Classic Online Casino Games – 3 Easy Ones

June 4, 2014 Sarah Ryan

A strange aspect of classic online casino games, like craps, baccarat, and roulette is that when compared to the more modern games, like video slots, they seem almost intimidatingly complicated. This is just a misconception however. Video slots do represent the ultimate in simplicity when it comes to classic online casino games. Players need only select a bet size and press a button. The fact that video slots players are often encouraged to always “Bet Max” makes this process even easier. It’s only in this context that classic casino games may appear to be more complicated. Taken on their own, it’s easier to see that there’s really not all that much to them and they are probably a lot more accessible than you might think.

Classic Online Casino Games – Roulette

Take roulette for example. A quick glance at the table may well give the impression that there is a lot happening here. This is true, but in fact, it’s surprisingly easy to learn the basics of the game of roulette. The only way to win a game of roulette is to guess the number that the ball will settle on. Don’t be distracted by the many bets available on the table, it’s purely a matter of luck in the end. Players can wager on a group of numbers, such as red, black, or even, or on rows or columns of numbers. If you enjoy a higher level of risk and a chance at a big reward, you can simply bet on just one number.

Classic Online Casino Games – Baccarat

Now take just a moment to consider baccarat. Baccarat, despite any external appearances to the contrary is a great example of a classic casino game that is as simple to play as video slots. When playing baccarat, all you need to do is to select one out of three possible bets. And, since you should never place one of these types of bets, ever, you really only need to pick one or another and let the dealer do the rest. There’s no complicated strategy you need to learn as you would with blackjack. The truth is, without making any actual decisions, you will have a less than 1.5% house advantage, simply by always betting on the player or banker hand.

Classic Online Casino Games – Craps

Lastly, there’s craps. Many people will tell you that craps is arguably one of the more complicated classic online casino games you could play. And, while there is some truth in that statement, there are simple steps you can follow to get you playing quickly. Although the game of craps may seem overwhelming at times, it essentially functions based off of a rather basic principle of placing a bet on the anticipated outcome of the next roll of the dice. Therefore, should you simply place a pass line or don’t pass line bet, you can learn how basic gameplay operates and still benefit from a low house-advantage bet.

The old adage rings true here; never judge a book by its cover. If you do, then you could possibly miss out on the fun and excitement of these otherwise seemingly unapproachable classic online casino games. You don’t need to be a master right out of the gate. Take small, conservative steps and allow your skill and appreciation for the games develop gradually over time.

Online Casino Mistakes – 3 to Easily Avoid

May 21, 2014 Sarah Ryan

As far as pastimes go, playing at an online casino is pretty straightforward, provided you can avoid common online casino mistakes. All you need to do is find a casino you trust, choose the game(s) you wish to play, and that’s about all there is to it! Of course, things are not always as simple as they might seem at first glance. Casino operators are super savvy and if you take a casual approach to online gambling you could wind up falling prey to their influence, thereby making costly mistakes. Below you will discover three of the most common online casino mistakes made by players when it comes to playing at an online casino. And, more importantly, you’ll find valuable information on how to avoid them.

Online Casino Mistakes #1 – Don’t Ignore the Terms

A cardinal rule of playing at an online casino is “READ THE TERMS.” Ignoring this advice may lead to any number of online casino mistakes down the road; most notably, not being able to withdraw your winnings. The casinos will try to draw you in with big, juicy bonuses and promises of untold riches. And while you just might strike it rich, if you don’t check to see if there are strings attached first, you could be setting yourself up for a big disappointment. Seldom will you find a promotional bonus that doesn’t come with some sort of requirement. It’s your job to understand what those requirements are and whether or not you’re prepared to accept them BEFORE you accept any seemingly generous offer.

For example, the type of games you’re permitted to play in order to receive a bonus may vary. You may be allowed to play any type of slot machine but no table games. This becomes extremely relevant when the bonus comes with a wagering requirement. Learn the ins and outs of any offer before you accept it. If a slots bonus has a 20x playthrough requirement but you spend most of your time betting on blackjack then you’ll be in for a nasty surprise when it comes time to withdraw your winnings. Some offers are great and they can definitely increase your odds of winning, but some are simply too good to be true. You won’t know which is which if you neglect to learn the rules first. If you can’t find all the information you need within the Terms and Conditions themselves, or if some or all of it is unclear, contact customer support and request a full explanation. They should be more than happy to fulfill your request. If they’re not, take it as an added sign; pack up your chips and move on.

Online Casino Mistakes #2 – Remember the House Edge

A failure to understand how the house edge applies to online gambling can greatly limit your opportunities for success at the casino. This is one of the most common online casino mistakes. Beginning players frequently view all bets equally. They don’t understand that taking ten spins on a slot machine is different than making ten bets at a baccarat table. This can be a costly mistake. Every game, and sometimes each different type of bet within the same game affects the degree to which the house maintains an advantage over a player. By understanding the range of opportunities available to you, you can then set your sights on only the bets that give you the greatest odds of garnering big winnings.

