13 Jan 2003 Hey Max, What's the biggest online casino? - A.P.
Short Answer: Probably Casino On Net.
Details: I don't have complete data for each and every casino, but if I had to guess which online casino has the most players, I would say Casino On Net. Riverbelle, Golden Palace, English Harbour, and InterCasino would also likely be in the Top 10.
13 Jan 2002 Hey Max, Does any online casino have a "triple diamond deluxe" slot? I've been to Vegas a few times and I love this slot. - David
Short Answer: Not that I've seen.
Details: Most popular land-based slots are not available online at this time. The major slot manufacturers, including IGT and WMS, have yet to license their games to Internet casinos. However, some online casinos produce close copies of the popular land-based games.
13 Jan 2002 Hey Max, Who's going to win the Super Bowl? - J.C.
Short Answer: I like Oakland.
Details: The Raiders' passing attack is hard to stop. Garner is running the ball well and the team is brimming with confidence. Yep, Oakland all the way.
10 Dec 2002 Hey Max, How many casinos use Microgaming software? I see them everywhere. - JJ
Short Answer: At least 70.
Details: Seventy Microgaming-powered Internet casinos are listed in our database, and there are probably a few others that slipped through the cracks. Microgaming has been around since the very earliest days of Internet gambling, and their software is popular with players. One thing about Microgaming software has always bothered me, though. They don't use standard chip amounts for betting (i.e. $1, $5, $25, $100). Instead, you bet in numeric increments such as $2, $4, $6, $8, $10, $20 etc. Not a big deal, but it takes a little getting used to.
10 Dec 2002 Hey Max, Are gambling stocks a good investment? - Sid
Short Answer: Wow, you really are a gambler!
Details: I don't think my position as an Internet gambling writer qualifies me to answer your question. But if you really are interested in investing in publicly traded gambling companies, you may wish to start your research at Gaming Floor. The site conveniently lists all public gambling companies by region.
10 Dec 2002 Hey Max, Seen any great promo offers lately? - Anon
Short Answer: A couple whoppers.
Details: I noticed that Atlantis Fortune (www.atlantisfortune.com), a Microgaming casino, is offering a "Triple Your Money" bonus on a $20 deposit. Prism Casino (www.prismcasino.com), powered by Realtime Gaming, sent me an email for a 333% bonus, which may or may not appear on their site. I know little about either casino, so play at your own risk. I may try Atlantis Fortune this weekend, if I'm feeling adventurous.
15 Nov 2002 Hey Max, Which online casino should I start to play at? - FB
Short Answer: Start with major brands.
Details: I generally recommend sticking with well-established casinos from the major software brands, and casinos that operate in a truly regulated environment like Australia or the Isle of Man. Here are a few of the casinos I like. Some advertise with this site, some don't.
15 Nov 2002 Hey Max, What are some unlicensed casino operating jurisdictions, and where would I find a list of them? - Rich
Short Answer: Try iGamingNews.
Details: Virtually all Internet casinos have a license to operate, but some licenses mean more than others. For example, in some countries, such as Belize and Costa Rica, casino operators need little more than a business license to operate, and industry regulation is almost nil. Other jurisdictions, like Australia and the Isle of Man, have strict regulations for Internet gambling. Casinos licensed by these two jurisdictions are highly reputable.
For detailed information on the regulation of Internet casinos and the laws and policies of different global jurisdictions, visit Interactive Gaming News (www.igamingnews.com). It is the best resource for industry-specific information about Internet gambling. The site is not free, however, and you will need to purchase a subscription to access the bulk of their information.
15 Oct 2002 Hey Max, Does Grand Banks Casino still offer Three-Card Poker? -Margaret
Short Answer: No.
Details: Grand Banks switched software providers earlier this year and no longer offers Three-Card Poker. But you can still find a version of the game, called Tri-Card Poker, at other Realtime Gaming casinos, such as Vegas Casino Online.
15 Oct 2002 Hey Max, What are the odds of being dealt a Royal Flush in Caribbean Stud Poker? -A.L.
Short Answer: Roughly one in 650,000.
Details: The odds of being dealt a "natural" Royal Flush in any single-deck card game are 1 in 649,740. For all you math geeks out there, this is how I make my calculation: Any of 20 cards from the 52 card deck will be okay for your first card (10 to A, any suit). Then you have 4 chances in 51 to make your second card, 3 in 50 to make your third card, and so on.
20/52 * 4/51 * 3/50 * 2/49 * 1/48 = 0.000001539
The inverse yields 649,740.
Note that you will hit a Royal much more frequently on the video poker machine since you have the opportunity to discard and draw cards. You don't need to be dealt the Royal on your first 5 cards.
15 Oct 2002 Hey Max, Why doesn't the new MGM Online Casino accept U.S. bets? -Jim
Short Answer: They don't want to jeopardize their Nevada gaming license.
Details: MGM Mirage, which owns MGM Grand, Treasure Island, Bellagio, Mirage and other Vegas hotel-casinos, recently opened an online casino at www.playmgmmirage.com. The site does not accept U.S. bets. You see, Jim, the laws in the United States concerning Internet gambling are still developing. So until the day comes when it is 100% legal for MGM to take online bets from Americans, they will keep their nose clean and shun your action.
12 Sep 2002 Hey Max, What happened to Dennis Rodman's casino? -Roger P.
Short Answer: It's closed.
Details: Apparently "The Worm" decided he didn't want to be involved in the Internet casino business after all and pulled his endorsement. Rodman joins the growing list of celebrities who have opened then closed Internet casinos. Others on the list include Rodney Dangerfield, Evel Knievel, and Kenny Rogers. (By the way, if you're looking for a good Kenny Rogers tribute site check out MenWhoLookLikeKennyRogers.com.)
A few celebrity casinos remain in operation. Former heavyweight champ Larry Holmes is the face of Bet With The Champ and porn star Jenna Jameson promotes Jenna's Casino.
12 Sep 2002 Hey Max, Is it possible to cheat in online poker using friends on the telephone or
multiple computers? -MT
Short Answer: I don't advocate cheating.
