“Theory of probabilities was created when Pascal and Fermat started playing gambling games”, stated one of their contemporaries.

These two scientists did sums on theory of probabilities by correspondence and the relevant material was obtained during their visits to the gambling house at leisure. Later this correspondence resulted in Pascal’s treatise, “completely new composition on accidental combinations which govern the gambling games”.

In his work Pascal almost completely casts out phantoms of luck and chance from gambling games, substituting them with cold statistic calculations based on the arithmetic mind. It’s difficult for us to imagine what riot the invention made among the gamblers. We treat theory of probabilities as something trivial, though only specialists are sound on its details, but everyone understands its main principle. But in the times of the French mathematician, the minds of all gamblers were absorbed with such notions as “divine intent”, “lap of Fortune” and other things that only enhance the obsession by the game adding extra mystical tones to the games. Pascal without any hesitation opposes his thesis to such attitude to the game “Fluctuations of happiness and luck subordinate to considerations based on fairness and which aim irrevocably to give every player what actually is owing to him”.

In Pascal’s hands mathematics became fabulous art of foreseeing. It is more than just amazing that unlike Galileo, the French scientist did not make numerous tiring experiments on multiple throwing dice that tool a great deal of time. In Pascal’s opinion, the unique feature of the art of mathematic consideration compared to the common statistics is that it obtains its results not from the experiments but is based on “mind foreseeing”, i.e. on intellectual definitions. As a result” preciseness of mathematics is combined with uncertainty of chance. Our method borrows its awkward name – “mathematics of chance” from this ambiguity”. Another curious name followed Pascal’s invention – “method of mathematical expectation”.

Staked money, wrote Pascal, no more belonged to gamester. However, losing nth sum of money, players also gain something in return, though most of them do not even guess it. In fact, it is something absolutely virtual, you cannot touch it neither put into your pocket and to notice it – the gambler should possess certain intellectual ability. We are talking about the acquired “right to expect regular gain a chance can give according to the initial terms – stakes”.

Somebody will say that it is not so encouraging. However seeming dryness of this formulation ceases when you just pay your attention to word combination “regular gain”. Expectation of gain turns out to be quite justified and fair. It’s another matter that a more hot-tempered person is more likely to pay his attention to the word “chance” and “can give” (and consequently it might also be otherwise).

Using his method of “mathematical expectation”, the French scientist thoroughly calculates particular values of “right for gain” depending on different initial terms. Thus a completely new definition of right appears in mathematics which differs from the similar definitions of law or ethics.

“Pascal’s triangle” or where theory of probabilities fails.
Pascal summed up the results of these experiments in the form of the so-called arithmetic triangle consisting of numerical numbers. If you can apply it, you can precisely foresee probability of different gains.

For common people “Pascal’s triangle” looked more like magic tables of kabbalists or like a mystic Buddhist mandala. Failure to understand the invention by the illiterate public in 17th century touched the rumour that “Pascal’s triangle” helped to forecast world catastrophes and natural disasters of the remote future. Indeed presentations of theory of probabilities in the form of graphic tables or figures and moreover proved by the real game caused almost religious sensations in uneducated gamblers.

Though we should not mix theory of probabilities with what it is not by its definition. “Pascal’s triangle” fails to foresee the future deal in one particular case. Eyeless destiny governs such things – and Pascal never debated it. Theory of probabilities becomes useful and can be applied only in relation to the long series of chances. Only in this case, number probabilities, series and progressions, constant and known in advance can influence the decision of a clever gambler in favor of a particular stake (card, lead, etc.)

Pascal’s invention is even more amazing if to take into account that its famous triangle was known to Muslim mathematician of certain religious orders many centuries ago. It is absolutely true that European Pascal could not obtain this information from anywhere.

All this once again proves that mathematical patterns of any process are the same regardless of time and space and whims of the so called Fortune. Awareness of this fact enraptured by Pythagoreans, philosophers who deeply and emotionally perceived it at that time.

One to thirty-five.
Pascal more and more often faced similar complications connected with the game that caused controversies in gambling houses and aristocratic mansions in France of that time. Among them there was a problem proposed to young Blaise by one of his aristocratic friends.

