Signing Up for an Online Casino
Downloading the Software
Online casinos may require you to download software and install it onto your computer (you’ll usually need 10 to 20 MB of hard drive space). This downloadable software is always provided free of charge for clients, and, in many cases, they may even mail you a free CD to assist in the downloading process.
Most often, these programs are only operable on Microsoft operating systems. They typically require at least Windows 95/NT or Windows 98. If you use WebTV or something similar, keep in mind that set-top boxes are somewhat limited because they can’t handle software downloads, and the older versions aren’t Java-compatible.
As always, try to stick to established casinos with well-known reputations, and always make sure that you have anti-virus and firewall software running on your computer. Downloading anything can be a risky proposition, and fly-by-night casinos might have you installing spyware, adware, or viruses along with the required software.
Depositing Money
Typically, gamblers will upload funds to the online gambling company before they begin to play (some casinos even require it). This gives the player a pool of money to draw from and allows them to wager freely without having to stop every few minutes to deposit money.
While this makes it more convenient for both player and casino, there are a few things you need to consider before opening up your wallet.
First of all, while credit cards are often the preferred method of payment throughout the internet, this is not the case with online casinos. Because of the questionable legality of online gambling in the United States, credit cards from American banks will frequently fail to be accepted.
But before you send a nasty email to the casino in question, keep in mind that this is often due to the credit card companies themselves and not the casinos.
In the past, less-than-reputable individuals have made deposits into online casinos via credit card and then lost money. Once they lost, they would call their credit card company and claim the deposit was unauthorized or that their card was stolen, and the casino would then be unable to collect the money.
In order to prevent this kind of time-consuming dispute, the credit card companies have simply decided not to allow online casino transactions to go through.
Fortunately, there a number of intermediary companies who offer accounts from which online gambling (among other things) can be funded.
In fact, many casinos are so happy to avoid the headache of dealing with credit cards that they will offer incentives for using such “alternative payment methods” as Firepay and Neteller. You can read detailed review of each at Online Casinos Suite.
You can also pay by such options as check or wire transfer, but these methods aren’t nearly as convenient for the user. Sending money via wire transfer requires you to physically visit a transfer location, while checks typically take 10 business days to clear before your account will be credited.
However, if you live outside of the United States or Europe, you may find that these are the best options available. Before you deposit money into an online casino, here are four questions that the casino should be able to answer to your satisfaction:
1. What are the casino’s wagering requirements?
It is best if you avoid casinos which have over 30 times wager requirements (meaning that you will have to wager at least 30 times the deposit and bonus amount before you can cash out). With wager requirements you must also check which games fulfill these stipulations.
Usually, roulette and craps do not fulfill the requirements, because a player can bet both sides (red and black) until the wager requirement is met, then cash out the bonus and the initial deposit.
2. Can you cash out the bonus?
If you cannot cash out the sign-up bonus, it’s called a “sticky bonus.” This isn't necessarily an inferior bonus offer, but it's important to be aware of the difference. Sticky bonuses can only be used to place wagers; they can never be cashed out.
3. What cash out methods are available?
Depending on what type of account you have (Neteller, Firepay, etc.), receiving your money can sometimes take up to two weeks. Some casinos also have a minimum amount which you are required to cash out. The length of time may differ from casino to casino, so it’s in your best interest as a player to research this information.
4. Do you have to fax identification or proof to cash out?
This is an important question to answer, as many players prefer complete anonymity when they’re online. It all comes down to a matter of personal taste, but, since many casinos do require proof of identity in certain situations, it’s one you should be aware of before choosing a particular casino.
No matter which method of deposit you choose, it is recommended that you print out all transaction data, the rules of the game, the cancellation regulations, and the payment methods in order to more easily resolve any issues which might arise in the future.
If the casino offers a sign-up bonus, it is also recommended that you wait until you see the bonus in your account before you start playing. If you don’t see it, send an email to the casino and make them aware of the problem.
Page Four - Privacy Issues and Online Casinos
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4- Privacy Issues and Online Casinos
7- Online Slots Paybacks and Payout Percentages
8- Dealing with Potential Problems
