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New Google Play Biometrics Warning Issued To All Android Users

Google Play users warned of biometric verification change

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Google is sending emails to users notifying them about upcoming changes to the security settings for purchase verification on mobile devices. These changes will be implemented in the coming weeks and aim to enhance the security of Google Play purchases. The changes follow a recent verification update for Google Wallet users. Within that email, though, is a warning for all users looking to verify purchases using biometrics on their smartphone.

04/20 update below. This article was originally published on April 18.

ForbesGmail And YouTube Hackers Bypass Google's 2FA Account SecurityBy Davey Winder Google Makes Changes To Google Play Biometric Verification

On the afternoon of April 18, I received an email from Google informing me that it's possible to configure Google Play purchase verification to use biometrics on suitably equipped smartphones. "If you set biometrics," the email stated, "it means that you'll be asked to verify that it's you with biometrics each time that you make a purchase through Google Play."

Google Play warns users of biometric device over-sharing

Google/Davey Winder

These settings, Google said, "only apply to purchases made through Google Play's billing system." When enabling the purchase verification biometric option, your Google Account password will no longer be required to confirm the configuration change. Instead, your fingerprint or face will be used.

Use Caution If Your Kids Have Their Fingerprints On Your Phone

This new Google Play email warns that the changes will be rolling out in the coming weeks and that Android owners should use caution if storing biometrics of children or others on their devices. "If you share your device and choose biometrics as your verification method," Google said, "ensure that you're comfortable with all biometrics stored on your device being used for verification." Otherwise you could be leaving the door open for anyone with those fingerprints or faces stored on your phone being able to pass purchase verification protections.

Google Wallet Gets More Like Apple With Tap-To-Pay

This follows recent news reports that new security settings for Google Wallet will also enable biometric verification as a requirement for every purchase. The verify it's you alert will also pop-up if using Wallet three minutes after you unlock your device. This will sound familiar to iPhone users as Apple Pay requires authentication before any tap-to-pay transaction. Android users will be able disable verification when using the default transit card, even if the phone is locked.

Transit cards can skip verification

Google/Davey Winder ForbesNew Gmail & M365 Warning As 2FA Security Bypass Hack ConfirmedBy Davey Winder

04/20 update: As technology companies such as Google continue to push towards primary biometric authentication, we must ask ourselves whether the general public is truly comfortable with this approach. While some may be biased towards biometrics because of the benefits they bring over traditional passwords, we must also consider other factors. Biometrics are often used as a second factor in authentication, with our devices relying on our faces or fingerprints to grant access. However, just because we may be content to use biometrics to unlock our smartphones, this does not necessarily mean we want to use them for other purposes, such as logging into our bank accounts or making purchases online. It's crucial that we examine the statistics to determine how consumers truly feel about biometric authentication.

A 2016 YouGov survey of adults in the U.S. Found that 58% preferred passwords over fingerprints or facial recognition. Fast-forward to now and when NordVPN asked U.K. And U.S. Residents about their biometric usage it found "50% of U.S. Respondents still use at least one biometric technology (fingerprint, face, or eye scan) daily." What's more 29% don't use any biometric technology at all. All of this tends to suggest there's still a way to go to convince the average user of the security benefits biometrics can bring.

Google Discover Adds 'Shopping' Card To 'your Space,' Promotes Mother's Day Gifts

Last month, Google reworked the cards that appear at the top of your Discover feed. Now, the company is expanding what it calls "your space" with a new Shopping card to promote deals you may be interested in.

The initial iteration of "your space" included four options for cards to be featured at the top of the Discover page: Weather, Air quality, Finance, and Sports. If you have only a single card toggled, such as Weather, you'll see a full-width readout, while choosing two or more creates a scrollable carousel. The company is now rolling out a fifth option, Shopping, for the space and annoyingly enabling it by default. On one of our devices, this area currently promotes the Fitbit Luxe as a gift for Mother's Day, which is coming up on May 12. Tapping the card opens a Google Search for "shop Fitbit Luxe," and at the top of the page, you'll find a banner to "Shop Mother's Day gifts." Google announced its Mother's Day shopping hub in a Keyword blog post this morning. In the hub, Google Search offers quite a few shopping categories such as "Pampering essentials" and "Jewelry picks." As for the new Shopping card, it can thankfully be toggled off just like every other option in "your space," but it's frustrating that it was rolled out by default. Looking ahead, the Shopping card is intended to show deals and ideas relevant to your interests. Deals, product ideas and shopping events based on your interests. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Where To Play Free Blackjack Online: No DownloadMay 2024

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If you are looking for the fun of a classic casino card game without any of the risk, then free blackjack games are the perfect choice for you. It's easy for new players to start playing and practicing blackjack online as there are plenty of top blackjack variants and blackjack switch options available for free across your favorite online casino platforms.

In this guide, we'll cover everything there is to know about free online blackjack, including where users can play, the pros and cons of free online blackjack, and much more!

More on Free Online Blackjack How Do Free Online Blackjack Games Work?

