Simple Blackjack Switch strategy. The first thing you should is to remember the list of hands (note that the order is from the strongest hand to the weakest one): 21, 20, 19, AA, 11, 10, 9, 18 or 8 and 8,8. The rules are following: if the dealer was dealt 7 or 8 as its face up card, then you must switch your cards in order to increase your weakest hand’s value to the highest one. If the dealer has other card than 7 or 8, you must switch only if you already have strong hand and can make it the strongest hand. If any of described options are impossible to achieve, then you can switch your cards only if you can get the most powerful hand from listed below: 7 or 17, 12, 13, or any hand that is possible to be split. This strategy, compared with optimal strategy, has 0,17% lower RTP.

The Advanced Blackjack Switch strategy. This one could be described in the for of the table which looks like “standard” blackjack strategy, i.e. in its columns listed the dealer’s face up card and in the columns – player’s hand are placed. The difference between two tables is that you won’t find blackjack moves for advanced strategy. There are only numbers from 0 to 3 in the cells, and each number describes to probability of win, where 3 is the combination with the best chances, and 0 – the combination with less chance. After player’s cards were laid down, they must add the values, get a total. Then they should “switch” the cards in their mind and do the same for new hands. After that all they have to do is to combine two values and decide if they must switch the cards or not.

Here is a short example:

Player has K+5 and A+3. At the same time they can play with (a) 15 and soft 14 or (b) 21 and 8. For option (a) the total value will be equal to 0 (0+0=0). For option (b) the total value will be equal to 3 (3+0=3). In this hand 3 > 0, so the player definitely must switch their cards.
Note: the Advance Blackjack Switch strategy, compared to the optimal strategy, has 0,08% lower RTP.

And the last one is the Optimal Blackjack Switch strategy. It is based on each hand’s simulation, when computer determines their expectation value. These values vary from +1 (high probability of win) to -1 (low probability of win). Like in Advanced Blackjack strategy, player compares the expectation values of hands before and after switch (note: they must “switch” the cards in their mind first), and if the value “after” is greater than “before” – the player must switch.

Note: the Optimal Blackjack Switch strategy has approximate RTP of 99.4%.

The Gambling Act has limited the number to remaining online casinos to create new products according to the Telegraph newspaper with the fixed staked rules and rations for gambling games. The tax rates have sky rocketed with an increase of 500% this makes for an even bigger issue. With taxes that high, you can bet operators and industry executives are not happy about what is going on in the industry.

The conclusion of the report recommends that several different measures be taken that could turn the land based casinos in the UK around and generate more revenue annually around £45 million. The gambling machines that are legal outside the casinos should be allowed back into the land casinos as a five to one machine for the table ratios could be applied to all land casinos. This is about what was expected even before the report was released, so there are many things in the release that wasn’t such a surprise to readers.

The limits for the permitted areas should also be done away with to enable more latent or underachieving casinos to try and come up with more practical locations that want a casino.

Telegraph also stated that the president of NCif, Michael Silberling made a statement that claims it is time to take some of these words and put them into action. He thinks the United Kingdom would be welcoming of the new jobs. The estimation of the new jobs would be around 5,000 with a tax collection close to £100 million.

Last but not least the report also claimed that the land casino industry is one of the more regulated forms of gaming in the UK and has a disadvantage against the online gambling market. This leads some to think that UK land casino gaming will take over the online market in the near future, however; that doesn’t seem likely. With more and more casinos opening up to the UK market, it’s possible that online gaming will soar more than ever before.

This year’s iGaming Super Show has two different sets of discussions. In the first block, industry leaders will talk about acquisition and advertising. News sources anticipate these giants addressing the apparent dichotomy between player attainment and player retention. Members of this discussion panel will offer new strategies that should remove this problem from the big equation. The effective use of social media and search engine optimization is expected to be a big conversation starter, as well.

In the second discussion, panellists will discuss legal matters in the world of online gaming. With the recent seizure of PokerStars, FullTilt, and AbsolutePoker on April 15th by the United States Department of Justice, will be a leading topic. Commentary by legal experts regarding online gambling legislation in the EU, Ireland, and Canada will also be provided. The growing popularity of land-based casinos emerging online will also be discussed.

The iGaming Super Show is definitely one star-studded event. Industry bigwigs will be in full attendance. Most sponsors of the event are affiliate programs, such as Casino Blasters (which advertises Golden Palace), Bodog Affiliates, and Euro Partners (which advertises Casino Tropez). Regulation representatives from Alderney, software provider representatives from Microgaming, and several others will also be in attendance. Payment processing companies are also going to be present, with members from Paysafecard, Entropay, Neteller, and Skrill, the upcoming rebranding of Moneybookers.
Neteller in particular wants its merchants and patrons to know that they will be at Dublin during this exciting event. Visitors can expect to hear a speech or two regarding changes in their affiliate program. The company is letting affiliates in on a special conversation where they can learn more about the new tier structure and hassle-free payments. This will allow affiliates to get two commissions for every conversion by promoting both online casino brands and Neteller as a payment solution.

