Where Can I Gamble Online - Safely?

There are very few people who do not like to gamble at least once in a while. It is not only fun, but can be a great way to make a few extra dollars on a small investment. Well, that is depending on the game you play and your level of skill. Although many casinos exist around the United States, the online world has made gambling convenient with the introduction of online casinos. In 1996 there were a mere 15 websites--this number has now grown to 1,400 and counting. Yet, the most important question on everyone's mind is "Where can I gamble online?" There are many factors you should--and must--take into consideration when choosing an online casino. Read on to discover what these all important factors are.

1. The Law

This is where gambling online becomes complicated. Since November 2002 there have been numerous court cases and rulings involving online gambling. Although the Federal Department of Justice has made rulings, what it comes down to at this point in time are the rules of the particular state you live in. If a bet or wager is made online in the state in which you reside and in that state it is illegal to make online bets or wagers, then the state can--and has been known to--seize the profits.

You may also be indicted for illegal gambling, even though it is online. So rule number one: before gambling online in your state, check with your local laws to ensure it is legal.

2. Read Reviews

You might have found an enticing online casino via a directory. However, you want to make sure it is a reputable casino. With most casinos you have to download the software for the casino before you can actually play the games they offer. This means using your credit or debit card multiple times. Although most online casinos are reputable, it is not always safe to give your credit card information repeatedly.

3. Security Measures

The most trustworthy online gambling casinos are those that belong to a large online gambling corporation. One of the best is Belle Rock Entertainment. Not only does this company have many years of happy customers, but a strong financial foundation. This means you are sure to receive your winnings. They also provide an extremely secure platform to make sure their players have no doubt when it comes to safety.

Some security measures include access to account records, asking for secret passwords only you would know and questions and answers to verify it is you who is playing. These are some of the things to look for when choosing an online gambling casino.

4. The Software

There are certain software companies who provide you with the best games and security. Knowing the names of these software companies is a great help when trying to locate the best online gambling casinos. MicroGaming is definitely one of the best, being the most popular. Not only do they offer multiple varieties of Blackjack, they also have numerous other games, including progressive slots.

Boss Media is another software leader, with their games being fast and easy to play. It offers one of the best Blackjack games around, and payout is fast and uncomplicated.

Playtech is another of the best around. This software offers multiple games to suit the needs of any online gambler, and a video poker game with a jackpot to make playing worth your while.

5. Top Recommendations

Now that we have covered some of the factors you should consider, here are some of the most reputable online gambling casinos for you to visit. Thus your answer to that all important question of "where can I gamble online"?:

Las Vegas USA Casino is fairly new, but caters mainly to players in the United States and has an excellent payout rate--97 percent.

The Gaming Club Casino is an oldie but a goodie, having been around since 1995. They pay in both US dollars and pounds, offer more than 100 games and have a payout rate of more than 96 percent.

Sun Palace Casino is perhaps one of the most impressive online casinos, offering a welcome bonus of up to $500 dollars in cash for opening an account to gamble with real money.

With a 97 percent payout rate, Captain Cooks Casino offers 83 different games, paying in US dollars.

Trying to find out where to gamble online is not as difficult as it may seem. The difficult part is finding a reputable online casino with decent games and an impressive payout rate. All you need to do is follow the tips we have given you here and you will be on your way to gaming fun in no time.

George Schmingy is an avid gaming enthusiast and writer of related materials. To learn more about gambling online please visit => http://www.casinohotshots.com

Gambling Addictions and Where to Get Help

Compulsive gambling is a difficult and growing addiction in our society. It requires specific knowledge in treatment not available from other addiction therapies. Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word.

Gamblers can have a problem, however, without being totally out of control. Long before an addiction has fully developed, gambling can have a negative impact. Gamblers Anonymous is a worldwide association of other problem gamblers devoted to helping themselves, and others towards solving their gambling problem. Gamblers can find the real thrill in their hometowns these days.

Support groups tailored to the patient's particular life situation will enhance the patient's ability to make friends who are in a similar situation and decrease their dependence upon on-line cohorts. If a patient leads one of the above mentioned "lonely lifestyles" then perhaps the patient may join a local interpersonal growth group, a singles group, ceramics class, a bowling league, or church group to help meet new people. Support groups often require you to follow very strict rules and regulations. They also require very long, sometimes lifelong, commitments to attendance and participation.

Financial issues become a way of life for the problem gambler. Official government figures indicate the average gambling debt was over $23,000. Financial Management is one of the most difficult areas in life. Most of us, especially myself, need help to get it right.

Remember we are human - Every person who struggles with the demon of gambling addiction must remember we are only human, and we will struggle and fall on our face at times. However, every day we go without gambling, some of the temptations will fade away. Remember 90% of patients that work our program stay clean and sober.

Looking for help with your addictions then visit the Gambling Addiction Forum for help.