Martin J. Silverthorne The Best Online Blackjack Casinos - 2007 Silverthorne Publications, Inc.
- 2007 COPYRIGHT 2007 Silverthorne Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Except for brief passages used in legitimate reviews, no parts of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher. Address all inquiries to the publisher: Silverthorne Publications, Inc. 848 N. Rainbow Blvd, Suite 601 Las Vegas, Nevada 89107 United States of America The material contained in this book is intended to inform and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally. This publication is designed to provide an independent viewpoint and analysis of the subject matter. The publisher and the author disclaim all legal responsibility for any personal loss or liability caused by the use of any of the information contained herein. Questions about this publication may be addressed to: support@silverthornepublications.com Published in the United States of America 2
How We Selected the Best Online Blackjack Casinos We were very selective in picking our top group on online casinos blackjack games. Casinos making the final cut are only a comparative handful of the online casinos offering roulette. While picking a suitable casino can be a matter of individual choice, there are a number of attributes that are important before you risk any money playing in a casino. Playing in a well known casino with a good record of dealing with its customers is very important. Casinos with numerous unresolved complaints were eliminated from consideration. We also checked on the financial stability and reliability of each casino. Included in this was its reliability, ability to pay out winnings, legality of ownership and its operations. To make our final cut, it was paramount that the casino s service must be accessible and satisfactory. We also placed great emphasis on the manner in which each casino responds to difficulties and how it handles payments to its customers. The ability to communicate with the casino was considered very important and we felt that the ability to contact a casino by telephone in addition to email was very important. The recommendations of players using the Power Blackjack Strategy and playing online received the greatest weight. Almost without exception each of the casinos making the final cut are those where our players have been successful and have had good winning experiences using the formula. In addition to all of the above considerations, we also used a very specific list of criteria which had to be met in order to be considered for safe and reliable roulette play. The Casino s Location Casinos in certain jurisdictions are better regulated than casinos in other jurisdictions. We prefer casinos in countries that are known to have casinos that are reputable and honest. Casinos in the United Kingdom and Costa Rica are two of the preferred countries. Casinos in third world countries without established track records were rejected. So too were casinos operating from Russia and certain other countries where fraud and deceit are all too common. The Casino s Software The software used by a casino is critical. As a minimum the software should generate results that assure the player of fairness. The company offering the software should be 3
well established and its software must have been audited and verified accurate and fair by an independent accounting firm performing an audit. Casinos operating with odd-ball software or proprietary software were not considered. We are not saying the proprietary software must automatically be suspect, we simply felt that we were not willing to take the risk when there are so many other choices with lower risk. The Casino Must Allow Free Play Casinos making our final cut all offer the player the chance to try out the software and experience the games before depositing any funds. All of our selected casinos allow practice play. The Casino Must Be Easy to Contact and Offer Good Support The casino must offer multiple ways of contact including toll free telephone numbers. Many online casinos only offer contact by email and/or chat rooms. That s fine, but we know that many of our players prefer to talk to a human being if they have a problem, question or issue. All of our selected casinos can be contacted by phone as well as email. In addition, each of our selected casinos is known to offer good customer support. We consider this a must with an online casino. The Casino s Primary Language is English and It Accepts US Dollars Approximately 84% of the online bets are made by US players. It is paramount that our select casinos be in the English language and accept US dollars. The Casino Must Accept US Players In 2006 the United States passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006. The focus of this act is not to criminalize individuals, but to close down most ways players living in the US use to transfer cash to and from online casinos. In addition to this act, several states in the US have passed laws directed at restricting online gambling. These states are Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Washington state. In reaction to both the federal and state laws many casinos have stopped accepting US players. We felt that only casinos that are still open to US players should make our final cut and each of the casinos recommended in this book are still open to US players. 4
