gambling casinos

True it is addictive, but so is coffee. Online gambling and online casinos today provide the atmosphere, excitement and the rewards of being in a live casino right at home without having to leave your favorite computer chair.

Just sit in front of your computer screen right at home and win money or if the action or the Gods of fortune do not suit you, just surf to one of the many hundreds of sites that offer you other options to choose from. A word typed into a search engine gives you in seconds a list of web sites with their interesting game options offered online, unlike the brick and mortar casino where you would have to leave your seat and maybe move location to find a suitable option.

What is best for you?

It’s simple, just do a little researching. Today all over the world there are people gambling online, just find someone you know who does so and get their suggestion to begin with. Check out online blogs, newsgroups, and forums to get site reviews and online gambling experiences of others.

Check the credibility and reputation of the various online casinos from a directory of licensed internet casinos. See if they have a phone number listed on their website so that you can contact a customer care person if you run into any problem.

Avoid site that offer free signing bonuses which are unrealistic as they may be only trying to lure in players. Sites that advertise broadly can most often be trusted as they seem to know the value of advertising and are not afraid to do so unlike the low profile sites which may be only out to make a fast buck off you.

Problem Solving:

If you choose a reliable site then the chances of running into any problem are far and few. It is always better to browse the online casino’s FAQ sheet before choosing the casino. This will give you information on the modality of betting, the odds offered, and the cashing out policy of the casino existing. Extensive information can help you better in choosing a casino.

Be sure that there is access to customer service in case the internet connection you are using goes down while you are in the middle of a big wager to make sure you get credit for your wager that was in progress.

Software suitability:

Online gambling mostly is of two types, one where you download software from the site to be able to play, and the other where you play directly online. Get familiar with the different options offered by the site you intend to use for ease of play. The online gambling experience should not be marred by software that will stress you by its very complicated nature.

Online playing prerequisites:

Either online at the casino’s website or using the downloaded software set up an account in which you can deposit money for wagering. This will require you to furbish personal information and credit card information, or alternatively transfer funds by a bank draft or account transfer. This information is encrypted to make the information secure and not available to others on the Internet. Money from this account can be used to buy chips or can be cashed out through transactions made by the sites online cashier. Winnings can be cashed out by wire transfer or by check in the email.

The Odds of Winning:

Online casinos are obviously in the business to make money but most allow customers to win, depends on the fairness of the casino in question. Well established internet casinos are known to give better odds than the ones at Las Vegas. It also depends on lady luck, your skill and a lot of common sense on your part so go ahead and have a blast.

The state of Washington has a new law that makes gambling online a Class C Felony. Those who gamble online will now be charged with the same crime as someone who possesses child pornography. Live in Washington and like to play poker? Doing so is now a crime that will land you in jail for up to 5 years. You can also be fined $10,000. Washington is setting a new precedence in the legal arena.

For years the federal government of the United States has tried to pass specific legislation to revise the Federal Wire Wagering Act. The most recent attempt is expected to pass the house, but it will most likely fail in the Senate. Washington State legislators decided to take matters into their own hands by passing this new law. Since there is no contradictory federal law, the Washington State law will face clear sailing.

The legislation does more than ban online gambling. It also bans talking about online gambling–quite the communist move by legislators. The legislation specifically outlaws the passing of any “gambling information.” Furthermore, gambling information is defined as: “information as to wagers, betting odds and changes in betting odds shall be presumed to be intended for use in professional gambling.” Technically, a blog that talks about a nationally televised sports game and mentions the “spread” would be in violation of the law and subject to penalty.

As expected, legislators are quick to point out that the law would not be used against individuals in this way. While that is all warm and fuzzy, the fact remains that the law is still on the books. Perhaps a better way to put it is that they don’t currently plan to use it in this way–just wait until they need it. Also, if there was an ounce of truth to those statements, then how do you explain the official statement by Rick Day, the Executive Director for the Washington State Gambling Commission? When asked whether or not a site simply linking to an online gambling destination was in violation he said, “If the site also has a link to a gambling site, then to us that’s no different.” According to this statement, simply linking to a site can get you charged with a Class C Felony.

There is further cause for concern here, in regards to the way laws are written and the precedence they set. It’s possible other states will look at Washington State’s actions and decide to enact something similar. Even if you are against gambling, are you also against censorship? Today it is gambling; tomorrow it is something you care about even more.