Online Casino Spotlight

Anyone who plays casino games, especially the land-based variety, has probably noticed that these games have a certain lingo that goes along with them.  This is also the case with online game play and even some of the books you may read about casino games.  Each game has its own specific lingo and if you’re a newbie, it can make for a rather frustrating experience.  Blackjack is a big hit in both real-world and online casinos, so if this is your game, you will want to check out this short glossary on some of the most common terminology.

Blackjack – First and foremost, blackjack equates to 21 and represents the object of the game.  If your cards add up to 21, a blackjack normally pays out 3 to 2 unless the dealer also hits.

Bust - In the game of blackjack, a bust means that your cards total over 21.  For some players, it could also refer the complete loss of your bankroll.  Hopefully you won’t have to use the term in this regard too many times.

Break - This is often used interchangeably with the term bust.

Counting – This describes the process of keeping up with the number of 10 point cards remaining in the desk.  The main purpose of counting is for a player to raise their bet when the deck is rich with 10 point cards, a strategy that works in your favor.

Double – Often referred to as double-down, a double is when you couple an additional bet with your original bet.  Because it is like playing an additional hand, a double can greatly improve your chances of winning.

Double for Less – If you don’t have enough in your bankroll to go a full double, you can take the next best option and double for less.  This means you put up a wager in between a half bet and a full bet to get an additional card.

Five Card Charlie – This describes a situation when you draw five cards without busting.  In some variations of blackjack, a five card Charlie qualifies as an automatic win and bigger payout as well.

Hard Hand – This refers to a hand that can result in a bust if hit.  It generally describes any hand worth 12 points or more that does not include an Ace.

Insurance - If the dealer is showing an ace, insurance gives you the option to put up an additional half wager that the dealer has 21.  If the dealer indeed has blackjack, you break even on the hand.  If not, you lose half the bet and play proceeds normally.

Soft Hand - This refers to a hand that can’t be busted with an extra card; more specifically, any hand with a total of 11 or lower, or any two-card combo that contains an Ace.

Spanish 21 – This a version blackjack with the 10 cards removed.  As you have probably guessed, Spanish 21 is a rule that favors the house but usually has a higher payout.

Wonging – Named after pro blackjack player Stanford Wong, Wonging describes the act of watching a blackjack game and then entering the game when the point count is in your favor.  This is something you want to be very cautious with when playing in a real-world casino.

There are many online casino sites that require you to download casino software to your local hard drive in order to start playing games.  Although some are intimidated by the process, downloading casino software is a very simple task.  In most cases, all you have to do is simply click on a button and choose the destination of where you want the downloaded program to be saved.  Let’s go over the process to help you determine what you need to do to get the online casino software up and running on your computer.

Installation and Setup

As is the case with all online casino software, there is a license agreement that you must accept before the application be can installed and work properly on your system.  Once the download is complete, generally, all you need to do is double-click on the file you downloaded from the web, which should fire up the installation wizard.  From there, simply follow the prompts and step by step instructions that appear on your screen.  The next step typically calls for you to create a player account with the online casino site.  Just like the download and setup, creating an account is a simple process that can be done in a matter of minutes.  Simply provide the required information, click the submit button and you are done.  For the most part, all you need to do is have your personal and financial information handy and the account can be created with ease.

Finding the Right Software

Now that you know the basics of downloading and installing online casino software on your computer, it is time to do yourself a favor before taking that critical step to click the download button.  What we recommend is that you visit casino review websites to find out a little more about the online casino you intend to do business with.  Gather as much information as you can about their site, putting an emphasis on the company’s reliability, the type of money transfer systems they use, the stability of the gaming software and its developer, how long its takes to get your funds after a withdrawal and anything else you can find out.  A good portion of this information can be obtained by taking the time out to read reviews offering feedback from those who have actually played at a particular casino.  Many new players have found that online casino reviews make one of the best sources for first-hand information.

When shopping for online casinos, it is essential to realize that not all gambling software is made equal.  Some are of great quality, while others are downright terrible.  What we mean by this is that some of these software platforms are designed in a manner that no matter how many times you play, the deck is stacked against you and winning is next to impossible.  You also need to be aware of the casino software that isn’t what it seems, and is actually intent on harming your computer.  While downloading and installing the games onto your computer is a breeze, finding a platform you can rely on tends to be the most difficult part of the equation.

The game of blackjack is one that can be found in virtually ever casino on and offline throughout the world.  Despite its popularity, many players are often intimidated, believing that it is a difficult game to play.  In actuality, the main focus of blackjack is simple.

