People who play slots online will always come across Wild West style games. Most of the time, we think of the Wild West gambling scenario in poker terms. In it, gunslingers play until the situation heats up, and they wrap it up with a gun duel. What is the history of Wild West gambling, and are there traditions that survived?

Wild West Gambling History

Gambling in the Wild West style was popular back in the 1850s. At that time, most people gambled for entertainment. There were saloons in towns, and many people of different sex, race, and professions supported these saloons.

Most of the people who gambled were:

• Miners;
• Workers;
• Lumberjacks.

Businesspeople and people of the law, like the sheriff of the town, also participated in gambling activities. At that time, it was not illegal and was easy to access. People always had a way to start a gambling joint, especially when a group of folks started a settlement in a place.

Like modern casinos today, gambling halls in the late 1800s in the Wild West showed financial affluence. These places also had bars and stages where someone could perform.  

Wild West Gambling Traditions

Gambling in the Wild West had no specific traditions. It was not like shipyards where they recited a prayer and broke a bottle of wine. However, there are practices and beliefs that existed in those times that may still be present today.

Brothels and Hotels

In the Wild West, gambling facilities normally had hotels and bars. There were also women who sold their services to gamblers. Some people went to gaming facilities not to gamble but to get drunk or have a woman provide personal services.

Today, the same thing can be expected from land-based casinos. Although prostitution is illegal, there are always escort workers in casino joints. In addition, you can also expect alcohol in casinos. On top of that, the biggest casinos in the world are inside a hotel.

Entertainment

In the past, music was also part of the saloons. There was always a person who played the piano, or a band that played jazz. Today, the same tradition remains, albeit the entertainment rooms are separate from the casinos themselves. However, modern casinos today still have entertainment areas within the casino.

For example, it is not unusual to have a singer grace an event inside a casino. While people gamble, the singer performs. Not all gamblers pay any heavy attention to the singer, but the voice adds to the entertainment factor.

Belief Systems

No amount of education can change the perception of many people. From the old Wild West to today, there are persistent beliefs in the gambling industry:

• Gambler’s Fallacy – the belief that the same unit would appear if it had already appeared several times. For instance, if red appeared several times in roulette more than black, then it must be red that will come out again. This belief, of course, is wrong. The statistical odds of landing on back, red, or green are the same for every throw.
• Cheating Fallacy – in the past, gamblers accused winners of cheating, and no amount of explanation could convince them that it was not so. Today, many people still have this belief. They think that blackjack dealers cheat. They also believe that casinos rig the games, like slot machines. In reality, casinos do not have to cheat to win.
• Being Lucky – old traditions dictate that players believed in lucky days, lucky charms, and such. This tradition is still prevalent among gamblers today. 

Even in modern times, some believe that the gods will favour them one day. These same people believe in luck. If they dream of something, they are assured that these dreams have meaning. They think it is a message from a supernatural entity telling them how to win in gambling.

As far as cheating goes, casinos do not need to cheat to win. It is like saying that LeBron James has to cheat to win against a high school player to win in a one-on-one game.

By design specifics, casino games are well-designed and built in a smart way. It is why there is a saying that the house has an edge and always wins. Gamblers get attracted to the winning amount, but never pay attention to the statistics or the math of the game.

The Wild West is an iconic part of history in the United States. Today, a West-themed story will never be complete without showing a gambling saloon. It will remain a captivating figure, and its imagery will invoke a nostalgic feeling among gamblers. Today, we know that gambling is a persistent habit of people. The act of gambling shows a strong association between people and their ability to take risks.

At long last, gambling in Massachusetts has been legalized. This is great news for punters who have been looking for a way to place wagers on their favorite sports without breaking the law. As a result of this, it is now commonplace to see bookies licensed and regulated by gaming commissions in the state.

And with sports gambling now legal in the state, it gives rise to many questions, especially from newbie punters. One such question is the availability of Massachusetts betting promos on PickBoss.com and on other sportsbooks. Still, you need not worry as promos are readily provided by these bookies. 

Now, as an answer to other numerous questions that you may have, we have provided this article for you. Here, you get to gain important insight into need-to-know information about gambling in the state. Let’s begin.

What is The Eligible Age for Gambling?

Just like several other states in the USA, Massachusetts has a stipulated age allowed to gamble. And the minimum age for placing a wager is 21 years old. This is done to ensure responsible gaming and prevent problem gambling.

Do Gambling Rules Differ in Massachusetts?

The rules in Massachusetts are quite the same as those in other states. But the only difference is that there are a few tweaks and specifications added here and there. One such rule is a bill passed by the state legislature.

In this bill, Massachusetts ruled that sports betting should be regulated in the state. And they did this by enforcing that bettors pay a 20% tax rate for those who gamble online. As for those who play at retail shops, the tax rate is 15%.

In addition to this, punters are not allowed to place wagers on college teams playing within the state. The only time this is allowed is if the teams are playing in tournaments such as the conference tournament and hockey’s Beanpot tournament. So if you wish to place wagers on any sport, you must make sure they are events taking place outside the state.

What Are the Different Kinds Of Bet Types?

