Which sites are frequented more, land-based or online casinos? Which games do players tend to prefer? We crunch the numbers, comparing the metrics of traditional casino visitors with their online counterparts. The Most Important Indicators Through Numbers The casino audience is evolving alongside the industry—as gambling expands, the demographic changes. Here's an overview of the latest trends in gambling, who are spinning the reels online against those doing the same in the bustling halls of traditional casinos, and which sector of online gambling takes the biggest piece of the pie. The global online gambling industry is expected to grow by 8.54% YOY by 2027 (Statista) The industry is expected to generate $95.05 billion in revenue by 2023. The profit is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 8.54%, resulting in a market volume of $131.90 billion by 2027. The total casino industry is set to increase at a CAGR of 46.1% from $99.87 billion in 2022 to $145.92 billion by the end of 2023. It will continue to be on an upward trajectory, and it's anticipated to reach $163.71 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 2.0%. We can see that the online industry has surpassed land-based establishments in revenue, with a projection to account for an even bigger market share by 2027. 26% of the world's population has gambled at least once in their lives (Gambling Industry News) Note: Every year, approximately 4.2 billion individuals place some sort of bet. A recent study conducted in 44 nations found that 56% of polled individuals gambled at least once in 2023. The global casino and online gambling industry has experienced a turbulent period from its peak in 2013, with revenues of $334 billion, to a pandemic-induced low of $193.3 billion in 2020. The estimated value of the industry stood at $249 billion in 2022, with an anticipated increase to $263.3 billion in 2023. Despite this recovery, these figures still fall short of pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the lasting impact COVID-19 has had. Looking at individual countries, the United States leads with a staggering $600 billion in gambling revenue, a figure that eclipses the combined revenues of several other leading gambling markets. The United Kingdom comes second with a notable $18.6 billion, followed by France at $14.9 billion, Canada at $14 billion, Australia at $10.9 billion, Germany at $10.3 billion, and Macau at $5.24 billion. Slot sessions from July 2022 to September 2023 dropped from 8 to 7.6 million (UK Gambling Commission) When we compare the revenues and other aspects of online slots and machine sessions in physical locations, we can see contrasting trends. For online slot gaming, the average session length decreased slightly from 19 minutes in July 2022 to 17 minutes in September 2023. The number of sessions lasting over an hour remained in the same range of about 3 million monthly, but the total number grew from 43.4 to 45.8 million. In contrast, for slot machine sessions in popular gambling cities and other locations, there was a general downward trend. Additionally, sessions lasting over an hour decreased from 215,262 in July 2022 to just 182,193 in September 2023. Gross gambling yield (GGY) for online slots in the UK increased by 8% YOY between 2022 and 2023 (UK Gambling Commission) This increase amounts to ￡589 million, which indicates substantial growth in this sector. The number of spins and the average monthly active accounts both saw an 11% increase, signifying heightened player engagement. Despite the overall increase in GGY, the GGY per active player decreased by 3%, suggesting that while more people played, individual spending dropped slightly. Physical slot machines saw a marginal decrease in GGY of 0.4% year-on-year, holding steady at ￡280 million. The average spend per session remained consistent at ￡12.09, indicating that player spending habits didn't change significantly despite bigger market fluctuations. There was a slight decrease in the average number of spins per session by a single spin, which may reflect a minor decline in engagement or a change in player behavior toward more cautious spending. Sports betting apps and websites have over 127 million users  (Gambling Industry News) This is a massive increase from 60.3 million in 2019 and is predicted to reach 156.9 million by 2025. Online casinos have the second-highest number of players, with 94.1 million, a 62% rise from 2019. By 2025, this amount is predicted to rise to 112 million. In 2022, desktop devices had a 45% market share in online gambling. The Factors Influencing Player Preferences for Casino Types Navigating the choice between online and traditional casinos involves weighing various aspects. The following table presents a side-by-side comparison to illustrate the core differences that influence player preferences. AspectOnline CasinosTraditional CasinosAtmosphereVirtual environment with graphical representations.The real, tangible atmosphere with sensory experiences.Accessibility & Convenience24/7 availability via the internet. Physical presence required; constrained by location and hours.Technological AdvancementsAdoption of VR and AR for immersive experiences; innovation in casino games and featuresIt may incorporate modern tech for specific games but is generally limited to traditional methods.RegulationsSubject to varying online gambling laws, which can be more flexible.Often more heavily regulated with stricter access control.RTPHigher RTPs due to lower operational costs. Transparency in RTP stats.Lower RTPs on average due to higher overhead costs. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, traditional casinos saw an immediate and sharp decline in visitations due to lockdowns enforced to prevent virus spread. The reduced foot traffic and operational limitations had a dire financial impact on many establishments, some of which could not recover and were forced to close permanently. Online casinos experienced a surge in activity as they became a convenient and safe alternative for gamblers. The pandemic period saw a substantial increase in the user base as individuals who had never considered online gambling before turned to it out of necessity or curiosity.  Changing Preferences Indicate Continuous Growth For Online Gambling The surge in online activity is not just a rebound from the pandemic lows but also an indication of changing player preferences. Convenience, tech innovation, and the comfort of remote access drive an increasing number of gamblers to online platforms. Comparative data on slots and betting patterns underscore this transition, with online slots experiencing increased engagement and GGY. Traditional casinos, while still valued for their unique atmosphere and tangible experiences, must adapt to these changes to maintain their position in the evolving gambling landscape.

How to Play Texas Holdem Welcome to our guide on how to play Texas holdem poker. If you've ever wanted to learn to play Texas hold'em, this guide will show you everything you need to know. We'll start with the basics of hand rankings and move on to more advanced strategies like betting and bluffing. So, let's begin your journey to becoming a skilled online poker player. 1. Understanding Hand Rankings As a Texas hold'em player, understanding hand rankings is crucial to your success at the table. Knowing the ranking of hands will help you make better decisions and ultimately win. Here are the card rankings in Texas hold'em, from highest to lowest: Royal flush is the highest possible hand in Texas hold'em, and the probability of getting a royal flush is 1/649,740. It consists of the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten in the same suit. Straight flush consists of any five cards of the same suit in numerical order. For example, 5-6-7-8-9 of ?. Four of a kind are four cards of the same rank, such as four aces. Full house consists of three of a kind and a pair. For example, three aces and two kings. Flush comes with any five cards of the same suit, not in numerical order. Straight consists of any five cards in numerical order, not of the same suit. For example, 3-4-5-6-7. Three of a kind are three cards of the same rank. For example, three kings. Two pair is consisting of two pairs. For example, two aces and two kings. One pair is consisting of only one pair. For example, two queens. High card: This is any hand that doesn't fit any of the categories above. The goal of Texas hold'em is to create the best possible five-card hand using your two-hole cards and the community cards on the board. Knowing the hand rankings is crucial because it determines the winner of each hand. Understanding this is just the first step in learning how to play Texas hold em. For example, if you have a full house, consisting of three aces and two kings, and your opponent has a flush, consisting of any five cards of the same suit, you win because your full house is ranked higher than their flush. It's crucial to master the Texas holdem rules. So, take the time to study and memorize the card rankings and hand rankings. By doing so, you'll be able to make the right decisions during gameplay. As you continue to play and practice, you'll become more familiar with the rankings and be able to use them to your advantage. 2. Understanding the Blinds In Hold'em, the two players to the dealer's left must place bets before the hand begins. These bets are known as the blinds. Here are some key points to remember about blinds: The player to the dealer's left posts the small blind, while the player to their left posts the big blind. The small blind is typically half the amount of the big blind, but this can vary depending on the table. Once the blinds have been posted, each player is dealt two hole cards face down. These are the player's private cards and aren't to be shown to anyone else at the table. The action begins with the player to the left of the big blind. This player can choose to fold, call, or raise. At the end of the turn, the dealer pulls out three cards and places them face up. The action continues around the table until it