The Deal

Blackjack starts with each player putting up their wager and then being dealt two cards.  The dealer, perhaps the most critical player, also receives two cards.  All of your cards are dealt face up while the dealer only exposes one of their cards.  Unlike other games, it doesn’t really matter if other players can view your cards as you are essentially playing against the dealer and the house.

The Goal

With blackjack, the ultimate goal is to get as close to 21 before the dealer does.  The most important factor is that you can’t go over or you’ll be busted.  Cards go by face value with all picture cards being worth 10 and the Ace being 1 or 11.  If your initial two cards do not up add up to 21, or a number that is relatively close wherein you feel that you can beat the dealer, you can ask the dealer to “hit” you to get an additional card.  You are free to receive a hit until striking 21 and winning, or going over 21 and losing your bet.

Stand or Hit

Once you are satisfied with your point total, you can choose to “stand” and give the next player an opportunity.  When the dealer gets his or her turn, they get a chance to turn over their other card.  If the dealer has a total of 16 or less, they must take a hit.  They must stand with 17 or more.  If the dealer comes up with a soft 17, which is an Ace and 6 where a hit can’t cause a bust because they can use it as a one-point card, the rules vary among casinos on whether or not the dealer must take a hit.

If the dealer gets busted, everyone still alive in the game wins.  If the dealer does not bust, money is evenly distributed to players who have a higher point total.  When there is a tie in blackjack, no one wins any money.  Casinos make their money on the concept of if both the player and dealer busts, the house wins.  Although you don’t aim to bust, causing the dealer to bust is very important and a key strategy in the game of blackjack.

Additional Blackjack Rules

In blackjack, you also have the option to double down, which means you take an additional card for double your bet.  Another option is the spit, which is a situation where you use two cards of the same value that act as the as the initial cards for two new hands, which gives you double the bet as well.  You can also take what is known as an insurance if the dealer shows an Ace.  If so, you break even when the dealer hits blackjack and lose the bet if they don’t, in addition to what is won or lost in regard to the outcome of the hand.

One of the most effective ways to determine the quality of an online gambling site is through the casino software.  The platform must be easy to use and cater to a wide range of players.  Most importantly, it must deliver a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.  Here are some key factors you want to consider before creating an account and placing a wager.

Graphics

There are many factors to consider in terms of online casino software and the graphics is among the most important.  Although most card games can easily be enabled by simple boxes with indicators, this simplicity can really dull the experience.  Fortunately, the leading software developers have put much effort into designing games with excellent graphics.  In fact, some of the more popular games offer simulation that mimics the slot machines and tables you find in land-based casinos.  If you truly want to enjoy yourself, paying attention to the software graphics quality is a must.

Animation and Sound

Animation also contributes greatly to the overall quality of an online casino gaming platform. Even though you may not always see the cards being dealt out by the virtual dealer, animation can still enhance the excitement of game play, especially if you are lucky enough to hit the jackpot.  Roulette and slots in particular, are two games that rely heavily on animation to attract new players.  In many cases, the quality of the animation can be the determining factor to how well designed a casino game really is.  Sound is vital because it gives you the beeps, clicks and background music that makes it feel as if you’re playing for all the marbles on the Vegas strip.

Gameplay

Graphics, animation and sound are great, but the actual game play must be up to par as well.   This where user-friendliness comes into play.  The software should provide an easy to use interface so new and inexperienced players have no trouble adapting to the environment.  If you are looking for an application that offers multiple games, you may want to consider software that offers a generic console that supports all included games.  On the other hand, some casinos utilize different consoles to support their array of games.  One console may be for poker while another could be designed for different types of roulette.  If you do opt for a platform with different consoles, look for something where the interfaces share a basic design that doesn’t take away from the ease of use.

Stability and Support

Because online casino play involves wagering money, it is critical to make sure the software is stable and properly calculates your transactions.  It is advisable to check into the software’s reputation as well as the company that developed it.  Another thing you may want to do is find out how well the software is supported and if any patches or updates are available for the platform.  The last thing you want to do is choose a casino that has no form of technical support for their software.  These applications can become quickly outdated and when they do, technical problems are bound to arise.

For an online casino operator, security should be one of its primary responsibilities.  The site’s security team should never rest in their efforts of constantly focusing on implementing new processes, monitoring tools and security mechanisms to keep their players safe.  Although different operators may take different measures, the ideal security environment consists of these two core elements: transaction security and account security.