The problem concerned dice. It was desired to find how many series of throws is theoretically necessary so that the chances to win (two sixs) will dominate the probability of all other outcomes taken together. All this is not so difficult as a beginner may presume. It is easy to notice that in the game with two bones there are only 36 combinations of numbers and only one gives double six. After such explanation it is clear for any sensible person that with one-time throw there is only one chance to thirty-five to win.

The result of these simple calculations can cast down many fans of dice, but on the other hand, the rapture of those lucky ones throwing double six is staggering. Because they know the exact devil number of opposite outcomes that opposed their luck!

Casino Games: Gambling Is An Exercise For Your Mind. is a post from: Online Casino Blog

However, it is the casino version of the game that gives Craps its reputation of being a fast paced, exciting game. Players often begin with this game in the casino because of its ease of play. The basic concept is this: you place a bet on what is referred to as the “passline bet.” You make your wager before you roll the dice. If you roll a 7 or 11, then you win. If you roll a 12, 3 or 2, you lose. Any other number becomes the point number, meaning that number must be rolled again before the seven for you to win anything. If you roll the seven before you roll the point number, then you lose.

However, you do have the option to bet again in addition to your original bet. It is known as the odds bet: meaning the casino (online or real) does not have their usual house advantage and it also hedges on true odds. Many casinos and online casino sites offer lessons for Craps as it is one of the most popular and exciting games played. There is usually a great amount of money riding on Craps games and the atmosphere around the Craps table is filled with cheering spectators, all vying for the opportunity to see a player win big. This is the best way to get in the game when you are checking out a casino.

Most online casinos will allow you to play the game for free before offering you the option to play for real money. So what are you waiting for? Stop by at an online casino today and see for yourself what the fuss surrounding a game of Craps is all about.

Casino Games – Craps is a post from: Online Casino Blog

Initially the term “jackpot” referred to poker, according to one of its rules – the parlays to the pot increased, if none of the players collected at least a couple of jacks (the word originated from English words jack and pot). Now the word “jackpot” is often accompanied by the word “progressive” which means accumulation of a prize in the game until certain terms of this jackpot are fulfilled. A certain share of all the bets forms the jackpot, as a rule the share is not that big – basis points, but the probability to win the jackpot is very small, approximately 1 to 10000 and perhaps even 1 to several millions and as a result quite a considerable sum of money is accumulated.

Generally the sum of jackpot is thousand times more than the stakes. If we are dealing with online jackpots, then we should note that jackpots are accumulated not in one casino but in all the casinos of a common software provider. It contributes to tenfold increase in jackpots.

Which games are the best for making so much money? – Various games. Jackpots are mostly used, of course, in slot machines. It is a classical version – jackpot is used instead of high fixed gain for the rarest combination. If we speak about classical slots, then jackpot is paid for the gain in the last line. In video slot machines there are quite many more opportunities – in some games, it is enough to have the same symbols on one of the lines; in others, on the contrary, you should win a special game. The sum of jackpot usually starts from thousands of bets, but in some slots it starts from hundreds of thousands. There are not very big jackpots ($10-$30 thousands) which are broken virtually every week. But there are also monsters that are accumulated for months and then offer jackpots of millions.

The slots with such jackpots have relevant names:
“Major Million”(slot and video slot in microgaming casino, maximum gain is about $1,8 mln.).

“Golden Rally”(slot in Casino Playtech maximum gain is about $2 mln.).

“Rags to Riches” (slot in Cryptologic casino maximum gain is about $0,5 mln.).

But slot machine “Millionaires Club” in Cryptologic casino has become the main newsmaker at jackpot front lately. The amount of jackpot of this slot machine (there are two versions – classical three line and video slot – nine line) with a special game exceeded the previous record $2 mln. by the beginning of spring. At its best this sum grew daily by $30-$40 thousand, the jackpot reached $3 mln., than – 4 mln, 5 mln. and so on. By 15th of May the sum almost reached 8 million US Dollars.

