I'm not ashamed to admit it: I love to gamble. Whether I'm strategically placing my chips on a roulette table in Las Vegas, mindlessly tapping the "Play Max Credits" button on a slot machine at a nearby Indian casino, or rolling the dice with my monthly bunco group, I am enchanted. I love the thrill of possibility - the possibility of walking away with more money that I had when I started. Granted, that happens less frequently than I'd like, but it does happen. And, over the years, playing casino games has entertained and delighted me. When I look at my array of platinum level players' cards, I fondly remember the bonus points I've accrued and the freebies they've allowed me to enjoy: hotel rooms, exceptional entertainment, wonderful meals, and an assortment of amenities.

When I first encountered an online casino, I was naturally suspicious. Who was running this Internet casino? How could I be sure they were honest? Were there strings attached to the bonus they were offering?

I started my online gaming experience with a free casino - or rather the free version of a casino that also takes real money. I'm pleased to report that my experience with that casino and other online casinos has been, on the whole, very positive. However, I'm not naive enough to think that there aren't some bad apples in the barrel. Here are some of the standards I use when I choose an Internet casino:

* A solid customer support system, with support offered 24-7-365 via live chat and/or a toll-free number

* The opportunity to play free casino games, either via a stand alone free casino or free chips to play in the real online casino

* Solid online gaming software, in both flash and java versions

* Evidence that the site has been awarded an quality online casino seal and that it is audited by a third party

* Reasonable payout rules, particularly regarding the timing of withdrawals and whether bonus money can be withdrawn

* A wide variety of available payment options

I also have standards when it comes to playability. I want to thoroughly enjoy my online gaming experience, so I look for sites that offer:

* A wide variety of games, such as blackjack, poker, slots, and roulette

* Live chat with other players

* Generous bonuses and other player rewards

* Progressive jackpots

Online casinos can be just as fun as Vegas casinos, with the added bonus that you don't have to travel or pay for a hotel room. I've become a convert, and if you like gambling as much as I do, you should try out an online casino. Good luck!