Welcome to our Online Casino Guide. This page is designed for beginner's who are new to online gambling and aren't sure where and how to begin navigating through the world of internet betting. Well, no worries! After you are done reading our "getting started guide" immediately below, take a look over our online casino reviews, and choose a site to open an account with. Remember, not all online casinos are equal. We only review and list the most reputable online casinos delivering the safest and fairest betting platforms possible. If you'd like to read exactly what we require for a casino to be listed here, please visit our Online Casino Reviews page.

On this page, you won't learn how to play video poker, but you will learn how to open an account at an online casino and navigate its software platform.

Flash or Download?

When you have chosen to open an account at an online casino (whether it's for fun/practice play or real money), your first decision will be whether to download the casino software or open the no-download Flash version of the casino. In many cases, you will have the option to do both, while some casinos only offer one or the other. Note: When I say "download", I mean a PC download. Online Casino software for Mac's is pretty much non-existent at this time, thus making the Flash version of online casinos the route to take for Mac user's. If you have a PC, the download version is preferred, however. Not only will you have a larger selection of games, you will get a better connection with the casino server. If, however, Flash is your only option, rest assured that transaction security is not compromised. No-download Flash online casinos using a proven software platform are perfectly safe to wager real money on.

Flash

If you decide to play the Flash casino, simply click the appropriate link on the casino website (which will often say "Instant Play"). If your computer does not have the necessary ActiveX controls installed for viewing Flash, you will be prompted to have them installed. Otherwise, the Flash version of the casino lobby should appear. At this point, you will need to Register an account. In order to open a practice or "fun money" account, you will need to supply a valid email address for obtaining your username and password. No other personal registration details are required, that is of course, unless you decide to gamble with real money. When registering for a real money account, you will also need to supply your first and last name, date of birth and home address. After doing so, you will be able to login and begin playing in just a few seconds.

Download

If you decide to download the online casino software (which is recommended), simply click on the Download button on the casino's webpage. Below, are screen shots of the steps for the download process (using the Microgaming powered Rich Reels Casino as an example):

After clicking the download link, you will be asked to enter your email address. A screen will then pop up asking you whether you want to "Run" or "Save" the software. Choose "Run" to begin the download and installation live from the casino web servers. If you choose the "Save" option, the software bundle will essentially be saved to your computer's hard drive, after which you will be asked to "Run" the installation process. Or, you may opt to Run the installation at a later time by locating and opening the saved execution file. Here is the first screen that you will see after supplying your email address:

The "Security Warning" is a standard message that all PC's will display when downloading new software. Remember, so long as you are playing at an online casino reviewed here at Online Casino VP, you have nothing to worry. The software is secure and Virus-free.

If you choose to "Save" the software, you will be asked where you want to save the installation files. Your computer's Desktop will be the default location. This is a good location to save the files, as the folder will be clearly visible when you start your computer up.  Click the "Save" button.

When the download is complete, you will see the following message. Next, click the Run button (which is what you would have done from the very beginning if you opted not to save the software)

After clicking "Run" you will receive another security warning, verifying that you recognize this software application. Again, this is a standard security protocol to protect you from unwanted file installations. Click the "Run" button.

After clicking "Run", you will be asked to agree to the software license terms. If you look closely, you will see the location of where the installation files are being downloaded on your computer's hard drive. The default location is the C Drive. If you ever need to reinstall the software or remove it, this is where you will find the necessary files (Remember, the file for installing the software is an execution file ending in .exe. Click on this file to reinstall the software).

After agreeing the software license terms, the software will begin installing and you will be asked if you want to play with real money or with "fun money" in practice mode.

As the software continues installing, you will be prompted to register an account with your personal details. You are not required to fund your account at this time. After you have registered, simply login to the casino software and click on the "Bank" or "Cashier" link. From here, you will be guided as to how you can make a deposit. The cashier accepts credit cards directly, and will allow you to sync up any third-party eWallets or payment methods you may have, such as Neteller, or a banking account (see further below for screen shots of the cashier)

After registering, you will be given your login details. You are now ready to enter the casino lobby and begin playing!

