy and far from easy Royal Liverpool course, many expected some of the bigger names to reel in Harman as the holes passed, but the American had other ideas. Harman went two under par in his third round to keep his lead at the top to five shots.

With last round nerves the talk of the media, some of whom were hoping that Harman would faulter, the lesser-known lefty proved all doubters wrong as he topped the leaderboard by an emphatic six shot margin as he lifted his first ever Major title.

DeChambeau shoots record-equalling 58

LIV Golf has been a big talking point this season, less so the events that have actually taken place on the breakaway tour’s courses. Although LIV Golf is seen by many to be a less competitive environment, Bryson DeChambeau achieved a feat which would be tough for most to match at a pitch and putt, never mind a professional golf course.

DeChambeau winning his first LIV Golf title at the Greenbrier was far from the headline on the back page, with his final round score of 58 the main talking point. The big-hitting American’s scorecard consisted of 13 birdies and just one bogey as he became just the seventh man to shoot 58 in men’s professional golf and only the fourth to do so on a main tour.

Europe take over Rome in a day

After all of the individual achievements we saw throughout the year, it was a team performance that truly capped a fascinating year of golf. Team Europe headed to Rome for the 2023 Ryder Cup with revenge on the agenda and stacked team ready to make their mark… and make their mark they did.

Nothing sets the tone for a Ryder Cup tournament like a chip-in on the first hole and Viktor Hovland produced just that to send him and Ludvig Aberg one up – Team Europe never looked back from that moment.

After just one day’s play the Europeans had produced a highlight reel fit for the entire weekend as they finished day one with a five-point lead, with many believing that the competition was already over.

Europe did not once take their finger off the pulse, with standout performance coming from Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland. Luke Donald’s men would avenge their 2021 defeat and more, winning the competition by a margin of 16.5 points to 11.5.

Check out all the latest golf betting odds at William Hill

While some of the league’s top teams fall off, the Kansas City Chiefs remain in the top spot on the Super Bowl oddsboards, looking to repeat as NFL champions in 2024.

Below, we’ve got a look at the latest Super Bowl 58 odds with some of our best bets and sleeper predictions:

Who Is Favored To Win The 2023-2024 Super Bowl

DOT and the Cisco Foundation announce a partnership to develop a youth-led response to the global climate challenge

Responding to the calls to action from youth within DOT’s network across Africa and the Middle East – young people who are living through some of the worst impacts of the climate emergency – Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) today announces a new area of focus that leverages its proven, impact driven, youth-led model in response to the climate crisis. With support from the Cisco Foundation, young women and men will develop solutions that leverage digital tools, the creativity of young people and the power of DOT’s network of young leaders to increase community awareness and resilience to the local shocks and stresses caused by climate change.

The initial project will establish a foundation for solutions that can demonstrate, motivate and mobilize thousands of other young leaders of change and millions of citizens to take action that contributes to climate resilience in their own communities.

The ‘Youth-led Community Climate Awareness and Action’ project embraces the principles of digital inclusion, women’s empowerment and the belief in young people as leaders of change. DOT and Cisco believe that communities can experience an inclusive green transition when young people are empowered with the skills, tools and technology to lead in their communities. 

Over the next 12 months, DOT will consult with climate experts, co-design and digitize programmatic interventions with youth, run community-based pilots to test and verify a youth-led climate program and toolkit for dissemination in 2024. 

Building on a legacy of youth-led community development

The Youth-led Community Climate Awareness and Action project will be realized through DOT’s youth-led model, a unique model which mobilizes a movement of local youth, and empowers them with the skills, tools, and knowledge to lead community transformation. With over 20 years of proven impact, the model has reached 3 million community members.  

Deeply interconnected with livelihoods, human rights and inclusion, climate change is creating serious impacts to other global challenges. Young people, particularly young women, are incredibly vulnerable to climate change impacts. With the support of the Cisco Foundation, the project is rooted in the voices and lived realities of young people as witnessed in the DOT network. Addressing climate change is both an opportunity and a prerequisite for youth to thrive in an inclusive digital economy – DOT and Cisco will lead the way. 

DOT Founder and CEO, Janet Longmore, says: “At the heart of DOT’s mission, is the belief that young people — equipped with the knowledge, skills and the support and trust of the international development ecosystem — will apply their energy, creativity and impatience to lead community-based grassroots climate response at an incredible pace and scale. DOT has proven that one young person mobilized through skills, confidence and a network of support, working alongside governments, the private sector, civil society and their communities, can reach hundreds of others, increasing the collective resilience to local climate change shocks and stresses”.

