Online Casino Score

eCOGRA is one of the most trustworthy online casino accreditation organizations in the industry. The firm applies rigorous standards to casino operators and even releases dispute resolutions statistics twice per year. This allows the online gambling industry to be privy to the status of disputes that occur at different online casinos between the operator and their customers.

2011 Half-Year Dispute Report

The 2011 half-year dispute report was recently released by eCOGRA Fair Gaming Advocate Tex Rees. The highlight of the report is that eCOGRA-accredited online casino operators have once again maintained a low complaint ratio under 0.5 percent per site over six months in 2011. Even more amazing is the valid complaints received by the organization were resolved within 72 hours.

Quick and Efficient Responses

Apparently operators have been quick and cooperative in cases where eCOGRA representatives have requested additional explanations or information. The operators have then had a fast turnaround time once the findings of each case were announced. Also, only a small handful of players circumvent the terms and conditions related to gameplay and payouts. However, these players are becoming more creative causing operators to develop improved methods of identification.

Safe and Fair Seal

eCOGRA currently boasts of 145 tier one online gambling websites which are owned by the largest and most established operators across the Internet. The organization also offers free dispute resolution to players betting at casino that have received the “Safe and Fair” seal. In the first half of 2011, 475 complaints were logged by eCOGRA with 57 from players wagering at unapproved online casino.

Breakdown of Complaints

Also, 60 complaints were determined to be invalid because the player was unable to provide the required information. This leaves 358 total complains recognized by the Fair Gaming Advocate. The breakdown of complaints is as follows: 41 percent were related to cash-in problems, 23 percent were bonus issues and 21 percent equated to locked accounts.

Complaint Resolution

The average complaint rate was 13 per week from all 145 accredited online casino operators. Additionally, during this time period the number of valid disputes resolved in favor of the player decreased by 3 percent (from 2010) to 40 percent. The primary reason for this was the large number of gambling syndicates uncovered by operators who broke the terms and conditions.

This report is important to the online gambling industry as it proves to the naysayers that those online casinos with the eCOGRA seal are safe and fair to players. This also checks the checker in that they are providing a fair service to the online gambling industry as well as the player.

As the flagship brand of The Palace Group, Spin Palace online casino has discarded its previous image of a fairy tale palace and replaced it with a futuristic theme. The background of the website features an ultramodern city with tall skyscrapers and a red carpet that leads to the doors of the casino. This theme is consistent across all web pages and is well-detailed across the style of all aspects of the website. Due to brand identification, the casino has kept the old logo.

The Homepage

The homepage presents the highlights of Spin Palace utilizing a vertical format which requires users to scroll down for additional content. The most dominant aspect of the homepage is reserved for the signup bonus of $1,000 matching over the first three deposits. Another section is entitled, “The Richest Rewards at Spin Palace.” This includes an overview of the Loyalty Club, VIP, customer service and recent winners with links provided to each.

Featured Games

A new section added during the makeover is “Featured Games” which displays the most popular casino games including, Mega Moolah, Mermaids Millions and Thunderstruck II. New games are usually announced in The Palace Group newsletter which is available through the link at the bottom of the homepage.

Online Gaming Categories

Additionally, the homepage features a section discussing the various gaming categories at the casino. These include Fruit Machines, Video Poker, Roulette, Slots and Blackjack. Clickable links to these games are provided to provide additional information. Furthermore, Spin Palace offers a mobile casino and link for those that wish to play on the go.

Spin Palace Casino Information

Spin Palace online casino is a multi-currency and multi-language gaming site. The player is given the option to select the language and currency from the top right hand corner of the homepage. There are currently 15 languages to choose from. Currency choices include; American, Canadian and Australian dollars, Euros and Pounds.

Spin Palace online casino is powered by Microgaming software. Furthermore, the casino is licensed and regulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta. Additionally, the new website boasts the eCOGRA seal of approval so players know they are receiving the highest standards.

The new website provides much more information than the previous version and is more aesthetically appealing. Stop by the new website to learn more about Spin Palace online casino and register to try your luck at many of their exciting games.

One of the most sought after security approvals in the gaming industry is through eCOGRA. This gives online gaming sites and their suppliers a considerable amount of credibility as being robust and secure. Those companies that have not yet been approved submit their gaming operations to eCOGRA for inspection. The most recent Microgaming-powered casinos to be inspected and approved are Red Flush and Casino La Vida, both members of the Club Red Gaming group.

Since they are approved, both online gaming sites can display the “Safe and Fair” seal from eCOGRA. This seal places them in an elite status with only 143 other online casinos. This indicates these casinos have fulfilled the required standards during the inspection and during the time period of monitoring for further compliance. The eCOGRA assessment includes the following issues:

• Fair gaming standards
• Fair and timely payouts
• Efficient customer support
• Responsible gaming gauges
• Dispute resolution

Representatives from both casinos publicly announced how proud they are of their newest accomplishment and that they are delighted with being recognized for continuous integrity and compliant operating standards. The seal is the latest accomplishment for online gaming sites since they were first launched.

