I've downloaded Riverboat Casino but need a "key code" to unlock the software. The screen says I can "obtain one immediately in minutes by sending a blank email to key@riverboatcasino.com." So that's what I do. Can't wait to play blackjack. Maybe a little Video Poker.

Fifteen minutes later and I'm starting to wonder where that key code is. I send a message to support@riverboatcasino.com because "there is always someone available at our helpdesk to help you 24 hrs. 7 days a week." It's hot in here. Maybe I'll step out for a Coke.

Sure enough, I receive my key code from someone called "Truth" in support and I'm on my way.

Following my usual modus operandi for testing a new casino, I deposit the minimum, in this case $20, to get my $30 bonus. Just like that there's fifty bucks in my account to play with. Sign-up bonuses are rapidly becoming my favorite part of online gambling.

There aren't too many games to choose from at Riverboat -- no craps, baccarat or pai gow -- but the games that are available are visually spectacular. But that's not unusual for a Boss Media casino. Boss Media's programmers and graphic designers are among the best in the business.

In general Boss Media casinos are a notch or two above your average online casino in both quality and respectability. Part of the reason for this is the buy-in cost. You're looking at a half million bucks or so to purchase a Boss Media license. Companies making that kind of investment tend to take their business seriously and run it professionally -- they're in it for the long haul.

Off to the blackjack table. I join a public table with Ricky, Ralphy, Babie and Spaceboy, holding up the anchor. This table offers a $1 to 100 limit with 15 seconds to make playing decisions. But the cards aren't falling in my favor and I can't weather a losing streak with my paltry bankroll, so I'm off to check out the progressive slots.

Riverboat's Gold Pirates Progressive Slot Machine is one of the most entertaining slot machines I've seen on the Net. An animated parrot keeps you company while you play and a there's a bonus game where you collect pieces of the pirate's map. Once you have all three pieces to the map, a pirate will appear to dig up your extra bonus in the sand. However, there's a catch. If a pirate turns up on the centerline on the same reel as you received a map piece, he'll steal the map piece away with his evil hook.

Gold Pirates is a multiplayer slot machine, which means you can sit beside other players and chat while you play. I ask my new friends if these machines ever pay out and they tell me "occasionally". What I'd really like to see is an audited payout report posted on Riverboat's website.

Fifteen minutes later I lose my $20 deposit yet, somehow, I don't feel ripped off. I honestly enjoyed myself.

My rating for Riverboat Casino: A flush.

Riverboat Casino, which opened June 15, 2000, is operated by a company called the CyberCroupier Group. CyberCroupier also operates Oriental Casino and has plans to open three more casinos.