She adds: “By creating a movement of digitally-savvy youth with the skills, confidence and attitudes to transform their communities, DOT has been working for 21 years to advance digital inclusion. This is why we are committed to extending our youth-led model to address the climate crisis. The model positions young women and men as climate champions who will build climate awareness among their peers and citizens, advocate for climate action, and innovate in the green economy. We are starting in Tanzania and Lebanon and we intend to scale to other countries in the Middle East and Africa”. 

A long-term partnership with the Cisco Foundation

DOT and Cisco have a long history collaboration. Starting 21 years ago, when the Cisco Foundation supported the initial development and implementation of the youth-led model, through the present day, the organizations have worked together in the Middle East, Africa, the USA, China and Mexico – driven by a shared belief in the potential of young people and the power of technology to lead responsible change.

Peter Tavernise, Climate Impact and Regeneration Portfolio lead of the Cisco Foundation, notes: “An effective response to climate change, and the reinforcing of climate action and resilience in all communities requires the efforts of everyone. We have always valued DOT’s channels to youth and the organization’s ability to engage young people as respected leaders who bring the creativity, concerns and the voices of youth to the table.”

Extending the hand, and power, of partnership, we welcome others with shared beliefs to join us in the Youth-Led Community Climate Awareness and Action initiative.

With this release, players can pack their bags and head to North America, as they search for a herd of wild buffalo. A selection of other animals can be seen on the reels of the Buffalo Blitz Megaways slot, while the background consists of a picturesque mountain range. This title comes with a range of features, including the popular Megaways mechanic. Should a matching combination form, the symbols will be removed from the board before new icons drop in from above to fill the space. This process can continue until no more combinations appear, with the number of active paylines also varying with each spin.

Buffalo Blitz Megaways was created by Playtech, a company that has over 20 years of experience in the casino slots space. They have an impressive portfolio to their name, including titles such as Flaming Bars, Full Moon Wild Track, and Sahara Riches: Cash Collect. Playtech has also released a variety of games in the ‘Blitz’ series, with titles such as ‘Rhino Blitz‘ and ‘Shark Blitz’ sharing four progressive jackpots. 

Featured Symbols

The standard symbols in Buffalo Blitz Megaways consist of the 9, 10, J, Q, K, and A symbols that are commonly found in slots online. Premium symbols are shown as a moose, a bear, a racoon, a puma, and a buffalo. Forming a matching combination of six with these symbols can award 4x, 4x, 5x, 5x, or 6x the stake size, in that order. When it comes to premium icons, only two are needed in order to form a combination, with standard symbols requiring a minimum of three. 

Now, this slot also features two different special icons, the first of which is a wild, shown as a diamond. Wilds can replace any standard or premium icon along a payline. The other special symbol is a scatter, displayed simply as the words ‘Free Games’ or ‘More Free Games’. As the writing on these icons suggests, scatter symbols can trigger the main bonus mode.

Bonuses and Jackpots

The first bonus mode in Buffalo Blitz can be triggered when four or more scatter icons appear simultaneously. Interestingly, players will then get to pick a bonus mode from a list of four, all of which offer their own number of spins and wild multiplier values. The first mode is known as ‘Blitz Free Games’, awarding players with 10, 15, or 20 free spins, depending on how many scatter icons triggered the selection, alongside wild multipliers of 2x, 3x, or 5x. Next up is ‘Thunder Free Games’, offering 8, 12, or 16 free spins with a 3x, 4x, or 6x wild multiplier. 

Buffalo Free Games is the name of the third mode, with this bonus awarding 6, 9, or 12 free spins with wild multipliers of 4x, 5x, or 10x. Last but not least is the ‘Mystery Free Games’, which can offer anywhere from 6 to 20 free spins and wild multipliers of 2x to 10x. It’s worth mentioning that the multiplier is only applied to potential winnings when a wild symbol is part of the combination. Should multiple wilds be included, their values will be added together before being applied.  

Each bonus mode can also be retriggered by landing three or more scatter icons. However, the number of spins will depend on the variation selected. In all cases, the maximum number of free spins is 1,000. 

This title is also part of the ‘Jackpot Blitz’ series of online slots UK, meaning that four progressive jackpots are included. At random, players can be taken to a screen that contains 20 diamonds, with a different jackpot behind each. These diamonds must then be selected one at a time, until three of the same jackpots appear, at which point the corresponding value will be awarded to the player. 

In total, there is a Mini, Minor, Major, and Blitz jackpot, with seed values of 50.00, 500.00, 5,000.00, and 100,000.00. As these are progressive jackpots, a portion of each wager will be added to the value of each. There is no minimum stake size required for the jackpot feature to activate, either! 

