The rise and rise of online casinos

Gaming online has become increasingly popular over the last few years and its growth shows no sign of abating as more and more people log on for a quick thrill and in hope of a big win.

The most recent statistics from the UK Gambling Commission show that, as of March 2011, 20 per cent of the gaming fraternity choose to chance their arm online. Only lotteries and scratch cards boast more players. As the development of online gaming continues, and their television advertisement presence becomes almost ubiquitous, these stats are only set to grow. And when you consider the ease and advantages of playing online, it’s plain to see why.

The Commission estimates that there are approximately 20,000 online gaming sites available on the Internet, each one offering an intriguing myriad of games, from Deal or No Deal online to sports simulators, and the chance of a quick windfall.

While each player will have his or her personal preferences and reasons for playing, there are a number of universal appeals to playing online, which can be applied across the board.

Firstly, online casinos offer gamers a versatility that, quite simply, has never been seen nor enjoyed before. While practical constraints limit the number, and type, of games available in physical casinos, in cyberspace there are no such problems.

Players are free to take a good look around in search of their perfect gaming station. Furthermore, the quality of your destination is no longer determined, or even slightly influenced, by geography. Fancy a whirl in a Vegas style casino? Forget a plane ticket, just switch on your computer and away you go.

Time is another issue that is altogether eliminated by playing online. No longer will a gaming session have to be rigidly planned into your schedule with specific time set aside, in some cases even time off work.

Instead, log on and play wherever, whenever you want. Many online sites offer mobile versions, meaning that big win is never more than a few button pushes away.

What’s more, such is the competition between the Internet casinos, the sites will do all they can to bring more customers their way. These luring tactics usually take the shape of various bonuses and promotions. Particularly prevalent is the presence of a welcome bonus, where the new player is offered a free amount of money, typically £10 or £20, to get them started on the site.

Perhaps the main advantage of choosing to do the majority, if not all, of your gaming online is the fact that, in many cases, you are able to practice the games with a free demonstration mode first before you lay down your money.

Before you launch yourself into a Deal or No Deal game, for example, enjoy a risk-free turn with Noel to try out different strategies. This is particularly useful as it allows players to familiarise themselves with the rules and style of the game, thus enabling them to consider whether it suits their tastes, skills and is likely to lead to a significant windfall.

Yet another benefit of playing online comes in the form of progressive jackpots. This is a common feature on online casinos, particularly on the slots, where the final prize increases each time anyone has a turn on the game. If you’re patient, and your timing is spot on, you have the chance to swoop in at the last minute and snatch what is often a huge jackpot.

Of course, playing online can lack the glamour of getting all dressed up for a trip to an actual casino. For many, however, this is actually another advantage as you are able to save time and play from the comfort of your home.