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Every month, I receive dozens of questions regarding online gambling. Is it safe? How do you find a “good” site?” Are the results truly random, or is it all just a scam? Of these questions, the most prevalent concern online slots and how they compare to their traditional casino counterparts.
To help answer these questions, I contacted Nick Melrose, a representative of Peak Entertainment ( www.peakentertainment.com ) the parent company behind two of the Internet’s oldest and most popular casino properties, Omni Casino and The Sands of the Caribbean. Here’s what he had to say about online gambling, and what their sites have to offer slot players.
Q: What are the major differences between online slots and traditional or “land-based” casino slots?
A: To tell you the truth, not much. Nowadays, since the machines in the land-based operations use computer chips—much like our own—we’re on a level playing field in terms of the variety of games we can offer. But considering online casino operators have a much lower overhead cost, we can afford to be a bit more liberal with our payout percentages compared to a land-based casino.
Q: How do online casinos regulate the random outcome of their games and how does this compare with the methods employed by traditional casinos?
Q: All online casinos use a random number generator so the outcome can never be determined. Land-based machines also use similar types of random number generators (computer chips) so there really isn't much of a difference. As you know, we use Cryptologic software, and they are a publicly traded company, so they are under constant scrutiny from a multitude of regulators, so you can rest assure the randomness is real and fair.
A: In your opinion, why should slot players gamble online and specifically at your sites?
Q: Convenience, convenience, convenience. Why deal with traffic, weather, crowds, etc., if you can sit in the comfort of your own home and play on machines that use the same technology and offer better payout percentages? Our two main properties, The Sands of the Caribbean Online Casino and Omni Casino have been around since 1997 and have an unsurpassed reputation for trustworthiness and fairness, not to mention a superb customer support team ready to handle any questions 24/7. In addition, we were voted “Top Casino” 2004 for Omni Casino and the readers of Casino Player magazine voted Omni "Best Casino 2004." The Sands of the Caribbean has been named casino with the “Best Reputation” and—more importantly to the slots player—“Best Progressive Slots.” Oh, and here’s one more reason I almost forgot…comps! Peak Entertainment, our parent company, was voted "Top Rewards Program" in the industry, meaning you get more free money by earning our renowned “Peak Points” in any one of our managed properties.
Q: Traditional casinos offer a wide range of jackpot games, paying winners anywhere from hundreds to millions of dollars. Do sites like Omni Casino or The Sands of the Caribbean offer players the same range of jackpots?
A: Sure, we have five progressive slots as well as progressive Caribbean Stud Poker, Blackjack, Video Poker and Video Keno. A customer at The Sands of the Caribbean Online Casino recently won $414,119.22 while playing on our Rags to Riches progressive slot machine. The reset value in most of them is $100,000, so that’s a pretty good starting point after someone hits one.
Q: What tips would you offer slot players regarding selecting an appropriate online casino?
A: Longevity, first and foremost. If an online casino has been around for a long time then you know they can be trusted. I would also look at their payout percentages, awards won and their rewards or “comp” program. Lastly, I would test their customer support service to see if you get quick and accurate responses to your questions. Casinos whom ignore your query or take a long time to respond should raise a red flag, because customers are the lifeblood of any operation—and they should know that.
Q: Many readers write-in, looking for online casinos that offer games with features similar to their favorite traditional slots. For example, Wheel of Fortune offers a special "spin" feature that provides players with an exciting side-game when activated. Do any online games offer players similar features?
A: Yes. We have several slot machines with this feature including some progressive slots such as Rags to Riches and Millionaires Club. Players will find that our games—be it slot, table or otherwise—are structured after the very same games they would encounter in a land-based operation. Not to let the cat out of the bag, but we (Cryptologic) are working on a deal to develop some hugely popular name brand slot machines in the very near future.
Q: In terms of software and graphics, how do your sites simulate the traditional casino experience?
A: We offer our players the most realistic experience available on the Internet. They will encounter all the sights and sounds of a land-based casino, including a 3-D environment where they can to choose an avatar that best suits their personality and chat with others in the multi-player games.
Q: Do your sites offer any special incentives such as bonuses or player rewards designed specifically for slot players?
