Online Casinos

There was a time when in order to play your favorite casino games, you had to actually walk inside a brick and mortar casino. This made casino gaming inconvenient for many people who didn’t live near any casinos. With the advent of the internet, however, online casinos have sprung up across the world and it has never been easier for casino gamblers to play their favorite games.

Online casinos attempt to recreate the experience of visiting a casino on land. In theory, when visiting an online casino you get the same experience as hitting the tables in Vegas without having to leave your home. Online casinos offer the same popular casino games – blackjack, slots, roulette, poker and more – and through the use of graphic animations and avatars, can recreate the look of the inside of a casino and the experience of competing against other players.

The outcome of games played in online casinos is determined by a random number generator (RNG). The RNG randomly produces a series of numbers that correlates to a specific event, such as which cards you are dealt, which number the dice land on, or which symbols appear on the slot machine reels. The numbers are generated in such a way that the algorithm can’t be cracked and cheating is virtually impossible. Likewise, card counting in blackjack does not work online.

Like with brick and mortar casinos, games at online casinos have a house edge, meaning that the odds are stacked so that, in the long run, the casino makes money off of each game. Using the random number generator, online casinos have payout percentages that are comparable to their land-based counterparts. Some even pay out more than brick and mortar casinos, since online casinos have a much lower overhead.

Games on online casinos can be played one of two ways. One way is by downloading the software onto your computer and playing the game by accessing the downloaded software. The other way is by playing software that is streamed over the casino’s website, which does not require a download. Both methods are available on desktop computers, laptops and smartphones.

While some online casinos design their own software, many buy licensed software from well-known and trusted software development companies. This allows the casino to focus on other things and helps the consumers feel comfortable that the casino is safe. Though there is no one regulatory body for online casinos, due to the many different jurisdictions in which they reside, there are many government and third-party agencies that regulate and review the software and business practices of online casinos. A casino that has the approval of those agencies is considered to be safe for the online players.

Roulette is one of my favorite casino games to play because it involves a nice mixture of chance and strategy. Some are intimidated by the fast pace action of the roulette wheel, but it is worth the little extra stress. The excitement of strategically placing your bet and waiting for the ball to land adds to the level of fun that the game provides.

When betting in roulette always is sure to know which wheel you are playing at. There is a European wheel and an American wheel, and they both carry very different odds. The American wheel is made up of numbers 1 through 36, a zero, and a double zero. The European wheel has numbers 1 through 36 and a zero. It may be a difference of one number, but it makes quite a difference. When you are playing in an actual casino it is harder to find a European wheel. Online gambling companies are more likely to carry a wide variety of games.

So as I mentioned before the way to win in roulette is with your bets. Believe it or not the most popular bet in roulette is also the worst bet in roulette. It is the single number bet, and it carries the worst odds. The second most popular is also the second worst bet in roulette, which is the split number bet.

Your best bets in roulette are going to be outside bets. A general rule of thumb in roulette is to make a bet where the odds and payout match up almost evenly. Betting on all red, black, odd or even will carry around a 48% chance, and payout 1:1.

There is no escaping social media these days; the best thing to do is embrace it. What I mean by this is; you are already spending a significant amount of your day on these websites so you might as well make them work for you. I’m going to go over a couple of the most popular social media outlets and tell you the best way to use the sites when it comes to casino games. It really doesn’t matter which casino game you fancy, they are all great for every game, poker might be one of the favorites though among networks.

First let’s look at Twitter. This site has gotten a bad reputation because many people think that it is just a narcissistic playground where everyone goes to talk about themselves. Granted, there are a lot of self promoting topics, there is also a plethora of information to be obtained. Starting a Twitter account is easy, and free. You can follow anyone you desire. Professional players, casinos, online casinos, casino review magazines. Everyone has a Twitter account these days, making gathering this information easy and lucrative. Also there are plenty of promotions available only through Twitter. Companies will tweet a code only through Twitter.

Facebook is useful in similar ways. Instead of following a Twitter account you will be “friending” them or “liking” them. This will give you an inside look at many different online casinos, casinos that you can even play through an application on Facebook. So the next time you are online check out these tips.

There is a lot to be said about Blackjack strategy. What if I told you there is just one thing you can do to greatly improve your blackjack game, therefore blackjack winnings. It’s quite simple, and very easy to obtain. This one small thing will take you from just an average blackjack player to a great blackjack player. Would you like to know what I’m talking about?

I’m talking about apps. Everyone uses apps these days, there is no avoiding them. I know it sounds silly, and you may have the common misconception that apps are only for mindless videogames and taking pictures, but there are some applications out there for your computer and phone that are game-changers, literally.

I decided to find the best blackjack apps not only for blackjack strategy but also for entertainment value as well as aesthetic appeal.

The best one overall was Blackjack Multi hand. This game allowed me to play three hands at once all the while giving me tips and strategy to improve my overall blackjack game.  This game does cost a dollar though. I know, doesn’t seem like much but you would be surprised how many people will not spend the amount of a hamburger on a valuable casino tool.