Online Play for US Residents You have probably heard that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement portions of the SAFE Port Bill, signed into law on October 14, 2006, bans online gambling for persons living in the United States. This is not true. In some ways this bill may make online gambling even safer and will create new opportunities for betting online. The SAFE Port Bill does nothing to change existing law. The Bill refers to restricted transactions for banks and credit card companies. This does not change the status of online gambling for persons living in the US, which is at worst, unclear. As a practical matter, Paypal and most US credit cards stopped processing transactions involving online casinos over a year ago, so the new law does nothing more than ratify what has already occurred with respect to US domiciled credit card companies and Paypal. This legislation is all about making the politicians look good, otherwise known as posturing before an election. If the politicians were really concerned about the morality of gambling, they would get the states out of the gambling business and close down all state run lotteries. As you probably know, the house odds in the government run lotteries are much worse than the odds offered by the mob running the so-called numbers racket. I believe that eventually the pols will wake up to the fact that online gambling, like the Internet itself, is here to stay and largely operates beyond their control. The best way to handle online gambling would be to license it and regulate in the US, but we still have a ways to go before we get there. In the meantime, you won t find any changes in the status of gambling online from the US. The regulations for the new law won t be written until next summer and by the time they are, the industry will have developed the solutions, probably along the lines I discussed. Please remember that the status of gambling online, at least for a US citizen, is at worst a gray area and that it is by no means illegal for US citizens to place wagers online. 5
Funding Options for US Players ewalletxpress ewalletxpress continues to accept US players. Since January 17, 2007 ewalletxpress offers 10% sign up bonus on the first deposit up to $100. Click2pay Click2pay is one of the most popular payment methods today. The situation with click2pay is extremely dynamic and we advice our visitors to check the state of click2pay from the casino software. In any case, click2pay do not accept transactions from new UScustomers for services which are restricted by local or federal law. EcoCard Continues to work with Americans. EcoCard casino recommends new US players to open EcoCard accounts. You can update your deposits into your prepaid EcoCard via bank wire transfer, MoneyGram or Western Union.EcoCard accepted at gaming merchants. Wire Transfer Wire Transfer is still the valid form of the casino account depositing for US players. Please note that only $5,000 a week is allowed to be transferred. Western Union Western Union is a public company and it's hard for them to stand the pressure, but Western Union stays a reliable payment solution for US players. Credit Cards Most of the Credit Cards - Visa, Mastercard etc. are still available for depositing. Pay attention however, credit card transactions may be rejected. In this case try one of the alternatives proposed here. MoneyGram MoneyGram is keeping its strategy of supporting gambling transactions all around the world, including USA. echeck echeck has limited usage for US players, but still accepts US payments 6
Using Credit Cards Online US gamblers are finding alternatives to betting online with credit cards: Visa/Master Card prepaid Gift Cards. Gamblers are purchasing gift debit cards, in their own names and addresses. The best part of this solution: you don't have to wait for your new plastic savior to arrive in your mail box. You have virtual credit card details immediately: a valid credit card (CC) number, with an expiration date, and the 3-digit code that can be found on a regular credit card. Gift Cards can be purchased from a variety of retailers, such as Walgreens or CVS. The Gift Card solution does have one limitation, and that is the maximum balance cap. Most Gift Cards come with a limit, which can vary from $50 to $500. However, it is possible to find renewable cards, which can have funds added to them the original place of purchase, by bank transfer, or by regular credit card transfer. It is a good chance that your local Walgreens store has wide selection of beautifully decorated gift cards, but who cares about the pretty designs or funny messages as long as poker rooms and casino operators accept your gift card! Other Alternatives We want to mention WinWard Casino that has developed unique range of banking solutions for USA players. Make sure to download WinWard Casino software and check with the updated Cashier section for the solution that will allow you to deposit and get your winnings back. 7
