Registration | Online Casino Games

No Kidding, Free Games Are Not For Children

April 22nd, 2009 |

The Internet is full of free stuff. Now who does not like freebies? Online casinos have zeroed in on the magic of “free” and managed to get every Tom, Dick and Harry to play online games, gratis. It is amazing how many people who would otherwise run scared of gambling, turn up regularly at online casinos to try their luck on the free games.

Doing a one-up on online casinos are applications hosted by social networking sites which have literally hijacked the free game platform. Latest reports suggest that Facebook applications for casino games like Texas Hold’em Poker have attracted millions of players.

So much so, it is competing with long-time champion of online games, World of Warcraft.

Facebook applications – mostly hosted by online casinos –provide hundreds of casino games such as Bingo, Slots, Poker, Blackjack. Of course, many of those who play for free finally convert to “play for money” players at reputed online casinos.

Usually free online games are not played with real money. Instead, some “casino chips” are funded into your account for you to enjoy free games. The biggest advantage of playing free games is that you become well-versed with a game. You can try out all the strategies and tips suggested by game experts. You don’t feel uncomfortable when you play the same game by putting real money on the line. And when you start playing with real money, you don’t feel uncomfortable or unsure about the moves you are expected to make.

The downside to this is that children without access to cash may also try their hand at the free casino games. This has the authorities worried and there is a clamor for some fool-proof verification of age. A recent survey by the Oregon Department of Health Services has found that underage participation at free Internet gaming sites is on the increase among 12- to 17-year-olds.

Well, the online casino industry has always managed to work in some self-regulation and encourage responsible gambling. The strict vigilance over registrations for play for money can easily be extended to free games as well. After all, teens who participate in online gambling are most likely to become gambling addicts later in their life. However, it is not just websites but parents too who should keep an eye on kids’ activities on the Internet. Gambling is no child’s play and a free gamble should not be mistaken for a joy-ride.