If you are not willing to spend a dollar the best options are Blackjack88 and Blackjack Classic. Both of these games are decent, easy to navigate around and also are very generous with their bonuses.

If you liked this blog stay tuned because I will be going over all of the other casino games as well.

You can’t say the words “Online Gambling” today without thinking about US government legislation. For nearly a year now there has been bills trying to be passed for online gambling in the states to be regulated. There are so many supporters for this cause, but for every supporter there are either two or more advocates against such a law.

There is actually no Federal law in the US that prohibits online gambling, states regulate online wagering state by state; but it can get quite confusing. That’s why the gambling industry might be the only industry in the world vying for the federal government to intervene. Casinos such as Bodog have even opted out of the US market because of legality.

What it comes down to is the US losing out on a lot of money. The “cash-strapped” government could really benefit from the extra funds that moderating and taxing online gambling could give them. Taxing the online game of poker alone would bring in 40 billion dollars in 10 years. This could mean a step in the right direction in solving the 1.2 trillion dollar deficit but officials don’t seem to care.

Why? They feel that regulating online wagering is basically putting a Government stamp of approval on gambling. Another reason is they just don’t find the issue that important. The former secretary of State didn’t get around to putting it on the House floor for a vote, and neither does the current one. They are preoccupied with healthcare, and unemployment to care about online gambling.

So for now I will get my fix at on-linecasino.org.uk and hope for the best.

By the end of 2011 Casino Bodog will no longer accept US players. Not just casinos though, US players won’t even be able to access any Bodog brand websites. Considering how large of a brand Bodog is, this could prove to be somewhat detrimental to US citizens.

Bodog operates under Morris Mohawk Gaming based out of Canada, although they are a U.K. brand. This license will expire at the end of December when Bodog will start operating under a license from the U.K. Gambling commission, which they obtained in July of this year. This will take their website from “Bodog.com to Bodog.eu. A license from the U.K. Gambling Commission carries with it prestige and added trust that the brand is in favor of considering they have many growing markets right now, including Asia.

The cutoff has nothing to do with Morris Mohawk Gaming; however, it has a lot to do with the April 15^th indictment involving three poker sites. Many off shore casinos cut off American players all together, and Bodog was one of the few that stuck around, so to speak.

Calvin Ayre, founder of Bodog brand says that the new business venture is just what his company needs, and everyone involved is very excited about the change.

After all Bodog is ranked 13^th in overall online casino traffic and 2^nd among casinos still accepting US wages.

According to Wikipedia, Bodog strive to be “not unlike the Virgin brand venture,” and have marketed themselves all the way into the coffee industry.

Online casinos are the way gambling is going. Like so many things it is coming into its own in on the Internet, similar to how music has gone to mp3s and books have gone to eBooks. Online casinos are the future of gambling for the easy access and cost effectiveness of playing in them.

What makes online casinos so cost effective and economical for players is that they allow players to play from the comfort of their own homes. Just about any casino game can be found online now. Some online casinos are devoted to poker and other to slots while others offer the full gamut of casino games. Playing from home allows the player to save money by not having to commute to and from a land casino, as well as saving them money that would normally be spent on accommodations.

With how wide spread the Internet is nowadays, access to online gambling sites is easier than when Internet casinos debuted. Players can play on the go while waiting for plane in an airport, play while killing time in a restaurant or even on the bus by playing on their smartphone.

Playing your favorite casino game is easier than ever before because of the ease of access. Rather than having to schedule a trip to a land casino for the weekend or for a vacation, players can come home from work and unwind by playing online poker or online slots for a couple of hours. Software developers have done a remarkable job in bringing favorite casino games to the Internet. And developers are not stopping with simply bringing the games into an online format; the latest advances in gaming software have included live dealer games. Live dealer games allow players to sit down in their homes while playing at a real table in a real casino over the Internet.

Technology is certainly taking the casino experience and bringing it to players through online casinos. Between the ease of access, the economical value and technology, online casinos are certainly the 21st century form of gambling.

Not all online casino bonuses are created equal. They won’t offer you free drinks like a land-based casino, but most offer a cash bonus after signing up. Just don’t get duped into wagering requirements and other catches. Nearly every casino bonus has conditions attached. Read the fine print before agreeing. The most common are broken down here:

Match Bonus: the most common type of bonus with your first deposit. A certain percentage of your deposit is matched by the online casino. The match can be any percentage, but most are 25%, 50% or 100%. Usually, a 100% match on your first deposit is only worth up to a certain amount. The amount changes with each promotion. Sometimes, you can get an equal or lesser match percentage on your next few deposits as well.

Cash Back Bonus:  given following a loss. More online casinos are offering this. A portion of the stake is returned, usually as cash. It depends on the promotion but an online casino might offer a 20% cash back bonus each week. If you had a loss over the span of the week, you would get 20% of your losses back. The percentage and number of times it is paid back can vary. Overall winners are not eligible for the bonus.

Cashable Bonus: also known as a no deposit bonus, you must meet certain bonus wager requirements or play on only on certain games before you are allowed to cash out the free bonus money, which is added on to your winnings.

