News, views and insight from our expert authors
They’re back! Free play casino games have always been a cornerstone of this site. One of the guiding principles of Fortune Palace from the day I designed it was that players should be able to play casino games for free, to practice strategies and systems without risking any of their own money. I’ve always described the Fortune Palace… Read More »
Almost everything in life has two sides — good and bad. This also applies to anything from our everyday life, including online and land-based casinos. Although brick-and-mortar casinos have been around for centuries, avid gamblers worldwide still haven’t lost interest in them. Lately, an increasing number of casino beginners are starting to opt for online casinos, meaning the… Read More »
Casino games have been enjoyed for centuries. The first “gambling house”, as it was known back then, opened in Venice in 1638. It was so popular than more than 120 new casinos opened up across the city over the next century. That first casino had many similarities to what we would expect to find in a modern casino,… Read More »
Learn to play popular casino games - the rules, bets and odds
Complete guide to playing Baccarat (Punto Banco) - the betting options, the third card rule and the odds of winning.
A player's guide to Blackjack - the card values, the betting options, the rules the dealer has to follow.
A detailed explanation of the multiple variations of Blackjack available - and the various side bets.
A complete guide to Roulette - the wheel, the board, the bets, the differences between American and European.
A complete guide to Video Poker - how to play, the paytable, the best games to play.
Beginners guide to online slots - glossary of common terms, how to play, slots types and special features.
Complete guide to playing Sic Bo, including the board layout, the bets, the odds and the payouts.
A guide to playing casino games with real live dealers - the games, the software, the dealers and the casinos.
Keno is similar to both Bingo and Lotto. The main attraction is that a £1 bet can win £100,000.
An unusual and exciting seven card game, best described as Blackjack for Poker players!
Casino games using betfair's exchange, so you're betting against other punters, not the house.
betfair's Zero Lounge games are the only online casino games where the house has no advantage.
Your guide to playing and winning at online casinos
Fortune Palace is a straightforward introduction to internet gambling, for both absolute beginners and experienced gamblers, designed around the core principles of learning how to play, practicing for free, then playing for real.
Learn the rules, betting options and the odds against winning. Every game has its own subtleties and it's important that you understand the specifics of each game (and game variant) before you think about playing with real money. Recognising the good and bad bets is the quickest way to devise (or understand) a winning strategy that suits your risk profile.
Practice a game and its strategy for free. This is one of the most important aspects for new players. No-one wants to waste hundreds of pounds becoming familiar with a new game. We encourage players to try out games and strategies on our instant, no download, no deposit games. You'll get enough free credits to play for hours, until you're 100% confident.
Play for real. Signing up at an online casino should be an exciting time. Online gambling is all about taking risks, but you don't want to take uneccessary chances by playing at a casino that will cheat you out of your winnings, or not allow you to win at all! We reduce the risks by ensuring that all of our recommended casinos are secure, licensed and verified.
Study winning strategies for each game, designed to suit low, mid and high rollers
The best strategy to adopt in order to maintain frequent wins and keep losses to a minimum.
The belief that because something hasn't happened for a while, it must be likely to happen soon.
Do casino bonuses work? A quick, easy formula to calculate how much a bonus may cost you.
10 of the best free Roulette systems and strategies, explained and tested in real life scenarios.
Complete guide to playing Sic Bo, including the board layout, the bets, the odds and the payouts.
A simple, easy to learn, 3 stage Blackjack strategy, suitable for every hand you'll encounter.
A winning Baccarat strategy that takes account of both the Tie bet 'money back' rule and the vigorish.
A basic strategy for Jacks or Better that you can quickly adapt to any Video Poker variation.
Although Slots are based purely on chance, you can still give yourself an edge by using a staking plan.
Although Keno is a game of pure chance, there are a couple of factors a Keno player needs to understand.
Pai Gow Poker requires an optimal playing strategy to give yourself the best chance of winning.
Games, bonuses, free bets, rewards, deposit options...
A selection of free play games to help you practice your new-found skills
A full featured version of Roulette Royale, and $3,000 in free casino chips to play with!
An excellent version of Blackjack 3D, and $2,000 in free casino chips to play with!
A great version of this intriguing game, including a House Way option to set your cards like the dealer!
Play for free on the classiest game in the casino and become a master of this sophisticated card game.
Learn to play Video Poker with this great Jacks or Better game, and 3,000 free casino chips to practice!
The COMPLETE gambling guide, for beginners, leisure gamblers and high-stakes pros
Online gambling can be a very enjoyable hobby. When it's viewed as a leisure pursuit, rather than a way to get rich quick, then it's completely harmless.
These days, many people enjoy a flutter online, spending a small portion of their leisure funds on their chosen gambling channel, whether that's poker, football or horse racing. For most, it's little more than an innocent pastime.
But for some people, gambling can become an addiction which then has serious consequences. When money earmarked for family welfare is wasted on gambling then it becomes dangerous, even immoral.
Fortunately, there is lots of help at hand. If you feel that you've lost your enjoyment of gambling, or that's it's taking over your life, we strongly recommend that you seek help from one of the organisations listed here.
If not for your sake, then for your friends and family.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to do the same. GA members offer the hand of friendship to anyone who is looking to try and stop gambling.
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Gamcare
GamCare is the leading national provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Advisers are available to talk from 8am to midnight every day of the year.
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Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy is a free online service that provides practical advice and emotional support to people affected by problem gambling who reside outside Great Britain.
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If you wish to self-exclude from all online gambling sites, consider downloading gamban®.