Online Casino Spotlight

Established in 2006, Rushmore Online casino has grown to become one of the top casinos in the Real-time Gaming Network. The casino is registered in Curacao, a reputable country for online gaming. Although fairly new to the industry, Rushmore has many great features that are appealing to players while only showing a single limitation.

The advantages of playing at Rushmore Online casino include:

• Acceptance of United States players
• Large selection of games
• Several banking options
• Custom lobby
• Top-notch customer support

With the tightening of U.S. gambling laws, many casinos stopped accepting American players. As a result, there are only a handful of casinos still allowing those from the U.S. to wager; Rushmore Online is one. Given the number of players in the U.S. that are looking to bet, Rushmore Online is tapping a huge market.

Another advantage is the enormous selection of games the casino provides. This allows players to have multiple gaming options. Additionally, Rushmore Online offers many more banking options than their competitors which allows for a more flexible deposit and payout system. Accompanying these options is some of the best processing in the industry. Players can deposit and withdraw quickly and without issue.

The online lobby allows users to customize the experience which is a nice feature. Finally Rushmore Online has one of the best online support staffs in the industry. The result of providing both phone and email support is prompt responsiveness as well as accurate answers to all your questions.

Despite these numerous advantages, there is only a single disadvantage to playing at Rushmore Online casino which is:

• No tournaments available

This is a major shortcoming to the gaming site. Many players prefer and make their living from various types of tournaments. Without offering this option, they are losing out on a major market share. Also, freeroll tournaments are a significant attraction for new players because they are free. Additionally, while players are waiting for tournaments to being, they can be playing other games.

Overall Rushmore Online casino offers a great deal of advantages to their players. Accepting U.S. players, providing a large selection of games and banking options, creating a customizable lobby and supplying top-not customer support are enticing features. Unfortunately not offering tournaments is a considerable issue for many players. Hopefully in the future, the casino will realize this mistake and provide several different tournaments.

Jackpot Factory Group will be launching a new Flash-based online casino platform under their leading brand, All Slots online casino. This new platform will offer its guests over 300 games without the requirement of downloading the application.

One of the biggest advantages of utilizing the Flash platform is the instant play ability. This completely eradicates the need for opening a new window or downloading an application to access the casino. An additional advantage is the ability of users to access the new Live Dealer game suite. This is a fairly new interactive concept in which actual dealers conduct the gaming operations over a video monitor. The games available include:

• Blackjack
• Baccarat
• Roulette

The need for Flash-based casino software is becoming increasingly important to meet the needs of its visitors. Most players demand light, fast loading access to online casinos and other gaming entities. Also, All Slots online casino has many players that are constantly traveling and need something easy to access. This software will cater to their requirements.

Additionally, many players prefer the Flash version to a downloadable application. Players that choose to use the Flash variant will benefit from enhanced features with many more to come. This software is an excellent method for recruiting new players to their casino.

In addition to this alternative to a downloadable version, All Slots online casino offers a generous initial matching bonus of 100% up to 200 credits. After the initial deposit, players are eligible of a 10% bonus on every deposit up to 450 credits per month. This equates to 5,000 credits total per year.

All Slots online casino is powered completely by Microgaming and licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Microgaming’s advanced software is continuing to provide features not found with other companies.  By keeping current and listening to the needs of the customer, Microgaming is adapting and providing software to online casinos to make access a simple task.

Eventually all casinos will utilize Flash software for instant access and smooth gaming to their online casino sites. As a result this will become the most popular method of accessing a casino. Many casinos have already implemented Flash based access to draw new players to the site as well as conform to the demands of the busy individual. Since Flash access is available anywhere, this software is taking online gaming to a whole new level.

There are thousands of online casinos across the globe with new options being available regularly. Due to the publicity of new gaming sites on forums, and news websites, players are attracted to their fresh ideas and enjoy placing bets. Despite the exposure, there are a few tips that can help you choose the right casino. These include:

• Look for games from a popular software provider
• Review bonuses
• Look at the tournaments
• Review licensing and gambling jurisdiction
• Don’t play at too many casinos at once

By looking at the various games the casino offers, you will see trends. Online gaming software providers develop the same games for multiple casinos. Therefore if all the same games are consistent with a different site, you can bet it is the same software developer only with different graphics and audio. Unfortunately this doesn’t provide any monetary advantage to the player so many would argue that there is no point in taking a chance at a new site.