Playing online blackjack follows the same rules as the standard version, whether you play online blackjack for free or for real money. In all online blackjack variants, you're playing against the dealer (and not the other players) with the game's objective being to get your hand closer to 21 without going over.

Getty Images Beginner-Friendly Blackjack Games

Free online blackjack is the best way for players to get started with standard and single-deck versions of the game. Playing online for free is the easiest way for new players to develop their blackjack strategy, and all of the best online casinos will have demo or free game variants available for play.

American Blackjack

Also referred to as standard or natural blackjack, in this version, the dealer and players are dealt two hole cards. The dealer will only show one hole card and players can take advantage of many side bets and multi-deck options like blackjack switch.

European Blackjack

European blackjack is played very similarly, with slight variations such as the dealer only dealing their second card after the player(s) have completed their hand or high multi-deck options like six and/or eight-decks not being in play.

Single Deck Blackjack

Single deck blackjack is played with a single deck, is preferred by people getting more comfortable with the game, and is the perfect free-play option as single-deck blackjack has a lower house edge than the standard two-deck version.

How Can I Play Free Blackjack Online? Free online blackjack is available on a number of different websites.

There are many ways to play free blackjack online and become an expert on the different kinds of blackjack rules and basic strategy plays. When you're looking to play a free blackjack game you have more than just American blackjack to choose from, so check out the free blackjack game overview below so that you can find the best way for you to free play blackjack from anywhere.

Multi-Hand Blackjack

This version of online blackjack allows players to play multiple hands (usually 2-4) in the same round.

Blackjack Switch Play

Each player is dealt two hands and can 'switch' the top two cards between hands

Lucky Lucky Blackjack

Lucky Lucky is a bonus wager type in blackjack that uses the player's first two cards combined with the dealer's up-card (or community card), to form a three-card hand.

Atlantic City Blackjack

This variant of blackjack is played with 8 decks and in this case, the dealer stands on soft 17s, a player can slit up to 3 times, and a late surrender is allowed.

Spanish 21

This version of blackjack's main difference from American blackjack is that all the '10' cards are removed, leaving 48 cards. Jacks, Queens, and Kings all have a value of 10. Aces are either 1 or 11 depending on what is more beneficial.

Top Casino Sites for Playing Online Blackjack

Below are the top live sites to play this classic card game with some free and demo options available to users.

Online Blackjack at DraftKings Casino

From various sports-themed exclusives to other blackjack titles, DraftKings Casino has its fair share of games. Play for free via demo mode until you're ready to gamble for real.

Online Blackjack at Caesars Palace Online Casino

Caesars Palace Online Casino offers both live dealer and online blackjack options, including Classic Blackjack, Blackjack Surrender, Free Bet Blackjack, and popular side bets like 21+3 and Blackjack Perfect Pairs.

Sign up with promo code NYPCASINO2500 to get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points and use promo code NYPLAUNCH to get a $10 on Registration + 100% Deposit Match up to $1000!

Online Blackjack at BetMGM Casino

BetMGM Casino currently offers online blackjack games in West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. They are the most popular brand in the United States and have a massive catalog of casino game titles, including more than a dozen blackjack games.

Online Blackjack at FanDuel Casino

FanDuel Casino has a solid offering of both live dealer and online blackjack options. Their live dealer offerings are provided by Evolution, including the always-popular Infinite Blackjack. They also offer multi-hand Surrender Blackjack and Blazing Sevens Blackjack.

Online Blackjack at Golden Nugget Online Casino Screengrab of Golden Nugget online blackjack.

With almost twenty blackjack titles available, you'll have plenty of fun ways to play blackjack at Golden Nugget Online Casino. The site's surrender blackjack offers bets as low as ten cents and is an excellent game to learn the ins and outs of online blackjack. Its Vegas Blackjack is also loads of fun and has an RTP of 99.6%, which is perfect for beginners.

Free Online Blackjack vs Real Money Blackjack Games

Whether you enjoy blackjack or are new to the game, there are pros and cons to both playing blackjack for free and playing at a real money online casino. Of the free games available, blackjack is one of the most popular, with a rules system and win chance that is easy to follow for beginners but also exciting enough for experienced players.

Online Free Blackjack Pros and Cons

Free online blackjack games with no download requirements mean players can play for free across any device. Pros and cons of playing free online blackjack include:

Pros 👍

Better cyber protection so that players can play free blackjack games online with complete anonymity.

Fewer distractions so you can learn blackjack rules faster

Best way to practice and feel more comfortable with the game

Allows you to win and lose together when playing with friends without using your own cash.

Cons 👎

No real money game options or live gameplay

Only site-relevant coins/payouts

Limited game versions

Real Money Blackjack Pros and Cons

Conversely, playing online blackjack for real money also comes with its fair share of pros and cons, including the following:

Pros 👍

A fully stocked selection of online and live real money gaming options.

Casino welcome bonuses for new members.

The ability to set wagering limits until you are more comfortable.