Casino bonuses: Jackpots In Online Casinos. Part One. is a post from: Online Casino Blog

• 4 Kinds of Blackjack
o Vegas Strip
o High Limit European
o European
o Atlantic City
• 2 Kinds of Roulette
o European Roulette
o American Roulette
• 3 Slots
o Tomb Raider
o Thunderstruck
o Ho Ho Ho

• 6 Kinds of Video Poker
o Joker Poker Power Poker
o Deuces Wild Power Poker
o Deuces Wild
o Deuces and Joker
o Aces & Faces Power Poker
o Aces & Faces
• Baccarat
• Craps
• 3 Card Poker
• Cyberstud Poker

“At River Belle we don’t just listen to our customers, we also try to anticipate their demands and be the first to market with the features that become industry standards,” said Tim Johnson, Chairman of Carmen Media Group, owners of Belle Rock Entertainment. “This extended variety of games is a huge step toward creating a one-stop gaming experience that makes a world of difference for our players.”

About River Belle
Owned by Carmen Media Group Limited based in Gibraltar
( www.carmenmedia.com)River Belle (www.riverbelle.com) is the fastest growing online entertainment brand in the Belle Rock Entertainment group, which River Belle Online Casino, River Belle Online Poker and River Belle Multiplayer Casino make up the successful River Belle portfolio accommodating thousands of players every day. Part of the Prima Poker Network – a global card room network where players from different card rooms play against each other, River Belle Online Poker is designed to bring players the ultimate poker experience. Incorporating state-of-the-art software powered by Microgaming and rich interface features, River Belle brings the best online games to life. As the most trusted name in online gaming, River Belle continues to set the standard in fair play, transparency initiatives and the promotion of responsible gaming.

CARMEN MEDIA GROUP :-River Belle Sets Another Industry Standard by Merging Flash Casino Games into Poker Software is a post from: Online Casino Blog

In fairness to Beltran, he started out playing very well in April 2005 until he injured his thigh. A gamer, Beltran tried to fight through the injury and played despite his speed game being nonexistent and much of his power sapped. And who can forget the horrifying collision Beltran had with Mike Cameron last August in San Diego? Beltran shocked most observers by coming back just five days later despite suffering from vertigo.

A quiet man by nature, Beltran was ill equipped to be a vocal clubhouse leader, but he is one who likes to lead by example. Despite playing through pain, Beltran picked up many doubters this off-season. His name, which previously topped many fantasy draft boards, was dropped down severalrankings. Local newspapers placed him on top of the “most overrated” lists.While it is obvious Beltran is not the player the nation saw in the 2004 postseason, he is a solid player who can contribute in many ways. His talents are most appreciated by watching him on a daily basis, where his defense and solid fundamentals are on display.

On opening day this year, New York fans shockingly booed Beltran after he stranded runners early in the game. Beltran, who really took one for the team playing injured last year, was noticeably stung by the fan’s venom. In fact, a few days later when he hit a game-turning home run, he refused to go out for a curtain call to acknowledge the now adoring crowd. It wasn’t until veteran Julio Franco coaxed him (more than once) that Beltran gave a lukewarm wave. Franco understood it is not a good idea to get on the bad side with of the fans. Clearly it is a war a player can’t win, particularly in New York.

This year Beltran has again injured himself, suffering a hamstring pull early in the season. While the MRI seems to indicate the injury was far from severe, Beltran took his sweet time getting back on the field. He is no longer going to risk his reputation and health for the good of the team since it went clearly unappreciated last year.

Rest assured, Beltran will most likely produce solid numbers as he regains his health, but as he probably learned from Ricky Henderson, from now on Carlos play when Carlos ready.

MLB Baseball Player and Game Propositions @ http://www.WagerWeb.com

Carlos Play When Carlos Ready is a post from: Online Casino Blog

Early this season, Pujols is making noise once again. He leads all of baseball with 12 homeruns and 28 RBI’s. His 12 homeruns in April broke Mark McGuire’s franchise record set during his historic 70 homerun season. This past Friday, he tied Todd Helton for the second-fastest active player to reach 1,000 hits. Pujols needed only 3,003 at bats.

Tony LaRussa has marveled at his good fortune at having a player like Pujols. LaRussa has gushed that he is “the complete package with no weaknesses to exploit.” For this reason, everyone is impressed at how hard he works to improve his game. In the off-season, Pujols spends his time studying videos to learn opposing pitchers’ techniques. During the season, he uses video not only to study pitchers, but also to do maintenance checkups of his own swing.

Bet MLB Baseball Player Props @ WagerWeb.com

A perfectionist to the max, Pujols still wants to cut down on his strikeouts. LaRussa has commented that he works harder now than he did as a rookie, which is why the Cardinals had no qualms handing out a seven year- $100 million dollar commitment to him so early in his career.

