Online Casino Spotlight

In the not so distant past, slot machines paid out by spilling quarters in to a tray at the bottom of the machine. The player then collected the quarters in to a bucket and drug them to the cashier stand where they could be traded in for larger bills. Recently, most casinos have switched to a voucher system for their slot machines. These ticket systems benefit both the casino and the players in many ways, but there are some downsides to the system.

Loosing your ticket is the same as loosing your wallet.

For some reason, most people have an easier time keeping track of actual cash then they do their slot machine ticket. This could be due to the fact that the ticket is only one small piece of paper and it can easily get lost if placed in a pocket or tossed casually in a purse. Be sure to keep your ticket safe, those little pieces of paper can mean big money and there is nothing you can do if you lose one.

If you forget to redeem your ticket, you could loose your winnings.

If you walk out of the casino with your slot machine ticket in hand, forgetting to cash it out, you may be risking loosing your winnings. Most casinos have a limit on how long as ticket is good for, but typically, this range falls within thirty to ninety days. This is fine if you plan to visit the casino again, but if you were on vacation and leave with the ticket, you face some difficult times ahead. Some casinos offer a mail-in policy. If you mail the ticket in with all of your information, they will mail you a check equal to your winnings. However, not all casinos have this policy and some require that you show up in person to redeem a ticket.

Sometimes you may forget your ticket is actually cash.

The ticket system makes it easy for people to forget that they are playing with their money and not just “credits.” This can cause players to spend more then they intended, play a machine longer then they wanted, or go over their betting limit. Remember that your ticket is worth money and so are the amount of “credits” you see on the screen.

If you are careful with your ticket, the voucher system on coin-less slot machines may actually be a more enjoyable experience for you at the casino then the traditional slot machines.

Most casinos are virtual fortresses with surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and a high-level security staff all geared at protecting both themselves and you. Furthermore, most casino patrons are honest people, there to spend a little cash and have a good time. However, that does not mean that you should not do your part to protect yourself and your money. Taking a few steps to be prepared now will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Cash at the Casino

1. Let valet park your car. Using the valet for your car is worth the added cost of a tip. For one, you will not have to spend the time finding a place to park, but most importantly, you will not have to walk back to your car in a dark parking lot at the end of the night if you win a lot of cash. You and your money are a lot safer waiting at the valet stand then roaming through a parking lot.

2. Watch your purse. If you are a woman, you know what that carrying your purse through a casino is both necessary and a tremendous inconvenience. As time goes on, women become less attentive to their purses, leaving them on the floor at the slot machine or table. Do not leave your purse unattended, keep it on your lap or your shoulder, and reduce the risk of it being stolen.

3. Put your money away. Many gamblers will walk away from the cashier still counting their cash or simply holding it in their hand, excited to get in the game. Take the time to count your money and put it in your wallet before you leave the cashier stand. There is no reason to walk around flashing money in a casino.

4. Utilize the security escort. You do not have to win big to warrant a security escort in the casino. If you are uncomfortable walking to the cashier stand, or from the cashier stand to the casino doors, ask a security guard to assist you. Most guards are happy to get you to where you need to be safely.

5. Be aware of your surroundings. You do not have to keep one eye on everyone in the casino at all times, but it is smart to pay attention to your surroundings. When you are walking or first coming to a slot machine or table, take a quick glance around you. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, alert security or simply walk to another spot in the casino.

Online gambling has emerged to become a huge business that sees billions of dollars in revenue each year.  And while it offers numerous advantages to players all around the world, there are some downsides to the industry.  For the most part, online gambling is unregulated and this very factor has attracted some shady operators.  Because there are many potential dangers to gambling online, we have provided five tips to help keep you safe and secure.

Check for Licensing

Any reputable online casino site or poker room has a valid gaming license to show they are serious about the business.  The license is generally issued by an organization in the jurisdiction in which the operator is based, or through internet gaming authorities such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.  If want to make sure you are wagering with a reliable company, checking for a valid license is imperative.  Most of the reputable operators will publish information regarding licensing on their website.