Play Buffalo Blitz Megaways at bwin

While the theme of Buffalo Blitz Megaways is rather simple, the range of different features certainly helps to keep things entertaining. One of the standout aspects is the ability for players to choose their bonus mode from a total of four different options. There are also four progressive jackpots that can be awarded at random, regardless of the bet size! 

The Brazilian gambling industry is about to become regulated. IDnow investigates how the grey market currently works, and some of the dangers of using unregulated gambling platforms.

Brazil effectively banned gambling in 1946; a more-or-less all-encompassing restriction that remained largely in place until 2018, when sports betting was legalized. However, as virtually no regulation was ever implemented, Brazilian players and international gambling platforms have been operating in a somewhat grey area ever since. This is all due to change once Brazilian online gambling regulation is formally approved in the coming weeks. 

The limbo appears to work, at least on the face of it. And at least for international operators. Surprisingly, despite the lack of clear regulation, Brazil still manages to generate over 20% of all global online gambling traffic. 

It is for this reason that the Brazilian authorities have introduced new regulations to help the Brazilian gambling market capture what is viewed as lost revenue (a projected $1.5 billion in 2023) and bring it back within the fold of the Brazilian economy. 

In fact, the projected numbers are likely to be even larger when regulation finally passes, as there are vast swathes of the Brazilian would-be gambling community that are not currently gambling, despite wanting to.

To gamble or not to gamble? That is the Brazilian question.

In 2021, a survey on Brazilian attitudes toward gambling discovered that 39% of Brazilian participants said they didn’t gamble because they felt uncertain of the safety. 

Just over half of all potential players said they would feel more confident playing online if they had more information about the companies. This is understandable as many gambling operators are not very clear about who their owners are, or even the location of their headquarters. 

In the same survey, 51% of participants said they would like to see more player protection mechanisms put in place. Read more opinions from the Brazilian betting community in our blog, ‘How does the Brazilian betting community really feel about upcoming regulations.’ 

Despite operating in the grey, international gambling operators have achieved considerable visibility through advertising on television and the internet, and through sponsorship of Brazilian football clubs. 

However, the wave of publicity and ensuing popularity has raised concerns about the impact of gambling addiction, the growth of scams, and the threat of money laundering.

Wait, so is online gambling legal or illegal in Brazil?

The most obvious question that many have when they see adverts for online gambling platforms but find out online gambling is essentially illegal, is well, how does that work? The answer lies in Law 13.756, which allows operators to offer their services in Brazil if their headquarters are outside of Brazil and there are no physical points of sale. In practice, this law enables bookmakers to use websites, on the condition they are hosted internationally. 

As these websites operate according to the rules of the countries in which they are based, such as Curaçao, the UK or Malta, they are not required to obey Brazilian laws, such as the Consumer Defence Code. This is all set to change when Brazilian regulations are formally passed and implemented. 

This has meant that from 2018 until whenever the regulations finally come into force, international bookmakers have operated with a sort of impunity and without needing to implement fair gaming rules or player protection measures.

What do Brazilian players think about using unregulated gambling platforms?

The Brazilian gaming community is waking up to the realities of dealing with unregulated gambling operators. Common complaints made on social media and forums include users making deposits but being unable to withdraw them, and even stories of players who have had their accounts blocked following a good streak in sports betting or on online casinos. However, there is a growing awareness among the Brazilian betting community that these kinds of scams are not representative of the entire gambling industry, but rather just unreliable websites.  

An upside to the online proliferation of so many negative stories has led to increasing numbers of Brazilian gamblers actively seeking information about the risk of less reliable, unregulated online gambling sites.

Arguments for and against KYC processes in Brazil.

While the vast majority of the Brazilian betting community seem to accept the value of undergoing a KYC process, there are some who have expressed privacy concerns over some operators’ requirements for players to take and send photographs of themselves holding identity documents. Many also fear that when dealing with an international operator, if there was a problem associated with sending documents, for example a data breach, then they would not be able to rely on national legal protection measures. 
 
A common complaint among international gambling operators is on the difficulty of performing the Brazilian KYC process due to the wide variety and disparity of identity documents in Brazil. For example, each state in Brazil offers slightly different ID cards, which have dates and document numbers in different places, for example. Difficulties surrounding the KYC process has affected some players’ ability to transact and make withdrawals.  

This makes the integration with the Cadastro de Pessoas Fiscias (CPF), a tax number that every Brazilian is issued with, all the more important for identity verification and KYC. 

