VIP Casino has emerged as one of the top gaming destinations on the Internet. This week we sit down and talk to Kate Berkeley, the Manager of this impressive operation.

Max Drayman: Hello Kate. Let's start by hearing a little about you. How did you get into online gaming? What's your background? That kind of thing.

Kate Berkeley: I've been working in the gambling industry for the years now, but moved over to online gambling in 1998 and have never looked back!

MD: Ok, so you are the manager of VIP Casino. Tell us about VIP: when did VIP open? What software do you use? The standard gaming options or do you have something special?

KB: VIP Casino uses Cryptologic software powered by Wagerlogic. VIP Casino first opened its doors in 1999. Since then we have upgraded our software, changed our lobby design (based on players' feedback) and restructured the website (www.vipcasino.com) .

We now have over 70 of the most exciting games online, as well as progressive jackpots and monthly tournaments such as our current multi-player Blackjack Mania.

As for the something special; we have just won the `Top Reward Program`, as voted by the readers of Strictly Slots! Our Cash Reward Program gives an amazing 10% Cash Back to players who aren't lucky enough to win every month or 1% Cash Back on their monthly winnings if lady luck has been on their side. This is the only Cash Back program available online to ALL players EVERY month with NO wager requirements!!

MD: What makes VIP "VIP"?

KB: We strongly believe that all players should be treated as VIP's which is why our Cash Reward Program is available to everyone. We also offer higher tables limits than most other casinos to cater for all needs. All players can enjoy the benefits of an exclusive club atmosphere knowing we take customer service extremely seriously.

MD: Obviously one of the big issues for players is deposits and withdrawals. From a casino manager point of view, what are the better deposit options available to the players? And what does a player need to do to make sure the withdrawal process goes as smoothly

KB: VIP Casino offers NINE different deposit and withdraw methods to give players the flexibility and choice they deserve. We employ the services of ECash Direct Ltd who ensure the highest levels of financial security are consistently maintained.

One word of advice to players would be to ensure that the address they register with us the same as their credit/debit cards, as it saves any security problems later. If you are going to be sharing your PC with any other online casino players contact us to avoid any delays.

MD: We hear a lot about bonus abuse. Is it really that big a problem or are the reports we hear of wide-spread abuse a little over-blown?

KB: Match deposit abusers have long been the reason why casinos' have been focused to set wager requirements and other stringent terms and conditions. Promotions are intended as a bonus to loyal players, and to attract new end users to the Casino and this abuse is an on-going battle, which I hope to win one day!

MD: I think I remember seeing you on our message boards a couple months ago dealing with a player's concerns. How do you find the public forum that the message boards creates, is helpful to you and your players or is it just a bunch of rowdy noise?

KB: Message boards are a good source of information sharing, but I strongly urge any player who has a problem to contact their casino manager directly first as most matters can be resolved promptly. If your issue is not dealt with to your satisfaction then messages boards are an excellent way of voicing your issue.

MD: I understand there's a big Blackjack Tournament this September. What have you got in store there? Can players find the necessary info online?

KB: This month's Blackjack tournament has a prize fund of $2000! It's a multiplayer tournament allowing you to test your skills against other players, with the winner taking home $1000. There is also a $500 runner up prize and five $100 prizes to be won.

To enter the tournament simply log into VIP Casino and click on 'game menu' (bottom left), then select 'tournaments' from the pop up menu and click on `Blackjack Mania!`. Entry fee is $10 and the tournament runs until the 30th September.

MD: We usually ask our guests to spend a few minutes at the crystal ball, telling us what they think is coming down the pipe for online gaming industry, player issues, whatever. What do you see in the crystal ball?

KB: The technology behind online casinos is developing at an astounding rate and if casinos, such as ours, keep asking players want they want I expect even greater games and options available in the near future.

MD: Any closing comments?

KB: VIP Casino has undergone some major changes over the last year and if you have never tried us or did so some time ago, come back and check us out now:!

MD: Ok, that's our "10 minutes" Kate, many thanks for being with us.

Click here to visit  VIP Casino.