Details: What you are describing is called "collusion" and is a violation of the house rules at ALL online poker halls. Online poker halls actively hunt for cheaters, catch them, and blacklist them. Read Planet Poker's Collusion Policy to learn more.
I don't believe in cheating. I'm a gambler, not a cheater. A good poker player doesn't need to cheat to make money. Instead of wasting your time devising elaborate, unethical schemes that may or may not work, get a good poker book (such as "Hold'em Poker For Advanced Players") and learn to play the game the way it was meant to be played.
29 Aug 2002 Hey Max, Is PayPal still processing gambling transactions? -A.C.
Short Answer: Yes, except in New York.
Details: PayPal spokesperson Julie Anderson said in a recent New York Times article that the company would continue to take online gambling business from people placing wagers in states other than New York, until eBay's acquisition of PayPal is closed. That is expected to happen later this year, after PayPal stockholders approve the deal.
29 Aug 2002 Hey Max, Help me play better Video Poker. I'm losing my shirt. -Stan
Short Answer: Get WinPoker.
Details: I'm a big fan of Bob Dancer's WinPoker shareware. Not only does it help you learn optimal video poker strategy, it also lets you analyze the pay table and calculate the machine's theoretical pay back.
29 Aug 2002 Hey Max, Heard any good jokes lately? -Ron J.
Short Answer: Bionic Hand Casino is pretty darn funny.
Details: Take a look at their website. It's both strange and hilarious.
10 July 2002 Hey Max, Any idea what credit cards still let you gamble online?
Short Answer: Many.
Details: Though some US banks such as Providian and Capital One reject online gambling transactions, many banks are happy to process them. Casino operators tell me that the following US banks accept credit card transactions coded for Internet gambling: First Union National Bank, Keybank National Association, Southtrust Bank, Mellon Bank, Union Planters Bank, Fifth Third Bank and Compass Bank.
You can apply for one of these casino-friendly credit cards at Lending Tree or Bank Rate.
You don't have to use a credit card to gamble online. You can also fund your casino account using debit cards, bank wires, Neteller, and a variety of other means.
10 July 2002 Hey Max, I'd like to compete in the World Series of Poker some day. What's the best way to master Texas Hold'em?
Short Answer: Practice online.
Details: First get a copy of Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players by David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth. Study it. It's the bible of Texas Hold'em. Then practice practice practice. I spend countless hours at Ultimate Bet and other poker sites playing the free tables. It's fun and it makes me a better player.
I predict we will see a great improvement in the number and quality of poker players in the next few years. Online poker has made it much easier to play long hours and refine your skills against a wide range of players.
10 July 2002 Hey Max, What's the best book about Internet gambling?
11 June 2002 Hey Max, Do any Internet casinos accept American Express?
Short Answer: 4Gcasino, maybe.
Details: I see that 4Gcasino.com has the Amex logo on their homepage, but they have not responded to me emails asking if they do in fact accept the card. 4Gcasino does NOT accept U.S. bets.
Update 12 Jun 02 - 4G sent me this note today, "We currently accept Mastercard, Visa, Switch and Solo cards, we hope to have
Amex in the near future."
11 June 2002 Hey Max, If two players have a full house and one player has three 7's and two Jacks and the other player has three 4's and two Queens who wins?
Short Answer: 7's over Jacks.
Details: The player with the higher value three of a kind wins in the event of a tie.
11 June 2002 Hey Max, Could you explain the legalities of sportsbetting online? Is it legal? What exactly are the laws and where can I look them up?
9 May 2002 Hey Max, I just won $4,000 at Casino Grand Bay. They said I should have my money in 10 days. Does this sound right?
Short Answer: Congratulations!
Details: I don't think you'll have any problem collecting from Casino Grand Bay. The casino is a Microgaming licensee, and Microgaming sites are solid. In fact, as a rule of thumb, I recommend that new players stick to casinos powered by the major casino software providers: CryptoLogic, Microgaming and Boss Media. These casinos have proven themselves to be among the safest and most reliable on the Web. Our casino database sorts casinos by software provider.
When I win a thousand dollars or more, I usually opt to receive the funds by courier or bank wire, even if it costs a few bucks. I don't trust the mail system and find the wait frustrating.
Note that some casinos pay out larger wins in increments. For example, if you win 15 grand, the casino may pay you $5000 per week over a three week period. To avoid surprises, read the terms and policies of the casino before playing.
9 May 2002 Hey Max, Where can I play Three Card Poker online?
Short Answer: Try Grand Banks.
Details: Three Card Poker isn't widely available on the Net, but I have seen it at Grand Banks Casino and other Real Time Gaming sites.
9 May 2002 Hey Max, What's the greatest thrill in gambling?
Short Answer: Hitting the Big One.
Details: For me, one of the greatest thrills is drawing a royal flush on video poker. If you're a regular player, you should hit a royal once every 75 hours, on average.
Putting a big stack of chips on your lucky number at the roulette table and seeing it come up is mighty exciting, too!
I always get an adrenaline rush when I go "all in" with heavy money at the poker table. Texas Hold'em is my game of choice.
I would imagine that hitting a massive, million dollar progressive jackpot on slots would be fun, but I have yet to experience that pleasure.
25 Apr 2002 Hey Max, A casino asked me to fax them my driver's license before they would pay me. Why?
Short Answer: To protect against fraud.
Details: It's not that unusual for online casinos to ask you to fax in identification before they will cash you out. Some do it to protect against fraud; the documentation lets them cross-check your name and address against your casino registration. Other less-reputable casinos use it as a stall tactic. They hope you will not want to go through the hassle and say, "forget it, i'll just keep gambling," then lose the money back. I try to avoid casinos with this cash-out policy.
25 Apr 2002 Hey Max, I have problems registering Microgaming casinos. Help!
Short Answer: Check your Internet connection.
Details: Kelly at Microgaming offers this advice: "The player needs to be connected to the Internet when they are trying to register. To check this, the player should go to the Web site from their Web browser. If the site displays correctly then it is unlikely they have a connection problem."
