The 3 Best Poker Staking Sites

You might be surprised to learn just how expansive poker really is. It’s as vast as the open waters depicted in the 2018 sci-fi action blockbuster “The Meg,” or perhaps even more so, with endless opportunities. 

What?! Here I am, chuckling at my own overstatement, ho ho ho. Yet, in reality, there’s a grain of truth in what I said. Poker has a place for everyone.

Even if you’re not a player, you can still participate in the game through staking. It’s the crossroads of skill and opportunity.

It’s an exhilarating mingle of gaming and investment, where strategic minds meet, and players and backers form dynamic partnerships driven by strategy, risk, and reward. An agreement where the flip of a card can make or break fortunes. 

Can you imagine that? If you can, then welcome to the dimension of the best poker staking sites.

#1. GGPoker: Integrated Staking 

That beauty of being able to team up with other poker peeps, even when you’re not at the table. That’s the main purpose of GGPoker’s Staking feature. It’s a brilliant tool.

This feature brings a whole new level of strategy and animation to online poker. It is designed for both proficient players looking for financial aid and fans wishing to invest in their favorite players’ success. Only you know whether it’s the player’s success or the potential profits that are motivating you to invest. In any case, the service provides an interesting entry point into the game.

On GGPoker, as an investor, you can put your money behind top-notch players. You’re able to invest a small percentage, either in 1% increments for the majority of tournaments or in 0.1% increments for tournaments with larger buy-ins of USD 5,000/CNY 5,000 and above. This way, you can join forces with other backers who believe in the same player. When that player triumphs, you do too! The amount you win is directly tied to the size of your investment.

For players, this feature is a lifeline. Tournaments can be pricey, and GGPoker understands that. Therefore, when you’re not in the mood to risk a lot of money, you can breathe easily knowing that other players or backers, can cover part of your entry fee. If you win, the prize money is neatly divided by GGPoker, between you and your backers.

The user experience on GGPoker’s integrated staking feature is intuitive, efficient, and effective. Players can flaunt their skills, talents, and track record, enabling backers to assess potential investments. The service also offers robust filtering options, allowing backers to search for top players based on various criteria such as tournament results, preferred game types, and staking terms.

More to Know:

Beyond staking, GGPoker offers an easy-to-use application with a smooth registration process and intuitive navigation. They also offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold ’Em and Omaha, along with some special fast-paced options.

#2. ACR Poker: In-Client Staking

The over 23-year-old American-themed ACR Poker app, has an in-built staking tool that lets users invest in a part of another player’s action at Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs). This feature creates a supportive and accommodating environment for players seeking backing and for backers looking to invest in promising players.

ACR provides a broad spectrum of MTTs tailored to accommodate different player tastes and levels of expertise. You can find major online series, including Venom and the Online Super Series. There are plenty of chances for players to demonstrate their abilities and draw in potential backers.

How to Get Invested in

If you’re intending to secure investors to support your participation in an ACR Poker tournament, here’s your roadmap:

  1. To get started, scroll through the available tournaments. When you find the one that catches your eye, click the “sell action” button on the page. 
  1. You’ll land on a new page where you can decide your number of entries and how much of your buy-in to sell. If you think it’s a hot ticket, you can even bump up the stake cost to make the most of it!

How to Invest in a Player

If you’re interested in staking a top-notch player in a poker tournament, here’s how you can do it:

  1. Kick-off by opening the poker client and clicking the “Staking” button on the homepage.
  1. Once you’re on the “Staking” page, you’ll see a list of tournaments ripe for staking on the top left. Now, make your choice. 
  1. Over on the right side of the screen, you’ll find a list of players who are up for being staked in that tournament — they need your support. You can check out the slice they’re putting up for sale (up to 90%) and how much is left on the table. Don’t forget, you can also label players as “favourites” and jot down notes about them. 
  1. Ready to stake a player? Just type in the percentage you wish to buy on the bottom right of the screen. The system will work out the cost for you, and all you have to do is hit the “buy” button to wrap up the purchase.

More to Know

All things considered, ACR’s poker staking tool offers a richly featured, powerful service for backers and players to engage in business. Being one of the best options for staking activities, the visually stunning nature of the ACR app is the icing on the cake.

#3. StakeKings

StakeKings differentiates itself from the rest as it is service agnostic — meaning players from ACR Poker, GGPoker, or any online poker site or event can utilize the service. 

Players interested in selling their action simply need to register. This registration is then reviewed by the StakeKings team. If approved, presto! The player is granted permission to sell in the Marketplace, ready to be backed.

StakeKings caters to experienced backers, fans of poker, fantasy sports, and other competitive events, as well as the players themselves, and it greatly upholds transparency.

In fact, the service provides public information on its website about top winnings, top ROI, total amount staked to date, current number of backers, and amount paid out to users.

Here are some highlights:

StakeKings monitors all player performances, which are readily accessible in the user’s “Results” and “Transaction History” sections. After the conclusion of an event, the winnings are directly deposited into the user’s StakeKings cashier. Users can then employ these funds to back new players or withdraw the funds using any of StakeKings’ multiple withdrawal options.

Being the world’s leading crowd-staking marketplace, StakeKings offers a thorough and user-friendly portal for backers and players to connect. 

StakeKings excels in simplifying what has typically been a headache for both players and backers by overseeing and mechanizing every aspect of the transaction, from processing payments and supplying any necessary tax documents to providing live support.

If you’re keen on watching the player live, numerous players livestream their games. Nevertheless, you also have the option to watch them directly on the services where the battle is happening.

StakeKings recommends that every user become a member of their Discord server to converse with their players and backers, which is a fantastic way to receive updates on players throughout their events.

Conclusion

Even though I may have painted a rosy picture of poker activities on the staking service providers we discussed, just any investment, staking comes with risks. 

Therefore, you need to do your homework before investing. The best platform for you depends on your experience level. Beginners might find GGPoker or ACR’s solutions a good starting point. For a more premium experience with proven talent, StakeKings is an excellent choice.

As an investor, your winnings are tied to the performance of the player you stake, and as a player, you know; your skill. These services merely provide you with the tools to do well at being staked or staking. The onus is on you to use them to the best of your ability, and you’ll be all set.

