This is really a combination of five different games: Blackjack, Video Poker, Craps, Slots, and Roulette. All are very realistic representations of the games. The User Interface of these games is self-explanatory; I was able to use the program right off the bat before I read the manual. The game 21, or Blackjack, is shown in Figure A.

FIGURE A

First to 21 wins.

Craps is pictured in Figure B.

FIGURE B

Craps anyone?

Roulette is shown in Figure C.

FIGURE C

Roulette, give me odd!

Slots is shown in Figure D.

FIGURE D

Pull the lever and watch the money roll in.

Finally, Video Poker is pictured in Figure E.

FIGURE E

Try a friendly game of Video Poker

Placing bets
To place bets in Roulette and Craps, you just drag the money from the upper right-hand corner of the screen to what you're betting on. You can add more bets to the same and different numbers by repeating the process. The only limit you have is the amount of money you have, and that can be reset.

To place bets in Video Poker or Blackjack, go to the Coins or Table Bet menu and select the amount you wish to bet on each hand. You bet in Slots the same way. Also, before you place Deal Me In in Video Poker, there will be five slots at the top of the screen. These will allow you to set the default bet.

What?! I'm supposed to play this?
Though this doesn't have any direct relation to the game, it should be included in here anyway. If you start playing the game and you feel like you have no clue what you're doing (welcome to the club), then instructions are your best friend! By choosing Rules from the Options menu, you can get some help on playing.

If that isn't enough, then hop over to your computer and get some heavy-duty assistance. My personal favorite is at the MSN Game Zone (at http://zone.msn.com/hub_casino.asp?TAd=1). This should help you to get started.

Briefing time!
If you ever want to switch from one game to another while you're in the program, just select whichever one you want from the Games Menu.

If you play often and follow the rules of gambling, you will be out of money real soon. Don't worry though, if it's getting too low for your liking, you can always select Reset Bankroll from the Options Menu. Then…POOF! You have $999 dollars in you wallet. Be wary though, it affects all games, not just the one you're currently in, so if you're losing in one game and winning in another (HA!), you will lose any money over $999.