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Top 5 Must-Try Table Games at Online Casino Sites

When it comes to online casino gaming, one of the more popular categories is table games. Players have access to table games via traditional formats as well as live dealers. There are endless ways to explore titles like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Learning more about the top five table game types allows you to know which games to play first. Each option below includes low to high buy-ins and can be found at most online casinos in the UK and other countries.

Blackjack

Perhaps the most popular table game available today online is blackjack. It’s easy to play, as you need to reach the closest to 21 without going over. Beat the dealer, and you win! The game costs little to play and can offer payouts of 3 to 2 or 6 to 5 for a natural blackjack, based on the game type.

Blackjack is featured in a traditional format with simple rules or in more complicated variations. You can play this game with side bets like 21 + 3 or Perfect Pairs to have more chances of winning a prize. Since it is a player favorite, the number of blackjack games is typically vast at iGaming sites.

Roulette

With online roulette, players can access the American, French, and European versions. Players generally play the last two options as they have the better house odds at 2.70%. These are just the standard versions of roulette. Online casinos can offer a lightning format, auto roulette, and other options.

The choices will be endless based on the site you select. Some casinos offer roulette in table game format, while others also include live dealers. With the live option, you can play from home and make real-time decisions as you would at a physical casino.

Baccarat

Many players are intimidated by baccarat, considering it a high-roller game. At a physical casino, the game is typically played with high buy-ins. Online, it’s different. Everyone is invited to play, with the casino offering low to high buy-ins.

Online baccarat is a great way to learn how to play the game and gain experience before you visit a land-based venue. You must select the Player, Banker, or Tie bet to play. The hand that is closest to nine wins, so select correctly, and you earn a payout.

Casino Hold’em

Poker fans can also find games at online casino sites, particularly in the live dealer’s section. Casino Hold’em is a popular choice, played like Texas Hold’em, but you are not competing against other players. You need to have the best poker hand to beat the dealer and win.

With this game, you must know basic poker hands to make decisions. You can make your move once you receive the two-hole cards and see the first three community cards. The online casino game is a great way to practice poker strategy and learn how to play before taking on fellow players.

Craps

Yet another common table game found at online casinos is craps. This is another intimidating game in the physical sense, as players have no idea how to get started. Craps may seem confusing, so playing online helps individuals feel more comfortable learning how the game works.

With craps, you can open the online game details and read the rules. You can review the paytable and learn more about each bet type before you start playing. The online version is the perfect way to practice and have a shot at winning real prize money. The game is generally limited, but players should have access to at least one version per casino.

Getting Started

You need an online casino account to play table games like these from home. Setting up your account with personal information takes about five to ten minutes. Once you have created an account, you are logged in and ready to deposit funds.

Players must deposit funds before gaming can begin. After the first transaction, select one of the table games above to start playing. It’s a simple process that allows you to explore various casino games from home without having to travel.

Online gambling is a great way to enjoy entertainment without any extra expenses such as travel costs, dining, gas, etc. The savings and convenience are the main factors behind the industry’s popularity!

Hamish Hawk Announces New Album ‘A Firmer Hand’, Shares New Single

Hamish Hawk has announced he has signed to Fierce Panda and will release his new album, A Firmer Hand, on August 16. The follow-up to last year’s Angel Numbers is led by the single ‘Big Cat Tattoos’, which arrives with a video from director Andrew Pearson. Check it out and find the album cover and tracklist below.

“‘Big Cat Tattoos’ is just one of the great unsaids that make up the new record, and it’s the birthplace of the album’s title: A Firmer Hand,” Hawk explained in a statement. “Unknowingly I’d been building up an ugly arsenal of great unsaids over the past few years, and the album became a place I could offload them, and with any luck put them to rest.

“I tried to avoid cleaning things up at the time of writing, I cornered myself into a warts-and-all approach,” he continued. “But don’t be fooled, ‘Big Cat Tattoos’ is all talk. Our hero gets a few barbs in nice and early, and lands a couple of clumsy jabs, but in the end we’re witness to nothing more than a petty diatribe. It’s embittered, unbecoming and wholly embarrassing. It does have a certain get-up-and-go, though.”

Opening up about A Firmer Hand, Hawk said:

Writing this album, I opened up my closet, and a skeleton came out. The thing that links all of the songs is a sense of the unsaid, whether out of guilt, shame, repression, embarrassment, coyness, whatever it might have been. I realised: I am going to say these things, and not all of them are going to make me look good. The album made so many demands, and I just gave myself over to it.

