Online Casino Gambling

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.

In the early days, customary gambling was limited to the higher society that could afford to blow their chips at the lavish, luxurious casinos.  Today, glamorous casinos are within reach of all players regardless of their social status.  Thanks to the power of the internet, players now have the option of ditching the crowded casinos down on the strip in favor of the comfy setting in front of their computer.  How do online casinos stack up against the real deal?  Pretty high if you ask us.

The Environment

True, there is no way to completely mimic the dynamic atmosphere typically found in a land-based casino.  However, you cannot take away from the exciting environment that comes along with online casino play.  In many ways, the environment can actually be more desirable.  You won’t have to deal with all the loud noise, smog, hot waitresses or dreamy bartenders that might serve as a distraction and take your eyes off the game.  In the real world, you have to keep your focus on the players, the dealer and the crowd around you as well.  This isn’t the case with online play.  More than likely, you will be content in a quite setting with no one to pressure you.  This new level of comfort can be reflected in your play and allow you to keep your focus on one thing – winning.

The Security

Land-based casinos have beefed up their security considerably over the years.  The online gaming industry has done the same in recent times.  With all the cheats and security threats roaming in cyberspace, the emphasis on security is understandably so.  When creating an account with a well known, reliable casino, you can rest assured of fair play as well as the protection of your funds and sensitive information.  The good casinos know what it takes to be successful and that is ensuring the privacy and safeguarding of their customers.  When it comes to security, both the land-based and online variations take various measures to protect their players and the integrity of the game.

The Enjoyment

The level of enjoyment one gets when playing in a real or virtual casino all depends on the individual.  While nothing can replace the feeling of rolling the dice in your hand or seeing the look of devastation on the dealer’s face in person after a win, gambling online can be quite fulfilling.  With new and improved technological innovations, gaming software is more advanced than ever, making the games easier and more enjoyable to play.  Whether you are playing a free game for the mere thrill or going for the ever expanding jackpot, gambling online can make for an experience that rivals the enjoyment of real-world play.

The Big Ticket

Be it the casinos in Atlantic City or your favorite online poker room, the object is all the same – win.  If you think there is no money to win online, you are sadly mistaken.  By creating and funding an account, you are establishing a path to unlimited potential winnings by playing the game of your choice.  Although you might not be able to cash out instantly, once the funds hit your account, we think will appreciate the fact that money spends all the same.

Microgaming is a veteran in the field online casino gaming platforms.  In fact, it makes the claim of actually creating the first ever operating online gaming system in 1994.  Since that time, the company has led the way in developing an impressive portfolio of licensee internet casinos, powering some of the most renowned and successful operators, including The Gaming Club, 7 Sultans Casino and The Riverbelle casinos.  Today, Microgaming is an industry heavyweight with more licensed casinos, games and revolutionary concepts than any other vendor.

Gaming Options

If you are a player who prefers a great variety, you may want to specifically look for casino sites running on the Microgaming platform.  Many of its licensees offer well over 100 casino games for players to choose from.  They also tend to offer some of the biggest progressive jackpots on the market.  In 1998, Microgaming introduced Cash Splash, the internet’s first progressive casino game.  Today, its line of progressive games are tremendous, consisting of blackjack, slots, cyberstud poker and roulette among others.  These games have some of the largest default jackpot values around and rise very quickly.  Major Millions, one of its current flagship games, has a jackpot that begins around the $250,000 mark and exceeds $1 million on a regular basis.  It is reported that the biggest winner to date struck a cool $1.7 million with a single spin.  Talk about luck.

Online Gambling Innovation

Viper, its next generation online casino software, now powers a large number of Microgaming licensee casinos.  The Viper platform allows you to automatically play the casino game of your choice optimally by either playing through expert play modes, which send notification when you have made a non-optimal wager choice, or automatically make the best choice for you, depending on the mode you selected.  Innovation such as this is the very reason why Microgaming is at the top of the list for online gaming software vendors.

What’s to Like about Microgaming

Any experienced gamer will tell you that Microgaming’s range of casino games and playing options are unrivaled.  Online casinos powered by this company will give you a greater choice of games than competitors along with a variety of helpful tools to sweeten the bargain.  With a Microgaming casino, there are no frills or fluff, just an intuitive gaming interface that allows you to easily navigate your way through the casino games.

What’s Not to Like about Microgaming

For the most part, everything is positive with Microgaming platforms.  If we had to pick on them for anything, it would have to be the in-game graphics.  For example, the images are not as sharp as they could be, and the casino games do not look as crisp as what you get from some of the other software vendors.  On bright side, Microgaming casino games are nice and sizable with a look and feel that makes all the instructions, numbers and other essential elements easy to view.  If you eyes aren’t what they used to be, this is a definite plus.