The Chicago Artist’s Online Casino Blog (original) (raw)

Understanding Why Social Casinos Are Legal Across the US

Social casinos have been around for some time and are extremely popular in the US. As you probably know, they’re available in most states, with only a few exceptions. In this article, we’ll focus on explaining why platforms like, for example, these verified social casinos recommended by the experts over at online-casinos.com have been widely legalized across the country.

Defining Social Casinos

Let’s start with a quick overview of what a social casino is. This is a form of gambling for entertainment purposes only, meaning you won’t be able to make any real money bets. Whether playing the 5 hot summer-themed online slots, roulette, or a different game, you’ll be doing that using virtual currency (Gold Coins or WOW Coins) with no direct monetary value.

This also means you won’t have the chance to win real money prizes. In some cases, if the social casino also operates on a sweepstakes basis, you may be able to exchange the points you’ve earned (Sweeps or Sweepstakes Coins) from entering different events and promotions for real money prizes. However, the entire concept is still very different from playing at the best casinos to visit in the US or at online gambling sites.

The Legal Framework Behind Social Casinos

To understand why social casinos are legal across the US is to know the legal framework behind them. These sites are positioned as entertainment platforms and structured in such a way that they bypass traditional gambling laws. Unlike real money casino sites, social casinos don’t require a license to operate.

In addition, they’re also more lightly regulated since they fall under sweepstakes laws. You can only play in areas where such platforms have been allowed, and you must meet the corresponding legal age requirements. While social casinos operate legally in most of the US, a few states, such as Washington and Idaho, have taken a more restrictive approach.

The se states have either outlawed or heavily regulated them, seeing even virtual currency models as too close to gambling for comfort. According to opponents of such activities, the fact that players can purchase additional virtual coins with real money can potentially lead to addictive behaviors.

Still, if we are to compare real money gambling sites and social casinos, the two have a few major differences, and the latter involve s significantly lower risk. They are an excellent alternative for those of you who’d like to experience the thrill of traditional casino games without wagering real money.

Real-Money Casinos Vs. Social Casinos: Side by Side Comparison

In the table below, we’ve included the main differences between social and real money casinos. This will help you get a clearer picture of what to expect when playing at each of them. We’ve considered several factors, including legal regulations, associated risk, availability across states, and more.

In summary, by using virtual currencies and avoiding real-money wagering, social casinos involve less risk and just about the same level of entertainment as real money gambling sites. The fact that they face fewer restrictions makes them widely available across the country – something that’s currently not the case with their real-money counterparts.

The Future of Social Casinos

Despite any debates and challenges they may be facing, social casinos are here to stay. As of writing this article, online gambling is only legal in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Delaware, and Rhode Island. This means that there’s a huge portion of the US population that’s unable to legally access online casino games.

Enter social casinos, which are widely available in most US states, providing a nice alternative, especially for newbies and those of you who’d like to enjoy casino-style games like slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker without having to wager real money. The fact that some of these platforms also operate on a sweepstakes basis has raised some eyebrows.

Just recently, the American Gaming Association released a new anti-sweepstakes policy statement, according to which these platforms fail to ensure fair and responsible gambling practices for players. Still, for the time being, social casinos are not going anywhere. We’ll let you know if there are any changes in the future.

3 Best Places to Visit in the USA and Gamble for the Fun of It

Since I spent most of my childhood in the States, I hope that this article will spark an interest in getting to know some of the towns where my parents used to take me during summer vacations. In addition to the best places to visit in the USA, I was very curious about top gambling destinations. Perhaps, the large mega-resorts rank Las Vegas as second-to-none on the gambler’s route map. However, I decided to expand the list and make a few suggestions on lesser known gambling destinations alongside the East Coast. So, there we go.

New York city is a home of 8.4 million people scattered between 5 neighbourhoods. You could even say that each neighbourhood is a city on its own. Apart from its bustling with life Subway, including the total of 15,152 forms of life (yes, bacteria count), New York boast the first underground park in the world (opened in 2018), skyscraper with no windows at all, and the fact that Manhattan was traded for the value of $1000 in modern day currency. Though, it seems like the city only has a single casino resort located in proximity to the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. The reputation of the casino is sadly not excellent, and most often people feel dissatisfied with their experience. On the other side, we could recommend another casino club named Big Deal Casino right onto the Manhattan island. The casino offers blackjack, poker tournaments and craps. They also organize private parties and team buildings.

Interestingly enough, Happy Hour drinks have been banned in Boston since the last 20 years of the previous century. Settled by Brits and not so far away from Cambridge, Winchester and Chelsea (all American editions), the city is home to noble constructions such as the first Subway line and the first public park. Moreover, it happened that in 17th century the Bostonians did not celebrate Christmas for a period of 22 years since Pilgrims considered the holiday to be corrupted. It was definitely bad times for the market economy. But let’s check out some casino clubs, shall we? So, there are two casino options available the Boston Billiard Club & Casino and the Plainridge Park Casino, each an hour away from Boston Harbour. The latter one offers steaks and fish dishes. In terms of casino entertainment, it appears that they only propose electronic slots and table games. The Boston Billiard Club and Casino may be a better deal if you are looking for live dealer tables and tournaments. The club caters American cuisine and Happy Hour promos not to be missed! Miles certainly make up the difference in the law.

