• Archive for August, 2009

    How Legalization of Online Gambling Happens

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    How the legalization of online gaming will unfold is unknown, but if you take a look at how it’s happened in other countries, you can get a good view of how it happens.  Take the Czech Republic for example.  In former times the republic outlawed online gambling. Despite that, there of course were illegal rings being operated and many good citizens partaking in the sport.  The state of the republic and its poverty pushed many citizens to take a chance and wager their earnings in hopes for a big win.

    As a result, bookies became more and more popular.  Some growing to million-dollar businesses while taking bets illegally.  One of the biggest concerns was the growing number of minors participating in the illegal act.  Many groups were calling for regulation of online gambling to thwart minors from their hobby and protect them from legal action.  In the end, the republic decided to regulate online gambling by giving its five biggest bookies permits from the Finance Ministry. The goal was to introduce online gambling, in a legal form, to the communities.

    Fortuna was one of the booking agencies that received a permit. Its executive Tomas Bahnik stated, “We are sad and bitter that foreign online betting companies are allowed to operate in the Czech Republic without any control. There is no legal restriction. So basically they operate in this country illegally. So we want to have the same opportunities as foreign companies.”  He also stated he believed that foreign online casinos were taking possibly hundreds of millions of dollars from inside the Czech Republic and making it revenue for other countries.  In addition, citizens were spending their monies on those other countries while “making no contribution to taxes or employment within the republic.” In January of this year the licenses were issued to the five largest bookies in the republic. Because they were aware, each of the five companies were ready for the transition into legalization and happily set up shop for their business.  

    This seems to be the framework that most countries are going to take as they move into the legalization of online gambling. First there is an address to the prevalence of illegal gambling. Then there is the recognition of money being channeled out of the country due to lack of legalization.  Then countries institute a trial period where regulation is used.  Only time will tell how many countries will travel down this same road, and how successful they will be.

    Ethical Groups Call for Regulation of Online Gambling

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    The debate over legalizing online gambling is a difficult one.  Although legislators are looking to online gambling as a way of bringing in much-needed revenue, on the other end of the spectrum ethical and religious-based groups are decrying its potency.  They are claiming that regulating and legalizing online gambling will only create more gambling addicts and create the need for more outreach programs in the community.  They don’t believe that legalizing online gambling is the catchall answer to the additional funding that law makers are hoping for.   

    Though they would like to deny the legalization, these groups are realistic. They understand that with the huge revenues potentially available, it is highly unlikely that the government will not want to bring gambling taxes to the mix.  Lawmakers will most likely find a way to work the law so that they get a good portion of all online gambling money spent and use it to fund public works programs, rehabilitations and growth.  Ethical and religious groups are looking for some type of regulation, however, that will help to protect the gambling public.

    LittleAbout.com is one website that is focusing on the dangers of online gambling and how it poses a “dangerous problem for gamblers and teens.”  While the company isn’t necessarily for legalization of gambling, they do see the need for some type of government regulation.  Spokesperson Gail Abigeneau stated, “Legalization is more of a financial issue for each municipality to deal with; we are concerned about regulation. Without it, teens, young people and people with gambling addictions are all at risk.”

    The UIGEA ban remains in place. It was the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, that first brought the question of internet gambling to light.  The commission believes that more that 1,300 casinos are making over $650 million annually from US gamblers.  Lack of regulations for online gambling has left the people contributing to that huge number at risk for dishonest games, identity theft and fraud. 

    Another group involved in the debates is the American Psychiatric Association and the US Nation Gambling Impact Study Commission.  Both believe that due to the sheer number of online gamblers, regulation is a necessity to protect consumers.  If online gambling is legalized, that number is sure to grow.  That will bring added threats to their personal security and psychological state of mind.

    In the end, only time will tell whether or not online gambling will be legalized.  However, due to the revenue potential, most believe that legislators will do their best to push some type of legalization, regulation and taxation through to the gambling public.

    Check Out Rushmore Casino for some Outstanding Online Gambling

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    If you’re an online gambler, check out Rushmore Casino.  Their slogan is “Amazing Gaming—Unbelievable Entertainment and Unrivaled Customer Service.”  If you take a look at their website, you’re immediately struck with their desire to be transparent about what they do.  The company is working hard to create “long-lasting relationships” with their customers.  One of the advantages of the website is that a player can review a thorough accounting of any bet they have ever placed at the casino. They can look up the date and time, amount, winnings, losses and detailed game results. 

    Part of that excellent customer care can be seen when you first decide to play at Rushmore Casino. All you have to do is download and install their free software. Then register for your account and make your first deposit.  Another part is their commitment to responsible gaming.  If you take a look at their stated rules they assure all players that they do not allow under-21 players, any player can prevent members of their family from gambling, there are no illegal players, software used is fair and the website follows a strict “Code of Regulations” for all games offered.   They also remind all gamers to “play within their limits” when they are gambling.

