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How To Ensure You Are Safe At Online Casinos

Online casino security and safety are among the most important factors that Internet gamblers consider before joining. Considering that a safe online casino is also a profitable casino, online casinos spend a lot of money on improving their security features.

A secure online casino is one that is licensed, regulated, and has encryption on its system, and software that is hacker-proof. Knowing whether an online casino is safe from criminals is not easy, but by being aware of the right security concerns, you can avoid becoming a victim.

Have you ever wondered how to ensure your safety while playing at online casinos, how online casinos ensure your safety, and how to make a casino purely safe for you? This article is for you. Among other things, we shall consider these in detail. Be sure not to miss out by staying tuned to this piece!

How To Ensure You’re Safe At Online Casinos

You need more than a passcode and VPN to ensure your security at online casinos. Choosing a trustworthy payment method is just as important as choosing a reliable gaming website. Games and bonuses are also important.

They are all good, but some are better than others. With that in mind, here are some actionable tips to help you stay safe when playing casino games online:

Make sure you play at a licensed casino

You can check this easily. Do your research before you create your profile and sign up, and make sure the chosen casino has a valid license, such as MGA or Curacao. On the other hand, CasinoBros provides a list of legit casinos, so all you have to do is choose one from there and you are good to go. As for why this license is so important, you should remember that every licensed online casino is required to follow a set of rules and standards, such as ensuring their clients’ privacy and safety.

Use encrypted passwords

If you create an account, you will have to choose a password that you will need to enter every time you want to sign in. System encryption and storing your password in a secure and closed database are essential. Historically, casinos have stored passwords in raw form, which can be easily accessed by hackers. Thankfully, today’s casinos are far more developed than in years past, so they don’t often make this mistake. All you have to do is create accounts at online casinos that provide encryption for passwords.

Pay with a trusted method

You have to invest money first in order to make money. Despite the fact that the casino platform is secure, you still need to ensure that your payment method is reliable. Choose a well-known brand such as Visa or MasterCard. Payments can also be made using an e-wallet platform, such as Skrill or PayPal if you do not want to leave your credit card number.

Several layers of protection

An online casino that only asks for your user name and password when conducting a financial transaction is probably not very safe. You will be asked by a trustworthy online casino to prove your identity to verify that you are who you claim to be. So don’t be surprised if a casino asks for a copy of your ID, such as your driver’s license, passport, or ID card, as this is how they deter scammers. Some platforms may ask for a copy of your latest utility bill in order to verify your address.

Make sure you read the fine print

Please make sure you read every word of the terms and conditions every time you join a game table or request a bonus. In order to make an informed decision, you need to be fully aware of all the details. It is not uncommon to find hidden traps that put a player’s stakes at risk. Therefore, read the fine print carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Try it out while it’s still free

A free trial period is offered by some online casinos to new players. During this time, you are not allowed to withdraw any winnings since you are not investing money. In the meantime, you can familiarize yourself with the technology, safety framework, games, and operations and see if you wish to invest your hard-earned money.

How do Online Casinos Ensure Safety of Users

With the internet filled with lots of unscrupulous individuals nowadays, online casinos put measures in place to ensure the safety of their users. Some of these measures include:

Two-factor authentication

Your Stake account can be protected from unauthorized access with two-factor authentication. Your mobile device is used for this extra security measure rather than just using your username and password to log in.

At online casinos, you can find this feature. You will be able to use this 2FA security feature for withdrawals, tips, and other account transactions if 2FA is enabled on your account.

Hybrid RSA Encryption

It ensures the security of every transaction. When data is encrypted, it makes it impossible for third parties to intercept it. Betting online is more secure when you use this technology or similar technologies like Shift4Payments.

SSL

The SSL certificate authenticates the identity of a website and enables encrypted connections. This is a security protocol that allows a web server and a web browser to establish an encrypted link between themselves. Data transmissions between two systems are protected by SSL, which prevents eavesdropping or modification by criminals. An SSL-protected site is indicated by the padlock icon in the address bar next to the URL.

An SSL certificate ensures that any data transmitted between users and websites, or between systems, cannot be read. To prevent hackers from gaining access to the data during transit, encryption algorithms are used.

SHA-3 Hash Algorithm

SHA-3 hash algorithms are used to prevent tampering with random number generators. Casino gambling takes place purely based on luck and is governed by random number generators. It is therefore forbidden to alter them in order to cheat other players. Casinos use them to protect players from feeling cheated and to ensure fair play.

ID Verification

New players must verify their identity in order to create an online casino account. The process of manually verifying documents can take time and drive players away, but new ID forms are making the process more efficient.

Before a new player can bet on a match or play a slot machine, they usually have to prove they are who they claim to be. Casinos and vulnerable players alike are protected by identity verification requirements enforced by regulators in every jurisdiction. The ID verification process prevents underage gambling and problem gambling in addition to fraud and money laundering.

Conclusion

While gambling online, it is important to keep your head at all times, avoid getting carried away or tempted by offers that seem too good to be true. You should also remember that gambling should be fun, so if it causes you more stress than excitement, take a break from the computer and use your time more carefully.

While online casino games are undoubtedly vulnerable to fraud, a few responsible choices can minimize the risk. To avoid being duped, you need to first understand how the world of online casinos works. If you want a reliable payment option, make sure your casino of choice is licensed and offers reputable software.

You should also consider player protection tools. The tools may seem cumbersome, but they are a sign that the casino is concerned about its players. In addition, since you set limits, you can have fun without worrying about overdoing it.

What games are available at the online casinos

Online casino gambling is one of the greatest forms of recreation that exists. Like esports players, you sit in your cozy climate-controlled room, workplace and compete for either for free or real money. As long as everyone remains distinct, choices do not always match.

To avoid boring users, online casinos take enviable measures to provide a vast category of games. Each of these game categories also has many appealing types from different software providers. Top software providers in the online casino industry include Pragmatic Play, Ainsworth, Amatic, 1×2 Gaming, Push Gaming, ReelPlay, Genesis Gaming, Blueprint, ELK Studios, iSoftbet, Playson, Red Tiger, Booming Games, Microgaming, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Evolution Gaming and so many others with impeccable portfolios.