reaches the big blind. The big blind can also choose to fold, call, or raise. At the end of the turn, the dealer pulls one more card and places it on the poker table. If no one has raised, the small blind and big blind have the option to check or raise. If a player raises, the action continues around the table until it reaches the player who made the initial raise. This player can re-raise if no one else raises in this round. The action continues until all players have either folded or called the highest bet. Understanding the blinds is crucial to your success in learning how to play Texas hold'em. By knowing when to post the blinds and how to play them, you can make better decisions and increase your chances of winning. So, be sure to pay attention to the blinds and use them to your advantage. 3. Understanding the Limits Casinos utilize various types of betting limits to structure the game of Holdem: In No-Limit players can bet as much as they wish at any time, up to the total number of chips on the table. In Pot-Limit Hold'em, the limit is the size of the pot on their turn. In Fixed-Limit, each round of betting has a fixed sum for bets and raises. For example, if the limit is $5/10, bets and raises must be in multiples of $5 in the first two rounds and multiples of $10 in the final two rounds. The limit can have a considerable impact on the style of play. No-limit allows players to make enormous bets or raises that put pressure on their opponents, but fixed-limit Holdem requires players to be more selective in their actions. Pot-limit Holdem is a hybrid of the other two versions, allowing for larger bets while still maintaining some amount of control. It's critical to understand the betting restrictions so that you may alter your strategy correctly. 4. When to Raise Pre-Flop One of the most important decisions you'll make in Texas Hold'em is knowing when to raise pre-flop. That will help you build the pot and thin the field, but it's important to do so strategically. Here are some Texas Holdem tips on when to raise pre-flop: 1. Strong starting hands: If you have a strong starting card, such as pocket aces or kings, it's a good idea to raise to build the pot and isolate weaker hands. 2. Position: If you're in a late position and the players before you have just called the big blind, it may be a good opportunity to raise and try to steal the winnings. 3. Opponents: If you're playing against tight players who only raise with strong hands, you should be more cautious with pre-flop raises. But, if you're playing against loose players who call with a wide range of hands, you can be more aggressive with your raises. 4. Stack sizes: If you have a short stack, it may be better to push all-in pre-flop rather than make a small raise. This will put pressure on your opponents and give you a better chance of winning. Remember, the key to raising pre-flop is to understand your opponents, position, and hand strength. By following these Texas Holdem tips, you'll be able to make better decisions and increase your chances to win. 5. When to Bet on the Flop The flop is an essential moment in Hold'em, and it's important to know when to maximize your chances of winning. Here are some tips on when to bet on the flop: 1. Strong hands: If you have strong cards after the flop, such as a top pair or a flush draw, it's a good idea to build the pot and put pressure on your opponents. 2. Position: If you're in a late position and your opponents have checked on you, it may be a good opportunity to raise and try to steal the pot. 3. Pot odds: If you have a drawing hand, such as a flush or straight draw, it's important to consider the pot odds before betting. If the odds are favorable, trying and hitting your draw may be worth betting. 4. Opponents: If you're playing against tight players who only play with strong hands, you should be more careful with your bets. However, if you're playing against loose players who call with a wide range of hands, you can be more aggressive with your bets. In order to take the most out of this Texas holdem guide, keep these things in mind. The key to betting on the flop is to have a good understanding of your card strength, position, and opponents' tendencies. So, the next time the flop is dealt, take a deep breath, consider your options, and make a confident bet to take control of the hand. 6. When to Bet on the Turn The turn is crucial in learning how to play Texas Holdem because players have more information about their hands and can make strategic bets. Knowing when to bet on the turn can help you take control of the hand and increase your chances of winning. Consider these tips when deciding whether to bet on the turn: 1. Strong hands: If you have a strong hand on the turn, such as two pairs or a straight, it's a good idea to build the pot and put pressure on your opponents. 