Online Casino Awards 2006 - Best Online Casino and Best Casino Game

In 2006, the online casino industry faced a testing time, what with the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in the USA and publically listed online gambling companies seeing a massive drop in their share prices. However, as experienced casino goers will know, a few online casinos were able to not only ride the storm, but prove a cut above the rest in the face of adversity. With this in mind, below are the 2006 OGGS Awards for the best online casino operation in 2006. Play at any of these casinos and not only will you receive the best service in the industry, but you will probably struggle to find a better casino to play.
To learn who has just been nominated for the Online Casino Awards 2007 - Click Here...

VERY IMPORTANT - USA RESIDENTS
Microgaming software-based online casinos will no longer accept US players after Sunday, November 9th 2008. Players who have registered accounts on or before the 9th November will be able to continue playing. Therefore I would suggest registering at a few NOW before it's too late, even if you aren't sure if you will play there for real. From November 10th 2008, no online casinos using Microgaming software will accept your registration.

No surprise here really. Everywhere you go on the web you see 32Red winning awards and it's quite simply because they treat their loyal players better than any other casino. Customer servivce is fast, payouts are fast and the games are great and what more do you need - no-one else quite reaches the benchmark 32Red have set over the past 3 years.

Runners Up

2. Virgin Casino - Class act on the Wagerworks platform with fast cashouts
3. Bet365 Casino - Excellent Playtech casino with multi-language software and support

iNetBet may not have quite the best software in this reviewer's opinion, but it is still very good and the games choice is massive. However what sets iNetBet apart is their customer service and payouts. They process payouts every 12 hours which is faster than most online casinos, and they have a very good reputation among players for playing it straight and treating their VIP's right. In light of 32Red pulling out of the USA, iNetBet assumes top spot in the OGGS awards for US residents and players from other countries will not be disappointed either.

Runners Up

2. Trident Lounge - Microgaming casino that takes players from 39 US states and provides great service
3. Roxy Palace - As Trident, but with great VIP bonuses, though slower (48hr) payouts

One of several casinos to launch in 2006 but has developed a good player reputation very quickly. It also takes players from most (though not all) US States and is operated by experienced people. VIP players are well looked after, support is good and the games choice is second to none. Still room for improvement on bonuses and cashouts but as a small independent casino, they are able to flex the rules and respond to individual player requests which is a major plus.

Runners Up

2. Bet Direct - Microgaming casino for the UK & Europe from the excellent 32Red PLC stable
3. Club World - Three RTG casinos quick to build a good rep, albeit with weekly cashout limits.

This is a tough category, with so many new games coming out this year it's hard to pick just one. Or even three. But, as mainly a slots and video poker player myself, I've gone for the game that has me going back for more the most. And that game is the excellent "Cleopatra" free spins slot, a port of the IGT game found in many Vegas casinos and which I tend to play at Virgin casino. 15 free spins bonus, some big payouts and a nice fast flow to the game, this one just pips the others for addictiveness. I'd say it comes close to taking over the mantle of "Best Alltime Slot" from "Thunderstruck" on the Microgaming platform, but let's be honest...nothing will ever beat that one for entertainment! The new "I-Slots" from the 400 Group are very cool, the new "3D" slots at Hype are also very playable, as are some of the new "Real Series" slots at RTG and "Marvel" games at Intercasino, but it's always Cleo that drags me back for more.

Runners Up

2. ISIS - Microgaming slot which blows hot and cold and a bonus with 20 free spins at 6x!
3. Mystique - A Playboy style slot with Free Spins bonus and lovely video graphics on the Cryptologic platform