Viva Las Vegas! As you are probably aware, casinos are now online, everywhere you look. Easy to sign up to, they offer welcome bonuses and of course access to a very wide range of your favourite casino games.
Casino websites are abundant on the Internet now. The vast choice of games, casino brands and of course ways to play mean that websites from the key casino players are becoming more realistic and ever simpler to play.
Some of the world's leading casinos now have an online presence. From Circus Circus to Mayfair Casinos, just about everyone has ensured they are online. But how do you know where to play and who's technology is streets ahead of everyone elses?
Research is vital to ensure you choose a casino that suits you. Do you prefer smartphone access or a laptop/pc? Want to play certain games or happy with anything? Trust a brand more than a spuriously names casino site?
Using online sites to research is peppered with issues. Subjectivity of online reviewers, or online reviewers that have been paid by the casino to give positive reviews are rife. Visit the casinos you know - see what their games are like and even try some of the flash versions before you download any app.
Is it any wonder that the Internet has become so popular? As access becomes faster and more smartphones are able to hold connection and support advanced gaming platforms, the play experience has moved on a notch from even 3 years ago. More people are also using the Internet to research before the play, meaning casinos have had to up their game.
Online is also easy. If you're a single parent, travel a lot or just don't want to go out, why should that stop you having a flutter? From a few games of poker to roulette or even craps online, you can choose where and how long you want to play and the beauty is - you don't even need to be dressed up.
Just because it's easy, gambling still needs to be something you undertake responsibly. So whether you're wanting to win big, or just wile away an hour or two with some games you enjoy playing, you need to set some boundaries.
We suggest the simplest way to prevent you losing big money is to load up the amount you can afford, then only play with that money until you either lose or want to cash out a winner. Don't leave your debit card next to the computer and never load up all your money that month in one go.
Only gamble if you can afford to lose the money - anything you win is then a bonus.
Keep a tab on how often you gamble as a way of checking whether you are becoming addicted. This is where online gambling can be problematic for some.
How far should your gambling go? Is logging on once a week the perfect balance or should you be seeking a happy medium that ensures you only gamble at certain times of the month - like just before payday when your budget is rightly limited somewhat.
If you have issues with your gambling, seek help as soon as possible.