Online Casino Spotlight

Based on the island of Cyprus, Rival Gaming is a company established by Black Chip Ltd.  Though just launched in 2006, it has already made a name for itself as one of the top software providers in the online gambling industry.  In fact, its software solutions power some of the most popular internet casinos in the world, many of which accept players from the U.S.  Aside from the superior graphics of its extensive catalog of games, Rival Gaming offers online casino management through a comprehensive back-end interface, which addresses issues such as reporting, affiliate management and security.  Well know for its series of interactive slots, Rival Gaming has an excellent reputation in the industry with quality games that outperform many of the other online casino software developers on the market.

Gaming Options

One of the best things about Rival is the nice selection of casino games it gives the player to choose from.  It offers blackjack in single and multi-hand varieties as well both American and European roulette.  Its portfolio also includes a number of online casino poker and video poker variations.  Some of its other games are craps, keno and baccarat along with less known games like Red Dog, Let it Ride and Casino War.  Rival receives high scores over the competition with the quality production of its slots games, which are rich in audiovisuals and deliver a thrilling gaming experience to the player.  These games are categorized in to various types that include three-reel slots, five-reel slots, progressive slots and iSlots.  Its most popular variant, the iSlots (interactive slots), are exclusive and only available at online casinos powered by Rival Gaming.  Each I-slot tells a different story, taking you through a unique adventure with video clips and skill-based bonus rounds.  Your performance in the bonus rounds ultimately determines the course of the overall game.

Online Gambling Features

Another rival advantage is that its downloadable software is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.  This is a big plus when considering that most software providers only cater to Windows users.  In addition, the company implements a great variety of features into its software to produce some of the most user-friendly online gaming applications around.  These features consist of tools like real-time player history, easy to use promotions, cash interfaces and a unique VIP system.  Unlike much of the competition, Rival Gaming platforms allow players to bet with real money, or play just for fun.

What’s to Like About Rival Gaming

There are many benefits to playing at Rival Gaming casinos.  The most notable are its feature-rich, audiovisual slots and exclusive iSlots.  Next comes the fact that many casinos running the platform accept U.S. players.  Last but not least, it is one of few companies that develops its software to support both Windows and Mac computers.

What’s Not to Like About Rival Gaming

There are also a few drawbacks to Rival gaming.  First, it is lacking in variety when it comes to blackjack and video poker.  And while it does have a nice selection of games, the number is far less in comparison to competitors such as Microgaming and RTG.

Roulette is one of the oldest casino games in the world.  Its origins can be traced back to France in the mid 1600s.  While there are many different variations, it remains one of the easiest games to play as well.  As far as roulette goes, all you really need to keep up with is your favorite colors or numbers.

Basics of Roulette

Upon approaching the roulette wheel, you will feast your eyes on a layout featuring the numbers, 0, 00 and 1 through 36.  These numbers will alternate between the colors of black and red.  The wheel positioned next to the layout has corresponding numbers above notches.  These notches represent where the roulette ball will rest following your spin.

Roulette Betting Options

You will also find that there are side bets on the layout of the roulette wheel.  These sections indicate black or red, odd or even, first, second or third column, first, second or third dozen, first half and second half.  The first half is 1 though 18 while the second half is 19 through 36.  When you put your money down at a live roulette table, you will get a corresponding amount of chips of a specific color.  These chips will be of the same denomination.  The purpose of the color is simply to differentiate your chips from all the other players at the table.  Obviously, when playing the game of roulette online, you don’t have to worry about all this as there is no need to keep track of your chips.  When stepping into the internet realm, you are the only one at the table and have the luxury to play at your own preferred speed.

Placing a Wager in Roulette

In roulette, you are free to put down as many chips as desire anywhere on the layout.  This of course, is subject to the table limits.  Chips placed directly on a number pay out if the ball stops on that number on the wheel.   You have the option of splitting your bet between two, four or six numbers.  If any of them hit, you win but receive a lower payout.  You can also place chips on any of the side bets as well as 0 or 00.  For the most part, as long as you can meet the table limits, you have the ability to allocate your chips how you prefer on the layout.  This is true even while the ball is spinning about the wheel.  Your chips can be spread out until the croupier makes the announcement of “no more bets”.

