Online Casino Gambling

Virgin Casino recently posted a link that states, “Try our new website and let us know what you think.” The current site is now known as their classic website. The new site has most of the same links that lead to the same games and promotions. The primary difference is easier navigation and a more modern appearance. Therefore, prior to finalizing the new site, Virgin Casino is requesting feedback from its players.

Difference in the Details

The broad layout and color scheme are the same due to the red which is commonly associated with Virgin products. The noticeable differences are in the details. For instance, instead of only a single MegaJackpots ticker, all progressive jackpots offered at the casino are displayed at the top of the homepage. Also, the list of the most recent winners is streamed onto the site. Furthermore, a search bar has been added to easily find specific games.

Category Icons

Additionally, with the old site, game categories were represented by a screenshot of the latest release. Therefore, it was immediately known by players that a new game had been launched. However, on the new site, icons for the categories are crafted in a more modern manner. Although attractive, they are not consistent with the rest of the site.

Preview and Launch Games

The biggest advantage of the new website is it permits players to preview and launch games directly from the home page. There is a specific selection of games that appear in the default setting from the homepage. This represents all gaming categories offered by the casino. Also, there are two special categories: Las Vegas and Monopoly. Las Vegas contains the IGT land-based slot machines while Monopoly displays six branded Monopoly games.

Each previewed game offers three links: Demo Play, Play Now and Information. Demo Play is for play money, Play Now refers to real money wagering and Information displays the game rules, screenshots, an opportunity to bookmark the game and a summary of the game parameters. Furthermore, promotions can be access directly from the homepage without having to specifically click on the promotions page.

Virgin Casino is requesting all players to provide feedback with regards to their new website. Those who answer the survey will be given 100 V*Points and an entry into a lucky draw promotion for an iPad 2. This is also an excellent opportunity for players to provide their input into an important aspect of any online casino: their website.

Virgin Casino has been in the news a lot lately with a brand-new website, exciting promotions and now new online slot games. Although they are not Microgaming slot games, they are available through the Microgaming QuickFire platform. The first game titled, “Call of the Colosseum” transports players back to the Roman Empire. Meanwhile, “Dynasty” is set in ancient China.

Call of the Colosseum

The game is a 20 payline video slot game with ancient symbols such as a Roman lady, the Colosseum, tiger, emperor, chariot, bag of gold, round shield and gladiator’s helmet. The Roman lady icon provides a fixed jackpot of 5,000 coins. Meanwhile, the emperor represents the wild symbol and can only appear on the second, third and fourth reels. The round shield is the scatter symbol and three or more equates to the ten free spins with double payouts.

This free spins round has an interesting twist. Each time the emperor appears, he forms a thumbs up or down sign as he would in the Colosseum. A thumbs up is equivalent to three more free spins being given to the player. A thumbs down ends the round. Also, the Gamble Game is available after each payout. Players have the option of attempting to double or quadruple their payout by guess the color or suit of a card.

Dynasty

Set in the background of the Great Wall of China, the reels in Dynasty slot game are crafted in an ancient manner. The structure of this game is similar to that of Call of the Colosseum in that it features 20 paylines and similar wagering designations. The Dynasty logo acts as the wild symbol and only appears on the second, third and fourth reels.

The scatter icon is represented by the emperor which awards three 10 free spins at doubled payouts. During this round, free spins can be retriggered when three or more scatter characters appears on the reels. Other icons in the game include, flag, swords, warrior and monument. The warrior character distributes 5,000 coins when five or more appear on any payline. The Gamble Game is also available following each payout.

With the addition of these games to their repertoire, Virgin Casino literally has some game that appeals to everyone. The most intriguing aspect of these games is the attention to detail with regards to the ancient theme that is historically accurate.

There continues to be support for online gambling in the United States. Two limited bills that relate to the online activity have recently received support. Also a leading U.S-based newspaper recently supported online gambling in an editorial. Unfortunately this is not enough support to make online gambling a reality. However, it is in the right direction.

The Comprehensive Problem Gambling Bill of 2011

Bill HR 2334 entitled, “The Comprehensive Problem Gambling Bill of 2011”, was re-launched by a Democratic Representative on June 23^rd, 2011 with a Republican co-sponsor. The same bill was brought to the table in the previous session of Congress but was unable to be discussed. A statement from the U.S. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) urged Congress to pass the bill in order to improve education and protection for problem gamblers.

More specifically, the bill provides the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration the authority to address the problem and gives them additional Federal funding for the illness. A spokesperson for the group stated that they are excited about working with advocates to pass this historic bill.

The Poker Only Bill

Also in June 2011, a Republican representative from Texas introduced HR 2366 to the House of Representatives. This bill is known as the “Poker Only” bill as it is intended to legalize and regulate only online poker instead of all casino games. This bill was introduced under the Energy and commerce Committee and was co-sponsored by another one other Republican representative and three Democrats.

Since the introduction of this bill, the number of co-sponsors continues to rise. In the past week, five additional names have been added to total 25. Although the bill was introduced by a Republican, only six of the 25 are co-sponsors.

Media Support for Online Gambling

The most recent newspaper to publish an editorial article with support for the legalization of online gambling is the New York Observer. The article discusses how the taxation is likely to solve many state’s revenue problems. Furthermore, the author attacks local and state governments for making less wise and less creative decisions with regards to new revenue streams.

As support for the legalization of online gambling in the United States continues to grow, it is likely a bill will eventually be passed and a federal system developed. Online gambling could be kick start the U.S. economy needs to fall back into place.

In the most recent installment of the Omni Times, three new online games have been announced. The newsletter specifically states, “These are just the first three of many of new games that will be arriving to Omni Casino during the next few weeks.” Also, the newsletter outlined that the casino will be delivering several new deposit options in the cashier section and is planning to host the largest slots tournament ever seen in the near future.