Affiliation with Responsible Gaming Parties

There are quite a few non-profit organizations that exist to help ensure fair and responsible gaming in the online gambling industry.  Some of the most well know entities that fall into this category are eCOGRA, GamCare and IGC.  Gambling operators undergo routine audits of their gaming software platforms to prove that they are fair and safe based on the standards set by these non-biased independent third-parties.  Similar to licensing information, reputable gambling operators will proudly publish these certifications on their website.

Reputation of the Operator

Even if you have verified that a particular online gambling site has the proper licensing and certification, you still need to be cautious.  Some casinos in the industry have established a questionable track record during their tenor in the business.  Therefore, before making a wager at any online casino or poker room, it is advisable to conduct the necessary research to assure you are dealing with a company that is good standards in the industry.  You can start by checking out the online gambling forums to read feedback provided by existing players within the community.   Conducting this research is crucial because even some of the most well known casinos and poker rooms have been connected to scandals.

Level of Security

Security is arguably the most important aspect of online gambling. There is a lot of money that goes through this industry so naturally, it is a target for hackers and criminals.  It should be comforting to know that reputable gambling operators take various measures to make sure the players are protected.  This includes utilizing military grade encryption technology such as SSL, and relying on trusted third-party organizations for payment processing.   Because accessing the level of security can be difficult from the outside looking in, it pays to do your research to find out about the track record of company you plan to deal with.

Play Your Part

In the end, is up to you as the player to make sure you are protected when gambling online.  Not only must you take the time to find a site that ensures security, but also apply smart passwords to your casino account and keep your anti-virus software up to date.  What you think is gaming software could be a malicious program intent on ruining your life.

There is something about casinos that seems to bring out the worst in some people; or rather it seems that the presence of large sums of money have the tendency to encourage people to cheat. Many people have gone in to the casino thinking they could “beat the system.” Truth is; you can’t. Casinos spend billions of dollars a year in security- employing some of the most high tech methods out there for catching everyone from your garden variety cheater, to card counters, and even high-level operations like the MIT Blackjack Team.

Casinos employ dozens of ways to protect their money and their casino. Each casino is different and uses a different tactic. However, there are three common strategies almost every casino from Las Vegas to the American Indian casinos uses to ward of cheaters.

The Eyes on Floor- Casino Staff

If you have visited a casino, you have probably noticed the hoard of casino employees walking around the floor. These employees serve a variety of functions; fixing stalled slot machines, making change, assisting visitors, etc. However, all casino employees have one thing in common- they are all trained to spot cheating. Every casino employee on the floor has their ears and eyes peeled for suspicious behavior. They have undergone hours of training from advanced security teams. Chances are; you will be spotted.

Table Managers and Pit Bosses

The dealer isn’t the only one watching your poker table. Casinos also have table managers and pit bosses. These casino employees are trained to notice patterns that could indicate cheating at the poker table. Most casinos assign a pit boss or table manager to one specific table or any area of tables. If there is a high-stakes game going on, you can be assured at least one pit boss is watching that table like a hawk.

Eyes in the Sky

Casinos don’t just rely on the human eye to watch over their investment. Every major casino has a set of security cameras installed that look over the flood. These cameras are manned off the floor by an entire staff. They are angled to watch the tables, the slots, the cashier, and just about everywhere in the casino. Odds are the casino you frequent has dozens of security staff who spend their days with their eyes glued to the security camera monitors. Security staff positioned at the monitors are equipped with two-way radios that connect them with other employees on the casino floor. Chances are; a cheater won’t make it out of the building if they try.

The urge to cheat your way into winnings can be great, especially for gambling enthusiasts. People who frequent one casino can start to believe that they “have things figured out.” Odds are; they don’t. Casinos invest a large portion of their holdings in to stopping these people in their tracks.

Casinos take their security very seriously. It can almost be a little nerve-racking to patrons, especially first time visitors to a newly built casino, but staying out of trouble is simple enough. Do not cheat the tables, do not horse around on the casino floor, and certainly do not steal the security guard’s truck. That last one may seem obvious to some, but not one Pittsburg firefighter.

Pittsburg River’s Casino Has Security Truck Stolen

The security patrol stopped a man in the River’s Casino parking lot when he noticed the man exhibiting strange behavior. The man asked to for a ride home, so the security officer drove the man to the front of the building where he could call a cab. Once the two arrived at the front of the building, the man got in an altercation with a woman standing at the casino doors. When the security guard got out of his truck to stop the altercation, the man jumped in the driver’s side and drove off.