Winning at Roulette

Like most casino games, players are paid in roulette according to the odds.  For example, your winnings are determined by what the odds would be of your number hitting if there were no 0 or 00.  Therefore, a straight number bet would pay 35-1, and a bet on black would pay even money.  Many players prefer European roulette because the wheel only contains one 0, which works out in your favor.

Winning at any casino game is never guaranteed, but your chances get a lot better when you know all the basics.

Over the years, thousands of users have been infected by malicious software in the midst of trying to gamble online.  Even some of the biggest internet casinos and software providers have been victimized by these harmful programs.  Malware comes in many forms but this article will introduce three that have been stirring up trouble in the online gambling industry: viruses, Trojans and spyware.

Viruses

Similar to its biological counterpart, a virus is a small computer program designed to propagate from host to host.  It most cases, its intent is to damage or interfere with the operation of the infected machine.  The tendencies of a virus range from corrupting or deleting files on your computer, to erasing everything on your hard disk.  This type of malware primarily spreads through emails or instant messages.  This is why it is so important that you never open an email attachment from a casino you are not familiar with.  Because a virus can also be concealed in an application you download, you need to be very cautious about the casino software you obtain from the internet.

Trojan Horses

Its named derived from a story famed in Greek mythology, a Trojan horse is a malicious program designed to deceive to the user.  A Trojan often appears to be a useful or desirable application such as a downloadable internet casino platform, which is the very reason why so many unknowing users have been infected.  Though often closely associated, a Trojan horse is not a virus, mainly because it can’t self-replicate and send itself from host to host.  Once activated, this type of malware may have the ability to access your files, folder or the entire system.  One of its most common tendencies is to create a backdoor that allows your system to be accessed from a remote location or install other malicious programs.  Because a Trojan horse can be so unpredictable, this is certainly one piece of malware you want to avoid at all costs.

Spyware

In general, spyware describes a technology that has the ability to collect information without a user’s knowledge.  Most of the time, this data is collected to provide details to advertisers or other interested parties.  It has also been known to act as adware and display unwanted advertisements on your screen.  The most troubling part of it all is that spyware is often installed without you even knowing about it.  Then there is always the threat of these programs being used to collect sensitive or financial details.  Because it is an invasion of your privacy at the very least, spyware is one type of malware you need to look out for when visiting online casino sites and downloading gaming software.

The malware family is one of the biggest threats facing internet users today.  The impact of an infection can range from subtle annoyances to catastrophic situations where your computer is inoperable or your identity is in jeopardy.  The best way to avoid these potentially harmful programs is to install a reliable security software tool on your computer and practice safe surfing on the web. 

According to finding published in a June, 2009 study, the problem of gambling addiction would drop considerably if the United States government made the decision to fully legalize and regulate internet gambling.  Ironically enough, this new study was published by the Church of God and Morals.  In fact, a number of religious groups associated with the Church of God and Morals have been written, most of which argue that online casino gambling should remain an illegal activity.  This is why it is so strange that its own study speaks otherwise by stating that a regulated online gambling industry would greatly benefit the United States as a whole.

Cindy Doright, spokesperson for the Church of God and Morals, remarked that gambling addicts would be better protected if online gambling was regulated, even though the organization believes strongly that the act of gambling is morally wrong.

The study was completed with the aid of a control group consisting of 25 Christian participants.  Each person was assumed to have been gambling addicts for more than ten years.  The participants were allowed to gamble on the internet with real money.  The catch was that all of their deposits and playing activity would be monitored by leaders of the church.  Their bookies, who are all loyal members of the Church of God and Morals, were also contacted to play a part in the process.  The bookies agreed not to accept any bets from the 25 Christians.  Finally after two years, the study concluded that none of the members from the control group developed any more gambling habits than they already had.  To top things off, 24 of the 25 participants quit gambling entirely.