Iron Man 2 Scratch Card

The first of the three new games is at the casino is a scratch card based on the online slot game Iron Man 2. This game has become so popular that it is regularly featured in the Ten Most Played Games at Omni Casino section. To win a top prize of $1 million for only a $100 wager, players must only get three reactors in line which takes only a few minutes.

Frankie’s Fantastic 7 Slot Game

The second of the three games is Frankie’s Fantastic 7 which is based on a popular arcade game. In this horse-racing themed game, the horses are driven by random card draws from the deck and feature a variety of bets to keep the game interesting.

Perfect Blackjack

Omni Casino has not released a blackjack variant in quite some time. With the release of Perfect Blackjack, players are engaged in a six deck blackjack competition with Las Vegas Strip rules. However, the greatest change is that players can wager on the deal, player or both with having a pair. Any red/black pair pays 6-to-1, a colored pair pays 12-to-1 and a perfect pair pays 25-to-1.

Other Omni Casino News

In other news, progressive jackpots at Omni Casino have risen to record levels. Beach Life just passed the $2 million mark and continues to grow. The game is a 20-line slot game with a $0.50 coin bet. Also, Wall Street Fever boasts a progressive jackpot at over $325,000. Those who are regular Omni players know this jackpot is far above its usual hit level.

Powered by Playtech and licensed in the reputable online gambling jurisdiction of Curacao, the Omni Casino is an excellent place to try a variety of games. As an added bonus, the free weekly newsletter is one of the best in the industry due to its announcements, promotions and bonuses. All registered players are eligible to receive this wonderful online publication.

The United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) have been at the forefront of the online gambling news lately. First, the UK Government is preparing to overhaul the online gambling laws to collect taxes from offshore operators. Second, numerous US states are attempting to create a regulated online gambling system. There have recently been breakthroughs with regards to both situations.

Proposed Tax Changes for Offshore Operators

In the UK, a representative from William Hill online casino is speaking out against the British government for the proposed tax changes. These changes include offshore gambling operators who desire access to the UK market would be required to acquire a secondary license and thus pay taxes to the country. Online casino representatives describe this move as being unfair. William Hill casino moved to Gibraltar two years ago to escape high UK taxes.

Since that time, Gibraltar has developed into a hub for online gambling activity across Europe; hosting many online operators at low taxation. William Hill has blatantly said it will not be returning to the UK. William Hill representatives also stated that to level the field through the taxation of offshore casino operators, the government must also match the taxation rates from other jurisdictions.

US Delay of the Legalization of Online Gambling

Across the pond in the US, the approach to the Washington, DC council to legalize online gambling will further be delayed. In the most recent hearing, the council had decided that citizens had not been provided a sufficient opportunity to consider the law that introduces online gambling. As a result, the council advised the DC Lottery to put all implementation plans on hold and initiate a public consultation procedure that will increase public awareness.

As a result, DC Lottery representatives implemented a plan for additional presentation across the city. Unfortunately, residents of DC do not want the presentations to be held during the summer months which will further delay the process. Therefore, the agreed upon time for the presentations is mid-September through October.

Investment in the Cause

Furthermore, during the second quarter of 2011, the American Gaming Association (AGA) spent $641,621 lobbying the government with regards to online gambling. This was slightly more than the amount spent in the first quarter of 2011 and significantly more than that spent in the second quarter of 2010.

There is plenty of activity online gambling activity occurring across the globe at any moment. It appears as if the UK government is getting closer to passing a new taxation law while the US state governments are gearing up to create online gambling systems in their areas.

On Wednesday, August 24^th, 2011 three new slot games are expected to go live at Virgin Casino. All three games were developed by NextGen Gaming and based on different locations around the world. The Mexican-themed online slot game is titled, “La Cucaracha”. The second game is titled, “Bangkok Nights” and is based on the Southeast Asian city Bangkok. Finally, Cherry Blossoms is representative of Japan.

La Cucaracha

The message to players is to grab maracas and drink tequila while playing this exciting game. The slot delivers free spins at tripled payouts. Also, the bonus game is interestingly based on spicy Mexican food.

Bangkok Nights

Bangkok is globally known as being a “Good time city” because of its nightlife and dancing girls in burlesque clubs. The animations in this game display a glimpse of these dancers. The game also features a 10,000 coin fixed jackpot that will pay out a maximum of $100,000.

Cherry Blossoms

Finally, Cherry Blossoms transport players to Japan. The game features several symbols taken from Japanese culture including a Geisha, cherry blossom, fan and lantern. The fixed jackpot payout is set at 12,500 coins.

New Games Promotions

As a result of the release of the three new games, Virgin Casino is offering a promotion that began on August 22^nd and will end August 29^th, 2011. There are two sets of prizes associated with this promotion. First, every player who bets more than GBP 2,500 during the promotional period will receive entry into a lucky draw which selects 20 random players who will win GBP 100 each.

The second promotion is for the high rollers who must wager at least GBP 70,000 during the promotional period. The highest wagerer will receive a vacation for two in Mexico. The winner can also opt for the prize of GBP 3,000.

Promotion Eligibility

To be eligible for these promotions players must bet on the three new games, Call of the Colossuem, Dynasty, Monopoly YITM and 300 Shields. For more unusual games, players can bet on Midas Millions which features a honeycomb betting structure and offers over 100,000 ways to win.

Virgin Casino is all over the news reels with continuous promotions and several new games to attract the crowds. Each newly announced promotion is an excellent opportunity for players to pad their bank accounts and earn additional player points which can be redeemed for additional casino credits.