Brings the potential for real wins and losses, adding excitement.

Cons 👎

Higher risk level (which happens when you bet using real money)

No do-overs like in free versions

Betting rules may vary depending on the type of game and length of play

Best Live Dealer Blackjack Games

When you feel comfortable enough and want an added level of excitement, many online casinos offer live blackjack games. Live dealer Blackjack is a great way to learn how to play the game even for mobile users but is only available as a real money option.

In live dealer games, you'll be playing against a live dealer who is in a studio or casino. You can interact with them if you choose, as well as the other blackjack players at the table. The dealer also takes the time to help you understand the rules and procedures, as these are real money games.

Below, we delve into some of the best live dealer blackjack offerings currently available at some of the industry's top operators:

Live Dealer Blackjack at bet365 Casino

bet365 Casino has a wealth of live dealer blackjack options available including Unlimited Blackjack, European Blackjack, Italian Cashback Blackjack, Colombia Blackjack, Deutsches Blackjack, and Blackjack Italiano 2. The games have a great design, the graphics are awesome and they have good playability.

Live Dealer Blackjack at Fanatics Casino

Fanatics Casino's live blackjack option functions smoothly and has a clean aesthetic. It's a single-hand game for now, with varying speed options. The site's version allows for in-game depositing and the ability to reload mid-hand if the last of your online bankroll is already invested.

Start playing live dealer blackjack by using the Fanatics Casino promo code to sign up to Deposit $5 and Get 250 Free Spins! Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/PA) or http://1800gambler.Net (WV).

Live Dealer Blackjack at DraftKings Casino Often, providers like DraftKings or Golden Nugget will use the same technology partner for their games.

DraftKings Casino's live blackjack games bring the feel of a brick-and-mortar casino to you wherever you are! What's more, the site's smooth interface and easy-to-navigate mobile app make its live dealer selections even more enjoyable to partake in. Players can get started with DraftKings Casino today in select states to instantly join in on the fun!

Top Blackjack Terms to Know

Whether you are new to the blackjack game and need to improve your basic strategy or simply play blackjack online for fun, knowing these key terms is essential:

Action: The total amount of bets made over a certain period of time, or the amount in play on a particular wager.

Advantage: Players use this term to refer to the theoretical statistical edge that the casino or dealer may have.

Bankroll: The total amount of money to gamble with, or the amount available within a given round.

Burn Card: The first card of a new deck. Usually placed face down in the discard tray after the dealer shuffles and cuts.

Bust: When a player's or dealer's hand goes over 21.

Double: Doubling refers to the action of a player increasing their bet on a hand to double its original value.

Even Money: +100 odds, which is what every hand of standard blackjack offers to players

Hit: This is the term used when the player wants to be dealt another card

Hole Card: The card that the dealer has facing down, with the objective being to guess the combined value of this card and the upcard.

Insurance: A dealer makes this offer as a side bet independently of the main wager. This occurs when the dealer's visible card is an Ace and if successful, it doubles the payout.

Pair Split: When the initial deal of the game occurs and a player is given a 'pair' they can choose to split the cards and create a second hand, they must also double their original bet.

Stand: What the player says to the dealer when they would like to keep their current hand with no additional cards.

Surrender: This is when a player (if allowed) gives up half their bet so that they don't have to play the current hand.

Upcard: This refers to the card in the dealer's hand facing up during gameplay.

Free Online Blackjack FAQ

Want to learn more about playing free blackjack games online? Check out the most common questions below.

Can I Play Blackjack Online From My Mobile Phone or Tablet?

Yes, you can play blackjack for free on most mobile devices as Google Play and the App Store have betting apps that let users play free blackjack games. You can also play free online blackjack on different desktop sites.

Which U.S. Online Casinos Offer Free Games Like Blackjack?

Most of the nation's top online casino operators will typically offer some form of free online blackjack. Some of the top sites that offer these options include BetMGM Casino, FanDuel Casino, and DraftKings Casino.

How Do You Learn Blackjack Online?

Free online blackjack is a great way to play blackjack and learn and develop different game strategies. When you play free games, you can assess your hand, analyze your plays, master blackjack rules, or try a new version without any financial risk.

Which Online Blackjack Games Let You Win Real Money?

Unfortunately, free blackjack sites legally can't offer players real money but if you are ready, there are lots of online casinos that will let you play blackjack online. These sites are regulated and have welcome offers and demos for new players, making it easy to play blackjack for real money with confidence.

How Do You Practice Blackjack?

There are many ways to practice basic blackjack strategy either by playing blackjack for free online or with a deck of cards. This classic casino card game has many strategic options including charting key cards to make a better decision when you're playing blackjack online against a live dealer or an RNG system.

What is Free Bet Blackjack?

Free Bet Blackjack is a blackjack online variant with free double-down wagers and free split wagers. During gameplay, free splits are offered on all pairs except 10 cards, players can get a free double down on the first two cards, and a hard total of 9, 10, or 11. This is a popular version of online blackjack because of its potential to lower the house advantage.

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