Mac-Friendly Online Casinos: What Makes Them Great

August 9, 2014 Michael Schultz

Mac-friendly online casinos are becoming much more common these days. Back in the early days of online gambling, online casino software was available only for PC users. Then, gradually, the online casino operators began realizing that Mac computers were growing rapidly in terms of popularity. This was likely in relation to the overwhelming success of other Apple products such as the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad. In the early stages of development only Flash games could be played by Mac users. The full suite of casino games, poker rooms and bingo software was only compatible with PCs. This was a substantial percentage of the gambling market that operators were missing out on. So, it’s not too surprising that nowadays Mac users have access to a majority of the games they couldn’t have played in the past.

Games at Mac-Friendly Online Casinos

Although they were previously available only to PC users, now Mac-friendly online casinos offer all the various elements that PC users have enjoyed for years. Mac-friendly online casinos also offer 1, 3, 5, and multi-payline slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and other popular table games. The quality of games offered by Mac-friendly online casinos is just as good as what you would expect to find in the PC version. You can still enjoy high quality graphics and sounds and you don’t need to sacrifice any of the great features that were once restricted to PC users.

In fact, Apple computers are renowned for great visuals and the software is designed to take advantage of these graphics capabilities. Consequently, the software looks slick and is as user-friendly as other popular Apple products. Playing casino games can appear more realistic when played on a Mac computer. And there are no worrisome security issues that you sometimes have to contend with when playing on a Windows PC.

Other Features Available at Mac-Friendly Online Casinos

Bonuses are also available at Mac-friendly online casinos. You still need to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure that the offer is a good one, but generally speaking, they can be a great way to increase your bankroll. This not only helps you to extend your gaming experience; it can also greatly increase your chances of winning.

Mac users can also enjoy other features now available to them. These include “Instant Play” and “Live Dealers.” Instant Play is a no-download option now offered at Mac-friendly online casinos. Because players can access games directly from their browser, they now have the ability to play all of their favorite casino games from any computer. As long as there is an internet connection, players can simply login and play the games from all over the world. Live Dealer games make Mac-friendly online casinos seem more like their land-based counterparts. Players can interact with dealers in a live gambling environment. Players can interact with dealers as well as other players the world over via live chat.

Where to find Mac-Friendly Online Casinos

If you’re looking to find Mac-friendly online casinos a quick Google search should deliver plenty of options. Even though it used to be a real challenge to find online casinos that cater to Mac enthusiasts, this is no longer the case. As the competition to acquire new customers gets more intense, Mac-friendly casinos are now the norm and there are Mac-friendly online casinos listed on portals that specifically target Mac users.

The World’s Most Popular Online Casino Payment Methods

July 7, 2014 Michael Schultz

In order to generate maximum revenue operators will try to offer their players the best online casino payment methods. When it comes to deposit and withdrawal methods, players are mostly looking for speed, security, convenience, ease, and small fees. And, while there are a multitude of online casino payment methods available, there are only a few that are considered to be the best by players the world over. The online casino payment methods that are most popular with online gamblers are credit cards, the PaySafeCard, and also Neteller. We take a closer look at these top payment providers and more below.

Online Casino Payment Methods – Credit Cards

It should come as little or no surprise that credit cards, namely Visa and MasterCard, are one of the most favored online casino payment methods. The reason for this is simple; players are very familiar with credit cards and use them frequently in their day-to-day lives for any number of purchases. They are convenient because most people already have one or both of these cards in their possession, they know how to use them, and there are little to no fees applied to the transactions depending on the agreement the player has with the credit card provider. Even in cases where there is a fee, in most cases the fee is nominal.

Online Casino Payment Methods – PaySafeCard

Widely available throughout Europe, PaySafeCard is an extremely popular pre-paid card solution. PaySafeCard users can process payments by using the unique 16-digit PIN numbers associated with each card. Players can purchase cards in the exact dollar amount they desire. These cards are considered to be one of the more secure online casino payment methods due to the uniqueness of the PIN number, which makes it virtually impossible for the funds to be intercepted by a 3^rd party.

Online Casino Payment Methods – Neteller

Neteller is a very well-known brand and can often be found listed on the cashier pages of many online casinos. Neteller’s long history as an online payment processor makes it a logical choice for online casino players who enjoy instant transfers and complete privacy when it comes to their online financial transactions.

