Internet gambling attracts large audience

By Zack Dyer
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Internet gambling has attracted much attention from computer users. Gambling on the Internet is done by placing bets through credit, on casino games, sports games or any other games the particular casino offers.

"I have played at several different Internet casinos, and they all seem fair enough to me. I don't always win, but that's the way it is at a real casino," said Dan Lefco, 23, a pre-med major at Albany State College.

A major concern is the fairness of Internet gambling. Some see it as a chance to gamble in the comfort of their own home.

"I've never had a bad experience at an Internet casino. Most of the popular Internet casinos, like the ones you find from a search through a popular search engine, are all straight up and fair. Customer support groups are a great help also," said Paul Smith, from Little Rock Indiana.

"An Internet casino is a web site that gives a casino environment, with games and other opportunities."

After arriving at a casino, the site will take you to a designed page where you can open an account and deposit money by means of credit card, electric check, certified check, money order or through a wired transfer.

Wins and losses are calculated electronically and can be added or deducted to a player's account. If a player decides to cash out, the casino will issue a check for the winnings paid and send it to the user's home address.

"My husband and I spent all night online gambling on craps, and we did great. We won $550 in just one night. Without delay, we cashed out and were sent a check for our winnings. It was as simple as that," said Maryann Kritzer, 28, a housewife from Troy, NY.

Officially, gambling on the Internet is legal but a person betting on the Internet should be aware of certain problems.

"There are many sites on the Internet where you can place a bet, or gamble. They are in places where gambling is legal. Gambling is an issue that is regulated by the state; however, the Internet uses wire communications which allow you to place bets from anywhere. Organized gambling does work best in a regulated environment, professionals say," states http://www.about-Internet-gambling.com.

Such games as Poker, Black Jack and all of the other gambling card games have been posted to the Internet so that people can join in on their web sites and become addicted. On almost any search engine you can join in with a huge group of others who do the same.

"During college football season, I go to this web site that my friend from home had made up, and all of us bet on what teams will win. There is a point spread system, and you can bet on the scores over or under a certain amount," said Steve Hare, 21, a communications major from Saratoga, NY.

College sports are advertised over the Internet and are a popular choice for those sports fans who want to bet on their favorite teams. Not only are college sports popular, but professional sports, as well. There are also many personal gambling web sites.

The Internet has begun a revolution that has grown and grown; you can practically do whatever you want on the 'Net. Internet gambling is just one thing that is offered to those who venture it.

"My advice to anyone out there who wants to gamble at an Internet casino is that the game of Craps has the best odds of winning. Blackjack is the next best odds of winning in the casino. Keep this in mind as you go to gamble," said Jonathan Diggs, from Washington, DC.

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