Like many people, I am lazy and usually find the easiest way to do things and the quickest way to do them. Now for some people they enjoy playing sports, swimming, going shopping, and a few even enjoy a good work out, I am none of these people.

For me my passion has always been gamble and taking risks. Now if gambling and taking risks is your thing there is only one place to go, Las Vegas. I used to make annual trips to Vegas twice a year to visit the casinos and have a good time gambling and hoping to win big. Then I found online casinos.

Online casinos are better for me then going to Vegas to a casino because it give me a buffet to pick what I like from in one trip as opposed to running around to different places to get all the things I crave. See like many gamblers I enjoy all types of gambling including cards, craps, and slots. The problem is many casinos that I have been to make me lose half the day because I am constantly walking back and forth from location to location.

Casinos are massive so many times I end up playing a game I may be tired of just so I don’t have to walk around the building trying to find the game that I actually want to play. Although ever since I found online casinos I have not had that problem. I can play whatever I what whenever I want without ever getting out of my recliner. If I’m playing blackjack and I suddenly get the urge to play the slots its just a click away.

With playing online I don’t have to waste half the day running around a casino floor dodging people every two feet and having to stop and ask for directions. Playing online is easy, it’s fun, and it’s quicker. In today’s world we are always trying to see what’s the laziest, easiest, and quickest way to do something in order to save time and when it comes to gambling online, casinos give you what your want. Now I’m not saying you can’t have fun at a regular casino, but let’s face it people like me and you want what they want and they want it when they want it. And for people like me the online casino experience offered me just that.

Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t go check out Vegas it’s a fun exciting place and it’s great to visit, but if you have a fast pace life style and not a lot of extra time in a day you cant go wrong with gambling online because it gives you all the gaming options of an actual casino just in a faster time. If your like me you get lucky if you have one day a week where you don’t have to go somewhere or do something and I don’t have to worry about making extra time to go to the casino because I can play anytime online.

I cyber on into a flash online casino and check out the slot game menu. What do I find? Most likely it will be divided up into two columns. There will be the online Slot Machine games in one list and the online Video Slot Games in another. So exactly what have we here? What is the difference? The answer is there could be a lot of differences, just as there are differences internally within the same category. But the difference between these two categories boils down to is new verses old, tradition verses innovation.

Let me elaborate and clarify. Slot machines began years ago as a clunky one armed robot. They then morphed into a computer screen and evolved fast into what we see today in interactive video slot games such as “A Day at The Races”, “Blood Sucker” and more. But people had to get used to the shift. So when online slots came along the tendency of the online slot game software designers was to make the video slots to look like a slot machine. This is a normal customer product recognition issue.

So the difference is cosmetic but the difference doesn’t stop there. A gradual shift away from the “machine look” soon took place. More room for movement on the screen was available. With this extra room a function shift emerged. Before you had a slot machine standing in the middle of a graphically produced casino floor. The video slot does not lend itself to this pretence. You now have more area for great graphics, movement, animation and in many cases involvement of the player. Newer video slots have more active graphics. By active graphics I am referring to the graphics that are moving while playing slots. The Paytable sitting there, unchanging, staring up at you for hours does not have to be placed on the main screen. It stands to reason the larger the playing area the more movement you will have on the video screen and the more possibilities you have for creating interaction.

Slot Machines, no download or download are not normally interactive in the true sense of the word. The game screen is smaller which decreases the capacity to manipulate a game inside the screen. Pirates Gold ll is the exception to the rule. Pirates Gold is another flash casino no download slot game. It is a good example of the cross over between Video Slot and the Slot Machine. With Pirates Gold ll you can see the slot machine sitting in the casino isle, yet it is INTERACTIVE in the true sense of the word. This alone sets it apart from the other “Slot Machines”. When the bonus game is activated a portion of the stationary slot machine converts to a game screen along with the reels part of the screen. So there is more room for interactive play.

