Issues While Depositing with a Credit Card

December 13th, 2010  |  Published in Casino Tips

If you have ever attempted to make a deposit at an online gaming site with a credit card, chances are you have encountered some difficulty or issues. In most cases the problem does not lay with your credit card specifically, instead changes in authorization policy. This typically results in a denied transaction.

Some players try four or more credit cards until they find one that authorizes the transaction. Other players have used a credit card to make a deposit at an online casino then one day is not able to make a single transaction with that card. This is all due to credit card company policy changes. For instance, Visa and MasterCard no longer authorize deposits to online gaming sites.

Online casino merchants are assigned the specific code of “7995” of which credit card companies either approve transactions made to and from that code or deny them. This is the most loathed number in the online gambling industry. Since 2009, the 7995 code has resulted in a decline in online gaming revenue by up to 30 percent.

7995 is an identification number of the casino industry which is based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. The casino’s processor is coded 7995 by the issuing bank. Therefore, each time a player attempts to use a specific bank’s credit card, the transaction is blocked. Many players will then continue to obtain authorization with other cards until they are approved or run out of credit cards at which point they quit.

This system was first introduced by Visa in 2001. However, the implementation was by a specific merchant was not a requirement. Unfortunately for online casino’s, one of the largest merchant banks, Providian, immediately adopted the system. As a result, the online gaming industry felt the repercussions immediately. Shortly after other banks began to follow the trend and in May 2002 MasterCard introduced a similar program.

Luckily for the player, there are plenty of other options. New alternative payment processing companies are popping up left and right. Despite these numerous payment processing companies, NeTeller still reins king despite restricting U.S.-based customers. Other major companies include:

  • Cash card
  • PayManager
  • ProCyber
  • E-Gold
  • OneWPS
  • 900pay

The restriction of credit cards due to SIC code 7995 for use at online casinos almost crippled the online gaming industry. Luckily the emergence of alternative payment processing companies saved the day for online gamblers.

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How to Choose the Right Casino

April 6th, 2010  |  Published in Casino Tips

Players often focus on choosing the right game for them. This is an important step to take as playing a game that you excel in and enjoy leads to big wins. However, how often have you stopped to consider the importance of which casino you play in? If you have multiple casinos in your area, or are visiting a casino hotspot like Las Vegas, you need to  select a casino that fits you and your gaming style.

The same could be said for online casinos where there are an abundance of casino web sites available, and many offer enticing sign up bonuses. Thus, the decision of choosing a casino can be difficult and it is worthy of your consideration.

How to Choose a Casino

What Games Does the Casino Offer?

Not every casino will host the same poker games, hold the same amount of tables, or play the American version of Roulette. If you are a poker player, look for a casino that has several poker tables and offers a variety of poker games. If you are a video poker player, make sure the casino has more then one video poker machine to offer you. If you are a slot machine player, you will want to check out how many varieties of slot machines the casino has.

What Are The Betting Limits?

Different casinos have different minimum and maximum betting limits in place for both their table games and slot machines. This is an important thing to consider, especially if you prefer to bet very high or very low. For example, not all casinos carry penny slots. If you are not prepared to play at a nickel or higher slot machine, then you should find a casino with a penny slot section.

Land Based Casinos: Does the Casino Have a Smoke Free Section?

Most casinos allow smoking on the floor. This is done to keep the smokers from growing anxious and leaving the casino. After all, if they are allowed to smoke they are much less likely to get up and leave the poker table or slot machine bank. A few casinos offer smoke free sections where their games are played. If you are sensitive to smoke, look for a casino that offers this option, and make sure the game you want to play is located inside the smoke free section.

Online Based Casinos: Are the Deposit and Withdrawal Methods Convenient

A large and determining factor when choosing an online casino is ones ability to deposit and/or withdrawal funds. Many casinos will entice you with large bonuses, substantial games, and amazing graphics. However, these are all insignificant if you are unable to deposit or withdrawal funds. Always check to ensure that they accept monies from deposits made within your country, and then review their withdrawal methods and available merchant providers.

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