    One promotion Rushmore Casino is offering is their $888 free bonus.  In this bonus, the casino offers new players a substantial one-time welcome bonus. Here is how it works: on the first deposit, you receive 100% matches to bonuses worth up to $400. Then on your second deposit, you’ll get another 100% match bonus worth up to $488.  The coupon codes at the cashier’s desk for each are “400FREE” and “488FREE”, respectively.  It offers you additional money to gamble with and hopefully you can not only extend your gameplay, but win some money the first few times you visit the online casino.

    In addition to their welcome $888 bonus, they also have Blackjack Special Bonuses, Slots Special Bonuses, Weekly Bonuses, Weekend Bonanza Bonuses and Faxback Cash Bonuses.   Check out the website for details on each, but if you’re an online gamer, you should be able to find some great bonuses.  Whether you’re playing blackjack or slots, Rushmore Casino has taken your backroll into account and they want to help you stretch it as far as possible!

    Check Out Foxy Bingo for Great Online Bingo Play

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    Numbers don’t lie and online bingo is consistently bringing new customers in for online gameplay.  Though bingo began most commonly in VFW halls and church basements, it’s come a long way. Online developers have been quick to move into the world of bingo and bring it to the screen. If you do a search for online bingo, you’re sure to find a wide variety of websites that offer the game. Sure each one will tell you it’s the best, but do a little research to truly find the ones that you enjoy playing in. If you find one you enjoy, you not only can find a great pastime, but you also can win prizes in the form of merchandise and money.

    One great place to check out bingo online is at Red 7 Bingo.  One of the best things about the website is that it offers some great bonuses to players.  You have tons of chances to stretch your playing dollars with Platinum Bingo, Blackpool Club, Littlewoods, Crown Bingo, and Mecca.  Not to mention Foxy Bingo and Bingo Day, which are also notable choices when viewing the websites. 

    Foxy Bingo, for example, is an online bingo website that offers a great bonus. At specific times it offers a guaranteed £5,000 jackpot.   You also get a bonus for signing on.  The casino will match your first deposit from between £10 to £150. There are also regular deposit bonuses.  Foxy Bingo offers an ongoing 50% deposit bonus, up to a maximum of £50.  In terms of gameplay, you can find Guaranteed Jackpot Games, Progressive Jackpot Games, Chat Games and 75 or 90-ball Bingo.  Regardless what your preference is, you’re sure to find it at Foxy Bingo.  On a side note, check out some of their tournament games for added fun!

    Foxy Bingo is just one example of how far online bingo has come to cater to its players.  If you’re an avid bingo player, check out the online websites that offer the game. You won’t be disappointed when you see the graphics, bonuses, tournaments and fun gameplay each one of the top gaming websites offers.

    Check Out Three of the Best Poker Rooms Online

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    It’s no doubt that poker is big businesses. With the growing popularity of The World Series of Poker and numerous other poker tournaments around the world, the game is becoming one of the most popular pastimes of today’s society.   Although in olden days you had to go to a bar to play, games have become much more common as the years have passed.  People began having home poker games where friends converge with their money to bet.  The growth of the internet caused online poker tournaments and poker websites to take hold.  If you’re like the millions of excited players, you are probably looking for the best online casinos.  Here are three that seem to offer the best advantage to players.

    First, there is Titan Poker.  This online poker website is one of the best because your sign-up deposit makes you eligible to win $20,000.  Once you deposit, you get five free tokens. With your tokens you can freely participate in any the weekly “No Depositor Freeroll Satellites.”  These games are held every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm GMT.  This is a great advantage to online players.

    Another great online poker room is hosted by Nobel Poker.  The best advantage of this online casino is that it offers great gameplay for every level of player. Whether you’re just beginning or you’ve been playing for years, you’ll surely enjoy Nobel Poker’s website.  They also have a wide variety of games for any player’s preferences. They hold Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Texas Hold’em.  There are tournaments held regularly and monthly promotions.  The online casino has been around long enough to develop its infrastructure also. Check out its strong customer service department, easy deposit structure and great tournaments.

    Finally, PKR offers a great poker room too. The best part about this online casino is that it’s also attuned to any level of player. It also offers great bonuses for new players.  You can get $50 free by earning 7,500 PKR points.  You can get up to $250 if you earn 50,000 PKR points. Check out the website for their other monthly bonuses.  There are a lot of guaranteed winnings here and its one of the best places to win both money and merchandise. 

