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Al Moe

The Dark Side of Online Gaming

By , About.com GuideApril 9, 2011

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This may seem like old news to some of you, but online casinos don't always play by the rules. Quite simply, they have a dark side, a sinister, ugly, greedy behemoth of constantly growing leeches and parasites that feed on the unsuspecting.

So, you say, that's what you get for trusting an unknown virtual casino. Sure, that's the easy answer. And, that's why I personally would like to see the US allow a number of US-based companies to offer online gaming including poker and sports betting. I suppose that would probably have to include casino games and slots, but I don't want to go crazy.

How about a properly enforced sign-up process for an online casino that offers only a very small daily deposit and low limit games to start with? We'll see what the future holds.

What the present holds, and what I hold in my hand, are email complaints about online casinos that have refused to pay winners. Online gaming is legal in many countries, but that doesn't stop crooks from offering big bonuses for joining and then refusing to pay when players actually win.

My latest emails include comments about Cool Cat Casino and Cirrus Casino, which are both part of the Virtual Casino Group. Online gaming watchdog website Casinomeister calls this group's casinos "mega clip-shot joints."

The Casinomeister web site has been around since 1998 and has helped scammed players get their winning - at a small number of online casinos. That's not a reflection on Casinomeister, that's an ugly reflection of the danger of playing online at unknown sites.

As Casinomeister says, "You must ensure you meet all age and other regulatory requirements before entering a casino or placing a wager. Online gambling is illegal in many jurisdictions and users should consult legal counsel regarding the legal status of online gambling and gaming in their jurisdictions."

I'm an advocate for sensible gambling where the player is safe to make their bets and be able to cash out their winnings. Is that too much to ask? Apparently it is, because while there are some good online sites, there are enough crooked ones to ruin the fun for everyone. So, before you join a "legal" gambling site, check the Casinomeister web site.

Comments

April 18, 2011 at 3:13 pm
(1) Alan Gruskoff says:

So true. Its easy to get the money in the online casino, but good luck trying to get money out. Its a hellish experience to avoid.

April 18, 2011 at 6:08 pm
(2) kevin says:

can you share the reputable casinos vs the bad ones

April 20, 2011 at 1:03 pm
(3) Al Moe says:

You are right, Alan, it can be tough getting your winnings back.

Kevin, I’m sorry but I can’t give a list of good and bad sites, but non-US players can join reputable sites like William Hill that are licensed in the UK. FWIW, Will Hill just acquired Cal-Neva and American Wagering Ltd. sports books.

This is certainly a sign the someday the company may be able to offer their services to US online players.

April 29, 2011 at 12:57 am
(4) 30th birthday party ideas says:

It often happens that the games we enjoy the most are the same ones that we complain about the most.30th birthday party ideas

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