Online casinos stick to these providers due to their popularity amongst the casino gambling community. Many of these providers have games across the popular categories like video slots, card games, progressive jackpots, specialty games, live dealers, table games, and video poker. A comprehensive examination of these game categories and popular games under them is really important here. Read on to learn more!

Video Slots

Video slots are some of the most exciting games available at online casinos today. A video slot is a game similar to a traditional slot machine. The most popular video slots include classic games focusing on the symbols, as well as more complex games with mini bonus rounds and different levels. They are usually themed, with some of the world’s favorite themes including film and television, luxury lifestyles, folklore and magic, and of course futuristic, sci-fi adventures.

The popularity of video slot games has grown rapidly in the last few years, and they can be found at all top-quality online casinos. Some of the popular video slots to look out for at online casinos include:

  • 100 Ladies
  • Gonzo’s Quest
  • Flowers
  • Guns N’ Roses
  • Quick Hit Ultra Pays Sun Dragon
  • 2X Wild And Crazy
  • Quick Hit Ultra Pays Monkeys Fortune
  • 2X3X4X5 Super Times Pay Hot Roll
  • Quick Hit Triple Blazing 7s Free Games Fever
  • 3 Alarm Fire
  • 3/5/10 Play Poker
  • 5 Dragons Rapid
  • Wheel of Fortune – MegaTower Triple Red Hot 777 Gold Spin
  • 5 Treasures
  • Wheel of Fortune – MegaTower Triple Double Diamond
  • 88 Fortunes
  • A Night of Mystery
  • Adorned Peacock
  • Wheel of Fortune – Mega Tower Triple Gold Gold Spin
  • African Diamond
  • Aftershock
  • Wizard Spins
  • Agent Crossbow
  • Quicksilver Diving For Riches

Table Games

Traditionally, casino table games are played on tables where dealers use chips to conduct the game. However, there are electronic table games that resemble traditional table games but use an electronic device for customers to place their bets.

Table games are normally played at a table, which is designed specifically for the particular game being played. Croupiers and dealers enable games and manage payments. Players pay to play table games. The odds at the table determine the payout for successful bets. You bet on specific outcomes. International casino gaming is characterized by a constant House edge (Edge). It is a measure of what a casino would expect to retain, on average, for each spin or hand, based on normal patterns of play.

Popular types of table games include:

  • Baccarat
  • Chuck-a-luck
  • Fan-Tan
  • Caribbean stud poker
  • Craps
  • Casino war
  • Pai Gow
  • Faro
  • Four Card Poker
  • Roulette
  • Let It Ride
  • Big Six wheel
  • Mississippi Stud
  • Pai gow poker
  • Two-up
  • Red Dog
  • Spanish 21
  • Teen Patti
  • Three Card Poker

Card Games

Card games are any games played primarily with cards, whether they are traditional or game-specific.

Numerous card games exist, including families of related games (such as poker). Some card games played with traditional decks have officially standardized rules with international tournaments. However, most of them are folk games with rules that can vary between regions, cultures, and individuals.

In playing cards games, the fact that cards are only identifiable from one side allows the players to know only the cards they hold and not those held by other players. As a result, card games are often referred to as games of chance or “imperfect information” in contrast with games of strategy or perfect information, where the current position is always visible to all players.

Online casinos now provide lots of these card games with prominent ones like:

  • Blackjack
  • Three Card Poker
  • Baccarat
  • Caribbean Stud Poker
  • Pai Gow Poker
  • Casino Hold’em Poker
  • Red Dog

Video Poker

Playing video poker is similar to playing five-card draw poker. It can be played on a computerized console similar in size to a slot machine. The first commercial video poker machine emerged when it became economical to combine a television-like monitor with a Solid State Central Processing Unit. When the first personal computers were introduced in the mid-1970s, the earliest models were primitive by today’s standards.

The popularity of video poker in casinos increased during the 1980s as people found it less intimidating than playing table games. In many casinos today, both traditional and online, video poker occupies an important place on the gaming floor.

Some of the top video poker games available at online casinos include:

  • Jacks or Better
  • Deuces Wild
  • Bonus Poker
  • Double Bonus Poker
  • Loose Deuces Wild
  • Double Double Bonus Poker
  • Triple Bonus Poker
  • Pick’em Poker
  • Jokers Wild
  • Ace$ Bonus Poker

Specialty Games

Specialty games refer to any games that don’t fall into the major categories of gambling at online casinos. In general, slot machines have their section, video poker is kept together, and table games can be grouped under a single category, but everything else is grouped.

Since it isn’t always clear what you’ll find here, many players tend to avoid this area of the casino sites and stick to the ones they know. Nonetheless, you might be surprised to find that there are at least some options here that might appeal to you, either for a regular gaming session or as a way to take a break between more serious sessions. Here are some games that you might find under the specialty games heading:

 

  • Keno – Think of your local, state, or national lottery if you aren’t familiar with the game. You can find it at many live casinos. Your task is to pick a few numbers and hope that they will match those drawn in the next drawing. In contrast to traditional lotteries, keno gives players more choices. For example, you can change how many numbers you select to increase your winning odds and increase your potential payout if you match them all.

 

  • Bingo – The objective of bingo is to match the numbers printed on each card with the numbers drawn at random by the game host, by marking the chosen numbers with tiles.

 

  • Scratch-offs – Scratch-offs require scratching off cards to get pins that unlock amazing prices. The prices attached are heavily dependent on luck too. You can compare these games to the usual lottery played.

Progressive Jackpot Games

Progressive jackpots are jackpots (or payouts) which increase each time the game is played without the jackpot being won. As soon as a progressive jackpot is won, the next play resets the jackpot to a predetermined amount, and the jackpot increases again according to the same rules.

There is no doubt that progressive jackpot slots are one of the most popular casino games. Why is that? You can win millions of dollars without spending a lot of money. Hundreds of casinos worldwide offer the most popular jackpot games online. In addition to being able to play these incredible games anywhere, you can also pick from several great casinos to play at. Top Progressive Jackpots are:

 

  • Jackpot King
  • Aladdin’s Lamp
  • Aztec’s Millions
  • Funky Fruits
  • Mega Moolah
  • Hall of Gods Jackpot
  • Leprechauns Luck

Conclusion

Sticking to a particular category you’re used to might work for you. However, I can promise you’ll have a great and thrilling experience trying out the other categories of games. Keep exploring and making lots of cash while having fun!