But that is what I really admire about online slot games, be it machines or video. As soon as a “normality” is established, the next release stretches the envelope. Territory is being opened up every week in new releases of slot games redifining what they are. Where will it end up. Most likely likely it will be on the head of a pin orbiting Neptune’s incredible moon Miranda.

If you want to try out the above mentioned slot games on a Mac they are all Mac compatible. But you don’t need to have a Mac to play at Mac casinos. With a PC you can enter any Flash Casino and play no download slot games. It is the Mac users that need to be careful. We can only play at no download casinos.

Slot machines have been quite popular ever since the first electronic slot game appeared in 1934. The thought of hitting a huge jackpot after spinning reels for a few nickels is the dream of many. This clearly shows why slot machines outnumber all other games at any casino, filling as much as 90% of a typical casino floor.

When internet appeared to the general public all forms of entertainment invaded the web and slot gaming was not slow to join the crowd. Now, after 10 years of an established online gaming industry, slot machines are accessible more than ever. But after so much time, are they still the same?

Slot machines have taken a few steps forward since they appeared on the internet. Technology has allowed for games to have better audio, more impressive design and animations, and new features added to the game. One of the latest casino software technologies developed by Rival Gaming has truly revolutionized what we know as slot machines. Slot machines are commonly conceived as a game of luck that does not require any skill. Well, those days are over. I-slots machines, the newest online slot machines by Rival Gaming have taken slot gaming to a new level.

I-slots or interactive slots have all the fun features of a normal slot machine. They have 5 colorful reels with animations that trigger hefty wins on certain combination of icons, but that is merely the tip of the iceberg. Scatter icons when appearing in trios will set off the bonus round. The bonus round is much more than just waiting for a random result. No, with I-slots the skill and imagination of the player will help determine the outcome of the bonus rounds. In some cases the player must use his or her keyboard to navigate a spaceship or use the mouse to aim and swing at a mini-golf course.  These skill-based bonus rounds make it much more challenging for the player to get the desired results. If the player does well at the bonus round, the more coins it will pay out in the end.

I-slots also have storylines that evolve. There are special icons that will transport you into the next phase of the game, even changing the whole outlook of the original phase. Characters engage in solving a mystery plot and the player can follow the story as he or she spins the reels.

The new I-slots have transformed the gaming world; they are rightfully called the next step in online gaming. We should only wait a few years to see what will be next in the ever-changing world of casinos online.

Ever since the invention of the first slot machines more than one hundred years ago, this pastime has been the object of fascination and devotion by millions of fans around the world. While slots gaming is highly entertaining, there is also a lot of money to be made through these machines, especially with the creation of progressive jackpots. It comes as no surprise then, that when we combine this highly entertaining pursuit with elements of luck and chance, various myths and urban legends have grown around slots and their billion-dollar industry. What, then, is fact and what is fiction?

Situation #1: You spend two hours playing a particular slot machine. You get up to get a drink and come back to find somebody else at the machine. Two minutes later, that somebody else wins big! You say to yourself: “I should have stayed! I could have won that jackpot”

Fact or Fiction? Definitely fiction! Slot machines operate through a system called a Random Number Generator (RNG). As its name implies, the RNG ensures that the outcome of all spins are totally random. It really doesn’t matter, then, whether you spend two hours or two minutes at a particular machine. In the end, you had just as much chance as the other player to hit the jackpot. Unfortunately for you, he got lucky!

Situation #2: You see somebody winning the jackpot on a slot machine and your first instinct is to try your luck there. After thinking it through, however, you decide to try another machine because this one has already paid out a lot.

Fact or Fiction? As we’ve discussed before, the Random Number Generator is what determines when a slot machine pays out its winnings. As such, if a machine pays out now, there is just as much chance of it paying out in the next spin or in another 1000 spins. For this reason, unless you simply want a change of scenery, there is no reason to avoid a particular machine on the casino floor or at online slot sites.

Situation #3: You decide to avoid a particular casino/site because you heard that they ‘rig’ their slot machines.

