Online Casino Gambling

The mounting cards are starting to reveal that California could be the first state in the nation to take advantage of fully regulated and legalized internet gambling.  It has recently been reported that a new draft bill is floating around with intentions of allowing online poker within confinement of state borders.  Under the direction of Lloyd Levine, the state had previously explored whether it could legalize the act of wagering poker online due to the presence of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.  With a draft bill officially known as the California Online Poker Enforcement Compliance and Consumer Protection Act in circulation, it looks as if the state is now moving forward to take the steps actually needed to legalize online poker.

The first part of the new draft bill dates back to January 15, 2009 and presents findings on the issue of online poker.  It explains how U.S. players spent billions of dollars in 2008, emphasizing that instead of furnishing the local economy, the money went to offshore operators in other countries.  The bill also states that it is in the best interest of California residents to license and regulate online poker sites, proposing a licensing and regulatory structure that would permit licensed and established operators to legally run these government-regulated operations.  California is currently licensing and regulating live poker games played within the state.  Unfortunately, it lacks the licensing system, regulatory structure and law enforcement mechanisms need to protect the millions of state residents who play for money online everyday.

Ultimately, California has the belief that online poker sites licensed in the state could benefit by offering the same types of games allowed in the land-based rooms.  They also believe that players would have better protection in licensed and regulated environments.  According to the draft bill, operators can only obtain intrastate online poker sites if they are a current gaming establishment licensed by the state and its tribes with gaming interest.  It has been reported that both the Bureau of Gambling Control and the Gambling Control Commission, both of which are divisions within the U.S. Department of Justice, will be responsible for devising a structure to ensure that licensing and regulation of intrastate poker wagering remains in line with the UIGEA.

The strength of this draft bill is great news for California gamblers, but there is still a lot of work that must be done.  There are numerous factors that need to be considering in order to ensure that both players and licensed establishments are truly located within California boundaries.  The mere involvement of the internet could make this a very steep hill to climb.  In addition, there must also be efficient guidelines in place to address issues such as compulsive and problem gambling, participation from minors and law enforcement to monitor the industry from within the state.  California seems determined to work out the kinks of internet gambling regulation so if they can make it work, this could mean positive change for the entire country.

Created by British company Orbis Technologies, Ltd., OpenBet is an online gaming software platform that separates itself far from the competition.  Unlike most other solutions, this particular application offers seven individual gaming modules: Casino, Sportsbook, Fixed Odd Games, Rake Games, Retail, Exchange and Marketing.  These modules and their ability to interact with one another enables casino operators to provide players with a fully integrated gaming solution that delivers support, security and much more all from a single package.  Orbis’ “one account, one wallet solution” has made OpenBet one of the most unique and popular online casino gaming platforms on the market.

OpenBet Technology

OpenBet is widely adopted by some of the biggest players in the realm of online gambling, both in the United Kingdom and other countries as well.  The software utilizes a standard three-tier architecture based on the powerful Unix platform.  This architecture consists of a database system, web server and application server.   The database it uses is called Informix Dynamic Server, a system that often runs on Linux and Solaris platforms.  The application server is a proprietary solution developed by Orbis to maintain a high level of availability and facilitate a high number of betting transactions.  Written in the C programming language, the application server includes a number of libraries designated to perform various tasks.  The web server powering the OpenBet software platform is Apache 1.3, which supports application servers on both the front and back-end.  These web components help Orbis maintain what has become one of the best  designed gaming platforms in the industry.

OpenBet Then and Now

It didn’t take long for OpenBet to go from a new solution to the near perfect gaming system it has become today.  The software was initially developed in 1996 and in 1997, its first sports betting application was implemented through a joint venture with Index and Sport life.  In 1999, ICE, the first OpenBet Casino was launched, followed by the Sky Vegas Live Roulette channel and several other new customers.  By the time to the millennium rolled around, Orbis was a key player in the online gambling industry, powering sites such as Ladbrokes.com as well as channels like Survey Sports and Paddy Power.  Even after being acquired by News International Company NDS Ltd., Orbis kept the OpenBet brand alive and well in the online gaming world.

Today, the OpenBet gaming system is still prevalent and currently being used by some of the most notable brands in the online gambling atmosphere.  The software powers 32Red, Betway, Ladbrokes, Lasseters, Macua SLOT, Premiere Bet, Ukbetting and VC Games to name a few.

