Online GamingIf
you have never gambled online you may be bewildered by how to get started.
Online gambling is still a very young industry and as such, the test of
time has yet to root out many of the less reputable casinos. The good and
the bad are still fiercely elbowing each other for market share. So choose
where to play carefully. I have some tips below which may help you. |
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There are two ways you can go in terms of actually gambling online, Java and downloadable software. Java offers almost immediate playing but downloadable software offers better sound and graphics. Personally I find downloadable software to be much more enjoyable and faster but I respect the opinion of those who prefer Java. About half of the casinos with downloadable software also offer a free CD version. Once you have the software installed (unless with a Java based casino) the next step is to open an account. This is sometimes done on the casino web site and sometimes through the software. Then you must put some into your account. The vast majority of the time this is done with a credit (or debit) card. Other options include Western Union and bank wire transfers but both of these necessitate substantial fees, which many online casinos will credit back to your account. Beware that some credit cards will treat deposits to an online casino as a cash advance. If this happens then you may have success in arguing the charge but many credit cards have a flat policy that a purchase of casino chips counts as a cash advance. I recommend using debit cards instead, there is never a cash advance fee and the transactions are posted faster.
Once you have money in your account you may then begin to play. Be sure to check the rules first, many online casinos favor European rules which can be different that U.S. rules. This can be good or bad depending on the particular rule. As you play I would suggest documenting everything you do. Personally I use graph paper to keep a running track of my bankroll and the total amount bet.
If you plan to return in the near future do not cash out, just leave your money in your account. When you do cash out the chips will be converted to cash and credited back to your credit card, up to the amount of the initial purchase. If you have a net win then the winnings will have to be sent another way, usually by check. Most places will send winnings for free but others will subtract a finance charge.
There can be no debate that online gambling is a lot different
than gambling in a physical casino. In some ways it is better and in some ways
it is worse. Below are my pros and cons of online gambling, based on my personal
experiences, compared to gambling in a "real" casino.
The Pros
1. Online gambling is a competitive business and many casinos
will offer a lot to get and keep your business. Many will offer sign-up bonuses
to new customers, adding 10 to 50% of their initial deposit to their bankroll
(see below for more on this subject). Some will randomly deposit money in
customer accounts and others will give away vacations for specified levels of
total money bet.
2. The rules are usually better than in physical casinos.
3. You don't have to travel long distances. The casino is in your own home.
4. You don't have to suffer real casino annoyances, like smokers.
5. You don't have to feel obligated to tip.
The Cons
1. You have to be patient about getting your money after you cash
out. In addition to waiting periods on the casino end there are also delays on
the credit card end. Two to four weeks is the norm for the time between cashing
out and your credit appearing back on your credit card. Debit cards are much
faster taking only about 3 to 5 business days.
2. Customer service can be spotty depending on where you play. Some places offer
great service via e-mail and a toll-free number. Others take several days to
reply to an e-mail, have no known telephone number, and generally seem like they
just don't want to be bothered aside from taking your money.
3. The player has no power or authority to turn to in the event of a dispute.
Usually in the player agreement it says the casino can make up the rules as they
go and in the event of a dispute the casino's word is final.
To attract your business many casinos will add a bonus to your initial deposit, usually 10% but I have seen it go as high as 100%. When you accept a bonus you are usually required to meet a certain level of betting action to cash out the bonus. I have seen the total amount bet required range from three times the deposit (Pinnacle Sportsbook) to 40 times the sum of the deposit plus the bonus (Connecto Casino). Read the rules carefully before you start playing. After opening an account wait at least 15 minutes for any welcome e-mail to come in. Sometimes this e-mail will indicate different rules than what the web site says about earning a bonus. Assume that you have to meet the more stringent of the conditions. Regardless of what the rules are you should more than exceed them. If pressed for specifics I would say play at least 50% more than required but 100% or more is better. Some online casinos claim and exercise the right to deny bonuses to customers they feel are only it is for the bonus, as opposed to the enjoyment of the casino. Finally I would be suspicious of casinos that you have never opened an account with who send unsolicited bonus offers.
There are a lot of online casinos to choose from, about 400, and to the beginner it may seem confusing telling them apart. Al of the online casino ads that are offered here at our site offer sign-up bonuses, have variety of games, each has a toll-free number you can call and they are all licensed.