If all else fails, contact Technical Support for the specific casino you are trying to install.
4 Apr 2002 Hey Max, Are free games set to pay better than real games?
Short Answer: Sometimes.
Details: Online gamblers have long suspected that the free-play games offered by some casinos pay out more generously than the real games. I believe this is true, at least at some casinos. So if you find yourself winning big at a free-play slot, don't assume you will clean up when the real chips are down. You might win, you might lose. But remember, casinos don't stay in business by giving away more than they take in.
4 Apr 2002 Hey Max, Do you think Microgaming's random number generator is rigged, like Sunny Group says it is?
Short Answer: I doubt it.
Details: Sunny Group, which operates Casino Fortune and other online casinos, recently split with Microgaming, their long-time software supplier. Sunny Group said one of the reasons for the split was that Microgaming was manipulating their random number generator.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, a large and respected auditing firm, regularly reviews Microgaming's blackjack and roulette games, and the payout percentages at some Microgaming casinos. PricewaterhouseCoopers has confirmed that the generator consistently produces random numbers and is a fair basis for the outcome of games that have been played. You can view the reports here. What's more, PricewaterhouseCoopers told Winneronline that they would resign immediately should there be any sign of dishonesty by any of their clients. "Our reputation is worth much more than any fees any client could pay us," they said.
Here's something else about Sunny Group's claim that bothers me: If Sunny Group is so concerned about the integrity of the random number generator and payout percentages, then why did they sign with Playtech, a company that, to my knowledge, provides no third-party reviews whatsoever, let alone by a firm as credible as PricewaterhouseCoopers? Now that definitely doesn't add up.
4 Apr 2002 Hey Max, Do you know of any slot machines that are ready to pay out?
Short Answer: Unfortunately, no.
Details: You'd be surprised how often I'm asked this question. There is no way to tell when a slot machine is ready to hit. That's why they call it "gambling". However, I can point you in the direction of some of the biggest slot jackpots currently up for grabs. Go to Jackpot Mania and Jackpot Madness and you will find numerous five and six figure jackpots ripe for the picking. Good luck!
21 Mar 2002 Hey Max, I hear all this talk about re-shuffling, playing Vegas rules, etc. I've played in casinos all over the western hemisphere and I see NO ONE online playing anything NEAR real casino rules. - Dkw
Short Answer: The rules are the same as you'll find in Las Vegas, and that's a fact.
Details: Sounds like you're referring to blackjack, so let's talk 21. The only difference between online blackjack and blackjack on the Las Vegas Strip is that online casinos shuffle after each round. If they didn't, card counters would use computer programs to clean them out. Otherwise, the rules are the same as you'll find on the Las Vegas Strip.
More on shuffling: Many land-based casinos in Vegas and all around the world use Continuous Shuffle Machines to speed up blackjack play. The dealer sticks the used cards in the machine at the end of each round and the machine shuffles them. For the player, it's like playing an infinite deck -- and similar to playing at an online casino.
Just like in Las Vegas, rules vary from casino to casino so check the details before laying down any cash.
21 Mar 2002 Hey Max, Will the Goodlatte bill pass, banning Internet gambling in the U.S.? - Sam
Short Answer: I'd bet against it.
Details: Last week the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime voted to update the Wire Act of 1961, which bans interstate wagers, to apply to Internet gambling sites. Virginia Republican Rep. Bob Goodlatte sponsored the bill. The bill now moves to the full Judiciary Committee for consideration.
If I were a betting man -- and I am -- I would bet against the Goodlatte bill passing. Too many powerful groups oppose the bill, including major Internet service providers and the American Gaming Association.
7 Mar 2002 Hey Max, Can I go to jail for gambling online? - Judd
Short Answer: You're more likely to win the lottery.
Details: Only one American has ever gone to jail over criminal charges relating to Internet gambling. That unlucky fellow is Jay Cohen, owner of the World Sports Exchange online sportsbook.
In March 28, 2000 Cohen was convicted in a New York federal court for one count of conspiracy and seven counts of violating the Interstate Wire Act of 1961. Cohen was sentenced to 21 months in prison, two years of supervised release, a special assessment of $800, and a fine of $5,000. He is currently free on bond.
Keep in mind, though, that Cohen was the OWNER of the sportsbook - a bookie - and not a PLAYER. To my knowledge, no player has ever faced charges for gambling online. You can read more about Cohen's plight here.
7 Mar 2002 Hey Max, What's better, Java or Flash? - P.T.
Short Answer: They're both good.
Details: Back in the old days (circa 1998), you had to download a program application if you wanted to gamble at an online casino. But casino operators soon discovered that some people didn't like waiting to download a big file, and others weren't comfortable installing the software on their computers.
So the operators developed "instant-play" casinos using Java and Flash technology. I've gambled at both Java and Flash casinos and, frankly, don't see a whole lot of difference -- except that Flash graphics tend to look a little slicker, especially on slots.
Call me old school, but I still prefer downloadable casino applications to Java or Flash. The games seem to run smoother and play faster.
21 Feb 2002 Hey Max, Why do so many gambling sites say they are WebTV-compatible when they really aren't? - MB
Short Answer: They probably don't know what works on WebTV.
Details: I haven't used WebTV in years, but from what I hear, Flash games work with WebTV Plus, while Java games don't. Many online casinos powered by Microgaming software offer Flash games.
21 Feb 2002 Hey Max, Any tips for Caribbean Poker? - JS
Short Answer: Just one...
Details: Raise on A-K-J-8-3 or better and fold otherwise. A-K-J-8-3 is called the "beacon hand" and it's the lowest break-even hand in the game.
This won't make you a long-term winner, but it will help slow your losses.
21 Feb 2002 Hey Max, Why is online casino advertising so annoying? - EB
Short Answer: It's annoying? I hadn't noticed. ;-)
Details: Online casinos only make money when you go to their sites and play for real money. They figure that they best way to get people to the sites is with flashy, animated ads that grab your attention.
And if one ad is good, then 100 must be great. Or so the thinking goes.