Despite all the competition on the market, Orbis continues to prove that is has the goods needed to run a stable and reliable internet betting establishment.  More importantly, OpenBet features such as multiple currencies and multilingual capabilities have made it possible for players all over the world to excel with the software and partake in online gambling.  Whether it is sports wagering, new games or old classics, this platform delivers all the technology to enjoy a safe and stable gaming experience.

PayPal, the major online payment solutions provider, is getting back into the online casino industry in a significant way. The company has struck a deal with European payments provider Neovia. Under the new deal, PayPal can be used as a payment method for users of Neovia’s Netbanx payments system. Netbanx became the first online payment service provider in the UK in 1996. Neovia is used by more than 1,500 egaming sites based out of the United Kingdom.

Getting back in the game

PayPal has grown steadily as an online payments provider during this decade. The company claims to have over 75 million active accounts in 190 markets around the world. Their financial services are offered in nearly 20 currencies. PayPal’s parent company is the the eBay company.

The deal with Neovia is a change in strategy for PayPal. The company basically stepped away from the online casino industry back in 2002 under pressure from the United States government. PayPal was deemed to be in violation of the US Wire Wager and Patriot acts for transferring funds to offshore gambling sites. Under a settlement in 2003, eBay paid a $10 million penalty to the US government.

Neovia has also had their issues with the US government. In 2007, under the trading name of Neteller, the company had to forfeit $136 million to the United States for violations that were similar to the PayPal infractions. Neteller admitted to to operating an “unlicensed money transmitting business” while participating in the promotion of “unlawful transactions” between gaming operators and their customers in the United States.

A big deal

Paypal has gradually been getting back into the online casino market since 2006. The new deal is the most significant sign that PayPal is embracing the opportunity to regain a prominent place in the ever growing online casino industry.

“We are delighted to have signed this strategic partnership with Netbanx – one of the leading market payment service providers. Netbanx has a great merchant portfolio and this partnership offers PayPal an excellent way to reach this significant audience. Netbanx provides secure online credit card and debit card payment solutions and with PayPal its customers can keep their financial details secure and choose whether to fund the transaction either from a bank account or from a credit card,” said PayPal general manager of merchant services Cameron McLean. The company enables players to receive and send funds on the web without disclosing financial details, via their credit cards, bank accounts or account balances. Still, Paypal will not accept wagers from players based in the United States.

“We are pleased to be able to add PayPal to the range of payment options available to our merchants via our Netbank Payments Gateway, giving their customers more choice in how they want to purchase goods online. The PayPal option is fully integrated within Netbank, meaning that there is no integration required for merchants who have already migrated to our leading Netbank Unified PayPage checkout technology,” said Neovia’s Dan Starr.

Poker has experienced some remarkable growth in this decade. It has become a part of popular culture. The annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas draws thousands of entrants, including many celebrities. The sport has even taken off on television. It isn’t too hard to find some kind of poker tournament to enjoy, whether it’s the World Series event or a more intimate tourney featuring some of the superstars of the game. Of course, millions play the game online or at casinos throughout the world.

The popular game that is enjoyed today had a foundation that arguably dates all the way back to the 10th century.

The evolution of the game

There is some belief that a game similar to poker was first played by the Chinese in the second half of the 10th century. Another game with some of the elements of poker has been traced back to Germany in the 15th century. In the following century, card games were played in Spain and Persia with aspects of modern day poker. The Spanish game “Primero” is generally regarded as the real forerunner of modern day poker.

While these early games had some of the basics of poker, the development of the modern game really began in the early 19th century when the betting aspects of modern day poker were introduced. French colonials introduced poker style games in the New Orleans and Mississippi River regions over the first two decades of the 1800′s. The games were played in gambling halls and riverboats in the area. These early versions were played with a 20-card deck that featured tens, jacks, queens, kings and aces. In the 1830′s, poker style games using a 52-card deck began to be played.

Further growth during Civil War period

The development of poker continued in the 1860′s and the latter half of the 19th century. The game was commonly played by the soldiers of both armies during the Civil War. It was during this time that stud poker was introduced. Also, the straight became an element of poker during this period. Poker also became very popular in saloons across the Wild West in the last two decades of the 19th century.

The popularity swing of various poker games

With many different variations, poker has seen a few specific games stand out over periods of time as part of the evolution process of the game. The first poker game that dominated was 5 Card Draw. This style of poker was generally viewed as the most popular poker game from the Civil War era through the 1930′s. Shortly before World War II, the poker community began to embrace 7 Card Stud poker. This form of poker would lead the way until the early 1970′s. Then, Texas Hold’em poker became the trendy game of choice. The game was used as the title game for the initial World Series of Poker in 1970. Today, Texas Hold’em is widely viewed as the most popular poker game in the world.