Fact or Fiction? Yes, it may be physically possible to change the computer chip that determines the payout rates of a slot machine, but the chances of a casino actually going to such great lengths to do so are minimal. Like any business, casinos have a reputation to maintain and for that reason, they go through the process of determining the payout rates with the software company before the slots are delivered. If they wish to make any changes to these rates, they need to go through a number of difficult procedures, including endless paperwork. It is always a good idea, anyway, to stick to reputable casinos and internet sites that are licensed, with a transparent payout odds.

Situation #4: You find an advertisement for the ‘ultimate’ slot strategy that ‘guarantees’ instant wins.

Fact or Fiction? Definite myth! Avoid these sorts of promotions at all costs! It’s illogical to believe that if someone found the ultimate slot strategy, they’d be selling the secret for $49.99 over the internet and not using it themselves to make a fortune. Players should accept the fact that slots is a game based on chance alone, and no amount of trying will change the RNG payouts or the odds. Of course, players can make attempts to minimize their losses by understanding the machine and pertinent information such as minimum and maximum denominations and payout rates. Simply put, one cannot predict the patterns or sequences of a slot machine. Believing anything else is to simply pour hard-earned money down the drain.

Situation #5: You decide to play slots at a traditional casino as they pay out more than online gambling.

Fact or Fiction? This is one myth that we are happy to dispel! Online slot gaming has been proven to be economically more viable than its traditional counterpart. Statistics prove that payout rates are higher and, combined with great perks such as bonuses and promotions, online slots definitely allow players to get more value for their money.

Once players understand the concept of Random Number Generators and can admit that slots are purely a game of chance, they can sit back and start to enjoy the great entertainment side of the game, without worrying too much about the myths and half-truths that continue to affect the industry.

Casino Cash Journey is the ultimate online casino directory giving you all the information you need to choose the right online casino for you. It is a great resource for Slots, as well as a host of other exciting casino games, detailing information on rules, strategies and tips.

McCain is a high-stakes craps player who loves the pure, adrenalin-pumping, rush of the game. Obama is an exceedingly low-stakes poker player who sizes up his odds methodically and rarely loses money. It’s a great insight into the two personalities. And there’s an even better scoop a little further down. While I knew most of the details of Obama’s poker-playing, I had no idea McCain was such a hard-core gambler: In the past decade, [McCain] has played on Mississippi riverboats, on Indian land, in Caribbean craps pits and along the length of the Las Vegas Strip. Back in 2005 he joined a group of journalists at a magazine-industry conference in Puerto Rico, offering betting strategy on request. “Enjoying craps opens up a window on a central thread constant in John’s life,” says John Weaver, McCain’s former chief strategist, who followed him to many a casino. “Taking a chance, playing against the odds.” Aides say McCain tends to play for a few thousand dollars at a time and avoids taking markers, or loans, from the casinos, which he has helped regulate in Congress. “He never, ever plays on the house,” says Mark Salter, a McCain adviser. The goal, say several people familiar with his habit, is never financial. He loves the thrill of winning and the camaraderie at the table. Only recently have McCain’s aides urged him to pull back from the pastime. In the heat of the GOP primary fight last spring, he announced on a visit to the Vegas Strip that he was going to the casino floor …

Blackjack strategy is not difficult or time consuming
to learn, but most people simply don’t bother. The primary reason why is because they don’t know when or
where they would be likely to benefit from having knowledge of blackjack technique. However, there are lots of scenarios where knowing how to play a strong game of blackjack can come in handy. Here are a few examples of when knowing blackjack strategy can be a true asset.

Many people take group trips or romantic getaways to resort areas where casinos are abundant. This makes it almost inevitable that you will, at some point, be given the opportunity to sit down at a blackjack table. Even if you only end up walking into a casino a few times in your life, knowing the ins and outs of blackjack strategy can help you have a really great time. When you surprise your traveling companions with your unexpected level of prowess at the game of blackjack, you will win admiration all around. Even if you only get the chance to use your blackjack knowledge a few times, it is well worth the time and effort to learn blackjack strategy so that you can make the most of those opportunities. Being great at blackjack can help you turn a special weekend in Las Vegas into a high rolling party that you will remember for a lifetime.

