Before you play the slots on the Internet, there are a few things you’ll want to determine. (Actually, many of these tips hold true for any Web site that requires your credit-card number.)

How attractive is the site? A fly-by-night operation will often have a fly-by-night look. Are there warnings and assurances regarding the confidentiality of the information they’re requesting from you? There should be.

Is it easy to contact the proprietor of the site? Is there a phone number? An address to write to—one that isn’t just a post office box? Are they e-mail accessible? If so, write them a note and see how quickly they answer. In other words, make sure someone is home.

And finally, if you plan to put any money at all into online slots and you have the slightest doubt about the site at which you’re playing, call the Better Business Bureau and make sure everything is on the up and up.