Gamblers have options playing online
by Alyssa Exline, Outpost staff
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View of an online casino's slot machine page. Photo by Brian Vance |
Online casinos offer a new form of entertainment on the Internet, with virtual casino games, vibrantly animated graphics and most of all, chances to win money.
Internet gambling allows an individual to log onto the Web, choose a favorite casino site and play the game of their choice. Within a matter of minutes, gamblers are able to make bets using a personal account established for them on that site.
Variations exist among the sites, but in general, the first step in gambling online is to register for a particular site. This is a short process, which involves providing a name, address and email, although some sites do not require a name in order to receive an account number.
Once registered for the site, an account is created. After the account has been established, users are offered three different ways to view and play the games. Depending on the quality of graphics and sound desired, sites may either be played directly off of the Web, used with JAVA applets, or downloaded onto the player's hard drive.
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"Most people choose to play using JAVA," said Marilna Stewart, technical support representative for many of the online casinos. "It is quicker because they don't have to download an entire program and it has the same quality of graphics."
Casino accounts work similar to regular bank accounts in that it is possible to deposit and withdraw funds. Deposits can be made using a variety of methods. The user can send money through Western Union, Moneygram, a cashier's check, money orders, wire transfers or credit cards. Personal checks can also be used for deposits, although they must clear before the account is credited, which can take several weeks because of the oversea locations of most of the online casinos.
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Credits cards are the easiest way to transfer funds on the Internet. Photo illustration by Brian Vance |
Winnings are collected by making withdrawals to the account. These withdrawals can be made in the same ways as the deposits. Credit cards are the simplest form to credit, and most casinos will credit the card that made the original deposits, sending a check for what is left in the mail.
Many online casinos also offer games online that are played for fun and not real money. It is necessary to be a member of the casino in order to play and a fun money account is used instead of the real one. This allows players to practice skills and grow familiar with the games before betting real money.
Posted May 1, 2000
Copyright 2000 Nevada Outpost
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