The answer comprises close examination of several key elements, such as personal circumstances, choice of online casino, regulation, games played and state of mind.

In order to adopt a winning strategy it is important not to fall into the loser’s trap.

Personal circumstances

• Is gambling a last-ditch attempt at making some money or are you gambling for fun?
• Do you have a gambling budget or are you using borrowed money to try and make some more?
• Do you know when to stop while you are gambling?

Choice of online casino

• Online casinos are popping up just about everywhere on the Internet. Choose only an online casino which is reputable.
• Are you able to game in your preferred language and currency?
• What about rewards and bonus programs?
• What are the online casino’s payout rates?

Regulation and Responsibility

• Is your chosen casino licensed? Where? How? Which jurisdiction?
• Does the casino adopt Responsible Gaming practices?

Games played

• What games have you opted to play?
• What is your proficiency level on these games?
• Do you know the rules and have you read the fine print?

State of mind

• Once the intricacies of online casinos have been understood, the most crucial factor comes into play – your state of mind. It is advisable not to play while being intoxicated, depressed or otherwise imbalanced.

How to win

By combining all these factors with level-headedness, a winning strategy can be employed. Winning has a lot to do with not selecting a losing strategy to begin with. The answer therefore is to use common sense, gathering as much information along the way as possible and knowing your limits. The rest is up to Lady Luck!

Understanding the terms

Whether you are a high-roller (whale) or a curious novice, online gaming has lots to offer. With all the regular promotions, sign-up bonuses and tournaments on offer, it’s wise to understand exactly what is meant and how to qualify for these offers.

Online casino bonuses regularly change, but there are some commonalities that will help to define this feature more clearly. Games like craps, blackjack and even roulette oftentimes do not allow bonus money to be used. But more importantly are the wagering requirements attached to receiving bonus money.

A wagering requirement is a rule that a certain number of wagers have to be placed before you qualify for receiving your bonus money. For example you may have to bet your initial deposit plus a bonus, multiple times before you can withdraw any money from your account. How many times – anywhere up to 37 is the typical answer.

Why are there wagering requirements?

The online casinos want to make sure that gamblers don’t withdraw all their cash every time they accept bonuses or promotional offers. This is termed a play through requirement or a wagering requirement. It’s very important to note whether the wagering requirement includes the deposit plus the bonus, or simply the bonus alone.

The wagering requirement means that a player must put a certain amount of cash into play before they qualify for the bonus cash. A 10X bonus wagering requirement with a bonus of $40 would require that $400 be put into play before the bonus is awarded. Remember that these aren’t open-ended invitations; you may have to see how much time you have to do it.

Can you win with this system?

Yes. It’s a matter of time before a player understands both the game and the wagering requirements. The stats on game plays will show that after the preset number of wagers – say 37 – a normal player would break even or at least be able to win. The better a player you are, the greater your chances of taking home your initial deposit and bonus money, plus extra.

Online casinos naturally stand to benefit the longer you play but it’s free money to you if you win. Once you’ve won, it can take a while before you receive your money, but with the high payout percentages – 96% and higher – you’re assured of receiving your winnings.

What’s it all about?

Online Sports Books are fully comprehensive gambling sites where a spread of bets can be made. These include intricate stats, detailed betting options, multiple sports games such as golf, hockey, cricket, tennis, football, soccer, horseracing, NBA, rugby and many more. It’s not only about winners and losers; it’s about margins of victory, rankings, matchups, placements, geographic stats and so forth.

Is it legal?

This has been the most widely debated issue regarding online sports betting. Suffice it to say that the USA has been fighting against legalizing online sports betting with measures such as the UIGEA 2006 (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) and the Interstate Wire Act 1961 (prohibiting transferring money for sports betting between states). But these laws do not specifically apply to online sports betting and herein lies the dilemma. The UIGEA prohibits Americans from transferring funds from credit cards for the purposes of online gaming. Thus the act of funding gaming is illegal, not the online gaming itself. Representative Barney Frank is currently working hard against the UIGEA.

Who was there first?

It’s generally accepted that sports betting came online when the internet came around with WSEX being one of the first offshore sports gambling online operators. The way that punters were able to finance their wagers was through channels such as Western Union. Within a short period of time, online sports gambling took off at an unprecedented rate. The NFL and the Premiership League opened up to a huge online market of eager punters and sports aficionados. Through the power of the web, communities of punters get together in online forums to share their thoughts on the games. Here they predict outcomes, make informed bets and form like-minded communities.

An important point to be made with mobile gaming is that the technology used to play the games must be present on the gaming device itself. Hi-tech internet software allows the game software to run easily over the air. There is presently widespread development in countries such as India, China, Israel and the USA to further enhance and develop new mobile gaming technologies.

How it comes together

The mobile games are downloaded through the mobile operator’s network. It can also be done via the mobile handsets upon purchase – Bluetooth, memory card, or through infrared connections. Most mobile games use Java platforms.

