Q&A

General Gambling Questions

1. How do I know if I'm skilled enough to wager real money?
   
   There isn't a definite way to know this, mostly because it depends on the game you're playing. Chance games such as slots machines require no experience or skill whatsoever, so really, you have the same chances of winning as someone who has been playing for years (to see the odds for a game, read the payout percentage report or odds page of the casino). If you're playing a game of skill, such as Poker or Blackjack, then it will depend on your game strategy. If the way you play in fun/practice mode is leading you to more wins than losses, then try wagering real money in only small amounts and see how you go. The great thing about online gambling is how you can always play for fun/practice if you don't feel ready to bet real money.
2. What are the benefits of gambling online?
   
   Where to start? Gambling online boasts a range of benefits that cannot be found by playing at a land-based casino. The main ones are:
   • Gambling in the comfort of your own home: avoid the messy, smoky, fast-paced surroundings of land-based casinos. Wear what you like, eat, drink, and whatever else you enjoy without adhering to strict behavioral regulations.
   • Heavy reduction of expenses: 'going' to the casino usually involves transportation and accommodation expenses, not to mention entry fees, tipping, and valuable time lost in the process.
   • Better odds: online casinos have smaller payout percentages and house advantages.
   • International game play: gamble against players from all around the world.
   • Multi - lingual features: play in the language you are most comfortable using.
   • Playing for fun: play for the fun of the game if you choose, or sharpen your skills by practicing without the pressures of losing money.
   • What is game variant?
     
     A game variant is a modified version of any given game. For example, slots games can be played in a range of styles, such as UK, fruit, or symbol. Variants exist because throughout history, the games developed slowly as people migrated from country to country, and were modified in each place according to taste.
   • Which game gives the best odds?
     
     This is somewhat dependent upon the casino in which you play on, as even a game with good odds might not pay up well if the casino's payout percentage rate is high. Always check the wagering requirements of a website before gambling. Logically, games that involve the element of skill will offer you better odds, as you maintain control over a great deal of the outcome. As such, those that are entirely chance may or may not pay up well. Even so, odds for these games are designed to always benefit the casino first, so bear this in mind when choosing to play a chance game. However, you can read about the odds of each game on the casino's website, and a payout percentage report can tell you the winning rates for each game in the last month, which is a good indicator of where to turn.
   • How is the outcome of games formulated?
     
     Most reputable gambling software providers use RNG's to ensure that the chances of winning in particular games is equal for all players. An RNG is a computerized device that randomly generates a sequence of numbers or symbols without producing any kind of pattern. This is done by sing computational algorithms that produce sequences of random results, and is fully called a "pseudo random number generator". It is mostly used in chance games such as slots, but also in card games for fair shuffling purposes.
   • What are "Comp Points"?
     
     Comp points is a points rewards system, whereby players earn points for every wager they make, or win they accomplish. When points are accumulated, they are "cashed in" for real prizes, including money, gaming bonuses, holiday packages, card, household appliances, and more. They are usually only available for VIP or loyalty program members, and if not, then members usually receive better comp point rates, IE - more points per wager/win.

Online Banking Questions

1. How do I apply a deposit limit to my debit card?
   
   You can set yourself a maximum daily deposit limit for your debit card, by contacting the casino's help/support line. Ask the operator to assign your desired limit to the card, and it should take effect immediately. For purposes such as these, it is advised you play at a casino that has 24 hour contact services.
2. Why is wagering via a debit card better than using a credit card?
   
   It is recommended that you use a debit card over credit card, because a debit card doesn't allow you to wager/deposit more money than you have in your account. This way your losses will not lead you to debt. Yet if you're set on using a credit card, but are worried that you might lose track of your deposits, then some credit card companies offer a "prepaid" method. Prepaid cards are an alternative to your credit card, and can be used the same way as a debit card even in countries that forbid online gambling. Examples are "Ecocrad", "Entropay", and "eCount" (an affiliate to MasterCard). Contact your credit card company for further details in this field.
3. How do I cash out my winnings?
   
   There will always be a button or tab which by clicking will activate your cashing out of winnings, and is usually termed "cashier", "cash out", or something similar. The instructions are always quite clear. Cashing out winnings is a process involving yours and the casino's banking decisions. Due to money laundering problems, many online casinos will only allow cash winnings to be sent to their deposit source, IE - if you used Neteller to deposit money, then this is where your cash back will be sent. Because of security measures taken by credit card companies and casinos alike, winnings are rarely sent to a debit card or credit card, which is why most people prefer e-wallet payment methods. If you deposit using a card, then cashing out will require you to provide a transaction alternative, usually bank account details. Good casinos will send you an additional bank draft or transaction history copy to your specified billing address. Be sure to read the casino's terms and conditions regarding wagering requirements, as this process can take time, and is liable to differ between casino's and payment methods.
4. What kind of details must I provide when doing online banking?
   
