GameMaster Rating: 88 points (of 100)

General Comments: This is a new casino on the Internet and it's obvious to me that they're willing to go some extra lengths to make their mark in an increasingly-crowded scene. The first way is shown in the design of their software. Made by gamblingsoftware.com, it's all in Java so no download is required and yet it's attractive and plays quickly. I liked the games so much that we asked the software company if we could add them to our site, "The GameMaster's Arcade" (www.gamemasterarcade.com) which is our 'practice' casino. In addition to the excellent gaming software, Roman Palace Casino has an on-line help section which uses a 'chat' function to have your questions answered and many other desirable features. This is a welcome addition to our "Superior" category of online casinos. I must mention that I played here only in the play-money mode, but you are connected to their server for that, so you should get a good idea of how play will proceed if you choose to play for 'real'.

Recommendations: The new Casino Manager here contacted me about some of my recommendations and, to his credit, he instituted them. (What's that old saying: "The smartest people in the world are those who take my advice"?) But it's a very good sign when a casino manager does all he can to satisfy his players and I commend him for that.

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

Blackjack: This is a four-deck game where the dealer stands on A-6, you may double on any first two cards, resplit pairs and double after split. The surrender option is available at anytime, except when the dealer is showing an Ace. Thus, it's what we call "early" surrender against all cards but the Ace and it's "late" surrender for that. If you double or split pairs against a dealer's up card of 10 and it turns out that s/he (it?) has a 'Blackjack', you'll lose both bets. But, because the dealer "peeks" when it has an Ace up (after you've declined insurance) if you double or split, you know you're not doing it against a Blackjack. This is a sort of 'hybrid' version of what we call the "European" rule. The casino has a long-term edge of about 0.25% over the player who uses the proper playing strategy. Limits are $1-$25 or $5-$100, depending upon the table you choose.

Blackjack playing tips: While it's a pretty good game, you need to remember that both bets are lost if you double or split pairs against a dealer's 10 and it gets a 'natural'. This requires a change in basic strategy. Because this game can be found in the GameMaster's Arcade, so too, can the proper playing strategy for it. If you'd like to play this, you should go print out the strategy first.

* The theoretical return is the long-term payback a player who is using the correct strategy may expect with the Royal at 4000 coins.

Video Poker Playing Tips: This game is on the GameMaster's Arcade and the proper playing strategy for it can be found there as well. There is a $1-$5 game and a $5 to $25 game available. The pay schedule is proportional so the Royal pays 800 for 1, but it requires a 5-coin bet to qualify for the progressive. The Royal for the $1 game was at $4127 when I did this review. Now, if I can just talk them into a 0.5% cash-back slot club......

Craps: This is a 'typical' game with double free odds. The graphics are very good and you can just point and click your bets. Limits are $5 to a $100 maximum total on any one roll. The 'prop' bets (hardways, etc.) have a $2 minimum. We have this game at the GameMaster's Arcade for you to try.

Roulette: This is an 'American' wheel with double zeros, so the casino has a 5.26%% edge. The 'en prison' rule does not apply. Limits are $1-$25 with a total of $200 permitted on any one spin.

Caribbean Poker: This is a version of Caribbean Stud with a progressive jackpot which one may attempt to win with a $1 side bet. Betting limits are $1-$50.

Caribbean Poker Playing Tip: Call only if your hand is A,K,J,8,3 or better. You can try out this game at the GameMaster's Arcade.

Slots: They have one machine here and it's a 5-way pay. The minimum bet is 5 cents and the maximum is $25. We have this on the GameMaster Arcade site for you to try. . Update: They are adding a 1-cent machine and claim that they're going to set the overall payout to 98% on their slots.

Summary and Rating of the Roman Palace Casino: First of all, I appreciate the fact that the software supplier for this casino let us use their very attractive games on our site, GameMaster's Arcade. Secondly, I just love 9/6 Jacks with a progressive Royal, especially in a dollar format so that earns an extra point or two. Plus, it's obvious to me that everyone associated with Roman Palace Casino is interested in making the player comfortable and they've not forgotten that they're in the casino business, instead of the banking business, so their charges for sending the player's $$$ are reasonable. True, there aren't any games here where a skilled player can get an edge, but a few come close and that's good. So, I'm happy to give Roman Palace Casino a rating of 88 points.