7 Feb 2002 Hey Max, Which online casinos accept American Express? - Mike
Short Answer: None.
Details: American Express doesn't like their cards being used for gambling transactions, and I don't know of one reputable online casino that accepts American Express.
Credit card rejections have been creating headaches for players and casino operators alike lately. Here's an article on the topic.
7 Feb 2002 Hey Max, Can I bet on the Olympics? - Cindy
Short Answer: If you wish.
Details: Most offshore sportsbooks are accepting bets on the Winter Olympics. For example, The Big Book lists Germany as the favorite to win the most medals. Canada is a 3/2 favorite to win men's hockey gold. You can find links to offshore sportsbooks in our sports section.
7 Feb 2002 Hey Max, Should I take "even money" when I have Blackjack and the dealer shows an ace? - T.K.
Short Answer: No.
Details: In taking even money you are simply accepting the insurance side bet. This means you bet half your original wager and get paid 2 to 1 if the dealer has Blackjack. Whether the dealer has Blackjack or not, the net effect of placing the bet is that you get paid even money.
However, you will win more than even money over the long haul if you don't take the insurance side bet.
In a 52 card deck, there are 16 ten-count cards (10, J, Q, K) and 36 non-10 cards. The dealer will hit blackjack whenever a ten-count card is drawn.
Let's assume you are playing a $2 table. The insurance bet is half of $2, or $1. 36 times out of 52 you will lose your insurance bet for a total loss of $36. 16 times you will win the bet, and since it pays 2 to 1, you will have a total win of $32.
$32 minus $36 gives a net loss of $4, or a house edge of about 8%. That makes even money a bad bet.
24 Jan 2002 Hey Max, What's the best piece of advice you have for a first-time Internet gambler? - A.P.
Short Answer: Set your loss-limit in advance.
Details: I've gambled at dozens of online casinos. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And it's the losing part that hurts! Decide how much you can afford to lose before you wager one dime. If you win, great. If you lose, c'est la vie.
24 Jan 2002 Hey Max, Where can I play blackjack for fun (i.e. not for money)? - Tim O.
Short Answer: Lots of places.
Details: Almost every Internet casino will let you play their games for free in the hope that you will one day make a deposit. Here's a list of more than a thousand Internet casinos.
Some free games sites offer casino games and give away cash and prizes, too. I sometimes play Gamesville or Virtual Vegas when I don't feel like risking real money.
If you enjoy the occassional trip to Las Vegas, check out WagerWorks - while you play you earn points redeemable for hotel accommodations and other perks.
10 Jan 2002 Hey Max, Do any casinos give you free chips without making a deposit? - Sam
Details:Lasseters Online Casino is currently offering $30 free chips to new players, no deposit required. That's Australian dollars, and certain terms and conditions apply but come on, it's free money!
10 Jan 2002 Hey Max, Who is going to win the Super Bowl this year? - M.N.
Short Answer: Green Bay, if I'm lucky.
Details: The St. Louis Rams are heavy favorites but you can still get them at 2.25 to 1 at Ladbrokes.com and other European sportsbooks. Most North American books list the Rams as an even-money favorite. This week I picked up Green Bay as a 21-to-1 long shot. A few weeks ago, I put money on Pittsburgh at 9 to 1.
If you like to bet futures, consider using a European sportsbook. They sometimes have crazy odds on American sports. Here's a link to our sportsbook directory for a list of sites that will take your bet.
13 Dec 2001 Hey Max, Where's the best place to play poker online? - P.D.
Short Answer: Paradise Poker, assuming "biggest" means "best."
Details:Paradise Poker is by far the largest online poker hall. It's teeming with action. Every now and then I hear a complaint from someone who thinks they may have been cheated there, but I've seen no evidence of foul play. Some people win, some people lose. At least that's the way I see it.
13 Dec 2001 Hey Max, I am trying to find a web site located in the USA for sports betting. Can you help? - JD
Short Answer: No such site exists.
Details: The Wire Act of 1961 makes it illegal to operate an Internet sportsbook in the United States. However, numerous offshore sportsbooks will be happy to take your action. A few of the larger ones are listed in our sports section.
13 Dec 2001 Hey Max, Who is Dr. Ho? - Jen
Short Answer: An Asian casino tycoon and the proprietor of DrHo.com Online Casino.
Details: Let me quote from his web site: "Dr. Stanley Ho has been the most successful casino operator in Asia for more than 30 years. In China, he is called Wong Tai Sin - the god who fulfills peoples wishes. His dramatic rise to fortune is charted in popular movies and books.
"He has been honored by the British Monarchy and His Holiness Pope John Paul II. He has survived a pirate attack and numerous threats on his life. He is a highly skilled ballroom dancer and collector of limousines."
There you have it. You can read more about the fascinating and mysterious Dr. Ho here if you've still got questions.
29 Nov 2001 Hey Max, Do you know of any online casino that offers more than 2X odds for craps? - SK
Short Answer: Casino-On-Net and Vegas USA.
Details: While 2X odds is the standard for online craps, a few casinos offer higher odds. Two that come to mind are Casino On Net and Vegas USA. Both offer 3X odds.
For those not familiar with the odds bet, here's how it works. After a point has been thrown you may place an odds bet, usually 2X your pass line bet. This is simply an additional bet that the point will be rolled before a 7.
If the point is a 6 or 8, the odds bet pays 6:5. If the point is a 5 or 9 odds pays 3:2, and if the point is a 4 or 10 odds pays 2:1. There is no house edge on the odds bet, so it is generally to a player's advantage to take the maximum odds available.
Some casinos allow you to bet twice on the pass line bet for points 4, 5, 9 and 10, and two and a half times the pass line bet on 6 and 8. The reason you may bet more on 6 or 8 is so that you can place a $5 odds bet on a $2 pass line bet. A $4 odds bet on a 6 or 8 would win $4.80. A $5 odds bet on the 6 or 8 wins an even $6.
29 Nov 2001 Hey Max, What exactly is a "match bonus?" - Carol
Short Answer: The same as a 100% bonus.
