Tag Archives: cardiff

Your Guide to Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff City Stadium sits in the largely residential area of Leckwith, a mile east of the city centre.

Home to Cardiff City Football Club who play in the English Championship, following relegation after a brief stint in the Premier League, the stadium was also the home to the Cardiff Blues rugby union side up until the 2011/2012 season before they returned to playing at Cardiff Arms Park.

After a decade or so of consultation, getting through planning and raising finance, the stadium was finally started in 2007 and finished in 2009. Originally constructed with a capacity of 27,000 this has since been increased to 33,280, a decision reflecting the clubs’ Premier League ambitions.

The new stadium was to replace the famous and atmospheric Ninian Park, Cardiff City’s home since 1920, giving the club a modern stadium to build future plans on. The stadium is one part of a 60 acre development that included the demolition of Ninian Park, which is now a brand new housing estate named in honour of the old ground. Also included in the development alongside the Cardiff City Stadium was a new athletics arena to replace the one that the football stadium is now sited upon, plus a huge retail area. Grangetown rail station is located nearby, only a five to ten minute walk away.
Welsh football copy
Along with the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff can now boast another quality stadium, with the national teams of both rugby and football very much at home. Back in 2009 Celtic were the first side to come and play Cardiff City in their new stadium, but since then it has been recognised by UEFA who chose the stadium to host the 2014 UEFA Super Cup which is contested each year by the winners of the Champions League and the Europa League. The star studded Real Madrid beat fellow Spanish side Sevilla 2-0, both goals from Ronaldo, on a night which helped put Cardiff and Wales in the sporting headlight. It was a fitting occasion for a new stadium going about making its own history.

If you fancy visiting the stadium to see what all the fuss is about, make sure to pop in to Les Croupiers. We’re only 150 metres away from the stadium and have a fantastic sports bar you can chill in.

Pêl-droed – The Definitive Guide to Welsh Football

Though the country is best known for being pretty amazing at rugby, football in Wales is also kind of a big deal, with its teams making waves outside of Wales and football mania out in force, picking up all over the country.

Some of its teams, like Cardiff City, have strong reputations across the footballing world, and their national football team, who represent Wales in big tournaments, are becoming increasingly competitive after a slight lull in performance. Want the low down on Welsh football and the country’s unique scene? Keep reading for our informative, definitive guide to all things Pêl-droed.

The Welsh Cup

The Welsh Cup is the pinnacle of Welsh football and is one of its most prized and celebrated sport institutions. Founded in 1877, it is also one of the oldest surviving football competitions not just in Wales, but in the world. Every year, the cup sends everyone in Wales into football crazy mode as they get their flags out and don their football jerseys in support of their local or favourite team. Wrexham currently hold the record for most wins in the cup, with Cardiff City coming in very close second at just one win behind.

Famous Welsh players

Wales has birthed a whole host of talented players who have now achieved worldwide fame, many of them playing for big international teams while also being key players in the Wales national team. Amongst them are Gareth Bale, who is now playing for Real Madrid, Ryan Giggs, who has enjoyed a lengthy and successful football career in the UK, veteran Manchester United player Mark Hughes. The late great Trevor Ford and Aaron, Ramsey who is fast becoming one of the biggest names to come out of Wales.

Cardiff City F.C.

One of the most popular professional team in all of Wales, Cardiff City, are the only non-English club to have succeeded in winning the FA Cup. They have played in an array of championships and national cup finals in the United Kingdom. The team is adored by those in Cardiff and has accumulated a number of supporters outside of Wales as it has played continually impressive matches all over the UK.

Stadiwm y Mileniwm – The Story of The Millennium Stadium

The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales is a major arena that hosts important sporting and entertainment events. It was opened in 1999, and its capacity is 74,500.

The Stadium is notable for its sliding roof, which allows for football and rugby matches to be played in dry conditions all year round. Only one other stadium in Europe also has a retractable roof.

While London’s new Wembley Stadium was being developed, The Millennium Stadium hosted FA Cup and League Cup finals, and some rugby league Challenge Cup finals. The venue is the home ground of the Welsh rugby union and football teams, and also hosted the 1999 rugby union World Cup final and some football games during the 2012 Olympics. Boxing and motorsport events have also been held at the venue.

