Online Bingo Game Guide

Online bingo is an ideal game to play in an online casino. Its simple rules allow you to get started right away. Find a reliable online casino and choose an exciting online bingo game. Discover the best bingo games and learn more about the rules, odds of winning, and different bingo variations in non GamStop casinos, where you can also discover casinos accepting PayPal off GamStop for convenient and flexible payments.

Best Online Bingo Casinos Without GamStop?

Bingo! Our experts have selected the best bingo casinos to play at. These bingo casinos without GamStop are rated based on their games, bonuses, and reliability, among other factors.

• G4mble
• Crypto-Games
• MystBet
• USpin
• SpinShark
• Britsino

What Is Online Bingo?

The classic Bingo game is known worldwide as a relaxing game of chance that you can play alone or with friends. You buy one or more Bingo cards with 5 horizontal and 5 vertical rows. In regular Bingo, you cross off the numbers with a pen or pencil, while in online Bingo, the numbers that come up are automatically crossed off.

In online bingo, the numbers aren't drawn using an old-fashioned bingo wheel. Automated bingo games use a computer program that randomly draws the numbers. This Random Number Generator is also used in online slots and online roulette. A major advantage of this is that cheating is impossible.

Online casino bingo is just as fun and easy to play as bingo in an amusement arcade. You create an account, buy your bingo card online, and follow the numbers. You can play bingo in an online casino alone or in a virtual room with others. You can connect with your fellow players via the chat function. In a casino without GamStop, you'll find most bingo games and variations.

History of Online Bingo

Online bingo is a relatively new phenomenon. Bingo itself isn't. Bingo as a game has been played in Italy since 1530. The name bingo originated in the United States in 1920. The numbers on the forms were covered with beans, or beanos, which were used to cover the numbers on the forms. Bingo has also become a popular game in the UK, played by people of all ages. Many clubs in the UK organize bingo evenings, which are often accompanied by a lot of fun and a pleasant atmosphere.

How do I Start Playing at a Bingo Casino?

Ready for a night of online bingo? In just a few steps, you can play and win.

Step 1 Choose a Bingo Casino

Find a safe and reliable casino to play online bingo. Most non GamStop casinos offer different versions, such as Bingo Bonanza, Book of Ra Bingo, or Electro Bingo.

Step 2 Create an Online Casino Account

To gamble online, you need an account. Enter your email address and password to register. Complete your account with your personal information, such as your name and date of birth.

Step 3 Deposit

The great thing about online casino bingo is that there are so many ways to bet. You can buy a bingo card for as little as €0.10, but there are also cards for €20. Set your limit and transfer your money.

Step 4 Choose Your Favorite Game

You can play classic Bingo or choose one of the variations, such as 75- and 90-Ball Bingo. The advantage of online casino games is that you always have plenty of choices.

Step 5 And win!

Hold your virtual pen at the ready and follow the numbers. If you complete a line on one of your Bingo cards, you win.

Online Bingo Game Explanation and Rules

Online bingo is typically played with the numbers 1-75, with a single sheet consisting of 24 numbers (5×5 numbers). There is no number in the center of the sheet. The letters BING O appear above the columns.

• The B column contains 5 numbers from the range 1 to 15

• The I column contains 5 numbers from the range 16 to 30

• The N column contains 4 numbers from the range 31 to 45 and an empty field or logo in the middle

• The G column contains 5 numbers from the range 46 to 60

• The O column contains 5 numbers from the range 61 to 75

Each number appears only once on each card. Numbers are unsorted in each column. Therefore, you must pay close attention to which numbers you have on the form. The numbers are drawn one by one, and the number is called out or displayed. If this number is on the card, you must cross it out. In non GamStop casinos, this is usually done automatically.

Betting on Online Bingo

Playing bingo online is available in all sorts of price ranges and depends entirely on your budget. For example, you can buy an online bingo card from just €0.01 per card. You can also buy more than one card. Having multiple cards increases your chances of winning.