Brazilian industry insiders say that the implementation of KYC measures to obtain a licence (Read more about ‘Unpacking the complexities of the Brazilian gambling license structure’ here) means more than just following a legal requirement, it will also help operators prevent fraud.

Brazil is almost ready. Are you?

Are you ready to enter the new era of online gambling in Brazil? 

IDnow is unique in its ability to combine geo-specific capabilities like Brazil’s CPF integration, with AML compliant, multi-dimensional identity proofing and fraud prevention solutions – enabling trusted, seamless customer experiences anytime, anywhere. All from one platform, all in real time. 

Read more about our Brazil-ready identity verification services.

By

Jody Houton
Senior Content Manager at IDnow
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn

Calling all Garth Brooks & country music fans! 🎸 Join us at Ute Mountain Casino Hotel in the Event Center for TWO nights only on August 11th & 12th, 2023 at 8PM to witness the incredible performance of The Garth Guy Concert! 🤠🎤

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to see the busiest and most experienced Garth Brooks tribute artist in the world, live on stage.

The Garth Guy tribute band, led by Dean Simmons, has been honoring the music of Garth Brooks since 1994. Known for their appearances on AXS TV’s World’s Greatest Tribute Bands and Legends in Concert, they recreate the energy and excitement of a live Garth Brooks concert.

Rally your crew, mark your calendars, and we’ll see you for a night of great country music!

The Saturday performance is FREE!

Ahh, Thanksgiving. There’s nothing more mouth-watering than some savory Turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and flavorful stuffing, with a side of…McDonald’s Big Macs? While cooking a Thanksgiving feast remains a beloved American tradition, an unexpected alternative is sizzling in the back grill. Due to the rising inflation, 84% of Americans are turning to the fast food lanes to cut back on holiday costs, and it’s leaving its mark at the Thanksgiving table.

To savor the Thanksgiving spirit, we took a deep dive into the sizzling world of fast food to uncover the most visited drive-thru lanes on Thanksgiving and motivations behind the culinary shift. We conducted a Google Trends analysis to find the most sought after fast food chain, for a state-by-state breakdown; and surveyed 2,000 Americans to unveil the reasons behind their turkey to “finger lickin’ good” fast food swap. 

Key findings:

• McDonald’s reigns as America’s #1 Thanksgiving take-out order, according to 16 states 
• Wendy’s is the second most-searched fast food chain during Thanksgiving, winning the hearts of six states
• Burger King is the third most sought after to-go Thanksgiving meal, nationwide 
• The #1 reason Americans are swapping traditional Thanksgiving meals for fast food is due to laziness (21.7%)

McDonald’s the new Thanksgiving meal? America is lovin’ it

Whether you’re looking to cut back on grocery costs or craving a speedy, hassle-free meal to complement your Thanksgiving festivities, here’s what the nation plans to munch on this holiday. 

“Ba da ba ba ba, I’m lovin’ it,” echoes from 16 states across the nation as McDonald’s is the #1 top-searched fast food chain on Thanksgiving. While McDonald’s doesn’t serve juicy turkey or delicious stuffing, they’ll still satisfy your cravings. You can easily swap out the turkey for a tasty burger of your choice, mashed potatoes for crispy french fries or hash browns, and dessert for their classic baked apple pies. Ronald McDonald’s got your back this Thanksgiving holiday! 

Where’s the turkey beef? Wendy’s clinches the silver medal as the second most googled fast food chain for the big holiday, according to six states. As the Thanksgiving fast food frenzy is an unconventional twist, what better way to embrace this new trend than with Wendy’s famous squared burgers? Top it off with a Pumpkin Spice Frosty to really encapsulate the fall spirit.

Hopping on the untraditional bandwagon, five other states embrace the “have it your way” slogan by Burger King as it’s the third most popular fast food chain, as per our Google Trends analysis. With the famous BK combo, you can quite literally “build your own Thanksgiving meal.” So, why not eat like a king this Thanksgiving, by whop-ping out the turkey for the signature Whopper? 

KFC’s “finger lickin’ good” chains caught the taste buds of three states, making it the fourth most popular chain for the Thanksgiving holiday. But the competition really sizzles with In-N-Out, Bojangles and Popeyes sharing a three-way tie for fifth place, nationwide. 

Meanwhile, in sixth, is a six-way tie featuring Jack in the box, Wawa, Domino’s, White Castle, Whataburger, and Papa John’s. What a mouthwatering medley of options to have this Thanksgiving! 