2. Pot size: If the pot is already large on the turn, it may be a good idea to bet to protect your hand and make it more difficult for your opponents to draw out on you. 3. Opponents: If you're playing against tight players who only bet with strong hands, you should be more cautious with your bets. Meanwhile, if you're playing against loose players who call with a wide range of hands, you can be more aggressive with your bets. 4. Position: If you're in a late position and your opponents have checked on you, it may be a good opportunity to bet and try to steal the pot. So, the next time the turn comes around, be confident in your cards and make a strategic bet to take control of the hand. Keep in mind the steps before, as understanding Texas Holdem poker rules will help you make better decisions. 7. When to Bet on the River The river is the final round of betting in Texas hold 'em, and it's your last chance to make a strategic move to win the pot. This is where the stakes are highest, and the tension is at its peak. By understanding when to bet on the river, you can make the most of this opportunity and maximize your winnings. Consider these tips when deciding whether to bet on the river: 1. Strong hands: If you have a strong hand on the river, such as a flush or a full house, a good strategy is to build the pot. This way, you can influence your opponents and take control of the round. 2. Opponents: If you're playing against tight players who only play with strong hands, you should be more cautious with your bets. Otherwise, if you're playing against loose players who call with a wide range of hands, you can be more aggressive with your bets. 3. Pot Size: If the pot is already large on the river, it may be a good idea to bet to maximize your winnings. 4. Position: If you're in a late position, such as button, and your opponents have checked, it may be a good opportunity to bet and try to steal the pot. Making the right decision on the river requires a combination of skill, intuition, and courage. By following these tips, you'll be able to make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning. So, the next time the river is dealt, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and make a strategic move to win the pot. 8. Showdown The showdown is the final stage of a Texas hold'em, where the remaining players reveal their cards, and the winner is determined. It's a critical moment in the game, where everything is on the line, and the winner takes home the pot. Here are some key strategies for learning how to play Texas hold' em during the showdown: 1. Pay attention to your opponents: During the showdown, it's important to pay close attention to your opponents' hands and how they react to your hand. This can give you valuable information about their playing style and help you adjust your strategy for future hands. 2. Use your position to your advantage: If you're in a button position during the showdown, you'll see your opponents' hands before you reveal yours. Use this to your advantage by making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. 3. Keep your cool: During the showdown, staying calm and focused is important, even if you feel nervous or unsure. Remember to trust your instincts and make the best decision for your hand. 4. Don't show your cards early: Keep your cards hidden until it's your turn to reveal them during the showdown. Showing your cards early can give away information to your opponents and impact the outcome of the hand. Fun Facts The World Series of Poker Main Event has the highest prize pool in poker history. This event is the most prestigious poker tournament in the world, and it has the highest prize pool in poker history. The prize pool for the Main Event varies from year to year, but it has reached $82 million. The winner of the Main Event typically takes home several million dollars in prize money, along with a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet. Texas hold'em is the most popular poker game in the world. Texas hold'em is the most popular poker game in the world, and millions of new players join to play online and in live poker rooms. The game's popularity can be attributed to its simple rules, exciting gameplay, and strategies. In addition, Texas hold'em is the game of choice for many of the biggest poker tournaments in the world, including the World Series of Poker Main Event. The "dead man's hand" is a legendary poker hand. The "dead man's hand";/a: is a hand that has become part of popular culture. It consists of two black aces and two black eights, and it's said to be the hand that Wild Bill Hickok was holding when he was shot and killed in a poker game in 1876. It is now synonymous with bad luck in poker, and many players avoid playing it. The biggest online poker tournament had over 253,000 entries. Online poker has become incredibly popular in recent years, and the biggest online poker tournament in history had over 253,000 entries. The tournament was hosted by PokerStars, one of the world's largest online poker sites, and had a prize pool of $10 million. The tournament lasted for several days and attracted players from all over the world. While the buy-in was only a few dollars, the tournament winner took home over $200,000 in prize money. FAQ What