Man Leads Police on Chase from Casino

The security guard contacted the local police who begin looking for the man. They found him when he was headed the wrong way down the street and almost struck their police car. The police followed the stolen security truck for several miles. Finally, the man parked the security truck and proceeded to run on foot from the police. When he was apprehended it became apparent to police that the man was intoxicated.

Driver of Apprehended Stolen Casino Security Truck Turns out to be Local Firefighter

As it happens, the man who stole a Rivers Casino security truck is actually a local Pittsburg firefighter. The man, William White, has been a firefighter in Pittsburg for nearly sixteen years. Unfortunately, this won’t help White much, as his blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit when he was apprehended in the stolen casino security truck.

William White, local Pittsburg firefighter, is now facing several criminal and civil charges. White was charged with drinking and driving after he was found to have an excess of alcohol in his system. He may also face charges of grand theft auto from speeding away in the security truck. There is no word yet if the River’s casino plans to press any civil charges for damages that may have occurred to their property, or if the woman who White was found to be arguing with plans to press charges.

If you are new to the world of internet gambling, you are probably wondering just how safe and secure wagering online is.  At least we hope you are.  Whether this has crossed your mind or not, it is important to know where the online gambling industry stands it regard to safety.

In the Beginning

Gambling websites first emerged on the internet in the mid to late 1990s.  Around this time, there were only a few organizations that existed to police the industry and keep it protected against scams and shady operators.  This is around the same time that the industry was associated with money laundering and other illegal practices.  Back in these days, making a wager on a gambling site was a very risky business.  Unfortunately, an alarming number of players lost money gambling online.  This wasn’t necessarily due to Lady Luck not being on their side, but because the industry itself was littered with flaws.

The Current State of Online Gambling Security

Online gambling security has come a long way since the advent of the industry.  Significant advancements have been made in internet security in general and the gambling business has been one of the beneficiaries.  There are now a number of security measures available to beef up the security and safety of the industry.  In fact, reputable online casinos, poker rooms and sportsbooks employ a wide range of technologies to ensure their gaming platforms and customers are protected.  These days, operators cannot afford to slack off in the security department as it could result in the loss of many customers, and thus, the loss of significant profits.   In addition to this, the competition amongst gambling operators looking to establish themselves has become fierce.  With so many options available, players can easily switch to a new site if they feel another is not providing adequate security.

Responsibility and Fair Play

In spite of all the security enhancements that have been made in the online gambling industry, players must still commit themselves to wagering on safe and reputable sites.  Therefore, you should strongly consider only wagering your money with operators that have the appropriate gaming licenses.  Trustworthy gaming operators will make this information easily accessible on their website.  In regard to validity, it would also be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the licenses and certifications issued by governments and authorities located in the jurisdictions in which the gambling site operates.  Likewise, it would behoove to wager on gambling sites that bare the seal from a trusted third-party organization.  eCOGRA is one of the most well known organizations in the industry, an agency that conducts regular audits to assure safety and fairness in online gaming.

Protect Yourself

When it comes down to it, it is up to you to ensure your safety while gambling on the internet.  Aside from only wagering at trusted sites, you must also closely monitor your playing and betting habits.  All the security and safety mechanisms in the world can’t protect you if you do not have the discipline to bet your money wisely.  To put it simple, if you want to be safe when gambling online, you must establish limits within yourself and play it smart.

Online casinos have opened doors most gamblers never thought possible. Gone are the days of having to reserve our gaming for once a twice a year when we could make the trip to Las Vegas. Now anyone of legal age with a debit card can gamble at many extremely popular and high rated, online casinos. However, certain inherited risks come with gambling online, the security of your personal information and home computer being the biggest.

Thankfully, a reputable online casino will work effortlessly to protect your personal information. Respectable online casinos have internet security staff and offer a level of privacy you would get from a bank, or online shopping site. However, it is necessary for any player to protect themselves as well. Below are some of the five best ways you can protect yourself, your computer, and your financial information when gambling online.

1. Only Play at a Reputable Online Casino: The internet is flooded with websites offering online gaming, and some of these are far more respectable then others. To reduce your risk, play at a website that you recognize.