    Check out any of these three online poker rooms for some fantastic gameplay and bonuses. Though there are tons of poker rooms, these are a great place to start.

    Think About A Few Things Before Playing Online Slots

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    Although online slots are becoming as popular as “real” casino slots, there are still some tricks to the game.  Some people believe that the game of slots is complete luck. Sure this is true to a degree, but there are still some things you can do to help your odds.  And yes, at the end of the night the house “always wins” but there are still a few happy players who are winners in the mix.

    When you decide to play online slots, take a look at the machines’ pay rates.  You want to find ones that have a pay rate of 95-99%.  Also, remember that just because machines “look” alike, doesn’t mean their rules are the same. It’s just like walking through a “real” casino. Two machines side-by-side can be completely different in what they offer to the player.  Be sure to know what games you’re playing and the nuances each. 

    If you’re a new player, stay away with machines that have difficult symbols to decipher. It may be hard to figure out what you actually are going to potentially walk away with. This may be intentional by the company.  There are still some companies out there that are not honest and trustworthy. They use high-end graphics and difficult lingo to confuse novice players.  Make sure that the rules for each online slots game are clear cut and understandable. If not, the good news is that there will undoubtedly be enough other online casinos to choose from.

    Another tip is that if you get lucky and get to double your bankroll, cash out. Sure it may be first instinct to keep on playing because you “feel” lucky, but the higher you play that machine, the lower your odds get to win in the end.  Walk away.  Another thing the casino has on its side is “time.” The more time you spend gambling, the better their chances are of winning.  If you get the opportunity to have some extra cash, take it and consider yourself lucky.

    Finally, set a strict limit on how much you’re going to feed into your online slots game.  This is where a lot of people get caught up—in real casinos and virtual ones. It’s so easy to get excited about playing and want to keep going.  Plus with the internet, depositing money is just a few clicks away. Fight the urge to push the envelope on your wallet. Set a strict budget and stick to it. 

    Some Tips for Playing Online Craps

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    One of the most popular casino games is craps.  If you go to any Vegas or Atlantic City casino, you’re sure to find the craps tables full of excited players.  If you log into any online casino, you’re sure to find the same. Craps is a great game, but there is some skill involved in knowing how to bet.  Here are some tips.

    First of all, if you know what you’re doing, you are going to get rid of a lot of the natural risk of gambling.  Remember that a lot of people who log onto a gambling website don’t know what the real rules of craps are. They have heard of the game’s popularity and seen it on TV and think, “Why not try it?”  But the truth is that without some studying, it’s a great way to either get lucky or lose big.  The best thing to do is to know what you’re doing, or have a general idea of how the game works, before you throw your bet down.

    Second, there are payouts involved with proposition bets.  A proposition bet is when you throw the dice and call out the bet you’re making.  The problem is that you get one roll. So after that roll, you’ve either won or lost.  With a proposition bet, there are payouts for any 7, any craps and craps three.  Horn high means that you are betting in $5s, $10s, $15s, and so on, in increments of $5.  The payout is also in multiples of $5. 

    Finally, your best bet if you’re not accustomed to online craps is to find an online casino that has free gameplay. That way you can create an account, log-in and play live to get some experience with the game.  You also can find some online casinos that offer you the chance to dialogue with other players via a chat.  That way you can also get some added feedback on the online casino from them. They’ll let you know what problems they have had. Also, take a look at the FAQs part of the casino’s website.  See what issues have arisen in the past and how the manager of the website addresses them for the future.  It’s a great way to see what exactly the website offers in terms of value to the customer.

    What is the Lure of Online Slots?

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    If you’re an online gambler, be sure to check out online slots.  Just like in a “real” casino, you can find online slots that are exciting and tailored to whatever interests you have.  If you walk a casino floor you’re sure to see a huge number of slots.  Some are focused on entertainers, some on racing, some on boating, some on golf…the topics are endless.  The same goes for online casinos. Developers have seen the popularity of slots in brick and mortar casinos and created online versions with the same intent—to cater to the preferences of potential players. 

    If you go online you can find slots games you’ll enjoy. For novice players there are the 3-reel games and for seasoned players there are more intricate 5-reel games.  The higher the number of reels, normally, the higher the bonus features and progressive slots possibilities.  Some slots players don’t care and prefer playing on the smaller 3-reeled slots however. Again, it just depends on your preference.

    Many online slots today are using online browser-based platforms.  This means that there is no downloading required or installation of the game to your computer.  You can log on and begin immediate gameplay.  Some companies use specialized software like Flash by Macromedia and Java to bring you casino games.  You may need a plug-in to play the game, but that’s a universal download by a third party. 