Payment Methods that are NOT Available for US Customers PayPal PayPal does not accept gambling transactions at all. FirePay The FireOne Group, provider of the FirePay electronic wallet, officially stopped accepting gambling transactions from US customers. Instadebit Instadebit stopped US gambling transactions January 19, 2007. No official statement available yet, but many players already have problems, trying to deposit money to the casino accounts with Instadebit. Neteller March 21, 2007 update: Neteller made official press release regarding returning US customers funds. The company claims it's financial situation is stable and the agreement regarding "orderly distribution of funds to its US customers" with United States Attorney s Office has been achieved. Withing next 75 days Neteller will announce the order and time lines of the US clients funds distribution. On January 18, 2007 Neteller suspended its US online gambling service. US-Based players can not open new Neteller accounts and transfer funds to and from gambling sites. All US members will continue to be able to use their Neteller e-wallet account to safely transfer funds to and from non-gambling merchants and are not required to close their account or withdraw their funds. March 27, 2009 update: Canadian citizens can not use Neteller for gambling transactions. Neteller Canadian members update states that money are safe and may be used in any non gambling merchant sites. Cash withdrawals are possible, new accounts may be opened by Canadians too. In the press release made February 8, 2007 by the company Group President and CEO Ron Martin said "US customers wishing to withdraw funds from their Neteller e-wallet accounts will experience ongoing delays while these discussions continue, and a further update will be provided by the Group once effective repayment mechanisms are determined." and "The return of funds to our US customers is a top priority for Neteller". According to the research we've made Neteller decision to leave US market is final and Neteller will not process casino gambling transactions in USA any more. US players are advised to switch to another e-wallet solution from the list above. 8
Citadel and mycitadel They also announced its official exit from the US on January 17,2007. ESI Entertainment Systems Inc. MoneyBookers MoneyBookers stopped accepting US gambling transactions on October 25. No official announcement has been made by the company. UseMyBank UseMyBank has decided to step in line, despite the fact that they are a Canadian company and therefore not obligated to obey US legislation. Central Coin In spite of the fact that Central Coin officials claimed they will stay in business January 18, 2007 Central Coin stopped providing service to US customers. PaySpark Designed specifically for online gambling PaySpark suddenly stopped to accept US transactions. This is a huge problem for all Microgaming casinos that used this payment method for a while for the VIP players, trying to protect their best casino players from rejection problems. There is no additional information yet, but the fact is PaySpark is out. 9
Selected Blackjack Casinos Selected Casino Page Absolute Poker 11 Royal Vegas Online Games 13 Lucky Emperor Casino 15 Bodog Casino 17 Grand Casino Royale 19 English Harbour Casino 21 SBG Global Casino 23 Be The Dealer 25 Sports Interaction Casino 27 Club Player Casino 29 Silver Dollar Casino 31 Atlantic Lounge 33 Palace of Chance 35 Hot Pepper Casino 37 10
Absolute Poker www.absolutepoker.com Absolute Poker is a downloadable poker room and casino using Proprietary Software licensed in Kahnawake. It is one of 2 online gaming sites owned by Absolute Entertainment, SA. Absolute Poker has moved past third-party payment processors and into processing credit card transactions. Transactions are not coded as Internet gambling transactions, and instead are processed by an outside company that appears as GLOBAL with a 1-800 number on credit card statements. Support & Contact Information Info - support@absolutepoker.com Customer Service - promotions@absolutepoker.com Accounts - cashier@absolutepoker.com Management - media@absolutepoker.com Marketing - promotions@absolutepoker.com Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods Bank Draft, Bank Wire Transfer, Central Coin, CLICK2PAY (except for new U.S. customers), e-check, echecks by igm-pay, epassporte, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), instadebit (except for U.S. customers), Maestro, MasterCard, Moneybookers (except for U.S. customers), Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Prepaid ATM, Switch, Visa, Visa Electron and Western Union 11
Absolute Poker Blackjack 12
