Download games require you to download and install a software application on your computer's hard-drive. Some online casinos offer both options while others offer only one. Read the pros and cons below to find out which option works for you.

PROS

Feature-rich: harnessing the resources of your computer, a downloaded application has full potential for creating great, compelling user-experience with full-screen, sleek graphics, together with rich sound and communications.

Optimal security: using a client-based application optimizes security issues.

Greater availability: your transactions with the casino are less subject to Internet lags.

Maximized configurability: you can configure the game according to your preferences.

CONS

Weighs down computers: download packages are heavy and weigh between 2-4MB to 10-15MB, or even 20MB, according to the desired features. Also, take into account that after installation they can require as much as 30 or 40MB of your hard-drive to run so take the necessary measures to ensure enough disk space.

Takes up disc space for multi-casino gaming: playing in several online casinos that offer client-based games requires enough disc space to accommodate all applications. You also need to make sure they peacefully coexist.

Makes it a pain to disassociate with casinos: if you never want to play again at a casino, its application becomes useless and you'll need to uninstall the application from your computer and delete its files from your directories in order to free up space in your hard-drive.

Minimum System Requirements:

* Browser: latest version of either Netscape or Internet Explorer.
* Processor: Pentium I 100MHz
* Operating System: Windows 95 or above (98 recommended)
* Memory: 16 MB RAM
* Sound: Sound Blaster or compatible sound card
* Internet Connection (minimum 14.4 K, 56k Recommended)
* 17 MB free Hard Drive space
* High Colour (16-Bit) Video Card
* Directx 3.0 or above (Win95 users/Recommended)
* Winsock2 (Win95/Recommended)