is Texas hold'em? Texas hold'em is a popular variation of poker where players are dealt two cards each and must make the best hand possible using their cards and the community cards on the table. What is the difference between Texas hold'em and other poker variations? Texas hold'em differs from other and new poker variations in several ways, including the number of cards dealt to each player, the use of community cards, and the betting structure. How do I know which hand wins in Texas hold'em? The player with the highest-ranking hand at the end of the final betting round wins the pot. Hand rankings in Texas hold'em are determined by combining the two cards in a player's hand and the five community cards on the table. How do I place bets in Texas hold'em? In Texas hold'em, there are four rounds of betting—pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. Players can choose to call, raise, or fold during each betting round. How do I improve my Texas hold'em skills? It's important to study previous games, practice regularly, and analyze your gameplay to improve your Texas hold'em skills. You can also learn from experienced players and participate in online forums and communities. Is Texas hold'em a game of skill or luck? Texas hold'em is a game of skill and luck. While luck plays a role in the cards you are dealt, skill is required to make the best decisions throughout your games and to manage your bankroll effectively. How can I become a successful Texas hold'em player? To become a successful Texas hold'em player, you need to have a strong understanding of the game, develop a solid strategy, and consistently make smart decisions during gameplay. It's also important to practice regularly and learn from your mistakes. In our guide on how to play Texas holdem poker we've covered every part of the poker gameplay.

How does a poker tournament get to be so big? Is it because of the number of people who sign up to take part in them? Is it because of the prize that the best players get at the end? Is it solely for the purpose of outwitting other players? Well, the answer to that question is that it's a combination of all those things. Poker tournaments with many players and big prize pools are always more popular than those with fewer people and smaller prizes. Since the WSOP became famous in the middle of the 2000s, poker players have been drawn to them. But there's one small thing that needs to be added to the equation—the hype. Simply put, some online poker tournaments get more people talking about them than others. So, let's look at some of the most important ones. What Are Poker Tournaments? A poker tournament has a set start time, unlike cash games. Each player buys a ticket for the event and starts playing at the same time with the same number of chips. Players keep going until they lose all their chips and are out of the game. A set number of people (usually about 10% of the total number of people who started playing poker) get paid based on how far down the list they are. All players who finish below the lowest paid spot leave the tournament with nothing but a story. For example, in a tournament with 100 people, all players who finish 11th through 100th don't get any prize. Online poker tournament buy-ins can be as low as a penny or as high as $1 million. If you're a beginner, you can look up poker rules and poker variants online. This will help you play online poker tournaments. What Makes These Tournaments Important? You must be wondering what's so special about these tournaments. Well, they stand out from the rest because of four main things. The number of people taking part: These tournaments have anywhere from a few poker players to a couple of hundreds. Online tournaments don't have limitations in terms of physical space, so you can expect thousands of participants. The best part about these biggest poker tournaments is how they make people feel. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be a part of something so grand. The venue: All of these tournaments take place in big, well-known casinos. Many people dream of playing poker there. Tournament prizes: The prize pool often amounts to millions of dollars. This alone shows that these are not the typical tournaments that happen every year. If you win one of these tournaments, you'll be the most famous poker player in the world. Also, if you win any of the big online poker tournaments, you're thought to be the best poker player. In the poker world, this is a big deal. It's a great way to make a name for yourself. Challenge: The biggest tournaments are hard to win because you need a lot of skill and experience. You are competing against thousands of seasoned players, so luck plays a small part. To win the title, you need to be patient, endure long hours of playing the game, and have a solid strategy in place. Let's take a look at some of the poker sites. WSOP The World Series of Poker is the biggest and most prestigious series of poker tournaments in the world. It started out in the 1970s when the infamous Benny Binion invited seven