Sports betting live in Maryland, state casinos report higher profits

Maryland Live Casino Good news for sports betting fans in the state of Maryland – the first sportsbook is about to go live, literally. The Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland will have the honor this month to become the first casino in the state to offer legal sports betting. The casino hotel has partnered with FanDuel, which will be the entity running the sportsbook inside the casino property.

Starting Friday, visitors to the Maryland Live! will now be able to go to special betting section windows to place their sports wagers without the worry of the law. In addition to the betting windows, there will be an lounge-style area for the sports fans to sit down and watch many of the games they are betting on. Live! was the first casino in Maryland and now can also claim the same honors as the first legal sportsbook in the state.

This comes about a year after the residents of the state voted to legalize sports betting in the Old Line State, during a November 2020 referendum. Many of the proponents of legalizing the sportsbooks in Maryland pointed to the fact that the state was losing revenue from bettors traveling to nearby Virginia and DC to place wagers legally, shifting traffic and taxes from the local casinos.

The sports betting news comes on the heels of more good news for the local gambling establishments. The latest report by the state showed that the local casinos increased their gambling revenue by 23% in November, compared to the same month a year ago. Total revenue was at over $160 million, with Live! Casino and Hotel leading the pack with just over $58 million in November.

Granted that in November of 2020 all casinos operated under capacity restrictions due to the pandemic, the report indicates that the casinos are starting to go back to per-pandemic levels. The health of the Maryland gambling industry should further improve once the sportsbooks being operating in full steam. The upcoming college football playoff games, as well as the NFL and NBA schedules in the upcoming months, should guarantee a healthy dose of traffic.

Casino Random Number Generators (RNG) Explained

Random number generators (RNGs) are an essential element of online casino games, as they guarantee the complete randomness necessary for these chance-based digital games. All licensed and reputable gambling sites use random number generators that have been tested by independent authorities to ensure fair play. This article explores how RNGs work and their importance to online casinos and fair play.

RNGs, or random number generators, are types of computer programs that generate random numbers at random. RNGs produce vast numbers every second without following any pattern. At any given time, they must provide one or more numbers from the series when requested.

Different types of RNGs exist, but they are typically grouped into two categories – “true random” and “pseudo-random”.

True Random Number Generators (TRNGs): generate random numbers based on physical events that have random elements, such as noise signals. Since the real physical event is random, an attacker can’t predict the sequence of numbers. For this reason, the numbers cannot be deceived.

Pseudo-random Number Generators (PRNG): creates long strings of numbers based on a short string of numbers. Short strings of numbers are known as seed numbers, and they can sometimes come from a physical or natural source, such as a TRNG. Due to their digital nature and reliance on a seed number and algorithm, these systems are highly vulnerable to hackers who can try to guess values or reverse engineer them. However, this is highly unlikely.

RNGs are used in almost every aspect of our lives, including computer simulations, security applications, and statistical sampling. However, in this article, we’re focusing specifically on how RNGs are used in casinos.

History of Random Number Generators

Before numbers had symbols, and before computers, random number generators were devised. For various reasons, all great civilizations have felt compelled to make random picks throughout history. Random number generators, especially on computers, are now a significant (though frequently overlooked) component of human behavior, particularly in casinos.

Several methods have been developed for generating random data based on various applications for randomness. Many techniques have existed since ancient times, such as the rolling of dice, coin flipping, shuffling of playing cards, and the use of yarrow stalks (for divination) in the I Ching, as well as countless other examples. Due to the mechanical nature of these techniques, generating large quantities of sufficiently random numbers (important in statistics) required considerable effort and time. Consequently, random number tables were sometimes used to distribute results.

However, the introduction of computers made the pathway for a more advanced approach of using Random Number Generators as we have them today. These computerized Random Number Generators have been constantly improved on since then to meet more demands, especially at online casinos with a very large pool of users. The idea of using RNGs makes gamblers feel at home at any casino and all online casinos embrace this ever since.

How Random Number Generators are used to determine the game outcome at online casinos

PRNGs are used by casinos to ensure that games without dealers are random. Besides using them for playing cards, they can also be used for flipping coins and other basic activities. Casinos use a PRNG system that is continuously active, which means it generates numbers continuously. The numbers are then instantly converted into elements of the games. For instance, RNG tools calculate the symbols that appear on reels in online slots, the slots on the roulette wheel where the ball falls, the hands dealt in card games, and the numbers rolled in dice games.

We’ll see an example of how this might be accomplished when playing slots online. Imagine there is a three-reel casino slot game with 10 symbols per reel. The Random Number Generator then assigns a value to each symbol and selects a random value from one to ten for each reel. The result is three independent symbols, all assigned independently of one another. Whenever they form a winning combination, the slot game will pay your winnings.

Many land-based gambling destinations also use this technology in their machine-based games, including jackpot slots and video poker. This is the same as how online slots, poker, and other casino games are generated.

Is it possible to beat a random number generator?

The immediate answer is no. In casinos, legitimate random number generators are designed in a way that prevents players from beating them, while ensuring they’re still fair compared to physical counterparts.

However, it is possible long term. Nevertheless, you’ll need international espionage skills to get your hands on the software and algorithms used to generate the random values that drive these games. Since game producers ensure that their games can only be won fairly, these are highly protected by them.

In any case, you’re unlikely to want to cheat unless you’re a cheater. Games at casinos are inherently random. Because of this, they’re called games of chance, where luck alone determines whether you win or lose. There’s no way to know for sure what will happen in a game, but you can determine the probability.

You may be able to influence the outcome of skill-based online table games like online poker or blackjack. Knowing when to fold, check, and raise and knowing the best starting hands in poker can boost your odds – just like knowing when to hit or stand in blackjack. Nevertheless, card games can quickly spiral out of control because each one has a completely random outcome. A gambling game on the other hand is all about wagering on an uncertain outcome, which is what makes them fun.

Are Random Number Generators as fair as expected?

