Online Casino Score

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.