A: Most other sites reward slot players the same way they reward Blackjack players, 1 point for every $10 wagered. But in the ‘Peak Rewards’ comp program which you’re automatically enrolled in when you register the software, you’ll receive points 110% faster when you play any of our 33 slot machines. For example, Blackjack players earn 8 Peak Rewards for every $10 wagered, while slot players earn 17 points for every $10 bet. Then we take it a step—actually several steps—further, and reward our bigger players with even more ‘Peak Rewards’ for the same $10, according to their level of play. You can go from a ‘Base Camp’ level, through the ‘Alps,’ ‘Rockies,’ ‘Himalayas’ and ultimately up to a ‘Peak Summit’ player, where that same $10 wager nets you 25 ‘Peak Rewards’. As you can see, we certainly cater to the slots player in our casinos, and that’s why it’s no shock we have many of the same slots players playing with us now that have been with us since 1997.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add about online gambling or Peak Entertainment?
PE: Peak Entertainment is dedicated to providing safe, secure and fun entertainment to gaming enthusiasts. We welcome anyone interested to download and install our free software and experience our games for themselves. Customers are able to play for free in ‘practice mode’ for as long as they like to sharpen their skills in a certain game, or just play without gambling for real money. We encourage customers to compare our software with some of the other online casinos out there and contact our customer support if they have any questions. For a complete list of our properties and all that we offer they can visit www.peakentertainment.com
A: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. I’m sure our readers appreciate it.
PE: Thanks.
***
By and large, online slots offer the same basic features as traditional casino slots. There’s a wide variation in games, themes, styles, jackpots and limits—pretty much something for everyone. And because both now rely on computer chips and advanced programs to spin the reels and ensure random outcomes, from a gambling perspective the differences between the two are not as dramatic as you might think.
Of course, whether you get the same thrill pushing a button from home as you do from pulling the handle in a real casino is another matter entirely.
J. Phillip Vogel is an online gambling expert and the editor for Poker Life magazine. His latest book, Internet Gambling: How to Win Big Online is now available at Amazon.com
Net News
AnyBets.com Places Pooled Odds on BetBrain
AnyBets.com ( www.anybets.com) has recently signed a deal with online odds comparison site BetBrain.com to be the only pool betting site listed at the popular pre-game destination.
BetBrain offers comparisons of dozens of bookmakers’ odds through its portal www.BetBrain.com. This service, which updates its odds every two minutes, provides sports-bettors a tabular comparison of the current odds at a wide-range of online betting destinations, making choosing where to bet faster and more convenient.
"AnyBets.com is pleased to be included in the BetBrain odds comparison service,” said founder Graeme Levin. “Because we are a pool betting web site, the odds are determined entirely by the market. We frequently have better odds than the fixed-odds bookmakers on traditional sports.”
Internet Poker Ad Airs at Super Bowl
More than 78,000 football fans caught the first glimpse of the InterPoker.tv ( www.InterPoker.tv) play-for-fun online poker room advertisement on the giant-screen display boards placed in Alltel Stadium at Super Bowl XXXIX. This was the first time Internet poker has made it into America’s most prestigious and expensive advertising arena.
“With one in six Americans playing poker, Internet poker has gone mainstream,” said Mike de Halpert, Manager of InterPoker.com. “It’s one of the most popular activities online and televised poker is omnipresent across the nation. Super Bowl advertising is condensed American culture, and our advertisement is proof. Poker is ingrained into the psyche of America.”
Not So Bad Man Lands $49,409 on Progressive Slot Jackpot
Only two weeks after paying out a $114,637 jackpot to a lucky customer, online slot site Slotland.com ( www.slotland.com ) has churned out another major winner, player “Badlandman” with a $49,409 payout compliments of their popular Triple Video Poker machine.
“It is always exciting to witness someone hitting the progressive jackpot, as we know in some part we are making a difference to that person’s life,” said Hannah Morante, spokesperson for Slotland.com. “Whether it is $20,000, $100,000 or even just $100 we know we’ve brought a winning smile to the face of one lucky customer.”
Slotland’s progressive jackpot is currently won on average every six weeks and usually stands at over $100,000, making it one of the most frequently won jackpots on the Internet.
Casino Portal Re-launches
The popular gaming site, CasinoGames.com has recently re-launched as a gaming portal intended for guiding and supporting online gambling enthusiasts.
The updated version of the site is designed for novice and advanced Internet gamblers alike, and features casino news and bonus information, as well as extensive site reviews. In addition, CasinoGames.com houses a dedicated staff to provide visitors with advice on topics including how to choose an online casino and how to determine if a casino is trustworthy. For more information, visit the site at www.casinogames.com.
BonusZoo.com adds banking information
Although credit cards are often the preferred method for funding player accounts in many parts of the world, in the U.S. few credit card companies will allow online gambling transactions, requiring players to find suitable alternatives. Unfortunately, while there are numerous methods for funding such accounts, not all sites provide the same banking options.
