Keeping online casinos secure is incredibly important in today's digital world, where millions of people play games and bet online. With so many online casinos out there, it's crucial to safeguard players' personal information and money. That's why online casinos utilize security measures like encryption to protect data and secure payment systems to prevent fraud. They also have strict processes to verify players' identities. By doing all this, online casinos create a safe environment for people to enjoy their favorite games and bet without worrying about their casino security. History and Advancements The first online casinos appeared in 1994, as gaming providers started developing software for online casino gaming. During the mid-1990s, the first online transaction software was introduced, allowing people to make online wagers. This was revolutionary in the casino industry, as it shifted the idea of a casino from Las Vegas to the online world. But that all came with challenges. Online security was practically non-existent for commercial users during the early days of online gambling, which gave hackers ample opportunities to corrupt data, gather personal information, and affect transactions. Online transactions became more secure over time to adapt to recurring security threats. The development of firewalls, encryption technology, and awareness through responsible gambling has made online casinos more secure than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. That's not to say that cyberattacks have stopped. Even the best online casinos are still regular targets for hackers. However, online casinos are much better at dealing with these security breaches and protecting their players' data and transactions. Online Casino Security Elements We've touched on some of the main ways online casinos ensure players' security. However, creating a safe environment for casino players is not always connected to protecting them from hackers. There are other elements casinos regularly implement outside cyber security to make online gambling more enjoyable, such as ensuring that the games are fair or protecting players' well-being from the dangers of compulsive gambling. Encryption SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption is crucial in enhancing online casinos' level of security. When it comes to protecting sensitive information such as personal details, financial transactions, and account credentials, SSL encryption ensures that data transmitted between the player's device and the online casino's servers remain inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. By employing strong encryption algorithms, online casinos scramble the data into a complex code that can only be deciphered with the corresponding decryption key. This safeguards the information from interception or tampering. Encryption methods serve as a robust defense mechanism, providing an additional layer of protection. RNG While keeping players safe is important for online casinos, keeping them satisfied and ensuring fair play might be even more critical. That's why casinos put emphasis on working with reputable gaming providers that produce games based on random number generator (RNG) technology. The RNG ensures that a game outcome, such as card shuffling, dice rolls, or slot machine spins, is completely random and unbiased. This prevents any manipulation or predictability of the game results, creating a level playing field for all participants. By utilizing a reliable and certified RNG system, online casinos demonstrate transparency and eliminate the possibility of cheating or game rigging. This not only protects players from unfair practices but also shows the integrity of the online casino. Responsible Gambling Tools Almost all online casinos promote responsible gambling tools to create a safe and healthy gambling environment for their users. These tools are designed to assist players in maintaining control over their gambling habits and preventing potential harm. They typically include features such as deposit limits, time limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion. Deposit limits allow players to set a maximum amount they can deposit within a specific time frame, preventing excessive spending. Time limits enable players to control the amount of time they spend gambling, promoting responsible behavior and avoiding excessive gameplay. Self-exclusion options allow players to temporarily or permanently prevent themselves from accessing a particular online casino, providing a necessary break for those facing gambling-related issues. High Withdrawal Limits Generally, online casinos with higher withdrawal limits are more secure than those with lower ones. The reason is pretty simple. Higher withdrawal limits mean that players don't have to make as many transactions, limiting the risk of hacking interference. On the other hand, if the withdrawal limits are low, players have to make more transactions to withdraw all the money from their accounts. A larger number of transactions provide more chances for hackers to interfere. Gaming Fairness and Testing Companies Game testing companies play an important role in enhancing casino safety by conducting independent audits and testing of online casino platforms. These companies evaluate the