Online gambling is a relatively recent industry. The Internet began to penetrate the mainstream market in the 1990s but online gaming only managed to pick up traction in the 21st Century-this was in spite of online casino software being developed alongside the commercialization of the World Wide Web. Operators started with Web-based games, before downloadable variants, virtual products, and live offerings became available. These are currently among the most popular platforms in online gaming. Smaller casinos offer just one or two, while the largest operators offer all of them.
Web-based online casinos. Sometimes referred to as "flash" casinos are online gaming venues that do not require players to download specific software in their computer. Instead, they host the games through browser plugins like Macromedia Flash or Java. Because graphics, sounds, and animations are part of the package, Web-based casinos may require high bandwidth consumption and sometimes encounter technical problems when the Internet connection is quite weak.
Download-based online casinos. This platform requires for the download of a "client" software, which is a standalone window where customers can play their game much faster. Download-based platforms connect to the casino service provider and handles contact without browser support. With this type of online casino, downloadable games (but mostly build-in) selection is also much wider.
Live dealer casinos. Of all versions, this one is the closest to the real-world casinos. Games are still played with the use computers but real casino fixtures-through an optical character recognition (OCR) technology-such as tables, cards, and most notably, dealers are employed. They are captured on camera inside a casino room where they are seen live by players in their computers or tablets. Dealers host the game as usual and they are able to communicate with players through chat features or phone calls. This set-up is very expensive as it involves a heavier investment in technology and staffing. Hence, only the largest operators can afford to offer it. Games available in live dealer casinos include roulette, blackjack, poker, sic-bo, and baccarat.
Depending on players' needs, every one of the aforementioned platforms is satisfying whether financially or aesthetically. Some may opt for RNG-generated games while others may wish to stay true with human-influenced sessions. Virtual games have constantly evolving interfaces and themes, making them very interesting and exciting. Likewise, live dealer casinos offer the feels (in the nearest approximation) of brick-and-mortar venues through authentic equipment and well-trained croupiers.
Regardless of where customers wish to experience online casino gaming, it is still best to be conscientious of choices. Plenty of online casinos are currently available but the degrees of their reliability are not all the same. When signing up with an operator, it is best to join duly registered, reputable, and highly recommended casinos.