Different Types of Online Casinos
Online casinos are also known as virtual casinos. An online casino is basically the online version of a casino as it allows casino lovers to play casino games through the Internet. Online casinos offer a number of attractive bonuses to the players and players can even win real cash by playing games at online casinos.
Generally, a number of gambling games are offered at an online casino. With an online casino, an individual enjoys the casino games without moving out of his home. An interesting thing about online casinos is that the odds and the payback percentages offered are comparable to real-world casinos.
Online casinos have gained significant popularity among casino lovers and over the time, three types of online casinos have been developed. The development in technology is responsible for the development of different types of online casinos. The three types of online casinos differ from each other on the basis of their interface.
ONLINE CASINO FORUM
Web-Based Online Casinos: A web-based online casino is basically a website that allows users to play casino games from their home. Download of any kind of software is not required in order to play casino games at a web-based online casino. In addition to this, installation of any kind of program is also not required on an end-user's computer in order to allow him to enjoy casino games at a web-based online casino.
Only a browser is required for playing the games as browser plug-in are used for representing casino games. However, browser requires the support for the browser plug-in used for representing the game. As the animation, graphics and sound are loaded through the web, a good amount of bandwidth is needed and so, high speed Internet connection is recommended for playing games at a web-based online casino.
Download Based Online Casinos: Unlike web-based online casinos, a download-based online casino requires the online casino software to be available on the client's machine in order to allow him to play games at the download-based online casino. The online casino software is usually provided by the casino website for free.
Once installed, the software needs to connect to the casino service provider whenever the user wants to play the game. The casino software doesn't require a browser for maintaining the connection with the casino service provider.
The initial download and installation of the casino software takes time as it is usually of big size because all the required sound and graphics components are located in the casino software. Once the online casino software is installed, it is possible to play games faster than the web-based online casino as the graphics and sound components are not loaded from the Internet.
However, it is recommended to use reputed download-based online casinos instead of any random download-based online casino as it is very easy to attach a virus in the casino software. So, an individual should always use reputed and trusted websites.
Live Based Casinos:
As the name suggests, live-based casinos provide a real world casino environment to players. In live-based casinos, online players can interact with the dealers and the players available at the tables in casino studios. Players are allowed to hear, see and to interact with the dealers and this provides a real world casino experience to the players.
Live-based casinos are meant for the players who want to enjoy the real world casino environment while playing casino online games. So, live-based casinos allow the users to enjoy the comforts of the home while enjoying the real world casino experience.
Online Casino Download
Author: John McElborough
Downloadable online casino software
Downloadable slots software is for lack of better explanation software which you download from the casino website onto your computer before you can play the games. Typically you would download the software as an executable file (these types of file have the filename suffix .exe so something like onlinecasino.exe). The file will go to a location on your computer- either a download folder or onto your desktop.
Once the casino software has been downloaded you will need to install it in the same way you would a new computer program i.e. Microsoft word or a computer game. This will unpack all of the files needed to play the casino games onto your computer so next time you want to play you will not need to go through this process- opening the casino will then be like opening any other program on your PC so you will see the software listed in the Windows start menu.
The installation process will usually offer you the option of adding a shortcut to your desktop like the one you have for your recycle bin and probably a few other applications.
Unlike most software you run on your computer in order to play at an online casino the software needs to be connected to the internet at all time while you are playing. This is because the casino software on your computer is transferring information with the casino website- although all the games themselves are held on your machine your account information is held with the website so when you win or lose a game the website knows instantly and updates your account accordingly.
Think of it like this- with downloadable casino software the table and the dealer is in your living room but the casino vault is still inside the casino building.
Web-based, no download or instant play online casino games
Web-based casino games do not require the user to download or install any software before playing (hence they are often referred to as 'instant play'). Instead they generally use pieces of software which are already installed within your web browser (i.e. internet explorer) known as 'plug-in'.
Plug-in used by online casino games include flash player, shockwave player and java- these are all freely available and you will most likely already have them installed on your web browser in which case you will be able to play the online casino games straight away- if not you will be prompted to download them from the relevant websites- you may then need to restart your browser before using the plug-in and the casino.
Security issues with web-based games
As nothing is installed on your computer the risk of viruses or adware being installed is far lower than with downloadable games. There is a minimal risk of web based applications being 'hacked' by malicious users with the intent of extracting personal information or disrupting gameplay in the case of multiplayer scenario's i.e. an online poker room. As with downloadable casino software the risk is extremely low and security on both types of casino games are getting ever more sophisticated.
The golden rules remain- go with a respectable online casino, make sure they are contactable before committing any money to your account and make sure you're in control of your account balances.
Remember millions of people play online casino games everyday; it is only the tiniest of percentages that experience any problems. Online casinos are still far more secure than any other online purchases.
Real Money vs Play Money
Author: Valentino Viccetzar
One of the things that so attractive about online poker is the prevalence of play money. Some casinos have special programs for offering customers free ‘money’ to gamble with.
Of course, the principle behind these programs, online as well as offline, is that you will get such a thrill gambling with the so called free money, you’ll decide to keep it up gambling with real money. The aim of this article is to outline the advantages and disadvantages of real money versus play money.
Playing With Play Money
A “free-roll” tournament is one that doesn’t require real money although it pays out real prize money to the winner. Particularly for those who don’t have much tournament-playing experience, free-roll tournaments are really a lot of fun and very low-risk. There’s no risk of losing any money.
You should certainly use play money if you’re a new player or if you’re looking to brush up on your poker skills. There is no need to make any kind of purchase or provide credit card information for play money poker.
The most common types of freerolls are “frequent player points”, called FPPs. This is the best kind of free because all you need to do to acquire these FPPs is to sign up and play. You can then amass points; earning points as part of the loyalty program.
Many sites allow you to earn FPPs by playing in the play money games. Many less experienced players should get started without going to the trouble of depositing real money.
Playing With Real Money
A real money buy-in, as the name suggests, requires you to use real money. Online poker sites require you to deposit real funds into a secure account. In casinos, you generally have to buy chips. If you do a bit of money-management, you can plan ahead enough to make online money transfers in a few seconds without transaction fees.
Once you are confident of your poker skills you can decide to take the plunge. Making a deposit of cash to play online involves using one or more of the following money transfer methods:
- Credit Card
- FirePay
- Neteller
- Switch/Maestro
- Bank Draft
- InstaCash
- Visa/MasterCard
- ePassporte
- Wire Transfer
Things to Consider: Real versus Play
It’s increasingly important to consider the legal aspects of online poker playing and online gambling. You need to try and get a handle on the laws that affect online poker forum. Unfortunately the laws in most of the countries around the world really are very slow to mature; they’re slow to pickup and change their policies and programs.
This is equally true of individual companies. Several online poker sites now do not allow US-based players access due to changes in the law that look to outlaw online gambling, apparently including poker.
Although the best advice is to consult with a legal expert if you have specific concerns, it is still challenging for lawyers and other experts to make definitive assessments of what is a lawful activity and what is not. At the time of writing this article, no person in any country has yet been charged as a criminal for playing online poker with real money.