Casino Games With a Skill Element – A New Genre for Millennials While Playing

The reasons for the influx of skill games in casinos today can be summed up in three little words: Millennials, Millennials, Millennials! We all know what happened when casinos noticed in the early 1980′s that more people were playing slots than table games. While the now oldest of the millennials were having their diapers changed, their baby boomer parents were bypassing the blackjack tables to play the one arm bandits, which now account for over 80% of gaming revenue.

Those that were born in the early 1980′s to the late 1990′s are Millennials that grew up playing video games, and the casinos also took notice that this generation didn’t care to sit in front of a machine that did all the work for them in order to win. They want to be involved to make it happen. This led to the introduction of games of skill at the 2016 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.

Two Companies, GameCo and Gamblit Gaming, introduced their wares at the expo and by all accounts, things look very promising for skill-based games. Other companies, Konami, Scientific Games, and Next Gaming are creating their own versions to attract the Gen Y’s.

Here’s a brief look at what could be coming soon to a casino near you:

GameCo Products

Danger Arena

Skill-based Video Game Gambling Machines (VGM), with patented game design, maintain the same return to player as traditional slot machines. Play as Baz or Thyme to conquer Danger Arena. Take out 6 or more Danger Bots and you’re in the money. Eliminate 10 bots for top payout!

Pharaoh’s Secret Temple

The adventure has begun and players must unlock the riches of the Pharaoh’s Secret Temple by matching gems to collect rare treasures before their time is up. Gamble playing this casual video game with awesome boosts, Power-Up Prizes, charms, and Egyptian-themed traps.

Nothin’ but Net – Basketball

Get ready to hit the courts with a new game. Players can choose from a male or female player and have 16 chances to win big. Your skills will be challenged as you test your range from down-low to downtown. Just don’t miss the money ball!

Gamblit Gaming Products

Cannonbeards Treasure

An adventure awaits in the deep blue as 2-4 players engage in a fast-paced game of cards, skill, and naval warfare! Build a hand by grabbing the cards you need and reach the objective first to win a chest of gold! Be careful not to bust lest your opponent’s take the booty! makes for an extremely social, interactive and satisfying experience that will keep players engaged as they lower the sails and take to the seas!

Gamblit Poker

Grab the best poker hand and win big! This game puts a fast paced, irresistibly fun, skill-based spin on the ubiquitous game of poker. This 2-4-person game makes for a highly social, head to head interactive table experience that can result in cash winnings up to 240x your bet! Each player starts with two cards which, as soon as the game begins, are followed by a single deck of cards shown in rapid succession in the middle of the table. Players have to quickly grab the cards they need in order to complete the best possible poker hand. The player with the best hand wins the pot!

Other games of skill that may soon occupy the gaming floors are Terminator 2, Mission Impossible, and Judgment Day

Keep in mind that these, like any other casino game, carry a House Edge.

Good Luck with skill!

Classic Game Review: Championship Blackjack

Blackjack lovers this is it! With Championship Blackjack from PC Software you can play under realistic conditions using the rules from all the gambling fun spots. Before going into the details, a rundown of the features and playing options available with Championship Blackjack should be enough to convince you, as it did me, that it is an outstanding blackjack software package which is even better than the hard-wired setups you put your quarters into at the casino while you’re waiting in line to see a dinner show.

The game options include:

• All allowable plays are supported, including stand, hit, double, split, re-split, insurance, and surrender;
• Single or multiple decks;
• Tournament and double exposure play;
• Choice of casino rules, including Vegas Strip, Vegas Downtown, Atlantic City, Tahoe, and Reno;
• Ability to set your own rules;
• Julian Braun’s Basic and Point-Count System strategies. The game features include:
• Monochrome and colour displays, with sound;
• Menu-driven screens;
• Player statistics;
• Simulations.

The game is so complete that about all you can’t do is order cocktails and look at the dealer’s eyes when he checks for blackjack. The game will accommodate up to six players and any of these can be played by the computer itself. Players automatically have their moves checked against the basic strategy developed by Julian Braun and, additionally, player’s moves can also be checked against Braun’s Point-Count system. Poor decisions based upon these systems, are then indicated by appropriate messages.

The general flow of the game is as expected. Cards are shuffled, bets are placed, hands are dealt, and players make their decisions.

What makes this game an excellent instructional tool, is that at the upper left of the screen, the program displays the running count, the true count (since you can’t actually see the shoe to see how many decks are left), the recommended move using basic strategy, and the recommended move using the Point-Count system. And, if you still can’t make up your mind, there is a help screen available to show you all the options. I played the game on an IBM monochrome display and found the graphics to be excellent. The screen layout is similar to that green felt on a blackjack table. Cards are dealt face-up, down cards down, and hits and splits are neatly overlapped. Player’s names, their current bank- roll, and current bets are always displayed at their respective places on the table. The statistics screen is very helpful and lets you know at any time how everyone is faring, this is most important in tournament play and when running simulations.