Details: Many casinos use the terminology "match bonus" to describe a 100% bonus -- they will "match" your initial deposit with an equal amount of free bonus chips.
For example, if you deposit $40 at InterCasino, the casino will match your deposit with $40 in free chips, giving you $80 to play with.
There are almost always restrictions as to how and when you can cash out bonus chips, so always read the fine print.
15 Nov 2001 Hey Max, I heard that Dennis Rodman will be opening a Web casino. True of false? - Anon.
Short Answer: True. It's already open.
Details: The former NBA star has lent his name and, uh, reputation to Rodman Casino at www.RodmanCasino.com. Real Time Gaming software powers the site.
On a side note, earlier this month a jury ordered Rodman to pay a Las Vegas casino dealer $80,000 for mistreating and embarrassing him at a Mirage craps table in 1997. The dealer claimed Rodman repeatedly rubbed his bald head, stomach and genitals with the dice before rolling them. Rodman said he was just doing it for luck.
15 Nov 2001 Hey Max, Know of any good sportsbooks? - Sid
Short Answer: Yep.
Details: I bet at several different sportsbooks, including Sports Interaction and Olympic Sportsbook. I've had no problems with either. I'll also be placing wagers at several of the sportsbooks listed on WINNERonline's sports page as the NFL and NBA seasons progress.
Here's a quick way to research a sportsbook: Visit the three major sportsbook portals on the Net: Major Wager, The Prescription and Bettorsworld. If a book has good buzz on these sites, they're probably okay.
01 Nov 2001 I'm inundated with casino spam and can't unsubscribe. What can I do? - D.S.
Short Answer: Block it.
Details: Spam from Internet casino sites is getting to be a major annoyance. It's especially frustrating when the sender refuses your attempts to unsubscribe.
If you are using Outlook Explorer, you can use the "Block" feature to keep from getting e-mails from that sender. If the problem is severe, you might consider making a complaint to SpamCop.net.
01 Nov 2001 Which online casino has the highest blackjack limits?
- S.S.
Short Answer: Probably Aspinalls.
Details:Aspinalls.com is advertising a $2000 limit at the blackjack tables in their London-themed Internet casino. This is the highest blackjack limit I've seen on the Net.
18 Oct 2001 I tried to play a casino but my credit card was rejected. Why?
- Nancy D.
Short Answer: You credit card company doesn't want you gambling online.
Details: Many American credit card companies have been declining Internet gambling transactions recently. This doesn't affect all players or all casinos, however.
f you can't get your credit card to go through and still want to play, you may want to open a PayPal account. Many online casinos accept PayPal transactions, and even offer additional bonuses when using PayPal.
18 Oct 2001 Does Caesar's Palace run an Internet casino? - F.H.
Short Answer: No.
Details: Caesar's Palace, the Las Vegas landmark hotel-casino, does not operate an Internet casino. You may have stumbled across a smaller, less-than-reputable Internet casino operator trying to cash in the "Caesar's" name. But don't be fooled; it's not the real Caesar's.
19 Sep 2001 Where can I find 25 cent roulette? - Emily X
Short Answer: Look to the Land Down Under.
Details: Lasseters Online Casino in Australia is probably your best bet for low-roller games of any sort - they have 1 cent minimums on many of their casino games. The site is regulated by the Australian government so you're guaranteed to get paid if you win.
19 Sep 2001 I'd like to open my own Internet casino. Any tips?
Short Answer: Make sure you've got the cash and some time on your hands.
Details: Start by visiting StartCasino.com and GamblingLicenses.com to learn about the key players in the I-gambling biz.
Next, you might want to check out one of the upcoming gambling conferences, such as the Global Gaming Expo or the World Gaming Expo, to meet prospective licensors.
Make sure you read Bear-Stearns Internet gambling report for their industry analysis. And if you need an online gambling business consultant, try The River City Group. You can even buy an existing casino through their brokerage service.
Our software directory lists most major casino software providers and the casinos they power. Each will charge a different amount depending on the type of casino you're looking for or how many games you want to offer, but expect to pay anywhere from about $50k to $350k for the initial cost. Then you'll probably pay from 10% to 50% back to the provider as a fee. You may also pay for support and money transactions.
Once you've got the software, you'll need a casino license to operate. That can run you anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000 depending on where you get it.
You'll also need some cash to market your new casino. Figure somewhere around a million bucks for that. If you don't have a marketing budget, forget it. Competition is fierce these days. Online casinos are becoming a game for the big boys and brand names.
So what I'm telling you is that the casino biz ain't cheap.
6 Sep 2001 Can I get a virus downloading casino software? - Bill W.
Short Answer: It's possible, but not very unlikely.
Details: Whenever you download an executable file (.exe), there is a chance a virus could be attached to it. But since most casino software is downloaded from a secure server, the chance of getting a virus is pretty low. In fact, I don't recall hearing of anyone getting a virus from online casino software.
Still, it's always a good idea to protect yourself by scanning downloads with reliable anti-virus software like Norton AntiVirus or McAfee Virus Scan before installing.
6 Sep 2001 What's the best casino bonus you've ever seen? - Connie P.
Short Answer: "Win or Your Money Back!"
Details: My favorite type of bonus is the "Risk Free Play" or "Win or Your Money Back" bonus. To qualify for this type of bonus, you usually deposit $50 then play for a day. If you win, you keep your winnings. If you lose, the casino reimburses your original deposit. I won several thousand dollars on a $200 risk free offer a couple years ago.
Pyramid Casino is currently running a "$50 Risk Free" promo, if I'm not mistaken.
09 Aug 2001 Hey Max - Can I sue an Internet casino if they don't pay me? - J.C.
Short Answer: Don't waste your time.
Details: I'm a gambler not a lawyer, but it seems to me it would be futile to sue an Internet casino. Most Internet casinos are located in Costa Rica, Antigua or other Caribbean nations. It's not going to be easy to track down the casino owner, and if you do, how are you going to get them to appear in court in the United States, Canada, or elsewhere?
And if you do somehow manage to win a court judgment, the sleazy operator will probably "disappear" before you can collect.