Discovering Sweden’s Only Physical Casino

Your thoughts must have traveled so far. Nobody, not even you can fail to notice Sweden’s very fascinating cultural layer, offering an abundance of art galleries, museums, and theatres. 

However, casino gambling (both online and physical) has also made an undeniable mark in Swedish culture as it has bewitched both residents and tourists alike.

There is one funny thing you need to know. It is that while there are numerous online casinos, the physical (or land-based) casinos in Sweden are limited to just one location across the country: Stockholm.

Initially, there were four locations — aside from Stockholm, there were casinos in Malmö, Sundsvall, and Gothenburg. In 2020, however, the Sundsvall casino was closed, while the Malmö and Gothenburg casinos were closed in February 2024.

To be honest, this revelation (the fact that there’s only one available casino in Sweden) sounds inconvenient, doesn’t it? 

Nonetheless, if you really think about it, you may find that, in a way, it adds some sort of exclusivity to the Swedish physical gambling experience.

Another interesting fact about Swedish casinos? They’re state-owned and operated by Casino Cosmopol, a company that manages all Swedish casinos and ensures a safer gaming environment. 

Don’t worry; we’ll discuss all of these in detail throughout this blog post. But first, let’s go into the exploration part.

The Heart of Swedish Gaming: Casino Cosmopol Stockholm 

Located in central Stockholm, this casino doesn’t merely buzz with energy and entertainment. It also serves as a historical landmark. 

Its location was once home to the Palladium, the largest cinema in both Stockholm and Sweden, which operated from the early to late 20th century. This cinema was known for premiering numerous hits from Svensk Filmindustri (a Swedish film and TV production and distribution company). 

What’s more, the building is just a stone’s throw away from the Oscarsteatern (Oscar Theater). This building has been a vibrant hub for upbeat musical performances of big Swedish artists since 1906. 

Adding to the enchantment of the casino’s location is its proximity to the Kungsbron, a double bridge with a history dating back to the end of the 19th century.

A little fun fact for the history nerds: Before they were closed, the casinos in Sundsvall, Gothenburg, and Malmö were also steeped in history, as they were located in and nearby historically noteworthy buildings. 

The Stockholm casino has several classic games, including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and poker. It also offers tons of fun-packed slot machines. 

That’s not all, though, because this casino offers more than just gaming. You can also indulge your taste buds by enjoying a yummy meal at its restaurant. Better still, its bars provide a chill environment for your kind of players to unwind and socialize.

It doesn’t really matter whether you’re an expert gambler or merely looking for a night of fun and adventure because Casino Cosmopol Stockholm has something to offer everyone!

Something you should note, though: You must be at least 20 years old to enter. Furthermore, you must show an ID, regardless of your age. Sorry — their rules, not ours. 

What Happened to the Casinos in Malmö, Sundsvall, and Gothenburg?

Alright, let’s zero in on why these three casinos in Sweden met their untimely demise. TL;DR? The main reasons were: 

  1. the rise of online gambling (following the Swedish Gambling Act of 2018) and, 
  1. the strict marketing regulations for physical casinos.

The first to close was the casino in Sundsvall. Opened in 2001 as Sweden’s first international casino, it once served as a light tower of entertainment and adventurous gaming.

Unfortunately, over the years, the magnetism of this venue weakened. Owing to the rising popularity of online gambling platforms and the subsequent decline in its customer base, the casino became unprofitable. 

Therefore, the tough decision to close Sundsvall’s casino was primarily driven by losses in revenue and patronage.

The story doesn’t end here, however, as the closures did not stop at Sundsvall. By early 2024, Svenska Spel (the parent company of Casino Cosmopol) announced the impending shutdown of its Gothenburg and Malmö venues as well. They were eventually closed in February.

Similar to Sundsvall, these casinos suffered from dwindling visitor numbers, again, because of the growth of online gambling and profitability challenges. As more players migrated to digital platforms for gaming, these physical venues struggled to compete. 

The Swedish public began to lose interest in traditional casino experiences. Eventually, the end product, as of today, was the closing of 75% of Sweden’s physical casinos.

The “Casino With a Licence” Saga

Recall that Gambling Act I mentioned earlier? Fist bump for keeping it in mind! This Act, which became effective on January 1, 2019, brought some changes to the way licensed casinos in Sweden operate.

When I say “changes”, I’m really talking about “restrictions”. But yeah, tomayto-tomahto, haha.

This Act was introduced with the noble aim of curbing problem gambling and addiction. It placed stringent regulations on casinos with a Swedish license, including mandatory measures to encourage responsible gaming.

Interestingly, these restrictions inadvertently nudged a large portion of the gambling community towards casinos without a Swedish license — in other words, many online casinos.

I know it might seem as if these “unlicensed” online casinos are operating outside the law, but that’s not the case. They’re actually licensed by other countries, including the UK, Malta, and Curaçao. This means they offer a less restrictive, more convenient, and potentially more profitable gambling experience. They’re not just licensed by the Swedish authorities.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt about it — Sweden’s last-standing physical casino will offer you an unforgettable experience. This venue wonderfully combines gaming, entertainment, and fine dining with a slice of Swedish history.

Even with the rise of online gambling, I am sure you’d agree that nothing beats the unique charm of the physical casino experience. You know that feeling of handling a Burj Khalifa of chips and interacting with other players one-on-one? It simply can’t be replicated online. 

Thus, if you’re one of those people who still prefer the tangible aspect of casino gambling, you’ll have a blast at Casino Cosmopol Stockholm.

How to Become a Professional Gambler

Becoming a professional gambler isn’t as straightforward as getting a bachelor’s degree where you follow a set curriculum for four years.

You might have been led to believe otherwise by the success stories of famous gamblers including Archie Karas, Bill Benter, Viktor “Isildur1” Blom, etc.

Together, these individuals have won over $1 billion through gambling.

However, it’s not as simple as it seems. It’s true that gambling can sometimes bring in money, and for a lucky few, it can even provide a living. But it’s not a guaranteed paycheck.

