What are Internet casinos and how do they work

Asks Howard Piercy
A. Internet casinos are an integral part of Internet gambling, which is essentially the betting, playing and collecting of money via the Internet. Within a virtual casino, or a website that provides a casino gaming atmosphere - you can bet on whatever games the casino offers, whether its traditional casino-based games�such as black jack or sports events. Wins or losses are paid or collected accordingly.

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A few sites will let you play for free, but their main aim is to make money, so you will be encouraged to use
real money. When you enter a site you will see a list of games on offer, once you select an area you'd like to participate in you will be asked to open an account, into which you will deposit currency via a credit card, electronic cheque, money order or wire transfer. You will also have to provide your name and address. (Some sites do operate more anonymously, but if you forget your password you will lose your money). Once this is set up you will be free to gamble at your own discretion. Wins and losses are calculated electronically. Losses are deducted from your account (into which you have credited money). Wins are usually sent by cheque to your address (or credited to your credit card) once you request a 'cash out' or express your intent to stop gambling and cash in your chips.

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Q. How realistic are Internet casinos
A.� As you'll probably be playing on your own at home or in the office on your computer it's obviously not as realistic as visiting Atlantic City, but the games are based on the same principle and operated by the same rules, so it's just like playing the real games. And the probability of winning an electronic game is the same as winning in a real casino, it isn't any
easier or harder.

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Q. What types of computer graphics are used in an Internet casino
A. There are three types of sites. The first uses HTML so you do not have to download any software onto your computer, these sites have good graphics and a fast game play rate, but little animation. The second type uses Java applets that run through your browser, so you do not download any software, the graphics are great, with added sound effects and music. The third type of site asks you to download its software, free of charge, onto your computer if you don’t mind having this on your hard drive these are the fastest and most fun to play.

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Q. Where are Internet casinos based and are they legal
A.� They are usually located in a country where it is possible to obtain an online gaming licence, or rather the host server is (eg Gibraltar, the Cook Islands, St Kitts, Antigua, Dominican Republic), but are usually operated from within the US. Gaming licences are often permitted in such countries because they help to boost the economy, licences can cost anything upwards from �100,000, and additional annual taxes will have to be paid on top of this.

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Q. How do you know you're not going to be ripped off in an Internet casino
A. Internet casinos are monitored and regulated by the government (in the country where the host server is located) so they have to follow certain gaming guidelines. This often means that the licensee has to post bonds of cash or insurance as part of the licence requirements eg. in Curacao licensees have to post an amount of money equal to an average win in a special account in order to guarantee that they can pay winners and to get a licence, those who apply have to go through extensive government checks.

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Personal security (eg credit card details and personal information) is also guaranteed under licence agreements in most jurisdictions. Most casinos also use secure servers for conducting all transactions. So it is technically safe to gamble, but only you can decide how safe gambling is to you!

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Q. What games can you play in an Internet casino
A. Betting at an Internet casino is the most popular form of gambling online so you can play virtually any traditional casino-based game, with the added benefit of participating in sports wagering. Games include blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, baccarat and slot machines, plus bets on horse racing and other sports events.

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Q. Do I have to learn any new terminology for the types of bets allowed online
A.� They will usually be the same as in any casino, but some of the more imaginative sites use their own terminology, for a complete guide to what a parlay, teaser or a round robin is check out http://www.netbet.org� This site also reviews the best gambling websites available with a comprehensive update of what games they offer, details on their payout ratio and their honesty.

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By Karen Anderson