Of course, there will be plenty of fun in the midst of all this business. With several parties, including Calvin Ayre’s 50th Birthday Bash, the iGaming Super Show 2011 is certain to be an entertaining and industry-changing success.

After seeing the financial reports from both William Hill PLC and Playtech Limited, both parties found that their mutual property, William Hill Online, was a great benefactor to both of them. The logical conclusion, they agreed, was to settle the dispute and increase each company’s flexibility. The court injunction is to be removed in the near future. Additionally, shareholders have been given an exit provision that will give them William Hill’s call option rights at the beginning of 2013 and 2015. William Hill Online is also no longer restricted to using solely Playtech games, either. Soon, they will also be offering betting services to appeal to a wider market of punters.

The second online gaming headline we’d like to address is between Playtech and Gala Coral, reported by the media in both the UK and Israel. Gala Coral, a British online gaming super giant, has petitioned Playtech to use their software. Based on what we’ve heard from inside Gala Coral, the business relationship will be strictly supplier-customer. Gala Coral will not be selling itself, partially or wholly, to Playtech Limited. The prospect of this occurring seems more likely now that a deal has been reached between William Hill PLC and Playtech, encouraging Playtech to sell licenses to other corporations.

Of course, this deal does not come without any drawbacks. The Daily Mail has reported that job cuts would occur, primarily in the IT sector. Speculators of the online gaming world seem to think that the switch to Playtech is a way to reduce the company’s autonomy. With a £2 billion debt hanging over Gala Coral’s head, it is apparent that they need to reduce some divisions when the market gets better.

If there’s anything we can learn from this, it’s that software providers and online gaming companies are no longer interested in binding contracts. The world of Internet gambling has a newly found emphasis on market freedom and keeping choices available.

Playtech is one of the leading software providers to online casinos, and has been in the industry for years. They have been on the receiving end of many prestigious awards, and power some of the most trusted casinos on the internet today.

Software and Games

The casino client at Grand Duke is available in both a flash version and a download. The flash client is available directly from the website and is compatible with all operating systems. Also, the instant play casino is convenient and ideal for those players looking to squeeze exciting gambling action in on their break, or just for a quick blackjack or slot game fix. The only downside to the instant play is that it doesn’t host the full library of games.

In the download client, which only takes a few moments to install, players will have more than 200 games to choose from. The download client is expected to run smoother and faster than the instant play, and is the preferred way to play by many players.

Their full game library has many games; players will never be left without an option. There are slots, table games, pokers, video pokers, specialty games and progressive jackpots. All of these games payout large wins, and can deliver all a player is looking for in an online casino adventure. All of your favourite Playtech games are all just a click away.

The Marvel themed slot games are here at Grand Duke and players will have all the action packed games they have come to love over the years; Iron Man, Blade, Hulk and more will be found in the slot section of the casino.

Cashier

Making a deposit is easy and safe. Grand Duke Casino uses the latest and most advanced security technologies to protect their player private banking and personal information. The cashier center is much like that of other Playtech online casinos, and there are over 20 ways to add money into your casino balance.

Many of the most popular methods are available, and a few new methods for players to use. The most popular ways are; Credit Cards, Paysafecard, Neteller, Moneybookers, EcoCard and WebMoney. Most of the deposit methods available are instant, and monies will be available to play immediately.

Promotions and Bonuses

They are giving new players the royal treatment at Grand Duke Casino, and every player will benefit from their tantalizing ongoing promotions. There is a $7,000 welcome package in place and all of the bonus offers will keep you wanting more.

New depositors are eligible for to receive a $1,200 deposit bonus pool. This means that players can take a piece of the bonus pool whenever they deposit, until it’s gone. The bonus offers are redeemable in 100% match offers. This a very unique system, and just another reason Playtech lovers should give Grand Duke a try.

Also, every Wednesday is grand at Grand Duke. Players can receive a 50% up to $5,200 for the entire year, and it doesn’t stop there, there are many other promotions just for playing.

A Remy Martin Cognac XIII will be given away every month; the finest elixir for the finest players, so keep an eye out for your name to be called to win this delicious and prestigious prize.

Players will also receive an automatic entry into their loyalty club where players can climb their way to the top and earn exclusive benefits just for playing. There are four levels in all and the player will automatically start at Count status, which has many perks like deposit bonuses and cash back rewards. Check the website for full details on the loyalty club.

Support

Players can contact the friendly support team at Grand Duke Casino in the following ways:
Email: Support@grandduke.com
Telephone:
Canada- 1-800-575-1706
International- +6327567817
UK- +448000664129
Live Chat: Directly from website or casino
FAQ on the website can also help answer any questions you may have regarding the casino.

In this prize pool there aren’t any single huge jackpots up for grabs, and the biggest jackpots are coming from the Marvel Mystery jackpots. These jackpots are featured in the Marvel themed games like Hulk and Iron Man 2, and there are four tiers of progressive attached to the game. Ultimate power is the largest jackpot of the four, and is currently over $690,000, All of the Marvel themed games are connected to the same jackpots, across the whole network of Playtech powered casinos, and this jackpot is expected to be triggered soon.