Isn’t it interesting how everyone’s path to professional gambling is so unique? Yet, fortunately, we can always find certain kinds of similarities in their stories. That’s where this post draws its inspiration from. 

This post isn’t a magic formula, nonetheless, it’s a good starting point. It’s up to you to take this information and build on it to carve your own path in the gambling industry. 

To the “how”!

Knowing Your ABC

Don’t ever think you’re too big to learn the basics, or as some might call it, the ABCs of gambling. It’s something you’ll want to be familiar with, like the back of your hand. You can even see it as an investment that will keep paying dividends throughout your gambling career.

The Variety

Speaking of ABCs, let’s get into it from the “variety” angle. There’s a whole planet of gambling out there, from sports betting that adds a sprinkle of reward to the enjoyment of passionate football and other sports lovers to poker for those who enjoy a mental challenge to slot machines for those seeking quick wins or visual excitement, to roulette for those who can’t get enough of the spin — whether it’s their Bugatti’s steering wheel, the roulette wheel or other spinning stuff. The casino and other gambling locations are a full “house” of options.

The Skill vs Luck Debate

If you’re a regular follower of the gambling industry, all these things I have said must have rang your brain to recall the age-old debate: “Is it skill or luck?” Let’s cut to the chase.

Poker, for the start. I won’t disagree, for a small part of it, there is luck for example in the shuffle of the cards. However, for the bulk of the game including… Analysing the strength of your hand, reading your opponents’ body language, calculating probabilities, and maintaining mental strength — that’s all skill, my friend. The same goes for blackjack.

Roulette, on the other hand, is probably the riskiest game in the casino due to its unpredictability. The moment the ball takes flight, the wheel spins, and the ball bounces between 37 or 38 outcomes, fortunes can be made or lost in seconds. Even though physics might suggest some predictability, human quirks, imperfect parts, and even air currents can add to the randomness. Can you predict when you’ll scratch your eyebrow or when a gust of air will stop the ball? I didn’t think so. The game is luck-based.

Slots are even worse than a game of chance. They use Random Number Generators (RNGs) that work 24/7 to generate random numbers that determine the outcome of your pull of the lever or click of the “Spin” button. It’s a level playing field here — billionaires and Walmart employees alike have the same odds. 

Even the casino management doesn’t know the outcome of the spins. Online roulette, craps, and baccarat also use this technology.

You just need to know which game is which so you can approach them with the right mindset.

The Psychology

Understanding your opponents’ body language, which I mentioned earlier, is part of the broader psychology of gambling. It’s amazing how much work casinos put into setting the right mood. 

They’ve got it all figured out, from the layout to the games and even the smells, all backed by science. They’ve got the ambiance down pat, with the colors, lights, music, and freebies such as drinks and food.

They’re not trying to control specific outcomes but rather to create an atmosphere that encourages prolonged play. Yet, it’s easy to lose track if you’re not careful. 

The avidity of the unknown, the potential for a big payout, and the challenge of outwitting the casino — those are the driving forces behind the fun of gambling. 

The Explosion of Online Gambling

In recent years, gambling establishments have taken these immersion techniques online with simulations and other methods to keep up with the rise of online gambling services. 

Online gambling has been a smashing success from the get-go. It’s a colossal market that’s constantly got eyes on it. With fresh games and updates rolling out regularly, it’s made gambling more accessible than ever before. As a gambler, the future of online gambling should be an exciting prospect that gets your adrenaline pumping.

Choosing Your Niche

To wrap up this section and move on to the hotter ones, it’ll do you tremendous good to specialize in a type of gambling. You’ll excel at a game, say poker, if you focus solely on it. It’s better than being a jack of all trades and master of none. After all, the stories of great gamblers we’ve heard mostly focused on a niche.

Steps to Becoming a Professional Gambler

As I said before, there are no definitive “steps” to professional gambling. However, there are valuable insights you can add to what you have in your knowledge box. You can use these insights to sketch your own map or something.

Learning and Studying

You might already be smelling it, learning and studying go hand in hand in professional gambling. It’s a continuous process. Grab every opportunity to learn. No matter how experienced or old you are, there’s always something new to learn. It’s lifelong. 

Successful gamblers are always updating their knowledge and staying on top of the latest trends and strategies in their chosen field. They don’t just skim through information, they study deeply to go deep into understanding game mechanics, probability theories, and techniques.

Observation is another part of the process. Professional gamblers are also “pro” observers. They study other gamblers, learn from their strategies, and try to incorporate them into their own gameplay. They also learn from their own mistakes and others. They analyze their past games, identify their weaknesses, and work on improving them. Sure, yes, they leverage technology to gather data, analyze games, track their performance, and plan their strategies.

When the time for practice comes (that always comes), they often use simulations to test their strategies and make necessary adjustments based on the outcomes.

You know, all these things cannot be achieved if you do not have patience and persistence — traits that successful gamblers have in abundance, Archie Karas, for example. They understand that it takes time to learn and master any skill. You should, too.

Speaking of hitting the books, Edward O. Thorp, the “father of card counting” and a maths professor, certainly hit them well. Because otherwise, how would he have written his 1962 hit book, “Beat the Dealer”, the first book of its kind to prove mathematically that blackjack could be beaten by card counting?

He definitely spent hours studying the game, practicing card counting, and strengthening the muscle mass of his strategy.

Total Commitment

Even though it’s not advisable to take up gambling as a full-time job instead of for fun, if you decide to do so, you need to give it your all. Set a schedule, dedicate specific hours to play the game and study, watch multiple matches a day, and maintain a professional attitude. 

You could use online platforms to play practice games. If you want a community feeling, playing with friends can add a fun and social dimension to your learning. Your hands will surely get stronger over time (no pun intended).

Emotion Management

Emotions can impair your judgment. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to let excitement, frustration, or anxiety dictate your actions. However, successful gamblers appreciate the necessity of staying rational and using logic and strategy, rather than emotions, to guide their decisions.

There are several techniques that can help keep emotions in check while gambling. These include taking regular breaks to clear your mind, practicing mindfulness and meditation to improve focus, and setting loss limits to abate the impression of frustration in your gameplay. 

