Online casinos are the ‘virtual’ version of ‘brick-and-mortar’ casinos. These give the convenience of gaming through Internet from virtually any part of the world. These online casinos use appropriate software programs to simulate an environment as close as that of a physical casino. The basic principle behind every single software used by the online casinos is ‘random number generator’. Though this is considered to be highly scientific, however, reliability and trust issues are a common concern. Most of the online casinos use software’s from well-known companies like Realtime Gaming, Micro-gaming, Crypto Logic Inc etc. By doing so, they also attempt to “piggyback” their reputation on the software manufacturer’s credibility.

Since, online casinos aim to provide their users with a highly interactive and Vegas-like gaming experience, their dependence on online casino software groups is immense. Many man hours and millions of dollars are spent on the development of the required software. The objective is to make the experience as realistic as possible, through the use of flawless graphics, state-of-the-art animations and incredible sound features. While many software groups start out with good intentions, only a handful really know how to pull it off.

What are the different types of online casinos?

Basically, there are two types of online casinos, which are set up on their outer interface: download-only and web-based casinos. While most of the online casinos offer only one of these, a few of them offer both. And another few of them also offer something called ‘Live gaming’, either fully, or maybe in part of a wider online casino offering. In the live online casinos, real dealers handle the popular casino games such as blackjack and roulette inside of the studios, so that the players get the best atmosphere of a physical casino.

Web-based online casinos

Web-based online casinos don’t require the users to download the software to their local computers. Using Flash format, one is able to access the casino lobby instantly from the web browser and with absolutely no hassle. No download software is great for players who cannot, for whatever reason, download software to their computers or if you look at it the other way round, those who want to even save those few minutes that it takes to download a full version of the software.

Download-based online casinos

As against the web-based, download-based online casinos needs the user to download the software client for effectively using the full functionality of the casinos such as browser support upon contact. The more popular version, this is essentially a package of games that can be downloaded directly onto the player’s personal computer. The online casino software connects to the casino service provider and handles contact without browser support. A vast majority of games are incorporated into this package, which can be installed within a very short space of time. Thus, every time one feels like playing a game at that particular casino, one can simply access it from a computer within seconds. Games such as slots, video poker and specialty games are thus instantly at one’s fingertips once the download process has been completed.