The best way to avoid online casino mistakes is to do your homework. Find out what the house edge is in every circumstance. When the house edge is lower you have a bigger opportunity to pocket winnings. You’ll be well served to keep this in mind when selecting your online gaming destination.

Online Casino Mistakes #3 – Don’t Push Your Luck

For the most part, and almost without exception, gambling at an online casino is primarily a matter of luck. This can be good news for many who don’t possess the skills or inclination to become a poker or blackjack professional. Each of these games have an element of skill involved whereby, with a lot of practice and devoted study, one can “beat the casino.” With games of chance, however, it’s important to know that all good things can come to an end without warning. Sometimes pushing one’s luck can result in a substantial reversal of fortune. Be grateful for your wins, no matter how big or small, and remember that being ultimately successful is a long-term proposition. Celebrate your good fortune and don’t be afraid to step away from computer before your luck has a chance to take a turn for the worse.

Obviously there are several other online casino mistakes that can be made when it comes to playing at an online casino. However the tips listed here tend to be not only most common, but the most costly as well. Follow the advice provided here and you should be able to sidestep these obstacles with ease. You’ll have a more entertaining and profitable gaming experience as a result!

Online Casino Winnings – How to Collect Them

April 23, 2014 Sarah Ryan

A major concern shared by players at online casinos is whether or not they will receive their online casino winnings. This is a legitimate concern. After all, with very few exceptions, online casinos are unregulated. It is not uncommon for them to disappear, leaving disgruntled players out of pocket. That being said, there are many operators who are in it for the long haul and who understand the importance of not only paying players, but paying them promptly. By exercising a little precaution, players are able to significantly reduce the risk of encountering any difficulties when collecting their hard-won cash.

Step One: Do your research

Anyone who believes that ignorance is bliss should think twice before playing at an online casino. Knowledge is power and learning what to expect from playing at an online casino is almost as important as knowing how to play the games themselves. Your first stop should be the casino’s website. More often than not, it will be packed full of useful information, inluding information about caching in online casino winnings. Before you register, check to see what level of customer support they provide. Ideally, service will be available via email, toll-free telephone, and live chat. Test them out. Send an email and track their response time. You should never have to wait more than 24 hours for a response and if you do, move on. Look for instructions on how the cash-in process works, how long you might have to wait to receive your online casino winnings. Also verify what deposit and online casino winnings withdrawal methods they support and whether or not there are any fees that will be applied when you withdraw the online casino winnings. And lastly, confirm if funds are taken from your account immediately or if there is a hold, and if there is a hold, how for how long will the funds be held.

Another valuable source for information are gambling forums. These forums will allow you to benefit from the research and experience gathered by seasoned gamblers. If a casino is playing games or behaving in any unusual or suspicious activity, they are likely to discover it first and are known to be vocal when it comes to a lack of satisfaction. If you don’t see any posts related to your casino of choice, create a post of your own and solicit feedback. However, make an effort to read through previous posts firsts as forum members are known to be somewhat impatient with other users who fail to do their own research before seeking advice.

Step Two: Keep a record of your deposits and online casino winnings

Once your homework is complete and you’ve settled on a casino with a solid reputation based on good customer service, and little to no fees for cash-ins, you can proceed to making a first deposit. It’s always a good idea to develop consistent habits right from the start, so document your first deposit and if you made your deposit using a credit card, make sure you verify your purchase. Be on the lookout for double charges, especially in the event that one of your deposits is declined. Take note of the date that you made your purchase, the time, the casino you are playing at, the total amount of the deposit, and the credit card you used to make the transaction. In the event that you spot an error, contact the credit card company or e-wallet provider and the casino right away. Include all of the information you have documented relating to the transaction and submit it via email so that you have a written record of the dispute. Do not include your full credit card number in the email. For example, simply state “credit card ending in “****0909″ as you don’t want to run the risk that your email could be intercepted and used by an unrelated third party hacker. Save a digital copy of the email and print an extra copy just to be safe. Oftentimes these cases can be resolved quickly and without further incident, but at the time it can be rather alarming and being prepared is your best defense.

Step Three: Understand the online casino winnings cash-in process

When it comes time for you to cash-in your online casino winnings, make sure that you follow the casino’s withdrawal procedures to the letter. Keep a clear record of every step of the transaction: dates, times, amounts, and keep a copy of any and all email communications between you and the casino as it pertains to your online casino winnings withdrawal request. This is critical, because the casino staff are human and can make simple clerical errors, and because technology isn’t infallible. Once you’ve made numerous transactions at a casino the chances that something might go wrong are limited, but if it’s your first withdrawal, mistakes can, and sometimes will occur. Depending on the amount of the cash-in, the casino may request that you fill out and sign a form. This form would likely document all of the purchases that were made before the online casino winnings withdrawal request was made. Once completed, you would then need to return the form via fax, accompanied by a copy of both sides of the credit card used to make the transactions, as well as a copy of some form of photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. This is pretty standard and the casino will not release any funds until this requirement has been met. Keep a copy of these forms for your personal records and make a note of the date and time you transmitted your information via fax. When procedures are carefully followed you should have no trouble collecting your cash.