Legitimate and trustworthy websites use RNG software that has been rigorously tested by independent auditors. Consultants and testing services are regularly provided by third parties to both land-based and online casinos. The goal of this is to ensure that patrons of regulated physical and online gambling venues enjoy a fair and fun gambling experience. An audit may include the following:

  • Inspections of lottery and pari-mutuel systems
  • RNG inspections
  • Evaluations of games and mathematics
  • Live dealers, sportsbook, or gambling exchange evaluations
  • Game payout checks and reports

It means that the RNGs of a betting site are random when it is certified as fair. Checking this is as simple as looking for the certification seal on the gambling website, which is typically found at the bottom of almost every page.

Furthermore, gambling operators are not allowed to make any changes to individual machines or games without involving regulators and following extensive procedures. A gambling site found to be in breach of such rules could face hefty fines or even have its license revoked.

Independent companies like eCOGRA and TST (Technical Systems Testing) conduct regular, thorough RNG checks. They also evaluate live dealers, audit poker systems, perform penetration testing, verify game payouts, and conduct many other tests and checks to ensure the fairness of online gaming.

Conclusion

After an exhaustive consideration of Random Number Generators, it is clear this technology plays a significant role in fairness at online casinos. You should make sure to ensure that a casino you’re playing at has this fair technology added to its games. This way you can sit back and enjoy gambling with no manipulation of odds. Try online casinos with RNGs and enjoy the power of sheer luck in gambling!

Florida Seminole Tribe gambling stronghold under assault in sports betting deal, casino expansion attempts

Seminole Tribe casino The Florida’s Seminole Tribe stronghold has come under assault recently, the tribe being dealt blows on both their sports betting and their casino businesses.

First came a surprise ruling by a federal district court judge in the District of Columbia, seriously affecting the sports betting side of the tribe’s operation. Judge Dabney L. Friedrich put a halt on the online sports betting, which the Seminole Tribe launched in the beginning of November, after they reached a deal with the state in May of 2021. Not only was the online sports betting business affected, but the ruling also prevents the tribe’s Hard Rock casinos from adding roulette and craps tables.

The gambling deal between the Seminole Tribe and the State of Florida, the “compact”, gave the tribe a 30-year monopoly over sports betting in the state, as well as the ability to add the aforementioned casino games to their land-based casino operation. In exchange, the Seminoles agreed to pay Florida at least $2.5 billion over the first five years of the deal.

The ruling handed down by Judge Friedrich underlined that the compact was violating the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Act requires that all gambling is conducted on tribal land, and the the online sports bets simply going through a server on tribal land would hardly qualify. The judge advised Florida and the Seminoles to draw a new compact that would allow online gambling only physically on tribal land. Both the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe are expected to appeal Judge Friedrich’s ruling.

But the legal bills for the Seminoles will continue to pile up this week, after the tribe was named a defendant in a different case. On Wednesday, gambling giant Las Vegas Sands filed a lawsuit against the Seminoles in Leon County state circuit court, alleging “tortuous interference with business relationships”. The lawsuit accuses the tribe of trying to block the gathering of the 900,000 signatures needed to put a gambling expansion on the ballot next year.

According to the Las Vegas casino company, the tribe has engaged in underhanded tactics to prevent signature-gatherers from collecting those in favor of the Las Vegas Sands casino expansion. According to the court filing, the tribe went as far as trying to pay some of the signature gatherers to leave the state or join the “other side” of the petition.

It would be interesting to watch the development of these two legal battles, as the outcome could very well shape both the online gambling and the land-based casino landscape in Florida.

Gambling addiction and how to get help

The US has an estimated two million gambling addicts, and the habit seriously interferes with work and social life for as many as 20 million. The act of gambling involves the risking of something of value to acquire something even greater. The urge to gamble uncontrollably, no matter how much it affects one’s life, is gambling addiction. As with drugs or alcohol, gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system, which makes it addictive. Gambling addiction is arguably the most common impulse-control disorder in the world.

It is important to recognize that gambling addiction can be caused by several factors, such as desperation for money, the “high” that comes from playing the game, and the intoxicating atmosphere of the gambling scene

Gambling has traditionally been considered a compulsion rather than an addiction by the psychiatric community, i.e. something people do primarily because they want to rather than out of necessity. However, after studies revealed gambling addiction is far more similar to alcohol and drug addiction than initially thought, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 5th edition decided to officially recognize gambling as an addiction in 2013.

Problems that Stem From Gambling Addiction

Problems that stem from gambling addiction start with symptoms that are common amongst gambling addicts. Then, some consequences follow these symptoms. Most times, the symptoms of gambling addiction cause a huge strain on the relationships of the affected person. This is because the other person may not be aware of what’s going on and take offense at weird reactions. Let’s consider some of these symptoms and effects below:

  • Possessing an obsessive gambling habit
  • Gambling with increasingly large amounts of money only to get the same thrill
  • An unsuccessful attempt to control, reduce, or stop gambling
  • A feeling of restlessness or irritability when unable to gamble
  • Using gambling as an escape from problems or to relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
  • Gambling more in an attempt to recover lost money
  • Using gambling to undermine or lose important relationships or work or school opportunities
  • Using fraud or theft to obtain gambling money

When people addicted to gambling lose, they are unable to stop or set a loss limit. Instead, they are forced to continue playing until they recover their losses. People often lose more money than they intended, feel bad about the losses, and attempt to regain that money by gambling, even more, leading to even more losses. In this destructive cycle, a person’s physical, mental, and financial health can be seriously damaged.

As if the horrible symptom problems were not enough, they lead to more effects which are exhaustively addressed below:

Both the family and the individual are burdened by financial stress. Some problem gamblers spend so much money that they commit theft to fulfill their unquenchable desires. The emotional distress resulting from problem gambling often causes a breakdown in families, with children being the most innocent victims. Furthermore, those with gambling addictions suffer from stomach problems, headaches, insomnia, and ulcers as a result of stress. The use of drugs and alcohol by people with gambling issues can have even more detrimental effects.

How to Avoid Gambling Addiction

It’s a common opinion amongst people in the world that prevention is better than cure. That equally works with gambling addiction. However, the question is how do you avoid gambling addiction? Avoidance means taking proactive steps to prevent it from happening. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Set a Gambling Budget

Have a maximum amount you want to spend on gambling and strictly adhere to it. This budget could be for a month, day or year. Hence, no matter how thrilling a gambling session is, you would not go overboard with spending.