Having a solid foundation in blackjack strategy can even be extremely helpful if you get sick and tired of blackjack. When you know blackjack technique, you can use the proceeds from your time at the table to fund other, riskier gaming. If you like to gamble but hate losing money, start your night on the casino floor at the blackjack table, and use your strategies to clean up in round after round. Then, take your winnings, and kiss them goodbye as you and anyone lucky enough to be by your side put them to use all
over the casino. Being great at blackjack can give you the freedom to be terrible at roulette, craps, or baccarat without having to read the damage in your bank balance the next morning.

Any time that you are at a computer with a few minutes to spare, you can benefit from knowing blackjack strategy. With the rise in online gaming, there are more opportunities to play blackjack online today than ever before. Internet blackjack can let you win money whenever you have a little free time and a working web browser. If you’re ever found yourself looking for a way to pass a rainy afternoon, a chance to take a quick break from work or studying, or just a way to make an extra few dollars while you’re waiting for your morning toast to cook or
a pot of water to boil, blackjack strategy can help you win a few rounds no matter where you are or what time it is.

Online slots have seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years as the online gambling industry continues to grow.  However, there are still plenty of slots fans out there that question whether or not online slots could possibly rival the experience of land-based casinos.  The truth is that it’s really a matter of personal taste, but, online slots are capable of providing an experience that rivals, and many times surpass, that of real life slots, and here are the top five reasons why:

Play Anywhere or Anytime:

You can play online slots anytime or anywhere.  All you need is an Internet connection and a computer.  So, whether you want to settle down in your favorite chair, or take a few spins in front of the TV, online slots allow you this flexibility.  No longer do you need to worry about travel planning, expenses, or time, and a trip to the casino won’t hinge on bad weather.  Online casinos are open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  All you need to do is log in and play.

Variety of Games:

Software providers for online casinos design multitudes of games, particularly online slots because they are so popular.  Since there are so many online casinos out there, each offering a new list of games, the variety of titles available at the click of the button is nearly endless.  Whether you like 3 reel, 5 reel, or 7 reel games, you’ll be able to find them all featuring a massive variety of themes all in one place.  All of these games are accessed instantly, meaning you’ll never have to wait out a fellow slot player to take a seat at your favorite game.

Learning at Your Own Pace:

If you’re a new slot player, sitting down in front of a slot machine on the casino floor and witnessing all of the bright lights, sounds, and flashing and spinning reels with no idea of what it all does can be daunting.  And, with no detailed guides to help you, you just put your money in and hit the spin button without really knowing how to win.  The next thing you know, you’ve burned through your whole bankroll.  However, playing online slots is much less intimidating and allows you to learn at your own pace.  You can come and go as you please, and you can consult tips and guides while you play.  This makes it easier to fully grasp the ins and the outs of every game you choose to play.

Bonuses and Promotions:

One thing that you’ll only find when playing online slots is the many bonuses and promotions that online casinos offer to all players.  These promotions range from sign up bonuses all the way down to special competitions that will pit you against players from all over the world.  They are an excellent way to boost your bankroll or even win some pretty substantial amounts of cash.

Payout Percentages are Better:

Because there is so much competition between online casinos and real life casinos, online casinos need to appeal to players.  This is achieved through offering incentives that you’ll only find online, including better payout percentages than real life casinos.  Real life casinos will set their payout percentages between 82% and 98%.  Online casinos will set their payout percentages between 95% and 98%.  This means, in the long term, online slots will payout more than those found in real life casinos with lower payout percentages.

Of course, this is a drop in the bucket of why online slots can be just as (if not more) entertaining than their real life counterparts.  Check out SlotsOnline.com for more information on how and where you can play online slots.

Blackjack strategy is not difficult or time consuming to learn, but most people simply don’t bother. The primary reason why is because they don’t know when or where they would be likely to benefit from having knowledge of Blackjack technique. However, there are lots of scenarios where knowing how to play a strong game of Blackjack can come in handy. Here are a few examples of when knowing Blackjack strategy can be a true asset.