fairness, gaming authority, and security of casino games and systems. They employ rigorous testing methodologies and audits to ensure that the games are operating correctly and weaknesses or fraudulent activities are eliminated. The involvement of game testing companies adds an extra layer of scrutiny and accountability to online casinos. By obtaining certifications or seals of approval from reputable testing companies, casinos can demonstrate their commitment to fair play, player protection, and security. Potential Security Threats As we explained above, increased casino safety doesn't necessarily stop cyberattacks from happening. Instead, it helps online casinos to prepare for them. Therefore, these attacks happen regularly, but casinos protect themselves and their players with cyber security measures. There are several potential security threats that gambling websites often have to deal with: DDoS attacks: DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are malicious attempts to disrupt the normal functioning of a website or online service by overwhelming it with a flood of traffic from multiple sources. In the context of online casinos, DDoS attacks can render the platform inaccessible to players, resulting in downtime and financial losses. Attackers may launch DDoS attacks to disrupt operations, extort money, or create a diversion for other security breaches. SQL injection: SQL injection (SQLi) targets the database systems underlying an online casino. Put simply, hackers inject malicious SQL commands into the database, exploiting vulnerabilities in the application code. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or data manipulation. SQL injection can compromise the security and confidentiality of players' personal data, financial information, and transaction history. Phishing: Phishing is a form of online fraud in which attackers attempt to manipulate individuals into providing their personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and financial details. They do so by impersonating a legitimate entity. Players may receive fake emails, text messages, or website links that appear to be from a real casino. Unsuspecting players may unknowingly provide their sensitive information, which can be used for identity theft, unauthorized account access, or financial fraud. Conclusion Robust casino safety procedures are of paramount importance to safeguarding players' personal information. Online casinos employ various measures to protect their players, including SSL encryption to secure data transmission, RNG implementation to ensure fair gameplay, and responsible gambling tools to promote safe gambling habits. Game testing companies play a vital role in auditing and verifying the integrity of online casino platforms. However, there are potential security threats such as, DDoS attacks, SQL injection attacks, and phishing, that online casinos must actively mitigate to maintain a secure environment for players. By addressing these threats and implementing robust security measures, online casinos can create a safe and trustworthy platform for players to enjoy their favorite games. FAQ How do you stay safe when gambling online? Ensure the casino employs strong security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Use unique and strong passwords for your casino accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Be wary of phishing attempts and avoid sharing sensitive information through unsecured channels. Can an online casino track you? Online casinos can track certain information about their players and conduct gaming surveillance. They can collect data such as your IP address, device information, and browsing activity on their platform. Every reputable casino has a privacy policy in place to explain how it handles and protects your data. Who investigates online casinos? Online casinos are typically investigated by regulatory bodies and licensing authorities that oversee the gambling industry. These entities ensure that online casinos comply with the relevant laws and regulations, including those related to security, fairness, and player protection. How do I know if an online casino is safe? Firstly, check if the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. Look for certifications or seals of approval from independent testing agencies that verify the fairness and security of the games. Additionally, ensure there are strong casino security measures like SSL encryption. Is it safe to use a debit card for online gambling? Using a debit card for online gambling can be safe if certain precautions are taken. Verify that the casino has a secure payment gateway and a trusted reputation for handling payment information. What is a blacklisted online casino? A blacklisted online casino has been deemed untrustworthy or has a history of unethical practices. These casinos may have been involved in fraud, withholding player funds, refusing to pay legitimate winnings, providing unfair games, or operating without proper licenses.

