With little to bet on, online casino games can help fill void

Online casinos can help pass the time for sports bettors as we await live sporting events to return.

As almost every sport league remains paused, delayed or generally in limbo, the associated world of sports betting has dust growing on it by the day. While most of the country remains quarantined in place, the itch for some way to pass the time and give us a distraction to the world around us continues to grow.

Heck, I’m getting ready to put odds on my children’s tooth-brushing routine as an event each night. That competition is fierce, man. Hmm, maybe I should live stream it and take wagers?

There are ways for sports bettors to pivot during these uneasy times and the world of online casinos can help fill some of the void we are feeling. Yes, the experience isn’t an apple-to-apple replacement, but there are still ways to utilize our skills, pass the time – and turn a profit.


Play online casino games, including blackjack and slots at BetMGM.


Online casino games at BetMGM New Jersey

Some of the various types of games, both cards and digital, available via online casinos include:

  • Blackjack
  • Poker
  • Roulette
  • Slots

There are often live opportunities to have a seat at the table during actual live blackjack, poker and roulette games. While it’s not quite the thrill of holding onto an Under bet with the final seconds clicking off a game clock, cashing in on a winning hand at the table can help pass the time until sports resume.

Also see:

BetMGM Casino also offers virtual sports to bet on – from horses to motorcycles to cars to virtual soccer, you have the choice to place some wagers on how the digital version of the event will play out.

Ready to give online blackjack or other casino games a try? Head over to BetMGM to sign up and play today.

For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Please gamble responsibly.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Online Casino: How to play online blackjack

A detailed betting guide on how to play at blackjack online.

Sports have been widely postponed in the real world for over a month now, but gamblers are finding ways to get their fix electronically. There are eSports and virtual sporting events dotting the landscape now, but there is an old, trusty version of gambling in online casino games. They’ve been around a while, they’re fun, and you can make a lot of loot if you, pardon the pun, play your cards right.

Here, we’ll look at a rather rudimentary guide on how to play online blackjack.

How to play online blackjack: Starting out

If you’re new to playing blackjack online, start slowly. Don’t get in over your head and start betting high stakes if you’re not exactly sure how it all works. The same rules apply as they do playing in a real casino. Study and understudy your basic blackjack strategy so you’re not hemorrhaging money.

We’ve all been playing at a table in real-life and some new player hits the table and starts gumming up the works. They split their 10’s, they hit on 16 when the dealer is showing a five, etc. Understand the basics of the game before you start sinking your hard-earned money into play. In fact, consider playing a few ‘practice hands’ first to get a feel for the game.

How to play online blackjack: Scoring

Let’s roll it back, though, if you’re REALLY a beginner. Know that an ace (A) can be used as a one or an 11, all face cards – jacks (J), queens (Q) and kings (K) have a value of 10 and know that there are four suits in a standard 52-card deck – clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades. The idea of blackjack, or 21, is to beat the dealer.


Play online casino games, including blackjack, roulette and slots at BetMGM.


You needn’t worry about the other players at the table, as you do not have to beat their cards like in poker. You simply need to be closer to 21 than the dealer. If your cards end up with a total of 22 or higher, it’s called a ‘bust’. Know your terminology, too. If you end up with the same total as the dealer, it’s a ‘push’.

Sounds simple, right? Well, technically blackjack is one of the table games where you have the best odds to beat the house, although, of course, the advantage is still in their favor. If you play wisely, you can come out ahead in the long term.

How to play online blackjack: Strategies

It’s my personal experience when playing to NEVER take insurance. Insurance is offered when the dealer is showing an ace with their other card hidden, or down. One always should assume the dealer is holding a 10 in their hole card. While insurance pays 2 to 1, it’s essentially an extra bet on whether or not the dealer will hit blackjack; while your hand can lose, you could potentially recover any lost monies with a win on the insurance wager. The only time I might do this is if I hit a blackjack myself, and an insurance bet will offer even money if the dealer shows an ace and also flips over a face or a 10 to also get blackjack. Other than that, don’t get roped into insurance.