Unlike many superstars, Pujols has embraced his status as a role model. He understands that it is a player’s responsibility to deal with fans and the media in a professional manner. Pujols makes it a point to play hard and run everything out because the kids are watching.

The amazing thing about Pujols’ accomplishments and maturity is that it is so easy to forget he is still only 24. It is refreshing in these days of spoiled athletes and steroid scandals to have a superstar like Pujols come on the scene so dramatically.

Pujols may have to continue his torrid pace if the Cardinals are to capture their third straight division title. This Cardinal version might be slightly weaker without Reggie Sanders and Larry Walker in the outfield and a question mark surrounding second base. Central is shaping up to be the toughest division in the National League if not in all of baseball. But LaRussa’s Cardinals know they are competing with the player who may one day be remembered as the greatest hitter the game has ever seen.

MLB Baseball Betting Odds and Player Props @ WagerWeb.com Sportsbook

Cardinals’ Superstar – Albert Pujols is a post from: Online Casino Blog

Today, the world is a global village. The Internet has created a super communication highway for all. Internet casinos may not be available on US soil but they are available on the internet. According to BettingRevue.com, most of the internet gambling money comes from the US. So who are we deceiving here?

Maybe when gambling is used with “internet” it does not conjure the necessary connotations to the uninitiated. So let’s use it with the word “virtual”. Let us say virtual gambling.

The word virtual is now commonly used in the computing world as an adjective to refer to objects that are not physically real but mimic the real thing. Examples include such phrases like “virtual memory”, “virtual photons” and “virtual reality”. The word virtual is also used to describe effects or essence that are not formally admitted or recognized such as “virtual dictator”. Internet gambling however is real enough but it occurs in the networked communication space that we have all come to embrace.

The Webster English dictionary defines virtual reality as:

An artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one’s actions partially determine what happens in the environment.

Virtual gambling would then be used in the same sense as virtual reality since the environment is provided by computers and all that happens in this environment is experienced through sensory stimuli and you experience gambling as if you are right there in the casino or poker room although you may actually be in your bedroom millions of miles away from the computers of the casino providing you the environment. This approach was suggested recently by the staff of BettingRevue.com.

Virtual gambling does not happen on the internet alone. It can be on your own computer or a dedicated machine that provides you the same type of environment that you would have in a “brick and mortar” casino. Internet or online gambling is therefore part of virtual gambling.

Today, you can easily sell your unwanted stuff on the Internet to strangers millions of miles away. We are only at the tip of the iceberg. The Internet and its effect on our daily experiences are only going to increase.

Virtual gambling is part of that experience and it is only going to increase. People today are getting more involved in virtual gambling. Virtual gambling has opened gambling to a host of people who otherwise may not have experienced the thrills and agony of gambling.

Virtual gambling does not have to involve real money. It is easier today to have a party were virtual gambling is a key draw – no gambling tables, bankers or human dealers. Everything taken care off by computers.

Herein lays one of the problems of virtual gambling – the element of cheating. In the computer world, it is “GIGO”. GIGO stands for Garbage In, Garbage Out. The programming of the computer determines how it behaves. The Internet gambling world is therefore a minefield. Before you play, you need to know that the computer is not cheating. You need to know about who is providing the software, running the software and keep track of payouts from the machines.

Virtual gambling is only going to grow. Gamblers do not have to play games available in a particular casino but have access to other casinos with the click of a button. This dimension of choice is going to be the biggest impetus for growth. Coca-Cola grew because they went every where, marching through the world with American soldiers. Coca-Cola made famous the key ingredient to marketing – Give the consumers what they want the way they want it and when they want it.

Virtual gambling does that. Gambling consumers can gamble on what ever game they want when they want it 24-7 and where they want it. Gamblers are not even hampered by governmental regulations.

The best a government can do is to try and make it safe for players. Governments that think they can ban it are only displaying their ignorance of the word “virtual”.

Can Internet Gambling be banned? is a post from: Online Casino Blog

Jeter went 4-for-5 with a homer, four RBI and three runs. He also threw out a runner at the plate and stole third base.

“To be honest, I always thought we had a chance,” Jeter said. “You try to get one back at a time. You can’t get them all at once, and that’s what we did.”

