Casino FAQ
What is online casino gambling?
There are currently over 1800 online casinos in operation. Most of them offer classic casino games such as blackjack, roulette, slots and all of the traditional casino games we associate with terrestrial casinos.
It has to be said that some of these casino sites are not to be trusted and it is important to be careful when choosing somewhere to play. Don't choose the first online casino gambling site that you find but take good look around first. The majority of sites are operated by respected and honest companies and may be trusted implicitly.
Try to stick to casinos that run on the top software brands. For example, any online casino powered by the Cryptologic can be trusted. Likewise, online gambling venues utilizing casino software developed by Microgaming, Playtech, Boss Media or RandomLogic are among the most trusted and respected casino brands in the industry.
How does an online casino work?
Invariably you must either download the casino software to your PC or use an instant play, browser-based version of the software. Once you have installed the casino program on your hard drive or initiated the instant-play option you must register as a new player and open an online gambling account. You can normally elect to play for fun or for real money.
When deciding to play for real money - you must make a deposit into your account using a credit card or some other means of cash transfer. If you gamble, win, and wish to withdraw your winnings you will need to visit the website's cashier or bank to request a cash-out. They may then send you a cheque, initiate a wire transfer, or pay you by some alternative method of your choice. There is a site called Neteller.com that offers an account that is free to open and handles the secure transfer of funds online.
Apple/Mac users could encounter difficulties playing at some online casinos that offer a software download. They may first need a special installation program called "virtual PC" since the downloaded software must be installed before one can play. Alternatively, Mac users may use the ‘no-download' Flash or Java based versions of the casino software available at most online casinos.
Why choose to gamble online?
There are many advantages of gambling at an on-line casino as compared to the traditional casinos such as:
- They are open around the clock.
- The casino software is free.
- There is no "dress-code" and it is up to you what to wear while you play. You can play dressed, as you prefer.
- Online casinos offer a higher payout percentage than their land-based counterparts.
- Online casinos frequently run great competitions and promotional offers for their players and most of them will give new players a welcome bonus when they sign up.
- You have the choice of playing for fun and practicing your skills before you decide to risk any real money.
- Winnings can be mailed to your home address or wired directly into your bank account.
Is online gambling legal?
This depends on where you live. There are no records of players getting into trouble because they have gambled online even though it may have been illegal to do so in the state or country where they lived. The responsibility to uphold the law lies with the casino owner rather than the online gambler.
Online casinos will automatically block your access when you try to open an account with them if there are any laws in place that forbid them to accept wagers from you.
Why do some online casinos not accept bets from US or Canadian citizens?
This is often because they are scared that they may be breaking some law as yet unknown to them or perhaps that they may be in breach of their own licensing agreements. To be on the safe side and avoid the risk of prosecution, many casinos do not accept North American players. However, many online Casinos do accept bets from US and Canadian citizens.
There are actually no federal laws to enable the prosecution of online gamblers but there are laws prohibiting online casinos from accepting bets. Casinos, therefore, tend to obtain their licenses in countries where it is legal. Certain US states have passed legislation. They are California, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. The only way to be certain of the situation in your state or country out is to check with local legislator or call your local police department for a ruling.
This is relevant only to residents of the United States. Each country has its own laws; in the UK, online gambling is perfectly legal. In Germany, the situation is similar to the US, so it is advisable to check before playing.
Is gambling online age-restricted?
In general, players are required to be 18 years old or more in order to play for real money. Some countries even require players to be 21 before they are allowed to place bets.
However, even if you are under 18 you can enjoy the fun play at most online casinos.
How do I choose where to play?
There are hundreds of online casinos and each week sees new ones launched. Learn everything you can about an online casino before choosing to play there. There are companies and websites whose sole business is to review and evaluate online casinos.
Try to determine if the casino is licensed by a sovereign government and, if not, look for another casino.
Next, check if it has a toll free customer service number that operates 24 hours a day. If not, look for another casino.