Slots are the most common type of gambling that allows players to insert money and spin a set of reels with various symbols. As the reels stop spinning, the machine dispenses winnings depending on how many matching symbols appear. Casino owners used the game's popularity to organize various tournaments. But, to fully understand how do slot tournaments work, you need to learn what a slot tournament actually is. Many of these tournaments were formerly held exclusively in brick-and-mortar establishments, but with the evolution of online casinos, they have since been ported to the convenience of desktop and mobile devices. What Is a Slot Tournament? Players in a slot tournament all play the same version of the same slot machine for a predetermined amount of time. Namely, they compete to see who can amass the largest amount of casino credits. By the game's end, the winner is the participant who accumulates the most credits. Prizes — points, credits, virtual currency, or actual cash — are awarded to the participant who has amassed the greatest total after the competition. Slot tournaments' appeal lies in the fact that everyone can join in the fun. The casino will reveal which slot machine will host the competition, hand out credit amounts and time limits to each player, and then watch the competition unfold. With a little bit of digging, you can find slot tournaments at different online casinos featuring traditional Vegas slots, video slots, and highly popular progressive jackpot slot games. These games have been created by adding crisp graphics, functionality, and more chances to collect bonuses and jackpots. How Do Slot Tournaments Work? Now we can turn our attention to the rules of play. So, how does a slot tournament work? Online casino slot tournament rules are very similar to those at brick-and-mortar casinos. You can always place bets up to a certain limit, regardless of the type of online contest you're participating in. When the time runs out, the overall prize goes to the player with the most points or the one who has played the most games. Elimination tournaments are contests where one player or a team must beat all opponents or teams to win. In the end, the winner of a knockout-style tournament is the player who won the most points in a certain amount of time. You can earn points in one of two different methods. First, make sure you have studied the terms of a slot games tournament before signing up for it. Then, find out whether the only way to acquire points is to win or you can get them just by betting. You have a chance of winning based on the following: Bet amounts — Whether the player wins or loses doesn't matter. What matters is that players keep betting to obtain more points. Prize amounts — The top players rank based on the money they've won. So, if you're lucky, you can win a small entry fee. The usual entry cost for a slot tournament ranges from $25 to $100, depending on the casino, while the financial prizes for the tournament can be rather large. For instance, if each player in a slot tournament puts in $100, the total prize pool may be worth $100,000. Interestingly, prices are available for players down to the 2,000th place on the scoreboard, so everyone has a shot at winning something. In addition to the great cash prizes, players have the chance to win free spins or no-deposit bonuses. It's a common practice for slot tournaments to give participants more than their entry fee would normally buy, so even if you don't win anything, it’s still worth it to enter. Types of Slot Tournaments The variety of options in nearly every corner of the iGaming world is one of the biggest selling points of the industry, and that's the case regarding slot tournaments. Besides learning how to play slot tournaments, you should also inspect and decide which type is the most suitable for you. Freeroll Slot Tournaments Participating in a freeroll tournament is free of charge, so you can enter the contest and compete for the big prize with no out-of-pocket cost. Freerolls typically run for a shorter period of time and are included in online casinos' promotional incentives like sign-up welcome packages. Buy-in Tournaments Slot tournaments are usually cash-entry events because participants must pay the price to participate. These tournaments are also known as "buy-in" contests. Paying this fee doesn't give you any special privileges during the tournament; it simply grants you entry. Sit n' Go Tournaments The success of Sit 'n' Go tournaments in online poker has translated well to slot tournaments. There's no set time limit like there is in scheduled slots tournaments, but these competitions are timed so that everyone begins and ends at the exact same moment. Therefore, every player in a Sit 'n' Go game must be at the table at the same time. Scheduled Tournaments A scheduled slot tournament warrants the implementation of some kind of slot tournament strategy. As these contests have a set starting time, a scheduled tournament can be either freeroll or buy-in. The only requirement is to register and be present at a predetermined hour and, in case it's buy-in type, a paid fee. Reloader Tournaments During reload slot tournaments, players can pay to re-enter the competition. In this tournament type, competitors pay an entry fee to play for a predetermined amount of time. Generally, the event as a whole takes around an hour, with each round lasting five minutes. If players lose in the first five minutes of a round, they can re-buy a spot in the next round. These re-buys are optional, and players can use them at any time