Many people take group trips or romantic getaways to resort areas where casinos are abundant. This makes it almost inevitable that you will, at some point, be given the opportunity to sit down at a Blackjack table. Even if you only end up walking into a casino a few times in your life, knowing the ins and outs of Blackjack strategy can help you have a really great time. When you surprise your traveling companions with your unexpected level of prowess at the game of Blackjack, you will win admiration all around. Even if you only get the chance to use your Blackjack knowledge a few times, it is well worth the time and effort to learn Blackjack strategy so that you can make the most of those opportunities. Being great at Blackjack can help you turn a special weekend in Las Vegas into a high rolling party that you will remember for a lifetime.

Having a solid foundation in Blackjack strategy can even be extremely helpful if you get sick and tired of Blackjack. When you know Blackjack technique, you can use the proceeds from your time at the table to fund other, riskier gaming. If you like to gamble but hate losing money, start your night on the casino floor at the Blackjack table, and use your strategies to clean up in round after round. Then, take your winnings, and kiss them goodbye as you and anyone lucky enough to be by your side put them to use all over the casino. Being great at Blackjack can give you the freedom to be terrible at roulette, craps, or baccarat without having to read the damage in your bank balance the next morning.

Any time that you are at a computer with a few minutes to spare, you can benefit from knowing Blackjack strategy. With the rise in online gaming, there are more opportunities to play Blackjack online today than ever before. Internet Blackjack can let you win money whenever you have a little free time and a working web browser. If you’ve ever found yourself looking for a way to pass a rainy afternoon, a chance to take a quick break from work or studying, or just a way to make an extra few dollars while you’re waiting for your morning toast to cook or a pot of water to boil, Blackjack strategy can help you win a few rounds no matter where you are or what time it is.

Ok so you’re new to online casino’s- you may be new to gambling or you may be a regular fixture on the real life casino floor but not quite up to speed on the internet itself- this article aims to clarify the technology behind the online casino and help you make the right choice for where you want to play.

The choice is yours

You’ve probably noticed by now online casinos are not exactly a) uncommon or b) hard to find these days. Google is currently listing some 71 million + pages of them and growing everyday but essentially most of the main casinos are offering the same service and its up to the casino player to decide what’s right for them and a good place to start is by looking at the software which online casino is offering. Casino software generally comes in 2 forms- ‘downloadable’ and ‘no download’ or ‘instant play’…

Downloadable online casino software

Downloadable software is for lack of a better explanation software which you download from the casino website onto your computer before you can play the games. Typically you would download the software as an executable file (these types of file have the filename suffix .exe so something like onlinecasino.exe). The file will go to a location on your computer- either a download folder or onto your desktop.

Once the casino software has been downloaded you will need to install it in the same way you would a new computer program i.e. Microsoft word or a computer game. This will unpack all of the files needed to play the casino games onto your computer so next time you want to play you will not need to go through this process- opening the casino will then be like opening any other program on your PC so you will see the software listed in the Windows start menu. The installation process will usually offer you the option of adding a shortcut to your desktop like the one you have for your recycle bin and probably a few other applications.

Unlike most software you run on your computer in order to play at an online casino the software needs to be connected to the internet at all times while you are playing. This is because the casino software on your computer is transferring information with the casino website- although all the games themselves are held on your machine your account information is held with the website so when you win or lose a game the website knows instantly and updates your account accordingly. Think of it like this- with downloadable casino software the table and the dealer is in your living room but the casino vault is still inside the casino building.

Possible problems with downloadable casino games

Having software connected to the internet from your computer is not in itself a security risk- in fact most modern software tries to make an internet connection upon loading up- for example Microsoft Word connects to the internet upon loading to check for security updates. However any software you download is likely to be treated suspiciously by virus checking or anti-spy ware software you have running i.e. AVG or Norton. This is because of the risk of malware (malicious software) which can infiltrate users computers, usually for the purpose of serving unwanted advertising or disrupting the users computer similar to a computer virus. Downloading from a reputable online casino should ensure there is no risk of this as it’s not in the casino’s interest to irritate or damage the users’ computer. You will most probably need to grant permission for the software to access the internet before a connection will be established- pop-up boxes will advise you of what you need to do.