The primary reason for playing at a new casino is the bonuses and tournaments. In many instances, new casinos offer industry-high bonuses. This is extremely attractive to experienced players that wager large amounts of money. On the other hand, this may not be a good deal for new players as the requirements may be too stringent for them to take advantage of the promotion.

Often, new casinos present freeroll tournaments with large prizes to draw players to their site. It’s always best to review the terms and conditions prior to embarking on the bonus or in a tournament.

Most new casinos are only around for a short time and then disappear. There are a few signs to look for such as, their licensing from a credible gambling jurisdiction, the software provider and is the software tested for fairness by an independent agency. Only try a new casino if part of a reputable online casino group.

Finally, make sure to not spread your money across too many casinos. This can result in a thin bankroll causing you to make unwise decisions. To combat this issue simply withdraw all funds from one casino prior to depositing in another.

To summarize, it is best to wait approximately six months before trying a new casino. That way they are established and have regular players. The previous tips should help you find the online gaming site that fits your needs and bankroll.

When online casinos first hit the market, there were no regulations. Players could place wagers at sports betting sites or play poker at an online casino. Since that time the laws relating to internet gambling have become much more stringent. So much that many international casinos have chosen not to allow U.S. gamers due to the complications.

Where are these Casinos?

Most online gaming sites are located outside of the U.S. This means that the owners avoid any type of legal prosecution from the U.S. Government. Ironically there are several states that allow land-based casino properties within their boundaries, but stringently oppose internet gaming. For the most part many of these international casinos allowing U.S. players are based out of the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Europe. These areas allow regulate all types of gambling.

Why is there a Strong Opposition?

Internet gambling makes it difficult to track the flow of money. Therefore the Government would have a tough time collecting taxes. Neteller is an online bank that used to be the primary method of monetary exchange between the players and the casino. The players used to be able to acquire a Neteller debit card which would allow them to withdraw money directly from their Neteller account, completely bypassing U.S. banks and hiding money. This operation was eventually shut down.

The Government also mentions the point of allowing games of chance to be played by anyone with a computer, including children. Although online gaming sites cost significantly less to create than a land-based operation, they also employ significantly less workers, potentially resulting in a loss of the workforce.

The Catch-22

U.S. law dictates that owning an online casino without a license is illegal. In order to get a license you must apply through a state agency. Unfortunately there are no states granting online gaming licenses. The consequence of being caught gambling online also vary between states.

International Issues

Since internet gambling is such a huge money-maker, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda complained to the World Trade Organization regarding U.S. action to forbid online casinos. Since a good portion of their market is in the U.S. they were losing money. Initially they won the case, but it was later partially reversed.

Although land-based casinos are legal in certain areas of the United States, online are not. Regulations continue to become more rigorous as time goes on. Although there are still millions of Americans that continue to place bets and engage in games of chance online, the Government is watching and will eventually crack down.

When first starting out at a new casino, it’s beneficial to play a few games in practice mode. This helps the user get used to the casino interface so they don’t make a mistake during a live game. Since many online casinos do not have a clear description of the rules of specific games, it’s important to practice while learning a new game. This will help the player adjust to the rules, betting structure, etc.

What to do if a Casino Doesn’t Offer Practice Mode

Unfortunately, in some instances online casinos do not offer practice games. They expect the player to jump right in and begin betting. If this is the case, either find another casino that does provide practice areas or play at the lowest wagering limits possible. That way only a minimal amount of money is lost while learning the game.

How to Find Casinos that Offer Practice Mode

The best method to finding online casinos that offer some type of practice mode is to search through the interface after downloading the application. There should be a whole area dedicated to free play. Most casinos will start the player off with a number of free credits to use within the free play section. The credits hold no monetary value.

