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Casino.CN.Com - Information on Casino Software
Needed Software
Now that you know your system can handle the job at hand, the next step is to get the right software.
That's simple enough, just pick a site. Most, if not all, online gambling sites offer their software
free to anyone who cares to use it. So, a capable operating system, which we just discussed, and an
Internet browser are all that you really need to get started. These browsers, such as Microsoft Explorer
or Netscape and also free and if you don't have the latest version simply visit their site and download
the update.
Sites that offer casino gaming may also require players to download their own casino software package
in order to play the games. I say "may require" because there are several different casino software
platforms, some of which allow gamblers to avoid the download process and play right through the browser.
(See below). If you should settle on a site that requires the download, don't panic. They walk you
through the process step by step and make it about as painless as possible. This software is also
free, as the casino's goal isn't to sell you a couple of bucks worth of gaming software, but to get you
through the door where they have a shot at getting some real money. With that in mind, always be wary
of sites that ask you to pay for their software download, as that's usually the first sign of a scam in
progress. Also, don't be fooled by enterprising young hooligans who peddle their casino software CDs on
auction sites like eBay. Anyone can get those same CDs just by requesting them from the casino. They're
free!
Software Platforms
We briefly touched on the subject of software platforms in the previous section, but now it's time to get
down to the nitty-gritty of the casino software choices: platforms.
Just as there are different types of sites and different types of games, so too are different types of
software platforms, that is, methods by which a player can access the data and play the games. Currently,
there are three major types: downloadable, JAVA-based, and Flash.
Download Platforms
The original form of gambling software, downloadable gaming platforms required the would-be gambler to visit
the site and download the entire software package from the casino's server onto their own computer. These
original packages were often bulky, typically running as high as 15 MB, as they contained all of the data
required to play each game in the casino. These files were so cumbersome, that it often took almost an hour
for the entire package to download!
As the industry progressed, however, this form of software package installation has become more streamlined,
allowing players to download only the basic casino components with additional optional downloads possible
later.
For example, now a player can quickly load the casino's basic software package - usually only about
4 MB - which consists of the general casino images (entrance, tables, etc.,) and only a few basic games
like blackjack, slots and a video poker machine or two. Once this casino shell is downloaded, players
can then log on to the site and start gambling. If they want to install additional games later, they
simply select which ones they want and download them individually by clicking on a link from the original
software package.
This method for installing the casino software is especially important for the "larger" sites that have
over 100 games, as it allows players to selectively add games and avoid wasting the tremendous amount of
time it would take to install so many unnecessary files.
JAVA Platforms
The next generation of online gambling followed with an even easier way for players to access the gaming
tables: JAVA-based software. With JAVA gaming, players no longer needed to download the site's software
onto their system - they could simply visit the site, register and start playing right through their own
browser. This new feature revolutionized online gambling, allowing players the easily jump from site to
site, without having to waste time and memory space by incorporating the software onto their own system.
That's not to say that JAVA doesn't have its limitations. One major drawback to this type of software
feature is the quality of the graphics. Since the games are played directly from the site's server, rather
than from information stored on the user's system, the visual appeal is sometimes mildly diminished. In
some poor quality sites, in fact, the games often look more akin to an arcade game from the 80's than a
high-tech digital program of the 21st century.
Flash Platforms
The latest innovation in online gambling software, Flash technology allows gamblers to again start playing
without the need for the lengthy software downloads. However, while JAVA software sometimes has graphical
limitations, Flash uses streaming technology to create a very realistic, smooth-flowing gambling experience.
The only real drawback to the player who uses this platform is the need to download the Flash plug-ins -
the software necessary to run the program. While this may seem to be just as inefficient as the original
download platforms, the plug-ins typically take less time to incorporate, are provided directly from the
site and need only be installed once.
Obviously, it is up to the individual to decide which format best suits their needs. Thankfully, many
casinos are now offering all three options to players, allowing them to decide for themselves which to
use. Some players prefer JAVA or Flash formats because they provide for greater flexibility when site
hopping - requiring little or nothing to download. Other players prefer the stability of downloading the
entire software package onto their system because they feel more in control of the gaming, get better
graphics, and trust the site. In addition, by downloading a site's software, players are more likely to
return to that site, which helps to earn more comp points.
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