That said, it is rare that an Internet casino fails to pay. To avoid getting stiffed, I suggest playing at big, reliable casinos with a "good buzz" on message boards and a positive reputation on player information sites.
As a rule of thumb, your money is safe at casinos powered by name-brand software such as Microgaming, Boss Media and CryptoLogic. Search all Internet casinos by software type at WINNERonline's list of software providers.
09 Aug 2001 Hey Max - What's the biggest jackpot ever won at an Internet casino? - Tammy K.
Short Answer: $389,843.85
Details: Last week a player won $389,843.85 playing Treasure Nile, a 9-line 5-reel progressive slot at Lucky Nugget Online Casino.
There have been numerous six-figure jackpots in recent months and I expect we'll see the first million-plus jackpot in the next 6 months to a year.
13 July 2001 Hey Max - I am in a state that does not allow gambling. What happens if I win a jackpot? Could they refuse to pay on these grounds? - C.K.
Short Answer: Most casinos will pay up.
Details: The casino could refuse to pay if you don't follow their guidelines, and some casinos state that they don't accept wagers from regions where online gambling is illegal. But then, assuming you registered with the correct address, these casinos shouldn't be accepting your bets in the first place. Right?
I've heard of a similar circumstance with underage players. An underage player lied about his age then gambled at the casino and won. When the player went to cash out, the casino requested faxed proof of identification. When the casino discovered that the player was underage, they refunded his deposit and cancelled his registration but did not pay the winnings.
Another interesting scenario unfolded when a Hawaiian player enjoyed a six-figure win. The casino paid the player, then published a press release announcing the win. This piqued the interest of Honolulu police who said that, since casino gambling is illegal in Hawaii, they would look for the winner and consider charges.
The Las Vegas Sun asked a Honolulu tax attorney for his opinion. The attorney said that if the winner were his client, he would advise him to declare his winnings immediately and risk a local misdemeanor charge, noting that tax evasion is a felony.
28 June 2001 Hey Max - Multiplayer blackjack is easier to beat than single-player blackjack. True or false? - Anon
Short Answer: False.
Details: The number of players makes no difference. If the rules are the same and the number of decks is the same, the house edge is the same. However, because the speed of play is slower on multiplayer -- you play fewer hands per hour -- you will, theoretically, lose less. From that perspective, multiplayer may be a more favorable game for the average player.
Also note that the playing decisions made by other players at your table will not affect your expectation. Don't worry if the anchor player splits tens or makes other playing errors. Though it may be annoying, it makes no difference to you in the long run -- statistically speaking, of course.
28 June 2001 Hey Max - I noticed that some casinos come on CD. Is it better to get the CD or download from the Net? - Kim
Short Answer: It's your choice.
Details: The games you get on the free CD are identical to the ones you download from the Net. Ordering the CD will save you download time, but it could take weeks for the CD to arrive. If you want to play now, do the download. Or play a casino that doesn't require a download.
07 June 2001 Hey Max - I'VE FOUND A GAMBLING SITE WITH SEVERAL GAMES, POKER, BLACKJACK,SLOTS BINGO ETC; WHICH OFFERS REAL CASH PAYOUTS FOR FREE PLAY. WHAT
ARE THE ODDS OF HITTING ANY OF THESE POTS, AND ARE THEY WORTH PLAYING? - WJ
Short Answer: If you like Spam, you're in for a treat.
Details: It's my understanding that these sites collect player names
and e-mail addresses and sell them. They pay the jackpots from those sales. In
other words, a million names go into the pot and maybe one comes out, maybe
it doesn't, but you'll almost certainly get a bunch of unsolicited e-mail, A.K.A.
"Spam".
I'd say if you've got the time to play, you can live with the long odds and
don't mind giving away your info, go for it. Otherwise console yourself
with the old adage that "ya don't git sumthin' fer nuthin'" and move on.
P.S. Typing in capitals LIKE THIS is generally used to indicate that
you're angry or "shouting" at someone. Unless that's what you had in mind
--I assume not-- then you're probably better off using the more
conventional mixed case.
07 June 2001 Hey Max - Will you get better odds at an online casino or brick-and-mortar casino? - X
Short Answer: You tell me.
Details: Conventional wisdom has it that you'll get better odds online
because the competition is stiffer and the casinos are willing to give you more in
order to get your dollar. My experience says "it depends" and your best
bet is always to do your homework and find out who is giving what. Also,
keep in mind that the payouts rates can change faster than you can say "big
kahuna", especially online where the payout percentages are under software
control.
17 May 2001 Hey Max - I recently hit a progressive jackpot and would like to cash out. Can I withdraw the money in small increments and not report it to the IRS? - PG
Short Answer: Not unless you like handcuffs and a free ride in a police car.
Details:Not reporting income is called "income tax evasion" and is
frowned on by the government's revenue authorities. The idea of withdrawing
in small amounts comes from the brick-and-mortar casinos where they are
required to report any transaction over $2000. But avoiding detection
doesn't make it legal, or tax free.
In general, North American laws are
structured such that it is the taxpayer's responsibility to report their
income, not the source. It's been said before and it's time to say it
again: consult a local tax professional or tax authority to determine your
income reporting responsibilities.
That said, offshore casinos generally don't report player winnings to tax authorities and I'd be surprised if anyone actually reported their Internet gambling income on their tax form.
17 May 2001 Hey Max - I've heard that casinos will lock you out if you win too much. How much can I win before Casino XYZ will shut me down? - LF
Short Answer: Find a better casino.
Details: Assuming you are not cheating you'll find that a good casino
will never "lock you out". It's not in their long term interest to do so,
and the whole point is that you want to play at a casino that is in it for
the long term.
Casinos that ban players for winning are either
undercapitalized and on the ropes, or a fly-by-nighter. You don't want to be their customer in either case.
03 May 2001 Hey Max - Is French roulette the same thing as double zero Roulette? - BR
Short Answer: Nooooooooo.