In betting, both online and in retail, there are several different ways you can place wagers. And so depending on the type that fascinates you, you can choose any of the following.

Straight Win or Moneyline

This is the most straightforward wager type you can place. Here, you are placing wagers based on who you think has a higher chance of winning the match. When you place wagers this way, the money line determines the amount you take home if your team wins as predicted.

Point Spreads

In point spreads, wagers are placed based on who wins and with what margin a particular team wins against the other. The bookies set the odds for this when one team has a higher chance of winning than the other. And this type of bet which is based on the margin-of-win gives higher payouts than money lines.

Over/Under

Over/under bets are those that allow you to predict the total score gotten by both sides in a match. That is if the total points or touchdown is below or above a certain combination. So here, the bookies give a list of odds and you get the option of predicting if both teams’ total would be higher or lower than the numbers set.

For instance, if a match has a total score of 88 and you bet over 87.5, then you win the bet. It’s that simple.

Parlays

Parlays, in simple terms, is a bet type that allows you to place multiple wagers on a single ticket. For example, you can predict the outcome of up to 7 different games in one bet. Thus, if all the teams you selected win, then you get paid but if anyone loses, then you hit a loss.

Essentially, parlays give you a higher payout than you would get if you bet singly. But it’s not as easy to win as single bets considering all the games on your ticket must be a win.

To sum up, sports betting in Massachusetts is not so different from betting anywhere else. All you need is a basic knowledge of betting and you are good to go. But remember to always gamble responsibly.

Even though they haven’t been around for long, the Las Vegas Golden Knights have already established themselves as part of the National Hockey League hierarchy. So, it wasn’t surprising to see them again amongst the division leaders ahead of the playoffs.

The fight for the Stanley Cup is almost upon us, and the hockey fever can be felt left and right. That’s why ClutchBet ranked best Avalanche players ever, and why we’ll dig deep into the Golden Knights’ divisional crown and first-round matchup.

Las Vegas finished the regular campaign in the only way they knew how to, by taking down the Seattle Kraken 3-1. It took them until the very last game of the 2022-23 regular season, but they still managed to clinch the Pacific Division and No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

This is now their third Pacific Division title in six years of existence, which is also tied for the most since they first entered the NHL. They also set a franchise record with 111 points this season, a reward for all the attention to detail and great execution they’ve displayed throughout the campaign.

The Golden Knights have played like a tight unit on all spots of the ice, with forwards coming back on defense and outstanding, suffocating play in the neutral zone. Their defense has been nothing short of spectacular, and their goalie play has been error-free for the better part of the season.

Their prize for clinching that top spot will be a tough matchup vs. Winnipeg Jets. Notably, they didn’t even know whom they would face until after beating the Kraken, but it’s not like they cared, either.

“We can control what we can control,” defenseman Nicolas Hague said after clinching the division. “We took care of our job tonight and will try to do it again in a few days. But we’re in a good spot.”

It Wasn’t Easy

The Las Vegas Golden Knights were one of the most dominant teams in the NHL after the All-Star break, going 21-4-5 over that span. Even so, the Edmonton Oilers wouldn’t cave in and be pretty close to taking them down for the top spot in the West until the very last second. That gave the players some extra motivation ahead of the postseason:

“It’s nice playing these games,” Hague said. “They’re hard games, right? We want to get our game in the right spot, getting ready for a week here when it all really matters.”

Vegas can Make a Deep Postseason Run

The Golden Knights have fared excellent against the Jets this season, going 3-0. However, it’s been more than four months since their last meeting, so it’s safe to say that plenty has changed for both teams ever since.

Also, those last two matchups were quite close, with one even going to overtime. That’s why the team knows there’s little-to-no margin for error and that they’ll need to be at their best to get the job done in this series:

“It’s execution for us,” Hague continued. “It’s winning the stick battles and the foot races. It all kind of piles up when we’re doing those things, and you get the whole picture that we can defend well. So it’s not really one thing.”

The Jets will have an edge in the goal this season, but the Golden Knights led their division for a reason. So, as tough as this might be, don’t be so shocked if Las Vegas gets past them easily and, eventually,  lifts the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history.

One of the world’s most illustrious races is just under a month away, as the Kentucky Derby is staged at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 6. This year’s race looks set to be one of the most international affairs that we have seen in recent years, as there will be two leading contenders making the journey to Churchill Downs from Japan.

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Derma Sotogake and he has become a Kentucky Derby bets underdog to keep an eye on.

So, can he deliver a historic success for Japan in one of the world’s most famous races?

Derma Sotogake’s Form

The betting for the Kentucky Derby has a very interesting feel this year, as bettors are trying to find a runner that could potentially lay down the challenge to Forte. There is every chance that the contender could be Derma Sotogake.

The three-year-old for trainer Hidetaka Otonashi appears to have campaigned for the opening Triple Crown race from an early stage, with each of his previous four efforts coming on the dirt.

He played a pleasing first impression after moving off the turf, as he held on to beat a talented rival in the form of Continuar by a nose. On his following start, he would land a local Grade 1 in Japan, beating Omatsuri Otoko by a head, scoring an official rating of 101.

