Online casino, which is also called internet casino or virtual casino, is the online form of the traditional casino. It allows players or gamblers to participate in casino games using the internet. In this game, gamblers can either play for real money or practice money through software download although web-based no-download casinos and live-based casinos are also available.
Software download or download-based online casino is usually the gambler’s choice because of its excellent features (e.g. graphics and sound programs are located within the software client). It is presented via an installer program whereby an initial file is downloaded from the internet which then obtains files for installation. However, one must always remember that for a full casino installation a large number of files are required fro the internet and similarly a large number of disc spaces can be taken up. The initial download and installation of a download-based online casino also takes time and the risk of the program containing malware is unavoidable.
Web-based online casinos, on the other hand, are websites that enables gamblers to join virtual casino games without necessarily downloading software to the local computer. Unlike download-based online casinos, web-based no-download casinos use web-plug-ins like Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Shockwave and Java so that gamblers can access casino games via their chosen web browser. Inspite reports that no-download format casinos lack glitz and glamour, software designers nowadays are making use of this technology to present games with great graphics, sounds and playability.
Live-based casino, just like web-based online casinos, is also played via an internet web browser but it utilizes HTML coding to enable gamblers to play. In this form, gamblers are able to play games similar to a real world casino environment and they are able to see, hear and interact with live dealers at tables in casinos worldwide. In addition, live-based gaming is also accessible by most people with internet or by people who are equipped with web TV or hand-held web mobiles. The disadvantage, however, of this casino type is that it doesn’t have sound or animation and it appears very basic compared with the other two aforementioned casino types.
Which form of online casino is to be utilized by players or gamblers does not actually matter so much. What matters most is every player maintains a connection to the internet all the time because all software requires access to the random number generator which sits at the heart of the software itself.