Also, blackjack is a fun game, as you can double your wager after a hand has started. For instance, you initially wager $5 in chips. You are dealt a total of 11, while the dealer is showing a 6. Again, there are 16 cards in a single deck with a value of 10, so you assume the dealer’s hidden card is a 10, and/or your next card will be a 10. So you ‘double down’, or double your wager. You will receive only one card, while the dealer can take as many as needed. Doubling down on 11 is not always a sound option, however, as if the dealer is holding a 10, it is generally discouraged. Some players like to do it, but you really should only double when there is a high bust potential for the dealer.

You can also ‘split’ cards that are paired up. For instance, you get two 9s, you can split these and make two hands against the dealer. Essentially, it’s doubling down, but you can play them like normal hands with no limit on how many cards you can take. You can also double down on these ‘new’ hands, if you like, making for a lot more action, and potential winnings.

Again, you want to be smart about splitting. The example above, with the 9s, is a sound play if you are playing against a dealer’s 8 or less; however, if they’re showing a 10, you’d want to stand, or stick with the cards you have without any further action. Learn the basic strategy first before getting into the nuances of the game.

How to play online blackjack: Play responsibly

Lastly, it might go without saying, but it’s also a good idea to limit your alcohol intake when playing online. It’s no secret alcohol and gambling have gone hand-in-hand in real-life casinos, and free drinks while playing table games is attractive to many players, but more drinks leads to more bad decisions and generally means better results for the house.

Ready to give online blackjack a try? Head over to BetMGM to sign up and play.

For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Please gamble responsibly.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Online Casino: 5 beginner tips for winning at online blackjack

Online casinos, including online blackjack, can be a way to pass the time until sports betting opportunities resume

With sports canceled for now, online casino games could become even more popular. But for new players, this could seem daunting as online casino games can differ from what you typically see from your favorite local casino.

Today, we are handing out five of our favorite tips and tricks on how to win more often when playing online blackjack.

1. Find the right online casino for you 

The most critical step when you decide to play online blackjack is to find the right online casino. Some casinos will offer you different odds on blackjacks, while others will offer more bonuses. Some casinos will have countdown timers for you to play your hand while others will allow as much time as possible.

Make sure to find the casino that fits your needs, and be sure to check out all of the options and games at BetMGM.com.

2. Know how many decks of cards are being used 

It’s crucial to find out how many decks of cards each casino uses as it’s easier to keep track of which cards have been played with fewer decks.

Some online sites will use a Random Number Generator, which will shuffle the cards after each hand, which makes following the cards being played impossible. You can’t “count cards” online, but there are ways to help increase your odds if you can remember which cards have already been played.


Play online casino games, including blackjack, roulette and slots at BetMGM.


3. Use a strategy card 

One of the best tips we can offer you is that you use and follow a basic strategy card for playing blackjack. These cards will help you understand when to hit and when to stay, depending on what the dealer is holding.

Make sure to find the strategy that best suits you as some card sheets are more aggressive than others. As you play more blackjack online, a cheatsheet won’t be needed as much as the probabilities will be ingrained into your mind. But as for now, keep one of these handy as you learn the game.

4. Know your insurance strategy 

During blackjack, the “house” will offer you insurance when the dealer is showing an “Ace.” Players can bet half of their original wager to protect themselves against a blackjack. Before playing online blackjack, consider making an insurance strategy, whether you always want to take or leave the insurance.

The same can be said for splitting hands. Some players will split their hands more frequently, while others will never split and will settle for one guaranteed win. Before playing online, make sure to come up with your strategy on how and when you intend to take insurance and/or split your hand.

5. Practice

Before you decide to play online for real cash, consider practicing several hands so you can get used to the speed and practice with your strategy card. That way, there will be no surprises when you get to a live table. Many sites, including USA TODAY’s gaming section, allow you to practice for free before betting online, so take advantage of that offer until you are ready for live betting.

Ready to give online blackjack a try? Head over to BetMGM to sign up and play.

For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Please gamble responsibly.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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