Microgaming Software: Some of the Best Casino Games

August 27, 2014 Michael Schultz

Microgaming software is what powers some of the world’s biggest and most popular online casinos. Gamblers may be under the impression that each casino uses their own software, when in fact, it’s almost always licensed from a third-party. In addition to Microgaming software, some of the best known software providers include Cryptologic, Real Time Gaming, Rival, IGT/Wagerworks, and Playtech. Each of these gaming platforms have been around for many years and withstood the test of time. In recent years there have been some new software development companies making their way into the spotlight. Some of these include Net Ent, Aristocrat, and Betsoft. And while these new providers do offer new features, they don’t yet have the same authority that a platform such as Microgaming software has, which is earned over time.

Key Features of Microgaming Software

Online casinos that Microgaming software are widely considered to be some of the very best. One of the reasons for this is that Microgaming software includes more than 350 games, of which, more than 190 are slots games. Microgaming’s slots lineup includes classic, 1, 2, 3, and 5-payline slot machines, multi-payline slot machines, as well as video and progressive slot machines. Bonus rounds incorporate free spins, mini games and more. You can also apply wild and scatter symbols as well as multipliers that can double, triple, and even quadruple your winnings.

Microgaming slots have been consistently regarded as being graphically and technologically superior to the other software providers. Microgaming releases new games each month and the casinos usually provide generous bonuses to players that are willing to give them a try.

That being said, the entertainment provided by Microgaming software is not limited to just slots. They also offer some of the best Vegas-style table games online. Some Microgaming software licensees feature the “Gold Series.” This is more than 30 unique blackjack games, which is more than you’re likely to find at any land-based casino. There are also plenty of other popular table games available, including American and European-style roulette, craps, sic bo and lots more. The wide range of games offered by Microgaming is a big reason why people keep coming back to the casino for more.

Microgaming Software Slots and Blackjack Tournaments

Online casino tournaments are extremely popular and Microgaming software delivers on this front as well. Blackjack and slots players can participate in a variety of tournaments, which run hourly. Buy-ins can be as little as $2-$20. “Free roll” tournaments are a great way for blackjack and slots players to take part in the tournament action without having to make a deposit. The top winners of these free roll tournaments are eligible for real money winnings, which then can be parlayed into entry fees for regular tournaments. Or, if you prefer to pocket your winnings, you will just need to make sure that you satisfy any requirements for free money bonuses before submitting your withdrawal request.

If you’re looking for incredible game variety and tournament action, look for casinos that are powered by Microgaming software. With new games released often, there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to!

American Roulette versus European Roulette

August 21, 2014 Michael Schultz

American Roulette came on the scene long after European Roulette had already been established. European Roulette consists of a large 2-color wheel containing the numbers 0 to 36. A ball is dropped and the wheel is spun. Players can bet on the numbers or colors they think the ball will ultimately rest on. The game is easy to play and requires no special skills and yet it’s not one that you can easily beat. So it’s a bit odd that there would have been a need to create a different version of the game. However that is exactly what happened with the introduction of American Roulette.

A Short History of European Roulette

Before we take a look at American Roulette, and how it differs from its European counterpart, let’s start by taking a closer look at European Roulette. The wheel that is used for European Roulette was actually developed first in France. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the French wheel. European Roulette became extremely popular among European players. Before long, news of this entertaining game spread overseas. The European Roulette wheel contains slots numbered from 1 to 36 and has an additional slot for a 0. The layout of these numbers is completely random and has no symmetry. American casino operators did not care for the odds of this particular game as they didn’t favor the house over the player. So, in order to increase their earnings with this game, they created the American Roulette wheel, which contains significant differences from the original European model.

What Makes American Roulette Different From European Roulette?

American Roulette includes some big changes from the European version of the game. American Roulette wheels contain 38 slots. Aside from the 0, there is an additional spot for 00. This is why American Roulette is sometimes referred to as “Double Zero” Roulette and European Roulette can be referred to as “Single Zero” Roulette. By incorporating this additional slot, the odds no longer favor the player. The casinos now have the edge. The layout of the American Roulette wheel is also different from that of a European wheel. American Roulette wheels have an established pattern whereby the numbers are placed in pairs directly across from one another. This is a more appealing design which was meant to cater to American gamblers. Players soon realized, however, that they weren’t experiencing the same level of good fortune when playing American Roulette. Players did not realize just how big a difference one additional slot could make when it comes to the odds. But the reality is that the odds on a single bet of American Roulette is 5.25% as opposed to the 2.7% edge a European wheel gives to the casino.