well-known poker players to his casino to play poker with a set start and stop time. Since then, the tournament has been held every year in Las Vegas. At the same time, there are many events in the US gambling capital. WSOP also has great online poker games. The main event, a no-limit Texas Hold'em tournament, is the best part of the whole competition. The winner of this game is, of course, hailed as the best player in the world. Buy-ins for events can be as low as $0 for the Tournament of Champions or as high as $250,000 for a high-roller event. The most coveted non-monetary prize is the famous tournament bracelet, which goes to the winner. But this tournament isn't just a place where people play poker; it's also a place where players from all over the world get together. Ignition Poker Ignition Poker is a US cardroom launched in 2016. It's part of the PaiWangLuo Network, which is the largest poker site network in the US. Ignition Poker operates in most US states and is primarily geared toward American players. Players can enjoy an omnichannel experience, allowing them to play at 15 tables at the same time and play cash games 24/7. You pay a fee to play in a tournament and get a set number of chips. Depending on the type of tournament you enter, you can't play anymore once your chips are gone. Sit and Go There are two main types of tournaments. The first type is called "sit and go." Simply put, they start when enough people show up to play. Players like these tournaments because there aren't as many people playing, and they don't have to wait a long time to play. Also, because there aren't as many people at the events, they usually don't take as long to finish. This is great for people who like to play tournament poker but don't have too much time to spend on it. Just like with cash games, there are a few ways to choose a sit-and-go tournament. The buy-in level comes first. Sit-and-go tournaments at Ignition can be played for anywhere from $1.10 to $215. After you choose your buy-in, you can decide whether you want to play Texas Hold'em or Omaha. Texas Hold'em is by far the more popular game, so you'll probably find that 90 % of the sit and gos in the lobby are of this type. Lastly, you have to choose what kind of sit and go to play. Here are the different things you can do at Ignition. Deep Stack: Start with twice as many chips. Double Up: If you beat half the other players, your buy-in will be doubled. Jackpot: The system gives out a prize chosen at random Hyper Turbo: The fastest format where the blind structure increases quickly. Triple Up: If you finish in the top third, your buy-in will be tripled. Turbo: A tournament with a fast blind structure. Multi-Table Multi-table online poker tournaments have the same rules as sit-and-go tournaments: you pay an entry fee and play until you win or lose all your chips. Events, on the other hand, can have hundreds or even thousands of players. This means that the prizes are big, but it also takes time for the tournament to end. Ignition is like most other places in that it has a schedule of events that happen every day. You can go to its lobby to see what events are happening on any given day. For this review, we'll look at the guaranteed tournaments. A "guaranteed" tournament is one that has a minimum prize pool no matter how many people participate. This is a risk that the casino takes, but it's pretty well thought out. If the prize pool isn't enough to cover the guarantee, the extra money is called an "overlay." Overlays are a great way to get people to come to a site because the events have more value for the players. In fact, overlays are now part of the marketing plans for most poker sites that use player forums and social media to let people know about them. Ignition Poker is proud of the fact it offers weekly tournament guarantees worth $2 million. The Poker Room The world of poker rooms is very different from that of casinos. Since poker is a game played between players and not against the house, the main goal of any operator is to get you to play as long as possible so they can get the most money from you. Therefore, a poker site needs to fill the tables. This is why most poker sites offer such a wide range of games. Just like many other poker sites, Ignition Poker allows playing on the go via the app available for iOS and Android devices. Bounty Tournaments Here is how most progressive knockout events work: The standard prize pool gets a portion of the buy-in. The rest of the buy-in goes toward each player's first bounty. When you knock out a player from the game, you get their displayed bounty amount and the same amount is added to your own growing bounty. PKO stands for "progressive knockout." Find them every day, and keep an eye out for the next PKO series. WPT The World Poker Tour is organized in the same way as the WSOPC. Every tournament has a main event, and it usually costs between $3,500 and $25,000 to participate. It might not be free poker, but it's well worth the price. Considering it has been on TV since 2002, it has become a worldwide