Three Training Courses

Microgaming has recognized the explosive growth of the online gaming industry over the past several years. Therefore, a need for trained manpower is on the rise. In order to develop this asset, Microgaming has partnered with People Dimensions, a gambling training company. The two firms have developed three training courses which include, Introductory Certificate in eGaming Programs, Intermediate eGaming Essentials and Advanced Tailored Training.

The Introductory Certificate in eGaming Programs

The objective of the Introductory Certificate in eGaming Programs course is to deliver an introduction to new employees in the gaming business. Also the course develops awareness of the online gambling industry amongst current employees. This course was specifically created for online gaming companies.

The Intermediate eGaming Essentials Course

The Intermediate eGaming Essentials Course was developed from the principals of the introductory course. The presentation is based on specialized case studies to provide a well-rounded balance of knowledge. The course is open to the public and should be taken by individuals looking to develop essential skills and who are pursuing a career in the online gambling industry. To be eligible for the class, several years in the industry are required.

Advanced Tailored Training Course

Finally, the Advanced Tailored Training course is a form of comprehensive courses in a variety of areas such as personal and business development. Participants can utilize these courses to improve their skills and online casino operators can use them to expand their advantage against the competition.

The Partnership

The Managing Director of People Dimensions identified the need for training solutions in the online gambling industry. Therefore, due to its reputation as an industry-leading online game developer, Microgaming was the obvious choice when searching for a partner.

New Microgaming Deals

The second announcement was that QuickFire has signed deals with the Cashball Network and Red Star Poker as the result of a growing number of customers accessing the platform each day. The Cashball Network is owned by NYX Interactive while Red Star Poker is a reputable online poker room. Each of these operators is expected to complement Microgaming’s existing services by expanding their portfolio.

These are definitely positive announcements made by Microgaming. The training courses will significantly assist new and old employees with the latest occurrences in the industry. Also, partnering with the Cashball Network and Red Star Poker will only lead to continued expansion and success.

Santa on a Harley!

Yes it’s true, Santa Claus rides a Harley in the latest holiday slots game Santa’s Wild Ride.  This five reel machine is full of holiday icons including elves, the North Pole, Christmas trees, holiday shaped cookies, Mrs. Claus, and of course the big man on his sleigh.  In a bit of that Yuletide twist, the elves are mechanics, the Mrs. Is a hot biker chick, and of course Santa’s sleigh is a big ol’ Harley.  With multiple bonus features and free spin icons this is a game that can deliver long periods of great entertainment filled with generous chances of reward.  The Santa’s Wild Ride logo represents the wild and replaces any other symbol and will give you a random multiplier of 2, 3, and even 4 times the current value.  This game has a maximum bet of 7.50 and has a maximum payout of 1,900,000 coins.   That might be enough to ride off into the sunset on a new hog!

Medieval Times

Another game vying for your Christmas consideration is Royal Feast.  This slots game is full of kings, knights, princesses and the Court jester and everyone is hungry.  With five reels and 15 pay lines you’d better pay attention as the King likes to dole out his gold.  For example, if you get two or more Royal Crown symbols this will trigger the free spins round earning you 5 free spins.  The Royal Feast logo is the wild and will substitute for any symbol except the King’s Crown scatter.  In the free spin round the bonus features multiply!  The maximum bet is 20 coins and the top jackpot is 100,000 coins, that’s almost fit for a king!

Spin the Wheel

Red certainly is a traditional holiday color.  How about 32 red?  Yet another new online casino game offered during the holiday season is Premier Roulette.  In this game, players get a 3D version of this popular casino game and are able to create and personalize table layouts.  Some new features include a 3D wheel, zoom and autoplay, game speed control, history of previous spins, and a variety of chip sizes ranging from 25 cents to $200.

May the holidays bring you joy, happiness and of course, profitable gambling!

There are many advantages to playing at VIP Slots Casino including:

• Flash version of the casino available
• Robust, reliable software
• Strong promotions
• Plenty of games and tournaments

One advantage is the casino is available for download and on the internet in the form of Flash. This allows players to access the casino from any Flash-enabled browser. Also, the software is robust and reliable to ensure security. The downloadable and flash versions are easy to navigate and well-designed providing the player with an easy to use experience. The downloadable variant is a small file so it is a fast download.