Owing to the limitations on the mobile gaming devices, operators rely on less detail and more gameplay. At present mobile games are on sale through network carriers and operator portals. These channels allow for limited game descriptions and rely more heavily on screenshots to promote the games.

The technology is allowing for enhanced 3D graphics plus single and multiplayer options. It’s this networking ability in the mobile gaming market that has marketing executives in a buzz as it allows for collective wireless gaming for a global audience.

At present the global wireless market has more than 1 billion users, and it is growing at 20 percent per annum. Of particular interest to the sector is the youth market. These are the people who have been raised on video gaming technology. This is the reason that device manufacturers and developers have teamed up with wireless operators to develop a range of products and services appealing to this market.

Examples in the pipeline

There is a tremendous volume of innovation going on to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into games. The goal of course is to create the most ideal gaming enjoyment possible for players. The games based on AI would learn to adapt in response to the player’s actions and various general rules.

Nokia’s N-Gage game deck is another example of technology in progress. This is a part gaming device, part mobile phone and part music player – essentially a multi-functional handset specifically designed for the tech savvy generation.

Not to be outdone are the new generation of PlayStation and Xbox consoles. These soon-to-be-launched machines will be available soon. But there are many other 3G based mobile phones that are looking more and popular as the tech age gains momentum.

There are a good many popular and reputable online bingo rooms in operation today. Some Bingo Rooms like JackpotCity Bingo offer loads of exciting promotions and both 90 ball bingo and 75 ball bingo to online gamers. Many online bingo rooms couple their bingo games with online casino games too. The best part of online bingo is the fact that no commuting to meeting halls has to take place. Everything is arranged from the comforts of home with as little cost as possible to the player.

What’s it all about?

Internet bingo is much like its land-based equivalent except for several important differences: online bingo is much easier to join and it is highly cost effective.

The way it works is simple too. A player simply chooses a bingo ticket and waits for all the numbers to be called. If your call beats out your opponents, you win. Remember that the numbers on the bingo cards are randomly generated. There are five rows and five columns – 25 numbers in total for 75-ball bingo. 90-ball bingo uses a 9 by 3 card. Match up a pattern and complete the word BINGO and you’re in the pound seats.

And betting starts really low on online bingo – unlike bricks and mortar casinos.

Hi-tech gaming

Some bingo rooms require software downloads before you get gaming, others allow for instant play. An interest component of online bingo is that it remains a social game, despite players staying home while they’re enjoying it. The reason is the chat rooms with unique bingo-lingo jargon, forums, customer support services and loads of other interactive software at work. And the numbers of online bingo players joining these chat room networks is growing at a healthy rate. Most of the required software comes in the form of Java or Adobe. All reputable online bingo rooms use random number generators (RNG)

Two popular versions

Online bingo can be enjoyed in 2 standard formats: 75 ball bingo and 90 ball bingo. The former retains the top spot as most popular bingo game with millions of players. The latter is fast gaining traction, especially in the UK. Regardless of the version played, the industry is set to grow to a staggering sum of $1 billion by 2010. In order to receive their winnings, players will first need to set up online accounts with their preferred online bingo room. There are several helpful tools to make the online bingo experience easier. One such method includes the auto-daub features – which marks the numbers off as they are called off.

Naturally the online casinos are eager to keep their clientele gaming as long as possible. The goal is to maximize your gaming pleasure while minimizing your cash outlay. The specific game in question will determine the strategy to employ. Thus the goal becomes one of making your online gaming experience pleasurable and memorable.

Tips to make it work for you

A sure way to get the most out of an i-gaming experience is to select a licensed and reputable online casino. A big brand name such as the inimitable Europa Casino offers scores of A-grade games from Playtech and others. Swiss Casino is another high-flyer with an impressive array of odds and quality gaming from Playtech. Choosing the games that are right for you is an important part of the equation.

Winning at online casinos is as much about strategy and luck as it is about common sense. But going for the big payday has caught more than its fair share of players. More time spent gaming without limits will be good for the house and not so good for the client. It’s the idea that you’re one spin away from a jackpot that keeps people interested. Incremental losses result in a desire to recover those losses. It’s then that players may burn through their bankroll and get into a jam. However there are many ways to safeguard against reckless gaming.

By selecting the right casino gaming software upon registering, you will improve your chances of success. A good rule of thumb is to enjoy your choice of online casino as a guest player before gaming for real money. Winning is appealing – the more the better – but setting a few benchmarks will surely help to limit losses due to reckless spending. Realistic goals lead to sensible gaming. Be sure to check the online casino layout; read the fine print and understand that if you’re not 100% satisfied there are other options at your disposal.

What are your goals?

If your goals are lots of time gaming with your favourite online casino then play low limit games.

Defining your goals at the outset will save you and your wallet lots of indignity.

Setting out with a certain bankroll is a step in the right direction.

Deciding on what you’re going to be gaming on is really important – so do your homework beforehand.

The legal aspect of online gaming therefore depends not only on the online casino that has been licensed and registered to a specific jurisdiction; it also depends on the laws governing online gaming in the country of the gambler. North America, specifically Quebec in Canada has the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This organization licenses a large number of online casinos and charges some $15,000 plus an annual license fee of $10,000.