2. Research Any Online Casino Before Joining: With a few dollars, any web owner can make a web site look like the most trustworthy site on the internet. This is especially true of websites that deal in monetary goods. To be safe you should research any online casino before you ever give them any personal information. A good source of research is online reviews. Other gamblers write reviews for people like you. Do a quick Google search with the online casino’s name and “review.” You are likely to come up with hundreds.

3. Protect Your Computer by Adding a Firewall: Despite an online casino’s best efforts, a hacker may still get through. To reduce your risk of getting spyware, or worse- becoming a victim of identity theft, you should do everything you can to protect your personal computer on your end. First, increase the security settings on your computer. If they are set to a lower setting bumping this up will greatly reduce your risk. You should also install a Firewall. Your computer manufacturer may have already provided this software for free. Once the firewall is installed, make sure you have it running before you sign on to the online casino.

4. Be Cautious of what you Download: Most online casinos have a software platform that they require a player to download before they can gamble at the site. Even if you have researched the site thoroughly, you should still run any program through a virus checker before you install it on your computer. If you notice the site asking you to download additional programs make sure it is necessary, and safe, before you download. You can ask around online forums frequented by online gamblers, or send an e-mail to the casino directly.

5. Consider Using an Alternate Credit Card: If you are able, consider using a credit source other then your primary debit or credit card. This way if the card is stolen, the thief will not have access to your checking account; and chances are you will be able to cut them off before they completely drain your financial resources. You may also consider using Paypal’s create-a-credit-card feature. If you have Paypal, the company will make you a temporary credit card number that can be used at any online site. The number works just like a Visa or Mastercard, is linked to your bank accounts, but is incredibly difficult to steal. Since the card number is only good for a short time, this method will only work if you plan on only visiting an online casino for awhile.

All said; online casinos are a safe and enjoyable past time. As long as you are doing what you can to protect your information and your computer you should not have any problems gambling online.

Gamblers no longer need to trudge out to an actual casino to play. With the advent of online gaming, players merely need to log on. With added convenience, however, come added security issues. While the Internet has come a long way, there is still a robust “wild, wild west” element that should provoke caution from online players.

Choosing the right online casino to play at is really the best way to avoid security pitfalls. Here are some things to look at as you make that choice.

Casino reputation:

This the foremost consideration one should make when deciding where to play. Online casinos have proliferated recently, and naturally, so has the number of unscrupulous casinos. There are more than enough online casinos that have proven their legitimacy over time that you shouldn’t have trouble finding one. Before you give them your credit card information, perform an Internet search of that company. If you cannot find anyone saying good things about that company, there is probably a good reason for that.

If It’s Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

Online casinos are in an ultra-competitive market. Many upstart casinos will offer alluring bonuses in an effort to woo new customers. Not that all of these offers are illegitimate, but no casino is in the business of giving you free money. If the bonus offer reminds you of the time a man tried to sell you a $50 “Rolex,” it is probably bogus or at the very least a bonus with conditions that are nearly impossible to meet.

Online Security:

You can never be too safe in addressing security concerns when choosing an online casino. Dishonest gambling sites can wreak havoc if they so desire. Players who have taken a leap of faith with an unknown online casino will tell you horror stories of malware compromising their entire personal and financial privacy. Choosing a casino with generally accepted security in place is of paramount importance.

If you give your business to an established site with solid standing in the online gaming community, you receive the same security that you would at the most well-known online purchasing sites. You may also consider running an anti-malware program of your own just as an added layer of security.

Financial Stability:

Online casinos, particularly newer ones, should be evaluated on the grounds of their financial stability before you play. Imagine a new sports betting site that has a terrible weekend. That could jeopardize their whole operation. You would be more hesitant to bet large amounts with a fledgling bookie than you would with an established bookie. Adopt this same perspective when betting online.

Final Thoughts:

The decision of where you gamble online is the most important security-related choice you will make. New players searching on the Internet will be besieged with tantalizing offers by outfits they never heard of. These usually empty promises should not be valued over the reliability and reputation of better-known sites. They might not offer you the world, but take that as a good sign.