Online Casino Payment Methods – MoneyBookers

Formerly known as Moneybookers, Skrill is another one of the top online casino payment methods. Players can fund their Skrill account using a traditional method, such as a bank account or credit card. The transaction itself is carried out via e-mail. The level of anonymity this service provides, and the ease of use make it a popular option with players.

Online Casino Payment Methods – Ukash

Ukash is a voucher-based payment option favored by many online gamblers. The process is very simple and the account can be funded with cash. Similar to PaySafeCards, UKash provides users with a unique 19-digit code they can use to enter when performing financial transactions at an online casino. Once the account has been funded, transfers can be processed almost instantly.

Online Casino Payment Methods – Popularity by Country

The popularity of online casino payment methods listed above vary from one country to the next. Besides credit cards, namely Visa and Mastercard, which are the most popular in every country, other popular methods in 8 different countries are listed below.

Australia: Ukash, Neteller, Skrill, Poli, CitadelDirect, Skrill
Austria: PaySafeCard, Skrill, Neteller, ClickAndBuy
Canada: InstaDebit, EcoCard, Ukash, E-Check, CitadelDirect
Germany: PaySafeCard, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Neteller
Netherlands: iDeal, Skrill, Neteller, ClickAndBuy, PaySafeCard
Sweden: Neteller, Ukash, Skrill, PaySafeCard, Instant_Bank
Switzerland: PaySafeCard, Neteller, Skrill, MoneyBookers, EcoCard
United Kingdom: Neteller, Skrill, PaySafeCard, Ukash

Canadian Online Casinos: Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2014 Sarah Ryan

To all of you who love to play at Canadian online casinos, the Dr-Casino team would like to wish you a very Happy Canada Day! Canada Day marks the enactment of the British North America Act in 1867. Now known as The Constitution Act, it unified three distinct colonies into one country, known as The Dominion of Canada within the British Empire. We want help you celebrate “Canada’s birthday” by offering you a special bonus from one of the most unique Canadian online casinos, Maple Casino. New players at Maple Casino are invited to take advantage of a 100% bonus on a first deposit, a 50% bonus on a second deposit, as well as a 200% bonus on a third deposit. Another option is 3000 in free bets. This bonus lets you spend up to $3000 in chips within one hour of play.

Maple Casino is one of the only Canadian online casinos that caters almost exclusively to Canadian players. That being said, players from around the world, including the United States, are also welcome to play at Maple Casino. Maple Casino runs on the Microgaming software platform, which offers more than 600 casino games and progressive slot machines with jackpots of more than $3M dollars. If you’re not sure which game to play, Maple Casino has mini-video clips that give a quick introduction to each game. This is a nice little feature that you won’t find at most online casinos.

Celebrating Canada Day at Canadian Online Casinos

Granted, there are probably lots of things you have planned for today. All over Canada people are celebrating by hosting gatherings with family and friends. With summers being so mercilessly short this is one of the few times that partying or engaging in other outdoor activities is even possible. Then, there’s the World Cup. More popular than ever, many people are glued to their television sets anxiously awaiting the outcome of the next match. Of course some people do prefer spending holidays in a quieter fashion. If that’s you, Canadian online casinos can be a great option.

If Maple Casino doesn’t strike your fancy there are many other Canadian online casinos to choose from. Slots.lv is a hugely popular Canadian online casino. Owned and operated by the renowned Bodog gaming group, this sexy casino has ten 100% match bonuses available to new slots players. There’s also a $1000 welcome bonus for table game players. Slots.lv is a sleek operation with highly-rated customer support. They, too, are also open for business to US and International players.

Canadian online casinos aren’t really any different than any other type of online casino. You’ll still find all the games you’re used to seeing at any online or land-based gambling destination. In some cases the games may feature a Canadian theme, but otherwise they are exactly like every other casino game. The special offerings are the same as well: bonuses, tournament play, loyalty programs, etc. The only real difference is that Canadian players can play using Canadian funds and there are more localized payment and customer support options available.

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 Bankroll – Managing Your Betting Money

May 28, 2014 Michael Schultz

Wherever you decide to play, and whatever game you choose, applying a consistent money management strategy will make your game-play more effective. Managing your online casino bankroll sensibly will allow you to stretch your online casino bankroll, giving you the opportunity to participate in more games than you would if you were spending mindlessly. Below are some essential components of good money management for you to us to get the most action for your gaming dollars.