  • Set Gambling Timetable

This helps you reduce your gambling time and avoid plunging into an uncontrollable gambling spree.

How to get help when you’re dealing with gambling addiction?

Most times, dealing with gambling addiction on your own can prove very ineffective. This is why you need to get help as soon as possible. Several treatment facilities specialize in gambling addiction recovery as well as providing treatment.

You can contact the National Council on Problem Gambling through a phone call, phone text, or chat. The phone number is 1-800-522-4700 and you can initiate chat at ncpgambling.org/chat.

Online Casinos also provide amazing help to problem gamblers. Some options place you on gambling restrictions to prevent you from playing at your weak moments. You can also delete your gambling account by applying for problem gambling or gambling addiction help.

General Steps to take if you want to quit gambling

Stopping gambling can be extremely difficult but, once stopped, the ongoing task is to stay stopped. Here are a few steps you can take if you want to quit gambling:

1.     Know what the problem is

If you don’t understand something, you can’t fix it. Learn about gambling and admit to yourself that you have a gambling problem to eliminate it from your life. Observe the symptoms of gambling disorder honestly, and even better, ask a loved one what they think of your gambling. Stop denying how gambling affects your life and start accepting it.

2.      Become a member of a support group

Now that you are aware of the problem, you can seek help from a support group. A support group is an organization that is run by people with similar experiences. While there are no professional interventions in support groups, participants can try them out in person or on the Internet.

One support group dedicated to people with gambling problems is Gamblers Anonymous. As is the case with other 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, this group follows a similar approach.

3.     Do not give in to temptation

Though gambling is a temptation, viewing it as an addiction is a significant step since it allows you to apply skills from addiction recovery and relapse prevention. Avoiding people, places, and activities associated with gambling can help someone in recovery avoid setbacks. The thoughts and feelings that lead to gambling can be avoided by avoiding these triggers.

4.     Find an alternative to gambling

You can find healthy alternatives to gambling by avoiding triggers and distracting yourself during cravings. But for a better state, you’ll need to avoid triggers and distract yourself during cravings. The focus can be shifted away from the bad to the good by replacing gambling behaviors with positive ones.

Here are some alternatives to gambling:

  • Exercise (e.g., walking, weightlifting, team sports, yoga)
  • Meditation
  • Spending more time with nongambling family members and friends
  • Volunteering at an animal shelter or hospital
  • Trying out new hobbies
  • Traveling

You can explore many fun, beneficial alternatives with the extra money you spare from not gambling.

Conclusion

Gambling Addiction can be very daunting but it also has its corresponding measures to overcome. Avoidance comes first, treatment after and quitting is the hardest. The steps provided in this piece should give you all the information you need to stay ahead and avoid falling victim to gambling addiction.

However, we’ve provided measures to help you even if you do fall victim to the addiction of gambling. Gambling is thrilling and fun. However, extreme playing can be bad for you. Take necessary steps to curb gambling addiction today!

High Roller rooms at Macau casinos closed after Suncity debacle

Macau casinos The coronavirus pandemic already decimated the Macau casinos, but the pain continues to compound for one of the major sources of revenue for the Chinese enclave.

Following the local authorities operation against the biggest junket supplying high roller traffic to the Macau casinos, Suncity Group Holdings Ltd., along with the arrests of it’s chairman Alvin Chau and 10 others, the casinos in the enclave informed Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau that they have severed their ties with Suncity. In addition, beginning December 1st, all high roller rooms the junket has previously enjoyed at various casinos, will be suspended.

Suncity and Mr. Chau are accused of soliciting casino gambling, including incentivizing online wagering, in mainland China, where nearly all forms of gambling are strictly illegal. In fact, Macau is the only place in the country where gambling is legal, much like Las Vegas used to be in the United States, and Suncity and other junkets are an integral part of delivering foot traffic to the Macau casinos from the mainland. The junkets not only help the casinos find high rollers, but take care of VIP travel, accommodations, and debt settlement, to name a few of their services.

Following the announcement by the Macau casinos, their stocks declined even further, the prices of local subsidiaries of world-recognized casino names such as Wynn and Sands, now well down to multi-year lows.

The high roller casino players are a huge part of the revenues of the local casinos. According to some accounts, more than half of Macau’s total gambling revenues in 2018 cam from the VIP players. And thanks to the legal framework encompassing gambling in China, the majority of those VIP players came from mainland China. With the perceived demise of one of the biggest junkets in Macau, the future of the casinos there is as uncertain as it has ever been.

Casino Reward Programs, Loyalty and VIP Programs in depth

Casino Rewards

Example of the casino rewards, as show at the UptownAces Casino.

A VIP program is offered by online casinos to reward loyal customers. These days, almost every casino offers a loyalty program, such as the M Life Rewards Program. You might as well join these programs if you’re going to gamble anyway. In the end, there’s little downside to picking up rewards alongside your gameplay.

Due to one or more reasons, you may choose not to collect loyalty rewards. The most likely scenario is when you fail to enroll if the program is optional. Each loyalty program offers different benefits. Some of the most popular ones are:

Cashback

In gaming sites, VIP programs are the backbone of the business. Through VIP programs, loyalty points can be exchanged for money. An example of an online casino cashback program is as follows:

Every $1 wagered on a gaming site is worth one point

1,000 points can be exchanged for $1 cashback

The ratio of 1 to 1,000 is 0.001

The casino offers a 0.1% cashback rate

You can also expect deposit bonuses, free spins, faster withdrawals, and VIP customer support in addition to the cashback.

The deposit bonuses

Online gambling sites are the only places that offer these services. Your casino will match your deposit up to a maximum amount by a certain percentage.

Free spins

They are also unique to mobile casinos and allow you to play real money slots for free.

Whenever you progress in a loyalty program, you will receive bigger perks. As an example, you may receive a 100% match bonus worth up to $200 at the lowest VIP level. At the highest level, you could earn a 100% match bonus worth up to $2,000 a month.

Loyalty/VIP Programs at Top Online Casinos

VIP Club at an online casino You can take part in the best online casino rewards programs and win more money as you play. In some cases, these rewards programs also link you to physical casinos. You can earn points for betting credits and other prizes by playing games online or in person.

