Why take a long and laborious trip to a real-life casino when the virtual experience is just as good, if not better? Through the Internet you can play a wide range of casino games online, and all without having to set foot outside of your own front door.

The first ever online casino was opened in 1996 and since then, tonnes of gambling companies have followed suit in bringing their services to the World Wide Web. As the Internet population continues to grow, and with virtual gambling expanding out into numerous non-English speaking countries, the popularity of online casinos continues to skyrocket at incredible speed; with the Online Gambling Research and Markets Group predicting that online gambling will reach an almighty $125 billion (£77 billion) by 2015.

Although virtual casinos may not completely capture the atmosphere of a bustling gaming club, they do allow players to enjoy their favourite games from the comfort of their own living rooms. You could even play in your pyjamas if you wanted to! Simply plug in your PC and open yourself up to the exciting world of online gambling.

So, what sorts of games are available to online players? You can go for a spin on a wide assortment of roulette tables, try your hand at an extensive range of blackjack games, or take a chance with a scratch card or two. Bingo is also a popular choice among first timers, as well as a classic slot game or variety of table games, including Three Card Poker Gold, Baccarat and Craps.

What sets the online community apart from virtual players is that online gamers get instant rewards. They don’t have to queue for a table or dodge infamous lurkers. Those that choose to play their favourite games online can simply sit back, relax and meet a variety of competitors from around the world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The freedom that playing online affords is also a huge plus. You can take a break when you need to, grab yourself something to eat or pause a game and come back to it later. Also, there is no need to follow a real-life casino’s potentially restrictive rules and regulations. Virtual casinos allow you to adapt the game to suit your lifestyle, not the other way round.

With stunning, bright graphics, top-notch sound effects, and the ability to chat with other players, the experience of a virtual casino is surprisingly realistic. Additionally, online casino games are always user-friendly, meaning even the technophobes out there do not have to worry about getting to grips with confusing and perplexing software. You will be surprised at how simple online gambling is.

Let us not forget that casino games online can also be very financially rewarding! Once you have honed your gaming skills virtual casinos can pay out some very big jackpots.

If you enjoy slot games, online casinos are perfect for you. In fact, research has shown that online slots have larger payout percentages than those recently found in traditional casinos. Virtual casinos are believed to pay back as much as 99 per cent versus a real life casino’s 95 per cent, meaning a four per cent premium for you. Not bad for a game you can play in your pyjamas.

Not only this, but because the online gaming industry is so competitive companies often have promotional deals to attract new customers. There are often bonuses available within games to increase your overall windfall.

Why not join the millions of other players around the world who have all benefited from the buzz and convenience of online gambling and head to your virtual casino now? Once you get started you will wonder why you haven’t played before!

By Maya