For generations, the slot machine and the roulette table were the two symbols of casinos worldwide. When you think of the word ‘casino’, I can guarantee you that these are the first images that come to your head, the bright lights and loud sounds of the slot machines and/or the relentless spinning of the roulette wheel. It’s not hard to imagine why that is – for years, that’s what everyone played. Movies from “Casablanca” and its famous roulette scene to “What Happens in Vegas” where the entire plot is kicked off by a surprising jackpot win from a slot machine have reinforced the notion that these are the games people play in casinos.

Except that’s not true. At least not in 2017.

While for over a century the games that were most popular in various casinos across the world were undoubtedly those that relied on pure luck and chance rather than skill, this has changed recently due to a culture shift. Until now, the notion in the Western world was that you needed to be persistent, not good. Work for 30 years in the same place, and you’ll undoubtedly become the manager one day even if you have no skill! It was rare, if not unheard of, to see someone young achieve success because that’s simply not how things worked. However, that notion doesn’t quite translate in the modern age of Silicon Valley billionaires who amassed their fortunes in their 20s not by being persistent or lucky, but by simply being very, very good at their jobs, better than everyone else in the field. You can’t tell someone you expect them to gamble on slots for 10 years if they’re looking to retire before they’re 25! Combine that with the fact that the videogame industry is bigger than it’s ever been, further teaching youngsters that it’s skill that is rewarded when they play rather than luck.

So, how does that change the gambling industry? In the US, more and more states have began adopting skill-based machines. Imagine playing a videogame that rewards you with money the better you play, or a slot machine whose bonus round is a game of Pac-Man, something like that. It’s a fantastic idea that has already proven effective in attracting a new generation of gamblers, but unfortunately, these types of machines are still illegal in the UK, and it might be a while before we see them legalized. So, what do the Brits do? According to statistics, they’ve began to run in droves to sites like http://www.realmoney-blackjack.com/live/ in an attempt to satisfy their own thirst for skill-based gambling. And honestly, you can’t exactly blame them. Excluding stuff like video poker (which is still WAY more luck-based than regular poker), blackjack, especially its live version where you play with a real dealer, is probably the most skill-based game you can play in a British online casino right now. Of course, the best case scenario would absolutely be if all skill-based games were legalized (which is what I hope would happen because it’s honestly a stupid law that hurts players more than it helps them), but until that happens, live blackjack might just be the best alternative we’ve got.

When comparing land-based casinos with online sites, there are many advantages to choosing the latter. For most players, the fact that online gambling sites give out tons of bonuses upon registration, sometimes even no deposit types, is always a good incentive to start playing there, instead of the corner casino, no matter how lavish it may be. Others. On the hand, others favour such sites because of the huge variety that they offer in terms of games, limits, sidebets, jackpots and other similar features. But what I like the most is that, unlike land-based casinos that you need to travel to, you can take gambling sites with you everywhere, with the help of their mobile apps. Sometimes, these apps can be downloaded from the official iOS store, other times from the operator’s webpage, since Google Play doesn’t accept real-money gambling apps.

You can benefit from the many perks of playing on the go, but you should always pick only regulated mobile online casinos, for the safety of your personal and banking details and to ensure that you get the most out of your mobile experience. You will be pleased to learn that most of the top rated casinos offer hundreds of games that are mobile-friendly, which means that whether you choose a web-based app or a downloadable one, you will have plenty of titles to entertain you. On top of that, many operators offer special bonuses for mobile players, whether it is free cash to play with, free spins on some of the most popular slots or simply match bonuses on the player’s first deposit or deposits.

Some of the best apps, however, will have everything you can ask for in one place. One downloadable app, which is easily found and easy to install on your device and will give you access to all their games, within one touch. Casinos such as Leo Vegas – the self-proclaimed king of mobile gambling, will have a bigger portfolio of mobile games than other have on their desktop platform and that says a lot about the services that they provide. 888 Casino is also an excellent choice for mobile players, with a solid collection of fantastic slots from some of the biggest software providers, but also some pretty nice table games. The latter includes mostly live-dealer games, powered by Evolution Gaming, the industry’s finest. Moreover, you even have a separate app for the Live Roulette games that they feature, with crystal-clear HD graphics, perfect live streaming and fantastic slow-motion replays. iOS users can download it from the official store, while Android users can find them on the operator’s website.

When it comes to recognition in the field of online gambling, the International Gaming Awards are definitely something that all operators and game developers strive for. The award show is quickly approaching its 10th year anniversary, gathering international providers and industry professionals, as well as determining who are the best in a variety of categories. The 10th annual IGA will be held on the 6th of February 2017, at the Intercontinental London Park Lane. There is a total of 24 categories announced, with the nominees yet to be determined. A few days ago, it was announced that the official sponsor for the event will be none other than Mr Green – one of the most reputable online casino operators in the UK.

If you are not familiar with Mr Green, allow me to tell you a bit about it, since it is one of my favourite online casinos of all time. It’s a fully licensed operator that is one of the most easily recognised on the market, due to its unique and effective branding and marketing. Their website has an abundance of great games, including titles developed by the best companies in the business – NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, IGT, and many others. They also offer outstanding customer care and many bonuses, both for new and regular player. Mr Green has always sponsored the IGA in recent years, but this is the first show with the operator as an official sponsor.

When it comes to awards, Mr Green has definitely received its fair share. Its first award from the IGA came in 2013, when the casino won the prestigious Online Casino Operator of the Year award. Mr Green would go on to win this award two more times – in 2014 and in 2015. The casino was also honoured at the 2014 EGR awards, winning the Highly Commended Slots Operator of the Year and the Casino Brand of the Year awards. Overall, Mr Green stands out from other UK casino operator with its impeccable reputations and abundance of awards.

For the upcoming year, both the IGA and Mr Green will focus their efforts on charity and giving back to the community, as all socially responsible corporations should. The event donates to a variety of organisations, including the international humanitarian agency CARE, the Children with Cancer group, and the Responsible Gambling Trust. Operators at the event raise funds for those organisations by holding auctions for valuable items at the awards. Mr Green is expected to do the same, even though the items for sale are yet to be announced.