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Online Casino Beginners Guide |
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Online Casino types
There are many types of online casinos at which you can play both UK-based and abroad. Many of them use Flash / Shockwave games which can be run within your browser via a plug-in which can be downloaded for free if required. Some use Java-based games which will load directly into your web browser.
In general, these types of casinos are referred to as no-download casinos, despite the fact that you have to download graphics and sounds every time you play. The biggest advantage of a no-download casino is that it can be played on most computers and operating systems, so it doesn't matter too much if you access the casino from more than one computer (i.e. work/home, laptop/desktop etc.)
In addition there are downloadable "software" casinos that run on Windows-based platforms but with file sizes ranging up to 15Mb you should make sure you have a decent broadband connection. A big plus in their favour is that they are generally more stable and secure.
Bonuses
Possibly the biggest draw to online gambling is the variety of bonues available from online casinos. Some online casinos give you money immediately so you can test their games with no financial risk. Others require you to make a deposit in order to receive the bonus, which will either be a percentage of your initial deposit or a fixed amount received following the deposit of a specified amount in your account
The online casinos can offer these bonuses because they have lower overhead costs, less staff, less equipment and no building overheads. On top of that, it's not uncommon for the casino to make you wager your deposit (and possibly even the bonus) at least 2 or 3 times over before allowing you to collect any winnings.
Paying in money
There are many ways you can deposit money in your online casino account.
Most commonly used is the credit card: Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted by nearly every online casino but it should also be possible to use a debit caed (e.g. Switch, Delta etc)
Alternatively, you have two alternative methods of using your credit card—by opening up an account at either PayPal or FirePay. You can tie your credit card to these accounts and the purchase will be identified as a pseudo-cash transaction instead of Internet Gambling transaction. These two methods are now the most common ways by which US players deposit money into online casinos—and in some cases casinos will offer an additional bonus if you make a deposit by one of these methods.
Playing games online
All online casinos have a selection of table games. As a minimum, you should find blackjack, baccarat and roulette online; many of the casinos have additional table games like Craps, Red Dog, Caribbean Stud even Casino War and Three Card Poker — but sometimes the names used can be different.
Video poker is one of the most popular gambling games — while some online casinos offer one or two types of video poker, the best casinos may offer as many as 10–15 different games with the very best offering multi-hand video poker.
Of course, there are slots too: hundreds, possibly thousands, of different slot machines - you name it they’ve got it somewhere on the Net. The best are the progressive slots, which often pay more — and hit more frequently — than the progressives you’ll see in Las Vegas.
All games are pretty easy to pick up — usually just a click or two. Some casino games are multi-player, some are just single-player; but after you take a break to, or perhaps walk the dog, your seat will still be there waiting for you when you come back.
How safe are online casinos?
There are still rogue casino operators out there that are looking for a quick kill but you won't find any on this site and anyway, they are definitely in the minority. Most online casinos today are honest, reputable and make payments in a timely manner so there's nothing to worry about.
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