Pros and Cons of Online Gambling

You Win! (The Pros)

It's Up To You: You have choices when you participate in online casino gambling. The first choice is how you play; Java or down-loadable software. Java is immediate but downloaded software often has better sound and graphics. Then you can choose to play for free or for cash. Some sites, like VipSlots Casino, offer a play for credit option. You can use this to practice and get a feel for the game before you commit your chips.

It's Fast: Even if you take the time to download, playing is still just minutes away. Its 1 - download; 2 - deposit; 3 - play; no three hour drive, no overnight flight. You don't even have to shower.

No-Fuss. Just Fun: No worries about traffic or driving conditions. No need to find a parking spot. No lines to cash in or out. You don't have to worry if the casino is Non-Smoking or if they have a dress code. No one will be hogging your favorite machine. And when you hit the Jackpot, it's all yours. There's no one to tip.

Friendly Competition: Again - you've got a choice. And the casinos know it. No one is the only game in town. The casinos are competing for your business and many of them offer a lot to get and keep it. Each casino is trying to out do the other with bonus deals, promotions and reward programs. There are sign-up credits for new customers; this can mean your initial deposit increases by 10 to 50 percent. There are random deposits into customer accounts. And there are give-aways for specified levels of your total money bet. Some of these are very low, and well within your entertainment budget. There is plenty of cash and prizes to be had. Shop around for the casino who will give you the most for playing the games you enjoy.

They Save. You Win: Online casinos don't have the same costs that real-world casinos have like building or staff of carpet cleaner; so they can filter that money down to you. They have better odds and their rules are more forgiving. In a real-world casino, even if you don't tip her, that woman spinning the wheel is cutting into your winnings. Not so on-line.

Sorry - Play Again. (The Cons)

Cashing Out: Sometimes it would have been faster to wait in line at the real-world casino than to wait on your withdrawal on-line. You may have to wait a few days for your winnings to be credited to your bank account or credit card. However, you don't have to worry about walking through that dark parking garage with your winnings in your back pocket.

The Hostess is on Break: Some online casinos, like Lincoln Casino, offer great e-mail customer service and a toll-free number you can call 24 hours a day. Others have no number and can take days to reply to your email. You don't have to be treated like a number, shop around and find the place that treats you like a winner.

They Make the Rules: Know what you're putting your virtual signature to. Read your player agreement and keep checking up on it. The casino gets the last word in the event of a dispute.

Playing the Strip: If you play at multiple online casinos you'll have to keep track of where your money went. Bank and credit card statements seldom name the casino you played at. It's up to you to remember where you played. Some on-line casinos keep records that are available on request, but it's a good idea to jot it down as you play, then you won't have to worry about forgetting a game when the time comes.

On line or in the Casino: play responsibly.