Among the music acts to have performed at the Millennium Stadium are Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and U2.

The History of Cardiff Castle

Situated in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most famous and historical sites.

The castle is located on land which was once home to a Roman Fort, but the structure you see today traces much of its history back to the 11th century when the Normans established their presence in Wales.

Historians are unsure if the castle was constructed under the orders of William the Conqueror after he had returned from a journey to St David’s or Robert Fitzhamon, the lord of Gloucester. One thing that is for certain is that this is a place of great beauty and historical significance.

Many people have owned the castle through the ages, but two of the most significant were the 2nd and 3rd Marquesses of Bute. The 2nd Marquess was responsible for turning Cardiff into a leading exporter of coal, while his son was reportedly the wealthiest man in the world during the 1860s.

During the third Marquess’s occupancy, many new areas were added to castle, including the 150ft clock tower, the stunning Arab Room and the main banqueting hall.

The castle has belonged to the city of Cardiff since 1947 and, as well as servicing as a museum, now hosts a number of social events, including rock concerts.

Things to do in Cardiff

The vibrant city of Cardiff is a great place to spend a few days. In addition to its famous nightlife scene, Cardiff boasts a wide range of attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. Cardiff Castle is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and first time visitors will want to head straight to this magnificent castle, which was built in the 12th century and offers stunning city views from its battlements. Among the city’s other historical landmarks that should not be missed are Cardiff City Hall, Llandaff Cathedral and St David’s Hall Galleries.

People who really want to let their hair down while exploring Cardiff should take a trip to Barry Island, which is situated close to Cardiff International Airport. This tiny island features a large number of roller coasters and other wild rides as well as shops and restaurants, while St Mary Street and Queen Street are Cardiff’s main nightlife zones, boasting hundreds of both quaint and famous nightspots.

If none of this tickles your fancy why not try a night at Les Croupiers? Great atmosphere, great fun and free food for all of you gamblers! You can find and contact us here.

Cardiff City FC – A Brief History

Founded in 1899, Cardiff City FC began life as Riverside AFC until a name change in 1908. They moved into their famous ground Ninian Park in 1910 and began a gradual development.

In 1927, Cardiff City won the FA Cup, becoming the only side outside England to do so. However, this was their crowning achievement and the club slipped into a period of decline.

Following the war, they spent many decades struggling in the lower divisions, with relegation a constant struggle. There were some high points though, mainly due to qualification to Europe and a semi-final place in the Cup Winners Cup.

In recent years, Cardiff have been resurgent with a new stadium, an FA Cup final place, Championship victory and promotion to the Premier League being the high points. A rebrand, which saw the traditional kit colour of blue changing to red, has caused some fan discontent, but overall the future for Cardiff City looks to be bright.

Helpful Tips for Playing Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games available. You can either win a lot of money or lose your entire betting amount with one spin of the roulette wheel. Many people believe roulette is all about luck and that there is nothing you can do to help yourself win. However, there are plenty of tips to help you win at roulette.

Use a Bank to Help Prevent Suffering Losses

Most casinos provide their players with ATMs for their convenience. This is usually to allow users to get more money out if they need more betting money, but it can also be useful for storing your winnings. In order to gain profit, you need to protect yourself from betting your winnings. If you win some money, take some time out to temporarily quit and cash out. Take the profits and deposit them into your bank. If you refrain from going back to the ATM to withdraw your winnings for more bets, you can easily break even or even make some money.

If Given the Choice, Choose a European Table

There is one major difference between European and American roulette tables. The American roulette table gives a bigger chance of winning to the house by adding the double zero marker. European roulette does not have this marker, which evens up the odds slightly.

Practice

Being nervous, not understanding how to play, worrying about losing money and more are all common feelings a rookie may have at the roulette table. In order to combat this, you’ll need to become more relaxed, knowledgeable and confident. Start playing at a free table and practice there. This way you can play plenty of roulette without worrying about losing your money. You will also learn all of the rules of the game as well as how to spot patterns and which numbers give the best payout.

Try to Find a Quiet Table

It’s important to concentrate during the game to ensure that you are playing to the best of your abilities. Casinos are loud places, but there are some quiet spots to enjoy your game. If you spot a table in a relatively quiet area, take it.