It would be a crime not to seal off without mentioning attitude. Maintain a positive attitude, even when things don’t go your way.

Smoothening Your Play Style

Just as I mentioned earlier, focusing on one game can help you channel your energy and become a master in that area. This focus can lead to a deeper grip on the game’s mechanics, strategies, and subtleties, which can give you an edge over other players who may be spreading their attention too thin across multiple games.

Here are some tips for you. When picking a speciality, the easiest way you can do it is to consider your interests, skills, and the amount of time you’re willing to devote to learning and practising.

Begin by scouting around for various games to discover which ones you enjoy and excel at. Once you’ve pinpointed a potential specialty, research it thoroughly, become more serious with it, and consider seeking advice from more experienced players.

Developing a Logical System

You know, it doesn’t stop at choosing a speciality — that is just the beginning. You need to have a strategy for your game. Not just any strategy, a well-defined one. Having that kind of strategy can be a blessing in your gambling career. A solid strategy guides your decision-making process, assists you in managing your bankroll fruitfully, and can boost your chances of success in the long run.

There are numerous gambling systems that players have successfully used. For instance, the Martingale system in roulette involves doubling your bet after every loss so that the first win recovers all previous losses, although this isn’t generally recommended. 

In poker, a common strategy is to calculate pot odds to determine whether a call is profitable in the distant future.

Keeping a Record

In that “future,” your wins and losses will fluctuate, your bank account will rise and fall, and you have to keep a record as a professional who knows what they’re doing. Keeping track of your wins and losses helps you monitor your performance, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about your betting strategy.

For the most basic record-keeping method, a journal should do the trick. An effective gambling journal should include details of each bet (including the date, the game, the amount wagered, the outcome, and any observations), reflections on your decision-making process, and notes on any patterns or trends you’ve noticed. 

Regularly review this journal to inform your future betting decisions. If you prefer digital over paper, there are mobile and web app journals or other tools available for this purpose.

Money Management

Money management in gambling is sort of a well-stacked burger — buns with lots of onion, tomato, cheese, beef, hamburger sauce, and more between them. Don’t worry, I will narrow it down to the main ingredients.

Setting Win Goals and Loss Limits

Just as an electrical circuit wouldn’t be complete without the fuse, successful gambling isn’t complete without the ingredients of setting win goals and loss limits.

A win goal is a set amount of winnings at which you’ll call it a day. On the flip side, a loss limit is a set amount of money you’re prepared to lose in a gambling session. These limits help you avoid the common trap of chasing losses or getting swept up in a winning streak. They instill discipline and help you know when it’s time to step away, safeguarding your bankroll and helping you gamble responsibly.

If you have long-term success in gambling in mind, having a functional bankroll management system is a crucial step. Here are some tips:

Conclusion

Professional gambling is not an easy path. It is very far from the flashes the media portray it to have. It requires a tremendous investment of time and effort, and the results are not guaranteed. 

Some of the challenges include dealing with losing streaks, managing stress and emotions, staying disciplined, and maintaining a work-life balance. 

There’s also the risk of developing gambling-related problems, such as addiction.

In addition, you have to approach professional gambling with realistic expectations; otherwise, you will be shooting yourself in the leg. I never disagreed, it’s definitely possible to make money from gambling, however, it’s not a “get rich quick” or Ponzi scheme. 

Professional gambling requires skill, strategy, and a lot of patience. It’s not for everyone. You have to approach the thing healthily and responsibly. Enjoy the process, not just the outcome.

If you’re still of the mindset that you’re one of the select few who can excel in professional gambling, I wholeheartedly wish you the best. My support comes from a place of sincerity, not skepticism. Just proceed with caution. Digest the information in this post and merge it with your current knowledge. What am I even saying? Don’t just digest, apply as well. 

We can indeed tackle most seemingly impossible or tough tasks when we fuel our minds. You’re no exception.

Don Johnson: The Blackjack King

Indeed, there’s often a simpler, and dare I say, less deadly approach to things. The planet of blackjack has seen its fair share of strategies and brilliant minds, and here’s another one for the books. 

It was just a few years after the 2008 financial crisis had started to simmer down. Atlantic City, sitting pretty on the coast of New Jersey, casinos hungry for profits, when the champion of our story, Don Johnson, walked majestically into the picture. Donald Johnson was born on May 10, 1962, in Salem, Oregon, United States. This high roller was presented with a beguiling proposition.

Johnson agreed to the casinos’ offer only if they would meet him halfway. This compromise would later be a source of regret for the casinos. 

Johnson managed to secure a mathematical edge, and he milked the casinos for all they were worth, raking in over $15 million from Borgata, Caesars, and Tropicana. His doing all this without resorting to frantic card counting is awesome.

This tells us that Edward O. Thorp might have chosen a different path to his fortune — one that didn’t involve card counting and nearly cost him his life.

With the way things are heating up, I bet you want to go into the details of Johnson’s life and how he outsmarted those casinos at their own game already.

The Early Stuff

Don Johnson’s love affair with gaming began when his uncle entrusted him with caring for his racehorses in Salem, Oregon, at just 15 years old.

Johnson excelled at his new responsibility, and it was clear that his uncle had chosen the right person for the job. Before long, Johnson started to ride his uncle’s horses competitively. This was a bold move, considering his young age and the inherent risks of the sport, reminiscent of the daring feats portrayed by Luke in the 2015 epic movie, “The Longest Ride.”

Back to Johnson. He enjoyed several successful years as a jockey. However, to maintain the required weight, he had to take medication to slow down his natural growth. As he grew to a height of 6 foot 1, beyond the typical range for jockeys, he had to stop taking the medication and give up his career as a jockey. His body finally returned to its natural state.

At the age of 30, Johnson found himself managing racetracks. This career move took him from Salem, Oregon, to Bensalem, Philadelphia, less than 80 miles away from Atlantic City. He landed a job managing Philadelphia Park, a racetrack that later grew to be known as Parx Casino. Johnson was involved in various aspects of the business, including the betting operation, which taught him a lot about gambling.