Non GamStop casinos have certain peak hours during the day when they're especially busy. This is often during the evenings, between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Weekends are also often busier. This is important to know, because with online bingo, the fewer people active, the greater your chances of winning. However, the fewer people participating, the lower the prize pool will also be.

If you choose to play with more than one card, you can enable the "auto-dab" function. This feature automatically removes the numbers from the card. This ensures you don't miss any numbers and that everything is removed correctly.

When Do You Win?

Once you've crossed off a full line—this can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal—you shout "BINGO." If you don't shout "Bingo" or don't cross off the correct numbers, you obviously don't win. There's no limit to the number of rounds you can play. With online Bingo, you have to press a button to "call" Bingo. In some cases, the numbers are automatically removed from the card in the online casino. This has the major advantage of eliminating the need to pay close attention.

Betting Sites in 2025 – A Fresh Alternative for UK Players

While GamStop was designed to help players manage their gambling habits, it also creates a one-size-fits-all system — locking out even those ready to return responsibly. That’s why off GamStop betting platforms are becoming a growing interest in the UK gaming scene.

These alternative sportsbooks provide a way back in, allowing players to step into the uncensored casino world with more control over how and when they play. Whether your account was suspended months ago or you simply want more freedom over your own activity, betting without GamStop can offer a more personalized experience.

GamStop is a UK self-exclusion scheme supported by local bookmakers. Once registered, you're restricted from using UK-licensed gambling platforms — for at least six months, sometimes longer. But not all betting sites fall under this program.

A growing number of players are now choosing offshore sportsbooks — fully legal in their own jurisdictions — that aren’t connected to GamStop. These independent betting platforms cater to users who prefer flexibility, crypto payments, and fewer limitations.

Understanding Sports Betting Without GamStop

If you're exploring alternatives, it's important to understand what sports betting not covered by GamStop actually means.

Put simply, GamStop-free sportsbooks are betting sites not regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. That doesn’t make them illegal — in fact, most are licensed in respected gaming hubs like Curaçao or Malta. These international platforms serve a global audience, including UK users looking for options beyond the self-exclusion network.

Unlike UK-licensed sites, they are not required to check GamStop status — which makes them accessible to excluded players.

✅ Key Features of Outside GamStop Sportsbooks:

●        Open registration regardless of GamStop status

●        Crypto-friendly payment options like Bitcoin or Tether

●        Larger welcome bonuses and fewer betting restrictions

●        Access to both sports and casino games on a single platform

Just remember: with more freedom comes more responsibility. Always verify licensing and payout policies before registering.

Pros and Cons of Betting Off GamStop

Betting off GamStop can feel like stepping into a bigger playground — fewer restrictions, more freedom, and a whole new range of options. But just like any betting path, it’s not all smooth sailing. Before you place your first bet outside the UKGC bubble, here’s what you need to know.

🟢 Why Players Love Sportsbooks Not on GamStop

●        Access When Others Say No
Self-excluded via GamStop? No problem. Off GamStop sportsbooks still let you register, deposit, and play without barriers.

●        Bigger Bonuses, Fewer Limits
Tired of low deposit caps and underwhelming promos? These platforms roll out hefty welcome offers, reload bonuses, and cashback deals — without the fine print.

●        No UKGC Strings Attached
Betting outside GamStop means freedom. No mandatory time-outs. No auto-limits. Just the flexibility to bet your way, whether casually or competitively.

●        More Ways to Pay
From Bitcoin to e-wallets, non-GamStop sites offer wider payment options — ideal if you want to stay anonymous or just skip traditional banking.

🔴 What to Watch Out For

●        Fewer Safety Nets
With freedom comes responsibility. Most off GamStop sportsbooks don’t offer built-in limit tools or break reminders. If you’re not disciplined, things can spiral fast.

●        Not Under UK Jurisdiction
These platforms are licensed abroad (think Curacao or Malta), which means the UK Gambling Commission can’t step in if something goes wrong.