The USA as a case in point

The most contentious country with respect to legality is the USA. With so much hype around measures such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 and the Wire Act of 1961, these concerns are fully validated. However the wording of these laws in the USA has led to even more questions. For online casinos, the USA represents a significant part of the market and these online companies are lobbying for measures aimed at easing the strict regulation currently in place.

As it stands the 1961 law has been interpreted by some, including the Department of Justice to mean that all online gambling is illegal. Subsequently US Courts have ruled against that. When the wording is further scrutinized, many are of the opinion that the phrase “in the business of” means only businesses are affected, not gambling customers. And yet others feel that the law only covers sports betting, and not other forms of gambling such as poker. Indeed the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Wire Act does indeed apply to sports betting and not to online gambling.

As a result of the UIGEA, many online gaming operations registered outside of the US ceased their operations in US cyberspace especially following the Kentucky state seizures of domain names in 2008. But there are moves to liberalize online gaming activity, and Representative Barney Frank (D- Mass) is fighting to overturn the ruling. The reason being is that such measures impinge on the universal freedoms of Americans to engage in their preferred form of entertainment.

Online gaming has always been shrouded in issues of the legality of its actions. While it cannot be unequivocally stated what the end status of online gaming, especially in the United States, will be, there are several encouraging moves in the pipeline suggesting an easing of current US restrictions on this global enterprise.

The EU and the USA

In the case of the European Union, EU officials have taken a pro-online gambling position. Several member states have even attempted to legislate on online gaming activity. Banning online gaming is generally prohibited and is contrary to EU law, which must feature conformity across the Union.

In the United States several attempts have long been made to legislate against online gambling. These attempts have often been made on a state-by-state basis, focusing on different regulation regarding online gambling.

Big bets and big wins generate loads of excitement, but the disappointment of losing is distressing. So it makes sense to come into a wagering environment with a clear head and a bankroll that you’re prepared to lose.

The trick to successful gambling lies in knowing your limits. And of course you have to able to walk away – win or lose.

How to play it

The best way to approach a gambling session is with a budget. Whatever you are prepared to lose is what you can afford to gamble with – no more. That’s the short and sweet of it. Gambling must be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to generate cash. If the overall online gambling experience is enjoyable, that’s what matters most.

Try not to deviate from your budget. Use only what you can afford to lose and you’ll be okay. If you win on your allotted bankroll, play off your winnings. But never exceed your budget. It’s easy to determine your budget. First off, pay off your monthly debts and pay for necessities. If an entertainment budget is left over for gambling that’s how to find it.

Tips

• Know your game
• Set a limit
• Gamble within your limit
• Use only money you are willing to lose
• Don’t borrow money to gamble with

Card playing

Much can be credited to the China of old. Owing to the fact that the Chinese used paper currency, it is said that they had much experience shuffling paper money in 900 A.D – a possible prelude to card shuffling. Many cultures and religions can lay claim to adding their contribution to card playing. It is not only the Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Greeks, Egyptians and Romans who were actively involved in gambling, but many other nations along the way.

Twists and Turns

Throughout history gambling has gone through periods of regulation, prohibition and close scrutiny. King Henry – an avid gambler – banned gambling; Native Americans embraced gambling; Revolutionary Americans played federal lotteries but gambling survived and always prospered. Today the USA lays claim to Nevada and Atlantic City among others and indeed the world sports many bricks and mortar casinos.

Online gambling gains traction

The e-boom of the 1990s gave rise to online gambling. By 1994 Antigua and Barbuda passed the Free Trade and Processing Act which essentially legislated to allow gambling licenses. Soon thereafter Microgaming was born – a world leader in hi-tech leading gaming software for poker rooms and casinos. As early as 1995 Microgaming’s Gaming Club opened and in 1996 InterCasino was launched as was the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada. The latter regulates online gaming from the Mohawk territory of Kahnawake.

The late 1990s were marked by strong revenue growth in the industry. And around the same time, Intertops became the first online sports book, licensed under the gaming laws of Antigua. Today they cater to tens of thousands of daily wagers in almost 200 countries. Of all the online gaming attractions, online Poker is tops. Party Poker, Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars and other notable brands have become household names in this big-revenue industry. Many of these companies list on leading stock exchanges where they trade as blue-chip enterprises.

Amidst ongoing moves towards regulation and the USA’s Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), online gaming is still in flux. While the US market has limited participation via payment processors to outside and unregulated online casinos, the world market for e-gaming is growing at a healthy rate. eCOGRA provides for safe online gaming practice and there are moves to regulate gaming in the USA. Such measures could generate much-needed tax-revenues and greater control over the industry. Big name operators such as 888 Holdings, William Hill, Bwin and Playtech are navigating the waters and operate under European and other licensed operators. The industry is expected to generate in excess of $20 billion by 2010.

The future of online gambling is already here, with online casinos of all creeds and colors. Now you’re invited to read about the history of the games.