Name: First Web Casino

Registration and Setup: Registering at First Web Casino is a very simple procedure requiring entry of three or four items on each of four screens. It should take no more than six or seven minutes on a dialup connection or three or four via broadband.

Total Registration/Setup Time: First Web offers players the option of downloading its highly sophisticated Viper software to enable play or choosing from a palette of Flash-fired games that can be accessed instantaneously. Total setup time downloading the software on a moderate-speed connection should be about 12 minutes and does not require a system reboot.

Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club

Other forms of Deposits: Neteller, InstaDebit, Click2Pay, FirePay, Citadel, PaySpark, UseMyBank (Note: Some options are limited to players in specific countries.)

Games Offered: First Web Casino offers a staggering number of games - 135 according to their count (I kept losing track when I got above 120, so they're probably right.) Virtually every table game that it is possible to migrate to cyberspace is available, as are 90 unique slots. Significantly, 17 of the slots are progressives with payouts than can reach the million-dollar mark thanks to First Web's membership in the Jackpot Factory online casino alliance. Being in a laidback frame of mind the first time I visited First Web, I tried two games that require little thought: Keno and Scratch Card. Scratch Card was fun -- particularly in my lazy state, since I could just click "show cards" to uncover all six at once -- and profitable. I didn't make any money on Keno, but I was pleased to know that if I had won big I wouldn't have to split the prize with other winners as I would under the "aggregate payout" system used by Nevada casinos.

Bonus and incentive programs: $25 - $125 bonus upon signup and initial deposit. Monthly MVP points promotions. Loyalty Club cash-back points. VIP Lounge offering single-account access to all Jackpot Factory casinos, members-only discounts, dedicated support team, VIP-only promotional programs and prizes, and personalized e-mail options. 

My Customer Service/Tech Support experience: First Web Casino offers live chat, toll-free telephone, and e-mail support.  I had a few questions about a very intriguing game called Red Dog (a form of three-card poker) so I decided to try the toll-free option. Immediately after dialing, a recorded message informed me that my call was being transferred and a line began ringing. It was answered on the fourth ring, making the total CTH (Connection To Human) time, including dialing, under 45 seconds. The rep who took the call (named either Bob or Buzz) answered my question quickly and completely in less than two minutes.

Final Thoughts: First Web Casino has a lot going for it.  I tried various games using both the downloaded Viper software and the instant Flash option and they all played flawlessly with fine graphics and good sound.  I also liked the fact that many of the more complicated games - like slots with a gazillion possible winning combinations - had both "standard" and "expert" play modes.  I also found the poker-hand analysis hints useful in deciding which cards to hold and which to fold.  Finally, I have to complement First Web on providing a running, real-time statistical summary of what and when you have wagered in each play session.  Studying this handy tool may not improve the actual odds in a particular game, but it can help make you a more savvy gambler and more frequent winner in the long run. 

Visit First Web Casino today and tell 'em
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