Compared to brick 'n mortar casinos, there are many advantages to gambling online at licensed and regulated online casinos. The following information is intended to help you make the most of these advantages while enjoying a safe and fun experience at online gambling sites.

A formidable, multi-billion dollar industry in its own right, the internet gambling sector has spawned several household name online casinos over the years, not to mention several lucky millionaires. While there are fair odds available on the internet and large jackpots to be won, the fact of the matter is that not every online casino holds the necessary credentials ensuring it is a safe and fair destination to wager online, and as such, should be played with caution.

The proper credentials you should always look for in a safe and fair online casino are its software platform and licensing and regulatory jurisdiction credentials. The top fairness certified software platforms are Real Time Gaming (RTG), Microgaming, Vegas Technology, Rival Gaming, Playtech, Top Game and Cryptologic. The leading certified regulatory jurisdictions are the UK, Gibraltar, Curacao (Netherlands, Antilles), Antigua, Isle of Man, Kahanawake and Alderney. Other than these factors, the best online casino sites are those that offer large incentive-based bonuses/promotions and outstanding customer service.

Top Ranking Sites

1. Winpalace - brings fun and excitement to its players through amazing 3D graphics and clear sound. This casino uses Real Time Gaming Software to provide a large selection of quality games.

2. Slots Jungle - If you are looking for a fun theme, security, and a chance to hit it big then Slots Jungle is the casino for you! Slots Jungle has a rain forest theme that trickles down into the names of their games, from Crystal Waters to Enchanted Garden and Paradise Dreams to Lions Lair this casino offers some of the best in slots, blackjack, and more. Slots Jungle offers a $10,000 welcome bonus

3. Casino Titan - is one of the most sophisticated online casinos available. Your gaming experience is enhanced through Real Time Gaming software which makes the excitement rise as you play.

The Pros of Gambling

Convenience - The most obvious benefit of gambling at an online casino, as opposed to a brick 'n mortar casino, is the convenience factor. To anyone familiar with online casinos, it goes without saying that gambling online saves time, money and energy. Furthermore, making wagers from the convenience of one's home is conducive to smarter gambling. Instead of dealing with the intended distractions and tricks imposed by land-based casinos, i.e., flashy lights, dizzying sounds and lack of clocks, you can focus and concentrate on making strategic decisions while playing your favorite games. There's no pressure from the dealer or other players hovering behind you. It's just you and the virtual online casino on the computer screen. It only takes seconds to download an online casino with a full repertoire of realistic games available at the click of a mouse. You can even bet on multiple games at once via separate playing windows.

Safety - Gambling at a certified online casino is just as safe as using your debit card to withdraw funds from an ATM; that is, of course, if you are gambling at an online casino with a certified software platform. The reason being is that all financial transactions are processed through the cashier services of the software platform itself. By using a minimum of 128-bit encryption to send transactions over the internet (the same technology used by the world's leading financial institutions), and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) firewalled servers to store private information, online casinos can guarantee your safety when opening a real money account. Most casinos have 24/7 customer service to help with any problems related to signing up, withdrawals, deposits, bonuses, loading issues, etc.

Odds - It's no surprise that online casinos often provide better odds and payouts than land-based casinos. The reason being is that simply has lower overhead operating costs and can therefore afford to pay out more money. It's the same reason why you will find more free bonus money offers online than in a brick 'n mortar casino. Of course, ensuring that you are getting fair odds is contingent on once again gambling at a site with a fairness certified software platform and which is regulated by a reputable licensing jurisdiction. The most transparent places, especially those that are eCOGRA certified, will publish third-party certified payout reports on a monthly basis. In terms of payout percentages, expect to find overall payouts at around 97% or more at the best online casinos.

Incentives - While it's true that most land-based casinos offer player loyalty programs and generous comps covering hotel stays, free meals and the like, you simply will not find the scope of free money bonus* offers that are available at leading internet sites. In addition to large welcome bonuses in the hundreds to thousands of dollars, online casinos offer player loyalty programs with VIP rewards. At a minimum, these include credit-redeemable comp points on every wager made, as well as monthly reload bonuses and surprise promotions and tournaments.

Games - It was already mentioned that online casinos have a full repertoire of realistic games available to gamblers. The games include slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, video poker, craps, baccarat and more. The odds and bonuses for these games are more favorable than brick 'n mortar casinos and can be played from the convenience of home. There are tons of variations of each game, not to mention practically any slots theme imaginable. As technology increases, more and more online casinos are offering live dealer games in which players can gamble online at a brick 'n mortar casino through webcams and video feeds. With technology in mind, more casino games are being offered on mobile devices when you're on the go. The graphics may not be what you find online, but the same great odds and bonuses apply. 

*Please note that all free cash bonuses come with wager requirements. Always read over the terms and conditions of any bonus before claiming it with a site.

Help for Problem Gamblers

http://www.ncpgambling.org

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

This page was updated on September 16, 2010.