brand that attracts players from all over the world. There's something called the WPT Main Tour, and all players who take part in it become members of the WPT Champions Club. Also, the best players can sometimes win prizes worth more than a million dollars. This was a list of some of the biggest tournaments in terms of how well-known they are, how much money they give away, and other factors. If you're interested in any of these, check out their websites to learn more. Triton Poker Triton Poker is a franchise, like the World Series of Poker, and there are Triton Poker tournaments all over the world. That makes it one of the best poker tournament sites. The events vary in size and how much you have to pay to participate, and some of them are very popular. Even though it's not as well-known as the WSOP, it made this list because some of the events have prize pools so big that everyone in the poker world likes to watch them. On the other hand, not many people can take part in them because they are often very expensive (we're talking six- to seven-figure buy-ins). Still, it's always interesting to see poker players risk so much money. World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) This is one of the largest poker tournaments, and people from all over the world take part. It's played on the PokerStars website in September. WCOOP began in 2002. It's the online version of the World Series of Poker. The WCOOP has many poker games, but Texas Hold'em is the most well-known. There are different buy-in amounts and prize pools for each type. Games include Limit, Pot-Limit, and No-Limit Texas Hold'em, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, Razz, Pot Limit Omaha High and Limit Omaha Hi/Lo, 5 Card Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, and H.O.R.S.E. PokerStars held 186 different events during the 2018 WCOOP. There were 2,044 people in the main event of the 2018 WCOOP, and the winner won $1,352,967.97. The Main event had a prize pool of $10,220,000.00. The main event of No-Limit Texas Hold'em Poker cost $5,200 to enter. This tells us that PokerStars runs one of the biggest online poker tournaments, the WCOOP.

Ever since card games became popular in casinos, people have tried to find a way to gain an advantage over the house. Casinos have quickly picked up on different techniques players employ, such as card counting, past posting, and collaboration with other players at the table. However, there's one technique that's still stuck in a gray area—edge sorting. This technique isn't exactly illegal, but many casinos have refused to pay the winnings that have been earned through it. In this article, we'll explain what edge sorting is, how it works in different card games, and give the most notable examples of when it worked. What Is Edge Sorting? The edge sorting technique involves identifying subtle differences on the back of playing cards to gain an advantage in gambling. The method relies on exploiting imperfections in the printing or cutting of the cards to determine whether a card has a high or low value. Certain decks of cards have imperfections in their design, such as variations in the size of the patterns or the patterns themselves. By closely examining the cards and memorizing these irregularities, a skilled edge sorter can categorize the cards into high-value and low-value groups and know which cards are face-down. How Does Edge Sorting Technique Work? In order for edge sorting to be explained, understood, and applied, a few things need to fall into place. Firstly, the casino has to use a specific deck of cards. Edge sorting can only be executed with specific decks of cards that have irregular patterns on their edges. These irregularities may be variations in the size of the patterns or slight differences in the shape of the pattern. Once you determine these differences, you can start sorting out the cards. Secondly, the dealer must approve card rotation, so it's possible to sort out high and low-value cards. For example, you can ask the dealer to rotate the cards that have high value so you can identify them later on. This request is often made as part of a superstitious ritual or preference. High rollers, who may have more influence or privileges, might have a better chance of getting the dealer to comply with this request. Thirdly, the table must use an automatic shuffler. By using an automatic shuffler, the irregularities on the card edges can be maintained in their relative positions during the shuffle, making it easier for the edge sorter to identify high-value or low-value cards during the game. Once you have everything in place, you'll be able to determine the winning hand in most rounds and use this advantage to rake in big winnings. Poker Edge Sorting We have bad news for all you poker players. Edge sorting in poker is almost impossible due to external factors. Even if other players at the table were okay with your suspicious rotation of the cards, these cards would be regularly dealt to other people who would rotate them back and ruin your strategy. Even