Royal Vegas Online Games www.royalvegasgames.com Royal Vegas Online Games is a skill game site using GameAccount Global software licensed in United Kingdom. It is one of 12 online gaming sites owned by Fortune Lounge Group. A download is not required to place a wager. Support & Contact Information Support - customerservices@gameaccount.com Customer Service - gacustomerservices@yahoo.co.uk Support Options Available - Live Chat General Information - +44 20-7659-2500 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted Euros, Pounds and US Dollars Deposit Methods Check, MasterCard, Money Transfer, PayPal and Visa 13
Royal Vegas Online Games Blackjack 14
Lucky Emperor Casino http://luckyemperor.com Lucky Emperor Casino is a casino using Microgaming software licensed in Kahnawake. It is one of 14 online gaming sites owned by ITS Limited. The site supports both downloadable software and the ability to place a wager without a download. Support & Contact Information Support - support@luckyemperor.com Marketing - marketing@luckyemperor.com Support Options Available - International Phone Support Toll Free Canada - (866) 312-7466Toll Free General Information - (888) 942-7466 Toll Free United Kingdom - +44 800-82227466 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods Bank Wire Transfer, Citadel (except for U.S. customers), CLICK2PAY (except for new U.S. customers), Diners, e-check, ECO Card, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Moneybookers (except for U.S. customers), Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Pay Spark, Prepaid ATM and Visa Player Location Restrictions /us-players//us-players/ Lucky Emperor Casino does not accept U.S. players in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. 15
Vegas Strip Blackjack Atlantic City Blackjack Multihand Blackjack 16
Bodog Casino www.bodog.com Bodog Casino is a casino using RealTime Gaming software licensed in Kahnawake. It is one of 3 online gaming sites owned by Bodog.com. The site supports both downloadable software and the ability to place a wager without a download. Support & Contact Information Customer Service - service@bodog.com Technical Support - casino@bodog.com Support Options Available - E-mail Entry Form Toll Free General Information - (888) 263-0000 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods Bank Wire Transfer, CLICK2PAY (except for new U.S. customers), ewallet Xpress, MasterCard, Moneybookers (except for U.S. customers), Neteller (except for U.S. customers), NUCharge and Visa 17
Bodog Blackjack 18
Grand Casino Royale www.grandcasinoroyale.com Grand Casino Royale is a casino and lottery site. A download is not required to place a wager. Grand Casino Royale Special Offers 100% Free Bonus for Signup, 25% additional for every next Deposit Support & Contact Information Support - support@grandcasinoroyale.com Accounts - cashout@grandcasinoroyale.com Management - manager@grandcasinoroyale.com Affiliate - affiliate@grandcasinoroyale.com Technical Support - tech@grandcasinoroyale.com Support Options Available - E-mail Entry Form Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods e-check, MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Prepaid ATM and Visa 19
Grand Casino Blackjack 20
English Harbour Casino www.englishharbour.com English Harbour Casino is a downloadable casino using Vegas Technology software licensed in Antigua and Barbuda. It is one of 6 online gaming sites owned by E.H. New Ventures Gaming, Inc. Support & Contact Information Support - support@englishharbour.com Customer Service - cashier@virtualexchange.com General Information - +599 9-733-1285Toll Free General Information - (866) 369-2684 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted Euros, Pounds and US Dollars Deposit Methods Bank Wire Transfer, Check, e-check, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Prepaid ATM and Visa 21
English Harbour Blackjack 22
SBG Global Casino www.sbgglobal.com SBG Global Casino is a casino using Mercedes Software licensed in United Kingdom. It is one of 3 online gaming sites owned by SBG Global. A download is not required to place a wager. SBG Global Casino Special Offers Founded in 1996, SBG Global Casino is offering a 30% bonus on initial deposits and 10% weekday casino rebates! Support & Contact Information Customer Service - customer.service@sbgglobal.com Support Options Available - E-mail Entry Form, Live Chat Toll Free Canada - (888) 238-3279Toll Free Fax - (800) 570-7201 Toll Free General Information - (888) 238-3279 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods Bank Wire Transfer, Cashiers Check, e-check, MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers) and Visa 23
SBG Global Casino Blackjack 24