Transaction Security

The internet casino you choose to play with should have a full-proof system in place to process financial transactions.  Aside from protecting the site’s gaming software platform, the system should also provide protection for sensitive data transmitted over the internet.  The operator must utilize state of the art e-commerce solutions to support events in which electronic funds are financially insolvent and if customers sustain losses that result from fraud or errors made on part of the casino staff or any third-party processors involved.  The endless reach and no-holds barred mentality of the internet makes it terribly insecure and without adequate transaction security, your funds could be up for grabs to anyone who wants them.

Account Security

Account security can be considered the most vital element simply because it involves so many different areas.  An online casino that truly makes security a priority will prove it by taking the following measures:

Secure Access to Funds – Most online casino operators maintain customer balances either in cash or cash equivalent.  In either scenario, they should ensure that 100% of each and every customer’s balance is made available for immediate withdrawal and subject to PIN verification.  Going back to transaction security, all real-time deposits and withdrawals should be secured by an efficient security system.

Controlled Access – Any online casino you do business with should only allow customer accounts to be access via an authorized, unique user name and password.  To be on the safe side, you may want to consider playing with a casino that does not store your user name and password on their servers, yet require you to enter these credentials each time you want to log in to your account.  This is very important as high-profile servers are a target of hackers and various network attacks.  While the casino should do its part in enforcing a password policy, it is up to you to be responsible with your login credentials.

Personal Information Verification – You can gauge the level of security an online casino provides within the early stages of setting up your account.  A respectable operator will require that all users registering for an account supply their full legal name and mailing address.  If such information isn’t requested, your internal red flags should pop up immediately.

Security is a full-time job but a challenge an online casino operator should be up for.  Aside from the measures identified in this article, the company should also take the necessary steps to ensure that their servers are protected against virtual threats and even physical instances such as theft, vandalism and natural disasters.  When placing your faith in an online casino, you need the assurance that your personal data and funds are completely safe and secure.

Traditionally, U.S. gambling regulations have been reserved for state governments as opposed to ruling at the federal level.  A prime example would be the Wire Act.  As we all know however, federal law often finds a way to overthrow state legislation.  The DOJ (Department of Justice) has expressed on a number of occasions that the act prohibits all variations of internet gambling in the United States.

Enter the Wire Act

Enacted in 1961, the Wire Act was passed to prevent bookmakers from taking sports wagers via telephone.  At one time, accusations of violations were typically accompanied by a range of other charges such as conspiracy, money laundering and violations of the Illegal Gambling Business Act.  The one key point stressed by gambling proponents is that the Wire Act is enforced towards the gambling operator.  There is no language within the law that says it is illegal for the consumer to place a wager.

Because there was simply no way to have predicted online gaming in the early 1960s, from a practical aspect, there is no way the Wire Act could apply to casino gaming over the internet.  In recent times, the DOJ has been quite busy tangled up in legal disputes in pursuit of conviction for gambling operators, years before Congress even got involved.  In 2000, the DOJ garnered a successful conviction of Jay Cohen, World Sports Exchange president, for violating the Wire Act.

The So-Called Internet Gambling Ban

The UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) was enacted in the fall of 2006, a law which states that it is illegal for any financial institution to facilitate monetary transactions between offshore gambling operators and U.S. consumers.  However, this legislation has been controversial from the start as it does not state that it is illegal for those consumers to gamble on internet sites.  The introduction of the UIGEA has led the online gambling industry’s biggest players away from the U.S. market, even though many private entities continue to service it.  These companies are banking that the UIGEA will not be able to block payments, giving them the ammunition to continue operating in jurisdictions in which U.S. authorities have no power.

No-Online Gambling States

Several states, including Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington have passed laws that prohibit all unauthorized forms of online gambling.  Both Hawaii and Utah have also passed similar legislation.  Lawmakers in Nevada passed a law that permits intrastate internet gambling but have taken very few steps to introduce a viable system.  The argument has always been that implementing such a system would require advanced technologies that have the ability to accurately verify a player’s age and location, a system the DOJ claims would violate federal legislation.

In April of 2008, federal regulators and representatives from the financial industry went before Congress and testified that attempts to enforce the UIGEA would lead to substantial regulatory problems.  Resulting from this testimony was a new legislation introduced by representatives Barney Frank and Ron Paul, supporters of the legalization and regulation of online gambling.  This proposed legislation would prohibit the DOJ, Federal Treasury and Reserve from enforcing any regulations associated with the UIGEA.  To the current day, no official regulations for UIGEA enforcement have been adopted, leaving many still to wonder: what does this law really mean?