Why Americans are opting for fast food on Thanksgiving

Out with the stuffing, in with the fries! But why are Americans skipping the turkey for the everyday convenience of fast food? We dished out a survey to 2,000 Americans to spill the tea on this sizzling trend.

Approximately 21.7% of our respondents confessed to being too lazy, when it comes to cooking a grand Thanksgiving meal for their friends and/or family. Following closely behind, another 20.4% don’t have the time to prepare a traditional turkey dinner. Given how most households spend the entire day cooking up a storm, this comes as no surprise! 

Another 17.8% skip the holiday all together, but celebrate their love for fast food instead. 15.8% find it cheaper to buy take-out, while 7.9% deem fast food as less food waste. Additionally, 5.9% have plans to travel during the holiday. 

However, 10.5% of respondents cooked-up ‘other’ reasons. Some answers shared were: “just trying something different this year,” “family will be out of town,” and “we get takeout every year, as there’s just the two of us and it’s more relaxing.” Who knew you could have a relaxing Thanksgiving! 

It’s clear that Americans’ love convenience and fast food, according to our study. So, whether you’re feeling a bit lazy, miles away from family, or looking to spice up your Thanksgiving traditions this year, why not give the Thanksgiving turkey some competition by driving to your closest fast-food chain this holiday? 

Methodology 

To find the most searched fast food chain, we used Google Trends to analyze the search volumes for ‘fast food’ chains in the week leading up to Thanksgiving day in 2022.

We also conducted a nationwide survey of 2,000 U.S. residents in November 2023, to discover their reasons behind the Thanksgiving meal swap. The average age of respondents was 38.2 years old. The representative sample comprised of 56.0% female, 41.5% male, 2.1% non-binary, 0.3% transgender, and 0.1% other. 

Fair use

Feel free to use the data or visuals on this page for non-commercial purposes. Please be sure to include proper attribution linking back to this page to give credit to the authors.

For any press questions, please contact rhiannon.odonohoe[at]casino.org

Summertime is coming to an end, but we are still bringing the heat at Casino.com!

This month, we are travelling back in time and adding some Ancient themed slots to our gaming portfolio. Explore the Pyramids, thunderbolts and more as we take a closer look at a few of the new additions that will soon be hitting the game lobby.

All upcoming games have different bonuses features, varying bet ranges, and their own distinct characters. Get in your time machine and take a trip to see what is being released in September 2023.

Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect

Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect is an Ancient Egyptian themed slot game from game provider Playtech. The game features symbols such as the Cleopatra Wild, a sphinx, and a scarab which are all all set against the backdrop of a visually stunning extravagant temple that has flames surrounding the game grid.

The slot has 30 paylines, ambient traditional music, and an RTP of 95.41% with a huge bet range starting from €0.10 going all the way up to €500. One of the exciting features of the game is the Cash Collect mechanic, as well as the Free Games Bonus Round opportunity.

If you are lucky enough to trigger the additional round, a special expanded grid with locked rows above the main reels will be presented with a new colour scheme, and huge win potential.

Look out for these icons: 

• Cash Collect Symbol – Land a Cash Collect symbol to collect bonus symbols and cash prizes.
• Cash Spreader – When this bright gold and red striped symbols lands anywhere on the reels, it will spread random bonus symbols on the extra reels, adding up to 5 coins to random positions on extra reels.
• Sticky Cash –Collect prizes up to 16x your bet as this symbol will turn into a jackpot Diamond and freeze until your next spin once the jackpot has been collected.

This slot game also 4 Progressive Jackpots – Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. These can be randomly triggered by landing a Diamond icon and a Cash Collect symbol on the reels during any spin.

Will you find your diamond at the top of the pyramid?

Amazing Link Zeus Epic 4

Next up, we travel into Greek mythology for the 4^th instalment of Amazing Link Zeus Epic. This is an electrifying slot game brought to you by Microgaming (Games Global) with 20 to 80 paylines, an RTP of 96.47%, and 4 distinct reel sets. Spin away to find symbols such as Pegasus, the harp, the vase, and the powerful Zeus Wild.

At the heart of the slot game lies the vibrant blue Amazing Symbol which can also turn gold with the right amount of force! Triggering 6 or more of these icons on a single reel, can ignite the Amazing Link feature, awarding 3 respins. With the locked symbols intact, your respins could lock more spins leading to a huge payout.

Unleash your power!

Eye of Horus Rise Of Egypt

We are going back to Ancient Egypt again, however this time we are looking straight into the Eye of Horus Rise of Egypt. This slot has been developed by Blueprint Gaming and has a standard 5-reel x 3-rows game grid with 10 paylines. There are Wild symbols, and a captivating bonus round where you can get a maximum win of 50,000x your bet.

