Online Casino Spotlight

Have you ever performed a Google search for an online casino? The results may appear endless. If you browse through them, you will notice that most look similar. They have a professional feel, offer many of the same games, and have bonuses or other incentives. How do you choose one from the stack? Choosing an online casino is largely based on personal preference, but there are a few tips that will help you narrow down your search.

Five Tips for Picking an Online Casino

1. Use a referral: People rely on the reviews of their friends, family, and coworkers to help them pick everything from doctors to grocery stores so why not an online casino? If you know someone that frequents casinos online, ask them where they play.

You can also use the internet to get honest reviews from thousands of players. People love sharing their opinion. A quick search for the name of the casino and “review” will give you a dozen reviews from other players.

2. Find a casino with several gaming options: If you are a Texas Hold ‘Em player you don’t want to spend your time at an online casino that specializes in Omaha. Look at the games the casino offers on a daily basis, and make sure they have the ones you enjoy playing before you sign up.

3. Look for bonuses and incentives: Several online casinos offer bonuses and sign-up incentives for new players. This can come in the form of free play, or special games. Online casinos have to compete with each other just like brick and mortar casinos. You can capitalize on this competition; just find the online casino with the best incentives.

4. Make sure the online casino is safe: Most online casinos have a high level of security to protect both them and you. However, some online casinos may only appear professionally managed. Do your research before you give your personal information to any online casino. A quick internet search should give you enough information about the casino’s security to help you make a decision.

5. Choose a casino that suits you: Most importantly, you need to enjoy the online casino you choose to play in. Play around with the site to get a feel for it, if you do not like the way it is set up, move on to another one. Make sure you like the games and feel comfortable with the minimum and maximum betting limits. After all, it is your money and you should be happy.

While there sheer number of online casinos can seem daunting, you can find one that fits you perfectly with a little research. If you end up not being happy with the casino, move on to another one.

If you are one of the millions of people that own a smartphone, like the Blackberry or iPhone, you likely use the device to pass the time by playing mobile games. These mobile games have come a long way in recent years, adding impressive graphics and expanded game play. Turns out, they have come all the way to the casino. Several online casinos are now offering mobile versions of their slot machines and poker rooms that you can play free or for the chance to win cash prizes.

How Mobile Casinos Work

Playing at the online casino on your smartphone is the same as playing on your home computer. You download a small software program that enables you to connect to the casino’s games. Once the software is launched, you can access the online casino from anywhere you can get a data connection. The software is free and takes up very little space on your device’s memory. If you want to play for cash, you can set up an account using your debit or credit card on the mobile application as well.

Mobile casinos offer all of the same games and functionality as they would on your computer. However, some of the games may have less quality due to the size of your smartphones screen and its graphic capabilities.

The Advantages of Playing at a Mobile Casino

There are a few advantages to playing at a mobile casino. For one, you can play your favorite poker game or slot machine almost anywhere in the world, so you can pass the time while commuting to work, or on your lunch break. Playing the mobile version also gives you more opportunities to increase your skill. The more you practice, the better your skills will be, and mobile casinos give you unlimited time to practice. In addition, using the casinos software on your smartphone device may be even more secure then playing at home because smartphones are not at high risk for getting a virus or being hacked.

The Disadvantages of Playing at a Mobile Casino

The mobile version of the online casino’s playing software is limited to what your smartphone device is capable of handling. This may make some games not look as good as your use to or not function entirely. In addition, game play on a smartphone device may be difficult to get used too.

If you have a smartphone, give mobile gaming a try. The software download is free and you can test as many as you want.

Many businesses have taken notice of the growing popularity of social networking sites, like Facebook and Twitter. Millions of users around the world interact on these sites every day. The online casino industry is developing software to take advantage of the popularity of these social networking sites.

Bwin introduces Shoutbox

The prominent European online gambling company Bwin has introduced some technology that will enable players at their site to communicate with each other through Facebook and Twitter. The Shoutbox software introduced by Bwin enables players to comment on their wagers and interact with friends at the social networking sites. The software advances social interaction well beyond standard chat rooms. With Shoutbox, an online poker game could have quite a different feel. Players could make specific comments on their wagers while inviting others to join the game. The technology takes away some of the isolation of online casino play to provide a little bit of a Las Vegas-style casino experience to the customer. With a client base of over 20 million customers from 22 different countries, Bwin has the ability to reach millions of more new clients through social networking. The Shoutbox technology is part of a $45 million infusion that Bwin has invested in its poker platform.

