Is online gambling really a safe activity? Sure, an online casino is often more convenient than land-based one but can one trust that the online environment is just as safe? Aren't most online activities more dangerous than face-to-face entertainment?

If you are like most adults, you probably have visited a land-based casino. However, you may not have visited an online one. The number one reason people do not visit online casinos is "lack of trust". E-commerce, in general, has a bad reputation - much of it fuelled by sensational media hype. It is far more comfortable for the consumer to go to an old-fashioned brick and mortar store where they can feel and touch the products and talk to a real human being. But don't be too quick to dismiss the Internet - it is a vast universe with many legitimate businesses that are growing in number daily and that provide excellent customer service and products. Nestled amongst these businesses reside a few quality online casinos.

Although Internet casinos are currently illegal in the United States there are a number of reputable sites where online gambling is legal. Just as the state of Nevada made a choice to legalize gambling, many countries around the world have legalized the business of online casinos. Examples include:
* Antigua
* Australia
* Costa Rica
* Gibraltar
* Kanawhake, Canada
* Netherlands Antilles
* Norfolk Island
* UK and Isle of Man

In these areas of the world not only do online casinos exist but also often large corporations own these casinos. These are corporations, which like any other business, are governed by the policies of the stock exchange where their stock is currently traded. Better business policies are enforced. WilliamHill.com is one example of a legitimate online casino business. Registered in England they offer betting options that range from sporting events to poker and bingo. The shareholders in William Hill monitor their company just as stringently as the shareholders in any of the large Las Vegas establishments.

Wagering in an e-commerce casino is much different than walking into your local betting hall with a handful of cash in your hand. Credit cards and e-wallets are common denominators amongst many online casinos. And they bring their own element of risk for the gambler. Internet credit card fraud has been rampant since the birth of e-commerce. While many shoppers are nervous to use their cards for any online purchase the reality is that consumers have little to worry about. In fact, most of the online payment companies boast more robust security measures than many banks. This combined with the fact that credit card companies themselves have an obligation to the cardholder to not allow fraudulent charges makes online commerce very secure. Articles on how consumers can protect themselves both online and in-person abound and are recommended reading for anyone who is savvy with their purchases in this day and age.

However, there is an element of risk to both in-person and online gamblers today. Amongst the thousands of online Casinos, there are a number of fraudulent behaviours documented. Two of the most commonly reported behaviours are refusal to pay withdrawals and cheating software. Again the key is for the consumer to make him or herself aware of those online businesses that engage in unsavoury behaviour. The best way to protect oneself is by becoming familiar with online casino player community. The community quickly labels an online casino that engages in fraudulent behaviour as a rogue casino.

The best way to protect oneself is to regularly visit a casino gambling portal, such as www.onlinebettingcentral.com. Such portals provide player forums and lists of blacklisted casinos. They can easily found with any major search engine but it is important to remember, as with much of what one's reads online, these portals constitute individual webmaster and player opinions rather than official views from a regulating body.

One of the most common fraudulent behaviours found online is the delay of withdrawals. This is usually done in an attempt to have the player continue gambling in hopes that they will lose some or all of their winnings.

Ironically, cheating software is much less of an issue than payout problems. A few of the software programs known to cheat are Casino Bar and Elka System/Oyster Gaming.

Much of the rumours about cheating software originate from players thinking they have found patterns in software. However, the common consensus in the online casino industry is that most of the major casino software brands offer odds and paybacks that are the same as their land-based casino counterparts.

Online casinos can be divided into three categories: web-based, download-based and live casinos. Some casinos offer multiple categories.

Web-based casinos are casinos that reside entirely on an online server. Players are not forced to download any files to their local computer. Most of these games are played using a browser plug-in such as Flash or Shockwave. These games are a bit dated but still provide excellent entertainment. Slotland is an excellent example of this type of casino.

Download-based casinos require the player to download some files to their local machine. This is by far the most popular form of online casinos today. The download allows for the best graphics and most diverse form of games. This is because the graphics and sound programs are located within the software client, rather than having to be loaded from the Internet. It is prudent to note, that as with all downloads, there is a small chance of malware existing. River Belle Casino and InterCasino are both good examples of this type of casino.

Live-based casinos allow the user to interact at the tables with other users around the world. Many of these involve some sort of download, but they also offer a peer-to-peer element that the other types of online casinos do not. Online players can see, hear, and interact with live dealers at tables in casino studios worldwide.

The last lesson to be learned is the bonus system. Most, if not all, online casinos offer new players a healthy sign-up bonus to make their first deposit. Normally the bonus is offered in the form of a percentage of funds deposited, although many casinos offer a bonus on how much is wagered and over a certain length of time. The bonus always comes with a minimal wagering amount before withdrawal. As each Casino offers such a variety of bonuses, it is usually prudent to refer to a casino gambling portal for help. These portals make it their business to provide gamblers with the most up-to-date information of bonus offers. www.onlinebettingcentral.com is an excellent example of a gambling portal.

Equipped with the right information and a good dose of due diligence the online gambler has little to fear from online casinos. Remember to play within your means and good luck.