Online casinos have revolutionised the way people play nowadays, and while they were still somewhat of a curiosity a few years ago, they are now largely accepted by the mainstream. So much so, that some players have only played online, and have absolutely no intention of visiting a brick and mortar casino.
There are now literally thousands of online casinos in operation around the world, which can be confusing to new players. Players who are new to online gambling should also be prepared to adjust their play-style if they want to enjoy their time and avoid some common mistakes. Here are some of the things you need to know before you start gambling online.
Make Sure the Casino You Choose is Accredited
This is perhaps the most important thing when playing online. You want to make sure that the casino you pick is certified, and by a respected regulatory body. If you’re playing from the UK, some of the regulatory bodies to look for include the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, the UK Gambling Commission, and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. Others to look for include the Malta Gaming Authority, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission among others.
Check Out a Few Reviews
When picking an online casino, you should also consider checking out some casino reviews. The platform topdogcasinos.com, for instance, has put together some of best online casino reviews which detail who certain casinos cater to, information about their bonus structure and the games they have available. You’ll also get some information about the payout speed, or whether the casinos have live dealers, for instance. These sites will also often have exclusive bonus deals you could take advantage of and will allow you to check all the top casinos all in one place, which will greatly facilitate your search.
Look at Software Providers
Another thing you should consider when picking an online casino is what type of software provider they’re using. This will make a huge difference in the gameplay and will give you an idea of what to expect. Different providers have different specialties as well and might be more suited to your particular style.
Microgaming is probably the most recognisable name in the industry. They’re known for the quality of their games, and Microgaming casinos tend to have a large selection of games. Playtech and Net Ent are also great providers. You also have providers like BetSoft that like to add some traditional gaming experience into their games to make them more interesting. They’re also known for their 3D slots. Most online casinos will clearly display which providers they’re working with, so make sure that you get familiar with some of the top players out there and pick a casino that fits your playing style.
Banking Options
It’s also very important that you check the payment and banking options before you pick any casino. You want to make sure that the casino offers a wide variety of deposit methods, and that transfers are made easy. In this case, it would be wise to ask around and see what people have to say about the withdrawal process. Some casinos will have a long pending period on withdrawals. This could make a big difference in how fast you can get your winnings. So, make sure that you know what these delays are in detail before you make a decision.
Check Out the Level of Service
You also want to pick a casino that will be there for you if you’re experiencing any kind of issue. The best ones will have a live chat option that you can contact at any time. You also want them to be reachable either through email or phone and know that they can be accessed 24/7.
You’ll Need to Adapt
If you’re coming from the live gambling world, then you will need to make adjustments when playing online. Playing at a brick and mortar casino demands much more of a commitment. You need to set a specific time within your schedule, get dressed, commute, then leave at a time that is convenient for you. With online casinos, you can play at any time of the day from wherever you are, which can be both a gift and a curse.
If we were to give you one piece of advice, it would be to treat your online casino habits the same as usual. This means that you should limit your playing to certain times, and also have a clear limit for when you stop. This could be based on losses or gains, or you could set a timer. This will allow you to keep control over your habits, and make sure that you don’t get lost or complacent.
Take Advantage of Freebies
When it comes to online casinos, the client is king, and you have to take advantage of all the bonuses and freebies they will be throwing at you. Most casinos will have free to play options that you can take advantage of as well. These will allow you to check the casino’s overall atmosphere and whether you would see yourself playing there.
You have to make sure that you look at the fine print when playing online, however. Some casinos will offer tons of free spins to newcomers, for instance, only for them to find out that it’s only for one game or a handful of them. Others will give you outlandish bonuses, but make it almost impossible for you to redeem them. Some will have high minimal betting thresholds for you to cash in your bonus money, which means that you’re more likely to lose your money before you can get your bonus. So, make sure that you take the time necessary to check the details, and don’t be overly impressed by numbers.
Online gambling can be a great way to let out some steam at the end of the day and enjoy your favourite hobby from the comfort of your home. Make sure that you follow our few tips if you want to enjoy your time to the fullest, and find the best place for you to play.