This is a no-brainer deal whether you play slots or table games, as they usually come with highly reasonable terms and conditions compared to welcome bonuses. Here are some of the best online casino rewards programs you can take advantage of:

Jackpot City Casino VIP Program

Jackpot City Casino provides a Casino Program of a $1600 bonus on a minimum deposit of $20. This reward works on more than 650 slots at this casino.

Spin Casino VIP Program

Spin Casino’s  Program offers a $1000 bonus on a minimum deposit of $20. Players can use this reward on more than 300 slot machines.

BetOnline Casino VIP Program

The Casino Program at BetOnline Casino offers a $3000 bonus when you deposit a minimum of $25. This reward can be played on more than 12 slot machines.

SugarHouse Casino iRush Rewards

You automatically become a member of the iRush Rewards program when you play at SugarHouse casino. You can earn points by betting on casino games or sports. If a game offers a low return to player (RTP) percentage, you will have to wager less to earn points. To earn 1 reward point, you need to wager the following amount:

  • $4.17 on games with an RTP of 94% or less.
  • $5.50 on games with an RTP of 95% or less.
  • $10 on games with 97.5% RTP or less.
  • $25 on games with an RTP of 99% or less.

As you earn points, you climb the tiers of the iRush Rewards ladder, which starts with access to the bonus store at 40 points. You can then access special offers at tier three. When you reach tier five, you have access to custom offers like deposit limit assistance. And at tier seven, you get exclusive swag, VIP promotional calendar, and VIP birthday gifts.

Golden Nugget Casino Ultimate Rewards

Upon earning 5,000 Golden Points, you’ll get to the VIP Rewards tier at Golden Nugget. In addition to Golden Points, you can get daily, weekly, and monthly bonuses, as well as birthday bonuses. VIPs also receive complimentary perks at the Golden Nugget AC and Golden Nugget Las Vegas.

You can earn Golden Points in the following ways:

  • For every $100 wagered on slots, you will earn 5 points.
  • A point is awarded for every $100 wagered on table games.
  • Every deposit between $50 and $99 earns you 20 points.
  • You get 50 points for every $100 you deposit.

Additional terms and conditions apply, including a limit of one deposit point earned per day.

BetMGM Casino M Life Rewards And iRewards

BetMGM and MGM Resorts properties are both eligible for the M Life Rewards program. In contrast, BetMGM’s M Life Rewards program is more closely associated with in-person play than its iRewards program. In-person benefits of M Life Rewards include a 20% discount on hotel bookings, free rooms and dining, and free play at physical slot machines. You’ll also receive benefits based on your location and style of play.

When you link your M Life account to your online account, you earn extra iRewards Points. For online-only play, you also receive iRewards Points, which can be exchanged for bonuses, free spins, and betting credits. Additionally, you’ll receive increased deposit limits, expedited withdrawals, and invitations to sports and entertainment events.

Comparison of Loyalty/VIP Programs at Top Online Casinos

Looking at the loyalty offers considered above, it’s evident that most casinos whether land-based or online make use of a tier or point system. The major area of disparity is in the area of incentives given by each. For instance, while Jackpot City Casino offers $1600, Spin Casino and BetOnline offer $1000 and $3000 respectively.

SugarHouse Casino, Golden Nugget Casino, and BetMGM Casino also have different point awarding systems. Checking the loyalty programs at any casino prepares you for the long stretch. However, you’ll enjoy getting the benefits when you get to desired tiers.

How do I enroll in an Online Casino Loyalty/VIP Program?

Most online casinos have a VIP program that doesn’t require much work on your part. You simply go through the normal registration steps.

As most online casinos require you to register before you can play free games, you’ll sign up and join their rewards program at the same time. Playing slots and/or table games after you deposit will earn you loyalty points.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule throughout the online gaming industry. You may need to request an invitation to join a VIP program at some online casinos. It could be necessary for you to go through a trial period to demonstrate the volume you are willing to offer. However, many other casinos will automatically enroll you in their loyalty programs so you don’t have to settle for these.

Conclusion

Just like working for long years for the government has its long-term benefits, sticking to a casino for a long time also has its corresponding rewards. If you gamble a lot and constantly, then you’re cut out for loyalty programs that pile incentives by the side for you while you just enjoy your game. Get enrolled in a casino loyalty/VIP program today! You’ll be glad you did!

Free video slots: Play slots with bonus and free spins

It’s no secret that the video slots remain the most popular casino game, and it’s no different with the online casinos. The video slots are, in our opinion, the most entertaining game you can play, there is an immense variety of different slots, and they often give the player the chance to win very big with a very little wager. This is especially true with not only the progressive slots, but with the slots offering instant jackpots and big bonus features.

One thing remain constant across all casino games, however, is that you have to wager some money in order to win. Well, this is not often the case, and we will talk about exactly this topic right now. While there is nothing wrong with wagering some of your own money in an effort to win, if there is a better way, why would you?! Today we will cover a couple of different ways one can play free video slots, yet at the same time have the chance to win real money.

Free video slots with bonus

This is the first way one can play free video slots and stand the chance to win some cash. It is also the most popular and the easier one to find at the best online casinos.

Sometimes the casinos will give out special bonuses and even free chips to both new and existing players. When this happens, the player has the opportunity to claim the bonus and play a particular slot machine with that bonus. Or, as it is the case with the free chip bonus, you can oftentimes pick any of the available video slots at the casino to play with said free chip. And the best thing about this bonus is that the player can withdraw real money if they win while playing the slot.

As an example, a casino may offer $40 free in chips, Lucky Tiger casino is running this promotion, for example. The player can claim the free chip, without the need to deposit any money, and play any of the video slots at the casino. Should you, in the course of playing the free video slot, win money, you can actually withdraw a portion or all of it.

This type of bonus will come with specific conditions, one of them being the maximum amount of money you can cash out from the bonus. The other condition will govern the size of the playthrough requirements before you can make a withdrawal of those winnings. But once you have covered the wagering requirements, you can request a payout of your winnings, up to that max amount mentioned. As you can tell, this is a pretty sweet deal, if you can find it. And you can find all of those types of deals on our no deposit bonus page.