All major casinos usually provide some type of free play or practice area. Many even offer tournaments that are free to enter and the winner receives a monetary prize. This is another excellent method for practicing. Players in these tournaments make more logical bets as there is actual money to be won.

Disadvantages of Practice Mode

The only real disadvantage to playing in practice mode is that many other players will place wild and erratic bets since there is no real money involved. This is also a common pattern found at lower wagering limits as well. This type of betting can be frustrating to users trying to hone in and improve their skills. Also, this type of betting is not representative of a true game.

With so many casinos to choose from on the internet, offering hundreds of games, the best way to select them is to find a casino that offers a game you’re interested in. If they have it, ensure you’ll receive free credits to play in the practice area. This will prepare you to participate in real money games and know all the rules, betting structure, nuances and the interface.

When choosing a new online casino, you want to make sure that your computer, your personal information, and your money is in safe hands. After all, the potential risks for online casinos can be quiet large. On the surface, all online casinos look pretty similar, and pretty safe. However, if you know how to do your investigating you can pick out the safest online casino for you and your money.

What to Look for in an Online Casino

Beyond the games, the style, and the promotions, you need to consider the security of the website supporting the online casino.

A License

Any online casino you are considering should have an appropriate gaming license in the area where they are physically located. This area can be anywhere in the world, but the casino should be able to provide their current license information.

Trusted Software

All online casinos use software to operate their games. Do some research on any casino you are considering and see where their software comes from. Safer online casinos will use software from reputable brands such as Logic, Cryptologic, and MicroGaming. Also, online casinos are required to have a license in order to run software from known brands.

Certified Payouts

A reputable online casino will post the amount they have paid to their winners somewhere on their website. These reports should go months, if not years, in to the past. Research the report thoroughly. To ensure the report is accurate, check to see if it was compiled by the casino or a third-party accounting company. Reports made by third-parties stand a much higher chance of being an accurate account of the online casino’s payouts.

While most online casinos are safe, and gambling online should be an enjoyable experience, it is in your best interest to do your homework before you give your personal information to any website.

Double Barrel Bonus is a form of video poker. Video poker machines are becoming common place in both land based an online casino. Video poker is similar to traditional poker, except the player uses a gaming machine instead of a poker table. The video poker machine acts as the dealer and the player only plays against himself.

Double Barrel Bonus Video Poker is a traditional five-card poker card game with a twist. In Double Barrel Bonus, the player is dealt five cards. Those five cards must have a pair of jacks or better for the player to win the hand.

How do I Play Double Barrel Bonus Video Poker?

To start a round of Double Barrel Bonus, the player will place an Ante bet by entering a monetary amount on the betting screen. An Ante bet is required for each round of Double Barrel Bonus, and several casinos place a minimum betting limit on the bet.

Once the Ante bet has been placed, the player will be dealt five cards by the poker machine. From here the player can decide whether to ride their hand or fold. If he or she folds, they will loose their Ante bet. If the player wants to ride their hand, they must raise their original Ante bet.

After raising their Ante bet, the player can discard the playing cards they do not feel are helping their hand. A player can discard up to four cards. The video poker machine will then deal out additional cards to replace the ones discarded by the player.

The player will only get one chance to change their hand. After the second round of dealing, the player will enter the final draw against the video poker machine. The player must have at least a pair of jacks to win the hand. Any less and the player will loose their bet.

How Does Betting Work in Double Barrel Bonus?

If the player is holding a pair of jacks or better they will be paid out according to the betting structure for the video poker machine. Typically, Double Barrel Bonus pays out on a ratio of 1:1 or 3:1. However, the pay out structure is determined by the casino and may vary. Players can view the pay out structure in the options menu of the video poker machine.

It is important to remember that Double Barrel Bonus is an all-or-nothing game of poker. If the player’s hand is equal to or more then a pair of jacks, then the player will be paid. If the hand is any less, the player will loose their bet. For this reason, it is important to play each hand carefully and know when to fold. It is better to fold a poor hand on an Ante bet then to loose both an Ante and a raise. Players can minimize this risk by keeping their bet raises small on the hands they are not certain of and saving the larger raises for guaranteed hands.

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.