One of the gamblers who was monitored reported that the increased monitoring actually kept him from being able to hide that fact that he was gambling.  In turn, this particular individual was far more conscious of his habits than in past times when dealing with the local bookie.  From there, the participant came out to admit that they didn’t want to be known as someone with a gambling problem.  Additionally, since he couldn’t deal with the neighborhood bookie, he just stopped gambling altogether.

While the study was conducted in a rather unusual manner and involved an insignificant number of the gambling population, the Church of God and Morals took upon themselves to send a letter to Congress to report the findings, which appears to believe it is more than a viable source to use as the basis for creating new legislation.

One Congressman the church contacted replied that since the religious group put the results in writing, he believes the findings to be true.  The fact that internet gambling regulation showed notable benefits yet was still opposed by the church from a moral aspect, seemed to be weigh heavy on the Congressman.  Upon being asked if he would look further into the subject by possibly viewing more scientific studies, the Congressman expressed that he wouldn’t.  According to Cindy Doright, he said the findings corresponded to his personal beliefs and therefore, it would be no need to look at any more factual documents.

Could a simple church study be the break online gambling proponents have been looking for?  Only time will tell.

PayPal is one of the most popular online payment services for internet users.  Unfortunately, this widely use method still is not available to many player who want to gamble online and send money to and from their casino accounts.  A preferred option before the passing of the United State’s ban on online gambling, the UIGEA, PayPal felt the pressure and changed its policy to prohibit internet gambling transactions, fearing it would be reprimanded by the U.S. Department of Justice.  Perhaps the office of the New York State Attorney General had something to do with the move as it has been quite busy in most of the prosecutions to come so far.

While online gambling is looked down upon by U.S. lawmakers, the industry has been regulated in Britain under the U.K. Gambling Act of 2005.  This opened the door for PayPal’s U.K. division to once again allow transactions at internet betting sites.  The latest online casino to start accepting PayPal transactions is 32 Red, one of the best rated European and U.K. casino sites in the business today.  Pat Harrison, Operations Director at 32 Red, announced in a recent press release that in continuing with its mission to make online gaming as convenient and simple as possible, the company would be upgrading their e-commerce systems to make the site a PayPal supported casino.  Harrison shared his confidence in the PayPal service, saying that players now have the ability to make deposits and withdrawals easier than ever before.  He believes this will help 32 Red a new demographic of players seeking a legitimate and reliable online casino.

With there only being a small number of sites that currently accept the service, 32 Red has essentially become one of the top destinations for PayPal internet casinos.  Bringing in new customers should be no difficult task as 32 Red is already known as a top-tier online casino.  The company is eCOGRA approved and has been the recipient of numerous industry honors.  Some of its most notable accolades include Best Online Casino and Best Customer Service awards issued by respected online gambling portals and trade journals.

Another winning quality of 32 Red is its transparency.  By becoming a casino that accepts the renown PayPal brand of online payments, the company will only strengthen its reputation even more.  Relied on by merchants and consumers around the world, PayPal is a transparent, secure online payment service that provides account holders with audit trails such as the dates and time of all deposits and withdrawals.  Deposits can be accepted instantly via a wide range of sources, including Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro, Solo and direct debit.  The same goes for withdrawals, which can actually be processed directly into the checking and savings of your bank accounts.

If you have been looking for an online casino that accepts PayPal, 32 Red is one that definitely makes a great option.  All you have to do is open up a free account and follow the instructions provided by the gaming software to make your first deposit.

Boss Media is one of the early pioneers of internet gambling, a software developer that has been around since the inception of online casinos in 1996.  Originally established to power Gold Casino, one of the very first internet casinos, the company was highly sought after for its state of the art gaming platform, which enabled Gold Casino to obtain great success in the industry.  Shortly thereafter, Boss Media put its efforts into creating fully integrated, customized online casino solutions and gaming systems for a large number of clients.

