Blackjack Splitting Strategy: When to Divide and Conquer
Blackjack is often called the “thinking player’s game,” and one of the most powerful tools you have at the table is the ability to split your cards. Done correctly, splitting can turn a mediocre hand into two strong ones—or even tilt the odds slightly in your favor. Done poorly, however, it can drain your chips faster than you expect. Knowing when to split, and just as importantly when not to, is the key to getting the most out of this move.
Let’s walk through the best strategies for splitting cards in blackjack and the reasoning behind them.
Vote for Your Favorite Casinos & Win a Gambling Getaway!
Southern & Midwest Gaming’s Readers’ Choice Awards are back and we want to know what casinos are your favorite! Cast your vote for your favorite casinos across the region from November 1 through December 15 and help crown the best in gaming, dining, entertainment, and more.
As a thank-you for voting, you’ll be entered to win a gambling getaway to the casino of your choice! The package includes an overnight stay, dinner at the restaurant of your choice at the property, gambling money to play with and gas money to get there for a getaway you’ll never forget.
CLICK HERE to Vote!
Winter Wagering: Heat Up Your Sports Betting and Casino Getaways
As the chill of Winter sets in, the excitement in the sports and gambling worlds heats up. For gamblers across the South and Midwest, November offers some of the most compelling opportunities to combine the thrill of the game with savvy betting strategies and smart casino travel. Whether you’re hitting the sportsbooks for NFL and college football or planning a weekend getaway to a nearby casino resort, there’s plenty to keep your action-packed calendar full.
Sweet Suites: Luxury Stays at Top Casinos Across the Region
When it comes to a memorable casino getaway, the right accommodations can elevate your experience from exciting to extraordinary. Across the U.S., premier casinos are redefining luxury with suites designed for relaxation, indulgence, and style. Whether you’re celebrating a big win, unwinding between gaming sessions, or enjoying a private escape, these suites deliver the perfect blend of comfort, sophistication, and amenities. Here are a few of our top picks when it comes to sweet suite accommodations. Enjoy!
Ron Turcotte: The Jockey Who Guided Legends
While the debate surrounding, “Who is the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all time?” will perpetuate now until the cows come home, there is no argument when it comes to the question of, “What is the single most impressive performance ever witnessed in the annals of North American flat racing?” Unequivocally, Secretariat’s thirty-one length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes, one that solidified his stature as the “Sport of Kings’” ninth Triple Crown Champion, is far and away the most impressive feat ever turned in by an equine athlete.
Three Card Poker: Wild Winning Streaks
Of all the poker-based games that have carved out niches in table pits, Three Card Poker pays out its top jackpot the most often. That makes some unusual streaks not only possible—but inevitable, given enough play.
Take the reader who once emailed to share their experience of being dealt four consecutive straight flushes, each worth a 40-1 payoff on the Pair Plus portion of the game. That might pale in comparison to the 1,000-1 bonanza for a royal in Let It Ride or a progressive jackpot that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars in Caribbean Stud. But any frequent player of Three Card Poker will tell you that straight flushes, with 1-in-460 odds, do come around. For most players, royals in Caribbean Stud and Let It Ride are a once-in-a-lifetime—if ever—event, with odds of 1 in 649,740.
Out With the Old, Triple Crown Racetrack Renovations
There is an age-old adage that goes, “The only constant is change.” Well friends, whether we like it or not, this archaic saying rings true even inside the staunchly traditional realm of thoroughbred horse racing. In fact, I can even emphatically attest that the “Sport of Kings” has a far different complexion compared to when I placed my first wager three decades ago. Moreover, there is a modern movement to renovate and even, in some cases, completely redesign the three storied cathedrals which host thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Crown Series (i.e., Churchill Downs, Pimlico Race Course and Belmont Park).
Mastering Pai Gow Poker: Strategy, Odds, and How to Play Like a Pro
If you enjoy poker but want a slower-paced, lower-volatility casino game with a unique twist, Pai Gow Poker might be your ideal game. Blending traditional poker rules with the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, this table game offers plenty of opportunities to reduce the house edge with smart strategy and patience. Here’s a quick overview of how to play as well as some probabilities and strategies to give you a great start to winning ant Pai Gow!
Mastering the Wheel: Roulette Strategy
Roulette, one of the most iconic and enduring games in any casino, combines simple rules with suspenseful gameplay. At first glance, the spinning wheel and bouncing ball may seem like pure chance—and to a large extent, they are. But savvy players know that understanding probabilities, bet types, and strategic approaches can improve both enjoyment and decision-making at the table. Here’s a guide to the basics of roulette, the best strategies to use, and the statistical realities behind every spin.
Winning at Slots: Strategies, Stats, and Smart Play
Slot machines dominate the casino floor for a reason. Flashy, fast-paced, and full of promise, they account for nearly 70% of gaming revenue in many U.S. casinos. But behind the reels and lights lies a system built on mathematical precision and probability.
While there’s no surefire way to beat the machines, understanding how they work and choosing the right games can boost your odds and your enjoyment. Here’s an overview for how to play smarter and potentially win more at slots.
