Making the switch online

The online gambling industry is worth billions. Back in 2007, it was valued at $114 billion; by 2012 it’s estimated to exceed $155 billion. It is the now the most profitable industry on the Internet and will continue to grow as new laws are passed making it legal in growing numbers of countries.

At the beginning of June, for the first time France awarded a host of gambling licenses to online casinos operating in the country. This will pave the way for a host of other countries to change their laws regarding online gambling so it can be regulated and monitored and therefore become safer for users.

There are many benefits to using an online casino in comparison with going into a land-based version. One of the biggest advantages is that they are beginner friendly. You don’t need to be a poker pro to play online poker.

Land-based casinos can be intimidating. They are also male dominated and women often feel they don’t belong. However, women are a growth sector in online gambling.

What’s more, most online casinos and gambling sites have free tutorials and free trials so you don’t have to jump in with both feet and a briefcase full of money. You can test the waters before committing any money.

Convenience is one of the biggest selling points. You can sit in your armchair at home or even in your swivel chair in the office and place a bet, play poker or hit the online craps tables. No dress code is required, no expensive whiskys, just you and your computer and a network of millions of people. You can even be on the bus playing on your smartphone.

You can switch from game to game without having to move. This variety is very appealing to most players and it means people can start off with more simple forms of gambling before moving over to tactical games such as poker.

Online casinos seem to be rather generous too. There are many games you can play for free but win real money, and others offer great incentives such as free money as an attractive little welcome bonus if you deposit £20.

Safety and anti-cheating technology is rapidly increasing which now brings online casinos in line with the traditional land-based ones. There have been great developments in random number generators to make things fairer for players, so the house won’t always win.

If you’re thinking of trying the online casino world then go with a reputable site such as 32 Red – they are a premier UK casino that was recently awarded ‘Casino of the Decade’ by Casinomeister and is now listed on the London Stock Exchange.