Author: T

In case you have never gambled online before, you might feel confused about how to get started. Online gambling is still a young industry and this is why people might find quite difficult to differentiate the reputable casinos from the less reputable ones. All the casinos, whether good or bad, are fiercely competing, hungry for market share. So, it’s a good idea to be very careful when choosing an online casino to play at.

As an average observation, the casinos keep about 75% of money deposited, so they should not need to cheat. Nevertheless, there have been a lot of players complaining of the problems caused by playing at some non-licensed casinos that use anonymous software. Every player should be aware of the fact that quality counts. All you have to do is to take a close look at their web sites or free games. In case they look like a professional organization (and have all the necessary features to look this way), then there are high chances that they really are. It is also advisable that you follow your own instincts. If you do not feel all right about a certain online casino, you must obey your inner voices and resist playing there. You can find two ways of gambling online, namely Java and downloadable software. They have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, Java offers almost instant playing, but on the other hand, downloadable software offers better sound and graphics. More than that, about half of the casinos with downloadable software offer a free CD version as well.

After having installed the software , the next step will be to open an account. This can be done either on the web site of the casino or through the software. Then you have to put some money into your account. Most of the time, this is done with a credit/debit card. There are also other options such as: Western Union and bank wire transfers, with the observation that both of them imply substantial fees (which many online casinos will credit back to your account). You must be aware of the fact that some credit cards will treat deposits to an online casino as a cash advance. If you do not agree with this, it is possible for you to have success in arguing the charge, although many credit cards have a flat policy referring to the fact that a purchase of casino chips counts as a cash advance. It is recommended that you should use debit cards instead, as there is never any cash advance fee involved and the transactions are posted faster. As soon as you have money in your account you can start playing, but not before checking the rules.

Many online casinos favour the European rules which are sometimes different from the US rules. This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on the particular game. If you are about to play you shouldn’t forget getting the necessary information first. If you think of playing some other time too (in the near future), do not cash out, just leave your money in your account. The moment you cash out, the chips will be converted into cash and credited back to your credit card, up to the amount of the initial purchase. Online gambling is different from gambling in a traditional casino, there is no doubt. In some aspects it is better and in other aspects it’s worse.

Online gambling is a competitive business and this is why many casinos will offer different sign-up bonuses to new customers, adding from 10 to 50% of their initial deposit to their bankroll. Some casinos will simply deposit money in customers’ accounts randomly, while others will offer vacations for specified levels of total money bet. Another favourable aspect of online casinos is represented by the fact their rules are usually better than those imposed by traditional casinos. More than that, you do not have to travel long distances because the casino is right inside your own home. If choosing to play online casino games you do not have to suffer all the annoyances involved with the traditional casinos like smokers, for instance and you do not need to give tips to anyone. An unfavourable aspect regarding the online casinos stands in the fact you have to be patient in order to get your money after having cashed out. The period of time between cashing out and your money appearing on your credit card will be of (at least) two weeks. Debit card operations are much faster, taking only about three to five business days. There are also disadvantages related to the customer service support.

Some places offer great service through the agency of chat, e-mail and a toll-free telephone number. Others take several days to reply to an e-mail, do not have any telephone numbers, and generally seem like they just don’t want to be bothered. Anyway, this does not mean that all online casinos act this way. An extremely positive thing brought about by online gambling is the freedom to learn. If you have ever wanted to try out a game but you have been reluctant to risk any money, you will be no more if choosing to play at an online casino. The great majority of online casinos offer ‘play for free’ versions of their games that enable novice players to learn and practice them without risking a cent. In addition, as you’ll be playing alone against the house, you can take your time when making crucial decisions or even use strategy cards (where possible) in order to be sure that every move that you make is just perfect. Thus, a major advantage in online gambling is represented by the great possibility of setting your own rhythm.

In case you are not at a multi-player table, online gambling offers the players enough time to better consider their moves and play at a slower pace. When it comes to traditional casinos, it can be quite awkward to sit at a blackjack table trying to decide what to do while other players and the dealer are waiting for you. On the other hand, in an online casino, you can play slowly, thinking twice before making any moves as there is no one waiting for you. Above all these things, many sites provide their players with unique games that you cannot find in other online casinos or in traditional gambling halls. Related to this subject we can point out a couple of originals games, namely ‘SpaceJack’ (a video variation of Blackjack) and ‘Treasure Box’ (a different version of the traditional slot game that allows players to hold the reels after each spin).