throughout the tournament. Extender Tournaments Extender tournaments are comparable to reloader tournaments. However, participants in extender tournaments have the opportunity to 'raise' their final score. Also, while playing, you have a chance to purchase an add-on that will increase your odds of winning, but this doesn't ensure that you will be placed on the leaderboard. Survival Slot Tournaments Survivor tournaments can come in different variants but typically consist of three 5-minute rounds. Each of the three rounds features the same rules and gameplay, but the winner is determined after each round. In Round 1, all players who compete and finish in the top half will advance to the next stage. Only the top 10% from Round 2 will advance to the Final Round. At the end of Round 3, the top 10 players, i.e., the ones still standing, will be rewarded. These events have only a ten-second break between rounds, but they keep the greatest players interested and engaged the whole time. One-Shot Tournaments One-shot type tournaments are even more difficult and cutthroat than the survivor type. The punters only get one opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and, if successful, advance to the next round and go closer to winning the grand prize. Comped Tournaments Comped tournaments are free to enter competitions and are offered to regular customers. Casino websites that have a customer loyalty program, that's well-established, host a wide variety of events to continue to keep their consumers entertained in the most exciting and engaging way possible. PCH Tournaments Publisher's Clearing House (PCH) is a corporation that specializes in direct marketing and runs daily slot tournaments with both buy-in and freeroll options. Additionally, the company generates revenue through the sale of magazines and subscription services, allowing them to give away prizes ranging from one hundred to ten thousand dollars. Slot players enjoy participating in these tournaments because they provide them with the opportunity to win large cash prizes without having to spend any money. Slot Tournament Strategy What every player wants to know is how to win a slot tournament. Keep in mind that no tournament strategy guarantees victory because there's absolutely nothing players can do to improve their chances of winning a single slot round. So, how can you better your odds of overall success? Concentration and playing speed are the two most important aspects. For the best possible outcome, it's necessary to play the maximum number of spins allowed and bet on the maximum number of paylines. In order to keep the reels going after they've stopped, you'll need to keep clicking the spin button. Remember not to sit idly awaiting credit addition, and don't let close calls upset you. Pay attention to the task at hand rather than focusing on the competition. Although it's natural to be curious about how you stack up against the competition, spending time doing so is pointless. Don't answer the phone or do anything else that might pull your attention away from your goal (spinning the reels) until the timer goes off and you know where you stand. So, there's no foolproof strategy for slot tournaments. Anyone telling you otherwise is either uninformed or trying to sell you a system that isn't worth your time. Slots are just products with lights and reels. If you want to be successful at slot machines and in tournaments, you need nothing more than a little bit of luck. Tips for Playing at Slot Tournaments Now that you understand what is a slot tournament and how to devise your strategy by gathering the experiences of tournament players let’s look at a compiled list of the most essential tips that are easily applicable to the strategy mentioned above: Keep your finger on the spin button at all times because slot tournaments have a time limit on how long you have to use your casino credits. Whether you went ahead or behind in the game may depend on just a few key decisions. Play with the maximum bet if you want the maximum payoff from your winning spin. In order to come out on top in a slot tournament, you need to have the most coins at the end of the round. Be sure to bet across all paylines to give yourself the best chance of winning a slot machine game. If you hit it big at the slots, pay attention to the clock because the reels will stop spinning for a while. As soon as the slot machine finishes counting, you should start hitting the spin button to boost your odds of earning the jackpot again. Just ignore the other players who are trying to get your attention by talking or jumping about once they win a jackpot. The more time you waste fiddling with other things, the less likely it is that you'll hit a winning payline and collect your prize. Conclusion So, these were the most important aspects and types of slot tournaments. The goal was to provide a comprehensive guide and answer the key question: ‘How do slot tournaments work?’ Namely, the possibilities are numerous, but the choice will come down to you and your personality. Are you a competitive person who thrives in high-stress situations, or do you like to take your time and plan your next move? If you nurture a competitive (but also sporting) spirit, you should consider slot tournaments for your gambling portfolio. Who knows, you may be the one who hits it big! FAQ What's the secret to winning slot tournaments? Success with slot machines depends entirely on random chance. All you need to do is to spin quickly and maximize your earnings. Also, you should perform as many spins as you possibly can. For some players, using the auto-spin feature seem to be a good method. Do you use your own money in slot tournaments? It depends on the type of tournament, and if you don’t want to risk your own cash, you can always search for freeroll tournaments. What triggers a jackpot on a slot machine? The most elementary method of awarding a jackpot prize is randomness. However, it's also possible that a specific set of symbols must be hit to trigger the jackpot. The second approach players use to win the slots jackpot is to play in the bonus round by collecting the required symbols in the correct order. Does playing max bet increase odds? Yes. Increasing your wager to the maximum level in most slot games will result in a bigger payout. In order to win a slot tournament, players need to have the most coins at the end of the round. Are slot tournaments rigged? There's no reason for you to be concerned if you're playing in a regulated, licensed casino that provides only tested RNG games. Each slot machine is programmed to generate results at random and have a predetermined payout percentage. How do slot tournaments work at casinos? At land-based slot tournaments, rules are pretty similar to the ones at online casinos. However, the one big difference when you’re playing by pressing a real-life button is that when you finish, you need to wait for an official to collect your score.

What Is Cheltenham Festival? The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events in the horse racing calendar in the United Kingdom. This four-day meeting, held annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, features some of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt racing calendar, with prize money second only to the Grand National. The festival is linked to betting, featuring significant Cheltenham bonuses and bets. From 14 March to 17 March 2023, the Cheltenham Festival will showcase 14 Grade One races across four-day racing event. The festival will see the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world compete head-to-head in hopes of securing a win and cementing their place in history. Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, the racecourse offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The festival is noted for its incredible atmosphere, with the sound of the 'Cheltenham roar' as the starter raises the tape for the first race of the festival being one of its most iconic features. The roar is the enormous amount of noise generated by the crowd. It's a testament to the festival's passion and excitement. The Cheltenham horse racing is particularly popular with Irish visitors and coincides with Saint Patrick's Day. The meeting features several Grade I races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers' Hurdle. These races are considered to be some of the most prestigious and challenging in the sport of horse racing. Brief History The Cheltenham Festival has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 19th century. The first organized flat race meeting in Cheltenham was held on Nottingham Hill in 1815, and the first competitions were held on Cleeve Hill in August 1818. However, it wasn't until three years later, in 1821, that another meeting was staged, this time on Cleeve Hill, which overlooks the current Cheltenham Racecourse site. The Cleeve Hill meeting was a success, as the following year saw the construction of a grandstand on the side of the hill. In addition, a proper course was laid on the West Down of the hill, and for 1819, the meeting was increased to three days. Over the next decade, the races on Cleeve Hill soared in popularity, with crowds of up to 50,000 attendees. However, the races began to attract some unwelcome folk, such as pickpockets, drunkards, and card sharps, which led to opposition from the Anglican Rector of Cheltenham, Reverend Francis Close, who preached about the evils of horse racing and gambling. The race meeting in 1830 was disrupted, and the racecourse was moved to Prestbury Park in 1831 to overcome this violent opposition. Prestbury Park held its first National Hunt Festival on 9 April and 10 April 1902. The Cheltenham Festival was originally the National Hunt Meeting, which staged the National Hunt Chase, the four-miler for amateur riders. It was first held in Prestbury Park in 1904 and 1905 before settling there permanently in 1911. The festival has since become one of the most important and prestigious events in the horse racing calendar, attracting some of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys worldwide. As a result, Cheltenham races today are considered the most visited in the UK. Alongside Wimbledon, the British Open, and the FA Cup Final, it is primarily acknowledged as one of the UK's top sports events. Cheltenham Free Bets If you're a bettor looking to take advantage of the Cheltenham Festival free bets, there are several steps to follow. You must consider a trusted bookmakers' bonus to claim your Cheltenham Free Bet. After the