The only recommendation I have for the developers of the game is an added feature that will allow practice drills on such things as soft standing rules, soft-hitting rules, pair splitting decisions, double down decisions, and surrender decisions.

If you are a beginning blackjack player, a hearty welcome to the game. You won’t find a more helpful and enjoyable way of learning than Championship Blackjack. If you’re an expert, counter, tournament player, or professional, you will find Championship Blackjack to be an outstanding computer game. Good luck, and see you at the tables!

Downtown Hotels in Jackson Mississippi

Jackson City is the capital of Mississippi. It is also the state’s most populous city with an estimated population of 557,385 as of year 2000. In fact, it is now considered as the US’ 88th largest metropolitan region. Jackson City was named after Andrew Jackson, a former US president.

The city’s slogan is Jackson, Mississippi City with Soul. This can be traced to the numerous attractions such as museums, parks and historic sites you will find in the region. Local attractions include the Alamo Theater, Bronze Statue of Medgar Evers, Boddie Mansion, and the Mississippi Arts Center and the Boyd House/The Oaks House Museum, Ronald E. McNair Space Theater/Rusell C. Davis Planetarium, Thalia Mara Hall and the War Memorial Building among others.

The city also houses great museums and historic sites like the Greenwood Cemetery, King Edward Hotel, Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Eudora Welty House Museum along with The City of Jackson Fire Museum, Manship House Museum and so much more. Parks you will find here include Grove Park, Battlefield Park, Sykes Park, Smith Park, and Parham Bridges Park.

With all the attractions in Jackson City, vacationers and business travelers will find it easy to find good hotels and resorts, especially in its downtown area. Here are some of the downtown hotels in Jackson, Mississippi:

Americas Best Inn Jackson
Americas Best Inn Jackson is located at 5411 Interstate 55 North Jackson, MS 39206. It is a short 13 miles to the Jackson-Evers International Airport. Check in time is at 1PM while check out time is at 11AM. Young adults under the age of 21 should be accompanied by an adult. An ID and credit card is required upon check in.

The hotel has a total of 103 guest rooms with Cable TV and coffee makers. Accommodations include King Suites with 1 King-sized bed; Whirlpool King Suites with 1 King-sized bed and jetted tubs; and Deluxe double Suites with 2 double beds. All rooms are guaranteed with complimentary local calls. This is apart from the hotel’s indoor pool, fitness center and hot tub.

Best Western Executive Inn
Best Western Executive Inn is located at 725 Larson Street Jackson, MS 39202. This 2-star deluxe hotel was renovated last 2006. Its location puts it near the Mississippi Museum of Art, Mississippi State Capitol, and the Jackson Zoological Park, and the Alamo Theater, Chimneyville Crafts Gallery, Mississippi sports Hall and the Mississippi State Coliseum among others.

Check in time at the hotel is at 1:30PM while check out time is at 11AM. A valid ID and credit card is required during check in. Hence, each room in this hotel is exquisitely furnished and tastefully appointed. Rooms are equipped with microwave ovens, cable TV, data ports, refrigerators and coffee makers.

The hotel also has a business center with photocopy and fax services, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Aside from complimentary newspapers and continental breakfast, they also provide free wireless Internet access and local calls.

Hotel accommodations include the Standard 2 Queen having 2 double beds, cherry-wood furnishings, dual-line phones, 25-inch TVs with Cable, refrigerators, microwave ovens, tea/coffee makers, iron with ironing boards, hair dryers and air conditioners; Standard rooms having 1 king bed, separate sitting areas with 1 sofa bed and the other standard amenities.

Clarion Hotel Jackson
Clarion Hotel Jackson is situated at 5075 Interstate Highway 55 North Jackson MS 39206. This 2-star hotel is close to attractions and establishments like the Highland Village, Northpark Mall and the Chimneyville Crafts. Check in time is at 3PM while check out time is at 12NN. The minimum age requirement for check in is 21 years old. A valid ID and credit is also required.

The hotel has a total of 222 guest rooms in its 6 floors with interior corridors. The hotel also has a seasonal outdoor pool, Fitness Center and a 24hr front desk. Accommodations include their 2 Double Bed Rooms and Standard King Rooms. Guests can choose between smoking and non-smoking units equipped with Cable TVs, video game consoles, and coffee makers and multi-phones with voice mail, hair dryers, iron and free wireless Internet access.

Celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Indianapolis

Experience living Black History on Indiana Avenue
Indiana Avenue is a powerful version of the American dream through an African-American lens. The Avenue is the historic African-American commercial, entertainment and worship center. Today’s landscape is filled with enduring landmarks, a burgeoning university campus, contemporary residences and a lush waterway. Indiana Avenue truly is rhythm reborn. The rich heritage comes to life on stage, in public art, museums, art galleries, nightlife and in the church.