Once I’d given myself over to the idea, I thought, I have to stick to this. I can’t hide anything from it. I can’t clean it all up for consumption. It felt uncomfortable for me – and that’s exactly how it should feel. That’s a really strong position.

Through the writing of “Machiavelli’s Room”, followed by the arrival of songs such as “Milk an Ending” and “Juliet as Epithet”, “A Firmer Hand” came into focus as an album directed towards Hawk’s relationships with men: friends, lovers, family, colleagues.

I thought, this is the body of the record. The fact that it makes me nervous tells me it was the right thing to do.

A Firmer Hand Cover Artwork:

A Firmer Hand Tracklist:

1. Juliet as Epithet
2. Machiavelli’s Room
3. Big Cat Tattoos
4. Nancy Dearest
5. Autobiography of Spy
6. You Can Film Me
7. Christopher St.
8. Men Like Wire
9. Questionable Hit
10. Disingenuous
11. Milk an Ending
12. The Hard Won

Jessica Pratt Unveils New Single ‘The Last Year’

Ahead of the release of her new album Here in the Pitch this Friday, May 3, Jessica Pratt has released a new single, ‘The Last Year’. The track, which closes the LP, ends with a piano melody from Al Carlson. It follows previous entries ‘World on a String’ and ‘Life Is’. Check out a visual for it below.

How to foster a better cycling culture in the UK

Cycling is a great way to get from A to B with it offering a way to exercise and move quickly, without breaking the bank. Around 7.6 million people actively cycle in the UK according to data from 2022, which shows how popular it is.

The scope for increasing the number of cyclists in the UK is huge and it’s something we should be looking at doing with so many environmental benefits. However, a better cycling culture is needed in Great Britain before more people will hop on the pedals.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do this and our guide offers some of the things that government bodies and cycling charities can be doing to help.

Why do we need to foster a better cycling culture in the UK?

With cycling being already popular in the UK, you may be wondering why the culture needs to be better. The first reason is safety. Reports from 2023 highlighted that 83 cyclists were killed last year, showing that this is a problem that needs to be resolved.

One other reason cycling should be encouraged is because of the environmental benefits it offers. More cyclists commuting to work, the shops or other areas of their lives should reduce congestion on roads, which will be a positive move to make the UK greener.

What are the different ways we can do it?

To keep our cyclists free from danger while reaping the rewards of cycling participation in the UK, the following methods should be done:

Improve safety for cyclists

Picking up a reliable road bike is the first step to improving safety. Good bikes offer responsive riding to help riders avoid dangerous situations.

Other protection equipment can reduce danger too but the Highway Code currently states that it’s only advised that road cyclists should wear a helmet. We believe that this should be a legal requirement and other equipment should be encouraged too. This includes elbow pads and lights.

Increase awareness of cycling laws for drivers

Vehicles are a major worry for cyclists and many drivers find themselves getting frustrated by road bike users. This is largely due to a lack of understanding of the rules of the road.

Cyclists are encouraged to ride in the centre of the lane for their safety and have priority over car users. If drivers knew this, it may reduce frustrations, which could lead to fewer risky manoeuvres to overtake them.

Ensure our cycling infrastructure is adequate

While the UK is taking great strides to improve the infrastructure of cycling in the UK, there is still a long way to go. Some of the main ways this can be improved is by doing the following:

  • Increase the number of bike storage spaces
  • Create more cycle lanes
  • Make cycling more accessible with grants or discounts

The Growing Influence of Online Casinos in Popular Culture

The online casino industry is a huge business worth millions and also enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The gamers enjoy and log in to play slots, table games and access other forms of gambling. Popular culture has become an excellent way to draw in new players. This means that online casinos have found an exciting and engaging formula. This is likely to make the gaming environment a place that players enjoy and return to for entertainment.

Undoubtedly, popular culture has played a significant role, and there will likely be more influences soon. Popular culture’s international appeal means that casinos such as 10bet South Africa can reach out to younger and more diverse audiences. This has also created a new way for people to interact in online gaming.

The Ultimate Combo – Pop Culture and Casino Gaming

The combined influence of casino gaming and pop culture has resulted in some fascinating game titles. Thanks to pop culture, casual gaming has become something people enjoy. Here are some ways the two have been combined:

1.   Movie-Inspired casino games

Many slot game themes use famous motion pictures and stories. Most software and game developers have realised that popular culture themes are essential when developing a game.