The Details:"French" roulette has two unique features: first, a single zero instead of the double zero of American roulette, which gives the player better odds by about 2.6% and second, the "en prison" rule, which allows a players even-money bet to ride when the ball lands on 0. That improves the player's odds by another .6%. The "en prison" rule is extreamely rare at your typical online casino.
03 May 2001 Hey Max - I have used my Visa at some online casinos and it was denied saying my bank doesn't let me use the credit cards for on-line gambling. They had
actually locked up my credit card until they could talk to me and told me
this. Do you know of any major credit cards that are still accepted for
on-line casinos? I will apply for one that is. - SB
Short Answer: Fagettaboutit.
The Details: As of March 13th, the major credit card companys are requiring e-commerce
businesses to identify casino transactions with a unique code. And many of
the major banks are rejecting or restricting transactions with that code.
The bad news is that this isn't likely to change for the better in the near future. So, enter the electronic cash services such as PayPal and NetTeller, who the credit card companies
are happy to deal with. Many casino are accepting PayPal transactions, for
example, and it's safe to assume that this trend will continue. The e-cash
services definitely look like the way of the future, but be careful with your deposits.
Most e-cash services are not covered by the rules and regulations of the
traditional banks and as such are much less secure. We're advising the
people that use an e-cash service keep their balances low in order to
minimize their risk.
19 Apr 2001 Hey Max - What types of Poker are available online? I've found Texas Hold'Em but haven't seen the others. - DM
Short Answer: Any of the regulars.
The Details: While it's certainly the case that Texas Hold'Em is the most
common variety of (true) Poker online, the others are also available.
The better Poker sites, such as Planet Poker and Paradise Poker has Texas Hold'em, Omaha High, Omaha
Hi/Lo 8 or Better, 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo 8 or Better.
What you probably won't find are the exotics (Anaconda, Pineapple, etc.) and the old-school games such as Draw and 5 Card Stud can be scarce, too. Check out Where to Play Poker Online for a bigger list of sites.
19 Apr 2001 Hey Max - When you're betting in 5 Card Draw, does each player have to verbally say that they are raising, staying, or calling each bet? If the last player prior to
the opener puts in their money to stay and doesn't verbally say "I call" or
"Stay", can the opener continue to raise? - CW
Short Answer: Yes, no, no, no, no.
The Details: I've been playing 5 Stud since I was about 6 years old. The
rule I've always played by is that if you're calling, you don't need to say
anything. If you're raising, you have to say so. In other words, speak up if
you're raising the bet, save your breath if not.
As to the bet swinging around, no, the opener can't typically re-raise.
Mind you, there is a style of 5 Stud called Shotgun where you can do just
that and the betting keeps going 'round until everyone has had enough.
Shotgun is best enjoyed while you're getting drunk, because a good buzz is
often all you leave the game with. But I've never heard of Shotgun being played
outside of Thursday night poker games, so you probably won't have to worry about it at Net casinos.
19 Apr 2001 Hey Max - I only play multi-player Texas Hold'em online and was wondering if by some small chance I've missed any of the new sites around. I've also heard that some of them have bots. Is this true? - Crazy C
Short Answer: Yes! Poker Bots live!
The Details: The "usual suspects" when it comes to online poker can be
found on our Where to Play Poker Online page.
As for the bots, the only place I've seen them is in Practice mode at
UltimateBet.com, which offers a fine multi-player Texas Hold'Em. Want a tip? Aggressive betting will scare the bots off, unless of course they know they've got the nuts in which case they'll stick it out to the end.
Nice game, great play!
06 Apr 2001 Hey Max - I was wondering what, exactly, is the catch when they say free chips for downloading our software. I downloaded only to find out that you have to
make a purchase or deposit to get your free chips. - Sassy
Short Answer: Caveat emptor.
The Details: Basically, it depends on the casino you are dealing with. I
remember once in the early days I actually did get a $50 bonus simply for
downloading. I had to send an e-mail asking for the bonus, but I don't often
make $50 on an e-mail so that was fine by me.
There is a wide variety in details from one casino to the next, so it's up
to you to find out what exactly your casino does. E-mail the casino's
support people. Read the pages on the web site, often the 'News' or 'Offers'
page will have some info. And, unfortunately, many casinos are intentionaly
vague about what exactly you need to do to get the bonus. The real answer
is that you usually need to dig for specifics.
For what it's worth, the situation you reported is typical. A deposit is
almost always required in order to get the 'download' bonus, or any other
bonus for that matter. After all, there needs to be something in it for the
casino, too.
06 Apr 2001 Hey Max - What casinos have Cryptologic version 4 software?
I only play blackjack and although the multiplayer is bit slow, I find it
relaxing. - Shane D
22 Mar 2001 Why do many online casinos not allow free bonus chips to be used on roulette? - J.C.
Short Answer: They don't want to get ripped off.
Details: Say I give you $100 of free chips and require you to wager at least $200 before you can make a withdrawal. So you go to the roulette table and place $50 on black and $50 on red. If you did this twice, and didn't hit the zero or double-zero, you would meet your wager requirement and take me for my 100 bucks!
Also, consider this scenario: A player receives a $100 bonus, plunks it on number 17, the number hits and the casino is quickly out $3500. 'Nuff said.
22 Mar 2001 What does it mean when a casino says that it "gives a return in the 90 percent range"? - M.R.
Short Answer: It means that for every 100 dollars
you gamble, you'll probably take back 90.
Details: Take the number of dollars the casino pays
in winnings on every bet placed and divide by all the casino dollars gambled,
and the result is the casino's "return
rate".
It's important to note that the casino does the calculation based on raw winnings, not
the number of dollars the player actually withdraws. If the
calculation was based on dollars withdrawn, it would be much much less.
8 Mar 2001 I was reading your list of best payouts percentages and was curious how
you get your figures. I assume that these aren't
submitted by the casinos themselves. At least I hope
they aren't. - Anon
Short Answer: Indeed, these figures are proudly displayed by the casinos for all to see.
Details: To be successful, an online casino must establish credibility with players. One way a casino does this is by having a major international accounting firm, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, review its payout percentages. The casino then post the results on its site. For more information, read this article on How PricewaterhouseCoopers Audits Casino Payouts. Or view our current list of the best payout percentages on the Net.