deposit, you must place a qualifying bet to earn your bonus. Once your qualifying bet has been settled, the free bets will be credited to your account. You can maximize the number of free bets to increase your chances of winning big at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. Some significant offers for existing customers are: QuinnBet The QuinnBet offers 'Faller Insurance'. If your selection loses, you'll receive a free bet bonus of up to ￡10 in place of your losing wager. Coral Your stakes will be returned as a free bets if your horse fails to finish in all important Cheltenham races, including when it falls, is knocked down, the rider is removed from the saddle, pulls up, or quits. In addition, the Coral offers a ￡10 free bets per race. Fitzdares If your horse finishes second to a winner at odds of 20/1 or more, you will receive money back as a ￡10 free bet. Bettor Offers: Top 10 bookies for Horse Racing with Best Bonuses The top Cheltenham free bets will be reviewed on this page, and the other offers new bettors may expect to see during the National Hunt events. We will choose the best Cheltenham betting offers and explain how to claim the bonuses. We will choose the best Cheltenham betting offers and explain how to claim the bonuses. 1. Bet365 is one of the best bookmakers for sports betting, when it comes to Cheltenham Festival promotions, . The Bet365 heltenham Offer for the 2023 races is a ￡50 Free Bet when you sign up and bet a minimum of ￡10. 2. Betfred's promotion offers the chance for new players to win ￡30 in free bets for the opening of the Cheltenham Festival. With their other bonus, new members can deposit and wager ￡50 and receive up to ￡100 in free bet for betting. 3. Unibet will give you a money-back bonus of up to ￡40, if your first racing wager as a new customer is unsuccessful. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="786350"] 4. Betway's Cheltenham free bet offer is straightforward—create a new account with Betway, and you can get a ￡10 free bet. 5. Betfair's sign-up offer is accommodating—a ￡30 in Free Bets when you place a ￡10 bet on sportsbook. 6. 10Bet Sportsbook offers the opportunity to get a 50% up to ￡50 welcome bonus. You can apply the bonus to expand your winnings. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="778558"] 7. QuinnBet's sign-up offer is very generous—get 50% back as a free bet up to ￡35, plus 10 free spins. 8. NetBet's free bet offer is straightforward for new customers—deposit and bet ￡10, and you'll receive ￡10 in free bets. You can apply the bonus to boost your winnings. 9. William Hill is one of the UK's oldest and most respected bookmakers. Its offer for the Cheltenham festival for new customers is to bet ￡10, and you'll receive ￡30 in free bets. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="506594"] 10. Ladbrokes is a well-established bookmaker that offers ￡20 in free bets for placing at least ￡5 bet for new customers. You can apply the bonus to increase your winning potential. 11. Parimatch's Cheltenham free bet offer for new players is very generous—bet ￡10, and you'll receive ￡35 in bonuses. Cheltenham Enhanced Offers The bookmakers' enhanced offers are among the most exciting things about the Cheltenham Festival. These offers boost the price of a particular horse, usually the favorite, to give new customers higher returns if their selected horse wins the race. Some Championship races at Cheltenham that typically receive enhanced offers include the Champion Hurdle, Ballymore Novices Hurdle, Champion Chase, Cross Country Chase, Turners Novices Chase, and Ryanair Chase. Many bookmakers offer enhanced odds on specific horses at Cheltenham Festival, particularly the Championship races. By looking for the best deals and selecting suitable horses to bet on, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of your Cheltenham betting experience. Is Best Odds Guaranteed Available for Cheltenham? As the Cheltenham races 2023 approach, many bettors wonder whether best odds guaranteed (BOG) will be available. BOG is a popular promotion many bookmakers offer, ensuring that if a horse's starting price (SP) exceeds the price you took when placing your bet, you'll receive higher odds. Following Cheltenham tipsters, the bookmakers that offer BOG are: Choose a price on your selection, and if the SP is higher, Bet365 will compensate you at the higher odds. You can apply the bonus to all races at the festival. Best odds guaranteed is available at Ladbrokes for betting on all UK and Irish racing. Coral also offers higher odds for all Irish and UK races for a particular day. BetVictor is another bookmaker that offers this exciting proposition. You can apply the bonus to maximize your winning potential. The Last 10 Cheltenham Winners The festival has had some fantastic moments over the past ten years, including outstanding winners and performances that will always be remembered. The latest winners in Cheltenham are: A.P. McCoy rode Synchronised to victory in the 2012 Gold Cup, one of the most incredible rides in Cheltenham history. The same year, British-trained horses dominated the festival, winning every race they entered, including Cinders and Ashes, Big Bucks, Finian's Rainbow, and Riverside Theatre. In 2013, Hurricane Fly regained his crown in the