A Beginners Guide To Online Casinos.

 

Different Types of Online Casino:

There are several different types of internet casino, most of them use Java script, and they load to your browser immediately. The remaining casinos use either Flash player or Shockwave, they also run directly to your browser, but these latter two usually require plug-ins, these are available for free download via Macromedia- so this can be a more convoluted approach to playing, but still worth it because the graphics are very good.

 

The Java, Flash, and Shockwave casinos are called non-download casinos because you do not have to download the whole casino to play, you will have to download graphics and sounds though, but this is straightforward and the casinos will guide you through the process.

 

In addition to the above types of casino are the downloadable ones, these run on a Windows platforms only and they range in size from 5 to 15 megabytes so they will take up room on your computer- to play these casinos, therefore, you should make sure that you want to play at that casino otherwise you’ll be using up space on your computer pointlessly. Plus, once you have downloaded them you should stick to that particular one, or two maybe, otherwise your computer will be saturated with casino software.

 

 

Bonus Structure:

A great advantage of online casinos, as oppose to bricks-and-mortar casinos, is that because there is a lot of competition the casinos compete with each other, and one way in which they do this is via their bonus structures. Some casinos will give you money just for trying them out, others will give you bonuses for your first deposit, and most will offer bonuses throughout the duration of your membership.

 

Another reason that an online casino is able to offer its players more in the way of bonuses than real-world casinos is that they have fewer overheads. They employ fewer staff, less equipment, they do not pay rent, pay very little electricity..., plus they make stipulations in their terms and conditions regarding the amount that a player must gamble before they are able to withdraw any winnings drawn from the bonus.

 

Following on from above, one of the most important pieces of advice we can offer is to ensure that you read the terms-and-conditions. Check the play through rates for the bonus, how long the bonus is valid for, and which games you are able to play using the bonus.

 

 

Deposits:

So, you have signed up to the casino and downloaded any software you need, how do you start playing with real money? Most casinos will offer several methods for making deposits to your account.

 

You can usually use a credit card, Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, although if you are an American player you need to pay with alternative methods as MasterCard and Visa have both recently banned online gambling transactions for US players for fear of legal recriminations.

 

If you fall into the above category then you have two alternative means of using your credit card at online casinos, this entails opening either a PayPal account or a FirePay account. This way you can link your credit card to the PayPal or FirePay account, but the MasterCard and Visa will only recognise it as a PayPal or FirePay transaction, and not a gambling transaction, that is the remit of FirePay and PayPal in this case. Many North Americans use this method to make deposits at online casinos, and many casinos offer bonuses for using such methods as they are aware of the reasons they may happen and want to encourage American players to play with them as they can be a great source of revenue.

 

Other payment methods include Western Union, via which you can transfer money from your credit card to your Western Union online account and then to the casino at which you wish to play. With Western Union, you are also able to pay in person at a Western Union agent and hand over cash money in order to then transfer to your casino account- Western Union agents are plentiful in America, easy to find and use.

 

And there are also other ways of making a deposit; ACH (or electronic cheques), wire transfer, Neteller or Layeway.

 

Check with the individual casino for the methods they accept for depositing funds so that you are aware before you join up.

 

Withdrawing Winnings:

Usually the first time that you withdraw winnings you will find the process convoluted and long winded. You will need to prove your identity with the casino, this involves sending them copies of passports or driving licences, plus you will probably need to send a copy of your bank statement and card corresponding to the account that you choose to use.

 

Additionally, some casinos will allow you to deposit using one method, but do not allow the same method for withdrawing. This can be really annoying so ensure that you check with the casino that you have the means to withdraw any winnings- it will be really annoying if you find that you need to set up a bank account or the such once you have joined, deposited and played and are at the point of making the withdrawal.  

 

The Actual Games:

The majority of casinos offer a wide variety of table games. You can expect to play blackjack, baccarat and roulette at most casinos. Plus, many offer additional games, such as Caribbean Stud poker, Craps...Check with the casino before you join up that they offer the games you are interested in playing.

 

One of the most popular online games is Video Poker and many casinos will have the game on offer. The best casinos at which to play Video Poker are those that offer at least 10 different types. Certain casinos even have multi-hand Video Poker.

 

Slot machines are another popular casino game, with some casinos having as many as 1000 different types; from single line, to three lines and nine lines, with three or 5 reels, bonuses, extras, etc. Whatever you want in terms of slot machine you will definitely be able to find on the internet. Slot machines can have massive jackpots as some run what is known as a Progressive Jackpot meaning that there are several games, all linked up to one Jackpot, so that every time money is placed in one machine a proportion goes into the collective jackpot, which can then be won by any machine on that network. Progressive jackpots can amount to millions and millions of dollars, although as you can imagine, the odds of winning are as equally small as the jackpot is big.

 

Most of the casino games are easy to learn and the casino should provide you with instructions on how to play- if they do not, it is easy enough to find out because the internet is saturated with information on playing any casino game.

 

The Safety of Online Gambling:

The issue of gambling in a safe environment, in terms of whether your credit details are safe and your vulnerability to identity theft or fraud, are one reason that many people are reluctant to play at an online casino.

 

However, although there are some rogue casinos, which are looking for people to scam, they are, fortunately, in the minority and they never stay around for long as either they are closed down or their reputation is so damaged no one plays there.

 

Most online casinos are legitimate and honest; they need to be to maintain their customer base in such a competitive environment. In particular, they make their money from the games and the house odds of winning, they have no need to scam people out of money as they make more money from the long term from being honest, than the short term from being dishonest.

 

And Finally:

Online casinos exist for entertainment purposes and as a gambler; this should be your main priority. So choose a casino that you enjoy playing at and do just that, enjoy it!

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