Online Casino Score

GoCasino is a fairly new offering to the world of online gaming. Licensed and regulated by the Curacao Internet Gaming Association (CIGA), GoCasino is a full-service online casino providing many different games to the player. This is another gaming site that utilizes the powerful software created by Vegas Technology.

The Games

GoCasino offers over 100 casino games; all of which can be played in practice mode or live against other patrons. Games can be access through a downloadable application with a preview option of each game prior to the download.

The Bonuses

There are many different sign-up bonuses offered with the most prominent being the “Massive Multi-Deposit Welcome Bonus.” This allows new players to the casino to deposit up to 20 times with a maximum matching bonus of $20,000. Also, there are surprise weekly bonuses awarded at the discretion of the casino. To qualify, you must be engaged in a game.

Registration for Live Games

There are a few methods for registering to play in real money games. Major credit cards can be used to fund the account, which is usually the most convenient and fastest way. Another option is the Solid Debit Card as well as Neteller and Click2Pay which are only available outside of North America.

Tournaments

GoCasino also provides various types of tournaments throughout the month. These mainly consist of video poker and slots. There are both free entry and paid entry options. Different variations of tournaments occur almost every day.

Advantages

There are a few advantages that GoCasino offers over other online gaming sites. First, all players are eligible for comp points which can be used for tournament buy-ins and various other prizes. Also the welcome bonus is one of the best in the industry. Furthermore, there are always plenty of tournaments to choose from each day. Finally, the interface is extremely user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

Disadvantages

There are only two primary disadvantages. First, the funding options are limited. If you live in North America, you can only use a credit card. Second, there are not many progressive gaming options as found at many other casinos.

Despite the few disadvantages, there are plenty of advantages that make this a top-notch casino. Its popularity is primarily attributed to its tournaments and welcome bonus. As they expand and make modifications based on consumer needs, GoCasino will surely add additional banking options and progressive games to further attract new players.

Baccarat is an extremely popular game across the globe. Due to the exciting action and its simple rules, Baccarat is now being offered to customers at online gaming sites. Since it’s a card game, it’s difficult to trace back to the exact origin. There are many different versions depending on the country where it’s played. The first card game was invented approximately 2000 years ago in Asia.

In the 14^th century, crusaders brought back various card games to Europe from Asia. At this time, the first printed deck of cards was developed. Christopher Columbus is generally credited with bringing card games to the Americas. The suites were actually created to represent the feudal classes in society.

Like the suites, face cards also had significance. During one period, the faces on the cards were those of Kings, Queens and Soldiers. Some famous figures include:

• Charlemagne
• Alexander the Great
• Julius Caesar
• King David

Famous queens that were placed on cars include:

• Helen of Troy
• Joan of Arc
• Athena
• Rachel

Jacks represented famous knights:

• Roland
• Etienne de Vignoles
• Sir Lancelot
• Hodgier Le Danois

It is thought that around 1492 the game of Baccarat came to fruition in Italy. The original game was based on the Nine Gods, an ancient Roman tradition. As the story goes, 2000 years ago in Rome nine Gods were praying at the base of a virgin. The virgin threw a nine-sided die.

She needed to roll an eight or nine to be crowned as priestess. Rolling a six or seven meant she would lose her status. Anything less than that, she would walk into the sea. Baccarat uses these same numbers for specific actions and to claim a victor.

The first name associated with Baccarat is difficult to pinpoint due to the variations in the game across different European countries. In France, the game was originally outlawed in casinos since royalty felt they only had a right to play. This version migrated to South America, then north to Cuba. Around 1958, the game traveled to the Sands Casino in Las Vegas which is where it made its big American debut.

Currently Baccarat is offered in almost every casino in the world and many online. Although there are two primary versions (French and American), the rules are fairly similar. The game of Baccarat is quite diverse so it can be played at low limits or in the high roller room.

Believe it or not online casinos have been developed for over three decades. However, only in the past ten years have they become popular and mainstream. Online gaming has a short but rich history of processes that have built upon one another with the output being the results we see today.

In the Beginning

During the mid 1970’s gaming software was making its presence on land-based casinos. Around this time, computer software-based slot machines began replacing electromechanical slots. Concurrently software for blackjack strategy was also being developed by professional card counters. This was one of three primary building blocks.

Now that the software had been developed, casinos needed a method of connecting different computers together and running the gaming applications from a stored location. Unfortunately it wasn’t until the availability of the Internet in the early 1990’s that this could idea could become a reality.

The final factor contributing to the creation of online gaming was the regulatory aspect. This came to fruition in 1994 when Antigua and Barbuda enacted The Free Trade and Processing Zone Act that allowed gambling licenses. This was the first online gambling jurisdiction. These two countries continue to be a well-respected and popular jurisdiction.

