Online casinos have now become an alternative to land-based casinos thanks to the Internet and the development of betting software. Although not particularly new, quite a few people still have questions about online betting. Below are several frequently asked questions about this net-based activity.
How did online gambling begin?
The development of gambling software can be traced back around 1990s where Microgaming developed the first fully functional gambling software. Later in 1994, Antigua and Barbuda, a country in the Caribbean area passed the Free Trade and Processing act that granted licenses to organizations applying to open online casinos. The act was strengthened by the development of software by CryptoLogic that was aimed at securing various transactions happening at the virtual casinos. As the cooperation succeeded, the world's first online casinos were established in 1994. Today, Microgaming and CryptoLogic remain as two of the most widely used gambling software developers along with other companies such as Realtime Gaming, Playtech, and International Game Technology.
What can I play at online betting sites?
In an online casino, a gambler can play most of the games available in land-based casinos such as blackjack, baccarat, bingo, craps, keno, online slot games, online poker, and roulette. Additionally, although not necessarily available at virtual casinos, bettors can also carry out different betting activities at different sites. Other online gambling activities may include sports betting, lotteries, horse race betting, mobile gambling, and in-play gambling.
Can I download gambling software from the Internet?
Yes you can. In fact, virtual casinos commonly use two kinds of interfaces for their customers: web-based and download-only casinos. In web-based casinos, you can play without first downloading and installing the software on your computer. On the other hand, with the downloaded type, you are required to download the software and install it on your computer before being able to play. As you don't have to load the graphics and sound files over the Internet during play sessions, download-based gambling is indeed faster than the web-based gaming venues. However, you still cannot ignore the fact that the software you downloaded may also contain harmful malware.
Are my winnings from online betting the same with land-based betting?
Similar to physical betting, you can generate cash from the virtual counterparts. However, online gambling sites usually also offer bonuses as a marketing strategy as well as to encourage bettors to stake certain amounts of money. As gambling sites also seek profits, they may set limits on the minimum amount a member may bet. Bonuses offered by online casinos usually cover non-cashable bonus, comp points, and bonus hunting.
Can virtual casino operators interfere with my odds of winning?
There are cases when some betting software such as Elka System/Oyster Gaming and Casino Bar has been proven to be adjusted by fraudulent casino operators. Glitches in the software made it possible for these operators to alter the odds of your game. Such shady gambling sites are usually called rogue casinos by the online gambling community. In fact, many portals and forums for virtual gambling have blacklisted some online casinos. The lists from these gambling enthusiasts are usually more reliable than the official ones. Make sure your chosen gambling site is not included in the blacklist prior to gambling online.