●        Reputation Isn’t Always Obvious
There are trusted international brands — and then there are shady operators with flashy sites but no real support. You’ll need to do a little homework to know the difference.

●        No Account Recovery If You Slip
Unlike UK-licensed sites, there's no “panic button” if you change your mind. Once you're in, you're responsible for staying in control.

FAQ – Your Questions About Non-Gamstop Sports Betting Answered

Is it legal to use sportsbooks not on GamStop from the UK?
Yes – as long as the platform is licensed (typically by Curacao or Malta) and accepts UK players. However, they operate outside the UKGC's jurisdiction.

Why would someone choose betting off GamStop?
Many users do it to regain access after self-exclusion or to enjoy higher bonuses, flexible rules, and alternative payment options like crypto.

Are these sites safe to use?
Some are — especially those with trusted international licenses. But you must do your own research. Always check for licensing info, security measures, and verified reviews.

Will I still be able to use responsible gambling tools?
Not always. Non-GamStop sportsbooks may lack the strict self-exclusion or limit-setting tools UKGC sites provide. You’ll need to manage your own limits.

Can I use crypto or e-wallets on these sites?
Yes, most off GamStop bookmakers offer a wide range of payments — including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Skrill, Neteller, and even prepaid vouchers.

Do these sites offer big welcome bonuses?
Usually yes. Since they’re not limited by UKGC bonus rules, many platforms offer higher welcome packages, cashback, or free bets. But always read the terms.

The Bottom Line – Choose Smart, Bet Smarter

Outside GamStop betting opens a door — not just to different sportsbooks, but to a different mindset.

It’s about independence: no restrictions, no automated limits, just you and your choices.
It’s also about responsibility: there’s no safety net, so the risk is yours to own.

If you’re betting for fun, managing your time and money, and exploring new platforms with caution — this space can be incredibly rewarding. But if you’re chasing losses or breaking self-imposed limits, even the best off GamStop sites won’t help.

Choose smart. Bet smarter. And always remember — your best bet is an informed one.

Image Credit

Frost on Glass: Ice Flower Art

When a pane of glass is exposed to very cold air on the outside while inside the air is reasonably moist, frost can form.  Known as ice flowers or fern frost, it is remarkable for the intricate patterns it creates.  The surface of the glass influences the way that the ice is formed so that the first process of crystallization, known as nucleation, is randomized.  The patterns, then, are almost infinite in variety.  Science aside, ice flowers are a source of wonder, things of elegance and beauty.  They are nature’s art at its most exquisite.

Image Credit Flickr User MarkyBon

Odd Bird

Clark is gay but he hasn’t told his conservative family (comprising of mom and his very, very big brother).  When he was younger, he created a comic book to help escape – The Adventures of Odd Bird.  A promising artist, a publisher has expressed an interest in publishing it and Clark must make the journey home to retrieve the document. Yet lots of things have changed for him and he decides it is time to come out to his family.  With his heart in his mouth, Clark prepares to come out to his family...

Written and created by Katey Dore of Crafty Short Films, Odd Bird stars Michael Varde, Betsy Moore and Jacob Peacock.  Most of the action of this film takes place at Circle-J Ranch.  And I’m just  going to leave that there without any explanation. If you know, you know. If you don't, you don't need to.

Watch Odd Bird below:

Mesofaune

Some stories are epic in scale – and so indeed is Mesofaune.  A lone captain, scarred by years of battle against a huge swamp beast, navigates his ship through a murky quagmire.  His quarry is elusive and he must use every item at his disposal in his ruthless pursuit of revenge.  There are definite shades of Moby Dick here and the battle scenes are quite simply amazing. Please make sure that you watch this to the end for a remarkable twist in the tale.  It is not so much deus ex machina but rather deus est machina.  If you know your Latin, that might just be a spoiler. If not – watch away!