Now find out if the casino allows you to play for free giving you the chance to check out their software before you spend any money. If they do not, look for another online casino
Once you are playing, check the smallest denomination of coin that may be used in their poker and slot machines. They should offer a wide range of denominations, such as nickels, quarters, dollars and five-dollar machines.
Look out for different types of video poker machines. A good casino will have at least three telling you that the operator has installed top-end software. Stay away from casinos with just a single version of video poker.
Now check for facilities on the site that allows you to keep track of your deposits, game play and cash-outs.
Finally check out the customer service by sending emailing them with a question and see how long it takes for an actual reply. Auto-responder answers should not be counted.
Are online casinos fixed?
The vast majority of online casinos are thoroughly honest. They pay out and they do not cheat with the odds. Online casinos have a built-in house edge that, overall, works in their favour, so they do not have to cheat to make money. This edge is quite enough for the casinos to make a profit and running an honest online casino ensures good business. The few dishonest online casinos get less and less business as the bad news travels on the Internet.
We recommend that you play only at online casinos powered by the major online casino software brands such as Cryptologic, Microgaming, Boss Media, Playtech or Odds On. Alternatively, choose a casino recommended by a third party that you trust.
Many people are nervous about gambling online. Consequently, most online casinos are contracted to independent accounting or actuarial firms that perform monthly audits to verify that everything is fair and honest. This is not a guarantee of fairness or honesty, but it is a very good indicator. We recommend that you play only at online casinos where the payouts are reviewed.
How do I download casino software and play?
First click the "Download" button on the home page and you will be asked whether you want to Save the File to your computer or Run it. Choose save and be sure to save it where you can find it again. The easiest solution is to set up a folder called "Casino." Inside this folder, create a second folder named "Setup." This will provide you with an overview of all the casinos you download.
When saving the file to the new folder, give it its original name e.g. "Spin_Palace_Casino" (Spin Palace).
The download should not take more than 10-15 minutes depending on the speed of your Internet connection and the size of the file.
If required, key in your correct email address. Some casinos may send out a "key," needed later to access the installation program.
Once the dialogue box tells you the download is complete, you may install the program (e.g. "Spin_Palace_Casino") by double clicking the icon automatically installed on your Desktop to initialize the installation program.
Installation methods may vary between casinos but all will be similar to that described.
If the file that you downloaded was only a small startup file, the program will now download the rest of the casino software.
You will be asked where you want the casino installed. If you have set up a folder for Casinos, then put it there, click NEXT, and just follow the simple instructions of the installation program.
When installation is complete, you are ready to register. Start the programme and click on "NEW PLAYER" or "NEW USER as appropriate. If you want to play for money, click on PLAY FOR REAL or any equivalent link. Otherwise, click on FUN PLAY.
Assuming you chose to play for real money, you must now complete the registration form by filling in all of the required fields.
You may be asked to provide a Username and Password except when the Casino generates these automatically. Write down your chosen Username and Password.
Next, you will be asked to log on and deposit some money and this may be a prerequisite to qualify for the advertised bonus.
Of depositing, you must select a payment solution for transfer of cash. Select the CASHIER or BANK function and, if using a credit card, click REGISTER CREDIT CARD.
You will need to enter the 3-digit code that appears on the back of your credit card in the "Security Code" field.
You are now ready to gamble!
Note: Most online casinos who use online casino software from "Microgaming", offer the software in a no download version. Alternatively, installing "virtual PC" enables a Mac machine to simulate a PC, whereupon, the standard download software should install and operate normally.
How do I fund my real money account?
Before you can play, you must first deposit money into your casino account. Most online casinos accept credit cards, cheques, money orders, wire transfers or w-Wallets to enable the transfer of cash. Credit cards are the simplest and quickest way to get started. They allow you to start playing immediately and you will not have to wait while cheques are cleared by banks. Some would-be gamblers may be restricted from using their credit cards to purchase chips because of the laws in some jurisdictions. NETeller, a cash transfer system, is fast and easy to use. Any money you may win will be paid by the casino, on request, to your credit card, to a NETeller account, or by cheque. Other recommended methods of transferring money to the casino, if you are Click2Pay, PayPal, FirePay, Moneybookers and UKash, a prepaid voucher system.
