Online casinos are found in abundance across the Internet, offering the thrills and excitement of a land-based casino without the hassles of traffic, crowds or even the mandatory requirement of wearing pants. However, there are two major aspects that differentiate gambling operations found on the Internet - those that require a typically large software download, and online flash casinos.

A no download casino presents many advantages not found in most downloadable versions. The largest of which is compatibility with major operating system brands. A casino that requires a software download is only compatible with Microsoft Windows. An online flash casino, on the other hand, is most often compatible across all platforms, Windows, Mac and even Linux.

Players who choose to download the casino software should expect anywhere from a 5-15MB file size. This has the player investing time and computer space into an online casino before they even know whether they’re going to like the site. No download casinos offer the chance to try out the games with no additional time invested. The only drawback is that the computer must download the graphics each time the player opens the java-based casino.

For this reason, many players who still run on a dial-up server may actually wish to download the casino software. While it may take a long time to download, the gameplay may be more stable with fewer interruptions. Players with more advanced connects - high-speed dial-up, DSL or cable modems - may find more online Flash casinos to be more advantageous.

Many people believe all no download casinos are run in Flash. While this is true of many of no download casinos, others are run solely on java clients or Shockwave. Java-client versions require no extra programs on the computer, so long as the computer is java enabled. All computers should come pre-equipped with java capabilities.

Flash and Shockwave powered casinos run in the same manner as java-based casinos, but may require a Flash or Shockwave plug-in. Again, most computers will come pre-equipped with this technology. If not, player’s can expect a little pop-up window asking them if they’d like to install the plug-in - a quick and painless procedure.

No download casinos have become increasingly popular in the European market, preferred mostly for their compatibility and ease of use. Because of this statistical fact, PlayTech, the world’s leading non-private gambling software developer, has recently integrated Online Flash Casino and Poker software for use at their clients gambling operations.

Since the enactment of the United States Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, PlayTech, along with many other online gaming software development companies, have sought refuge and revenue from the European market. In this region, the ability to provide no download casino software is virtually imperative for the future success of the business.

Currently, the majority of online casinos and poker rooms do not offer a no download version of the software. However, with PlayTech’s enormous client base aiming their sites on flash casino provision to European gamblers, this fact will likely make a quick turn around. Any online gaming software developer with an eye for business should be expected to follow suit, developing online flash casino and/or no download casino software in the near future.

It has even been noted that online casinos and poker rooms have been sprouting up offering only a no download casino version. The option to download the software isn’t even presented, as these operators have followed market trends and felt it would be merely a waste of money to implement such software. Let’s face it my fellow gambling enthusiasts and industry analysts - the world of no download casinos is taking over!