This remarkable animated short was created by ARTFX, the International School of Cinema, 2D & 3D Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Video Games, Programming and Fine Arts in France.  The crew of the film included Louis Cresson, Alexandre Gauch, Maxime Guedon, Léo Kobisch, Yanis Laserre, Morgane Mongendre, and Romain Pautre.

Her Song

Astonishingly beautiful and heart-rendingly poignant, Her Song is not the usual animated short that we feature on Kuriositas.  A young girl visits her grandmother and over a cup of tea their conversation leads to a revelation – a secret never to be told, as it were.  Exquisitely animated, this extraordinary piece of art harkens back to a somewhat bleak time in Irish history (not so long ago) when unmarried pregnant women were forced into Mother and Baby homes, often with tragic results.

Directed by Éabha Bortolozzo and Jack Kirwan, Her Song was produced by Greg Connolly with Radii Animation and features performances by Brenda Fricker and Nicola Coughlan. The film’s evocative atmosphere is enriched by an original music composition from Matilda O'Mahony and Rachel O'Grady.  If you are not often taken aback by something, give this award winning animation a go.

Watch Her Song below.

The Trift Bridge: The Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge in the Swiss Alps

Climbers have to be fit and healthy to even reach Trift Bridge.  Yet once they get there they must be in possession of other qualities.  It is the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in the Swiss Alps and even the sight of it can render some people weak at the knees. It is 330 feet (100 meters) above the floor of the valley and a staggering 560 (170 meters) in length. Climbing mountains is one thing: clambering across them on a skinny bridge with a yawning chasm below is another feat entirely.

This is only the second bridge to be situated in this dazzlingly beautiful valley landscape.  In 2004 an enormous hydroelectric plant was built below the Trift Glacier.  The plant collected and controlled the run off from the glacier (yes, a whole plant just for the run off).  A bridge was needed to access the power plant below the glacier and so this precariously positioned structure was built.  Inevitably, the bridge attracted people who wanted to cross it simply for the thrill, rather than for reasons of employment.

Hypnosis

Have you ever been a magician’s assistant? I’ve never fancied it personally – and this short from ARTFX (International School of Cinema, 2D & 3D Animation, Visual Effects, Video Games, Programming and Fine Arts) convinces me that my instincts were right.  In this story, Bergerac the Magician invites a young boy from the audience to help him and to undergo a form of hypnosis.  Yet the boy’s reaction to Bergerac’s facial features provokes a punishment most cruel – but a lesson, too.

Considering this is a student film, this is staggeringly well made.  It's a work of art - beautiful, mysterious, full of action and with - what I admire about it most - structurally perfect.  I won't give anything away (spoilers, sweetie), but you're not going to be disappointed.

Watch the animated short below.

The Tarn Between Us

Childhood friendships can sometimes resonate with us throughout life.  Sometimes they can do much, much more than that.  Watching this short film set in Cumbria’s Little Langdale Valley – the heart of the Lake District, I can’t help but think that James and Adeline will see each other again. Yet first, they must reconcile both to the distance that has been between them and that which will soon inevitably interrupt their friendship again.

This very sweet short film is almost wordless – but then it doesn’t really need a script.  Many of us have been a James or an Adeline and we will recognise in this pair echoes of our own lives and loves.  There’s a Welsh word – hiraeth – a deep longing for something (especially home) and this to me is what this short is all about.

 “The Tarn Between Us”, by Bjornfell UK and directed by Katie Armer, is a hauntingly beautiful short film (a tarn is a small mountain lake formed in a hollow left by a melting glacier before you go and look it up and so make the title quite a clever play on words). The film was produced by Katie Armer and Olivier Jumeau, and filmed and edited by Will Nutter. It stars Angelique Taylor as Adeline, Theo Ives-Leduc as James, and Sue Nutter as Adeline’s Mother.

Watch the short film below.