With their motto being, “Our goal is to ensure that our VIP players always have the best experience possible, worthy of the red carpet,” VIP Slots has excellent promotions. Currently there is a $777 welcome bonus to new players and an aggressive VIP program to increase retention.

The final advantage is there are a large number of games and tournaments available. Surprisingly, this casino accommodates those that do not like to travel to find a selection of games. In addition to slot games, VIP Slots has four variants of blackjack, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, Let’em Ride, Tri-Card Poker, Red Dog, roulette and various specialty games. Also, there are daily and freeroll tournaments in slots, video poker, hold’em and blackjack.

There are a few disadvantages to playing at this casino including:

• Software only compatible with Windows
• No banking bonuses

First, software compatibility is a major issue in the casino industry. Since the entire experience is online, by only developing the software to be compatible with Windows, VIP Slots is removing all Mac users from their market. Second, there are no banking bonuses for depositing with specific methods. This is not a major issue but adds a nice touch to the player’s experience.

Overall, VIP Slots is off to an excellent start. They have included the most common features found at successful online gaming sites. As they continue to grow, VIP Slots will add features to greatly improve the online gaming experience.

There are two customizable options available in the craps game including:

• Sound settings
• Bet settings

Within the sound settings selection, there are four options; game sounds, background sounds, advanced sounds and win sounds. The software allows players to enable or disable each option. New players should experiment with different sound combinations to make the gambling experience more enjoyable.

The game sounds are the shaking and rolling of dice, the background sound contains light chatter and background music; the advanced sounds are commentary on the current game situation and the win sounds which are better suited for online slot games. Players that wish to gamble in silence can simply click the “switch off all sounds” option.

The bet settings menu allows the player to toggle specific bets during a come out roll. These bets include, Hardways, Buy, Place, Come and Big 6 and Big 8. The advantage of this feature is each bet can be addressed individually given the player much more control than at other casinos.

For example, if a player is betting on a Hardway Eight and the point is a six, then if the six is rolled ending the round, the Hardway Eight continues to stand because no decision has been made. If the next round begins with a come out roll, bets are conventionally turned off or not aloud. This is signified by a marker labeled “OFF.” Therefore, the outcome of the roll will, once again, have no effect on the Hardway Eight bet.

Although these options do not make a significant difference in gameplay, they give the player much more control over the virtual environment. This results in a comfortable setting for placing quality bets and can, in turn, become profitable. Most online and all land-based competitors (especially in a busy, noisy casino) do not provide any of these options.

The games Microgaming develops add a little extra advantage to the player. In this instance, these options can make a difference on the mood of the player at the table. Customization of any type of gaming software in favor of the player is always a great feature.

The gaming site offers players over a dozen slot options with software developed by industry powerhouse Real Time Gaming. They have developed a downloadable application version of the casino as well as an instant play, flash variant.

There are many advantages of playing at this casino including:

• High matching welcome bonus
• Weekly and weekend bonuses for regular players
• Excellent slots variety
• Sharp graphics
• Top-notch customer service

New players to the casino are offered an excellent welcome bonus of 400% of their deposit up to $4,000. This bonus is valid for slots and video slots, scratch cards and keno play. Also, Blackjack players receive a matching bonus of 200% up to $1000. In addition to the excellent welcome bonus, Slots Oasis provides weekly and weekend bonuses for existing players.

Another advantage is the wide variety of slot games. There are several dozen variants of slots to play at the casino as well as an impressive variety of other games include, blackjack, baccarat, Caribbean stud poker, let’em ride, sic bo, red dog, keno and many more.

Furthermore, the casino features sharp, vivid graphics within the games and lobby. Finally, one area of expertise Slots Oasis takes pride in is the top-notch customer service. They provide email contacts and phone operators, both available 24 hours per day.