Step #1 – Establish an Online Casino Bankroll

Money that has been set aside for gambling purposes is often referred to as a bankroll. When determining how big an online casino bankroll should be, players often base it on how much money they can afford to lose in the event they find themselves on a losing streak. You never want to find yourself in a situation where you’ve overspent and suddenly find yourself unable to meet your financial obligations such as paying your mortgage or your health insurance premiums or even just your grocery bill. For this reason, you can’t look to someone else to decide exactly how much money you can comfortable set aside and your financial situation is unique to you, and you alone.

Step #2 – Set a Session Limit

Risking your entire online casino bankroll when you sit yourself down to play at an online casino is pure madness. A much more sensible strategy is to define a set amount of money for each gambling session. This will ensure that the majority of your bankroll will remain intact in a worst case scenario, like a particularly bad run of luck. A good rule of thumb is to refrain from spending more than 5-10% of your bankroll during any one session. That way, if Lady Luck is not on your side, you’ll still have a reserve of 90-95% of your bankroll left, which you can use when the bad luck has run its course.

Limits for future sessions should then be based on the balance of your online casino bankroll. For example, if you alot 5% of a $500 bankroll for playing, thereby giving you a session limit of 25, and you lose, you would then take another 5% of the $475 remaining balance in your online casino bankroll, giving you $23.75 to play with during your next round of play. By applying percentages to your session limits, any amount of money that you put into play will always remain as an indication of the current size of your total bankroll.

Step #3 – Make a Plan and Stick to it

Keep in mind that just because you are only putting a conservative percentage of your overall bankroll into play, this doesn’t mean that you should spend recklessly. There should always be a betting plan in place so that you can maximize any deposits you make. Read up on the vast number of betting strategy articles available online, including right here on Dr-Casino.com. You can then determine if you want to follow one of these proposed strategies or simply split the money you’ve allotted for a particular session into equal units of ten, twenty, or more. This will allow you to place the same number of bets at the slot machines, blackjack or roulette tables, etc.

Step #4 – Know When to Quit

Winning or losing when playing at an online casino over the long-term can often be determined by whether or not you know when to walk away from the tables. If you find yourself routinely playing until your session limit has been eradicated, then chances are that you will inevitably lose money over a long period of time regardless of how often you win in the short run. But, if you learn to quit as soon as you start to generate a decent amount of profit, you’ll have an opportunity to profit in the long run as well. For instance, you might opt to quit playing should you double your online casino bankroll. Or, you could decide that a 50% profit on top of your session limit is sufficient. Whatever the scenario, determine when you will stop playing in advance and no matter what, keep to it.

No money management strategy on earth can guarantee that you will be successful at an online casino. However, the guiding principles set out above are much more likely to put you on the path to riches than if you were to play without exercising any technique whatsoever. Follow these suggestions for a month or so and you’ll discover what a difference a little money management can make.

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 Bonuses – How Do They Work?

May 2, 2014 Michael Schultz

Why do casinos offer online casino bonuses? It’s important for players to remember that the goal of any casino is to ensure that over the lifetime of the player’s membership, the house wins. Random number generators ensure the fairness of the games, but the odds are still stacked against you. It’s only under special circumstances, such as being able to count cards at a blackjack table, that a player may have an advantage over the casino. In order to entice players who might otherwise be put off the casino’s edge, most online casinos will offer “Welcome” online casino bonuses and other promotions to increase the player’s odds of winning in the short-term. In almost every case, there are strings attached to these bonuses. For example, most of them are game-specific. If you only enjoy playing roulette you might be out of luck. Although most bonuses will allow you to play virtually any slot machine, occasionally you can also find bonuses for blackjack and other games, including roulette, but the advantage provided by these bonuses won’t be quite as generous.

Online Casino Bonuses Variations

There are several varieties of online casino bonuses. The simplest type of bonus is a cashable one. This is accompanied by a wagering requirement. An example of this would be $200 welcome bonus with a 25x wagering requirement. In this scenario the player must wager the initial deposit 25 times for a total of $5000 before the player can cash out any winnings. The $5000 in wagering can be achieved in any combination such as fifty $100 bets, five hundred $10 bets or five thousand $100 bets. Players are expected to lose, on average, approximately 0.5% of their bet on blackjack. Therefore, the anticipated loss on the $5000 in wagers is $25 ($5000 x 0.5%). Consequently, $175 of the original $200 welcome bonus remains as a cashable profit. It’s a good idea to do some research for any game selected in order to develop a basic understanding of game strategy as well as determining an appropriate bet amount.