The Milky Way – As Seen from West Texas (Hyperlapse)

Sit back, grab a coffee and relax. Watch the sun go down over vast West Texan panoramas and then wait for the majestic stars to appear. This amazing piece of footage by the Hyperlapse Guy is a really great way to unwind. It makes you appreciate just how huge and awe-inspiring our galaxy really is – and how small we are beneath that endless sky.

The music by Shawn Williams is a perfect accompaniment to the sight of the Milky Way, gently building as the night deepens. Its slow rhythm and rich tones match the smooth motion of the stars, creating a mesmerising blend of sound and vision that captures the quiet beauty of the desert night.

Watch below:

Wilson

After crash-landing on an uncharted planet, a space marine named Wilson creates a quiet life with an unlikely companion - a native creature who becomes his closest friend. But when Wilson falls terminally ill, he must make an impossible decision: return to Earth for a cure and abandon the only friend he has left, or stay and face the end on the world that became his home.  This, for me, certainly has echoes of Avatar, but is sufficiently different for it to build its own world - and it isn't short of the usual sci-fi tropes either. Yet it all comes together in a refreshingly novel way and is very much set in its own universe.

Here's the surprise - this film was made by students on a very limited budget.  Quite incredible.  Hats off to directors Célia Safti, Emile Menard, Laura Martinelli, Lise Lett, Mallaury Labourse, Noah Ross, Romane La Rosa, and Vincent Gleizes for this beautifully crafted short film. Created at ESMA – École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques, the piece features original music by Inès Hadjla, with sound design by Guilhem Favard, Tristan Le Bozec, José Vicente, and Yoann Poncet. The voice work comes from Emile Menard, completing a talented team whose work blends artistry, emotion, and technical finesse.

Watch Wilson below:

The Art and Architecture of the World’s Most Extraordinary Casinos

Casinos have always been more than just places to play games. They are cathedrals of chance, monuments to human bravery, and examples of how architecture can affect mood. From the gold-plated halls of Monte Carlo to the futuristic towers of Singapore, each casino tells a story of art, wealth, and risk.

As the digital and physical worlds continue to merge through online experiences and new ideas like casino free chips 2025, the design of real-world casinos is still a fascinating study of how art and ambition can come together. Architects are building temples behind every chandelier, curve, and skyline that honor luck, illusion, and the never-ending interest in fortune.

The Casino as an Artwork

The first casinos were based on European opera houses and palaces. They weren't just built for gambling; they were built to be grand, a place where the rich and powerful could see and be seen. This artistic legacy lives on today, but the materials used have changed from marble to glass and LED light.

Modern casino architects work like set designers. Every element — color, lighting, space — serves a psychological purpose. Red carpets make people feel energized and rushed. Curved ceilings make people want to move. Gaming floors without windows make a world that feels real and timeless.

But creativity is more than just manipulation. Casinos use architecture as a stage to turn math and chance into emotional drama. They make players feel awe before the first card is even dealt.

The Belle Époque Jewel is the Monte Carlo Casino.

The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco is one of the best places to see how art and gaming come together. Charles Garnier, the same architect who built the Paris Opera House, built it in the late 1800s. It is still a symbol of style and excess.

The ornate sculptures, arches, and frescoes on the outside of the building reflect the hopefulness of the Belle Époque era. Inside, marble columns, gold-leaf ceilings, and crystal chandeliers show how craftsmanship used to mean being rich. From the mosaic floors to the hand-painted murals, every detail celebrates not only gambling but also European art.

The beauty of Monte Carlo is in its simplicity. It's theatrical, but never rude, which is different from the bright lights and energy of Las Vegas. It shows that architecture can turn gambling into a ritual of refinement.

The Venetian Macao: Where Illusion Meets Size

Monte Carlo is the epitome of classic luxury, while The Venetian Macao is the epitome of modern grandeur on a huge scale. The Venetian, which opened in 2007 and is based on its sister property in Las Vegas, is a 10.5 million-square-foot tribute to both Italian architecture and Asian ambition.