Microgaming

Since all three aspects of online gaming were implemented, Microgaming stepped in to string them together. The company recognized it had all pieces except one; an internet security company that could protect financial transactions across the Internet in a safe manner. Microgaming hired Cryptologic to ensure secure transactions. Cryptologic developed an eCash system for these transfers and also developed the first casino, Intercasino, in 1996.

Since this initial development, the industry has been booming. It’s estimated there are over 2,300 online gaming sites that include casinos, poker rooms and sports books. The online gambling industry has combined revenue of over $15 billion annually.

Although graphics have improved, more games have been added, focus has changed and larger bonuses offered, the games remain the same. Online gaming has come a long way from the initial software development to server storage and gambling regulations. It’s gone from lawless to heavily regulated or even illegal in many countries like the United States. Many online gambling businesses are listed as public companies on various stock exchanges.

As internet gaming continues to grow and newer, more improved technology is implemented, the revenue will skyrocket. Many online casinos are continuing to profit even during this tough economic struggle. In the end, the history of online gaming has built a strong foundation so it’s here to stay and prosper.

Proprietary software is computer software developed by an individual or company that’s licensed under the exclusive legal right of its owner. When bought, the purchaser is granted the right to use the program under specific conditions which usually indicate that they cannot modify, reverse engineer or redistribute the software.

Proprietary Software and Online Gaming

Many online gaming sites develop their own software for use in-house rather than seek a software developer to form a partnership. In the online gaming industry, this is considered proprietary software. There are a few advantages to the consumer by playing at a site that uses its own software.

Advantages

First, there is more diversity among the types of games offered. Since the software is developed internally it can be fully customized to add unique games. Also, proprietary software tends to have a more distinguished and unique feel to it. Many major gaming companies have numerous websites that are all on the same platform, there’s no differentiation among the sites.

Disadvantages

One of the most important disadvantages is the lack of security and reliability consistent with proprietary software. While the major gaming companies are reliable, well-established, publicly traded organizations; smaller sites that use proprietary software may not have this same reliability. Although this is rare since online gaming companies have too much to lose, when it does happen the effects can be disastrous.

There was a recent incident with administrators of an online gaming site being able to see other player’s cards. This site was built on proprietary software which proves the lack of reliability. This type of practice ended up crippling that site’s business.

Another disadvantage is the potential for low player volume. To keep games like Texas Hold’em running and profitable, many players are needed. Smaller sites may not be able to provide much competition since they are not part of the larger network sites.

Although proprietary software has the excellent advantages of customization and differentiation from other sites within its network, there are a few disadvantages that hurt its effectiveness. Reliability and security are major issues that accompany proprietary gaming software. Also, low player volume can be an issue due to the size of the site.

The trend of gaming websites seems to be networks linked together; all of which are owned by a major corporation. This type of system uses the same general software on all their sites; simply changing the theme. As this trend becomes mainstream, proprietary software may become a thing of the past.

The online casino, Jackpot City, recently launched an innovative, new Facebook program. The program, known as Friends with Benefits, will give members of Jackpot City’s Facebook fan page access to exclusive slot machine tournaments at their online casino.

What is Facebook?

Facebook is a social networking website that allows users to build an online presence including a profile and photos. Once started, users can add friends to their page and share status updates among their group. In recent years, becoming a fan of a business, movie, band, or just about anything else you can imagine has become extremely popular. Members can search for something they are interested in, like Jackpot City, and become a fan to add that interest to their Facebook profile page. After adding, the user will see status updates and special promotions from their interest. Facebook is free to join.

What is Jackpot City?

Jackpot City is an online casino owned by Belle Rock Entertainment and Carmen Media Group Limited. Jackpot City is a complete casino online. They offer almost any game you would see at a land-based casino including, slot machines, roulette, poker, blackjack, keno, video poker, craps, even an online version of scratch-offs. Jackpot City also offers tournaments, such as the Friends with Benefits slot tournament. Joining is free, but players are required to download the Jackpot City casino software for some games.

Friends with Benefits- The Slot Machine Tournament

Friends with Benefits is the name given to the special slot machine tournaments Jackpot City will be hosting for their Facebook fans. The first Friends with Benefits tournament gave free entry to a $1,500 tournament for all of Jackpot City casino’s Facebook friends.

Jackpot City plans to continue hosting the Friends with Benefits slot machine tournaments in the upcoming year, encouraging new and old fans to keep coming back for more. However, the prizes and reward incentives are subject to change. You may not see another free entry of that magnitude, but fans of the Jackpot City casino Facebook page are guaranteed a prize every time.

Friends with Benefits is a creative way to embrace social media in the online gaming world. If you would like in on the action, simply add Jackpot City casino to your Facebook fan page. You can start participating in the Friends with Benefits slot machine tournaments today. You can find out more information on Jackpot City’s website or their Facebook page.