East European casinos are multiplying across the region as economic development and increased tourism bring more visitors and investment to the region. Held back for so long by the communist governments that held power until the end of the 1980's, the last decade has seen a huge jump in the number of casinos in Eastern Europe, principally in Russia and the Czech Republic, but also Poland, Croatia, and the Baltic States.
Russia is undoubtedly at the forefront of the expansion of East Europe casinos. Unlike many other countries in Europe, which restrict casinos to one or two per city, Russia has no such limits; consequently, there are at least 13 casinos in St. Petersburg and several in Moscow, as well. These venues are popular with local residents, but also foreign tourists drawn by St. Petersburg's famed nightlife and cultural festivals. The transformation in Russia in recent years has seen a great deal of investment flow into the country, and casinos are benefiting from this greater liberalization and thriving as a result. The other major player in the East Europe casinos scene is the Czech Republic, which is host to over 30 casinos. New casinos are being opened as a result of joint ventures between European developers and American gaming companies, and the results are to be seen in a range of new casino developments across the country, among the newest is the Millennium Casino in Prague, which has 12 tables and 250 slot machines. Although these two countries offer the most variety of casino facilities, East Europe casinos can be found throughout the region. In particular, there are several impressive new casinos in Poland (including three in Krakow and three in the capital, Warsaw), Slovenia, and the former Soviet states of Ukraine and Belarus, who are eager to expand visitor numbers from Western Europe. Additionally, the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia play host to several casinos, again in partnership with foreign investors. What all these countries have in common is that their casino sectors are based more closely on the American model than their Western European neighbors, with a relatively light regulatory framework. Thriving competition between rival companies helps keep the casino experience fresh and vibrant by requiring them to tailor their facilities more closely to customer requirements. As East Europe casinos continue to spread across the region, they will not only enhance the experience of visitors to beautiful cities like Prague, Budapest, and St. Petersburg, but act as a catalyst for economic development in those countries, as well.
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Drinking and gambling is a subject that has many opinions depending on how a player handles their booze. Most expert gamblers separate the two actions from each other on purpose. A single glass of wine or a beer is not going to interfere with most people's play, but a steady stream of highballs could have a drastic effect coupled with a loosing streak. The problem is the liquor helps to remove fear and makes some people feel invincible. This could work to the player's advantage if the dice table is hot or the cards are running over the player. This feeling of power which drinks give some people is dangerous when the play is not running hot. Mistakes in the amount bet or running parlays to the max can play havoc with a player's gambling stake. A clear and sober mind is an asset for most gamblers trying to read the nuances of the trend. A person who is drinking to excess can see a trend where none exist.
There are all kinds of stories about how a gambler won a great deal of money while drunker than a sailor on liberty. They may be true, but think about what happens in any major casino. The house gives away drinks to patrons who are gambling. Why do you think they are being so kind to the players? Casinos know that drinking takes away inhibitions and the lack of control may make some players bet more than they would if not drinking. This free drink policy can backfire if the player gets hot, but over time the free drinks work in favor of the house. The decision that a player needs to make is an individual one and should be based on the player's own experience. Some poker players can drink like fish and their cards never get drunk. Others have a few drinks and their hands are bet like they are all winners when obviously that is not the case. Drinking players have a tendency to try to bluff more often than they should. Drinking players also are willing to call bets when the only way they can win is to make a miracle draw. Watch the play in poker of any player who is putting them down at a steady pace. If their play gets wilder as they drink, they are either going to kill the table of players or have a very bad night from their own drink influenced play. To drink and play or to not to, that is the question. Caribbean casinos can be found in the Caribbean's fifteen countries. Four countries have pari-mutuel facilities including horse and dog racing. The newer casinos that can be found there provide gamblers with slot machines and video poker terminals.
Caribbean casinos and gambling are quite prevalent due to being popular tourist attractions. Land-based casinos can be found on the Caribbean's various islands, but the casino cruises and online gambling are also popular. Poker in Caribbean casinos attracts many celebrities and players from all over the world due to the tropical setting, and many World Poker Tournaments have been organized here. In addition to Caribbean Stud Poker, there are many variations that can be found throughout the casinos. |