Comp Points: can be exchanged for cash, prizes, etc. The amount of points varies with each game and is usually minimal per wager. For example, you could get two comp points for every $10 blackjack bet and one comp point for every $10 roulette bet. A dollar value is assigned to comp points, like $1 for every 100 points.

Loyalty Rewards: most return around $10 for each $10,000 played. It sounds like a rip-off but the reward is earned on every win or loss wagered, so it doesn’t take that long to accumulate if you are an avid gambler. Some online casinos have different loyalty levels with benefits and also offer a birthday bonus.

Sticky Bonus: the bonus itself is not allowed to be withdrawn, but any winnings earned while playing the sticky bonus is. This one is not that common anymore.

Playing your favorite casino games is not only just about convenience. There are some fun benefits to partaking of online casinos.

Bonuses
Not only do online casinos offer Welcome Bonuses, but they also offer weekly and monthly bonuses as well. Many of the reputable online casinos will also offer VIP player programs. These player reward programs are loyalty programs that reward players for continuing to play at their online casino. So players are not only winning by playing their favorite games, they are also being rewarded for simply playing their game of choice. These programs are also free to enroll in as well.

Now compare that to the loyalty perks you get at a brick and mortar casino. Often you will receive comps for a free trip to the buffet or the like. Which would you rather have: a free ticket for the buffet or an extra bonus?

New Games
Online casinos see new game faster than brick and mortar casinos. This is because once a new online game is completed it is released to the online casino. Essentially the new game is uploaded into the online casinos arsenal of games, and players have access to it.

New games are often released every couple of months. Most notable, Microgaming releases something every other month, while Vegas Technology releases new games every three months or so. Playtech and other software developers tend to be around every three or four months.

This means that as a player, you see new games more often and are able to play them as soon as they are released to the online casinos.

New slot machines for casinos come out, at the fastest, twice a year. More often they are released once a year with an introduction at a convention. The greater amount of time between releases is because it takes time to actually build multiple slot machines for the same game which then have to be shipped and then installed in the casino. With online casinos one copy of the game’s software has to be sent to the online casino and then uploaded into their casino, and they are all set to go.

For those who play their favorite casino games at an online casino, it means that they get to see new games more often and they are rewarded with money bonuses and cashbacks instead of buffet comps.

We are in an age of technology where it’s easy for you play your favorite online casinos from home or while you’re on the go. It’s also easy for people to steal your money and personal information if you’re not careful. Most online casinos are safe and secure thanks to third party organizations like eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) and TST (Technical Systems Testing), which certify casinos for their player protection. A little background research before signing up with a casino can save you a lot of money and frustration. There are fake online casinos out there looking to cash in on an uninformed player.

The easiest way to check the legitimacy of an online casino is to do an Internet search on it. It only takes a short time to find some valid reviews. Look beyond the name of the casino. Find out more about the company behind it and what they represent. Make sure the casino is licensed and find out what their software provider is. The biggest and most reputable software providers are Microgaming, Playtech and Real Time Gaming. You can usually trust the casino when they use a trusted software provider.

Check to see if the content is copied on the site. Copy a paragraph from the site and paste it into an Internet search engine. Fake casinos sometimes share content. Read the terms and conditions carefully to see if they are clearly stated. Don’t fall for hidden requirements on bonuses. This is the biggest problem with new gamblers. Don’t open more than one player account at each casino as you might be considered a bonus abuser and banned from the site and their affiliates. Before signing up, make sure it is legal to gamble in your jurisdiction and you are of the legal age to gamble. The last thing to check is the procedure on payouts. Casinos that pay out on a monthly basis, rather than weekly or daily, could be illegitimate.

When looking for an online casino there are several important aspects to examine. You have to check their customer service, who they are licensed and regulated by and, naturally, their promotions. But there is one other aspect of online casinos that you will want to examine and compare: their payout percentages.

A payout percentage is the percentage of money that is paid back to those who play at that online casino as compared to how much money the online casino takes in through wagers. In order to calculate the payout percentage, the total amount of money paid in winnings is added together and then divided by the total amount wagered at the online casino; the resulting number is then multiplied by one hundred to get the payout percentage.

As an example we are going to say that one of the best online casino paid out $96,000 but took in $100,000 in total wagers. Its payout percentage calculation would look like this:

96,000/100,000 = 0.96 x 100 = 96%

This means that online casino is only keeping 4% of the money it takes in. The higher the payout percentage, the more that online casino pays back to its players. What does this mean to the players?

With a higher payout percentage players have a better chance of either receiving more higher payouts or more frequent payouts. What this does not mean that an individual player will receive $96 back if they wager $100, per the above example.

Online casinos have a higher payout percentage than regular brick and mortar casinos because they do not have the overhead and expenses that a regular casino has. Online casinos also have smaller staffs to worry about paying. This translates into them being able to pay out more. You can think of it as an online casino passing the savings on to you.

Understanding what a payout percentage is and how it impacts you as a player can help you in choosing an online casino to play at. Remember that the higher the payout percentage, the better your chances of receiving a higher payout or more frequent payouts.