“Sticky” online casino bonuses also come with a wagering requirement. But, unlike a cashable bonus, sticky bonuses can’t be withdrawn; they can only be used to make bets. Generally speaking, players cash out their balance first. Then, should the account balance fall to zero, the player can continue wagering with the sticky bonus amount.

Microgaming casinos offer a variation on the “Clearplay” bonus scheme. These bonuses allow you to play any casino game and withdraw any winnings whenever you like, whether or not you have satisfied the wagering requirements. Wagering requirements are higher for games with better odds, like blackjack. Therefore, unlike the typical cashable bonuses, these have different strategies and suggested games. If you choose to play at a Microgaming casino you may want to contact their customer service representatives for more information.

It is becoming a lot more commonplace these days for some casinos to offer free play and free spin online casino bonuses. All you need to do is register to play as a real money player. Your account will then be credited and once you make your first deposit your free play winnings will be credited to your account as bonus money. As with any offer, be sure to review the terms and conditions carefully before accepting any bonus. If the terms are unclear, contact customer service for a detailed explanation. Online casino bonuses are a great way to increase your odds of winning; just do your research so you can play with confidence!

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 Casinos – Choosing the Best Destination

April 15, 2014 Michael Schultz

Best Online Casinos Every day, millions of casino players the world over access online casinos to satisfy their gambling desires. The multitude of casinos one can choose from can make it extremely difficult for novice players to determine which one is the best choice and offer the best return for their money. There are many things that savvy players should consider before depositing a single dollar. The tips provided below have been gathered from seasoned pros who understand the ins and outs and ups and downs of the various operations. By following this expert advice, new players will find themselves not only a safe and reliable gambling destination, but they will also benefit from the best games and bonuses.

A primary consideration when selecting online casinos should be whether or not the site has been registered and licensed. This will ensure that the online casino operates legally and complies with all of the gambling laws that pertain to the jurisdiction in which they are licensed. A further indication of the casino’s legitimacy is to seek out approvals from regulatory bodies such as eCOGRA. A seal from eCOGRA, for example, indicates that the site has not only met industry standards, but that it offers fair games as well.

Once a player has completed this stage of cursory review, he/she can start checking under the hood. There are many different software providers; some good, some bad. New players are advised to take a conservative approach and narrow their initial focus to some of the bigger names in the industry like Microgaming, Real Time Gaming, and Playtech. This is not to say that other gaming providers don’t offer excellent gaming platforms, it’s more of a matter of trust and reliability. Those things are earned and demonstrated over time and these online casinos have long histories of providing both of these essential elements. Each provider will have their own unique suite of games and each brand will feature their own set of promotional incentives. The quality of the service provided at each casino will also vary.

Once a player has determined their choice of casino software, they can then begin comparing the individual offerings at each of the various online casinos that utilize their preferred software platform. Sites will often list the games included in the software package, so if there’s a particular game desired, a simple check to ensure it’s included in the suite of games is all it takes.

Online Casinos – What Bonus is Right For You?

Next up is the size and nature of the bonus incentives. While a particular offer might seem hard to resist at first glance, players must take the time to review the terms and conditions so that they are making the most informed decision possible. They will need to compare things like wagering restrictions, qualifying games, as well as the withdrawal clauses at various online casinos. Identifying if the casino has a lucrative loyalty program will help to ensure satisfaction in the long run.

In the event an issue should arise, players should consider the quality of the customer service provided. The online casino should offer easy access to their support services via email, phone, and, ideally, live chat. Depending on where a player resides, the option to receive support in certain languages might also be a key determining factor.

Following these guidelines is a great way to ensure long-term online gaming satisfaction. If you’re pressed for time or unsure about how to apply any of the information above, a great shortcut is to read online casinos reviews written by industry experts. A simple online search will provide tons of reviews, many from insiders who are more than happy to guide players to safe, entertaining gambling destinations.

Online Casino Blackjack – Winning Strategies

April 10, 2014 Jeff Mott

Some of the best odds available in any casino can be found at the online casino blackjack tables. Players that understand the basic elements of the game can thrive. Players whose combined winnings outweigh their loses combine a knowledge of statistics and counting cards to transform a classic game of skill and chance into a profitable and highly entertaining endeavor.

In addition to consistent practice and dedication to playing online casino blackjack, players can increase their chances of winning by following strategies and taking advice from seasoned online casino blackjack professionals. By following the eight steps below you with be that much closer to big winnings.