Johnson excelled in this role to the point where he even served as a regulator in Oregon, Texas, and other U.S. states. He also founded a company that used computer technology to assist with betting on horses, a strategy somewhat similar to that employed by Bill Benter. Who knows, perhaps there’s a connection between Benter and Johnson.

In the early 2000s, Johnson turned his attention to blackjack. He brought with him all the expertise he had gained from horse racing, always hungry for an edge over the house. Compared to horse racing, the mathematics of blackjack was relatively a breeze for him.

While Johnson adhered to the house rules, he was not one to play without a strategy. He believed in making calculated moves. Interestingly, he chose to base his calculations on a smaller number of hands rather than millions, a decision that might seem overly simplistic given his mathematical ability. But Johnson was confident in his abilities. There was a method to his apparent simplicity.

The Strategy

As mentioned earlier, Johnson’s approach to blackjack didn’t at all involve card counting. The whole saga began in 2010. If you do not know, the rules that regular players and high rollers play by are not quite the same. High rollers, valued more by casinos than average customers, have the leverage to negotiate terms. 

Casinos tempt them with “loss rebates” or discounts. For instance, a 10% discount meant a player who lost $250,000 would only have to pay $225,000.

This period in our story was just a few years after the 2008 financial crisis, and casinos in Atlantic City were experiencing a decline in revenue. High rollers were few and far between.

In response, marketers started aggressively courting big spenders, offering unprecedented discounts (up to 20%) and additional perks. This was something Johnson had never seen before. The aggressive marketing strategies created tension between marketers and gaming managers, but as revenues continued to fall, the marketers’ strategies prevailed.

The casinos aimed to attract high rollers who lacked skill and would eventually lose large sums of money. The casinos could then use these losses to recover financially. They saw Johnson as fitting this profile. 

While they recognized he had some skills, they didn’t see him as a major threat, Which was a grave miscalculation. Johnson had both the financial resources and the skill to negotiate deals that maximized his chances of winning.

Johnson hadn’t played at the Borgata for over a year, so an executive from there was the first to approach him. They offered him a trip-to-trip discount, and Johnson accepted the deal. This sparked a competition between Tropicana and Caesars to win Johnson’s patronage, too, haha.

At Tropicana, Johnson negotiated a 20% discount on losses exceeding $500,000 and customized game rules that reduced the house advantage. These included the dealer standing on soft 17, a hand-shuffled six-deck shoe, and the ability to split and double down on up to four hands simultaneously. 

Johnson did the maths and managed to reduce the house edge to a mere quarter of 1%, effectively making it a 50-50 game. 

Caesars also made an attractive offer to Johnson, hoping to get the steak on the stake “turning” ASAP. Little did they know, the juice from the grilling steak would stoke up the grill fire into an inferno.

The Winning Streak

Johnson started the battle with $1 million, and, you know, he was only risking $800,000 because of the discount. Even though that is a lot, Johnson knew what he was doing. He knew better than to not stop when losses came, with that he could never lose all $1 million.

As Johnson continued to win, the casinos kept their promises. Johnson was able to keep his winnings and continue playing with the casinos’ money. The casinos probably thought it was just another lucky streak that would eventually lead to painful losses, helping them recover their losses.

Before the birds with lightning-fast reflexes could even spot the tiger stalking through the forest and take flight, Johnson had already inflicted a $5.8 million injury on the Borgata and $4 million on the Caesars.

Commando-bodied Johnson in April 2011, went on a marathon at the Tropicana lasting twelve hours. He was betting as if he had a score to settle with the casino management — placing $100,000 on a single hand, a sight rarely seen. His incredible winning streak caught the attention of everyone in the casino. 

Chips were stacking up in front of him. Antman probably would have thought they were colorful Hong Kong skyscrapers. Johnson recalls one hand where he bagged $800,000, and another sequence of three hands where he took home $1.2 million. Johnson was the man of the hour. In total, Johnson extracted over $15 from the casinos, oh my.

The Morning After

The casinos finally woke up to the reality of their situation. Tropicana ended its deal with Johnson, as did Borgata. Caesars, refused to refill the chip tray, and eventually also terminated its agreement. Despite these actions, the tiger had already caused a lot of casualties.

A humorous incident occurred when the staff at Caesars realized the extent of their losses. They contacted their manager, who was overseas at the time, to inform him that they were short by “... 4 million”. The manager was left speechless. Johnson, ever the gambler, insisted on continuing to play at Caesars. The pit boss tried to redirect him to the standard betting floor, where normal house rules applied, thinking it was a clever move. Johnson declined his offer.

Caesars ended up banning Johnson. It’s unclear whether Borgata did the same. “By now, most casinos in Atlantic City have blacklisted him — they won’t even let him look at their buildings,” said Tony Rodio, the CEO of Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City in 2012.

Interestingly, Tropicana has since welcomed Johnson back, albeit with modified discounts. Perhaps they haven’t fully learned their lesson.

As for Johnson, his life didn’t spiral out of control despite his winnings. He didn’t make any extravagant purchases for himself, though he did mingle with high-profile individuals. He continues to reside in Bensalem.

The Final Words

Johnson’s story is definitely one of intellect and superior negotiation abilities, on top of his blackjack expertise. It’s a narrative that has motivated numerous gamblers, perhaps yourself included. 

However, it’s important to temper expectations as Johnson’s level of success is extraordinarily rare. Casinos are quick to learn from their mistakes and have since patched the loopholes that Johnson exploited. 

What you can do is focus on understanding the game better. Calculate the house edge and make informed decisions about your odds based on your skill set. These things I tell you, will serve you well in the long run.

Guide to Gambling in Norway

Gambling in Norway has a rich history, stretching back to the Viking era when some set of people became unsatisfied with merely playing pastimes to pass the time and for fun. 

However, commercial gambling activities are complicatedly deemed illegal in Norway, with the exception of a few state-owned entities: Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto. Norsk Tipping oversees online casinos, KENO, slots, sports betting, and lotteries in the country, while Norsk Rikstoto exclusively manages betting related to horse racing.

Don’t even grin, though, because you won’t find the typical full-fledged physical casinos you might be familiar with from other countries in Norway. Instead, with your Norsk Tipping ID, you can access limited mini casino cafés equipped with modified slot machines designed to mitigate addiction issues. You know, that would be boring. As a result, the gambling market in Norway has managed to shine online.