How will I be paid out?
Usually, you will be paid by the same method used when making your deposits to the casino. Most casinos pay out winnings within a wee of request. If you made the deposit with a cheque or money order, the casino will send your winnings and your original deposit by cheque. If you made your deposit by credit card, the casino will credit your card with the amount of the deposit plus your winnings.
If you win more than your deposit, many casinos will automatically send you a cheque for the difference. Some may even courier your cheque. Be sure to understand the casino/s payment procedures before making your first bet and any applicable charges for the transactions. Details will normally be found on the Terms and Conditions page.
Could I become addicted to online gambling?
It is certainly possible to become addicted to any form of gambling. It is a recognized illness and known as compulsive or addictive gambling and is characterized by an uncontrollable desire to gamble. Addicts are unable stop and do not realize that they have lost control of their habit. They require help before they ruin their family's lives and their own. There are clinics to assist people suffering from addictions worldwide, were professionals restore addicted gamblers to a normal life. One such organization can be found at www.gamblersanonymous.org . A little discipline and following a few simple rules prevent any risk of addiction. Look for details on our Responsible Gambling page.
Does Blackjack card-counting work online?
Card counting is difficult and not as rewarding as it is made out to be. If it was a foolproof way of making money, everyone would be doing it.
Most online casinos shuffle after every hand, especially when using a single deck. There are no statistics but online Blackjack players appear to agree that card counting does not work.
There is nothing to stop you counting the cards or even using a computer to back you up while you play. Nobody knows what you are doing. Most players recommend following a basic Blackjack strategy chart.
What casino games offer the highest percentage pay out?
In the long run, practically no casino game can be beaten consistently. Each game has a built-in edge to guarantee a profit for the casino. However, Online Blackjack and Online Video Poker are often proposed as games that, under certain conditions can offer the player close to a 100% return. In fact, some Video Pokers actually exhibit a slight advantage to the player.
In both Blackjack and Video Poker, strategy can make the difference between almost breaking even and losing large amounts of money. It is wise to choose a game that offers you an optimal playing. In Blackjack this means choosing a game with as small a deck as possible while for a Video Poker game, it means selecting the game with the best pay table.
Money management is also important and means comparing the size of bet in relation to your bankroll. Blackjack may offer almost 50/50 odds but betting an entire bankroll on one hand amounts to an all or nothing bet with adverse long-term prospects.
Variance should also be considered when selecting a game. Video Poker offers players the best bet in terms of long-term expectations. However, this is only true when including the extremely rare Royal Flush hand. Even though Video Poker may offer better prospects for long-term gain when compared to Blackjack, it is equally true that a player's bankroll will undergo much greater fluctuations when playing Video Poker than when playing Blackjack.
For players who are only willing to risk small amounts of money for big wins, slot machines and particularly progressive jackpot machines can appear very attractive. The vast majority of players, however, will never hit a jackpot and these games offer players relatively poor long-term returns.
Must I download casino software to play online?
Casinos, poker rooms and bingo rooms are largely offered in three formats. These are downloadable software, no-download versions using applets such as Flash or Java and no-download versions that employ HTML. Players, therefore, are not bound to download software to play online. Software is often available on a CD or DVD upon request and may be installed with little effort. Some casinos are now offering another alternative in the form of a mobile games lobby that may be downloaded to a cellular telephone.
However, the downloadable casinos tend to offer the most in terms of game selection, graphics quality, sound effects and overall playability. They usually offer added 'extras' such as perfect-strategy cards or auto-play functions. It is thus recommended that players choose a download casino for maximum enjoyment. Nevertheless, browser-based casinos are still be fun to play and, today, some highly-reputable casinos only operate this type of games lobby.