Although this is another Ancient Egyptian game, this one is set on a backdrop reminiscent of hieroglyphic slabs giving you a completely different experience to other Egyptian style games. See if the eye can guide you on a path to riches!

Play for Real Money

To start playing Real Money bets, just simply sign in and place your bets. Whether you are keen to explore the Ancient Egypt, Zeus’ thunderbolts, or if you just want to play a fun slot game, our lobby has something for everyone.

And if you are registering for the first time and making your first deposit, you can claim your Welcome Bonus before playing on all of our new games. 

In this exploration, we will journey through time, tracing the roots of tennis scoring back to medieval France. Here, “jeu de paume”, the precursor to tennis, first introduced the enigmatic term “love”.

As the game evolved across continents, so did its scoring conventions. This culminated in the 19th-century invention of “deuce” and “advantage”, adding layers of drama to each match. Join us on this thrilling excursion into the history of tennis scoring.

Jeu de Paume – The Beginning of Tennis

“Jeu de paume” is an indoor racquet sport considered to be one of the precursors to modern tennis. The term “jeu de paume” translates to “game of the palm” in French.

It originally involved hitting a ball with the hand, and later with a glove or a wooden racket, over a net. This sport eventually evolved into what we now know as tennis.

“Jeu de paume” is scored in a manner that is somehow different from modern tennis. In “jeu de paume”, the scoring system is based on a 15-point system similar to tennis, but there are some distinctions.

From 15 to 40 points, the scoring system is the same as tennis. However, after the 40 points comes the 45 or 60. Then, the server only needs one more point to win the game.

This point is called “45”, while in other variations of the game, it’s “60”. Winning one more point after reaching 45 or 60 secures the game for the server.

Other than that, if you’re interested in betting, note that the best tennis betting sites in the UK are the best platforms to wager on most tennis events. As you can see so far, “jeu de paume” shares similarities with modern tennis.

All in all, the history of the scoring system in tennis is directly related to its precursor. The scoring system of “jeu de paume” has some unique features that have evolved over time into the scoring system used in contemporary tennis.

The History of Tennis Scoring Terms: Love, Deuce, and Advantage

As we continue to explore the fascinating history of tennis scoring, it becomes evident that this sport has brought unique terminology. Terms like “love”, “deuce”, and “advantage” are integral to the sport and carry a historical weight that transcends mere numbers on a scoreboard.

The term “love” in tennis scoring is as peculiar as it is fascinating. It is the equivalent of zero points, and while its origin is not definitively documented, there are several compelling theories.

One theory suggests that “love” may have evolved from the French word “l’oeuf”, which means egg. The egg’s round shape resembles a zero, and the pronunciation might have transformed over time.

Another theory ties “love” to the Dutch word “lof”, meaning “honour”. In early tennis, players often referred to a scoreless game as playing for honour rather than points, and this could have morphed into “love”.

Regardless of its precise origin, “love” has become a distinctive part of the history behind tennis scoring. This evoked the notion of starting a match with a clean slate, without points, and a sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Then, in tennis history of scoring, “deuce” signifies a tied score of 40-40 (or 60-60 in some older variations). The term itself has French roots, originating from “à deux le jeu”, which translates to “to both is the game”.

When the score reaches deuce, it implies that both players are equally positioned to win the game, and they must subsequently win two consecutive points to claim victory. Scoring in tennis history has shown that deuce introduces an element of tension.

It emphasises the need for a clear winner and prolonging the excitement of a game. The back-and-forth struggle at deuce is a testament to the competitive spirit of tennis and the challenge of achieving that crucial advantage.

In tennis scoring history, “advantage” emerges after a deuce when one player wins the next point. It signifies a potential game-winning opportunity, but it requires winning one more point to secure the game.

The term “advantage” summarises the fact that a player has a favourable position, but victory is not yet guaranteed. Thus, fortunes can shift rapidly, and the balance between triumph and defeat is delicate.

“Advantage” has been at the centre of some of the greatest tennis comebacks in history. Players, seemingly on the brink of defeat, rallied back with sheer determination and skill to turn the tables and secure victories.

The unique scoring terms in tennis “love, deuce, and advantage” are deeply rooted in the history of scoring system in tennis. They have been a part of the sport for centuries, adding depth and character to the game.

All in all, these terms remind us that tennis is not just a game of physical skill but also a mental and emotional contest where every point counts. They tell a story of competition, honour, and the pursuit of victory.