    With the online slots game, you “spin” or pull the handle and the computer spins the reels.  Wherever they stop is what determines your win or loss.  It’s just like a real slots game in that it’s all based on chance and luck. There really isn’t a whole lot of logic or planning going on in the game.  Many people spend hours at a “real” casino’s slots area and many online users do the same.  It’s easy to get addicted to the great visuals, good payouts and casino-like atmosphere. 

    Before you choose an online slots room to play in, be sure to read the customer reviews. This can be a great way to get an idea of how well the website serves its gamblers.  Take time to read what other people have had to say and then, if their feedback was predominantly good, start gambling and enjoy.

    How to Find the Best Online Casinos To Play In

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    If you’re looking for the best online casinos to play in there are definitely a strict set of requirements you should be looking for. Remember that in today’s highly advanced technological world, almost every casino has a ton of offers that seem too hard to pass up. It’s easy to get dazzled by the graphics, the virtual casino floor and the promotions.  Be wise about your online gambling and remember that you’re still gambling with your hard-earned money. It’s just like being in a real casino, but from the comfort of your own home.

    First of all, remember that when you’re playing at home, you are going to naturally be more relaxed.  It’s just so much more common to have your guard down when your feet are propped on the couch and you are watching TV while you gamble.   Add to that the less stressful atmosphere of your living room, as opposed to a casino floor, and you’re sure to be much more readily open to betting to your heart’s content.  When gambling online, be sure you aren’t so relaxed that you forget your still betting with your money.  It’s still the same premise—you bet on a chance to win, but the odds are in favor of the house…even though it’s your “house” you’re playing in.

    When looking for a good online casino, do a Google search.  Of course you’ll have tons of casinos pop up but look for the one with “free gameplay.”  That way, you can check out how the casino operates and how comfortable you are with their graphics and how user-friendly their website truly is. Give yourself a few different games to try before you make a decision. 

    Also, be sure to check out the online casino’s FAQs and/or Frequently Asked Questions.  You want to see what other customers have asked and how the casino has answered their concerns.  Make sure the responses are thorough. Note what questions are most frequently asked and realize that that’s most likely where the casino has the most issues.  For example, if one question is “How do I get my payout?” and another is “When do I get my payout?” there may be an issue with payout. Be sure to do some research and read not only the FAQs’ answer to the questions, but also read the TOS and see how the payout is defined. 

    Next, make sure the website uses secure encryption. With today’s precarious online nature, many hackers are out there. They know that to play in an online casino you are going to have to put in some very personal information like your address, funding account and name.  This kind of information, if in the wrong hands, can create a lot of problems for you like identity theft and illegal funds transfers.

    Finally, if you find an online casino that you like to play poker in, for example. See if they have a sister website that offers other games you might be interested in.  A lot of online gaming websites have affiliate websites they promote.  If you enjoy one offering, you probably will like others by the same developer.  Do some research and make sure things are secure, but enjoy your online casino experience. It’s a great way to potentially earn some extra money and play exciting online games.

    Understand the Bonus Structure Before You Start Online Gambling

    Thursday, August 27th, 2009

    According to Webster.com, a “bonus” is defined as “ .”  in the world of online gambling there are tons of “bonuses” running rampant. As you browse from online casino to online casino you’re sure to find a wide variety of bonuses that try to entice you to log into that specific casino.  There are sign-up bonuses, loyalty bonuses, one-time bonuses and promotional bonuses.  All are there to extend your gameplay and make the online experience a good one. The ultimate goal, of course, is to keep you coming back to spend more money in a virtual casino.

    Amidst the wide variety of bonuses, it’s easy to get schmoozed into signing up, before you know what the deal really is.  Remember that a bonus is a prize you wouldn’t normally get.  Something that is of exceptional value to the player and has particular characteristics.  Not all bonuses you see in online casinos are real bonuses.  Too many people look online and see the word “bonus” and think it’s cut and dry.  It almost never is.

    The reality is that bonuses are set up to attract you, but there’s still an advantage to the house. And remember that no matter how many bonuses there are, the house always wins.  When you’re looking at bonuses, be sure to never jump right into the offer, but rather take a look at what’s the real value to you and what value the casino gets by you choosing their online casino to gamble in.

    A huge bonus doesn’t mean you are going to walk away with a big payout.  The purpose of the bonus is to get you to sign-up, deposit your money and play.  Also, remember that there still are some online casinos that promote bonuses, but don’t pay out. Or they create some little loophole hidden in their TOS that denies their players a bonus regardless of what their play is like.  What you need to do with any bonus is examine it. Read the fine print. Some bonuses even have a little asterisk by them that screams to users that there are added stipulations. Read these. Make sure you understand. Even call customer service if you need to. Before you sign up for any bonus, understand what it truly means and what benefit it will bring.