Movies and TV series have become a popular culture target, especially with slot machines. They will feature the heroes of a film in the game, creating a drama or storyline for you to play. Some popular titles include fictitious film series such as RoboCop.

In this department, there have also been casino games that draw inspiration from TV shows. It is more of a game-in-a-game concept. What happens is that these major titles add mini-games that are modelled after a casino.

Grand Theft Auto is an example of this. It features celebrities, music, and game features. The game uses great graphics and music from top musicians. This involvement with popular culture themes makes players enjoy and feel like they are part of the game, enhancing the experience.

2.   Niche Markets and Themes From Trends

Internet slots are an example of a game derived from internet culture. They work by tapping into their users’ consciousness. Online casinos have allowed people to browse the wider array of options available in the online casino sector. Popular culture influence has made the games more relatable and allowed players to learn more. Players also understand the different services and products available in the online casino market.

Why this Trend?

There are two main reasons for this trend: engagement and recognition.

  • Engagement because pop culture themes immediately connect the games and their players. They combine the excitement of gambling with familiar and popular elements found in the media.
  • Recognition because pop culture icons and franchises are easy to recognise, and hence, incorporating them into slot machines and casino games makes this exciting even to potential players. This draws in players and provides an easy entry point to those who may be overwhelmed by the traditional slot machines that use the number and fruit signs. By incorporating popular culture, playing an online slot easily turns into a movie.

Wait There’s More

Gamification

Another popular culture concept that online casinos have adopted is gamification. They have integrated film characters and storylines into bonus rounds, and in some cases, they have named those bonus rounds after certain popular entertainment industry names.

Marketing and Social Media

Marketing is another area where we see the influence of pop culture in the casino industry. Casinos market themselves in a way that incorporates some popular culture elements. Social media platforms have become an excellent tool for casinos to put themselves out there. This means casinos are reaching out to the much younger generation.

We see the rise of influencer marketing that attracts audiences. This element of pop culture gives potential players the idea that casinos are connected and enjoyed by ordinary people, not just big celebrities.

They use references and iconic imagery during their advertising campaigns, which makes them more relatable and memorable.

We also see online casinos forming partnerships with popular celebrities in the entertainment industry. These celebrities endorse these online casinos, which builds their popularity and credibility.

Last on this List

Casino entertainment and pop culture have become inseparable. This has resulted in an engaging, dynamic, and memorable gaming experience for players. This combination, which can be found in both online and physical spaces, illustrates that Pop Culture trends shape and Influence Industries. This also assists in keeping things relevant, enticing, and influential for both old and new players.

As pop culture continues to evolve, it is likely to bring about more changes to Casino entertainment, making it more exciting in the years to come.

Billie Eilish Announces ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ World Tour

Billie Eilish has announced a massive tour in support of her new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. It kicks off in September in the US and Canada before Eilish heads to Australia in February 2025 and UK and Europe next spring and summer. See the full list of dates below.

Tickets for the tour will be available through an American Express Presale beginning this Wednesday, April 30, with additional presales running ahead of the official onsale this Friday; find more info here. Hit Me Hard and Soft is set to arrive on May 3, and Eilish doesn’t plan on releasing any advance singles.

Sep 29 Quebec City, Quebec – Centre Videotron
Oct 1 Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena
Oct 2 Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena
Oct 4 Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Oct 5 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Oct 7 Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Oct 9 Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Oct 11 Boston, MA – TD Garden
Oct 13 Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Oct 16 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Oct 17 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Oct 18 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Nov 2 Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Nov 3 Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Nov 6 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Nov 8 Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
Nov 10 Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Nov 11 Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Nov 13 Chicago, IL – United Center
Nov 14 Chicago, IL – United Center
Nov 16 Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Nov 17 Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha
Nov 19 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Nov 20 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Dec 3 Vancouver, British Columbia – Rogers Arena
Dec 5 Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Dec 6 Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Dec 8 Portland, OR – Moda Center
Dec 10 San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Dec 11 San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Dec 13 Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Dec 15 Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Dec 16 Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Dec 17 Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