The Swedish-based company is currently performing research and development in the field of mobile gaming, interactive digital TV and video terminals, personal computers and PDAs.  Other areas of focus include bingo and lottery applications, showing that Boss Media is more than capable of extending its technological reach into highly interactive gaming and digital channeling.

Features and Games

Boss Media offers fully integrated online gambling solutions equipped with casino platforms and gaming engines that can be customized to suit the specific needs of each individual operator.  Its casino games are tailored with features such as user-friendly interfaces that provide for realistic dealer voices and casino lobbies, background music and exceptional sound effects.  Boss Media gaming engines provide life-like 32-bit graphics resembling fluid robotic motion that enable real-time playing speed.

Boss Media platforms also give players a nice variety of games to choose from.  You get classic casino games as well as fixed odds games like keno and duck rage, probability games, bingo, and poker rooms made exclusive to the many traditional games of poker.  The company also facilitates online lottery play by providing digital lottery tickets players can scratch off themselves.  If you have a particular favorite, you can probably find it at a casino running Boss Media gaming software.

A Fair Gamer

Boss Media is actively involved in many organizations that endorse and advocate fair gaming in online gambling.  One such organization is the IGC (Interactive Gaming Council), which is actually operated by the online gambling community as a whole.  This entity exists solely to ensure that fair gaming standards are met and maintained by all parties that participate in online casino gambling.  Boss Media’s presence in the organization gives this body much credibility, helping to further enhance consumer confidence in both the existing and prospective gaming technologies.

Boss Media online gaming software has proven to consistently meet satisfactory standards by Technical Systems Testing in various areas.  Its solutions meet reliability, gaming fairness and auditing compatibility on a regular basis.  The fact the company is so involved and respected in the industry gives it an edge several competitors just can’t match.

Look for the Boss

When it comes to internet gambling, an online casino site powered by Boss Media is usually one you can count on.  Its platforms are secure, stable and packed with features that truly bring out the best an online casino gameplay.  If you are looking into the software behind the casino you want to play at, keeping the big bad Boss Media in mind.

No player wants to worry about the security of their financial information when gambling online.  This is especially the case if you consider that deposits and withdrawals are major elements of the process.  Therefore, the question is: just how safe is it to gamble online?  Very safe, just as long as you know what to look for in an internet casino and avoid all the unnecessary risks.

Although you may deal with a few sites that take weeks to pay out your winnings, rarely will you encounter those that put you in a precarious position that leads to fraud or identity theft.  With that said, there are still a few casino sites that are not regulated and adequately protected against security threats.  These are websites you don’t not want to find yourself on.  Looking out for your best interest, we have composed a short checklist you should refer to if you want to ensure safe and secure online casino gaming.

128-bit SSL Digital Encryption

Every respectable online casino utilizes at least 128-bit SSL encryption to provide a high level of security for electronic transactions that occur over the web.  Because of its efficiency, SSL has become the industry standard, a technology used by world’s largest banks and financial institutions, retail stores and e-commerce sites.  To quickly verify this security, you can check for signs of a valid SSL certificate on the casino’s website.

World-class Payment Options

The flexibility and security of online casino transactions can be greatly enhanced when the site deals with established banking vendors and payment services.  Therefore, you should choose a casino that offers support for as many of the following options as possible.

- Credit Cards, (Mastercard and Visa)

- Debit Cards (Mastercard, Visa, Visa Electron, Maestro)

- PayPal

- Netseller

- Ukash

- PaySafeCard

- Moneybookers

- UseMyBank

- EcoCard

- ClickandBuy

-Entropay

- EZIPay

- Direct Bank Transfer

Fraud Detection and Verified Banking

One can never be too cautious when dealing with online casinos.  For this reason, making sure the casino utilizes advanced anti-fraud technology and fully verifies bank transactions is a must.   One of the first things you should do is verify whether the sites uses a legitimate financial transaction company.  For instance, if you look into casinos like Spin Palace, Mummys Gold and Ruby Fortune Casino, you will find that these sites process their transactions through reputable brands such as Eproc Ltd, Mezzaine West, Hadfield House, Library Street and Gibralter.  These particular casinos also use DataCash Group PLC, which offers industry-leading anti-fraud detection solutions.  Casinos powered by Cryptologic, Microgaming and Playtech software platforms usually offer a high level of security, but it’s always good to double check their credentials.