Play video slots with free spins

The second way one can play free video slots, yet still be able to cash out is with the very popular free spins codes. Not a lot of casinos offer this type of bonus, but a few of the good ones do it regularly and luckily for you – we keep a track of those no deposit bonus codes.

With this option, the casino gives the player (usually existing customer, but oftentimes new customers can also claim it) a certain amount of spins at one specific video slot machine absolutely free. Oftentimes you will see this type of offer on new video slots which have just been announced and made available at the casino. With the free spins offer the casino entices their customers to try out these new slots, virtually risk free. All while the player can end up cashing a certain amount of real money while playing those free video slots.

The one caveat of this way of playing video slots for free is that you are limited to just one specific slot game. On the bright side – the casinos rotate these offers often enough for their customers to try a wide variety of the most popular and the newest games, while risking none of their money. Naturally, all the conditions, such as playthrough and max cashout, apply to this type of promo, as well. But at the end of the day – you have the opportunity not only to play slots for free, but also withdraw real money, which is why these are the most sought-after bonuses at the online casinos.

In conclusion

As you can see, these two methods of free video slots play are not your typical “fake money” variety. Yes, every online casino today will let you try all slots for free, but this is done with the so-called “play money”. In other words, you don’t risk anything while playing the slots for free, but you also have no chance of winning any real money for your play. At that point, it’s purely for entertainment and to check out the games offered at that particular online casino. It is a great way to kill some time playing some of the most awesome free video slots, but it doesn’t give you the chance to come out a real winner. Meanwhile, if you employ any (or both) of the methods above, you may not win huge, but oftentimes you can make quite the bankroll with risking nothing.

New Slot Game: Fairy Tale Fortunes – Queen of Hearts now live!

A long-awaited new video slot game has finally gone live! The Fairy Tale Fortunes – Queen of Hearts is now available to play at the popular Cocoa Casino and we have some bonuses and free spins to go with this exciting premier, too.

Fairy-Tale-Fortunes-Queen-of-Hearts

Themed after the famous Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland, this new 6-reel slot game will certainly make a splash and we guarantee it will be the top slot of the season. Jam packed with special features, 4,096 lines to win (25-way), amazing graphics and loose payouts (as is the tradition with the just-released slot games), there is really nothing better this month.There are expanding wilds with 2x, 3x, or 5x multipliers, the “Stolen Tarts” bonus round, the “Rabbit Hole” free spins, this new slot machine has it all. With three or more Sneaky Knave icons anywhere on the reels the player will enter the Stolen tarts bonus, where one can win set prizes. The Rabbit Hole feature will give you varying number of free spins with prizes galore.

While we will have a full slot review of the “Fairy Tale Fortunes – Queen of Hearts”, we are just too excited to bring you the news, and more importantly – to let you know about the special offers, so you don’t miss on the bonuses attached to the release of this video slot game. There are two main promotions available with the Fairy Tale Fortunes – Queen of Hearts, one for new players and one for existing customers.

New Player Promotion: 111 free spins

For new players who deposit at least $25, this promotion can be claimed in the Cashier under the 111 Spins (New game: FairyTale Fortunes Queen of Hearts) label. It gives new customers of Cocoa Casino 111 absolutely free spins on the Fairy Tale Fortunes – Queen of Hearts slot with a $0.25 set bet level, i.e. the highest possible in the game. You can cash out your winnings from the free spins promotion after the 27x wagering requirement has been met.

Existing Player Promotion: 11 free spins

While not as generous of a bonus as the one for new players, existing customers can spin the game’s reels eleven times for free. The bet level is also set at the max $0.25 although here the playthrough is 30x and the max cashout is $50.

Both of these offers expire at the end of the year, so players have plenty of time to take advantage. But given how fun and beautiful this new slot game is – we highly recommend you take the free spins as soon as you have the time to play. After all, they are free offers with nothing to lose.Keep an eye for our upcoming review of the Fairy Tale Fortunes – Queen of Hearts slot game if you want to know our personal take on this game. Until then, check the real deal at the Cocoa Casino and if you are a new player – make sure you claim that welcome bonus, too.

 

November casino bonus bonanza from Cocoa and This Is Vegas casinos

The winter months are upon us and experienced casino players know what this means – bonuses galore from the online casinos. The cold weather keeping most of the folks indoors means the bonuses from the online casinos are much better and more generous than any other time of the year. Naturally, November is considered the start of this bonus waterfall and today we bring you the first of many installments on the topic this year.

We should note right away that following bonus offers are valid for the entire month of November 2021 and can be claimed at either Cocoa Casino or This Is Vegas Casino. Both are excellent choice and well-ranked on our review list, and you can visit our home page for further details about each individual casino.

555 spins on Pistols and Roses slot

If you want to get the maximum fun playing video slots while at the same time risking little no nothing, this first bonus offer should be right up your ally. Both new and existing players at the two casinos mentioned above qualify for this offer. You would get 555 free spins on the Pistols and Roses video slot machine and the best part is – the re is no maximum cashout amount for this bonus  – take all your winnings home, once you have covered the 27x playthrough requirement for this bonus.

What makes this bonus the one that would give you incredible play-time? The 555 free spins are set at a $0.05 bet level, which means that while you won’t be able to retire from your winnings here, at the very least you should be able to spend hours playing with this free offer. All currencies are accepted and any player with a $25 or more of deposits qualify for this bonus. You can find this offer at the Cashier section under the name “555 spins”.

5 Daily Spins – Every Single Day

All existing customers at Cocoa or This Is Vegas automatically qualify for this offer when they make a deposit of $25 or more (or the equivalent in their currency). Once you’ve done this, you get 5 free spins on Party Parrot slot machine, every day for the entire month of November. See the casino for more details on this offer, which you can find at the Casheir section under the name “5 free spins”.

Spin Club Bonus – 100 free spins on Party Parrot

And if you like the Party Parrot slot, this next bonus offer is just for you! Anyone who completes at least 500 spins on the Party Parrot slot throughout the month of November will get 100 free spins on the video slot on November 30th. And any player who claimed the 5 daily free spins also qualify for this Spin Club promotion. The max cashout for this offer is $100 and the playthrough requirement is at 40x the bonus amount. Claim this offer under the name “100 free spins” when you visit the cashier section of the casino.

