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Online Casino Beginner's Guide

Many gamblers want to take part in the excitement, fun and convenience of online gambling, but find themselves held back by a few common concerns. Will my money be safe? How do I know it's not a scam? What if I don't know how to play any of the games? In this guide we answer ten of the most common questions asked by experienced and novice gamblers about how most virtual casinos operate. Entering an online casino is a simple process that is as easy as the click of a mouse and best of all you can do it in the privacy of your own home without having to fight the crowds.

What is a Virtual Casino?

A virtual casino is exactly the same as a real casino. Most sites require you to download an icon to a computer desktop. With a click of your mouse, you would enter the world of the Casino's software that you would enter the same way you would a real building. All sites also offer options for playing online for free using your browser. If you don't want to download any software to your computer, there are some sites that will allow you to play for money online as well. However the most realistic and nicely designed sites tend to be the ones that require a download of software to your desktop.

How Are Money Transactions Handled?

Almost every site will first ask you to register on the site and then open an account. Once you have opened an account you will be asked to deposit money to gamble with into your account. Some sites will translate these funds into funds or tokens that can be used to play games. Methods of payment vary from site to site, but most accept major U.S. credit cards, Firepay, Netteller, debit card, echecks and wire transfers.

How Do I Know that the Casino is Not Scamming Me?

Online gambling is strictly regulated by international, national and local laws that ensure that the odds generated by the computer software are the same as those that can be attributed to random chance. All of the virtual casinos recommended on this site have been verified and checked by independent gaming, consulting, regulatory and licensing agencies. All of them are verified as having an average payout that is 96% or more which means that they offer better odds than playing at a table in Las Vegas.

Once I Download the Casino, What Can I Expect?

All of these sites use award-winning software that is designed to be as visually oriented and self-explanatory as possible. Once you download the software and click on the icon you will be asked to go to a preferences menu so that you can format your screen in the way that is best for you. You will also be asked to open an account and deposit money. In most cases that money is topped off or matched with a bonus from the casino. Casinos with state of the art design may also use live chat help or flash animations to guide you through the process by asking you what to do next or asking you which game you would like to play first. You will then be presented with a graphic or screenshot of the game that you would like to play.

Is There Any Way I Can Practice Playing Before I Start Betting?

Almost every online casino offers an online demo that allows you to practice playing a game, without having to lay a bet down first. Downloaded software often features online prompts, animations and other helpful tools that can guide you through playing a game so that you never miss a turn or opportunity to play. Some offer live chat help that pops up on the side of your screen. If you have never thrown the dice or spun the wheel before you might also want to consult our How To Play Games Guide which teaches you how to play the most popular online games: multiplayer poker, video poker, slot machines, roulette, baccarat and craps.

How Do the Free Bonuses Work?

Almost all casinos offer their customers some kind of cash incentive or frequent player bonuses just for registering with the site. Some offer customers free chips or tokens, even if you are just playing online, however most offer what is called a "match bonus". The amount of the match bonus is based on a percentage of what you deposit into your account for gambling. For instance a site might offer you a 150% bonus. This means that for every $50 dollars you play with, they will boost your account to $150. Some sites only offer a bonus on the initial deposit and others offer you free cash to play with on every new deposit that you make into your account. For example, for every $100 you deposit, they might top it off with a straight 20% ($20,00). Many have simple cashback programs that offer you a penny back for every dollar you spend or VIP programs that give you bonuses for playing frequently or depositing large sums of money. If you use the site's preferred payment method, for example PayPal or netteller, you might also receive an additional bonus upon registration.

How Do V.I.P or Cashback Programs Work?

Almost every casino has some form of a cash back rewards program. Some ask you to enroll in a V.I.P. or Loyalty program where you earn points, chips or dollars that can be redeemed for coupons, special offers or merchandise in the Casino's online gift shop. Others will offer you a penny back on every dollar that you put into play on the site. Usually V.I.P and cashback programs are only offered to those who download the software.

What If There is a Technical Problem?

A common fear is that in the middle of a game, the software will suddenly shut down and confiscate all of the money in your account. This never happens! One way to calm your fears is to check out the Casino's policies and customer service options before you play. Many sites offer 24 hour a day, seven days a week a week toll-free support by telephone, email and live chat. Usually problems are resolved within hours, if not minutes. Many of the larger, reputable sites we have been in operation since the mid-nineties. They have been able to remain in operation simply because of their solid reputations as fair houses to play against.

Which Game Offers the Best odds?

It is common knowledge that progressive video poker or progressive slot machines pay off the largest amounts so if you want to win big, those two games are a good place to start. However, most sites will provide you with a table or graph in their About Us section, that shows you just what the payoff rates are for each type of game offered on the site.

If I Win, How Do I get Paid?

Most sites offer payment options that allow you to collect your winnings within a day, if not hours of your victory. If you win a game, your winnings are often either credited back to your account, deposited back to your credit card or sent to you directly by check, PayPal, Western Union or wire transfer. If you win a game you are often prompted or directed to a window or menu that will direct you to your account and the appropriate steps to take to collect your money.

22 March 2025 by The Joker

Jackpot College Gambling School - portal for Online Casinos, Multiplayer Poker Rooms, Online Bingo Halls and Lotto sites.

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