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Gambling FAQs
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As the title suggests, below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions concerning gambling and online casinos. If you'd like more information on any particular topic, click on the links within the text. We hope you find the following information useful:
- Where and how do I begin when first starting out?
- Is online gambling legal?
- Do I need to obtain certain software? If so, is there any danger of picking up a virus?
- Which online casino should I choose when starting out?
- How popular is online gambling?
- Is online gambling safe? Are online casinos reliable? How can I tell?
- How much money do I need to begin?
- Is there a way to learn more BEFORE I actually play and contribute money?
- After I've won, how do I obtain my winnings?
- Where can I find help or suggestions regarding strategy and rules?
- What kinds of games are available online?
- How can I be sure the software, the casino, or some "robot" isn't cheating me?
- If I encounter a problem, is it possible to talk to a live person?
- If I think I have, or someone else has, developed a gambling problem, where can I turn for help?
Where and how do I begin when first starting out?
Well, one of the best ways to start is by gathering as much information as possible from books and from websites like ours! Here at GamblingPlanet.org, you'll find all the resources necessary to begin playing online. Check out the categories located in our menu bar to the left, which provide information on a number of important topics. Or, if you'd like a quick rundown of what's involved, visit our 'gambling school' to receive a crash-course welcome to the online gambling world. Once you've gotten the basics down, you'll be well on your way to playing at any of our recommended online casinos and will even have the opportunity to play with a free initial bankroll so you can become acquainted with the games before spending any money!
Is online gambling legal?
The answer to this question (and often, no definitive answer exists) depends on a number of factors including the type of games/activities you wish to participate in, where you're playing from, and which site you're playing on. Different countries and provinces have different laws applying to online gambling and online casinos, and here at GamblingPlanet.org, we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the laws in your region before playing. In many countries, online casino activities are indeed legal for most citizens. While laws are vague at times regarding different localities and activities, you can be sure that age limits ALWAYS apply. Whatever the case, though, ignorance of the law is never an excuse to break it, and we definitely suggest you visit our legality section for more information on who can play what and where.
Do I need to obtain certain software? If so, is there any danger of picking up a virus?
Web-based casinos differ from download-based casinos in that the web-based variety operate entirely with web-based programs, while download-based sites requires you to save their programs to your personal computer. Generally speaking, the latter is more common because the quality of downloaded games is usually far superior. The software is almost always reliable and safe, and the fact that your computer is sharing the memory load with the site's server and other players' home computers allows for advanced graphics and faster, more realistic play.
As for the safety question, there are several signs that verify a site's integrity and, hence, the integrity of its software. Most above-board, corporate sites display notices that outside inspectors regularly give them a good grilling. Besides this, however, you can avoid a lot of problems and unwanted bugs by simply being careful: anytime you're online, you should use an anti-virus/internet-security program of some kind, regardless of whether you participate in online gambling. Such precautions offer the best protection against downloading corrupt software and/or viruses, and we strongly advise you to use them. However, if you can't, you can still enjoy your online-gambling experience as long as you stick to reliable and trustworthy sites and verify that the listed inspection agencies are real and doing their jobs. If you do so, there is no more to fear from software downloads than from puppy-dog licking.
Which online casino should I choose when starting out?
This depends on what you're looking for! There are hundreds of online casinos, and each has its own theme, game selection and bonus deals, as well as varying strengths and weaknesses. The important thing to remember is that you should always look for casinos that proudly display signs of their integrity (the presence of independent auditors for example) and ones with solid reputations. Visit our reviews section for more information and a good selection of reliable, safe casinos that offer exciting and fun opportunities.
How popular is online gambling?
Online gambling has witnessed an explosion in popularity over the past decade. It is estimated that nearly 12 million people have placed wagers online at some point and that more than 5 million Americans gamble online regularly. What's more, women and players from outside the U.S. and the U.K. are getting involved more and more as online casinos continue to increase in number and their traffic levels rise. Check out some of the editorials on our site for a look at how online gambling has blown up into a full-fledged phenomenon and how you can get in on the action!
Is online gambling safe? Are online casinos reliable? How can I tell?
