Choosing a Casino

Online gambling is not a very old industry, which is why it is no surprise that more and more people are giving it a try to see what all the excitement is about. By the year 2009, it is predicted that online gambling will bring in revenue of over US$50 billion, which basically amounts to even larger progressive jackpots and payouts in general. A casinos payout competency is just one of many services to consider when choosing an online casino. The functionality and security features of the software, the game payout percentages, customer support, bonuses and cashier options are all important components to check up on.

One way to help ease your search of finding an online casino is to start with the software provider. You can do this by visiting online casino reviews guides such as this one for more information. Software developers play a very large role in the online gambling industry, having a stake in processing financial transactions, maintaining software, and providing customer support. Some casinos are entirely maintained by software developers, while others only use the software developer for support issues. Whichever type of online casino you find yourself at, the important thing is to play at a casino using either Playtech, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Odds On or Boss Media software, with special emphasis on Playtech and Mircrogaming. Even if the online casino is operated by an independent gambling company, the fact that the casino is using one of these software developers means that you will be backed by the software developer, which is some serious backing. If, on the other hand, you play at a casino with a no-name software brand, chances are that if a dispute comes up, the software manufacturer will not have the clout to put demands on the online casino.

Many players have experienced freezes put on their accounts, delayed or non-payment of winnings, and dishonored bonus terms and conditions while playing at no-name software casinos. Some software companies are big enough to raise an eyebrow, making players think they are reputable and regulated, but in reality are putting up a front for dishonest and unethical business practices. This is why you should always stick with one of the previously mentioned software developers. Your are guaranteed to have a air and enjoyable gambling experience at any casino using the best of the best in gaming software.

Playing for real money

The very first thing you will do to become a member of a casino is register for a real money account. Most players do this by first downloading the software. However, if you do not desire to play progressive jackpot games, you can get by without the download. In this case, all you do is click on the "Play for Free" link or "Flash" version. Here you will have the option of playing for real money or unlimited practice play with fake money. If you are going to play with real money, you will be prompted to register, which includes a visit to the online cashier. Most players do not think about this ahead of time - only to find the casino will not accept their preferred method of deposit.

Most online casinos accept credit cards and a large assortment of alternative deposit methods, which you need to research ahead of time. This will make your account sign-up with the casino run much smoother. Most good casinos, however, will help you to find the payment method right for you. You can call customer service up any time for questions and guidance regarding deposit methods. And once you do pick a method, signing up with the online cashier is very simple and self-explanatory.

Payment Options

The deposit is one of the most important actions you can make - at least as far as the online casino is concerned. As much as each casino wants you to make a deposit with them, you need to think the matter over carefully, considering such factors as withdrawal procedures and availability of funds. In other words, making a deposit is not as easy as in a brick 'n mortar casino, where players can turn cash into chips in just a few minutes. On the other hand, since not all forms of traditional payment (like credit cards) may not pass through the online cashier, you may need to set up an alternative deposit method - and there are plenty to choose from. The following list briefly describes the most popular methods, which the best online casinos will offer:

Internet ATM Cards: The most popular card of this type is NETeller. This is basically a third-party payment processor that will accept deposits from various sources, including credit cards, checks, and bank wires. Once funded the account can then be used to make deposits in the online casino. It is capable of receiving funds also, which you will use to withdraw your earnings from your casino account.

Bank Drafts: This form of deposit is welcomed by online casinos, who will usually cover all costs involved and divulge an additional 15% of the deposit amount. Bank drafts are like personal checks, except they clear much faster. To process one, simply visit the casino cashier for specific instructions.

Wire Transfer: The most popular wire transfer service is Western Union, which charges small fees to quickly and securely transfer large amounts of money. Wire transfers can also be done through a personal checking account, and can be set up with your bank.

Other Personal Accounts: Third party internet accounts like Citadel, Money Bookers, Central Coin, FirePay and 900 Pay are other popular methods of depositing funds into an online casino account. FirePay is an excellent system that take funds from a valid checking account, while 900Pay bills patrons through their phone bill.

Bankroll Management

Money management of a casino bankroll is a skill that all gamblers need to have, even if losing your entire bankroll is not a big deal to you. You may have heard some gamblers - even pros - say that a key to their success has been an impartiality towards money. Well, this is only part of the picture, and by no means should cause you to believe that you can gamble through the night, lose all your money, and expect everything to be all right. This type of behavior is very destructive and can lead to gambling addiction. On the other hand, what is meant by "an impartiality towards money" is that you should not let yourself get emotionally involved or attached to both winnings and losses.

The first step in not becoming an emotional gambler, is to play with a bankroll that you can afford to lose (if in the unlikely chances that were to happen). Secondly, it is a good idea to give yourself betting limits. This does not mean that you have to set yourself winning limits, but it does mean that you should at least give yourself a timeframe of when you need to call it quits. If you catch yourself saying, just one more bet (hoping for the big jackpot to hit) you need to slow down and take an honest look at your gambling habits, for not doing so is a beginning trait of an addictive gambler. Also in regards to setting limits, you may want to give yourself losing limits, especially if you know your bankroll cannot be replenished for an extended time. Rather, break it up into gambling sessions, quitting when one of those sessions hits your predetermined loss limit.

Another smart tip you should consider when managing your bankroll is to put your winnings away when they reach a certain amount. In the online casino, this takes great discipline, for your money will always be available to you in your account. However, if for instance, you tell yourself when you reach $250 in profit that you will not tap into it (at least until another gambling session on a different day), you will begin to see your overall bankroll rise in value, and at the very least, lengthen your time spent gambling, and consequently your chance to win it big.

Lastly, it is very important for a you to be familiar with the rules of each game you play. Obviously you will want to know how to play the game before you start placing real money bets. What is meant by this statement is you need to know what your stake limits are and how to change them using the playing interface. This also means that you need to know the particulars of each game, such as whether there are any commissions imposed on winnings, and if so, how much. For instance, some casinos charge a 5% commission on winnings at the baccarat table, while others may only charge 4%. The difference in House Edge between these two commissions is quite large, and should affect how much and in what denominations your stakes will be.