The only state to be named after first President Washington of the US is known for its square dance and Rainbow trout. Washington is the city for heritage lovers. Sightseeing places that you might find fascinating are Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin or the Newseum spreading modern history and events recorded in media from the Fall of the Berlin Wall to the assassination of Kennedy. What’s more, you can pay a visit to an English-style, Neo-Gothic Cathedral. Brits could never feel closer to home even when on holiday, could they? The National Cathedral owns a massive garden with Medieval plants and the relics of few American Presidents. In addition, you can check out for special tours and Scavenger Hunt games aimed at kids and parents. Besides, Georgetown Historic District charms visitors with historic homes and boutique cafés. As long as it comes down to casinos, one of the hotels in Washington that offers casino games is MGM Resorts International. Despite the 20 min drive from the city centre (for American standards it is considered a short-drive), the casino holds slot collection, table and cards games and 46 poker tables including 10 high-limit ones. A short-cut alternative if you are downtown would be the Casino Parties by Show Biz Production. The casino provides themed parties, events and fundraisers.

Hoping that this casino guide will provide you with valuable information when wondering how to spend your evenings on the East Coast. If you spot better casino choices, don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

Greetings,

Gem

5 Hot Summer Themed Online Slots

Phew, what a scorcher this summer has been so far. My experiences of summer in the UK have usually been wash outs, with rain rain rain and barely a glimpse of the sun. But what a turn up for the books the last few weeks have been. It seems like every day the weather man is proclaiming it is the hottest day since records began. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the sunshine, but there comes a time when you simply need to escape from the heat and chill out. And what better way to keep the summer vibes flowing than playing seasonal slots online? There are tons of summer themed slot machines available online that have a feel-good vacation style and I would like to introduce you to 5 of my favourites.

Beach Life

This iconic Playtech slot is packed full of vibrant colours and beachy symbols that will make you feel like you are right beside the seaside. The reels are packed with juicy ice lollies, scrumptious ice creams and sandcastles. The sunshine is a real cool dude, with sunglasses and a big happy grin. Line up 5 of the sunny wilds on the 25th payline and you’ll be grinning from ear to ear too as you’ll scoop the coveted progressive jackpot prize.

Baywatch

This IGT slot will take you on a trip down memory lane, as it gives the timeless 90’s TV show Baywatch a whole new lease of life. Join The Hoff, Pamela Anderson and a host of other buxom beauties as the epic theme tune blasts out with each spin. The slot boasts a free spins bonus, where you select your lifeguards to earn up to 12 free plays with extra stacked symbols. Plus, the Teamwork feature can transform the lifeguard symbols into team symbols, enhancing your wins.

Wild Water

NetEnt’s Wild Water provides a quirky twist on a typical beach themed slot. With a retro look and a groovy soundtrack, it evokes the swinging 60s, with surfing hippies stacked on the reels. Line up all the surfers to win the Surf’s Up or Surf Team Bonus, rewarding you with a bet multiplier of up to x200. Keep your eyes peeled for the fierce shark as you spin too, which substitutes for all regular symbols and expands to fill entire reels during the free spins feature.

Sam on the Beach

Electric Sam has packed his suit case and jetted off to the beach in this fun-filled slot from Elk Studios. The game boasts detailed, 3D graphics and steel drum reggae style music that bring the theme to life. Sam and his family member are the highest paying symbols. Each also has its own special feature during the free spins bonus, including Ted’s sticky multipliers, Maggie’s increased wins, Sam’s sticky wilds and Sandra’s win multipliers. The slot also features a selection of innovative betting strategies and bet levels.

Spiña Colada

What captures an idyllic summer holiday better than a fruity cocktail at the beach bar? Well that is exactly what this Yggdrasil slot is all about. The highest paying symbols are a selection of exotic cocktails, with sliced fruits providing the other symbols. With every line win, the symbols are frozen into place and hold their position for a free re-spin. Fill consecutive columns and you can multiply your wins up to x5. The game also includes the feature cap collection board, where you can get free spins, guaranteed wins and extra wilds.

Hi there, I’m Gem and I’m an artist, originally from Chicago. I moved to London over 15 years ago and I simply love life here in blighty. Being an American in Britain, there are undoubtedly things that I miss from back home. Top of the list is real Chicago deep dish pizza! I’ve not found anything that comes even close here! But I know that if I moved back home, there would actually be more things that I’d miss about England. From proper fish and chips to the good old British sense of humour, there is plenty of appeal to this small island.

One real highlight I have found to living in the UK is the exciting opportunities to gamble online. As you may or may not know, the legal situation in the states is a little murky, and playing casino games online can get you in hot water if you are not careful. What’s more, there are so many scam and rogue operators around that it is probably not even worth taking the risk.

Yet here in the UK, the government has acknowledged that people want the entertainment that gambling online provides. And as such, they set up the Gambling Commission to make sure that Brits are protected when they gamble online. It is one of the safest places in the world to gamble on the internet. It is therefore no surprise that the online casino industry is thriving here. There are so many operators to choose from that sometimes the hardest part is simply deciding which one to play at.

That’s pretty much where the inspiration for this blog came from. I wanted a space where I could help others by sharing my experience of the world of online casinos. I want to help newbies know how to find the best safe casinos. I also want to share tips and advice with players. From hot new game releases and juicy bonus offers to interesting industry news; these are just some of the topics that you’ll find in my casino blog.