The Bottom Line

Both versions of this widely popular game offer great entertainment value. But it is important to understand that these two games might sound the same, however there are major differences between the two. These differences can greatly impact your chances of financial success. So, the moral of this story is that when you want better odds at the roulette table, always stick with American Roulette!

Online Gambling Forums: A Wealth of Information

August 17, 2014 Michael Schultz

Online gambling forums are a huge resource for players and they cover a myriad of topics. Back in the early days of online gambling there wasn’t a lot of gambling information on the internet. Times have changed though and now you can find everything from “how-to” videos, bonus guides, strategy articles and information on payment methods, gambling news and much more. Some gambling forums are owned and operated by casino affiliates. These forums may not be completely unbiased, but they can still be beneficial in many ways. Other portals can be owned and operated by players. These types of portals are the best as the information provided is often coming from gambling experts. Online gambling forums are a great way for players to interact with one another and share a wide range of experiences.

Online Gambling Forums Cater to Everyone

Online gambling forums are created to meet the needs of all kinds of players. They provide updated information on every type of gambling site. This includes, online casinos, poker rooms, sports betting, bingo and more. New players can get tips and strategy advice and more advanced players can enjoy benefits such as tournament information, free chip and special deposit bonus offers.

Online Gambling Forums Give Great Advice

For anyone new to online gaming, online gambling forums can guide you to the safest casinos to play at and the ones that offer the best service. Players often worry about being cheated so having experienced gamblers sharing their experiences is an invaluable resource. Inexperienced players have an opportunity to post questions and concerns in the online gambling forums. Professional webmasters and gamblers will often provide meaningful advice that will help new players enjoy their gaming experience with confidence and peace of mind.
Online gambling portals are a great place for experienced gambles to share stories, strategies, and tales of their “big wins.” They are equally good for pointing out places that should be avoided. They can help to identify online casinos that fail to pay their players, or pay too slow, or simply do not offer a reasonable level of customer service. Similarly, the can identify the most trustworthy casino websites, the best casino software, as well as the most competitive bonuses, tournaments, and contests. Through sharing experiences, players can use online gambling portals to help regulate the practices of online casino operators and hold them to a higher level of accountability. This makes for a safer and more responsible gaming community as a whole.

Online Gambling Forums Can Help Settle Disputes

Players can participate in several different online gambling forums as the same time. By doing so, they can benefit from the best information each one has to offer. If you find yourself in a dispute with an online casino you can always take your grievances to the forum moderators as they often have contact with the higher levels of the casino’s management team. Before you register to play at any online casino it’s a good idea to visit at least one or two online gambling forums. Even if you just want to read what the other members have to say, it will give you a better understanding of what to look for, and what to avoid as you begin your online gambling adventure!

Gambling Superstitions: The Top Betting Do’s and Don’ts

August 15, 2014 Michael Schultz

Gambling superstitions are very common. You’ve probably seen bingo players surrounded by various talismans that are supposed to bring them good luck. Gambling superstitions vary from culture to culture. The Asian gambling community for example has a large number of rules to keep bad luck at bay and usher in good fortune. Below is a list of common do’s and don’ts when it comes to gambling superstitions:

Gambling Superstitions #1

Avoid entering a casino through the front door. Instead, enter through a less commonly used door or through the rear entrance. This will keep all the bad luck from previous players from joining you as you gamble. Of course this is only a factor at land-based casinos. If you play at an online casino this doesn’t apply.

Gambling Superstitions #2

Red is considered to be a color that brings good luck and big fortune. This is especially true in the Asian community. Gamblers who wish to capitalize on this superstition tend to wear at least one article of red clothing when gambling.

Gambling Superstitions #3

Avoid using $50 bills when gambling. This one of many long-standing gambling superstitions that is considered to be very bad luck.

