GameMaster Rating: 87 points (of 100)

General Comments: This casino is new on the scene and it uses very spiffy software which is, evidently, of their own design. Proprietary software is a red flag for a lot of players, but it's increasingly becoming the only way for a new operation to stand out amongst all the name-brand "clones" out there. I really do see both sides of the issue though I must admit to my prejudices. I think all of us admire innovation in any business, yet when it comes to $$$, we want to be paid, fair and square. So, "you pays yer money and you takes yer choice". But at least go here and try this software out in the play-money mode because it's worth seeing. And speaking of choices, you may play for "free" both offline and while connected to their server. I played here only in the "fun" mode, so no actual bets were made.

Recommendations: I guess only Frank Lloyd Wright could truly combine style with function, because it took a while for me to find the "Deal" button on the Blackjack game. But you will, eventually. Also, support is provided only by e-mail and most players want to talk to someone when they have a problem.

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

Blackjack: Eight decks, dealer stands on A-6, double on any first two cards, but no double after split. Split pairs just once and split Aces receive only one card. Surrender is available, though not against an Ace, but it's early against all other up cards. The dealer "peeks", so only one bet is lost. The cards are shuffled after every hand and you may play up to three hands at a time. Limits are $1-$200.
Approximate casino edge over a player using perfect basic strategy: 0.35%

Blackjack Comments: They advertise surrender as being available, however, if the dealer has an Ace up you are given the option for insurance, but not for surrender. On every other hand, you're asked if you want to surrender and that becomes a bit of a pain, but at least you won't forget it's available. They should make surrender available against the Ace as well, though.

* 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.

Slot Machines: One is available in quarter, dollar and five-dollar format. It is a three-reel, three-coin max., single-line machine.

Craps: This is a standard game with 3X odds. Limits are $5-$500.

Roulette: They offer a double-zero wheel with a casino edge of 5.26%. Limits are $5-$500.

Baccarat: This appears to be a standard game. The 'commission' on a winning Banker bet is 5%. Ties pay 8 to 1. The casino's edge is 1.06% on a Banker bet and 1.23% on a Player bet. The edge on a Tie bet is over 14%. Limits are $5-$200.

Draw Poker: I could never get into this part of the casino ("server busy"), but I assume it's a table-poker game where the players compete against one another and the house 'rakes' the pot.

Pai-Gow Poker: The casino is always the Banker in this game and the 'commission' on a winning bet is 5%, so when combined with the natural edge of the Banker, the net effect is a casino edge of about 3% against a skillful player. Limits are $5-$200.

Summary and Rating of Rated Player Casino: I know that looks aren't everything, but I like how this software looks and works. The casino is new to the 'Net so naturally they don't have any sort of track record, but the games offered have decent payouts and odds, so it's probably worth a look. Hopefully they'll establish themselves as a reliable, honest casino since good games and smoothly-functioning software are always welcome on the 'Net. I'm happy to give Rated Player Casino a score of 87 points.