Feb 18 Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Feb 19 Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Feb 21 Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Feb 22 Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Feb 24 Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
Feb 25 Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
Feb 27 Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
Feb 28 Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
Mar 4 Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
Mar 5 Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
Mar 7 Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
Mar 8 Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
Apr 23 Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena
Apr 24 Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena
Apr 26 Oslo, Norway – Telenor Arena
Apr 28 Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
Apr 29 Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
May 02 Hannover, Germany – ZAG Arena
May 04 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
May 05 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
May 07 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
May 09 Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
May 29 Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
May 30 Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
Jun 1 Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
Jun 3 Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena
Jun 4 Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena
Jun 6 Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
Jun 08 Bologna, Italy – Unipol Arena
Jun 10 Paris, France – Accor Arena
Jun 11 Paris, France – Accor Arena
Jun 14 Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi
Jun 15 Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi
Jul 7 Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
Jul 8 Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
Jul 10 London, England – The O2
Jul 11 London, England – The O2
Jul 13 London, England – The O2
Jul 14 London, England – The O2
Jul 16 London, England – The O2
Jul 17 London, England – The O2
Jul 19 Manchester, England – Co-op Live
Jul 20 Manchester, England – Co-op Live
Jul 22 Manchester, England – Co-op Live
Jul 23 Manchester, England – Co-op Live
Jul 26 Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
Jul 27 Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

Mabe Fratti Announces New Album ‘Sentir Que No Sabes’, Shares New Singles

Mabe Fratti has announced a new album, Sentir Que No Sabes. The follow-up to 2022’s Se Ve Desde Aquí is slated for release on June 28 via Unheard of Hope. Today, Fratti has shared two songs from it, ‘Kravitz’ and ‘Pantalla Azul’. Take a listen below.

Speaking about ‘Kravitz’, Fratti said in a statement: “It’s a song about the sensation of not knowing where the opinions come from and the chicken or egg question: do they come from outside? Do they come from inside? Also, who wants to listen to these opinions? Who actually listens to them?”

Of ‘Pantalla Azul’, she added: “This one was born out of me getting a Whammy and playing around with it. I came up with the riff and a melody that was inspired by ‘autotuned’ effects. Héctor [Tosta – her partner, multi-instrumentalist, and co-composer] pushed the track forward by creating the quantic jump towards the polyrhythmic section that transforms the song,” Fratti says. “The lyrics make a reference to the ‘stop’ blue on the screen on VHS or the blue screen of a PC when it breaks. Also to an appreciation to what’s unknown and mysterious, and being at peace with the shadow and the complexity of things.”

Last year, Fratti and Tosta collaborated on Vidrio, their debut album under the name Titanic. Revisit our Artist Spotlight interview with Mabe Fratti.

Sentir Que No Sabes Cover Artwork:

Sentir Que No Sabes Tracklist:

1. Kravitz
2. Pantalla azul
3. Elastica II
4. Oídos
5. Quieras o no
6. Enfrente
7. Elastica I
8. Márgen del índice
9. Alarmas olvidadas
10. Descubrimos un suspiro
11. Intento fallido
12. Kitana
13. Angel nuevo

Watch Spotlight: Ricochet XL by Mr Jones Watches

Inspired by the world of the pinball arcade, Mr Jones Watches’ Ricochet XL is one of the latest additions to their ever-growing catalogue of playful and quirky timepieces. In this spotlight, we explore Ricochet XL, the larger sized version of the original released by Mr Jones Watches.

Design

As already mentioned, the watch is inspired by the world of the pinball arcade and was designed by Ryan Claytor for Mr Jones Watches. For the watch to achieve its desired effect, the individual colours in the design were printed one by one, and the metal foils were applied by hand, cleaned, and backed with varnish for protection.

Talking about design, let’s address the elephant in the room — the size. At a substantial 45mm, this timepiece makes a bold statement on your wrist. While smaller watches have charm, there’s an undeniable allure to a more oversized timepiece that’s become more fashionable in the past decade. This watch isn’t for everyone, but those who appreciate Panerai timepieces’ grandeur or Rolex Deep Divers’ robustness.

Another lovely detail is the strap, which measures 22 mm and is made from silver stainless steel. Its elegant aesthetic provides a pleasantly refreshing counterpoint to the dominant case.

Wearing It

Ricochet XL is not a quiet piece; its bear-esque size and prominent features make it stand out on the wrist. It is certainly not for the shy. In terms of wearing it with your daily wear, we recommend going with two contrasting styles: minimal or extravagant. Whether you want the timepiece to be the focal point of your eclectic outfit or blend in with it depends on your preference.