Gambling Superstitions #4

Just like Kenny Rogers once famously said, “Never count your money, when you’re sitting at the table.” Counting your money when playing table games like poker, roulette, or blackjack is considered to be very bad luck. If you need to check on your funds, step away from the table. If you don’t, your fellow gamblers are likely going to be very upset with you. This is because counting your money at the table not only brings you bad luck, but it can negatively impact them as well!

Gambling Superstitions #5

Some gamblers have gambling superstitions when it comes to their clothing. Extreme gamblers may take note of what they were wearing when they had a run of good luck at the casino. They might choose to wear the same clothing the next time they play and they may even go so far as to avoid washing the clothes so as not to rinse away any good luck. Similarly, gamblers will repeat what it was they ate, their betting patterns, and anything else they think might have helped contribute to their good fortune at the casino.

Gambling Superstitions #6

Slots players have their own set of gambling superstitions. Although it’s not a very sanitary practice, some slots players will kiss the screen of machine prior to each spin. Others believe that having a specific rhythm to spinning the reels can result in a big payout. Another common belief is that if a winning combination hasn’t been hit within the first five spins it means that the slot machine has run cold and it’s time to play a different machine.

For the most part, gambling superstitions are harmless. They can even be a fun way to increase the entertainment value. Just be sure not to let them interfere with your enjoyment of the games. The outcome of some casino games are purely random; others are based on skill and whether or not they can be affected by superstitions is debatable. Focus on having fun and you should be just fine!

Mac-Friendly Online Casinos: What Makes Them Great

August 9, 2014 Michael Schultz

Mac-friendly online casinos are becoming much more common these days. Back in the early days of online gambling, online casino software was available only for PC users. Then, gradually, the online casino operators began realizing that Mac computers were growing rapidly in terms of popularity. This was likely in relation to the overwhelming success of other Apple products such as the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad. In the early stages of development only Flash games could be played by Mac users. The full suite of casino games, poker rooms and bingo software was only compatible with PCs. This was a substantial percentage of the gambling market that operators were missing out on. So, it’s not too surprising that nowadays Mac users have access to a majority of the games they couldn’t have played in the past.

Games at Mac-Friendly Online Casinos

Although they were previously available only to PC users, now Mac-friendly online casinos offer all the various elements that PC users have enjoyed for years. Mac-friendly online casinos also offer 1, 3, 5, and multi-payline slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and other popular table games. The quality of games offered by Mac-friendly online casinos is just as good as what you would expect to find in the PC version. You can still enjoy high quality graphics and sounds and you don’t need to sacrifice any of the great features that were once restricted to PC users.

In fact, Apple computers are renowned for great visuals and the software is designed to take advantage of these graphics capabilities. Consequently, the software looks slick and is as user-friendly as other popular Apple products. Playing casino games can appear more realistic when played on a Mac computer. And there are no worrisome security issues that you sometimes have to contend with when playing on a Windows PC.

Other Features Available at Mac-Friendly Online Casinos

Bonuses are also available at Mac-friendly online casinos. You still need to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure that the offer is a good one, but generally speaking, they can be a great way to increase your bankroll. This not only helps you to extend your gaming experience; it can also greatly increase your chances of winning.

Mac users can also enjoy other features now available to them. These include “Instant Play” and “Live Dealers.” Instant Play is a no-download option now offered at Mac-friendly online casinos. Because players can access games directly from their browser, they now have the ability to play all of their favorite casino games from any computer. As long as there is an internet connection, players can simply login and play the games from all over the world. Live Dealer games make Mac-friendly online casinos seem more like their land-based counterparts. Players can interact with dealers in a live gambling environment. Players can interact with dealers as well as other players the world over via live chat.

Where to find Mac-Friendly Online Casinos

If you’re looking to find Mac-friendly online casinos a quick Google search should deliver plenty of options. Even though it used to be a real challenge to find online casinos that cater to Mac enthusiasts, this is no longer the case. As the competition to acquire new customers gets more intense, Mac-friendly casinos are now the norm and there are Mac-friendly online casinos listed on portals that specifically target Mac users.