Uhm… Perhaps not so bright for unlicensed gambling businesses or any global online gambling business accepting players from here. Because since 2010, the Norwegian government has enacted a law for banks to deny credit and debit card payments to online casinos worldwide, including land-based ones. The only exception, again, is if the operation is run by Norway’s gambling market monopoly players. The government aims to be the only puppeteer or big gainer in the industry.

Don’t lose heart just yet! This post will guide you through the top gambling-related locations in Norway, and I might even throw in some cherries on top for you. 

In addition, there are still some other things you can do in Norway that I will show you in this post. Consider this your comprehensive guide to enjoying gambling in a country such as Norway, which has made a pledge to keep gambling boring for you.

The Top Gambling-Related Locations in Norway

#1. Norsk Tipping Casino Cafés

As mentioned before, most gambling activities in Norway are illegal if they are not offered by Norsk Tipping or Norsk Rikstoto.

Norsk Tipping was founded in 1948, headquartered in Harmer, Norway. It allows people in Norway to play different kinds of gambling games such as lottery, sports betting, KENO, joker, etc. 

Scattered around Norway, you’ll find mini casino cafés operated by Norsk Tipping. Even though the slots might not offer the energy of a traditional casino, they provide a legal and regulated way to enjoy some light gambling. Again, you’ll need your Norsk Tipping ID to play. If you prefer online games, Norsk Tipping also offers options such as KENO.

This company follows rules from the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs. They have rules about when people can gamble, and how much money they can spend.

Perhaps the Norwegian government “just” wants to ensure that Norsk Tipping operates in a manner that prioritises the safety and security of players.

This is one of the best physical casino cafés you want to check out in Norway.

#2. Tilt, Oslo

Tilt isn’t just a bar, and it’s a hub of entertainment in Oslo. As the first and largest venue of its kind in Norway, it offers a variety of pinball and arcade games. The lively atmosphere is further amplified by regular concerts and DJ nights.

In the fall of 2017, Tilt concluded that the space dedicated to fun wasn’t enough, so to make the bar bigger and even more fun, Tilt opened a cellar in the bar where you can play classic games, including Crazy Taxi (1999), Space Invaders (1978), Donkey Kong (1981) and so on. I know those ones might not give off a casino vibe. To bring in a touch of the casino atmosphere, Tilt went further to bring in brand new pinball machines, such as Avengers: Infinite Quest (2022), Deadpool (2018), among others.

If you’re an action-packed type of person, you can also enjoy various fighting games, including Tekken Tag Tournament (1999) and Street Fighter III (1999).

At Tilt, Oslo, it’s all fun and an unforgettable experience. You might not know this: Tilt is the first in Europe to have ice hockey and soccer games in the “Bubble Hockey” setup, with games such as Super Kixx Pro (2018) and Super Chexx Ice Hockey (2017).

Tilt is a place where you can drop in anytime, and there are a lot of different games available. The number of machines is over 2,500. It’s a great place to spend an evening, even if it doesn’t offer traditional casino games. At least you are having a-bit-Vegas-level fun without leaving Norway.

* For Mile Lovers: Casino Cosmopol, Stockholm, Sweden 

This is one of the cherries on top I promised, and there might be more of them waiting for you in the future. The crown jewel of casinos in Sweden, a stone’s throw away from Norway, is none other than Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm. It is located in a stunning historical edifice in the heart of the city, this casino offers many of the games you know and love. If you’re a rich kid, you can reach it by air in about 3 hours from Oslo, Norway. However, if you’re watching your budget, a bus ride, which is the next fastest option, takes around 5 hours. 

At Casino Cosmopol, you can find classic casino games. From Roulette and Blackjack to various forms of Poker including Texas Hold ’Em and Three Card Poker, they’ve got it all. Not to mention, they have a wide array of slot machines, ranging from timeless classics to the latest ones. 

And if you get hungry or thirsty, they’ve got a restaurant and several bars where you can quench your hunger and thirst. Wait, wait, wait. Let’s not forget about the esteemed poker events they host throughout the year, with satellites arranged both at the casino and online via Svenska Spel Poker, among others.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. If you’re up for a bit of travel and are seeking an authentic casino experience, this adventure could be just the ticket for you.

Come and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, make new friends, have fun, eat good food, and have a good time all in one spot. You get to experience real casino experience. I am sure you won’t want to return to Norway.

Online Gambling Options

Beyond the lame online gaming offerings by the government, you can experience real online gambling on sites licensed outside of Norway. 

Despite Norway’s strict laws, these sites have managed to flourish in the Norwegian market. Yeah, it’s generally “safer” and “hassle-free” to stick with local options including Norsk Tipping, however, if you are the “commissioner of enjoyment” you shouldn’t be really worried. Go ahead with these offshore sites.

Even if your Norwegian bank restricts transactions with these sites, you can still make payments using online wallets such as Skrill, PayPal, Neteller, or even cryptocurrencies. If access is blocked, you could use a VPN. You might not always need that as many sites are willing to bypass the restrictions and accept your real money bets and true IP address. 

One funny thing is that, as a Norwegian, you are obliged to report any winnings made in a foreign country for tax purposes.

Let’s take a look at some standout offshore online gambling options among the multitude of regular, live, and mobile online casinos.

#1. Rebellion Casino

This online casino is for the big boys and even beginners with eyes for good stuff and looking for big bonuses. Rebellion Casino was established in 2023 and is already shaking the table. This casino is a warehouse of excitement with its generous bonuses and a wide array of your beloved games (blackjack, roulette).

Rebellion Casino offers a welcome bonus of 100% up to €1,000 and 100 free spins. Imagine what that is equivalent to in NOK and the exhilaration of playing with that much extra in your account! No! The bonuses don’t stop there. You can look forward to a 100% bonus on your second deposit, 50% on your third, fourth, and fifth deposits, and even a reload bonus of 50% up to €500.