There are only two disadvantages to the casino including:

• High wager requirements
• VIP Club by invitation only

One of the major disadvantages of the site is the high wagering requirements. For beginners or those with a small bankroll, this is not the optimum casino in which to play. There are plenty of lower bet casinos available. Another disadvantage is the VIP Club is by invitation only. Therefore, you must be a regular or play high limits to be invited into the club.

Overall, Slots Oasis has many features to draw in and retain customers. The biggest drawbacks are the high wager requirements and invitation into the VIP Club. This is am excellent casino for veteran players, not beginners.

Important Points to Remember

One point to remember is that AMEX is not accepted at all online casinos. Also, not all gaming sites are as efficient as processing AMEX transactions as others. Therefore, it is important to select the correct casino when choosing to make a deposit. This is common amongst players from the United States.

Another tip is that all online casinos that accept Visa also accept MasterCard. However, these may not also accept AMEX cards because the merchant accounts for processing credit card transactions differs between Visa/MasterCard and AMEX.

How to Use an AMEX Card

For those online casinos that accept this type of deposit method, it is simple to use. You simply enter your information and hit the submit button to process the transaction. Ensure you have the card in front of you even if it is stored by the casino because they will require your security code from the front.

This security code verifies you have the card in front of you. For example, if an individual acquires your credit card number and expiration but does not have the card in front of them, they will be unable to use it in an online transaction.

AMEX Security

Overall, American Express provides excellent security measures to their customers. The company implements enough security for online transactions to make it extremely difficult for outsiders to steal credit card information. All processed online transactions utilize 128-plus bit SSL encryption. This ensures card data transferred across the internet is safe.

AMEX is an excellent option for those looking to make large deposits at online gaming sites because they typically have higher limits for American Express Platinum Card or an AMEX Black Cards. Also, online casinos that accept AMEX will permit players to make higher-than-usual deposits using the card. This is all dependent on a fax back form for proof of ownership.

When a casino offers AMEX to all players as a deposit method, it is the best way to transfer money due to the many security functions. Hopefully in the future, it will become the preferred method of deposit at all online gaming sites.

The Rules of Mulligan Poker

Created by Vegas Technology, Mulligan Poker is a unique game in which the player can replace their hand (similar to 5-card draw) but must also raise the wager. The player must then place the ante bet and an independent bonus bet. The five cards are distributed to the player face up.

The player has the option to keep their current hand or “take a mulligan.” A mulligan is a golf term indicating a redo. If they decide to take the mulligan a raise bet is placed into the pot and the player is distributed new cards. Also, they lose the bonus bet when accepting the mulligan. At this time the dealer’s hand is uncovered. If the dealer draws king high or less they automatically accept the mulligan.

The Outcome

The five card hands are ranked according to the standard poker ranking order. Therefore, if the player has a lower hand than the dealer, they lose the ante bet and the raise. If the hands are of equal rank, the outcome is a push. If the player has higher cards, both bets payout according to the ante payout table. The bonus bet pays out according to a separate table which begins at two pair.

Mulligan Poker is an excellent addition to any casino gaming lineup offer a nice twist on a classic poker game. The biggest advantage of these innovative games is they are based on classic poker variants which most people already know how to play. Also, they replace the staple games that may not be exciting to veteran players.

As more online gaming casinos are starting up on the internet with new, exciting ideas, older casinos need to be competitive by offering intriguing new games. As a result, most online gaming software companies are answering this call by creating new games to feature on gambling websites. These games are the future of online gambling and should always be considered when looking for a new casino to deposit your money.

Operating online-based casinos is currently illegal under United States law. New legislation has been proposed to punish foreign companies that have significantly profited by accepting bets from U.S. players. The idea is to help U.S. casinos improve their profits as less foreign gaming sites may now allow Americans. In turn more gamblers will visit land-based casinos.

Recently, the House Financial Services Committee passed a bill legalizing and regulating online gaming. Attached to the bill are amendments that prevent current online operators that are violating U.S. laws from obtaining a license under the new bill. For instance, one section prohibits those individuals that continued to operate or work for illegal online casinos from obtaining a license.