8 Mar 2001 What's your favorite online casino? - CC
Short Answer: I have several faves.
Details: Like many online gamblers, I like to bounce around from casino to casino, sampling new software and enjoying new bonus offers. But when I get a serious itch to play, I usually turn to downloadable casinos powered by CryptoLogic and Boss Media, such as Sands of the Caribbean and Omni Casino (Crypto) and Riverboat Casino and USA Casino (Boss). But hey, that's just my preference. I'm not a slots player, but if I was I'd probably spend more time on Microgaming's CashSplash at casinos like Gaming Club and English Harbour.
26 Feb 2001 Do e-casinos manipulate their games so it's easier to win when you play for free than when you play for money?
- Jon J.
Short Answer: Some probably do.
Details: Sometimes players find that they win big when "test driving" a casino with funny money but then lose after making a deposit. In most cases, this can be attributed to luck. But I have heard rumors that some casinos manipulate their free games to lure players in for real money play. If this is true, the practice is probably limited to "lower-end" operators. Reputable operators don't -- and shouldn't -- participate in schemes like this. For example, Microgaming assures me that their free games use the exact same system and random number generator as their real games and the odds are the same. I believe them.
26 Feb 2001 Why do you have to place a minimum number of bets in order to claim casino bonus chips?
- Anon
Short Answer: So you don't simply cash out your free chips without playing.
Details: Everyone knows that all casino games
favor the casino. That's called "the edge" and
it's how casinos remain profitable businesses. But
"the edge" is a probability and as such the longer
it has a chance to work the more likely it is to
happen. In other words if a player comes in and
plays a single round there's a chance
they could win big and cash out. On the other hand
if the player continues to gamble the chance that
they are going to realize a net win becomes ever
smaller. So it's in the casinos favor to have the
player playing as long as possible and the
"minimum multiple" is one device the casino has at
its disposal to make that
happen.
20 Jan 2001 Why does online craps suck?
- KJ
Short Answer: It's a social game.
Details: While blackjack, video poker and slots are well suited to both "real" and "virtual" environments, quite a few players complain about online craps. First, the dice are usually kind of hard to see on the screen. Second, there's no yelling and screaming when players go on a winning streak, just a lonely computer voice telling you that you won. The lack of human interaction takes the excitement out of the game.
20 Jan 2001 How many decks are used in online blackjack and where is the shuffle point?
- Lance
Short Answer: One to six decks, usually shuffled after every hand.
Details: The number or decks used varies depending on the casino software. For example, Boss Media's single-player game uses one deck while their multiplayer game uses six decks. Microgaming, another leading casino software supplier, has posted a PricewaterhouseCoopers report on their site to verify that they deal blackjack from a 52 card deck. Almost all online casinos shuffle after every hand to thwart card counters, both human and robotic. Of course, cards aren't really "shuffled" but rather randomly selected using a random number generator.
18 Dec 2000 I recently won $150 only to discover that I couldn't cash out until I received a PIN by snail mail. What gives?
- Anon
Short Answer: The casino is protecting itself against fraud.
Details: Some casinos require you to have a PIN (personal identification number) before you can withdraw cash. CryptoLogic casinos like InterCasino, as well as Boss Media casinos like Riverboat Casino, fall into this category. Although some players speculate that casinos do this so you'll have more time to play and lose your money before you withdraw it, the main purpose of the PIN is fraud protection. Either way, it's one of online gambling's little hassles and often a surprise for the first time player. I believe online casinos must eventually speed up the payout process if they want to keep players happy.
18 Dec 2000 Why don't Las Vegas casinos accept online bets? - SS
Short Answer: Fear.
Details: The legality of online gambling is a serious question in the USA and has yet to be fully and finally resolved. In the meantime Las Vegas casinos have no desire to place their lucrative land-based operations in jeopardy. The latest on this is that a number of Vegas casinos are opening "Play for Free" sites. It looks like they're getting ready in case the lawmakers decide in favor of regulating online gambling.
15 Dec 2000 How long does it take to download an online casino? - Cindy P
Short Answer: Have ADSL? Not long.
Details: One megabyte (1 MB) usually takes about 6 minutes if you're using a 56 K modem. Download packages vary between 4 and 20 MB, so you're looking at under thirty minutes to over two hours. The same downloads would take 3-12 minutes if you've got a cable modem, or 1-4 minutes if you've got ADSL or better. Not all casinos require a download.
15 Dec 2000 The limits are too high at online casino I've seen. Where can I find nickel slots? - Jenni
12 Dec 2000 Why do so many Web casinos look the same? - JC
Short Answer: They are the same.
Details: A handful of casino software providers - including Starnet, Boss Media, Cryptologic, Gambling Software and Microgaming - provide the software for roughly three-quarters of online casinos. So the chances of encountering two or more casinos that use the same software is quite high. Some casinos have developed their own proprietary software that you won't find anywhere else. Global Player and Casino-On-Net are two such casinos.
12 Dec 2000 If I hit the jackpot, how long will it take to get my winnings? - GL
Short Answer: Longer than you'd like.
Details: Does your casino require that you use a "security number" or "PIN" for withdrawals? If so, have you received it yet? Also does your casino have fixed days when they process withdrawal requests? Finally, are you willing to wait for the check in the mail or do you want it FedExed to you, or the funds wired directly into your bank account? All these factors affect how long it will actually take to get your cash. Generally we're talking 2-8 weeks, give or take. Some casinos - Boss Media licensees for example - only allow you to withdraw up to $5000 per month.
10 Dec 2000 Why download when I can play no-download games instantly? - Jung P
Short Answer: Better graphics, better sound, much greater user configurability, somewhat better security and connection stability, and full-screen games.
Details: Multi-player games allow more than one player to sit in on a given game. A multi-player blackjack game, for instance, allows several players to sit at the same blackjack table, see each others cards and "chat". Multi-player games are featured in many new casino software packages. The Sands of the Caribbean has some of the livelier multi-player tables I've seen.
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