Step Four: In case of emergency

Sometimes, due to no fault of their own, a player can encounter difficulty collecting their online casino winnings. If such a situation should arise, the first step in resolving the issue is to deal with the casino and the credit card or e-cash provider directly. When doing so, it is recommended that you keep your cool. Being diplomatic but firm can work, but not always. As before, document every step and all communication. If all else fails, you can try enlisting the help of a Players’ advocate to collect your online casino winnings. Organizations such as the Online Players’ Association will assist their members who are experiencing difficulties and players can also submit complaints to online casino watchdog sites, which serve as mediators in cases where there is a dispute between players and the casino.

Like anything else in life, there’s no guarantee that your online gambling experience will be trouble-free, but, if you’re proactive, informed, and well-prepared, you should always be able to collect your online casino winnings and it can be an extremely entertaining and rewarding pastime!

Online Casino Slots – 5 Tips for Maximizing Your Experience

April 1, 2014 Sarah Ryan

Few games has as much allure as the slot machine. The look sexy and come with all sorts of enticing sights and sounds. Online casino slots also offer players the opportunity to win vast amounts of money at the push of a button. It’s vital to remember, however, that the house edge applies just as equally to these online casino games as they do to any other.

The trick is to know how to walk away with your bankroll instead of mindlessly feeding the machines. To help you achieve this goal we’ve put together some of the top tips you can use the next time you take a chance spinning those reels.

1. Always Manage your Online Casino Slots Bankroll

Sometimes the easiest rules can be the hardest to follow, but this one is imperative. Set a limit before you sit down to play and never wager more than you can afford to lose.

The laws of probability suggest that you won’t drain your bankroll quickly. However, over time, you can risk losing not only your initial deposits, but any additional winnings you’ve accumulated along the way as well. After all, this is how the online casinos make their bread and butter.

Plan ahead and determine a reasonable budget and no matter how tempting it might be to stray from it, never, ever chase your loses. Make a plan and stick to it, always.

2. Look for the Best Online Casino Slots Payouts

Payout percentages are akin to the way prices are displayed at your grocery store. If you only focus on the sticker price, rather than the price per litre or pound, inevitably you will find yourself spending a lot more than you’d anticipated and will receive less in return.

Don’t allow yourself to be seduced by the big, juicy numbers, nor shy away from the small and steady ones. Make sure you don’t get seduced by big high-end numbers or scared away by smaller but steady ones. Invest the time, do the math, and you’ll benefit far more in the long run. Casino reviews often provide a lot of useful information when it comes to payout percentages so you’d be well-served to read up before sitting down at the table.

3. Play the “Right Type” of Slot Machine

All online casino slots are not created equal. Progressive slot machines offer huge payouts but the chances of winning are smaller than their 3-reel counterparts. You might not get the windfall you dream of playing these slots, but you will enjoy winning more often than you would playing the progressives.

4. Minimize your online casino slots losses

Losing can be painful in any situation and online casinos are no exception. It’s imperative for long-term success that you accept this inevitability; it’s a part of life and it’s a part of playing online casino slots, there’s just no getting around it. What you can do is minimize the effect these loses will have on your bankroll, and this isn’t always an easy thing to do. When there’s a loss the natural inclination is to chase it by continuing to click the same button that set you back in the first place. Just remember, it’s much easier to recover from a minor setback than it is to pull yourself out of a downward spiral. Step away from the machines, revisit your strategy, stretch your bankroll and you’ll come out on top in the end.

5. Slow and Steady Wins the Race

This final piece of online casino slots advice is almost as old as time itself. Avoid going all in right out of the gate. Pace yourself and practice patience. If you don’t, you may find that your bankroll will evaporate along with your hopes and dreams. Capitalize on your wins and keep your losses to a minimum. Build gradually and you’ll undoubtedly reap the benefits in the long run.

Most important of all – have fun! The more of these tips you follow, the greater your chances of maximizing your enjoyment of the games and accumulating wealth. Practice by playing for free and then apply your knowledge and skill to achieve the ultimate online casino experience.