Online gambling has exploded into popularity, but just like everything related to internet and World Wide Web, this industry is vulnerable to a wide variety of security threats.  There is an alarming number of online criminals who are out on the hunt for that easy payday.  Those who participate in online gaming need to be very cautious for the fact that it calls for transferring money over the internet and interacting with various types of software.  The major threats to online gambling discussed in this article are adware, spyware and phishing.

Ad-firing, Snooping Malware

Two of the most common forms of malicious software, adware and spyware are quite similar but there is a notable difference.  In general, adware programs are designed to merely display advertisements on your computer screen.  Spyware often does the same but mainly seeks to spy on your computing patterns and transmit that data to remote sources.  While the presence of such programs could result in subtle annoyances and degraded system performance, they can also lead to much bigger problems that render your PC inoperable or put your identify in grave jeopardy.  So, what do these malicious programs have to do with your online gaming endeavors?  Well, when doing business with an internet casino site, you are essentially running the risk of downloading something that appears to be a gaming platform, but is indeed a dangerous program with the intent to harm you or your computer.

Phishing Traps

Phishing has become one of the most common and detrimental threats to internet users.  The term describes a scam where you receive a seemingly legitimate email from a company you have some sort of relationship with.  Well known companies used as phishing bait have included names such as eBay, PayPal and Washington Mutual.  When opening the message, you will typically find that the sender is asking you to click a provided link and enter your details on a website.  The tone of the email is usually one of urgency, a ploy used to persuade you into acting fast and handing over your sensitive information.  The trick is that when clicking on the link, you will be directed to a rogue website that looks just like the site of the company the scam artist is purporting.

Recognition and Protection

Although recognizing these threats can be difficult, there is a way to protect yourself.  You can start by purchasing and installing a reliable anti-virus software program on your computer.  Remember to invest in a solution that protects against viruses and other forms of malware such as adware, spyware and Trojan horses.  In regard to phishing, you should know that legitimate companies like eBay or PayPal will never approach you in such a manner.  They will never suggest that you submit sensitive details over the insecure email system.  The best way to elude phishing scams is to never click on any link in a suspicious email or avoid the message entirely.  If you didn’t initiate the contact, it is probably a sign that a scam artist is trying to bait you into a trap.

The online gambling industry has been able to garner the attention of gamblers across the world.  No longer do players have to deal with the hustle and bustle of land-based casinos as they can bring the action right into their homes.  Thanks to the power of the internet, gambling fanatics now have an assortment of the most popular casino games at their fingertips.  While online gambling can be both exciting and prosperous, one of the most important factors a player must consider before making a wager is whether or not the casino is safe for playing.  It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or an expert, it is an absolute must that you put an emphasis on safety and security.

Schemes and Scandals are Abound

First and foremost, you should know that a large number of illegal gambling sites exist out in cyberspace.  The global reach of the internet and World Wide Web create a rather larger scope for fraudulent practices.  Because so many of these sites are created and run in other countries, the casino operators are often exempt from legal punishment by U.S. authorities, pretty much giving these fraudsters the green light to manipulate and compromise unknowing players.  With that said, it should at least be good to know that these illegal sites usually don’t last long.  If you do your research, you will find that several illicit online casinos have been exposed and shut down by the authorities in their respective jurisdictions.

Ensuring Security and Fair Play

There are a few solutions providers that have developed concepts to better assure integrity and security in the market of online casino gambling.   The OGA (Online Gambling Association) is one such body dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of players looking to gamble at online casinos.  This regulatory body performs regular checks to make sure internet casino sites are providing adequate levels of security to their customers and keeping them from engaging in illegal activities.  There are also organizations who have committed themselves to ensuring fairness.  Because this is such a major issue in the online gambling business, it is critical that you keep a casino’s payoff percentage in mind.  If the payout percentage is considerably low, it could be a sign that the online casino operator is not paying out its players the appropriate amount of winnings.  This is actually defeating the purpose of gambling and only adding to the casino’s wealth in the end. The eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is an organization leading the charge in making sure players are getting their fair share at the virtual jackpot.

Secure a Safe Environment

If you really want a chance to win and truly enjoy the online gaming experience, it is imperative that you seek out nothing less than a secure casino site.  Separating the contenders from pretenders can be difficult as a newbie, so it is advisable that you conduct extensive research to find yourself a reputable site.  In an industry that has been littered with so many scams and sharks, reputation is everything.  The researching process can prove to be a very tedious undertaking but when landing yourself that highly secure, dream casino, you will be glad that you put forth the effort.