History of Scoring System in Tennis – The Origin

The roots of tennis scoring extend deep into history, finding their origin in the heart of medieval France. To understand the earliest forms of tennis scoring and its place in the history of scoring system in tennis, we must embark on a journey through time.

As we said before, the story begins with “jeu de paume”, which emerged in medieval France during the 12th century. Courts were typically set up in the courtyards of French monasteries and palaces, where it gained immense popularity among the nobility.

The scoring system in “jeu de paume” was rudimentary compared to today’s standards. Players competed to score points by hitting the ball over a net into designated areas on the opponent’s side.

However, the scoring method was notably different. “Jeu de paume” employed a system known as “chasing”. In this early form of tennis, the concept of love, meaning zero, had not yet found its way into the scoring lexicon.

Points were counted using the term “15”, suggesting that it took 15 points to win a game. This system was undoubtedly simpler than the one we use today. Interestingly, the word “chase” refers to the act of attempting to reach a certain score.

For instance, when a player needed to score two points to win, they would declare “15-1 chase”. If their opponent then scored a point, it would become “15-2 chase”, and so on.

The scoring progression was less structured than contemporary tennis, with matches often played to a predetermined number of chases rather than games or sets. It was an era when tennis scoring was more fluid, and the emphasis was on reaching the required number of chases.

Over the centuries, “jeu de paume” evolved, and so did its scoring system. This would influence the tennis scoring history later on. By the 16th century, racquets had replaced bare hands, and tennis courts took on a more familiar layout.

The Differences between the Two Scoring Systems

We have taken the time to summarise the relevant information covered so far about the differences between “jeu de paume” and tennis scoring. Have a look at the list below:

“Jeu de Paume” Scoring

Modern Tennis Scoring

It’s obvious to state that this scoring system is used for all in-play and standard tennis bets not only at the top-rated betting sites in the UK, but across the world as well. Furthermore, these platforms are not just the best place to wager on tennis but also on many other popular sports worldwide.

Modern Tennis Scoring

After a thorough overview of the history of tennis scoring, it’s now time to focus on modern tennis scoring. In the table below, you will find the most relevant information with regards to modern tennis scoring and other interesting details:

As we conclude this exploration of modern tennis scoring, we have unveiled the intricacies that define the game’s scoring system. Plus, we have not only learnt about the origin of the unique 15-30-40 structure but also about the introduction of “love”, and the deuce-advantage concept.

This scoring system has endured and evolved over the years, showcasing the sport’s adaptability and appeal. Whether you are an avid player or a dedicated spectator, understanding these aspects adds depth to the appreciation of tennis.

Conclusion

In concluding our journey through the captivating history of tennis scoring, we have uncovered a rich tapestry of traditions, innovations, and tales. As you can see, we started this history trip from the humble beginnings of “jeu de paume” in medieval France to the structured 15-30-40-game format.

The lexicon of tennis scoring, featuring terms like “love”, “deuce”, and “advantage”, tells a story of competition, strategy, and the pursuit of victory. It’s a story that spans centuries, continents, and countless matches, leaving a mark on the world of sports.

As we reflect on all this, we gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances and history that make tennis not just a game but an exciting and timeless sport. Your knowledge about the history of the scoring system in tennis is likely to be much richer by now.

FAQ

This blog post about the tennis scoring history is about to finish. Nonetheless, before this happens, we have included a few frequently asked questions that will help you solve any pending doubts you may have. Keep in mind that the answers will jump to the paragraph of your interest. See them below:

Online poker sites with high stakes have some of the sickest cash games in the world!

We’re going to get a glimpse into that arena with today’s hand analysis. 

This hand was played by Wiktor “Limitless” Malinowski and Oleg Bychkov at $200/$400 blinds with an effective stack just over $40,000.

Let’s dive right into the action!

Preflop Action

Wiktor opens up the action with a raise to $1,200 from the Small Blind with .

Oleg 3-bets with to $3,600 from the Big Blind.

Wiktor calls.

Preflop Analysis

Wiktor can employ a couple of strategies for playing an unopened pot from the Small Blind.

1. He could play a mixed strategy comprised of folding, limping (around 30% of hands), and open-raising (around 30% of hands).
2. Or he could go with a pure strategy, comprised of open-raising the top 40-45% of hands and folding the rest.

Theoretically speaking, the mixed strategy has a tiny bit higher expected value (EV) than the pure strategy. But can be great strategies if executed properly. It just depends on which one you can play better than your opponent.

(If you play low stakes cash games, Upswing Poker recommends going with the pure strategy from the Small Blind. The rake is simply too high in those games for the limp strategy to be worth it.)