The Yankees overcame a nine-run deficit for the fourth time in their storied history. The last time was a 12-11 win in 10 innings against the rival Red Sox on June 26, 1987. Boston’s starting pitcher in that one was Roger Clemens.

It was a positive win for the Yankees that needed to keep the winning record, since they are in one of the toughest divisions in the league. They can’t allow important victories to slip away mostly against teams not as good as this one, in this division every victory is very important.

Lineup
1. Johnny Damon, CF. 2.Derek Jeter, SS. 3.Jason Giambi, DH. 4. Alex Rodriguez, 3rd B. 5. Jorge Posada, C. 6.Robinson Cano, 2nd B. 7. Bernie Williams, RF. 8.Andy Phillips, 1st B. 9. Bubba Crosby, LF.

Kurt Schilling got his sixth victory of the year in last week’s game against the Orioles on Tuesday night; Schilling earned his sixth win despite giving up three home runs, and the Red Sox got homers from Manny Ramirez and Trot Nixon in a 6-5 victory Tuesday night.

Schilling (6-2) allowed five runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also yielded three homers in his previous start, a loss to the New York Yankees, but this time the Red Sox were able to mount enough offense to overcome the blows.

“It’s a win. It’s a win because our bullpen is what it is and offensively we do what we have to do,” Schilling said. “I had about zero input in this game, other than getting the first 17 outs.”

The Red Sox currently 23-14 are in a very tough division, in which they don’t have the luxury to play bad baseball and still get the victories. They need to focus and start playing better, this team has a great offense and of course a wonderful bullpen that give them an equilibrium that most teams don’t have. If they can find a rhythm they will be valid contenders for the World Series.

This is a big old rivalry in baseball in which you can’t pass the opportunity to bet on and spice up this game even more.

Lineup
1. Kevin Youkilis, 1st B. 2. Mark Loretta, 2nd B. 3. David Ortiz, DH. 4. Manny Ramirez, LF. 5. Mike Lowell, 3rd B. 6. Wily Mo Pena, CF. 7.Trot Nixon, RF. 8.Doug Mirabelli, C. 9.Alex Gonzalez, SS.

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees is a post from: Online Casino Blog

First let’s lay out the practice for you. Peruse gaming site reviews on sites like www.casinobrain.com and www.poker-ranking.com and you will see that almost every one offers a Bonus upon sign-up. It may be called a “Sign-Up Bonus”, a “Welcome Bonus”, an “Initial Deposit Bonus”, a “First Deposit Bonus”, a “Match Bonus” – but whatever it’s name, the concept’s the same.

For signing up and making your first deposit (or “purchasing” your first stack of chips), the online casino gambling site will give you some percentage of that amount in bonus chips. As soon as you make the deposit, the full amount of the bonus is added to your player account.

But, of course, there’s a catch – you must wager an amount equal to some multiple of the dollar amount of either your bonus or your initial deposit (depending on the online casino gambling site or poker room) before you can withdraw any of it.

As you can probably guess, in the process of meeting your wagering requirement, two things are likely to occur:

1. You lose some or all of the bonus amount and some or all of your initial deposit too

2. You enjoy the online casino gambling experience at that site so much (or have lost so much money you just can’t let yourself walk away) that you deposit more and more money and just keep on playing

What Bonus Hunters have discovered, however, is that by only playing at the lowest stake tables (ie. 1 cent video poker), they can severely minimize the percentage of their bonus that’s eaten away in the process of fulfilling the wagering requirements. It is unlikely that a bonus hunter will come out ahead. It is even highly unlikely that the bonus hunter will walk away with most of the bonus. But they’ll probably walk away with some of it and get their initial deposit back.

So what are the drawbacks? Well, get ready, ‘cause there a bunch – more in fact than you may realize. To put it plainly, bonus hunting is fraught with its own inherent challenges and flaws, not the least of which is its yield. What bonus hunters happily lose in risk, they gain in time commitment. Playing not to win but to “not lose” takes a ton of time, and you’ll probably find the reward not worth the absence of risk at all (think: 50 cents an hour – might as well get a minimum wage job).