Movement

The TY2709 automatic mechanical movement brings more thrills. It utilises the jump hour feature, meaning if you don’t look, you’ll miss it when the hour changes. It’s a wonderful feature that brings more delight and connection to the watch.

Final thoughts

Ricochet XL is undoubtedly a big watch. It doesn’t mess about. Priced at £695, it certainly puts it into the “I’ll pin this on my Pinterest” category, but what it gives joy-wise would make a great addition to novice watch collectors who enjoy the work Mr Jones Watches produces.

From Runway to Bedroom: How to Rock the Latest Lingerie Trends

Fashion and sensuality have always been intertwined. And this season, lingerie takes centre stage, emerging from the shadows and transforming into a statement piece that can be as empowering as it is alluring…

Forget flimsy lace and impractical cuts – the latest lingerie trends are all about confidence, comfort, and embracing your individuality.

Are you ready to reignite the spark in your relationship? Here’s how to translate the hottest runway trends into your own bedroom attire…

1. The Power of Pyjamas:

Gone are the days of boring sleepwear. Luxurious pyjamas made from satin, silk, or modal blends are not only incredibly comfortable, but also undeniably sexy.

Think slip dresses with delicate lace detailing, pyjama sets with playful feather trims, or kimono robes that exude an air of effortless sophistication…Pair these pieces with a confident attitude for a look that’s both luxurious and laid-back (in all the right ways).

2. Embrace Bold Colours:

Step away from the traditional black and nudes! This season, lingerie is all about celebrating your body with vibrant colours and playful patterns. Feel confident in a cherry red chemise, a royal blue bralette set, or a floral lace bodysuit.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find colours that make you feel truly fabulous!

3. The Art of Layering:

Layering is a fantastic way to add depth and intrigue to your lingerie look. A sheer mesh bralette over a silk cami creates a playful peek-a-boo effect – while a lace teddy peeking out from under a kimono robe adds a touch of mystery.

Experiment with textures and silhouettes to create a look that’s both unique and undeniably sexy!

4. Comfort is Key:

Confidence comes from feeling good in your own skin, and that includes feeling comfortable in what you wear. Look for lingerie made from high-quality, breathable fabrics that move with your body.

Seamless cuts and supportive designs can enhance your figure without sacrificing comfort. Remember, lingerie is meant to make you feel good, inside and out.

With this level of comfort and confidence, you’ll feel empowered to try out new and exciting things in the bedroom – such as teasing your partner with a vibrator while you enjoy a little solo exploration.

5. Celebrate All Body Types:

Inclusivity is a major trend in fashion, and lingerie is no exception. There’s a perfect lingerie style out there for every body type.

You can embrace your curves with a high-waisted brief or a longline bralette. Or show off your legs with a cheeky panty or a playful garter set.

The key is to find pieces that flatter your unique figure and make you feel confident and beautiful!

Lingerie is more than just something you wear under your clothes; it’s a form of self-expression. By incorporating the latest trends in a way that feels true to you, you can create a lingerie look that’s both stylish and empowering.

So, have fun, experiment, and embrace the confidence that comes with feeling sexy in your own skin!

This Week’s Best New Songs: Nilüfer Yanya, Thom Yorke, Porter Robinson, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have Nilüfer Yanya’s mesmerizing new single ‘Like I Say (I runaway)’, which marks her signing to Ninja Tune; Thom Yorke’s ‘Knife Edge’, a pensive, delicately haunting song from his Confidenza soundtrack; Porter Robinson’s infectious, cheeky new single ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’, in which he declares, “Bitch I’m Taylor Swift!”; ‘Challengers: Match Point’, a track from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ tense, exhilarating score for Luca Guadagnino’s new film; Bat for Lashes’ lovely, swirling new song ‘Home’; mui zyu’s enchanting ‘the rules of what an earthling can be’; Florist’s poignant contribution to the I Saw the TV Glow soundtrack, ‘Riding Around in the Dark’; and ‘All Born Screaming’, the ambitious and strangely hopeful closing title track of St. Vincent’s latest LP.

Best New Songs: April 29, 2024

Nilüfer Yanya, ‘Like I Say (I runaway)’

Song of the Week: Thom Yorke, ‘Knife Edge’

Porter Robinson, ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, ‘Challengers: Match Point’

Bat for Lashes, ‘Home’

mui zyu, ‘the rules of what an earthling can be’

Florist, ‘Riding Around in the Dark’

St. Vincent, ‘All Born Screaming’