1. Develop Your Basic Online Casino Blackjack Strategy

If you’ve spend time wandering through the casino gift shops you’ve likely seen strategy cards for sale. Thanks to the internet you don’t need to spend the time or money to acquire this kind of information; it’s readily available online, for free. Take some time to look around and with a little research you’re sure to find a suitable one from any number of reputable sources.

Commit the information on the card to memory. These strategy charts indicate the best possible play, mathematically speaking for any online casino blackjack scenario. Look at the combination of your total points versus the dealer’s up card, and the strategy chart will identify the move that will give you the best odds to win.

2. Don’t be a Sucker

It’s a good idea to develop your personal betting style. This involves determining how much money you can afford to wager and when you should increase and decrease your online casino blackjack bets. Ignore any betting strategies that involve past performance such as the ones that you might receive as email spam or on online gambling forums. These strategies promise that you’ll never lose if you’re increasing or decreasing the amount of your bets based on wins or loses. You’ll be much better served if you avoid any betting strategy that defies the laws of math. Cards can’t tell if you’ve lost or won a hand so basing you wagers on previous wins or loses is risky.

However, providing you know how to count cards, you’d be increasing and decreasing your wagers based on an actual advantage. Your potential win/loss rate will be directly affected by your wagering strategy.

3. Understand the Basic Rules of the Game

Unless you’re just watching the action, don’t approach the online casino blackjack tables without a sound understanding of the basic rules of the game. Occasionally a blackjack game might have slight variations in the rules that can affect the outcome of the game. Spend the time familiarizing yourself with the most common rule variations and you’re much more likely to walk away a winner.

For example, some blackjack games have a 6:5 payout on 21 rather than a 3:2 payout, which is more common. A 6:5 payout works in favor of the casino so you’ll want to avoid it whenever possible.

4. Be Confident!

Confidence is a must when it comes to making important life decisions and this includes wagering at online casino blackjack. Blackjack dealers must abide by a strict set of rules, but as a player you’re not subject to these rules, which can be advantageous. This advantage should boost your confidence and lead to sounder decision-making.

5. Learn to Count Cards

Contrary to popular belief, card counting is perfectly legal and it is the optimal way to get a big leg up on the casino. Online casino blackjack card counting is no easy feat; it requires a great deal of dedication and practice. It transforms the game into one of positive expectations and gives the player a distinct advantage over the House.

So what does it mean exactly to count cards? Simply put, card counting is just a method used to determine how much or little one should wager on a given hand. Savvy card counters are able to keep track of how many of the different-valued cards are remaining in the shoe and how many cards have been played, and then place their bets according to the balance of the shoe. Some professional card counters suggest that practically anybody has the potential to acquire basic card counting skills and put them into practice at tables with even just 40 hours of training/practice. These 40 hours can translate into big bucks.

6. Do Your Research

When doing your research, make sure that you’re utilizing reliable sources. Don’t waste your money on eBooks or other cheap strategy schemes. The information they contain isn’t always reliable and any valuable tips they might contain can usually be found online, for free.

Two well-regarded books that are worth reading are: J. Philip Vogel’s Blackjack: The Real Deal and Stanford Wong’s Blackjack Secrets. Both of the authors are professional online casino blackjack players and their books are offer many helpful insights for beginners and those who have a basic understanding of the game but are looking to improve on their skills.

7. Stay Away From the Alcohol

A common strategy that casinos employ in order to disadvantage players is to ply them with free drinks. They know that too much alcohol can affect a player’s instincts and the quality of their decision making. Online gamblers are not immune to temptation either, especially if they have easy access to a liquor cabinet.

You’ll always have the option of celebrating your wins once your session is over. Stay alert, and if you really feel the need for a drink, step away from the table.

8. Mind Your Bankroll

If you prepare a bankroll strategy ahead of time you’ll have a much better idea of when to quit playing. Set aside a fixed amount of money for gambling, and once you hit your limit for wins and losses, take a break from the tables. Gambling involves a series of highs and lows so make the necessary allowances to adjust for these fluctuations. But be sure to stick to your limits in order to stay on track.

Online casino blackjack players who follow all eight of the tips presented here are likely to find themselves winning more often. There’s a significant advantage to be had by those who learn basic blackjack strategy and maintain a consistent card count in their heads, so follow these guidelines make your time at the blackjack table more profitable.