The next jackpot in the pool is the Jackpot Darts games that are offered. The bet is as low as $3 and the jackpots are over $200k and $300k. There are two versions of these games and they can be found in the jackpot arcade section of your favourite Playtech online casino. The jackpots are triggered when the player hits three darts on the bull’s-eye, however if the player is unsuccessful at getting all three in the target they are awarded payouts according to the paytable. These games are much like the popular game of darts you would find at your local pub, just in virtual form. No player has ever won these jackpots so it’s too hard to estimate when it will be ready to go.

Gold Rally is another contributor the progressive jackpot pool. This is a classic Playtech slot machine and right now the jackpot is over $660k as of today. This jackpot has been hit for over $2 million dollars in the past, and not too long ago was hit for a $1.5 million. Industry experts say it’s best to wait to play this game as it hasn’t even began to reach its average hit amount.

Queen of the Pyramids is another 5-reel 9-payline slot powered by Playtech and has a fixed coin value. The jackpot is hit very often, at a rate of sometimes twice a week. The jackpot is beyond ready for a hit as it is already double of what the average is at $166k. All of these games can be found on the Playtech powered network of casinos, USA players are not accepted.

Grand Duke Bonuses and Promotions

The VIP experience begins immediately upon sign-up, where a Welcome Bonus worth up to €7,000 awaits each new player. This “Richest Royalty Package Anywhere” includes a €1,200 pool for deposit bonuses of 100%, not just for the initial deposit but for as many deposits as might be needed to access the entire amount. Then there are weekly 50% bonuses on “Grand Wednesday” deposits up to €5,200 during the first year.

As a delicious extra, Grand Duke Casino also holds a monthly drawing for a free €1,500 bottle of Remy Martin XIII Cognac. New players are accorded the title of “Count,” and, as they play, they move up through the stages of Nobility to Marquis, and then Duke and eventually Grand Duke, accruing additional rewards along the way. At the highest level, the Royalty Package is worth up to $50,000 in bonuses, guaranteed rebates, and cash back on up to 15% of losses.

Software and Games

The games line-up at Grand Duke Online Casino is equally rich. Popular high stakes table games such as Baccarat, French Roulette, and Blackjack Progressive are complemented by a number of extraordinary gaming options, ranging from Sic Bo, Casino War, and Pontoon to poker variations like Casino Hold’em and Caribbean Stud.

For those who prefer machine-style gaming, Video Poker and Keno are joined by an array of the hottest slot games from Playtech. The latter includes Gladiator, Rocky, Pink Panther, and the very latest in the Marvel Series, such as Iron Man 2, Elektra, Blade, and Fantastic Four. Also offered is the ultra-slot known as Beach Life Progressive, featuring a seven-figure jackpot that’s always ready to make some lucky player an instant millionaire.

Because all of the Grand Duke Casino games are available in Instant Play mode as well as being part of the “Royalty Package” download, players may access their favorites from any computer with an Internet connection. Privacy and security are ensured through the use of data encryption that meets the highest industry standards, and the site’s eCogra certification testifies to its top-level performance and ability to safeguard patrons’ identities as well as their financial transactions.

Supported deposit options

Visa, MasterCard, Moneybookers, Neteller, UKash, Click2Pay, clickandbuy, InstaDebit, ECOcard, Webmoney, Moneta.ru, Direct Bank Transfer, PaySafeCard, GiroPay etc.

Casino Support

Service is another critical component of the online gaming environment, and Grand Duke Online Casino serves its patrons with dignity, grace, and an unmatched level of caring called “Grand Duke Support.” It starts with an extensive FAQ section on the web site and extends to a highly trained customer service team. Representatives are standing by 24/7 to respond immediately to inquiries via telephone, fax, email, or online chat.

In fact, connection to Online Support Chat is never more than a click away from any page on the Grand Duke web site. What’s most important, of course, is the high level of reliability, discretion, and personal attention that’s provided, well suited to the high-quality experience that both high rollers and regular recreational gamblers alike should expect.

Grand Duke Online Casino is all about grandeur and being the best, both inside and out. It strives to be more stately, more mannered, and more magnificent than its competitors, while providing a devoted commitment to patrons who deserve to be pampered—the royal treatment, indeed.

PokerStars has already started taking action and blocked all American players from accessing their accounts and playing for real money in their table games or tournaments. Full Tilt Poker also followed suit and released a full statement regarding depositing and withdrawing for players in the USA. Absolute Poker and UB.com have not commented on the indictment.

There have already been rumors speculating who caused this all to happen. We all remember Daniel Tzvetkoff, well he is said to have handed the FBI these poker rooms without thinking twice. This is to get himself out of trouble experts say, as he was arrested and charged with numerous counts back in 2010. The charges against these poker rooms as of yesterday some would say were expected, but changed online poker for now, nonetheless.