Online Blackjack: Advice from the Experts

August 1, 2014 Michael Schultz

Online blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. One of the reasons for its popularity is that blackjack players can significantly reduce the house edge simply through the application of basic strategy. Make your online blackjack experience more profitable by following these simple tips:

Online Blackjack: Knowing the Odds

In order to succeed at online blackjack you need to familiarize yourself with basic strategy before taking a seat at the virtual tables. What it comes down to is knowing how to determine the odds for each winning hand and then wagering according to the most likely outcome. Each set of cards in a game of blackjack has 52 cards. You already know the value of three of these cards; two of yours as well as the dealer’s up card. You can therefore work out the probability of the dealer drawing a specific card. You just need to figure out how many cards of that value are left in the deck and then divide that number by 49.

For example, say the dealer draws a 4. You’re dealt a total of 12 so chances are you’ll what to take another card to get closer to hitting 21. If the dealer doesn’t draw a 10, there’s a 32.65% risk of getting a 10 or more, which is a bust. However, it’s equally likely that the dealer will draw a card with a value of 10. Unless the dealer has a soft 17, in most versions of blackjack the dealer would be required to Hit. In this scenario the dealer has a 40% chance of busting. So, if you Stand, there’s a greater chance that the dealer would bust than you developing a strong hand.

Instead of having to do all the odds calculations in your head, you can simply use a strategy chart. These charts will show you when the odds are favorable to Hit or Stand. The odds will differ based on the number of decks being used so you this is something that will need to be factored in to your overall strategy.

Focus on Every Hand in Online Blackjack

In online blackjack, the deck is shuffled after each hand played. Therefore, when you’re considering your next move you should only focus on the current hand. Previous hands have no bearing on the outcome of future hands. Hot and cold streaks can occur at any time. So while you may be inclined to alter your betting strategy based on which way your luck is running, you’ll be better offer sticking to basic strategy over time.

Never Follow the Dealer in Online Blackjack

This piece advice is pretty self-explanatory. In online blackjack the “dealer” has specific rules to follow. Usually the dealer is required to Hit on a soft 17 and must continue to draw until they reach a hard 17 or bust. They can’t Split or Double Down. Because their options are more limited than yours, don’t follow their lead if you want to maximize your chances of winning.

Know the Value of Online Blackjack Bets

Even though you have options available that aren’t available to the dealer, this doesn’t mean you should exercise all of them. For example, never take Insurance. Insurance is offered when the dealer draws an Ace. If you take Insurance you can bet cut your original bet in half. If the dealer has blackjack you will be paid out 2:1. However, if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, your Insurance wager will be lost. Again, by following basic strategy, you will see that an Insurance bet is rarely ever worth making.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions – The Lucky 8

July 25, 2014 Michael Schultz

Chinese gambling superstitions have a long, rich tradition, much like gambling itself. This is not all that surprising when you consider that the Chinese are among the most superstitious people the world over. You might not personally subscribe to this practice, but there’s no question that those who do have gone on to lead successful lives. Whether or not there is any correlation between Chinese gambling superstitions and financial success at the tables is a matter of opinion. Below you will find eight popular (and lucky; you’ll see why soon) Chinese gambling superstitions you just might want to consider following the next time you place your bets.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #1: Wearing Red

In Chinese culture the color red symbolizes good fortune and joyous celebration. Gamblers seeking good fortune in the casino wear red underwear when playing in the hopes of garnering big wins.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #2: Lucky Numbers

Chinese people believe deeply in the power of certain numbers. Apply numerology when performing your lottery picks, choosing your hotel room, or deciding where to place certain bets in games like roulette. Avoid the number 4, which is considered to be unlucky. Instead, stick to 3s, 6s, and 9s and use them in combination with the number 8. The number 8 is thought to be closely related to prosperity.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #3: Avoid Sex

Similar to professional athletes, Chinese people believe that abstaining from sex before a gambling session can be beneficial. This advice applies equally to men and women.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #4: Praying to the Gambling Gods

Unsurprisingly, prayer is a big component of Chinese gambling superstitions. Prayers and offerings to the gods are encouraged. This is especially true on the day of a lottery. The idea is that if the gods are pleased, they will reward you in return for your efforts.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #5: Time of the Month

This superstition applies to females only. A somewhat indelicate topic, but this superstition is based on the belief that women who are menstruating when they gamble are more likely to achieve a positive outcome.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #6: Hand Washing

This gambling superstition is also popular with Westerners. The theory here is that washing your hands can change your luck for good or bad. If you’re losing, wash your hands. But if you are fortunate enough to find yourself on a winning streak, don’t wash away the good mojo.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #7: Counting Money

Just like Kenny Rogers foretold in The Gambler, the Chinese firmly believe that you shouldn’t “count your money, while you’re sitting at the table. There’ll be time enough for counting, when the dealing’s done.”