Not all bonuses are built alike – you must hunt (thus the moniker) for the biggest bonuses (percentage-wise) with the lowest wagering requirements and the lowest stakes games (giving you the greatest chance of keeping most of your bankroll safe). That’s a mighty tall order. When you consider this, the pool of potential “targets” suddenly dwindles considerably. Likewise, the amount of time you’ll spend trying to find an online casino gambling site to hit will increase exponentially the more you do it.

And there’s always the fact that if you choose unwisely, you could lose it all.

Online casino gambling sites don’t like bonus hunters – is it any wonder – and as such, if you’re ever tagged as one, you may be permanently locked out of the casino, forced to give up any winnings, and find yourself blacklisted not only from that casino but from its affiliates and sister sites too. Try it at your own risk.

Bonus Hunting: An Online Casino Gambling Sure Thing? is a post from: Online Casino Blog

Bonds, with the exception of steroid allegations and cracks in his character, has had one of the greatest and most complete careers in Major League history. Almost complete, that is, except for two key accomplishments. First, it is no secret that Bonds wants a ring. In fact let’s be honest and say Bonds is dying to win a championship. The Giants’ collapse in the 2002 World Series at the hands of the Angels was probably the last chance for Bonds to win a championship with San Francisco. Second, despite what everyone thinks and what he has said in the past, I think Bonds want to pass Hank Aaron on the home run list. I think he wants to stick it to baseball for celebrating only new records and trying to keep him away from this one. I also think he wants to stick it to the fans, who throw plastic syringes onto the field. Finally, I think he wants to stick it to us, the media, for consistently telling Barry he should walk away right now. This type of negative talk is what fuels Barry; it’s what he lives for. So, what to do, what to do?

Barry Bonds will most likely play the position of designated hitter in 2007, and furthermore for a contender. Bonds’ agent Jeff Borris told Newsday he didn’t expect Bonds to retire this season and that changing leagues to be a DH was very possible. Bonds took this rumor one step further and said he could probably play 155 games if he did not have to stand in the field all day.

“Whew, just a DH? What? I could do that,” Bonds said with excitement. “Oh, yes.”

Oh, I can see it now. You know George Steinbrenner is absolutely drooling right now, and why shouldn’t he? We all know Bonds is a freak of nature. Most great hitters have to get into a groove to hit home runs and hit consistently. Not Bonds; all he needs is one meaty pitch right down the center and kiss that baseball goodbye. Look at the way he has hit lately—and does Bonds look like he is even close to being in shape? No. In the last ten games, Bonds is batting .300, with 3 homers and 9 RBI. That’s not bad considering he started the season hitting .190. Give Bonds the opportunity to simply focus on hitting and I bet he hits at least 40 home runs. San Francisco head coach Felipe Alou went so far as to claim Bonds could reach the mark of 800 homers if he could just DH.

Let’s move on to the missing piece of jewelry that has eluded Bonds for all these years, a championship ring.

The man simply has everything else you can attain in the majors but a championship. He holds seven, yes seven, MVP awards, eight Gold Gloves, and two batting titles. The guy wants a championship; he needs a championship. His career just will not be complete without one. So, let’s say the New York Yankees, of all teams, don’t win the World Series this year. (Yankees are a 4-1 to win the World Series @ Wagerweb.com). Steinbrenner’s wild mind will start to bubble and brew, especially after spending all that money on Johnny Damon to be his new lead-off hitter. What will he do? He will negotiate with Bonds, and pay him handsomely too. Can you picture Bonds in the Bronx, especially with that short right field fence? And don’t think the Yankee crown wouldn’t welcome him with open arms. All they want are players who will be productive and help their ball club. They took Johnny Damon, a hated ex-sock, and took back Jason Giambi after all the steroid allegations. Bonds would also love this move. A chance for him to stick it to everyone, right on the biggest stage imaginable and, more important, a chance to get the coveted ring that will complete his career.

Well, there is my view of the baseball world for next year. I could be way off base, but if I’m not we will have one of the biggest moves since Babe Ruth. Where did he go? Oh yeah, he went to the New York Yankees. One last question. Do you know who wants this move to happen the most of all? We do. This move will give the media another year to write crazy Bonds stories, and you know we all just love that thought.

MLB Baseball Betting and Propositions @ http://www.WagerWeb.com

Bonds a DH in 2007? Whew, he could do that! is a post from: Online Casino Blog