To assist online gamblers in finding sites that offers suitable options, online casino bonus directory BonusZoo.com ( www.bonuszoo.com ) has recently added a new feature that allows visitors to view online gambling sites according to preferred deposit methods offered. This new feature is found under the heading “List by Deposit Methods” and visitors who access this link will receive current listing of over 30 different deposit methods accepted by online gambling sites.
Casino Player’s Site of the Month Award
In each issue of Casino Player our experts reveal their selections for the very best in online gambling.
And the Winner is…
The River Belle Casino
www.riverbelle.com
Some online casinos take great pains to develop a good site, yet fail to adequately expand their product line over time, or take advantage of advances in gaming software to better support player demands. In short, they seem to set-up shop and hope that their patrons don’t notice the developing shortcomings.
Other sites, however, not only make the effort to develop a state-of-the-art casino, but also go that extra mile to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the online gaming industry. They constantly expand their gaming options, improve their software, provide enhanced player incentives, and just seem to be one step ahead of the rest of the pack.
Enter The River Belle Casino.
A progressive site that makes being on the cutting edge of online gambling a priority, The River Belle Casino prides itself on providing gamblers with the very best and most sophisticated gaming environment the Internet has to offer.
“We are continually exploring new ways of improving our entertainment brands—introducing new games and promotions and improving the speed and reliability of our support,” asserts CEO Tim Johnson. “We are also working to develop localized products specific for different parts of the world.”
Let’s take a look at just a few of the noteworthy features that sets The River Belle Casino apart from other online gambling sites.
A Solid Foundation
River Belle Online Casino is part of Belle Rock Gaming, a group of online gaming brands comprising seven online casinos and three online poker rooms. Belle Rock Gaming was created in 2004 by the Carmen Media Group when they linked together The Gaming Club Group (consisting of The Gaming Club online casino and Poker Room, Jackpot City, Showdown and Home Casino) and the River Belle Online Casino and Poker Room, Aces High and Lucky Nugget Online Casino and Poker Room.
Extensive Bonuses
Online casinos love to give away free cash to players, and The River Belle is no exception. But while many casinos only offer limited rewards exclusive to new players—such as a one-time 25% sign-up bonus—The River Belle rewards their new and existing players handsomely. Current offerings include:
-100% match bonus of up to $250
- An additional 20% bonus for making a first deposit by using NETeller or FirePay.
-Cash back VIP Club membership for returning players
The River Belle Casino also offers frequent specialty promotions, which has included free cars, a chance to win a luxurious $10,000 yachting vacation or a share of one million casino credits.
Games/Selection
An extensive selection is often the top criteria when selecting a site. After all, who wants to spend the time opening an account and downloading the software if there are only a handful of games to choose from? Thankfully, that’s not something patrons of The River Belle need worry about. They offer over 160 realistic interactive casino games including everything from blackjack and cyberstud poker, to video poker, slots, progressive games and more. In addition, they host their own state-of-the-art poker room that features all of the most popular poker variants including Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and Five-Card Stud.
Banking Options
If you’re going to gamble online for money, one of the first steps is to fund your account. While typically a frustrating and tedious process, at River Belle they strive to make the procedure as streamlined as possible by offering a large variety of safe and convenient options for players to choose from. These include major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club, as well as alternative methods like Citadel, EcoCard, FirePay, NETeller, PaySparkATM, PaySpark Internet, Delta, and Moneybookers.
Cutting-Edge Software
The River Belle Casino uses software created and powered by Microgaming Systems, a leading developer of superior gaming software. And as one would expect, The River Belle’s patrons are treated to a realistic and vibrant casino simulation chock full of 3-D games, digital casino sounds and non-stop gambling entertainment. In addition, River Belle offers players the option of choosing their preferred software platform—either the comprehensive downloadable version or the easy-access instant play Flash version.
24/7 Customer Service
The River Belle’s Customer Service Center is operated by ForwardSlash, one of the world's most experienced online service operations. Players are looked after by a dedicated team of knowledgeable and professional support personnel who offer unparalleled one-on-one service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fair Gaming
The River Belle employs advanced shuffling and randomization techniques to ensure that all of their games are fair and equitable. Furthermore, their payout percentages are routinely audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers who report their average payout ratio as being 97%— that’s better than many land-based casinos. Finally, their PlayCheck service allows gamblers to check and review all of their game play activity, while CashCheck allows for easy viewing of recent transactions.
With so many fantastic and unique features, it’s no wonder that The River Belle Online Casino sets the standard for quality in the online gambling industry. For more information or to check out The River Belle, visit them online at www.riverbelle.com
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