The casino accepts a variety of payment methods, including Neosurf, Neteller, Paysafecard, Rapid Transfer, Siru Mobile, Skrill, and Google Pay. With a minimum deposit of just €20 and a maximum bonus bet of €5. Rebellion Casino is a subsidiary of Dama N.V., which is registered in Curaçao and operates under an E-gaming license from there.

From live dealer games to sports betting, no gambler on Rebellion Casino will complain about not getting enough. You even get smooth payouts and a withdrawal time of just 1-3 days, and your winnings are always within reach. No problem. And… You get 24/7 live chat support at your fingertips.

#2. CasiGo Casino

This one is another cool one with up to NOK 11,000 welcome bonus. My jaw is on the floor. CasiGo Casino is a good online casino. This top-notch casino is built on a solid foundation of a diverse collection of games (VideoPoker, baccarat, slots) and live casino options, in 2020, and is completely controlled and licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Apart from the welcome bonus mentioned before, CasiGo Casino has many other bonuses to offer but let’s stick to the second sweetest: 375 free spins. It has very good responsible gambling features (the Norwegian govt. might even love it) and round-the-clock customer support.

Even if you only have €10 to deposit, CasiGo welcomes you with open arms, accepting a wide range of payment methods.

CasiGo Casino also offers fast withdrawals, too. Oh my, this is a lot of enjoyment in one package.

#3. Hugo Casino

The name “Hugo” seems to be just a letter away from “Huge,” and it’s fitting for this online casino that burst onto the market in 2023. Despite being a newcomer, Hugo Casino has quickly carved a niche for itself. It’s more than just the exceptional and extensive collection of games (video slots, table games); the swift withdrawal process, absence of deposit fees, and attractive offers for new players are also involved.

The casino supports a variety of payment methods, but mostly cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. Similarly to CasiGo, you can deposit a minimum of just €10.

On Hugo Casino, you are welcomed on registration with options for a 100% bonus up to €150 plus 100 free spins or a 225% bonus up to NOK 7,000 plus 275 free spins. Hugo operates under the license of a big online casino company, GBL Solutions N.V., from Curaçao.

There are also cashback opportunities to take advantage of. With all these features, Hugo Casino makes a gigantic promise to you.

The Future of Gambling in Norway

The future of gambling in Norway is clouded with uncertainty due to the country’s stringent gambling regulations. The number of mini cafés and other establishments may dwindle unless they can grow into larger operations, such as hotel casinos. This metamorphosis would involve expanding their services to offer a wider range of gambling activities similar to those found in traditional casinos. 

However, this would require state approval, which is almost impossible to get. As the legal and regulatory conditions tighten, gambling may increasingly shift towards online platforms. 

Yet, you know, the future isn’t set in stone. Changes in public sentiment and subsequent policy alterations could influence the course of Norway’s gambling industry. Moreover, advancements in technology could also influence things.

To Conclude Restriction-freely

I know that restrictions can sometimes make you want to push the boundaries. Just calm down and follow the rules. And I almost forgot to mention that you can do mini-gambling with friends, given it’s non-commercial. It could be maybe poker at a picnic or a similar gathering. It is completely legal. 

If you want to go online, I suspect you’re not considering Norsk Tipping’s platform. Anyhow, make sure the casino you choose is regulated or licensed by a reputable authority. Also, opt for casinos that provide round-the-clock customer support so you can get assistance whenever you need it. Or simply stick to what the government has to offer.

For entrepreneurs, I would advise against setting up any gambling establishments unless the current restrictions are not enough for you and you want to get restricted in those nice Norwegian prison cells that are equivalent to a $1,500 per month apartment in the US.

Top 5 US States With the Most Casinos

Uhm… You’ve heard about the vast number of casinos in the United States, right? It’s hard not to, with Hollywood movies, catchy songs, and the buzz of the entertainment industry painting a vivid picture of the glitz and glamour. And if you even have managed to visit one, it most likely is just the one near your house. Regardless, you still hold “there are many casinos in the U.S.” in your heart. 

Anyway, it’s all true! The U.S. is packed with casinos — over two thousand of them, in fact, making it the country with the most casinos at the moment.

The numbers are just a part of the whole thing. The U.S. has made some fat contributions to the global gambling industry. Take Charles Fey, for instance. This American gentleman invented the slot machine, a beloved fixture in today’s casinos. Also, it’s often considered that the U.S. is the cradle of modern casino culture. There’s a specific place we’ll be talking about later that has done a good amount of the babysitting of this culture.

The American gambling market is a powerhouse, with over 50 million active gamblers hitting the casinos and other betting spots. In 2021 alone, the U.S. gambling revenue was close to $53 billion! Imagine what it could be now, three years later.

Enough of those stats before they slip into flattery.

Even though the U.S. gambling market and everything within has caught the eye of people, the other eye is caught by other hot countries. However, that is a topic for another day. Let’s blind our two eyes with the top 5 states in the U.S. with the most casinos in the meantime.

#1. Nevada

This state, located in the western region of the United States, has a total of about 400 casinos and is still counting. This state wasn’t always the gaming leader it is today. 

Rewind to the 1800s, and you’ll find that gambling was a part of Nevada’s culture even before it became a state. Many travelers spanned the area in search of gold. They left behind something: the games they came along with.

However, the state’s authorities were against gambling and declared it illegal. Later on, the state entered the great depression which prompted the legalisation of gambling in 1931 in a bid to generate more revenue. Funny. The legislation allowed the rise of the gaming industry and the modern casino we know and take delight in today. 

Las Vegas, Nevada’s economic center and the largest city, has been an icon for gambling ever since the operation of the first casinos. Vegas is the “specific place” I hinted at earlier. Its closeness to the entertainment industry of Los Angeles benefited its gambling culture. 

Las Vegas features mega gaming resorts comprising MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and Bellagio. And you know what those mega’s mean to the gambling industry. The Las Vegas Strip, where MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and Bellagio are located, contributed above $8.2 billion to Nevada’s economy in 2022. That year, the state’s casinos all together brought in over $14.8 billion from gaming activities.

With the presence of sophisticated regulations and robust infrastructure around gambling which have been built over the years, Nevada has indeed earned its position as The Gambling Capital.