Another amendment allows the Treasury Department to outsource the regulation of the industry to state government agencies. Many states currently regulate land-based gaming operations so they have vast experience in the field. Also, delegating this responsibility to state agencies would eliminate a potential federal bureaucracy.

The restrictions of the bill were primarily supported by conservatives and moderates that are opposed to online gaming. They feel those that operated and participated in illegal casinos were committing a criminal act. Although advertised in the U.S., many of the popular poker brands are still illegal to play online. Currently, online gaming sites operate offshore so they don’t pay U.S. taxes.

This law would prohibit two of the world’s largest poker sites, PokerStars.net and FullTilt.com, from obtaining a gaming license. This would pave the way for land-based casinos like Harrah’s to create new gaming options. Harrah’s currently owns the World Series of Poker franchise. If the law passes, it would become difficult for those online gaming entities that current accept bets from Americans to legally operate.

Many of the controls in the bill mirror Las Vegas rules. These include:

• Conducting background checks of owners and managers
• Financing must be from a reputable source
• Licensed operators must have integrity and good character

Online gaming sites have been pushing for a law similar to this to be passed for many years. If this is passed by the House of Representatives, U.S. land-based casinos will enter the market. This will have an excellent effect on the economy since the American dollar will remain in the U.S.

The History

The Cryptologic Network was founded back in a year where online gaming was just a sparkle in the eye of software developers: 1995. It became publicly traded on the Canadian Dealer Network in 1996. That same year, the infamous InterCasino was released to the public which became an instant hit. Cryptologic Inc. has become of the five largest gaming software developers in the industry.

Innovative Features

Since its inception, the Cryptologic Network has redefined online gaming with various software advances and innovations. Over the years, they have introduced features such as live chat, multi-player games, custom browser windows and casino interfaces that support 3D graphics.

They have also been a leader in internet security to ensure their customer’s money is safe at all times. One example is their E-cash system where players receive a pin number via regular mail prior to them withdrawing funds from their account.

Customer Service

Another top feature the Cryptologic Network offers is their toll-free numbers that offer 24/7 support. Their customer service is the envy of the industry and has a high satisfaction rate among customers across the globe.

Cryptologic Software Uses

Cryptologic Inc. has a diverse portfolio of clients. Online Interactive Gaming was the first company to purchase their software. Since then they’ve added many online casinos and poker rooms. One notable client is William Hill plc which is a well-known bookmaking company based out of the United Kingdom. They were the first land-based casino to add operations online.

Also, Cryptologic Inc. created software for the Playboygaming.com casino. Additionally the company has begun offering online bingo software either utilizing Java or by a downloadable application.

Cryptologic Inc. was one of the first major online casino software developers which have transformed them into one of the largest available to date. With innovative thinking, years of experience and many high-profile clients, they know how to develop casino software for the customer. As internet gaming technology becomes more interactive with the consumer, Cryptologic Inc. will remain at the forefront in the gaming industry.

Massachusetts Approves of Online Gaming

The bill, which will be signed into law shortly in the state of Massachusetts, clearly states that gambling online shall be legal in the state of Massachusetts. The bill came to pass after a previous bill was brought forth in 2008 that made online gaming illegal. The penalty for playing poker online in Massachusetts came with a two year jail sentence or a fine up to $25,000.

Shortly after the first bill was put in to motion, the Poker Players Alliance began working with state legislatures for an amendment that removed the criminal charges associated with online gambling. Two years later, their efforts paid off.

The Poker Players Alliance

The Poker Players Alliance is a nationwide grassroots organize. Currently, there are over one million members in the United States, and 25,000 members in the state of Massachusetts. Poker Players Alliance is headed by John Pappas. John Pappas and the other members of the alliance work closely with legislatures to influence the outcome of gambling related laws in the United States. Massachusetts was a big win for the organization.

What The New Law Means for Massachusetts

The new bill will put an end to any fines or jail time associated with online gambling going forward. This does not mean, however, that the state does support, or will support, other gambling endeavors in the future. However, it is still a big win for gambling and online poker enthusiasts in the state of Massachusetts. Any resident who is of legal age to gamble is now welcome to do so inside their state.