If you are on a shared network or do not have administrative rights to your computer i.e. you’re on a work computer, you may have problems installing downloadable casino software. You can always try but if you don’t have permission you’ll get an error to tell you so.

Web-based, no download or instant play online casino games

Web-based casino games do not require the user to download or install any software before playing (hence they are often referred to as ‘instant play’). Instead they generally use pieces of software which are already installed within your web browser (i.e. internet explorer) known as ‘plugins’. Plugins used by online casino games include flash player, shockwave player and java- these are all freely available and you will most likely already have them installed on your web browser in which case you will be able to play the online casino games straight away- if not you will be prompted to download them from the relevant websites- you may then need to restart your browser before using the plugin and the casino.

Security issues with web-based games

As nothing is installed on your computer the risk of viruses or adware being installed is far lower than with downloadable games. There is a minimal risk of web based applications being ‘hacked’ by malicious users with the intent of extracting personal information or disrupting gameplay in the case of multiplayer scenario’s i.e. an online poker room. As with downloadable casino software the risk is extremely low and security on both types of casino games are getting ever more sophisticated.

The golden rules remain- go with a respectable online casino, make sure they are contactable before committing any money to your account and make sure you’re in control of your account balances. Remember millions of people play online casino games everyday; it is only the tiniest of percentages that experience any problems. Online casinos are still far more secure than any other online purchases.

Which types of online casino games are best for me?

Instant play casino games are great for trying out an online casino you have just found because they will usually let you try out the games by giving a limited amount of information so you can get onto the tables quickly and try out the software. Typically downloadable casino games will have richer, smoother graphics and sound which can make for a more immersive gameplay experience although graphics on modern instant play games are also improving. The main factor is the download time- downloading online casino software can take around 20 minutes on a slow internet connection so you may need to be patient- but if you’re not in a rush and want the improved graphics and don’t want to have to navigate to the casino website in your browser each time you play then downloadable software may be better for you.

In summary…

Downloadable casino software is good for;

- Graphics and sound
- Smooth gameplay with short load times once downloaded
- Players who are loyal to a casino
- May be better for users on a slow internet connection as once downloaded all games are stored on your computer

Things to consider though;

- Have to wait for download to complete
- May have problems installing on shared/ networked computers and can be blocked by anti virus software.
- Download software is usually only designed for computers running Microsoft Windows.

Web-based online casino games however;

- Let you play straight away with no downloads
- Increasingly good graphics
- Good for first time, practice play and trying out a new online casino.
- Work on any computer with a modern web browser and internet connection

The drawback;

- Can cause a big load on your internet connection so might run slowly if you’ve got other stuff going on.
- You will need to navigate to the website each time you want to play

Ok so you’re new to online casino’s- you may be new to gambling or you may be a regular fixture on the real life casino floor but not quite up to speed on the internet itself- this article aims to clarify the technology behind the online casino and help you make the right choice for where you want to play.

The choice is yours

You’ve probably noticed by now online casinos are not exactly a) uncommon or b) hard to find these days. Google is currently listing some 71 million + pages of them and growing everyday but essentially most of the main casinos are offering the same service and its up to the casino player to decide what’s right for them and a good place to start is by looking at the software which online casino is offering.

Casino software generally comes in 2 forms- ‘downloadable’ and ‘no download’ or ‘instant play’:

Downloadable online casino software

Downloadable software is for lack of a better explanation software which you download from the casino website onto your computer before you can play the games. Typically you would download the software as an executable file (these types of file have the filename suffix .exe so something like onlinecasino.exe). The file will go to a location on your computer- either a download folder or onto your desktop.

Once the casino software has been downloaded you will need to install it in the same way you would a new computer program i.e. Microsoft word or a computer game. This will unpack all of the files needed to play the casino games onto your computer so next time you want to play you will not need to go through this process- opening the casino will then be like opening any other program on your PC so you will see the software listed in the Windows start menu.