The legalities revolving around gambling in Europe have always been sketchy at best.  The struggle for power positions between EU decision makers has resulted in much confusion  regarding laws and regulations.  Despite all the chaos, online gambling in Europe has taken off considerably since its inception and continues to flourish.

Laying the Ground Work

The first major step Europe took towards online gambling was the establishment of Boss Media AB, a Swedish software company.  Founded in 1996, its original intent was to only operate Gold Club Casino.  However, following the success of the initial launch, the company was met with several offers from interested industry affiliates.  In what seemed like no time, Boss Media became a major player in the internet casino industry, becoming listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 1999 and a member of the World Lottery Association in 2002.  To the current day, Boss Media AB delivers online gaming solutions to some of the most renown organizations in the industry, including Bwin and SportingBet.

Source of Confusion

The relative success brought forth by Boss Media occurred right in the middle of a long and intense battle among EU members as they tried to define the regulations and limitations of internet gambling.  Various European countries adopted three main approaches toward the issue.  France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany and other countries in Traditional Western Europe, originally planned to restrict and at first, completely prohibit online gambling.  The more liberal countries such a the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and The Netherlands especially, made attempts to establish a safe and regulated online gambling environment for their citizens.  Smaller EU jurisdictions such as Alderney, Lichtenstein, Gibraltar and Isle of Man took a more open and tolerant approach to online gambling, a move that was done to attract new business.

The inconsistency in these approaches between European countries has formed the core for most of the confusion.  Some countries allow the operation of online gaming in their territory but prohibit operators from servicing residents in that area.  Others have monopoly over the gaming industry in their territory, refusing to open borders to international countries and European localities as well.  Until a single standard is established by the European High Courts of Justice, there will always be loopholes in the law and mass confusion will continue to exist.

Attack on the U.S.

In December of 2007, a number of major EA online casino operators teamed up against the United States over what they deemed to be discriminatory practices.  They claimed that the UIGEA was in violation of international trade law and thus, should be replaced with a more efficient regulated online gambling system instead.  This proposed concept is quite similar to the current legislation spearheaded by U.S. state representatives such as Barny Frank.  Europe’s joint forces sparked global rage, leading to other countries such as Australia and Canada joining to aid in the battle for legal internet gambling.  Rather than changing its legislation, it is reported that the U.S. simply settled the case by compensating each country.

As it stands now, the state of internet gambling in Europe remains in utter shambles.  Ironically, that has not halted the explosion of popular casino games like poker and online bingo from emerging on the market.

A large number of the more popular online gambling sites have community forums. These forums are often quite useful as they contain vital information about online casino games, policies and other details you may want to make yourself familiar with. They provide a medium for players to interact with each other, share personal experiences and ask questions on a variety of related topics. After a while, these community forums become filled with tons of information that can prove valuable for the new player. At the same time, it is wise to make yourself familiar with the pros and cons of these outlets before instilling your faith in them.

The Good Side

Perhaps the greatest advantage of online casino forums is the actual community members. The posts you see are generally penned by the players opposed to someone who works with the casino, increasing the probability of getting unbiased feedback. This isn’t the case with some of the testimonials you encounter, especially when they are doing nothing but praising the casino. Wen participating in an online casino forum however, you are more likely to be dealing with regular players just like yourself.

The Bad Side

On the other hand, you can’t always take the comments of fellow community members at face value. For example, some of the content you run across is so negative that you can often tell that it was crafted by disgruntled players. In some instances, the issues these players have are genuine and they simply want to warn to others about shady casino practices. However, these forums are frequented by players who have more unscrupulous intentions. These could be players who have been caught abusing bonuses and penalized by a particular casino. Such characters have been known to post malicious entries stating how they have been defrauded or treated unfairly.

Are There Any Real Benefits?

Because of the all the treachery, one could say the actual benefits of online casino forums are questionable. After all, if you can’t rely on the community of the casino in which you play at, who can you trust? The answer is that you need to focus on being a discerning reader, rather than a casual reader. Once you get familiar with the board, it will be much easier for you to distinguish legitimate postings from those simply blowing smoke. Real posts generally deliver detailed facts in a transparent manner and rarely give off an angry tone. Someone who is in the wrong will attempt to twist the truth and may even use foul language to influence the user community. With a little practice, you will be able to see through their rants and tell if they are being honest.

The truth is that online casino forums are quite useful. The key is taking them for what they are worth and knowing how to deal with them. If you run into some postings you aren’t sure about, cross check the information with other sources. This can be done easily because if the issue is true, others are sure to be talking about on the web.