In 2008, Red Flush was presented with the Best New Online Casino Award courtesy of Casinomeister. In 2010, Casino La Vida was released and also received the Best New Online Casino Award only from Online Gaming Insider.

eCOGRA was founded in 2003 by opposing online casinos to improve operating standards and protect internet gambling players. Today, eCOGRA functions independently from its founders and does not receive any funding. For this reason, approvals granted by eCOGRA have acquired credibility.

eCOGRA operational standards apply not only to online casinos but also online poker rooms, sports betting, bingo halls, live dealer gaming, mobile casino gambling, software providers and affiliate programs. Basically the seal covers all companies in connection with online gambling. The seals are recognized by numerous international regulatory bodies like the European Gaming and Betting Association. However, the seal is mainly placed to appeal to players and potential customers.

Microgaming is one of the largest and most well-known software developers to have become eCOGRA certified. Therefore, being that Red Flush and Casino La Vida are Microgaming-powered, it was a bit easier for them to obtain this prestigious certification. With so few casinos on the certification list, acquiring this will drastically increase the number of players at a casino and thus multiply revenue.

Powered by Microgaming software, Platinum Play is a leading-edge online gaming site. The casino has an exorbitant number of games to play. You can pretty much find any game in existence at this casino. Established in 2002, Platinum Play is a segment of  eCogra which upholds the highest standards of reliability and quality.

Platinum Play is in the same network as other powerhouses in the Fortune Network including 7 Sultans, Vegas Villa, Vegas Palms and Royal Vegas. This casino is highly regulated in a trustworthy jurisdiction and has been in operation for many years.

Given their length of time in the online casino industry, Platinum Play has been able to prefect their casino providing many benefits to the player. These advantages include:

• Excellent VIP program
• Multi-lingual support
• Large welcome bonus and new promotions
• High progressive jackpots
• Microgaming Viper software

One of the best features of Platinum Play Casino is the VIP program. There are no restrictions as you can begin collecting points the second you start playing in a real money game. Another benefit is the technical and customer support are multi-lingual for those that do not speak English as their native language.

Additionally, there is a generous welcome bonus of $1500 with no deposit necessary. This is one of the best deals in the industry. Platinum Play Casino also unveils new promotions on a regular basis. Furthermore, with over 300 casino games, there are many that offer high progressive jackpots. Finally, the casino is powered by Microgaming Viper software which guarantees quality and reliability.

There are, however, a few minor limitations to the casino including:

• Website only available in English
• High wagering requirements

The first disadvantage is the website is only available in English despite multi-lingual support. Therefore, if you do not speak English, you are out of luck. Second, there are high minimum wagering requirements which means those with a smaller bankroll should not play at this casino. It is too easy to lose all of your money when playing with a restricted bankroll.

Overall, Platinum Play is an exciting and excellent place to play. Backed by one of the most reputable online gaming networks in the industry, Platinum Play holds the highest quality standards. Since the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages, Platinum Play should be one your first stops on the journey through online gambling.

With literally hundreds of online casinos to choose from, many first-time online gamers can be overwhelmed by their seemingly endless playing options. Some newbies wrongly assume that every online casino is going to offer the same quality experience and make a deposit at the first site they land on. The end result is that many new online players are so disappointed by their first experience that they never play again. Don’t let yourself be a bad casino casualty; the world of online casinos has much to offer if you know where to look. Below we outline a brief guide of what to look for in a good online casino.

Fair and Safe Operations

The most important thing to look for in your future online casino is what’s going on behind the scenes. To protect yourself and your money, you want to choose an online casino that’s got a good reputation with both industry professionals and everyday players. Licensing and auditing information should be openly posted on the site along with affiliations with gambling watchdog groups like eCOGRA.

Good Software

Though casino software gets very little credit among non-technical online gamblers, the truth is that a site’s software controls virtually everything you’ll do and experience at an online casino from the look of the site to the speed of the games.

Satisfying Game Selection

Speaking of games, you want to pick a site that offers what you’re looking for. That seems obvious enough, but if, say, video poker is your preferred game chances are you’re not going to be excited or interested long if the site you choose only has one video poker title. Check out a site’s game selection on their game preview page or in free mode prior to depositing to ensure that they have enough variety and action to keep you happy long-term.

A Site Design You Like

While site design shouldn’t be your first priority, it can greatly affect how much you enjoy and appreciate your selected casino long-term. Before you even play, you want to find an online casino that you can navigate comfortably and whose site offers you all the information that you need. You also want to choose a casino with game tables that you’d be happy to look at through the many hours included in your future sessions.

Promotions That Keep You Coming Back

Many beginners make bonus size their key criteria, and the end result is that they have a big bankroll at a casino they don’t even want to play at. Bonuses are important, but they shouldn’t be key in determining where you play if you plan to play regularly. If you find a casino that fills all the other above criteria and also has a bonus that excites you, then that’s just the icing on the cake.