GameMaster Rating: 90 points (of 100)

General Comments: This casino was a tip from "Dave" who won a $50 prize for his efforts. There's a lot to like here. This is a Java-based casino, so no download is required, but it doesn't have the rich graphics that a regular software-based casino usually offers. It should be noted that I played here only in the 'fun' mode, but the casino does hook you up to their server for that, so you can get a good idea of how things would work, should you choose to play for 'real' $$$. Gambler's Palace also has a sports book, but I reviewed only the casino. This is a 'clone' of Winward Casino which received a similar score and has been a popular choice of our readers.

Recommendations: Only one withdrawal on your account is free in a calendar month; after that, the fees range from $20 for a credit back on your credit card up to $40 for a check via Federal Express or U.P.S. Those are some pretty stiff fees, yet the casino should bear in mind that players do a lot of withdrawals because they're primarily concerned about the safety of their $$$. Rather than attempting to discourage this with high costs, the online casino industry should take steps to raise the confidence level of players through the use of escrow accounts or some other means. E-Bay does it, why can't the online casinos do it too?

Games Analysis (All this information was correct on the date listed above)

Blackjack: Two games are offered here, a single-deck game and a six-deck game. The casino rules state that they shuffle the single-deck game after every hand and shuffle the six-deck game on a 'random' basis, but they do notify you when that happens. Although I was in play-money mode, the shuffle of the six-deck games was evident and it appears they deal out approximately 50% of the cards. The rules for both games are basically the same: Dealer stands on A-6, double on any first two cards, double after split, split pairs up to three hands, split Aces receive only 1 card and insurance is available. On the play-money game, surrender was available and it's the "late" variety. I assume it's the same on the real-money games. The single-deck game is the old Vegas 'Strip' game and the basic strategy player has a small edge over the house. The six-deck game has a 0.48% house edge. The limits are $1-10 or $10-50 or $25-100 or $100-250, depending upon the table one chooses.

Blackjack playing tips: The single-deck game is, from a house advantage point of view, about as good as it gets. With surrender available on the single-deck game, it's certainly one of the best available anywhere. For more info on surrender, see the Blackjack section of our site.

* The theoretical return is the long-term payback a player who is using the correct strategy may expect. The return is lower for 1-coin play because the Royal Flush pays less when fewer than 5 coins are played.

Video Poker playing tips: What they call "Bonus Poker" here is actually 9/7/5 Double Bonus. The Deuces Wild game is the obvious appeal, but that's a pretty nice Double Joker game for all of you who play in Atlantic City to use for practice. Because this is Java-based, you are logged into their server in 'play money' mode.

Roulette: This is a standard double-zero wheel and the 'partager' or 'en prison' rule is not in effect. Thus, the casino's edge is 5.26% on all bets. Limits are $1-$50.

Baccarat: This is an excellent game, not because of the casinos' edge; that's standard, (1.17% on a Bank bet and 1.36% on a Player bet ), but how the game is played. It's like the 'table'-style game where you deal each card as needed, therefore, you control the flow of the game. It doesn't really make any difference, but it's fun. Betting limits are $1-$250.

Craps: This is a typical game with 2X free odds. It does play quickly and keeps accurate track of your $$$ at all times. The minimum bet is $1 and the maximum bet is $25.

Slot Machines: There are six in both quarter and dollar denominations and one has a progressive whose jackpot you can check on the entry page.

Keno: Called "QuicKeno" here, the player may pick from 1 to 10 spots and then 20 of 80 are drawn. On the 4-spot ticket, the casino's edge is an above-average (for Keno) 95.22%. The minimum bet is $.25 and up to 5 coins may be played.

Summary and Rating of Gambler's Palace Casino: I gave this an extra point over its clone, Winward Casino, primarily because of the bonuses offered, the slightly better payout on the Bonus Poker game and a larger selection of games. Plus, I like giving away $50 checks for good tips like this one! It's not a very pretty place, but the astute player can do well here. So, I'm happy to give Gambler's Palace Casino a rating of 90 points.