Navigating the Software Platform

NOTE: While there are slight differences in the casino lobby's of different software developers, the top software platforms generally offer very similar user-friendly navigation menus and betting interfaces. Below, are examples of both Microgaming and Vegas Technology powered online casinos.

Here is a screen shot of a typical Microgaming online casino lobby:

As you can see above, you may access all games from the lobby, as well as your promotions and account details, the Bank (cashier) and live customer support. Note: The first time you play a game, it must be installed, which takes a few seconds. Thereafter, installed games are instantly accessible.

Here is another screen shot of the lobby at the popular Vegas Technology casino, Millionaire Casino:

Below is a screen shot of the Bank/Cashier. Note the menu links to the left offering live help for any depositing issues. Once you have chosen an amount, you will be offered the available depositing options. If you account is already funded or you have already synced it with a third-party eWallet, simply choose the desired method and click "Deposit". Your funds will be instantly available. The withdrawal process works the same, although the time to receive funds will take longer (depending on the payment method used). You will also be required to submit a withdrawal form and proof of identity for your first withdrawal.

Again, here is a screen shot of the cashier at the Vegas Technology powered Millionaire Casino. Note the similarities with the above screenshot, as well as the available deposit methods listed and the note for U.S. players:

When it comes time to place your bets at a game, the software makes the process quite simple with a user-friendly betting interface/playing screen.

The following screen shots are of the playing screens for video poker, video slots, roulette and blackjack at online casinos (Rich Reels and Millionaire) using two different software platforms (Microgaming and Vegas Technology). Note the similarities between the two.

Below, is a typical playing screen for video poker. Not the +/- symbols, which are used to increase and lower stakes. Also, note the "Games" button, which takes you back to the main casino lobby for viewing all games offered at the casino.

Immediately below is the playing screen for Jacks or Better video poker at a Vegas Technology casino. Note the red buttons at the bottom of the screen, allowing you to navigate to the lobby and cashier. Also note the highlighted paytable (which is selected after hitting the "Bet Max" button (betting five coins at $2 a coin, resulting in a $10 bet). This is a screen shot of a played out hand. No luck on this one!

Below, is a screen shot of the popular Microgaming Tomb Raider video slot. Notice the self-explanatory betting controls at the bottom of the game. Winning paylines are highlighted with corresponding colors. As the scenario below shows a winning symbol combination on Payline #12.

Below, is a screen shot of Vegas Technology's popular Cleopatra's Pyramid slot at Millionaire Casino. Note the similarities of the playing interfaces. In the scenario below, $.50 was wagered on ten paylines, resulting in a $5 bet. Two paylines won, paying out $7.50. Note how the numbered paylines 1-10 are highlighted, while 11-20 are not. (signifying they are not in play)

The following screen shot is the European Roulette table at a Microgaming powered online casino. For table games such as Roulette and craps, bets are made by clicking on the area of the table you want to make your wager. In the following scenario, a $1 chip was made on the "First Twelve" box (which won) and also on the #16 (which lost). The winning number was four (signified by the chess piece).

The following is a screen shot of the European Roulette table at a Vegas Technology online casino. Again, note the similarities between the two software platforms. Simply click on the chip value you want to wager and click on the appropriate area of the board. For in-between values, such as $30, select the $10 chip and click the bet area three times.

Again, the playing interface is quite simple and self-explanatory. Hit the +/- button until you reach the desired stake and click the betting circle. NOTE: To remove bets, right-click the mouse button. Click the deal button and you are ready to go. When certain actions, such as Doubling Down or Splitting become possible, these buttons will be highlighted.

Below is a screen shot of the blackjack table at a Vegas Technology powered online casino. In this scenario, we are in the middle of playing the hand out, which is why you can see the "Hit", "Stand" and "Double" buttons in the bottom right-hand corner of the playing screen.

As you can see, when it comes to navigating online casinos and making bets, it's not that difficult. While there are slight differences in the interfaces of different software providers, overall, everything is basic and self-explanatory. This is precisely why the act of choosing between two online casinos with different but equal software platforms (see our Online Casino Software page), will often come down to other factors, such as bonuses, tournaments and customer service.