Because of the way modern slots work they are a perfect fit for the internet gambling industry. Unlike the old classic ‘one armed bandits’ of yesteryear online slots do not need levers or gears. A random number generator determines winning combinations every millisecond. Even better online slots now have larger jackpots than ever. Online slots have several advantages over their counterparts at land based casinos. Online bingo sites and casinos do not have to maintain a team of specialists to fix broken slot machines and do not have to spend millions purchasing rows of slots. Online casinos only need a single employee to program the games. The money saved is passed along to the player in the form of bigger jackpots, bonuses and other player perks.

At some land based casinos slots generate about 70% of all revenues and are the most popular games on most casino floors. At some online bingo sites slots account for over half of all revenues. For those in rural areas with no local access to a casino online slots are a perfect solution and provide the same excitement as land based slots. In the past slot jackpots were small but this is no longer the case. Today online slots can be networked producing some amazing jackpots. Most networked slots feature progressive jackpots that grow with each spin.

Today slots can offer some substantial jackpots. Recently a player at a popular UK online bingo sites scored a £21,336.78 ($33,570.22 USD at current exchange rates) win playing slots. For many online bingo players slots, scratch cards, roulette and other casino games provide a pleasant diversion from online bingo games. Over the years there have been some amazing slot wins. At one online casino a $6 bet produced an astounding $8,500,000 jackpot. The jackpot was won by a player known as Giorgios M playing Mega Moolah.  Another lucky Mega Moolah player from Finland scored a $5,000,000jackpot. Even more amazing is the $300,000 jackpot won by a Canadian player just six minutes after signing up at an online casino!

Online bingo sites offer classic three reel slots and modern five reel multi payline slots with various themes. There are several online bingo sites that offer Mega Moolah and other mega jackpot progressive slot games. Most online bingo players will take a break every so often and will play slots and other side games for a change of pace. Players have won astounding sums of money and because of the random nature of slot games the next big winner could be you!

Gambling addiction is rare among bingo players but occasionally an unfortunate player will develop an addiction to the game. Only a few have engaged in criminal activity to fund their addictions and when they are caught the case usually received extensive media coverage. In the UK there were several cases last year involving thefts by bingo players that lost control. In May 2011 a home care manager stole £90,000 from patients to fund her bingo habit. In November 2011 another player was sentenced to 15 months in prison for stealing £42,000 from a close friend to feed her bingo habit.

The most recent case involves a woman who stole from an elderly neighbor she was taking care of. Barbara Taylor helped to look after her disabled neighbor who had health problems and deteriorating mobility. Taylor succumbed to temptation and used the woman’s credit and debit cards to withdraw cash at bingo halls. Records show that Taylor withdrew a total of £11,670 cash to spend on bingo games and slot machines. She also spent £136 for camping equipment and tanning cream. Taylor used the cards at a local bingo hall to withdraw cash.

The thefts came to light after her 77 year old victim noticed that her accounts had been emptied and her direct debits were unpaid. At the same time Taylor was working as a volunteer at the Willow project which helps women with alcohol problems. The case eventually made its way through the courts and the judge sentenced Taylor to 12 months in prison. At the sentencing the presiding judge Bryn Holloway stated “Such was the nature of your friendship she entrusted you with the details of her bank cards so you could do shopping for her. It is clear initially you did so honestly but the time came when you turned from using the account as she intended to a way she never expected.” The judge acknowledged that Taylor had provided valuable assistance to her neighbor but said that the thefts merited jail time.

Judge Holloway said it was clear that Taylor had not spent the money on an extravagant lifestyle but that only a custodial sentence was appropriate in Taylor’s case. Taylor’s defense counsel said that Taylor had been genuinely caring for her friend but succumbed to temptation. Had Taylor played online bingo most likely the thefts would have been found out much sooner. Most UK online bingo sites have programs in place to identify problem gamblers. In addition most bingo sites provide links to organizations that treat gambling addiction. Online bingo sites use sophisticated software to identify problem players making online bingo one of the safest games on the internet.