Online Casino Banking – Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

March 26, 2014 Sarah Ryan

Online Casino Banking Deposit and Withdrawal Methods Picking the best online casino banking option to use when playing at an online casino can be quite a challenge. No matter what method you consider, bank transfer, e-wallet, credit cards, etc., they all offer benefits. At the same time, there can be drawbacks such as privacy issues, processing delays, and exorbitant fees can make the selection process more difficult. If you’re searching for an optimal way to manage the transactions to and from your online casino account, just browse through this guide and you’ll get a clear indication of the advantages and disadvantages related to the most widely available, popular methods for deposits and withdrawals.

NETELLER: #1 Pick

When it comes to online casino banking transactions, NETELLER is the player’s top pick. NETELLER was established in 1999 and there’s no cost to join. Funding your account is easy and it can be done via international bank transfer, credit card and local e-wallet providers. Some fees can apply so be sure to read the terms carefully prior to funding your NETELLER account. Money can be transferred to your casino account instantly and once your account is sufficiently verified, withdrawals can be processed instantly as well.

Another factor setting NETELLER apart from its online casino banking competitors is their Net Prepaid MasterCard®. With this service you can collect your winnings right away without the need to wait on a bank transfer. There’s no charge if you spend the funds in your NETELLER account providing that the merchant supports MasterCard®. Or, if you prefer, for a nominal fee, you can withdraw your money from an ATM. There’s no annual fee to use the card, and never have to worry about overdrawing on your account.

Using NETELLER for your online casino banking also opens the door to unique promotions, from NETELLER’s own seasonal cash prize giveaways to reload bonuses on NETELLER deposits from certain casinos. Members will also benefit from the Rewards Points program: every time you move money in or out of your account you will earn 1 reward point for each USD or equivalent.

NETELLER features a top-drawer VIP program that offers additional benefits such as cash-back rewards of 0.5% extra every month, no-cost withdrawals, ten free deposits via credit card per month and as low as 1.25% in Forex fees.

Skrill

Previously operating under the brand name, Moneybookers, Skrill is a very popular online casino banking e-wallet provider that is available in many online casinos. A Skrill account allows players to easily transfer money to and from multiple casino accounts. Users can transfers funds to Skrill via bank draft (electronic transfer, cheque, or debit card) or by way of an international wire transfer, free of charge. Credit card deposits are also accepted, but these carry a small 1.9% transaction fee. Paysafecard voucher are available for a 5.50% fee.

Skrill also makes it possible for players to reverse money back to their bank accounts anytime, at no charge, or they have the option to use the funds immediately by way of the Skrill Prepaid MasterCard. With this service users can spend their winnings wherever the merchant accepts MasterCard. There is no charge for this service. Users can also opt to withdraw funds for a modest flat fee from any ATM. The care does require an annual fee payment of €10/£8.13.

Credit card online casino banking

Most online casino players prefer to deposit funds directly to the casino using one of the major international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard because, for the most part, they are universally accepted deposit methods. In the event that you possess a credit card that is specific to your particular region, you’ll need to find an online casino that offers localized payment options.

By using credits cards for online casino banking players don’t need to sign up with a third-party payment provider and the majority of deposits are made instantly. The drawback is that in order to use the card players must submit sensitive personal data with each deposit. Furthermore, some casinos will not allow withdrawals to credit cards. So, in order to withdraw funds users may have to register with an e-wallet or initiate a bank transfer or request a cheque, both of which can take a considerable amount of time before the funds are received.

Some of the payment processors that service the online casinos apply a fee to each credit card transaction. Before using a credit card for your online gaming deposits, be sure to carefully review the terms of use, which are frequently posted on the casino’s cashier page, in order to fully comprehend which fees, if any, may apply.

Bank transfers

One of the most trusted and reliable payment systems available for online casino banking is bank transfers. Online casinos have used this method for years. There are many different types of bank transfers; international wires, ACH transfers in the United States, and SEPA transfers within Europe. An increasing number of banks also support direct transfers from one account to another online.

The biggest drawback when it comes to bank transfers for online casino banking is the amount of time it takes to process a transfer. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to deposit or withdraw funds, either way a bank transfer takes a minimum of one business day to clear. Often it takes even longer. This is because the casino needs to handle each transfer manually.

Cash vouchers

A large number of “cash voucher” options are becoming more commonplace for online casino banking. This services makes it possible for players to make their online casino deposit with cash. Some of the better known cash voucher services include Ukash, CashU, and Paysafecard. There are even more brands offered in specific regions. Cash vouchers can be purchased in retail locations and, depending on the brand, you might also be able to acquire them from certain public terminals. Once you’ve paid for your voucher, you’ll get a code, which you will then enter via the casino’s cashier platform. Deposits generally clear instantly. If the voucher has a remaining balance it can be used at a later date.

Although they are both safe and convenient for online casino banking, cash vouchers are among the most costly of the deposit methods offered at an online casino. The providers charge a fee at the point of sale time of sale and the online casino will apply an additional fee at the time of deposit. These fees can really chip away at your bankroll. This is particularly true if you are a small stakes player.