The short answer is, yes, online gambling is as safe, if not safer, than its land-based counterpart, but only if you take the proper precautions. Before playing at any online casino, check for signs--usually displayed on a site's main page(s) in the form of icons or links to security information--indicating that the site subscribes to or is suject to integrity guarantors. Check for sites that have been independently audited, use top-notch security software, and have received favorable feedback and reviews from their clients and customers. Online casinos want to attract customers, and to do so they need to assure their clients that their site is trustworthy and will provide a safe and quality experience. The casinos reviewed on our site all meet these criteria, and you should be wary of any site that doesn't do so and/or doesn't display or possess such security-assurance characteristics.
How much money do I need to begin?
Honestly, sometimes it's a better idea to begin with no money at all and play the games for free. Doing so allows you to build-up experience and a working knowledge of the rules before placing any live wagers. And, because most Internet casinos allow this, you should definitely take advantage of it (this is one of the perks of playing online!). Otherwise, you can generally start out with as little money as you like, but you should also pay attention to the bonus opportunities for depositing larger amounts. Most casinos, in an effort to attract customers, offer very lucrative bonuses (free money!) for first-time players, and this is always a benefit. As with any bet you ever place, however, only play with what you can afford and are comfortable with losing. Finally, remember: it's ONLINE--there's nobody to impress at 4 a.m. while you're in your socks and undies, so play for the sheer enjoyment of it!
Is there a way to learn more BEFORE I actually play and contribute money?
YES! Most casinos (and the ones we recommend you begin with) offer the opportunity to play their games for free before depositing any money. This is a great way for you to familiarize yourself with the games' speed, rules, etiquette, etc. beforehand and will ultimately make your gambling experience more comfortable and successful. Beyond that, there are plenty of online games that only require penny and small-change bets. Playing these low-stakes wagers is an excellent way to build experience and gain a level of familiarity that will serve you well as you progress to high-stakes tables.
After I've won, how do I obtain my winnings?
Different casinos have different procedures. Some simply credit your account, while many others issue checks, bank drafts, and/or wires-all of which are popular options. Still others may require you to input a PIN that you receive via regular post before you can make a withdrawal. Make sure you read each casino's policies before depositing any money online, and definitely verify that the site has a customer-service representative (reputable casinos all offer 24/7 customer-service departments) available if you have any problems.
Where can I find help or suggestions regarding strategy and rules?
Once again, sites like GamblingPlanet.org (and especially Gamblingplanet.org) are great sources of information! Visit our strategy and rules sections for more information on various games.
What kinds of games are available online?
The range of choices is absolutely enormous. Most casinos offer at least 20-30 games while several offer over 75. Basically, any game you can find in a land-based casino will also be available online and, more often than not, in several varieties.
How can I be sure the software, the casino, or some "Robot" isn't cheating me?
As always, choosing only to play at reputable, trustworthy online casinos is the best way to ensure the integrity of the game you're playing. The sites found in Gamblingplanet.org reviews and promotions all employ security-tested software, and their payout percentages and profits are independently verified and publicly published. Remember: a casino wouldn't stay in business if no one EVER won at its site. And you can verify the payouts they've made and the consistency of their operations by simply accessing their public business registers.
If I encounter a problem, is it possible to talk to a live person?
YES. Most online casinos offer live, 24-hour support, 7 days a week. At good sites, this support is readily available, easy to find and very helpful when used. If you ever have a problem, don't hesitate to contact someone. Remember: these sites are interested in retaining customers, so customer service is a major part of their operations. Take advantage of it when necessary!
If I think I have, or someone else has, developed a gambling problem, where can I turn for help?
While gambling, and especially online gambling, is meant to be enjoyed in moderation, there is always the risk of making dangerous wagers that can end up harming those involved and the people close to them. This is a very serious problem that no one is immune to, and EVERYONE should become familiar with its causes, symptoms and effects BEFORE they begin gambling anywhere. If you think that you or anyone you know may be developing a problem, it's always best to attack the addiction BEFORE it becomes too serious and BEFORE someone gets hurt! Visit the gambling addiction section on our site for more information on compulsive gambling and links to sources that can help problem gamblers overcome it.