   Every time you transfer funds, whether it is for depositing, withdrawing, or cashing out winnings, you will be required to provide identification details, such as PIN number or security code. This is a precaution taken to ensure that no-one else will receive your funds. It is a precaution employed by all online casinos, so fel safe when being prompted for ID verification.
5. How do I receive sign up bonuses and free chips?
   
   Receiving sign up bonuses and free ships is much like receiving your winnings, only there are prerequisites that you must met beforehand. As stated in our sign up bonuses and chips page, a good bonus is made up of good terms and conditions. Some of these prerequisites include meting a certain wagering minimum - usually 10-40 times your initial deposit, plus the bonus amount, meeting all requirements within a specific validity period, or playing on certain games only. Once you meet the requirements, your bonus should be sent to you automatically. If not, contact the casino support line immediately.
6. How can I keep track of my online financial transactions?
   
   When gambling online with real money, nearly all responsible casinos will provide a deposit and withdrawals area, in which you can follow up all the financial transactions you've made with them. Usually termed "transaction history", it can be accessed whenever you are signed in to your account. Alternatively, you can view all your payment activity by accessing your payment methods account, whether it be e-wallet system, bank account, or credit card monthly statement.
7. How long does it take to process my deposit?
   
   This strongly depends on the payment method you are depositing with. If you deposit using a credit card or debit card, it is only a matter of minutes before the transaction is processed and your account be credited. E-wallet concept account transfers are usually instant, and for this reason they are highly popular among both players and online casinos. Wire transfers can take several business days, generally two, whilst personal checks and bank drafts can take several weeks depending on postal delivery time and other external factors. The casino will verify the expected time frame for any given payment method, so always double check before jumping right in.

Legality Questions

1. Is online gambling safe?
   
   Like all questions of security, this depends on a number of factors, and your decisions play a big role in this. Firstly, the casino in which you choose to play should always be licensed by a legitimate jurisdiction. Secondly, the casino should provide a legal security statement and terms and conditions page. Thirdly, avoid gambling online in countries in which it is prohibited. If you do however, be sure that your chosen form of payment method is not located in your country, and does not process any financial transactions in your country, as they can be regulated. Additionally, independently produced gaming software is usually not as trustworthy as reputable large company ones, such as Microgaming. If you can checkbox all these things, then there is no reason why gambling online should not be safe. In fact, most casinos will adopt additional security measures to ensure your ultimate safety and maximum comfort.
2. How is online gambling regulated?
   
   Even if online gambling is prohibited in your country, no one can really monitor your private actions within your own confines. So, the core of online gambling regulation is payment methods. For example, in the United States, real money wagering is made inaccessible to gamblers by banning their available forms of payment. The place in which online gambling occurs is then determined according to the location of the payment method company. As such, certain aspects of the transaction may take place in your country, such as through your bank, so be careful. Double check all transaction details in order to stay out of trouble.

Technical Questions

1. What are the different kinds of gaming software?
   
   Well most basically, there are no download or "flash" gaming software, and there are those that require download. The difference between them is that flash, although quicker to access, is a lot simpler. Download platforms will have not only better graphics, but a lot more games and game variants. Yet common casino games can be found in both formats. Nearly all real money wagering is done via downloaded platforms. Each software technology offers its own range of gaming features, such as graphics, game variants, banking features, and functionality. Some are also more user-friendly than others. Downloading software is a matter of minutes depending on your internet speed, and you are required to do it only once. After that, you are free to use it as much as you like by accessing it from your desktop - all it takes is signing in.
2. What do I do after downloading a program?
   
   Once you have downloaded a program, open the icon that will appear on your desktop and follow through the installation process. The installation wizard will guide you through this. This only has to be done once, and settings can be changed at any time.
3. Can I use a software program on a Mac computer?
   
   This is something you should verify with your online casino. The answer is probably, only the installation procedure will be different.
4. What happens if my internet connection disconnects while gambling?
   
   Many online casinos are today employing special disconnection handling mechanisms, whereby if you lose connection to the internet during games of skill, such as Poker and Blackjack, your game state as it last was before being disconnected will be restored upon return to the site. This is a good reason to contact the casino support line before signing up to their services.
5. Will I be given game instructions or help options?
   
   This is dependent upon your chosen online casino and their gaming software. Most reputable gaming software, such as Microgaming and Playtech, offer "help" and "game explanation" features, usually accessed from the casino lobby. If you are still unsure of how to play, visit our about the games area for further information.
6. Can I change my mind regarding my wager amount?
   
   In nearly all cases, yes. Either right-click on the chips you wish to remove, or click on the "clear bet" option. When playing games such as slots and video poker, simply click on the "cash out" option, which will return your wagered coins to your account. If some coins remain, they will be returned to your account upon leaving the game entirely.