Chinese Gambling Superstitions #8: Feng Shui

One’s surroundings can be positive or negative according to Chinese superstition. The MGM Grand famously changed its entrance because it had been forcing patrons to enter through the mouth of a lion, which was thought to be bad luck according to ancient philosophy.

Online Casino Software – Reviews of the Very Best

July 22, 2014 Michael Schultz

Online casino software makes all the difference between a bad gaming experience and a great one. Many online casino software companies popped up during the internet gaming boom that began in the 1990s and continues to grow to this day. When looking at online casino software there are many different aspects to explore. It can be helpful to know a bit about the company’s background. The games they offer is often one of the primary concerns for players, as well as the countries they service. After the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006, several online casino software companies started blocking players who reside in the United States. However there are still software providers that still cater to US gamblers.

Online Casino Software for US Players

We’ll start by taking a look at the online casino software providers that welcome players from the US and around the world. One of the biggest of these firms is Realtime Gaming. Realtime Gaming is based in Curacao, an island in the Netherlands Antilles. RTG developed the Real-Series slots which power more than 75 different casino sites.

TopGame is a relative upstart in terms of online casino software companies. There are more than 20 casino sites, using TopGame’s casino platform. TopGame isn’t big enough yet to compete with the likes of RTG. However, Rival Gaming is, as its name suggests, a worthy rival. Rival offers multi-lingual online casino software and they are highly regarded for their slot machines, which feature interesting themes and compelling, high-quality graphics.

Online Casino Software for Non-US Players

Many of the longest-standing online casino software providers stopped accepting US players after the passing of the UIEGA. As publicly traded companies, they did not want to run the risk of any potential legal repercussions from facilitating financial transactions for US customers. The biggest and one of the longest running online casino software providers is UK’s Microgaming. Established in 1994, Microgaming has more than 200 casino clients in multiple languages. Their progressive slots machine jackpots are wold record holders for the best payouts and they offer more than 300 casino games for download and instant-play.

Irish-based online casino software developer, Cryptologic, comes close as they offer more than 280 games. Their innovative software features multi-player games, 3D and live dealer games and other features that are extremely popular with players. IGT (International Game Technology) is widely known for offering Wheel of Fortune Slots, the most popular progressive slot machine of all time. Other popular licensed games available via IGT are Monopoly and Jeopardy Slots.

Microgaming’s main online casino software competitor is Playtech. Playtech supplies games to online and land-based casinos alike. They are a huge player in the online casino software industry and are based in the United Kingdom. Playtech supplies the immensely popular Marvel games series of slot machines, which have attracted a massive amount of players worldwide.

Smaller, yet still very notable, online casino software providers include Aristocrat, NetEnt, and Wizard Gaming. Artistocrat primarily supplies games in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the UK, Macau, Sweden, and Japan. NetEnt is focused more on bingo and skill games. Therefore, they tend to be used in conjunction with other software providers. And finally, Wizard Gaming primarily remains a favorite among players who enjoy a highly entertaining slots experience.

US Friendly Online Casinos – Where to Find Them

July 19, 2014 Michael Schultz

US friendly online casinos are online casinos that allow registrations from players who reside in the United States. This is a relatively new category of online casino. The reason for this is that prior to 1996, virtually every online casino accepted members from US residents. However, with the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIEGA) in September of 1996, the gambling landscape changed dramatically. The options for US residents is much more limited than it has been in the past.

One of the reasons for this is that the language used in the UIEGA is unclear and often misunderstood. The act fails to clearly define exactly what the government considers to be “unlawful” when it comes to internet gambling. A common misconception is that the law makes it illegal for players from within the United States to gamble and that there is no such thing as “US friendly online casinos” because they are all considered to be illegal. However this is not the case. The law does not even address players specifically. Instead, it prohibits American banks from doing business from known online casino operators. As a result, any online casino that continued providing services to United States residents became known as US friendly online casinos.

