On-line gaming has grown tremendously since it was first introduced about ten years ago, way back when the Internet was still a mystery to many. Just as the computer has become an integral part of practically every household around the globe, on-line gaming has become a common pass-time for millions. While it's true that most players start on a whim, or to satisfy a certain curiosity about online gambling, it doesn't take long for them to realize that the top online casinos provide a veritable fountain of opportunity.

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The best advice you can ever get about online gambling is to do some research before you bet real money. While there's no substitute for hands-on research by gleaned by playing for free at top online casinos (check out a best online casinos directory and look for online casinos using reputable gaming software platforms like Microgaming or Playtech), some prefer a more academic approach: reading articles about online gaming. There are plenty on the Internet. Here is a brief summary of what you will find - as well as an idea of what you should look for.

• The top online casinos are not only government regulated but voluntarily audited by independent casino audits and may be registered with watchdog agencies such as ECOGRA (ECommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance Agency) and other gaming commissions. All this is to insure that games are fair and that payouts will be delivered as promised.

• Unlike their land-based forerunners, online casinos come with no extra associated costs (airline tickets, hotels, restaurant meals, etc.). The best casino sites very clearly state any rules or limitations regarding bets, bonuses or payouts. They do not charge for gaming software and you do not need any special software or hardware (beyond what you already used to connect to the online casinos in the first place).

• When you check online casino directories to find the best online casinos, be aware of the rating criteria. Are you looking for the best online bonus? The best casino payouts? The best casino promotions? Are you interested in the games that players considered interesting and exciting, or challenging and profitable?

• There are only a few gaming software systems that are recognized as fair and dependable. The top two, each with highly effective and trustworthy random number generators, are Microgaming games and Playtech games. In fact, there are new Microgaming casinos and Playtech casinos being added to best online casino gambling directories every day.

• Learn about house edge, which is the small advantage that the house gives itself. Different gaming platforms have different house edges. Once again, reliable software will mean a lower house edge - Microgaming house edge percentages are among the lowest.

• When you are ready to buy your first chips, take special care to investigate deposit and casino payout methods. US and non-US players are subject to different rules and restrictions. Neteller is one very popular and reliable deposit and payout service, but it is not the only one.