The installation process will usually offer you the option of adding a shortcut to your desktop like the one you have for your recycle bin and probably a few other applications.

Unlike most software you run on your computer in order to play at an online casino the software needs to be connected to the internet at all times while you are playing. This is because the casino software on your computer is transferring information with the casino website- although all the games themselves are held on your machine your account information is held with the website so when you win or lose a game the website knows instantly and updates your account accordingly.

Think of it like this- with downloadable casino software the table and the dealer is in your living room but the casino vault is still inside the casino building.

Possible problems with downloadable casino games

Having software connected to the internet from your computer is not in itself a security risk- in fact most modern software tries to make an internet connection upon loading up- for example Microsoft Word connects to the internet upon loading to check for security updates. However any software you download is likely to be treated suspiciously by virus checking or anti-spy ware software you have running i.e. AVG or Norton. This is because of the risk of malware (malicious software) which can infiltrate users computers, usually for the purpose of serving unwanted advertising or disrupting the users computer similar to a computer virus.

Downloading from a reputable online casino should ensure there is no risk of this as it’s not in the casino’s interest to irritate or damage the users’ computer. You will most probably need to grant permission for the software to access the internet before a connection will be established- pop-up boxes will advise you of what you need to do.

If you are on a shared network or do not have administrative rights to your computer i.e. you’re on a work computer, you may have problems installing downloadable casino software. You can always try but if you don’t have permission you’ll get an error to tell you so.

Web-based, no download or instant play online casino games

Web-based casino games do not require the user to download or install any software before playing (hence they are often referred to as ‘instant play’). Instead they generally use pieces of software which are already installed within your web browser (i.e. internet explorer) known as ‘plugins’.

Plugins used by online casino games include flash player, shockwave player and java- these are all freely available and you will most likely already have them installed on your web browser in which case you will be able to play the online casino games straight away- if not you will be prompted to download them from the relevant websites- you may then need to restart your browser before using the plugin and the casino.

Security issues with web-based games

As nothing is installed on your computer the risk of viruses or adware being installed is far lower than with downloadable games. There is a minimal risk of web based applications being ‘hacked’ by malicious users with the intent of extracting personal information or disrupting gameplay in the case of multiplayer scenario’s i.e. an online poker room.

As with downloadable casino software the risk is extremely low and security on both types of casino games are getting ever more sophisticated.

The golden rules remain- go with a respectable online casino, make sure they are contactable before committing any money to your account and make sure you’re in control of your account balances.

Remember millions of people play online casino games everyday; it is only the tiniest of percentages that experience any problems. Online casinos are still far more secure than any other online purchases.

Which types of online casino games are best for me?

Instant play casino games are great for trying out an online casino you have just found because they will usually let you try out the games by giving a limited amount of information so you can get onto the tables quickly and try out the software. Typically downloadable casino games will have richer, smoother graphics and sound which can make for a more immersive gameplay experience although graphics on modern instant play games are also improving.

The main factor is the download time- downloading online casino software can take around 20 minutes on a slow internet connection so you may need to be patient- but if you’re not in a rush and want the improved graphics and don’t want to have to navigate to the casino website in your browser each time you play then downloadable software may be better for you.

In summary:

Downloadable casino software is good for;

- Graphics and sound

- Smooth gameplay with short load times once downloaded

- Players who are loyal to a casino

- May be better for users on a slow internet connection as once downloaded all games are stored on your computer

Things to consider though;

- Have to wait for download to complete

- May have problems installing on shared/ networked computers and can be blocked by anti virus software.

- Download software is usually only designed for computers running Microsoft Windows.

Web-based online casino games however;

- Let you play straight away with no downloads

- Increasingly good graphics

- Good for first time, practice play and trying out a new online casino.

- Work on any computer with a modern web browser and internet connection

The drawback;

- Can cause a big load on your internet connection so might run slowly if you’ve got other stuff going on.

- You will need to navigate to the website each time you want to play