Also located on Indiana Avenue is the historic Madame Walker Theatre Center. The Madame Walker Theatre Center, housed in the historic Madame C.J. Walker Building, has long symbolized the spirit of creativity and community pride in Downtown Indianapolis. Celebrate Black History Month with the Walker Theatre by joining Freetown Village for an evening dinner theatre called “This Little Light” on Feb. 18. Enjoy live music and a lesson in history at this living history museum. Also join the Madame Walker Theatre for Jazz on the Avenue Feb. 25 in the Ballroom for live jazz and cocktails. Call 236.2099 for more information.

Art & Soul at the Indianapolis Artsgarden
Don’t miss more than 18 FREE performances throughout the month of February as part of the 15th annual Art & Soul in the Indianapolis Artsgarden, which kicks off Jan. 27. This annual celebration of African-American art and artists celebrates Black History Month. The performances feature a broad range of musical, dance, spoken word, poetry and living history from both established and emerging artists. Highlights throughout the month of February include Billy Wooten Jazz Trio, Gregg Bacon, June Rochelle, the Asante Children’s Theatre and many more. For more details and a schedule of events call 631.3301 or visit the Indy Arts Web site.

Learn about black history
Join The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as black history comes alive during the month of February. Don’t miss Target Family Night Feb. 3 from 4 – 8 p.m. Celebrate African-American heritage and achievements in history, science, art and music FREE of charge. Experience a slave’s flight to freedom and learn to navigate using the Big Dipper during Follow the Drinking Gourd starting Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. On Feb. 3, 5 and12, celebrate Black History Month in Lilly Theatre with vignettes exploring the lives of Levi Coffin and Madame C.J. Walker at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. To learn more, call 334.3322.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Indiana Historical Society and Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (IMCPL) invite children and families to learn about Indiana’s rich African-American history by participating in the Indiana Black History Challenge. The Indiana Black History Challenge is a contest that invites participants to investigate famous African-American Hoosiers and their contributions to society. The 10-question challenge can be taken online beginning Feb. 1. Printed game cards will also be made available at the beginning of February at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, as well as all branches of the IMCPL.

The first 5,000 entrants to the Indiana Black History Challenge will receive a prize. All participants who complete the challenge and answer all questions correctly are entered into a drawing for the grand prize and runner-up awards. The grand prize is a Family Fun Pack that includes an overnight stay at the Omni Severin Hotel in Downtown Indianapolis; four tickets to special exhibitions at the Indianapolis Museum of Art; a $25 gift certificate to Weber Grill Restaurant and a family membership to the Indiana Historical Society, which includes free admission to the Indiana Experience for a year. One winner from each IMCPL branch and the History Center will receive a runner-up prize of a family four-pack of tickets to an Indianapolis Indians game. For more information, contact the IHS at 232.1882.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s (IMA) Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton Dial exhibition will open Feb. 25. As an artist, Dial explores the truth of American history and culture in all its complexities and contradictions. This exhibition includes more than 50 pieces of Dial’s work that range from sculptures to paintings and that address some of the most compelling issues of our time. Find out more information on the exhibition call 923.1331.

Visit the Indiana State Museum for their “African Americans in Indiana” gallery search starting Feb. 1 to uncover the rich culture and contributions of Indiana’s black communities. Meet President Lincoln on Feb. 12 and enjoy period music and activities or see Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches in the Legacy Theater through the end of March. Call 232.1637 for more information.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will host the 4th Annual Leon Jett Memorial Lecture featuring Dr. Quintard Taylor, professor of American History at the University of Washington, on Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. Taylor will discuss how African Americans helped shape and develop the American West. A new exhibit that is partnered with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian called Red Black: Related Through History will open Feb. 12. Red Black will showcase the interactions between early black slaves and Native Americans. Call 636.9378 for more information.

Head over to the Garfield Parks Art Center for “Black Pearls”: An Artistic Celebration of Black History Month starting Feb. 5. The FREE exhibit showcases African and African-American artists and will display sculpture, drawing, painting and ceramics. Hands on creative family activities will take place every Saturday and Sunday throughout February. Hours for Garfield Parks Art Center are Tuesday – Thursday 2 – 9 p.m., Friday 1 – 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. For more information call 327.7135.

Black History performances
The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) presents Charlayne Woodard’s Going Solo: Neat from Feb.10 – March 6. In this sequel to Woodard’s “Pretty Fire,” teenaged Charlayne encounters boys, high school, civil rights and her own vivid imagination, all while learning to live with her disabled aunt, Neat. Tickets, show information and a schedule of consortium events are available by calling 635.5252.

Join the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the 26th Anniversary Celebration of Black History Concert Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The ISO’s annual concert celebrates the significant impact of African-American culture on classical and symphonic music as well as the superb artistry and creativity of black artists, composers and conductors. This year the concert will be conducted by an Indianapolis audience favorite, Thomas Wilkins. This event is FREE and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for general seating. Call 639.4300 for more information

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