Champion Hurdle, while Sprinter Sacre had a stunning performance in the Champion Chase. Bobs Worth won the Gold Cup with incredible perseverance, while Solwhit and Cue Card triumphed in the Stayers' Hurdle and Ryanair Chase. Lord Windermere won the 2014 Gold Cup, and Sire de Grugy gave the Moore family much to be happy about in the Champion Chase. The Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Champion Hurdle were won by Vautour and Jezki, while More Of That triumphed in the Stayers' Hurdle. In 2015, Douvan and Faugheen had standout wins in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Champion Hurdle, while Coneygree won the Gold Cup for Mark Bradstock. Other notable winners included Dodging Bullets, Uxizandre, and Cole Harden. The 2016 Gold Cup saw Don Cossack perform outstandingly, while Altior and Sprinter Sacre won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Champion Chase. Annie Power became the first mare to win the Champion Hurdle since 1994, while Vautour and Thistlecrack won the Ryanair Chase and Stayers' Hurdle. In 2017, Sizing John won a relatively weak renewal of the Gold Cup, while Labaik, Buveur d'Air, and Special Tiara won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Champion Hurdle, and Champion Chase. Nichols Canyon won the Stayers' Hurdle, while Un de Sceaux won the Ryanair Chase. The 2018 Gold Cup was won by Native River, while Buveur d'Air won the Champion Hurdle for the second year in a row. Altior won the Champion Chase, Penhill and Balko des Flos won the Stayers' Hurdle and Ryanair Chase. In 2019, Al Boum Photo won the Gold Cup, while Klassical Dream, Duc des Genievres, and Paisley Park won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Arkle, and Stayers' Hurdle. The Champion Hurdle was won by Epatante, while Bryony Frost made history by becoming the first woman to win a Grade 1 event over hurdles or fences at the Festival. The 2020 Festival saw Al Boum Photo become the first horse to win successive Gold Cups since Best Mate nearly 20 years earlier. Shishkin, Epatante, and Paisley Park were among the other notable winners. In 2021, the Cheltenham Festival saw a historic moment as trainer Henry de Bromhead became the first trainer to win the three big Cheltenham Festival races—Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, and Cheltenham Gold Cup. Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore also made history by riding six winners during the week, including a victory in the Gold Cup aboard Minella Indo, trained by de Bromhead. The following year, the 2022 Champion Hurdle saw the star mare Honeysuckle retain her title and extend her unbeaten record to 15. In the Cheltenham Gold Cup, A Plus Tard, also trained by de Bromhead, won emphatically by 15 lengths. Allaho also retained his position as one of the best jumpers in training with an impressive 14-length victory in the Ryanair Chase. The Cheltenham festival tickets are sold out, but the hospitality options are still available. FAQ What are the four big races at Cheltenham? The four big races at Cheltenham are the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers' Hurdle. These races are considered the most prestigious and influential races of the festival. What date is Cheltenham 2023? Cheltenham Festival will be held from 14 March to 17 March 2023. Is there a dress code at Cheltenham Festival? Yes, it's smart-casual for the day. For the Club Enclosure, the dress code is more formal. It's recommended to dress smart, which includes a collared shirt and trousers or tailored shorts and dresses or skirts of an appropriate length. Sportswear and ripped jeans are not permitted in any enclosure. How many places are paid out at Cheltenham? The number of places paid out at Cheltenham can vary depending on the specific race and the number of horses running. However, in addition to the payout, customers can expect significant Cheltenham bonuses. Generally, the standard place terms for races at Cheltenham are three places in races of 8+ runners or four places in handicap races of 16 or more contenders. What is the prize money for Cheltenham Festival 2023? The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the biggest non-handicap chase staged in Britain, with a prize pool of a massive ￡625,000.

Without a doubt, Backgammon is a popular board game worldwide. But did you know it's also one of the oldest games in history? Unlike traditional games such as chess and go, Backgammon has been around since 3,000 BC. In this article, I'll talk more about the history of Backgammon, so read on if you're interested to learn the origins of this game. The History of Backgammon Evidence suggests that Backgammon has been played by the rulers of ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, Persia, and the Far East for thousands of years. Iran The oldest known backgammon board, which dates back 5,000 years, was found in 2004 in the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan. Pieces were made of turquoise and agate, and the board was made of pure ivory. During those days, these materials were commonly used to construct backgammon boards and other board games. Around the same time, ancient dice made of human bone were also discovered. Ancient Mesopotamia In the 1920s, archaeological discoveries were made in