Many in the online gaming world were excited by the recent announcement by social networking giant Facebook that it will provide real time gambling apps for online players. Since Facebook has over 800 million active users the potential can easily be seen. Currently Facebook offers a virtual currency known as Facebook Credits and reports say that Facebook is interested in supporting the exchange of real currencies. Facebook would like to open the Facebook Platform to online gambling. Some say that Facebook may make the move as early as the first quarter of 2012. Facebook wants to hand out eight licenses to online gaming operators in legal regulated markets such as the UK. Since the UK is the world’s largest online bingo market one of the licenses is sure to go to an online bingo operator.

Not everyone is pleased with the move by Facebook to facilitate online gambling. Facebook is now being accused of luring minors into gambling through the new gambling apps. Facebook plans to let UK punters try their luck at bingo, poker, roulette and fruit machines. (slots) Facebook already allows members to play online bingo and slot machines using virtual currencies. Critics fear that that the implementation of gambling will create a new generation that believes gambling is safe and fun. Dr Robert Lefever, founding director of the Promis Recovery Centre stated “Introducing gambling to Facebook is a cynical way for the gambling industry to find new markets, making gambling look acceptable. There will be young people who think these games have Facebook approval, that you can gamble and it’s fun. It’s not – gambling destroys families.”

Labour Member of Parliament Louise Ellman told reporters from the Daily Mail “I’m very concerned about this move by Facebook and the impact it might have on children and other vulnerable people. Children spend hours on Facebook and parents need to be confident that it is a safe environment. Religious groups weighed in on the issue. Lauri Moyle, of Christian Action Research Education (CARE) stated “Because there is a link between the age when people start gambling and the likelihood of developing a difficulty controlling their gambling, protecting children from the normalisation of gambling is vital.” Professor Mark Griffiths, of Nottingham Trent University worries that young people will learn the intricacies of gambling on Facebook. Griffiths stated “Even when no money changes hands, young children are learning the mechanics of gambling. These games can be a gateway to more serious gambling.”

Despite the objections Facebook plans to offer online bingo and other gambling applications in the UK. The truth is that most people can play online games without developing any problems. Most people gamble online as a pleasant diversion from everyday life.

UK bingo halls have been pressured by the smoking ban, double taxation and restrictions on slot machines at bingo halls and arcades. As if that wasn’t bad enough the severe early winter weather has caused many bingo halls across the UK to close due to a drastic drop in attendance at games, however online bingo sites have seen an increase in players. Bingo news sites have been commenting on the difficulties faced by bingo halls. Since the Gambling Act was implemented in 2005 land based bingo halls and game arcades have had a tough time and some have gone out of business. The Gambling act restricted the number of the very profitable machines at bingo halls and arcades. Even bingo giants like Gala have closed some bingo halls.

Seaside resorts have been particularly hard hit by the restrictions. As many bingo news sites have reported bingo halls and arcades play an important part in the economy of seaside resorts. There may be some relief in sight for bingo halls. Tourism minister John Penrose has proposed relaxing the restrictions on the profitable slot machines and electronic bingo games at bingo halls and arcades. John Penrose, who is the Conservative MP for Weston-super-Mare, announced talks to make two possible changes to the Gambling Act that apply to adults only slot machines at bingo halls.

Many online bingo news sites are following developments closely. The talks, which will end on January 25th 2011, will discuss the possibility of raising the maximum stake limit from £1 to £2 and permit an increase in the number of machines allowed at bingo halls and arcades. Mr. Penrose stated, “I want to ensure these businesses remain competitive in these tough economic times. I believe increasing the stake to £2 and reviewing machine entitlements will provide the boost needed by operators and manufacturers, but public protection must remain paramount.”

The machines are popular and the jackpots can be sizable. Recently a woman who had just lost her job as an insurance broker won over three thousand pounds at an electronic bingo machine. The big win was widely reported by internet bingo news websites. Many gaming experts believe that the proposed changes could save some bingo halls and arcades in financial trouble. Seaside reports will be particularly pleased if the changes take place. Penrose has vowed that travel and tourism will no longer be ignored.

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