Be The Dealer www.bethedealer.com Be The Dealer is a downloadable casino using Casino Village on Net software. It is owned by Casino Village on Net N.V. Support & Contact Information Support - support@bethedealer.com Accounts - cashier@bethedealer.com Management - manager@bethedealer.com Affiliate - affiliates@bethedealer.com Marketing - marketing@bethedealer.com Support Options Available - E-mail Entry Form Fax - (800) 653-5504 Supported Languages Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods 900Pay by Navaho, Bank Wire Transfer, Citadel (except for U.S. customers), CLICK2PAY (except for new U.S. customers), Diners, ECO Card, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), instadebit (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Moneybookers (except for U.S. customers), Visa and Western Union 25
Be The Dealer Blackjack 26
Sports Interaction Casino www.sportsinteraction.com Sports Interaction Casino is a casino using Playtech and Microgaming software licensed in Kahnawake. It is one of 3 online gaming sites owned by Sia Ltd. A download is not required to place a wager Support & Contact Information Support - support@sportsinteraction.com Marketing - marketing@sportsinteraction.com Feedback - feedback@sportsinteraction.com Fax - (450) 635-5582General Information - (450) 635-5575 Toll Free General Information - (888) 922-5575 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods Central Coin, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Swiftpay and Visa 27
Sports Interaction Casino Blackjack 28
Club Player Casino www.clubplayercasino.com Club Player Casino is a downloadable casino using RealTime Gaming software licensed in Costa Rica. Support & Contact Information Support - support@clubplayercasino.com Toll Free General Information - (800) 406-9557 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods ACH, Bank Wire Transfer, Citadel (except for U.S. customers), CLICK2PAY (except for new U.S. customers), ECO Card, Fedex Checks, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), instadebit (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Neteller InstaCash (except for U.S. customers), Prepaid ATM and Visa 29
Club Player Casino Blackjack 30
Silver Dollar Casino www.silverdollar.com Silver Dollar Casino is a casino using Vegas Technology software licensed in Antigua and Barbuda. It is one of 6 online gaming sites owned by E.H. New Ventures Gaming, Inc. The site supports both downloadable software and the ability to place a wager without a download. Support & Contact Information Support - support@silverdollar.com Customer Service - admin@silverdollar.com Accounts - payments@silverdollar.com Marketing - marketing@silverdollar.com General Information - +599 9-733-1285Toll Free General Information - (866) 546-0449 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods Bank Wire Transfer, Check, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Prepaid ATM and Visa 31
Silver Dollar Casino Blackjack 32
Atlantic Lounge www.atlanticlounge.com Atlantic Lounge is a downloadable casino using RealTime Gaming software licensed in Costa Rica. It is owned by Bluestar Commerce Limited. Support & Contact Information Support - support@atlanticlounge.com Accounts - certify@atlanticlounge.com Withdrawal - playersecurity@atlanticlounge.com Support Options Available - Live Chat Toll Free General Information - (866) 271-0639 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods CLICK2PAY (except for new U.S. customers), ECO Card, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), instadebit (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Neteller InstaCash (except for U.S. customers) and Visa 33
Atlantic Lounge Blackjack 34
Palace of Chance www.palaceofchance.com Palace of Chance is a downloadable casino using RealTime Gaming software licensed in Costa Rica. Support & Contact Information Support - support@palaceofchance.com Accounts - playersecurity@palaceofchance.com Toll Free Fax - (800) 847-5125Toll Free General Information - (888) 262-5515 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted US Dollars Deposit Methods ACH, Bank Wire Transfer, Central Coin, Citadel (except for U.S. customers), CLICK2PAY (except for new U.S. customers), echecks by igm-pay, ECO Card, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), instadebit (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Neteller (except for U.S. customers), Prepaid ATM and Visa 35
Palace of Chance Blackjack 36
Hot Pepper Casino hotpeppercasino.com Hot Pepper Casino is a downloadable casino licensed in Antigua and Barbuda. Hot Pepper Casino Special Offers Receive a 100% match bonus on your first purchase between $35 and $100. Become a member of the exclusive Pepper Lounge when your deposits reach a cumulative total of $500! Players in the lounge experience many perks and benefits. Support & Contact Information Support - support@hotpeppercasino.com General Information - (268) 481-1387Toll Free General Information - (800) 572-6459 Toll Free United Kingdom - +44 800-4049204 Supported Languages English Currencies Accepted Euros, Pounds and US Dollars Deposit Methods Bank Draft, Bank Wire Transfer, Cashiers Check, e-check, Firepay (except for U.S. customers), MasterCard, Money Order, Neteller (except for U.S. customers) and Visa 37
Hot Pepper Casino Vegas Strip Blackjack Hot Pepper Casino MultiHand Blackjack 38
Hot Pepper Casino Downtown Blackjack 39