ancient Mesopotamia and present-day Iraq, dating back 5,000 years and revealing six artifacts similar to what we see today in backgammon boards, dice, and different colored pieces. These discoveries provided a fascinating glimpse into the game's potential origins in ancient Mesopotamia. Even though there's a debate over the exact origin of Backgammon, it's known that Egyptians, Sumerians, and Persians all played games similar to our modern backgammon games. A 5,000-year-old backgammon board was found in the Royal Tombs of Ur in Mesopotamia in 1962. Although, as previously mentioned, this was the area where The Royal Game of Ur was played, the wheel, the first written language, and the first known math system were all invented. Roman Empire There were times when the Romans were so enthralled with the game that they proclaimed it to be the sport of emperors; they played it on surfaces such as wood, with stones as markers and dice made from bones, wood, or pottery as dice. It's believed that during the long journeys of Emperor Claudius, he incorporated a special board into his chariot to be able to play the game during those long journeys. Backgammon was believed to have been taught in the Holy Land and brought back to Europe by the Crusaders. In the Middle Ages, Backgammon was an advantage of knighthood in England; it was the privilege of the aristocracy and noblemen. References of Backgammon English literature and art used to refer to Backgammon as 'tables' until 1645 when the word 'backgammon' first appeared in print. There are several references to the game in works by Chaucer and Shakespeare, as well as Dr. Jan Steen's masterpiece of the 17th century, 'Argument over a Card Game,' which deals with the game's history. A reference in the book written by writer Edmond Hoyle in 1745 describes the rules of Backgammon and discusses some strategies still used today in the game. The invention of the double cube took place in the 1920s. The Doubling Cube Among the most significant developments in the history of Backgammon, the invention of the doubling cube is most notable. The doubling cube is shaped like any six-sided dice, except its numbers are different — six numbers are displayed on the doubling cube, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. The cube sits between each player. So, using the cube, one player can double their stakes if they feel they have the advantage. In the 20s, the doubling cube became popular in New York City, but it's unclear who introduced it to the public. Today, the doubling cube is used by western players in modern backgammon games. And, for example, in Armenia and Greece, the doubling cube isn't commonly used. Backgammon Today During the 60s, there was a surge in the popularity of Backgammon, partly because of the influence of the Russian Prince Alexis Obolensky. It was believed that he was the father of modern Backgammon for a time. He was a co-founder of the International Backgammon Association and wrote the first set of rules for the game. He also hosted a series of tournaments in Manhattan in the 1960s, drawing many celebrities and royalty. Backgammon was once one of the most popular games in the Western world. Over the years, it has always been one of the most popular board games throughout the Middle East, and its popularity has never diminished over the years. In the late 60s, Hugh Hefner's backgammon parties were held at the Playboy Mansion. And during the last days of Hefner's life, he played the game with his family and close friends. In 1967, there was even a World Championship held in Las Vegas. As a result of the establishment of the United States Backgammon Federation in 2009, Backgammon has become more and more popular worldwide. This federation is composed of all-time top players and tournament directors worldwide. For this reason, backgammon tournaments have become increasingly popular in recent years. Backgammon has become a popular game in most land-based and online casinos. However, in casinos, it may have slightly different rules, but its popularity shows just how common it is. And lastly, home versions of this game are available at the major board game manufacturers. Digital Backgammon It's now possible to play Backgammon anywhere at any time. There are hundreds of backgammon versions available on flash game websites. Moreover, versions are available through Apple and Android's app stores. Alternatively, you can play a version of this game through iMessage with other iPhone users. Conclusion I provided a brief overview of what I've mentioned in this article about the history of Backgammon: In 2004, the ancient backgammon board was discovered in an Iranian province, dating back 5,200 years. In the 20s, six artifacts were in Iraq that originated approximately 3000 BC. A 5,000-year-old board was discovered in Iraq in the 60s. In England, in 1645, the word 'backgammon' first appeared in print. The father of modern Backgammon is Alexis Obolensky. First World Championship took place in Las Vegas in 1967. In 2009, the United States Backgammon Federation was established. It's one of the oldest dice games, but people still love playing Backgammon at home, at parties, land-based and online casinos. In case you don't know anything, you can learn the rules and gameplay of Backgammon.