#2. Oklahoma

Oklahoma, the rising star in the U.S. casino industry, has recorded remarkable growth over the years, currently with over 100 casinos. Before the onset of the casino industry in Oklahoma, tribal games were held in small community bingo halls. 

The driving force behind the growth of casinos in Oklahoma was the passing of the Tribal-State Gaming Compact in 2004. This compact allowed casinos to operate in Las Vegas style (Class III gaming), leading to the influx of casino development.

However, due to the growing demand for gaming and entertainment, many tribes invested heavily in building new casino resorts. So many cities in Oklahoma, including Tulsa and Durant now stand as regional Casino hubs. Sweet destinations for travellers. They feature luxury hotels, entertainment venues and restaurants. And they create unique playthroughs around table games, poker rooms and bingo halls. Through this means, they have contributed over $150 million to the state as of 2023. 

At this moment, Oklahoma has many more tribal-owned casinos than any other state in the U.S. WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville stands as the largest and most popular casino in Oklahoma, possessing a large collection of first-class electronic and table games. 

Another popular casino in Oklahoma is the Choctaw Casino Resort. Set in Durant, this resort provides an array of gaming choices, with its selection of table games, slots, and card rooms, all paired with upscale lodging options for guests.

Fun fact: WinStar World Casino and Resort holds the title for the largest casino worldwide, with a sprawling expanse of 600,000 square feet.

#3. California 

What is it with these laws? The expansion of casinos in California was also moved by the passing of a law — the Indian Gaming Regulatory Acts (IGRA) in 1988. This Act allowed Native American Tribes to negotiate Tribal gaming compacts, thus paving the way for the casino industry to thrive.

California is a state known for its growing gambling activities, though operating under strict laws. It possesses a long history of gambling and casinos.

When we switch to the topic of well-known casinos in California, Harrah’s Resort Southern California and Pechanga Resort Casino are certainly at the top of the list.

Both Harrah’s Resort Southern California and Pechanga Resort Casino are hotspots in Southern California. Harrah’s has a grand total of 1087 rooms, over 60 table games, and over 1,700 slots. 

Meanwhile, Pechanga is a crowd favorite for its spirited gaming experiences (5,500 slots, 152 table games), diverse dining options, vibrant live entertainment, and 1,100 luxurious guest rooms. Both establishments have earned accolades for their outstanding amenities and wide variety of gaming options. It’s no wonder they’re so popular!

The casino industry in California has been a noteworthy economic booster for both the state and the entire U.S.. It is estimated to generate a revenue greater than $10 billion yearly.

#4. Colorado 

In recent years, the growth of the casino industry in Colorado cannot be overemphasized, as its gaming laws developed over time and allowed for the widening of casino operations. 

With about 40 casinos, Colorado offers a unique atmosphere and provides a diverse range of entertainment services to its visitors. These casinos on the other hand become major employers — over 19k job opportunities provided, imagine the economic activity that would stimulate. 

Let’s recognise the government here, as of 2023, they are receiving over $590 million from these casinos in tax revenue, do the maths yourself so you can get a sense of the mammoth revenue these casinos are collectively pulling in.

Colorado’s vibrant casino planet is primarily centered around three main areas: Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek. Each of these locations offers a unique selection of casinos, each with its own magnetism that keeps you hooked.

Consider, for example, Bally’s Black Hawk, formerly known as the Golden Gates Casino, located in downtown Black Hawk. This casino is a paradise for poker lovers, blending traditional and contemporary gaming feel. But Bally’s Black Hawk isn’t just about poker. It’s a place where echoes of the past mingle with the innovations of today.

It houses a spacious casino floor with over 540 classic slot machines and video poker. Apart from poker, other table games available include blackjack, craps, and roulette. And if you are the kind of person who would kill to treat your taste buds and stomach, their signature Prime Rib Special at the Casino Café & Grille is a must-try. 

Next up is the Red Dolly Casino, a historical treasure known as Black Hawk’s oldest and friendliest casino. The Red Dolly Casino is famous for its cozy and inviting ambiance, where everyone is treated as if they are an old friend. It houses more than 100 hot slots. The focus is having a good time here. 

And speaking of treating your taste buds and stomach, the Red Dolly is renowned for its mouth-watering Roast Beef. You might want to give that a try too.

In short, Colorado has something for everyone!

#5. South Dakota

Another law-related one, haha. Anyway, since the legalization of gambling in South Dakota in 1989, there has been a steady growth of Casinos. Before then, Deadwood, a historic mining town in South Dakota, was filled with prospectors seeking fortune in gold, and with the increasing number of incoming prospectors, there was a need for various forms of entertainment in which gambling was included.

In recent years, South Dakota has gained popularity and is now home to a flourishing casino industry, offering a variety of gaming options that light up the soul of any gambler.

As the casino industry expands in South Dakota, there is a wave of optimism emanating from this growth, scattered far and wide. 

Just take a gander: The state has approximately 35 casinos, and the gross revenue from them has crossed $140 million. This expansion also brings a plethora of growth opportunities along with it.

Most casinos in South Dakota are situated in Deadwood and this is because of its history back in the Gold Rush era. 

In Deadwood, you find the wonders of the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel and The Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. The Silverado Franklin was once graced by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.  It offers a taste of history with its century-old charm. It has a variety of steakhouse dishes at its in-house restaurant and a gaming complex that keeps the over 225 slot games roaring. 

On the other hand, the Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino, a boutique hotel in the Black Hills, is a hub of entertainment with over 40 concerts and events each year. It features a lively casino, eclectic dining, and an energetic sports bar. These establishments offer luxurious accommodations and exciting gaming sessions, topped with the bonus of a portal to Deadwood’s rich past.

Conclusion

These top five states are totally nailing it in the casino industry. These casinos are good food for the states’ economies. They’re also major attractions that have millions of visitors falling head over heels. 

The beauty of these places is continually enhanced with the upgrading of slot machines and other casino features. 

Given the rapid growth of casinos in these states, they’re poised to stay at the cutting edge. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Things are set to improve even further, and the U.S. is likely to maintain its strong position in the gambling industry as long as it continues to innovate and no other country steps up its game dramatically.