the legendary poker player Phil Ivey hasn't used this technique for poker. The famous controversy behind Phil Ivey and edge sorting popularized this technique after this American poker player used it to win almost $9.6 million during four sessions at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. He won another $12 million by playing Punto Banco at the Crockfords Casino in London. This resulted in a huge battle in the courts where Ivey claimed he didn't cheat but admitted to using edge sorting. However, he won that money in baccarat, a card game that's perfectly suited for edge sorting. Baccarat Edge Sorting Baccarat is a perfect card game for edge sorting as it doesn't involve other people, and it relies on simple principles. The basic idea is that you bet on either your or the dealer's hand to be the winning one, with each card having a specific value. The most valuable cards in baccarat are 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s. Therefore, you want the dealer to rotate these cards so that you know when they're coming and gain a significant edge. It's because of this unique gameplay that edge sorting in baccarat can be so successful, as seen in the case of Phil Ivey. It's one of the most notable edge sorting examples to date. However, many casinos have spotted this technique and will look for signs if you try to use it. Blackjack Edge Sorting Theoretically, it's possible to utilize edge sorting as a means of gaining an advantage in blackjack, provided the dealer is willing to fulfill your requests. In this scenario, you would need to rotate specific cards to identify picture cards and potentially gain an advantage over the house. This technique can be advantageous if you arrange the shoe in a way that allows you to spot these high-value cards However, it's crucial to note that such a strategy can only be effective in rare circumstances where you are the sole player at the table and there are no other players expressing concerns about delays caused by your actions. In a typical blackjack game, accommodating requests for card rotation and attempting to exploit edge sorting would likely disrupt the flow of the game and draw attention from both the dealers and other players. Thus, successfully employing edge sorting in blackjack to gain an advantage is highly unlikely in typical casino settings. Edge Sorting in Online Casinos Because edge sorting in card games relies on the dealer rotating the cards, the only way it can work is in live baccarat games. Unlike in physical casinos, you can't ask the dealer to rotate the cards since online games are typically automated and lack human dealers. Moreover, online games are observed by numerous players, making it impractical for dealers to accommodate individual requests. However, there are still some aspects of edge sorting that can be adapted to online play, particularly in games like baccarat. The main idea is to focus on understanding the composition of the remaining cards in the shoe rather than predicting specific upcoming cards. By determining whether there's a higher proportion of high or low cards left, players can gain a slight advantage in their decision-making, akin to card counting. While this approach doesn't guarantee success, it can stack the odds in the player's favor. The feasibility of discerning the differences on the back of cards in online casinos is uncertain. Cameras used in online games often have wide-angle lenses that may not allow players to notice such minute details. However, it's worth noting that modern live baccarat games in reputable online casinos often employ high-definition graphics, with some even offering resolutions as high as 4K. While it's technically possible to see the back of the cards, it's still challenging. Conclusion Edge sorting is a controversial technique that has garnered attention in the casino world. While it has been employed to gain an advantage in games like baccarat, its effectiveness and legality hinge on specific circumstances. This method relies on identifying irregularities on the back of cards to categorize them into high- or low-value ones. However, successful implementation requires specific decks with irregular patterns, the cooperation of dealers to rotate the cards, and the use of automatic shufflers. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="768534,862327"] FAQ Is edge sorting illegal? The legality of edge sorting depends on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. While it's not inherently illegal in some places, many casinos consider it a form of cheating and may ban players caught using this technique. What is the most common sorting technique used by card players? The most common sorting technique used by card players is card counting. Card counting refers to keeping track of the cards that have been dealt in a card game to predict the cards that are yet to be dealt. What is edge sorting in Mississippi Stud? Edge sorting is not specifically associated with Mississippi Stud because it's virtually impossible to implement it in poker games.