People who come here enter a world of canals, painted skies, and singing gondoliers. Faux daylight comes after a permanent sunset color that is made by custom LED lights that change throughout the day. The illusion is complete—half artifice and half wonder.

The Venetian Macao is an architectural wonder in terms of logistics. It has thousands of gaming tables, luxury suites, and entertainment venues, and it is one of the biggest buildings on Earth. But it feels like a whole because of the art that goes with the theme: columns, arches, and Renaissance frescoes that make people forget they're in a very modern business machine.

It's the art of imitation taken to a whole new level. It shows that in the world of casinos, fantasy and skill can work together beautifully.

The Future of Casino Design: Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands changed the way casinos are built for the 21st century. It looks like a ship balanced on three towers above Singapore's skyline. The resort was designed by Moshe Safdie and combines technology, sustainability, and symbolism.

The SkyPark is the most impressive part. It is a cantilevered structure that connects the towers like a bridge between worlds. It is part cruise ship, part sculpture, and part engineering miracle. From the infinity pool, guests can see the city's financial district, which combines views of work and play in one picture.

Natural light pours into the atrium, breaking the casino's tradition of having no windows. Safdie's design encourages openness, honesty, and reflection, which are not things that are usually associated with gambling spaces.

Marina Bay Sands shows that casinos can change from being flashy to being symbols of a city's identity. The design strikes a balance between show and calm, making for an experience that is both emotional and architectural.

The Wynn Las Vegas: Where Minimalism Meets Luxury

Steve Wynn changed what luxury meant in Las Vegas when he opened his resort in 2005. Wynn didn't copy; instead, he embraced modern minimalism. The Roman columns and fake pyramids were gone, and in their place were soft gold tones, curved walls, and floral patterns inspired by nature.

Roger Thomas designed the Wynn's interiors, which use light and pattern as works of art. Murano glass sculptures, botanical installations, and flowing spaces give the area a calm sophistication that is hard to find on the Strip. Every hallway feels planned, taking guests on a sensory journey instead of just showing them too much.

Architecture here doesn't shout; it whispers. The Wynn shows that a casino doesn't have to be over-the-top to be beautiful; it can be beautiful because of how well it is balanced, proportioned, and set up.

The Grand Lisboa: A Modern Symbol of Macau

The Grand Lisboa is a symbol of the boldness of modern Asia, while The Venetian Macao is a tribute to the grandeur of Europe. Hong Kong architect Dennis Lau designed it to look like a golden lotus flower, which is a sign of wealth in Chinese culture.

At night, thousands of LED lights on the building change color in rhythmic patterns, making the skyline look like a moving sculpture. In the building, reflective surfaces and curved hallways make the feeling of movement and energy even stronger.

The Grand Lisboa's shape is completely different from what is common in the West. It's not so much about symmetry as it is about symbolism. This is a unique Asian way of making casino art that combines cultural identity, technology, and spectacle. It shows how architecture can turn local ideas about luck and fortune into real things.

Art as Atmosphere: The Blueprint for Feelings

The one thing that all great casinos have in common is that they can make you feel something. They all use architecture to change how people feel, whether it's through lavish classicism or futuristic design.

The rhythm of the space, the music, and the lighting are just as important as the walls and ceilings. Not only do casinos host games, but they also plan out experiences. Designers study how people think and feel as carefully as artists study light and shape.

This rule holds true even in the world of ideas. Online platforms use interface design, sound effects, and motion graphics to copy these cues. These are the digital versions of architectural appeal. It's not a coincidence that people who are drawn to the glow of screens want the same thrill as people who walk under chandeliers.

The language of casino design is always changing, from real-life halls to virtual spaces, but its message is always the same: beauty fuels belief.

The New Frontier: Digital Beauty and Virtual Wealth

As technology moves forward, the idea of casino architecture is starting to include digital spaces. Designers now make virtual casinos with 3D lobbies, interactive rooms, and realistic soundscapes that make you feel like you're really there.