Absolute Confidentiality

Securing your banking information should be the number one priority when you make the decision to gamble online.  This is why you should never underestimate the possibility of a casino passing on your personal data to a third-party source.  An alarming number of players have been victimized by online fraud and identity theft because they didn’t take this threat into account.  Furthermore, unless you want to be bombarded with spam messages and endless sales calls, making sure the online casino offers 100% confidentiality should be another top priority on your list.

Though many players still are quite not sure what it means, the UIGEA definitely represents the disdain U.S. lawmakers have for online gambling.  One of its biggest gripes is that internet gambling is an activity that can act as a vehicle for money laundering.  While this is a genuine concern of sorts, it really holds no water as money laundering has been directly tied to various land-based casinos and sports betting operations.  In fact, the golden days of Las Vegas were infamous for this type of activity.  Today, the gambling industry has changed dramatically as many laws and preventive measure have been implemented to keep money laundering away from the business.  Does the same hold true for online gambling?

According to the RGA (Remote Gaming Association), the online gambling industry isn’t the haven for money laundering that many think it is.  With the aid of MHA Consulting, the RGA released a new report and stresses that there have been no definitive examples of money laundering occurring within licensed online gambling jurisdictions.  On the other hand, hearing this news from the RGA should be no big surprise, especially when considering that it is a trade body for several leading online casinos and software developers.  Because of this, it is natural that the organization would be doing everything possible to distance the industry from money laundering.

The truth of the matter is that the RGA didn’t have to cover up much of anything for this particular report.  How can we be so sure?  Well, MHA Consulting came to conclude that statutory and self regulation have both played a major role in dramatically reducing the number of documented money laundering incidents in jurisdictions that license internet casinos.  In addition, the report also concluded that online gambling is not particularly vulnerable to money laundering activities.  Other than the lack of documented cases, these findings were attributed to the actual makeup of the online gambling industry itself.  Since the transactions are processed electronically, all betting activities are recorded and analyzed, and the identities of all gamblers are known, the industry makes itself transparent for investigations and comprehensive audits.  The information used in the RGA’s report was complied by  reviewing bodies in European licensing jurisdictions, which are more open about online gambling than any other in the world.

The big story is that both the RGA and MHA Consulting have drawn the conclusion that the online gambling industry is in the clear for now.  However, the report also gives indication that the industry needs to remain proactive in the area of detecting and preventing the threat of money laundering.  To help achieve this, online casino operators should only work with licensing jurisdictions and stay aware of the advanced tactics being employed by the more sophisticated money launders.  Because the industry is still relatively new with equally new regulations, it is imperative for casinos to work together to keep the criminals away from the industry.

In gambling news, Golden Casino continues to show the online gaming industry why it is one of the major players.  Its website is a premiere destination for players who are looking for the biggest and best online slots tournaments.  With its Summer Tournament Series currently underway, an attraction that is slated to give away more than $240,000 in guaranteed jackpots over the month of July, Golden Casino has decided to shake up things with yet another tournament in tribute to the late great Michael Jackson.  Being dubbed as “Remembering a Legend”, the tournament is scheduled to take place in August and culminate with Michael’s birthday, which is on August 29^th.

Some industry observers view the tournament as a fitting tribute to the King of Pop who was already recognized as a living legend throughout the world.  Others are questioning whether or not the casino operator is truly paying homage or just employing another promotional gimmick.  Golden Casino is actually the U.S. sister site of Golden Palace Casino, the world famous casino that has been quite busy using a variety of outrageous marketing tactics and promotions over throughout the years.  Keep in mind, this is the same casino that added the infamous Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich and Pope Mobile to its collection of rather unusual oddities.  Such attention-grabbing headlines is the main reason why so many are wondering what Golden Casino is really up to.

