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***GambLux EDITOR ARTICLES*** |
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How about a small bet? What you should know
[Sunday, November 20, 2005]
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This article is for those people who are getting started with online gaming (also called gambling, its the same thing). With the huge choice of online casinos and gambling sites out there, and scare stories about Internet fraudsters, you need some guidelines before you put any money down.
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How safe is online gambling?
With a reputable and established online gambling site, you have no cause to worry.
They build their reputation on being fair and honest, and won't risk business by playing shady tricks.
Check that the casino is using software from one of the major companies such as Microgaming, RTG (RealTimeGaming), Playtech, Random Logic, NetGames and Odds On. All of them have safeguards to ensure that your personal information is rigorously encrypted and safe. Any banking information or financial details are inputted over a secure connection, so a hacker can never access your data (look for the little padlock icon in the corner of your screen. The URL address also starts with 'https' instead of 'http'). It's as safe as using an online banking service.
Can I play at a casino without giving them my credit card details?
A very popular way to make a deposit is by using Neteller (www.neteller.com). This is an online wallet specially designed for online gambling. As soon as you open a Neteller account you get an account number, a secure ID and a password. Neteller accepts funds by credit card, debit card or bank transfer and gives you a special free debit card so that you can withdraw your funds. In this way you will make deposits at casinos. Other ways of making deposits without using credit cards include Paypark, Click2Pay, Ecocard, Moneybookers, and Ukash. Most casinos will have an extensive list of ways in which you can deposit. It's in their interest, after all!
How do I withdraw my winnings?
There are many ways to pay out your winnings: the method depends on the casino. One of the fastest ways is by using Netteller, which allows for instant withdrawals.
What about Paypal?
No, you can't use Paypal. When Ebay bought Paypal, they banned all financial transactions involving gambling. But as we wrote above, there are many other services available to manage deposits and withdrawals with casinos.
OK, I want to play at a casino. How do I sign up?
A casino will offer you two ways to play: directly from your browser (flash based) or by downloading a 5mb file. Downloadable versions of casino games usually have better graphics and a greater selection of games. Many casinos now offer you a choice of both at the same place. Downloading software usually does not involve giving any financial details.
What if I don't understand how to play some games?
Every casino that is worth anything has a very well developed 'Help' section to get you started on all types of games. These include playing rules, strategies and tips and quite often a Demo Game mode as well. This shows you how to play and what points to keep in mind. Remember that you can always stay with Practice Play until you feel confident enough to play for real money.
What reassurance do I have that the games are fair?
The golden rule is that if you want to stay in business, play fair. All major casinos know this and regularly test their software for randomness and fairness. Many also publish the payout percentages on their sites (which are checked by external auditors for accuracy). If you play at casinos that use Microgaming and Playtech software, you can check your hand history and winnings/losses.
What if I get addicted to gambling?
Most people know their limits, but a few lose control and can't stop. For them there are agencies like Gamblers Anonymous. For the rest of us, we generally put a cap on how much we are prepared to risk and stop there. Remember that over time, you will generally lose more than you win otherwise casinos would go out of business. You pay for the entertainment of taking risks and you should treat it as that as entertainment.
All this talk of bonuses can I get a good deal here?
The casino industry is a highly competitive business. In order to attract new players and keep existing ones loyal to them, casinos offer a range of special offers and bonuses. The good news is that a bonus will give you extra value for your money. But you should carefully under what conditions a casino is willing to offer you its money.
One kind of bonus is the 'Deposit' bonus you bet $200 and we give you a 10% credit ie $220 in total, for example. No great problem here. You are rewarded for putting cash on the table. The other kind of bonus is the 'No Deposit' or 'Welcome' bonus. Here casino give you a 'free sample' asking you to try them out before you deposit your own money. It's nice to get free cash but it always comes with a string of restrictions on when you can use the money and how you can withdraw it. The objective is to draw you into the game, financially, before allowing you to withdraw. You may find yourself depositing enough money to forget what was the attraction of the initial 'free sample'. So beware.
Enjoy your online gambling and be suspicious, always!
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