222% November Bonus

And finally, for the players who simply want to get extra free money to increase the chance of winning with their deposit, the 222% match bonus this November is the way to go. Keep in mind that this bonus is available for both new and existing customers of the online casinos, and is an addition to the welcome bonus and other current customer bonuses.

The offer is a typical match bonus – the player will get 222% of their deposit in free chips. While the min deposit amount is $25, there is no max deposit, so go nuts if you wish to do so. But keep in mind that this is a sticky bonus, which means that you won’t be able to withdraw the bonus amount itself – only the winnings earned with that bonus. The max cashout is 10x and the wagering requirements are set at 36x.

As you can see, there are plenty of bonus offers this November, a great way to start our Holiday season and get some free play time at the casinos. Check with us for even more bonuses from other top quality casinos this month and beyond.

How to withdraw casino bonus: Things to know about cashing out a bonus

The casino bonus is one of the best features the online casinos have. But making sure you know the basics of it and how to cash out the winnings stemming from the bonus is very important. Withdrawing a casino bonus is not a complicated procedure, it’s actually very easy, but certain rules must be followed and pitfalls avoided. In the long run it may save you some headache, not to mention heartache.

Understanding the bonus

A brief sidestep here, before we get to how to withdraw the casino bonus. The first step, even before thinking about withdrawing the bonus, the player must have an understanding of the bonus in question. Just because you saw an ad that a casino is offering $1,000 free to new players, it doesn’t mean that $1,000 will magically appear in your account as soon as you open it. The bonus is often a percentage of the deposit you make – 150%, 200%, 400%, and so on. We tend to assume that the player is aware of these facts, but a lot of newbies may not be, so it’s worth making this point at the start of this guide. Always know exactly what you will get and how you will get it before claiming the casino bonus.

Wagering Requirements

Perhaps the main reason why so many players fail to cash out their bonus is either forgetting about the wagering requirements or outright don’t know about them. Sometimes referred to as playthrough requirements, they are the most important condition to cashing out your bonus winnings. As such, one should never overlook them and the first step should always be making sure that the wagering requirements have been satisfied.

What are those requirements? Well, it is ridiculous to think that any online casino would simply give you a bonus in the form of match to your deposit, which you could just turn around and withdraw instantly. This would bankrupt the casino in a matter of hours. The casino wants you to play with the bonus, and if you are lucky to win, you can cash out your winnings. Of course, they hope that you’d lose, which is how the casinos stay in business in the first place.

So in order to make sure you don’t just withdraw the free bonus money, without spinning the reels of a slot even once, the casinos have attached the wagering requirements to the bonus. They simply show how many times you have to wager the bonus, before you can withdraw it.

The wagering requirements vary from bonus to bonus

A point that needs to be underlined here is that the wagering requirements will not be the same, not only between casinos, but also among the different casino bonuses offered at the same casino.For example, some bonus offers could count the wagering requirements against just the bonus amount itself, which others could be calculated based on the total amount of the bonus and deposit combined. Some casinos have low wagering requirements, others have high ones, and the player can make their own decision which they should chose. But the fact remains that you must satisfy the wagering requirements before you can withdraw the bonus.

Make sure you play the right games

Since there are many different casino bonuses, one should be mindful of which casino games are allowed to be played with the bonus and which are not. In most cases, the games which are not allowed under the bonus terms will not be unavailable, and you can certainly try your luck with them, but any wagers you make on those games will not count towards your wagering requirements and you won’t be able to withdraw the bonus before you meet those, usually by playing at the allowed games. So you could be in a situation where you spent hours playing at a certain game, winning money, excited to cash out the winnings, only to find out that not a penny of those wagers have been counted towards your playthrough requirements. And then you’d have to start pretty much from scratch, albeit with a bit more in your bankroll.

As a general rule of thumb, all table games play will not count towards your bonus wagering requirements. Sometime the casino may offer a bonus that can be used on table games, so if they are your favorite part of the casino – keep an eye on these offers. But bonuses that are geared towards blackjack, for example, are few and far between.

Other times, a bonus may be offered on only one specific game, even one specific slot, as is the case with free spins casino bonus. When withdrawing this type of bonus, you must play only at that particular slot machine. Some online casinos have made it easier on the player by simply making the bonus balance available only when you load that video slot, but one should not count on this every time.

Know if there is a maximum cashout amount for the bonus

This issue is most often raised if your bonus is of the no-deposit variety, but this is not always the case, so keep an eye on it, even if your bonus is not that type. Some bonus offers will indeed have a maximum amount you can cash out using the bonus money. If this is the case, regardless of how much money you won playing with the bonus, you would only be able to withdraw up to the amount indicated by the bonus terms. To better illustrate this point, here is an example of a free spins bonus offered by the Miami Club casino:

40 Free Spins on Cherry Blossoms

Code: CBMO13 / No deposit required / WGR: 40x / Max Cashout $150 / New Players

As you can see, if you take the 40 free spins bonus, the maximum amount you can cash out in real money is $150. So if you hit big and let’s say after satisfying the wagering requirements you are sitting on $1,000, when you withdraw the winnings only $150 would come your way, the rest being removed from the account. A very important point to be mindful of when claiming no-deposit bonuses.

Don’t stack bonuses

Another important rule of thumb to follow is not to stack bonuses. Claiming more than one bonus offer at the same time, whether accidental or on purpose could lead to a big mess at the end, when you go to withdraw you casino bonus. Claiming a second bonus on purpose is easy to understand, but how could you do it accidentally? This most often happens when the player fails to fully complete, i.e. play, the free money from the current bonus offer. You may have a few cents left from the bonus, maybe not enough to complete a spin at your current bet level, so you just head on to the cashier to make another deposit and claim a different bonus.

But the fact is that those few cents remaining from the first bonus are still there. So in essence you stack the bonuses, without even realizing it. This is something that should be avoided at all costs. How the casinos will handle it depends entirely on the casino management, since every casino will have different rules. But most frown upon such bonus stacking and will likely result in removing the bonus and its winnings from your account when you try to withdraw.

To avoid such possible quagmire, should you find yourself in similar situation – always make sure that you wager every single cent. You could lower the bet or move to another slot machine with lower bet levels, just so you could lose those final few cents before claiming another bonus.