Anyone who keeps up with the industry knows that Golden Palace Casino has accumulated a large variety of rare items over the years, in fact, its collection is sure to leave a legacy of its own outside of the gambling industry.  Because this is one casino that will not hesitate to capitalize on the latest trend, it is not surprising that several observers have yet to embrace Remembering a Legend Tournament with open arms.  But would Golden Casino actually go to such lengths?  Try to fatten its pockets on the passing of the King of Pop?  Some of the more unscrupulous, low-level characters have probably already gotten started, but doing it through a slots tournament would be an entirely new low.  After all, online gambling is already a prosperous field so doing this would really be pushing the limits.

There are some in the industry saying the only way Golden Casino’s new tournament could truly serve as symbol or tribute to Michael Jackson, would be to donate the proceeds to a charitable cause supported by the King of Pop himself.   While this might be somewhat extreme, Golden Casino stands to enjoy a big payday once the tournament wraps up.  To attract players, the casino is offering a guaranteed jackpot.  The pot is said to be worth a total of $15,000, with the first place finisher receiving $5,100 and the top 200 players getting a share of the rest.

Is Golden Casino trying to bank off one of the latest Hollywood tragedies?  This is one question that may never be answered to satisfactory.  Just like the controversial legacy of Michael Jackson, the actual purpose of this tournament can be viewed in many ways.  It’s all about how you choose to remember it.

Slots go back to the 1800s, actually derived from the video poker concept originated by two entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, New York.  These games have certainly come a long way as today’s slot machines are fully computerized and more advanced than ever.  In fact, some no longer accept coins, requiring that you either insert your dollars for multiple spins, withdrawn tickets or prepaid cards.  There is certainly no shortage of slot action on the net as online casinos have many styles, themes and payout structures to try your luck with.  Believe it or not, people have won millions of dollars working the slots in both land-based and online casinos.  While it may not be your one-way ticket to financial freedom, these tips should go a long way when you sit down to pull the lever.

1.) Take the Max Bet

Most of the modern slot machines are far more than one-coin, centerline machines.  Today’s variations allow you to insert multiple coins for each spin.  Although you could end up losing more money faster this way, there are many advantages to be gained as well.  Some slot games multiply the amount you are paid on the winning spin, and others add additional lines you can be paid on.  The simple fact is that the more coins or bets you play, the greater your chances of winning big.  In addition, playing the max bet will get you qualified for the progressive jackpot, which refers to a huge prize for obtaining a rare combination that goes beyond the actual odds of hitting it.  If you really think you can win at slots, the max bet is the way to go.

2.) Get the Payback You Deserve

As you probably know, most casino games are played in accordance to the odds.  The house already understands that they have a certain edge in each game played.  For example, they could be aware that the house will win an average of $1 for every $100 bet on the banker in baccarat.  Similar to baccarat, slot games are designed to pay back a certain percentage of the money they rake in.  So a 99% payback machine may payback $99 for every $100 it takes in, while an 75% payback game would pay back $75 out of every $100 taken in.  If you get the option, the one you would rather play is probably quite obvious.  The moral to this story is that when playing slots online, try your best to make yourself familiar with the payback percentage of certain games and then choose the ones in your favor.

3.) Forget About Cold and Hot Streaks

Other than the payback aspect, there is really no reason you should expect a particular slot machine to be hotter or colder than any other one out of the bunch.  This essentially means a machine that has just paid out big still has the same percentage chance of losing or paying out on the next spin as it did before.  However, a slot machine that has gone a number of spins without paying out the player is more likely to hit on the next spin than any other with the same payback setting.  While it is all about chance here, this is a key strategy you can take with you when sitting down at the casino downtown or the one hosted by your computer.