When bonuses like casino free chips 2025 bring digital players into these immersive worlds, the line between the real and the virtual gets even blurrier. These incentives don't just copy how casinos work; they take space art to a whole new level of imagination.

This is how the architecture of luck keeps changing. Casinos, whether made of marble, steel, or pixels, are still symbols of how people want to make the unknown beautiful.

Conclusion: Where Design and Fate Meet

The most amazing casinos in the world show that architecture can be both an art form and a way to connect with people. They're not just places to gamble; they're also monuments to creativity, ambition, and telling stories about culture.

Each building shows a different idea of what luck means: elegance in Monte Carlo, illusion in Macau, and futurism in Singapore. They make up a world-wide gallery of human imagination, shaped by the excitement of chance.

The casino is still one of the most interesting forms of art in the world. It's a place where architecture doesn't just protect luck, but also gives it shape, light, and soul.

First Image Credit

The Tanuki in Japanese Popular Culture (Oversized Balls and All)

First-time visitors to Japan are often struck by the abundance of statues of the Tanuki (Japanese Raccoon Dog), which we featured recently on our sibling site, the Ark in Space.  Their first question when seeing these stout ceramic creatures for the first time is “What is that?” – and the second inevitable question is not about the straw hat, the sake bottle or the promissory note.  It is “Why does it have such big balls?”.  That’s a good (as well as obvious) question and, strangely enough, it has very little to do with fertility or masculinity.  Although that probably doesn’t hurt.

Image Credit

Catherine (or The Evolution of a Crazy Old Cat Lady)

How does a crazy old cat lady become a crazy old cat lady?  Let me introduce you to Catherine, who we first meet as a toddler.  When the transition comes from fluffy toys to real animals, poor Catherine manages to inadvertently kill every small animal with a pulse that she comes into contact with… until that time she comes into contact with a cat. Cats, as we all know, have nine lives so even Catherine’s unfortunate habit of accidentally killing her pets doesn’t have much impact (until life number nine, of course).

We follow Catherine through the years and see how life – especially other people – slowly but surely turns her into a crazy old cat lady.  Yes, this is a bittersweet animation but made with such a gloriously dry European pragmatism that we (kind of) overlook the decimation she leaves in her wake.  Directed by Belgian artist and animator Britt Raes, this is one of her earlier works – somewhat overlooked – which should by rights have a much larger audience than it has so far had. 

Watch Catherine below:

Golden Record Received

Have you ever wondered what might happen if the Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977 to reach out to extra-terrestrial civilisations (among other things!) was discovered by an alien species?  This animated short by Katarina Hughes answers the question.  Although this “ground” has been covered by a number of TV shows and movies (most notably in Star Trek: The Motion Picture), I think Hughes has come up with something… much more likely… here.

In case you don’t know, , the Golden Record is a 12-inch gold-plated copper disc Launched in 1977 aboard NASA’s Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, designed to communicate the story of life on Earth to any intelligent beings who might one day find it. Curated by a team led by astronomer Carl Sagan, the record contains sounds and images chosen to portray the diversity of life and culture on our planet - from greetings in 55 languages and natural sounds like thunder and birdsong, to music ranging from Bach and Beethoven to traditional songs from around the world. It also includes 116 photographs encoded as analogue data, depicting everything from human anatomy to everyday life. Housed in a protective aluminium cover and accompanied by a stylus and symbolic instructions, the record is a time capsule of humanity’s hope, curiosity, and desire to reach beyond our solar system - a message in a bottle from our “pale blue dot” cast into the cosmic ocean.

So here’s what might happen. Watch Golden Record Received below.

The Tanuki – The Japanese Racoon Dog

Endemic to Japan, the Tanuki (otherwise known as the Japanese Racoon Dog) isn't a dog even though it's a canid and one thing is for sure - this is not a racoon either.  Deeply embedded in Japanese folklore this elusive canid still roams the countryside as it has done since time immemorial.  Our sibling site, the Ark in Space has a neat set of facts about the tanuki.  I know it's in the eye of the beholder, but I think this is one of the cutest mammals around...

