It's a July Free Slots Tournament!

Every now and then, I get online and play the Internet casinos. OK, so maybe it's not the smartest thing to do, but I make sure to follow some simple rules: I never, ever pay more than my budget; I never, ever chase a loss; and I always have a good time, win or lose. It works, and it saves me the airfare to Vegas or Atlantic City, or a drive downtown or across the river. And of course, the games are a lot of fun.

Mostly, I'll play blackjack or video poker, but sometimes I'll get to the online slot games. This month, that's a sure thing.

One of my favorite online casinos, All Jackpots, is running a great promotion on their slot games. It's called the Free Slots Tournament, and the "kicker" is that the entry fees for the tournaments are waived, so you can get into them anytime you want, just by playing the slot games.

This is a great promotional gimmick. The games are great, if you're just looking for a quick escape, and the prizes are real. I even won $100 dollars on the second tournament I entered! Just because this is gambling on the Internet doesn't mean you have to lose money; as long as you set a gaming budget and stick to it, you can have a great time without breaking the bank, and there's always the chance to win a big prize.

There is one thing: before you play, make sure to read the terms and conditions, and the tournament rules. You're playing online, after all, and it's not like you can ask anyone what the rules are. So make sure you know in advance. You'll have a better time, and there won't be any surprises. But mostly, just have fun. Online casinos are escapism, pure and simple, and there is a time and place for that. Enjoy it!