How to Choose a New Casino

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

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.

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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.

The Legality of Online Casinos in the United States

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

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

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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.

Online Casinos that offer Practice Mode

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

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.

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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.

How to Verify an Online Casino

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

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.

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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.

How to Play Double Barrel Bonus Video Poker

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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.

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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.

How to Pick an Online Casino

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

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.

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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.


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