In the late 1990s, online gambling exploded onto the scene, attracting players from around the world.  Unfortunately, these glamorous virtual casinos also attracted individuals who should not be gambling, kids especially. 2006 marked the year the United States made its attempt to ban online gambling, passing the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that essentially barred casino operators from doing business with the financial institutions that process transactions for American players.  Soon thereafter, several of the leading online casino operators and their software providers left the market by refusing to service U.S. customers.  Be that as it may, online gambling still exists and the tech savvy kids of today can find their way around preventative measures in order to participate.

Regardless of the UIGEA and the legalities surrounding the industry, online gambling is an issue parents need to pay attention to.  Due to the prevalence of the internet and computing in general, gambling online is something that literally done for hours at a time in secrecy.  It can deliver a pure rush of adrenaline to anyone kid who plays, especially when considering that they are free of the interruptions that could occur when trying to gamble offline.  Sadly, many kids have learned the hard way that online gambling is a fast way to part with money they really cannot afford to lose.  Underage gambling can lead to a wide range of problems in the future and put a tremendous strain on the affected family.

Preventive Tips

If you want to keep your children protected from online gambling, take note of the following:

Remind them that gambling on or offline is illegal for anyone under the age of 18.  This is the case in all 50 states even before the UIGEA was enacted in 2006.

Explain to your kids how internet casinos are in the business to make money, emphasizing that they stand to lose far more than they win.  There are actually quite a few kids as well as adults who still do not realize this.

Let your kids know that by acquiring gambling dept, they could be hindering their ability in the future to go to college or even get a loan for the car they always wanted.  Even as an adult, gambling debt can end up damaging your credit rating.

Keep a close watch on your credit card bills.  Players typically use credit cards to wager online and if an anxious kid doesn’t have their own, yours could be the next best alternative.

Lastly, if you are truly concerned about your kids gambling online, consider installing an internet filtering program.  When configured properly, this type of software will prevent them from gaining access to online gambling sites.

Conclusion

It is relatively easy for kids to find their way to an online gambling site these days.  However, this act is illegal, which is why online casinos do not accept memberships or facilitate transactions for minors.  The reputable gambling operators take all the necessary measures to ensure kids are not participating on their sites.  As a concerned parent, it up to you to play your role and make sure these efforts are not in vein.

Today, online poker is a tremendously large industry that brings in billions of dollars.  This can be attributed to the popularity of the game itself as it is largely viewed as a sport in which nationally televised tournaments have become a normal occurance.  Poker rooms are widely available online, offering your favorite variant and whatever type of tournament you want to enter.  While everybody knows that poker can be very fun and exciting, especially when you win, it is important to take the necessary precautions to make sure you are safe and secure while doing so online.

Internet Security Threats

One of the biggest challenges faced by any business conducted over the internet is security concerns.  If consumers have any doubts that a particular website can not adequately protect their personal and financial information, they will be hesitant to do business at best.  This goes for gambling or a buying a pair of shoes online.  Fortunately, reputable poker rooms and internet casinos employ the same defense against security threats as banks and e-commerce stores.  When playing at these sites, your sensitive information such as name, address, card details and login credentials are protected by a global industry-wide security technology known as encryption.  These operators take all the necessary steps to make sure cyber criminals do not have access to your information.

Despite all the measures poker rooms take, players must also play a key role in protecting themselves as well.  If you choose to play somewhere that you have not thoroughly researched, you stand the chance of downloading something on your computer that puts your personal information at great risk.  The poker software you thought you downloaded could just be a piece of malicious software intent on ruining your life.  Viruses, Trojans, spyware, and adware are just some of the types of malicious software that have been associated with rogue poker sites.  For this reason, it is advisable to install and run security software on your computer to keep it safe from the array of threats roaming on the web.  Little things such as this in addition to creating strong passwords and playing in a reputable poker room can better ensure that you enjoy a safe and secure online gambling experience.

Find a Secure Poker Room

Before signing up at any online poker room, it is strongly suggested that you read several review sites to gather some information first.  There are a number of credible sites online that review the top poker rooms in the industry.  If you run across reviews that look genuinely positive, this is an indication that is probably safe to play there.  However, if you see a review that the poker software or the game itself is a security risk, you might want to think twice about taking a gamble. Over years, online poker and internet gambling have taken a beating because of all the horror stories related to security breaches and fraud.  While some of this is overblown, there is still much to be concerned about, so do your part and make sure your favorite poker room keeps security in mind.