Bwin Chief Technological Officer Thomas Kiessling feels that social networking is a vital part of the casino industry’s future growth heading into the next decade. “It’s really the customer experience that’s key. The customer churn is very important, anything around customer relationship management, customer intelligence, usability studies. That is a major priority for me. My challenge is not a couple of million euros I spend on data centers and server farms, not at all, that’s number 60 of my priorities. My core challenge is time to market, output, development, productivity and to crank out new products,” Kiessling said.

A shift in strategy

The move is a change in strategy for Bwin. A couple of years ago, Kiessling’s focus was primarily allocated to infrastructure issues. Now, Kiessling estimates that he spends about 80 percent of his time overseeing the development of new products, discovering the top talent for the company’s technology innovations, and improving enterprise foundations. Other European online gambling companies, such as William Hill and Ladbrokes, are also working on new ways for their online casinos to take advantage of the social networking explosion that has developed.

Facebook has emerged to become the most used social network in the world after being founded in 2004. The site has over 300 million users worldwide. While Facebook focuses on personal profiles, the social networking site Twitter is more oriented towards brief messages that are posted at the user’s account. The site has grown quickly since being formed three years ago. Twitter is currently the third-most popular social networking site on the web.

The Shoutbox technology is just the beginning of the online casino industry’s use of Facebook and Twitter to build its brand. There will be plenty of more innovations to come in the near future.        

Microgaming has been one of the industry leaders in casino software over the last 15 years. The company lays claim to launching the first online casino in 1994. In 2002, Microgaming introduced their Viper software into the market. Microgaming is based in the Isle of Man in Europe. It is not a publicly-traded company. Because of this, Microgaming casinos have the option of signing up players based in the United States.

Portfolio

Microgaming services over 120 casinos and 40 poker rooms on the internet. Their software is used extensively for some of the biggest poker and progressive jackpot networks. The company has developed some unique technology to support the player and casino operator. Microgaming’s PlayCheck is a tool that tracks a player’s gaming activity in a format that is easy to comprehend. The company’s CashCheck feature enables players to see their balance and activity in a simple click. Microgaming also offers payout percentage reports for their participating casinos.

Microgaming was involved in the development of eCOGRA, which stands for e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. The non-profit organization is a standards authority for the online gaming industry. This has enabled Microgaming to gain a solid reputation as a reliable operator in the online casino marketplace.

Games

Microgaming is constantly introducing new games into the online casino marketplace. The company has developed over 400 games. Roulette, video poker, slots and blackjack are among the game categories that Microgaming has been involved in. The company is able to cater to a large clientele by offering their games in the English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, German and Spanish languages. The games are available in a download or Flash version. Each month, Microgaming introduces at least four new online casino games.

For October, three video slot games and a Texas Hold’em casino poker game have been launched. The slot games are Kung Fu Monkey, Pure Platinum and Wooly World. The new poker game has some unique features. Unlike the traditional Texas poker game, Microgaming’s new game allows side bets. It is played with a single deck of 52 cards. In another rule adjustment, the new game does not allow any bets after the river.

Last month, Microgaming unveiled nine unique bingo side games. The games include a range of scratchcard and video slots while also featuring casual and pub-style titles.

The bingo side games are beginning to play a bigger role in the gaming industry.

Microgaming teams up with Ladbrokes

Microgaming has been actively involved in the growth of poker over the past several years. The Microgaming Poker Network software has been used extensively by online casinos. The technology allows multiple players to play a variety of poker games in real time.

Earlier this year, Microgaming Poker Network launched a major partnership with Ladbrokes Poker. The British gambling company has one of the most prominent brand names in the industry. In a promotional element to the deal, the companies are offering a monthly $1 million payout to 3,000 leading players.

It can be easy to understand why many players exploring the notion of using an online casino may be hesitant to do so. There are many options to choose from but it can be a gamble in more ways than one. Players want to feel confident that there transactions are being completed in a secure manner. Since online casinos constantly process credit card transactions, they are a major target for computer hackers. Encryption security is critical to the operation of an online casino.

The Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a must for any reputable online casino. This technology filters transmitted information through codes to protect all of the transactions. The SSL ensures that the information being sent back and forth cannot be intercepted by a third party.

A SSL certificate encompasses both a private and public key. The public key is encrypted while the private key deciphers the information. When a Web browser contacts a secured domain, a SSL handshake authenticates the server and client. An encryption method is initiated with a unique session key, at which point the secure transmission will commence.

Banks and credit institutions use the same technology

The technology tool being used by online casinos is the same one that is being implemented by most banks and credit institutions. In other words, online casino transactions with SSL are as safe as a standard ATM withdrawal. Most online casinos use the latest 256 bit SSL encryption tool. Also, these casinos will display a valid SSL certificate at their website.

Firewalls also play a key role

While the Secure Socket Layer protects transactions, there is another avenue that hackers can attempt access to. The online casinos store plenty of valuable data on their servers. Firewalls are used to keep all of this information secure for online casinos. Most online casinos entrust companies like VeriSign to implement the security software that protects the data that is stored on the servers.

The basic software of the casino is also geared towards security. An online player can operate his casino account using the log in name and password that they select. Also, most online casinos provide an account number or pin number that has to be produced while asking for withdrawals. Generally, online casinos automatically log out the player when he exits from the casino. The software at some casinos remembers the log in name and password for automatic log in, but allows members to disable this facility.

Payment options

After finding a secure casino to handle the transactions, the player still needs to make sure that the casinos accept a variety of payment options. Obviously, most will accept credit/debit cards from Visa and Mastercard. However, there are many players who will need to use other forms of payment in their transactions. It is important to make sure that secured casinos provide other payment options for their clients beyond credit cards. Payment options like PayPal and Netseller are becoming more popular for a variety of online transactions.

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.

The online casino industry evolved right along side the internet and today it is at the pinnacle of popularity.  In a short period of time, online casinos have quickly become a multi-billion dollar market. In fact, there are successful casinos all over the world.  People choose to indulge in online casinos for a variety of reasons.  Some love the fun and excitement while others appreciate the comfort that comes with being able to play in your own home.  Outside of entertainment, many players are motivated by the potential wealth and prestige that can be obtained from winning.  Some of today’s most famed poker players have made their name from online casinos, proving that the internet version can be just as, if not more profitable than the real deal.

Getting Started

There are essentially two ways you can participate in online casino gaming: play online via a web-based software program, or download the application onto your computer.  The online software allows you to get started right away while the downloadable version usually offers better image and sound quality.   If you choose to download the software, you will then be guided through the process of creating your account, which can usually be done right through the program interface.  Most casinos prefer credit and debit cards but also accept alternatives such as bank wire transfers and online payment services. Of course you want to be cautious here and make sure you are dealing with a reliable company.  You must have a clear understanding of all the payment details and know when and how you will be paid.  Once all goes well and you have funded your account, you can start playing right away.

Bonus Offers

It is a wise move to make yourself familiar with the bonus stipulations if that is what you signed on for.  The online casino market has grown considerably and inherently they have become quite competitive.  To reel in new customers, many casinos offer bonuses that are added to your initial deposit.  The bonus can range anywhere from 10% to 100%.  These incentives often sound attractive but there are usually requirements that must be met before cashing out.  You definitely want to read over the bonus conditions because sometimes cashing out can be next to possible.

Finding a Casino

There are hundreds of online casinos available to the player, making it difficult for the newbie who has no idea of where to go or who to trust.  You certainly need to be weary as the industry has been tainted by fraud and many of scams.  When searching for a casino, some factors you want to consider are:

Rules: Player abuse is a major problem in the casinos so different rules are often enforced and they may affect you directly.  You also want to have an understanding because the rules vary among different types of games.

Fees - There may be other fees involved apart from funding your account.  Before signing up, make sure you know if any transaction fees exist, and if so, how much.

Legalities - One thing you just can’t overlook is the legal issues tied to online gaming.  It is advisable to first make sure the casino is licensed, and if online gambling is allowed in your city, state or country. Taking care of this can spare you a lot of grief in the end.