Oleg should look to 3-bet with around 15-17% of hands, and his range should be polarized. His 3-betting range will be similar to this:

The numbers below each hand represent the frequency at which that hand 3-bets. For example, Q9o shows 0.333, which means it 3-bets 33% of the time. If a hand shows a 1, it 3-bets 100% of the time.

In summation, the 3-bet range contains the strong hands (99+, ATs+, AQo+) and a smattering of “bluff 3-bets” that have effective blockers and/or good playability when called.

Against the 3-bet, Wiktor should be looking to call with around half of his range. I’d estimate his calling range is something like this:

Now that we have the preflop ranges estimated, let’s see the flop.

Flop Action

The flop comes   and the pot is $7,200.

Wiktor checks with . Oleg c-bets $2,400 with . Wiktor check-raises to $6,480. Oleg calls.

Flop Analysis

The flop gives Oleg top set with Pocket Jacks, but not a whole lot for Wiktor’s .

Despite having a ton of weak hands in his 3-betting range, Oleg still retains a small equity advantage on the flop. That being said, he will retain a much larger percentage of the pot due to having the nut advantage (which at this stack-to-pot ratio (SPR) could be considered overpairs+). He also has position, which makes it easier to realize equity.

A very high-frequency, small c-bet will work perfectly in this kind of scenario. Oleg could even simplify and go for a range bet. This way, he will put a lot of pressure on decent-looking hands such as Ace-Queen, low pocket pairs, and some middling suited Aces that have a backdoor flush draw.

Against this small c-bet, Wiktor should be always folding his Ace-Five suited. It is simply too weak to justify calling or raising with just an overcard, a backdoor flush draw, and a crummy backdoor straight draw.

While Wiktor’s specific hand should be folding, his general approach to the situation should be aggressive in order to deny as much equity as possible from Oleg. Check-raising with some strong top pairs and better, plus some semi-bluffs to balance them, is optimal in this scenario. But is just too weak to continue with.

(Perhaps Wiktor had an exploitative reason in mind when he check-raised.)

Against this raise, Oleg has no reason to fast-play his flopped set since the pot is already getting big, so calling is the best play. There is so little money left to play for in their stacks compared to the pot, thus he can afford to slow-play.

Turn Action

The turn comes the , making the board . The pot is $20,160.

Wiktor checks. Oleg checks.

Turn Analysis

The changes nothing. Wiktor can continue betting with some portion of both his value hands and bluffs.

could be a decent candidate to use as a semi-bluff here given that it blocks Pocket Aces and Ace-Jack. But in any case, Wiktor goes for the check.

Against a check, Oleg should take a stab at the pot frequently. A small size will be most effective since Wiktor will mostly be giving up at this point. Top pairs are, for the most part, strong enough to value-bet. Plus, he has plenty of straight draws that would like to bluff.

With top set specifically, Oleg should check back because:

1. His hand is not vulnerable — there is no downside to letting Wiktor “catch up”
2. He blocks a lot of the hands that would call him (such as )
   
3. The stack-to-pot ratio is very low — getting the full stack in on the river is still possible, even if he checks the turn
   

Let’s see what the river brings.

River Action

The river comes the , making the final board . The pot is $20,160.

Wiktor checks. Oleg bets $6,960 with his full house.

River Analysis

The river is another brick. Wiktor should mostly check with his get-to-river range since none of his weaker hands improve on this river. This includes his .

Oleg should use a bigger bet size here, in theory. One-third pot river bets in position are not usually an optimal way to play because it caps the amount of bluffs/value hands that you can use.

That being said, purely from and expected value point of view, it isn’t a significant mistake at equilibrium (though it can be exploited). This type of play could be optimal if Wiktor is going to be overly loose/aggressive against it.

Back to Wiktor now, who actually has a good bluff-catcher at this point. He unblocks all potential bluffs (such as ) and also wins against all of them.

If Oleg is over-bluffing when using this size (has more than 20% bluffs), has a positive expected value as a call. Whether that is the case or not is up for debate and only by playing many many hands against a player can you make those distinctions.

Results

Wiktor hero calls with Ace-high. Oleg scoops the $34,080 pot. A nifty prize!

What do you think of Wiktor’s call on the river?

Do you reckon Oleg is bluffing more than 20% of the time?

Let me know in the comments below.

That’s all for this article guys! I hope you enjoyed this breakdown and as usual, if you have any questions or feedback please let me know in the comment section down below!

Do you think you have what it takes to get to the nosebleeds? Prove it! Till’ next time, good luck, grinders!