GameMaster Rating: 89 points (of 100)

General Comments: This casino used to be one of the more popular with our readers who played Deuces Wild Video Poker. Recently, Winward cut the payouts on all their VP games, but the rating remains pretty high due to the excellent Blackjack games. 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' $$$. Their help section is very detailed and they offer clear instructions on how to qualify for the bonuses which they offer. A lot of our readers played here in the past and yet none have ever posted any major problems with collecting bonuses, cashing out, etc. All credits back to the credit card used are free and one cash out by check per month is free, but the charges for additional checks are pretty stiff.

Recommendations: All the table games have a "Lobby" button on them which allows the player to switch games without having to log in again, but the Video Poker games lack that feature, so you're constantly re-entering your user code and password. They should add that to the games, even though there's little reason to play VP here.

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 supposedly notify you when that happens. I didn't notice a shuffle in the play-money mode. The rules for both games are the same: Dealer stands on A-6, double on any first two cards, double after split, split pairs ('like' cards only) up to three hands, split Aces receive only 1 card, surrender is available and it's "early" against an Ace and "late" against a 10. Insurance is also available. The single-deck game is the old Vegas 'Strip' game with the addition of surrender, so the basic strategy player has an edge over the house of about 0.30%. The six-deck game has a 0.10% house edge. Spanish Blackjack is also available and the casino's edge is 0.83% for that game. The limits are $1-10 or $10-50 or $25-100 or $100-250, depending upon the table one chooses.

Blackjack playing tips: If the single-deck Blackjack game in the real-money mode does, indeed, offer the surrender as listed above, this is a super game. But remember that if the dealer doesn't "peek" with an Ace up, you might lose both bets should you double or split pairs in that situation. Even if you don't play for real $$$, it's worth a visit to practice your skills if you ever have the opportunity to play single-deck in 'real' casinos.

* 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. "Shockwave" pays 4000 coins for a 5-coin bet if you get a second 4-of-a-Kind within 10 hands of the first. "Double Up" is a 10s or Better game with a double-up feature and the Bonus Spades game pays double for any flush, straight flush or royal in spades. The "All American" game has had the 4K cut from 200 to 150 for 5. Because this is Java-based, you are logged into their server, even in 'play money' mode.

Keno: This is a standard "20 of 80" game and an analysis of the 4-spot pay schedule shows an overall pay back of 95.22% which is among the higher levels for this game. Limits are 25 cents to $1.25.

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-$200.

Baccarat: This is an excellent game, not because of the casinos' edge; that's standard, (1.06% on a Bank bet and 1.23% 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. Limits are $1-$500.

Craps: This is a typical game with single free odds on the $1-$10 table and 2X free odds on the $10-$100 table.

Slot Machines: There are five in both quarter and dollar denominations and one has a progressive.

Summary and Rating of Winward Casino: Because it's Java-based, Winward Casino isn't a pretty place to visit, but it is easy to play, they're offering a 10% bonus on your initial buy-in of $100-500 and they have some good games. So, who needs fancy? There is a lot of helpful information on the site for the player. Now, if they'd just bring back some of the good Video Poker they used to have. In any event, I'm happy to give Winward Casino a rating of 89 points.