If you’re against online gambling, I’m probably not going to persuade you otherwise (in fact, I’m kinda surprised you’re reading this at all!). However, I suppose I may say something to get you thinking, anyway.

If you’re unsure about it, or just getting started, you may find my tips and suggestions very helpful. They’re basically the things that I wish someone had told me when I was getting started.

• first of all, online gambling is superior to land-based gambling in almost every way.

You get the convenience and security of playing from home (or anywhere else that you can get Internet access, which is pretty much anywhere these days) at any time of the day. Online payouts are bigger and more frequent (because the operating costs are so much less) and you have much more freedom to play whatever games you like, for as long as you like.

Sure, if you’re looking for that “Vegas feeling”, you’ll probably have to come to Vegas for it. Online casinos won’t provide you with complimentary cocktails, buffets, over-the-top stage shows, et cetera. For that you have to take time off from work, plan and budget for a trip (travel, lodging, and a long list of additional incidental expenses), and try to pack in as much as possible during the short time that you’re here.

..but if you just like to gamble, there’s no place better than online. You’re so much more in control of your environment — get rid of all of those distractions and concentrate on the slots, blackjack, video poker, or any of the many other games.

I can understand the people who have safety and security concerns about moving money around online. It was a big worry of mine about five years ago, before more rigorous privacy and encryption was available. I won’t say nothing bad could ever happen anymore, but now you’re actually LESS exposed at the best USA casino than you are in the ‘real world’.

Just make sure that you’re at one of the US casinos that accepts USA players deposits. As long as you’re smart about it (i.e., go to a reputable online casino and use a secure payment method)  you’re in far more danger visiting a ‘real-world’ ATM than you are transferring money online!