Where to Find US Friendly Online Casinos

When it comes to US friendly online casinos, the options are somewhat limited. Publicly traded companies like Microgaming, Wagerworks, Playtech, and Cryptologic avoid any risk of contravening the UIEGA. Thankfully there are still major software providers still willing to license their gaming platform to US friendly online casinos. These software providers include Top Game and Realtime Gaming (RTG). There are others of, but these are by far the best known.

In recent months there has been another significant development when it comes to US friendly online casinos. Towards the end of 2013, certain states within the United States began launching the first fully licenced and regulated online casinos. New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada have all launched US friendly online casinos. These are the only states in which the online casinos are 100% legal. The other US friendly online casinos may be licensed, but not within the US. Players can still play at these casinos without fear of breaking the law, but there are some drawbacks. For example, if a player from the United States is playing at one of these offshore casinos and they experience a problem such as not getting paid, there is not a whole lot they can do about it. If the offshore casinos are licensed, the player could lodge a complaint with the licensing body, but that does not necessarily mean that they will ever receive their funds.

The Future of US Friendly Online Casinos

Despite some opposition based on moral, economic, and political grounds, it’s reasonable to expect that there will be a growing number of US friendly online casinos over the next few years. Federal law does not prohibit online gambling. States have the freedom to regulate gambling within their borders and with three states already benefiting from online gambling revenues, it makes sense that other states will soon follow suit and US friendly online casinos will only become more readily available to gamblers throughout the United States. As always, be sure to check the laws in your jurisdiction before registering at a US online casino just to be safe.

Online Poker – Amaya Gaming’s Latest Acquisition

July 14, 2014 Michael Schultz

Online poker is big news once again as Amaya Gaming bets large with their recent high-stakes acquisition of renowned brands, Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker. This move by the Montreal-based, publicly listed, Amaya Gaming Group Inc. could potentially transform the online gaming industry. In doing so, the company has had to assume a significant debt load but they are betting large that the legalization of online gambling in key U.S. states is imminent. This is a risky wager considering the $4.9 billion dollar price tag.

Over the past several years Amaya Gaming Group Inc. owner, David Baazov, has been steadily developing this software and technology company by servicing the gambling industry. Baazov now hopes to not only sustain, but grow the current pool of approximately 86M registered Pokerstars and Full Tilt members. Baazov also has plans to convert these online poker players to different online games, mobile applications, and form partnerships with brick and mortar casinos. Social media is expected to play a big role in this conversion process. Amaya Gaming considers the 86M registered members as players, not necessarily just online poker players.

Obstacles to Online Poker Expansion

In order to succeed, Amaya Gaming will have to overcome some big obstacles. There are social, legal, and regulatory issues that will need to be addressed. Some of the key issues being the opposition to the legalization of online gambling and the banks, financial institutions, and credit card suppliers who refuse to conduct business of this nature.

To date, only New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada have legalized online gambling. California and other key states are still considering the matter. There is solid opposition to such a move, led in large part by land-based casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. Adelson is sparing no expense to push Washington to stop online gambling in its tracks by once again imposing a federal ban.

The once-flourishing online poker industry was effectively shut down following the crackdown by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2011. PokerStars founder, Isai Sheinberg, and ten other online poker executives were later indicted for conspiring to violate the UIGEA, or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Scheinberg and his son Mark will no longer participate in the company as part of the terms of the new deal with Amaya. Existing management will be allowed to remain on board.

The Future of Online Poker

Clear of these impediments, Baazov is confident that Amaya will succeed in expanding online poker via the PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker brands throughout the U.S. as well as in regulated jurisdictions the world over. Baazov feels strongly that online poker will thrive regardless of whether or not the U.S. opens its doors to new legislation. He also believes that financial institutions will eventually be willing to process transactions once again.

In order to finance the acquisition of these online poker sites, Amaya has taken on $2.9 billion dollars in debt. Global Gaming Business editor, Frank Legato, points out that while the deal is a great one for the Scheinbergs, it’s a real gamble for the Amaya Gaming Group. Ultimately it’s a question of whether or not Amaya’s revenues will be enough to cover the debt they’ve incurred. With 86 million registered users, the odds are in their favor.