Roulette can be one of the most exciting games in a casino. Follow these tips to ensure that you enjoy your game without worrying or losing money.

The Southern Roots of Poker

Originating in the south and predating the American Civil War, the game of poker began as a modest version of the game that is enjoyed today. Played with just 20 cards, the combinations for a winning hand were limited as were the number of participants. There was no draw with the deck being evenly dealt to just four players.

Earliest indications have poker first being played in the early 1800’s. Mississippi riverboat steamers with their saloons for gambling were the birthplace of this notorious pastime. Within a few decades, decks containing 52 cards were becoming more widely used, giving the players added options for bidding and allowing more gamblers per game.

Hoyle’s Games first lists poker as a card game in 1845, but without the draw that would emerge from the English game of Brag. It took England until at least the mid 1800’s to experiment with American poker. The introduction of the larger deck along with player’s ability to draw more cards added a second betting dimension and changed poker from a game of chance to one of skill.

How To Play Roulette

The modern version of roulette has been around since the late 18th century. Modern tables and layouts resemble those of the early days. With the exception of some casinos in California, all tables have a wheel at the head of the table and a layout of bets running down from there. The game’s dealer, or croupier, will allow players time to make bets before launching a ball in a spinning wheel of numbers. The numbers range from 1 to 36 on the wheel. There is also one or two zeros, depending on whether the American or European version is being played. The numbered slot where ball ultimately lands determines the winning number.

Regardless of whether a wheel or other method is used to select a winning number, the bets are the same. These bets are divided into “outside” and “inside” bets based on their position on the layout and the amount of numbers covered. The first set of outside bets each cover nearly half of the numbers. The bets get paid if the ball lands in a number described by the bet. These bets are red and black, odd and even, and the first and second half of the numbers. As an example, if the ball lands on the number 11, then bets on black, odd, and the first half will win. Bets on red, even, and the second half would lose. These bets all pay even money. If the ball lands on a zero, all of these bets lose.

The next set of outside bets each cover about a third of the numbers on the wheel. These bets are the first, second, and third groups of 12 numbers and the columns of 12 numbers running down the layout. As in the example already mentioned, if 11 is the winning number the bets on the first 12 numbers and the middle column would each get paid double the amount wagered. Bets on the other groups of 12 and columns would lose. The ball landing on a zero would cause these wagers to lose as well.

Inside bets cover more specific numbers. A single number can be bet by placing chips on that number itself. Two numbers can be covered by a single bet by placing chips in the line between the numbers. Four numbers can be bet at once by covering the corner where the four numbers meet with chips. Three numbers in a row can be bet by placing chips on the line at the end of the row by the outside bets. Six numbers in two rows may be bet by putting chips on the line between two rows. Zeros can be covered with inside bets like the rest of the numbers. These bets get paid if one of the ball lands on one of the numbers covered by the bet. The fewer numbers covered by a bet, the higher the payoff.

The Roots of Roulette

Roulette, a french word that translates as “little wheel”, is a popular casino game in which players are to place bets upon the chance of colors, numbers, or number values to be picked by a ball set in motion over a slotted, spinning wheel. Since its creation, this game has seen several iterations and design changes, resulting in a casino game which has been popularized in two distinct fashions.

Initially introduced in the 17th century by Blaise Pascal, roulette is believed to be a derivative of several other English, Italian, and French games. These games are thought to include the English games Ace of Hearts, E.O., Reiner, Roly Poly, the Italian games Hoca and Biribi, and an older French board game, the namesake of the casino game, Roulette. The earliest description of any game resembling the roulette of today comes from the late 18th century, and it can be found within the French novel, La Roulette, ou le Jour, by Jaques Lablee. The two most common forms today’s roulette are the American and French styles.

The American styled roulette developed from the older French double zero wheel. It was introduced from New Orleans via the Mississippi River during the 19th Century. It then spread westward through the many gambling dens found throughout the new territories and grew in popularity. As it became more popular, the rules of the game shifted slightly in order to make the game simpler and more fast paced, eventually resulting in the game known today.

The French styled roulette stems from the single zero roulette wheel created by Francois and Louis Blanc in the mid 19th Century. Originally created for the German spa town, Homburg, this style of roulette became popular when it spread into Monte Carlo after gambling bans were set across Europe.