(Update, 21 Mar 2001: Omni has revamped their website and now offers CryptoLogic Version 4.0 games. Outstanding software. -- Chuck)

Omni Casino is a Gambler's casino with a capital G. If you like playing fast-paced blackjack and other table games in a classy online environment, pay Omni Casino a visit. You won't be disappointed.

Me, I'm a blackjack player. So let me talk blackjack for a while.

Unlike many online casinos, Omni Casino advertises their blackjack rules in detail. They use Atlantic City rules except the deck is shuffled after approximately one-third of the shoe has been dealt, pairs may not be resplit and players may not draw additional cards on split Aces. The dealer stands on soft 17 and doubling after splitting is allowed.

(Update, 3 Jan 2000: I checked back in at Omni Casino recently and their rules now state that cards are shuffled after each hand. -- Chuck)

All in all, these rules are decent by online standards, though I'd obviously like to see the shuffle point moved much further back in the shoe. It's worth noting that most online casinos don't tell you how many decks they use or where their shuffle point is -- and it's not uncommon for online casinos to shuffle after each hand.

On to the game. Omni Casino gives you the choice of playing blackjack straight against the dealer or in a multiplayer game with table limits from $5 to $300. I chose multiplayer.

Multiplayer games are still quite new but if you've had the pleasure of playing one you'll know they are the future of online gambling. For those new to online gaming, "multiplayer" simply means you play "live" with other gamblers at the same table, just like in a hotel casino.

I sat in with three other players at an open table. The game moved fast, which was great because we were all winning. All three players were well-versed in basic strategy, at a minimum. I would have liked to have learned more about the other players using Omni's chat feature but there was no time between hands and the shuffle was lighting fast. Besides, I didn't want to interrupt the flow of a winning game.

Of course Omni Casino offers more than just blackjack. They have a full plate of 17 casino games including multiplayer craps and roulette, Caribbean poker, baccarat, pai-gow poker, red dog, keno, slots and video poker. All the games are excellent -- all part of the Cryptologic 3.02 gaming software package.

Needless to say, Omni Casino offers 24-hour, toll-free technical support, and extensive online help. Cash transactions are handled securely by E-Cash.

As an added bonus, Omni Casino offers $20 of free chips on top of a $100 deposit and has an extensive comps program for regulars and high rollers.

My rating for Omni Casino? A full house.

Omni Casino advertises they have served over 47,000 customers from more than 76 countries worldwide since opening in 1997.