He has then stepped up in quality again for the G3 Saudi Derby in Riyadh, but he traveled well throughout the race before being beaten by two lengths by Commissioner King. But, his stand-out performance would come in Meydan.

UAE Derby Success

The UAE Derby has been the route to the Kentucky Derby for Japanese connections for a number of years, but this year’s renewal was one of the stiffer challenges, with runners also competing from Ireland and the United States. Derma Sotogake was in excellent form in Meydan, and traveled well throughout the race, before kicking on with two furlongs to go to win by over five lengths.

The performance can also be ranked up, as there were some credible contenders finishing behind, but none could deal with the late pace boasted by the Japanese hope. Churchill Downs will certainly be a different test, but few runners in the field can match the RPR of 120 achieved by the Japanese raider in his final prep.

Japan’s Second Derby Hope

Derma Sotogake isn’t the only Japanese runner expected to line up in the Kentucky Derby this year, as Continuar also has enough points to compete in Grade 1.

Connections of the three-year-old quickly announced after his third in the UAE Derby that they will be traveling to Churchill Downs, but it’s fair to say that this contender comes with slightly less excitement surrounding him.

Continuar finished over ten lengths behind Derma Sotogake in the UAE Derby, and was also beaten by a nose on debut by the same rival in November.

While it’s unlikely Continuar has regressed in that time, it’s hugely likely that his rival has improved to such a high level that he can no longer get near him. Continuar was also well beaten in the Saudi Derby in February, as he finished back in fifth.

But, as connections of Rich Strike showed last year, you need to be in the race to have a chance of winning it.

Can Derma Sotogake Win The Kentucky Derby?

For most people, there’s no stopping Forte in the Kentucky Derby this year, as the Todd Pletcher runner has continued to progress with every start that he makes. Derma Sotogake certainly has the ability to hit the frame, and if Forte doesn’t perform on the day, he could be there to pick up the pieces.

Are you still doubting that playing slot games could make you rich in the twinkle of an eye? Though it all depends on luck, if your luck is with you, you could become rich overnight at a slot machine, like many of those who take the trip to Las Vegas find out. Playing slot games at the right casino can offer you a massive payout and a rewarding gaming experience.

Also, playing at bonus casinos tips the scales in your favor, as these casinos are bound to offer more. Still, you should remember that it is based purely on how lucky you can get. What if you get lucky enough, then?

Let’s explore some gamers who shook history with the biggest slot game wins ever known. With the inspiration from their experiences, we can only imagine yours is not so far away!

Do Slot Games Payout Big?

Yes, slot games pay out massively well. Still, there needs to be an instruction booklet detailing the do’s and don’ts necessary to achieve the largest jackpots in the history of slot machines. Large payouts at the slots are, of course, the result of a healthy dose of chance. However, there are many variables over which you have some say.

An intelligent way to begin is by playing slot machines with hot jackpots. Ensure you’re betting the maximum amount on these machines to win the prizes. If you play a progressive slot machine, you should bet enough to increase your chances of winning the jackpot.

Furthermore, select titles that interest you and suit your objectives and preferred playing style. When betting, some people prefer to start with a small sum and increase it. Others may prefer to go all in right away. In totality, bet right with the right strategies and at the right casinos.

Top Biggest Slot Game Wins Ever Known

Here is a record of winners that have shaken history with their massive cashouts:

Anonymous – $39.7 Million

In 2003, someone won an unprecedented amount of money at a gaming machine. Unsurprisingly, a youthful software developer from Los Angeles hit the record-breaking prize playing Megabucks. The player’s $100 bet at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas was enough to earn the record-breaking prize of $39.7 million. This made it the most outstanding record of all time.

Cynthia Jay-Brennan – $34.9 Million

Like so many others, this prize was won while playing the fabled Megabucks slot machine. A fortunate gambler won $34.9 million at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas.

In 2000, Cynthia Jay-Brennan, a neighborhood cocktail server, stopped by the Desert Inn on her way home from work. After only a few rounds (costing $3) and about an hour of play, she got those recognizable, identical images.

Jay-Brennan was left disabled, and her sibling was killed in a vehicle crash a few months later. She has since given a sizable portion of her earnings to organizations that support individuals with special needs.

Anonymous – $27.5 Million 

Las Vegas is a popular destination for gamblers searching for large payouts from gaming machines. However, consistency is key, as this gambler proves with her $27.5 million cashout. The same individual had earned $680,000 on the Wheel of Fortune gaming machine at the same restaurant a few months prior.

Anonymous – $24 Million

An unidentified player from Finland won $17.8 million (about $24 million) while playing the NetEnt Mega Fortune slot machine. One of the largest payouts in the history of internet slot machines was won with a bet of only $0.25.

Johanna Heundl – $22 Million

At Bally’s Las Vegas in 2002, Johanna Heundl was enjoying her 74th birthday and chose to try her luck at the slots. The California retiree put in another $100 after the first had been wasted. She only had $30 remaining in her account when she won a whopping $22 million.

Conclusion

It’s funny that some of the most famous hits were based on pure luck. Nevertheless, don’t think lucky, but employ your strategies and play it right!