French legislators are in the process of discussing a bill that would end a state monopoly on online gambling. The proposed bill is being evaluated in the French parliament this week. If passed, the legislation would allow privately owned websites to offer wagers on horse racing, soccer and poker.

The country is under a great deal of pressure from several forces to implement the legislation. It is estimated that about 3 million French citizens are illegally wagering at online casinos based abroad. Under the proposed law, private firms would obtain a permit from a newly created regulator. The firms could then set up websites offering wagers on skill games like horse racing, poker and sports contests.

Great potential for French market

According to consulting firm MECN, the French market could be worth nearly 2 billion Euros in gross revenues by the middle of next decade. The report is based on five key factors:

Liberalization-The legislation is expected to be in place by next summer.

The importance of the French market-Among casino operators and industry experts surveyed in the report, 80% indicated that France was relevant and important to their future endeavors.

Onlne poker-Nearly 80% of the casino operators in the survey are looking to secure a French poker license.

Market size-The licensed market in France last year totaled 70 billion Euros with a gross revenue of over 8 billion Euros.

Potential-The market has unlimited growth potential in poker and sports betting.

“The operators will focus on online poker and sports betting because they expect the French market to outstrip even the success story of the Italian online poker and betting market,” according to a statement from MECN.

The wheels are in motion

“We have chosen a middle way which I think is just and efficient, a controlled opening up of the market,” Budget Minister Eric Woerth told parliament. “I want to put an end to these parallel universes. I want to put an end to the jungle of illegal sites,” he said.

Under the current laws in France, two state-owned organizations handle legal online gambling operations in the country. The state makes about 5 billion Euros per year from gambling at race tracks, licensed cafes and the internet. Woerth has indicated that France could generate 1.5 billion Euros annually from taxes tied to the pending legalization.

In addition to pressure from private gaming firms and the European Union, there are several top soccer clubs in Europe pushing for the bill to go through. The soccer organizations feel that their sport would benefit by giving their fans a chance to place wagers on matches at their websites.

The bill is critical for online gaming corporations in the United Kingdom. Their profits have been down in recent years but the French legislation would be a major jump start for their operations over the next few years. Several major gaming companies in the UK saw their revenues decline by over 25% in the first-half in wake of the worst recession since World War II.

When it comes to online gambling, both new and avid players will require aid from the casino’s customer support team at one time or another.  Indeed, you do not want to bother the operator’s staff for every little thing, but it is good to know that someone is around to help in your time of need.  If you are looking for an online casino to gamble at, this article will let you know why live chat is one of the most important customer support features that needs to be considered.

Cost Efficient and Effective

There are two qualities an online casino must possess.  First and foremost, the support staff should be available whenever you need them in some form or another.  It should also be freely available to the customer.  Support that is either unresponsive or costly is of no use to the customer.  Keep in mind that online casinos add the cost for support in their average payout percentages so there should be no need for you to pay extra for it.  While support can be delivered in many ways, there is only one method that has the ability to effectively meet both qualities: live chat.

The Downside of Traditional Methods

At one time, telephone was the preferred method of support for online gamblers.  Unfortunately, toll-free phone is an option primarily limited to locations such as the United States and Europe, leaving players from other countries to pay for support and thus, increase the overall cost of gambling online.  Another drawback to telephone support stems from the fact that it can be rather time consuming.  Because the typical conversation often involves the exchange of confidential information, the support agent must take more time asking questions to verify that they are speaking with a legitimate casino account owner.  The verification process can be very cumbersome, aggravating and costly if a player if forced to pay for that time.  Live chat eliminates these problems by allowing the player and support representative to chat online in real time and exchange sensitive details over a secure encrypted connection.

Email is another support method that while effective, fails to fulfill the requirements the player needs to feel content.  Obtaining support via email usually will not cost you a thing but the average response time tends to be less than desirable.  In many cases, the queue contains a ton of messages that must be addressed and most casinos let players know that they must wait up to 24 hours to receive a response.  Depending on the situation, 24 hours may be time you cannot afford to waste, especially when problems regarding the gaming software arise or more serious issues such as payments not being recorded.

Getting the Best Support Possible

Live chat makes a perfect alternative to the disadvantages of phone and email support.  Because live chat does not guarantee quality support, it is up to the player to seek out a reliable casino site that will be able to assist them in their time of need.  In fact, it would be wise to find yourself an operator that offers support in the form of live chat as well as phone and email to ensure that you can be serviced efficiently from all angles.