But Virtgame, which created the technology, touts it as a giant leap for Net sports betting.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board took a small step toward legalizing online gambling this week with its approval of technology that will allow sports wagering via modem.
On Thursday, the board approved the technology, created by Virtgame of San Diego, Calif. But it still must approve related software that ties into the sport book’s system, said Dennis Neilander, a Gaming Control Board commissioner. That approval is likely next week and will be followed by a 30-day field trial, he said.
Through an agreement with Virtgame, Coast Resorts plans to offer 24-hour betting on sports games to Nevada residents. On its Web site, Virtgame called its agreement with Coast Resorts, which owns four casinos in Las Vegas, “a landmark in the evolution of legalized online gaming.”
“For the first time we are offering regulators a viable solution for the online gaming boom, in a legal and controlled way,” the company said. Virtgame officials could not be reached to comment.
But Neilander disputed media reports that Virtgame’s technology would create the first online gambling system approved for operation in the U.S. “It’s just an extension of telephone betting,” he said. “It doesn’t involve the Internet at all.”
Instead, the bettor will use a personal computer, modem and browser to directly call and place a bet with Coast Resorts. Even before that, the patron will have to register in person with Coast Resorts, show proof of Nevada residency and age, and put down a cash deposit. In addition to such in-person registration, Virtgame’s technology will determine whether the telephone call is coming from a Nevada telephone, Neilander said.
Online gambling remains a legal gray area, with most of the Togel sites operating outside the U.S. States are currently charged with regulating gambling and laws vary widely. Sports wagering is only legal in the state of Nevada and to a limited degree in Oregon. Nevada sports books handled legal wagers totaling $2.3 billion in 1998. Illegal sports betting nationally ranges from $80 billion to as much as $380 billion each year, according to estimates in the National Gambling Impact Study Commission report.
Things To Do Before You Gamble Online
Each week Steve Adkins reports on the good, the bad, and the ugly in the online gambling scene. WINNERonline welcomes feedback on Adkins’ remarks from both players and casinos. Send your comments to pitboss@winneronline.com. Your comments may be published.
Internet gambling can be as fun and exciting as a real casino. Instead of waiting for your lucky machine, you can just log on and play.
While this multibillion dollar industry grows at a substantial rate, it does remain non-regulated. The industry depends solely on self-regulation.
Before whipping out your gold Visa card there are a few things that you should know first. When looking for an online casino to play, I recommend that you follow the ten points below. (Of course, the very first thing you should do is join the Online Players Association. Get details at www.onlineplayersassociation.com.)
- Is the casino licensed by a sovereign government? If no, find another casino.
- Does the casino have a toll free customer service number that is answered 24 hours a day? If no, find another casino.
- Do they allow you to play for free? This is very important: it gives you the chance to check out their software before you spend any money. If they do not, find another casino.
- What is the smallest denomination of their poker and slot machines? You’re looking for a wide variety of denominations, such as nickels, quarters, dollars and five-dollar machines.
- How many different versions of video poker do they have? You’re looking for at least three. That tells you that the operator has spent a lot of money on the software. Beware of those casinos that tell you they only have one version of video poker.
- What is the smallest and largest bet that they accept on craps or blackjack? This is mainly for your own betting information.
- Does the casino have a place where they keep track of your purchases and cashouts?
- How is the customer service? There’s an easy way to test this: Send them an email with a question and see how long it takes them to reply.
- What is the reputation of the software maker involved in the casino? There is no sense in gambling online if you do not know how you will collect your winnings.
- Make sure you read all the rules on bonuses and cashing out procedures. Do your homework before you gamble online, not after.
Before you wager one dime, call the casino’s toll free customer service number and ask the following question, “If I buy in with my credit card for $100 but cash out $300, how will I get paid?”
Beware of those casinos that tell you they will send you a check. Be sure to ask how long it takes. Most casinos that send checks take up to 4 weeks. That is unacceptable unless the site clearly states the time frame for receiving your money!
The only answer that you are looking for is that they will, within 3 days, credit back your credit card up to the original amount of purchase, then give you an option of mailing you a check overnight or doing a wire transfer into your account.
If you use these very basic common sense methods of checking out a casino it will save you a lot of problems in the end. And it would even cut down on the number of complaints that I receive on a daily basis. Don’t just give your credit card number to the first casino you find. Please use your brain when picking a casino.