Image Credit

Blackjack Party Game Guide

If you love a good party and have a soft spot for blackjack, then Blackjack Party is the perfect game for you. Whether you're browsing non-GamStop casinos with £5 deposit or just looking for a lively table, you'll play at a blackjack table with a festive atmosphere, while you do your best to win the game and cash in.

Best Blackjack Party Casinos

If you're curious about playing Blackjack Party, you don't have to wait any longer. However, it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees and know which online casino is truly reliable. That's why we've done our research and selected the best non GamStop casinos for you here:

• Wager Land
• Casino 007
• Booming Slots
• Vegas Hero
• Super Spin
• G4mble
• Vegas Hero

How to play Blackjack Party?

The game instructions and rules of Blackjack Party are very clear. They are largely identical to those of the regular version of Blackjack. The live casino game's environment, in particular, distinguishes the two. This live game aims to create a festive atmosphere.

Game explanation and rules

You play this format at a regular table in a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Normally, you'll only see one dealer, but in Blackjack Party, you'll encounter two. At the end of each round, a second dealer in festive attire will personally deal the cards.

Blackjack Party is very similar to blackjack played in a brick-and-mortar casino, as it's a highly social game. You can interact with other players at the table and the dealers using the live chat function.

The main difference between a "normal" live version and Blackjack Party is therefore primarily the environment. The standard rules you'll encounter in Blackjack Party are:

• You play with eight decks and these are shuffled by a third dealer.
• The house will always stand when the card value is 17 or higher.
• You get the option to Double Down on your first two cards, which increases your bet.
• You can split the cards when your first two cards have the same value.

There's room for seven pairs of hands at the table. Most gambling sites without GamStop have more than enough tables available. If you do end up at a table that's already full, you can use the "Bet Behind" option. There are also several other side bets available.

Side bets

Just like with Evolution's other Blackjack games, this game also allows you to place Blackjack side bets. There are three side bets: Bet Behind, 21+3, and Perfect Pairs.

Bet Behind

This side bet allows you to play along with one of the players at the table. You're betting on that player's outcome. As a result, you're riding on the success of the player who, hopefully, is winning. However, you don't have to match the bet. You decide how much you want to bet.

21+3

You've probably encountered this side bet before in variations. With this bet, you're betting on the probability that your first two cards plus the dealer's first upcard will form a poker hand. If this actually happens, you receive a payout.

This payout is as follows:

• Suited Trip: This wins you 100 times your bet. You bet on three of the same card.
• Straight Flush: Three consecutive cards. This wins you up to 40 times your bet.
• Three of a Kind: This is three cards of either the same number or the same picture. With this, you win up to 30 times your bet.
• Straight: Three consecutive cards, of different suits. This wins you up to 10 times your bet.
• Flush: these are three cards of the same suit and with which you win up to 5 x the bet.

Perfect Pairs

With this side bet, you bet on the probability that the other player's first two cards will be a pair. The payouts depend on the other player's pair. You win between 6 and 25 times your bet with this bet.

When do you win?

The rules of Blackjack Party are very similar to those of regular games. The goal is to get closer to 21 points than the live dealer. If you reach 21 with your cards, you automatically win and the game ends. You can also win if the dealer busts with their own cards. If you placed a side bet and it turns out to be correct, you also win.

Betting and payout

Both the bet and the payout in Blackjack Party are largely the same as standard Blackjack. Anyone familiar with the rules can easily play this Blackjack variant. You can play Blackjack Party starting at €5 and up to a maximum of €1,000. However, different bets apply to the side bets:

Side Bets	Betting Limits
Bet Behind	€0.50 to €100
21 + 3	€1 to €250
Perfect Pair	€1 to €500

The Return To Player (RTP) is exactly the same as the regular version, at 99.52%.

Image Credit