The online casino industry is booming thanks to technological advances and cost-effective internet. People now access online casinos via their tablets and smartphones, not just from the comfort of their homes but while on their daily commutes. But with thousands of online casinos just one click away, how do you ensure you pick one that is safe, legal and suits all your betting needs? This article discusses the eight things you should consider before playing at an online casino.
Licensing and Regulation
The credibility and trustworthiness of an online casino depend on where it is licenced and regulated. So whether you play at crypto or regular online casinos, they should be registered with regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. This cannot be stressed enough, always check that the online casino you are interested in is licenced and regulated. Failing to do so could result in a financial loss and put your personal information at risk. You can check the casino website to see where they are licenced and the licencing number, or head to the regulatory body website and search the casino’s name.
Bonuses and Promotions
Almost every online casino offers promotions and bonuses to retain players or gain new ones. These offers are usually tied to wagering requirements and deposit amounts, such as if a player deposits €100, they receive an additional €50 to play. Some bonuses and promotions are time-limited, so keep an eye on those and always double-check the terms and conditions for more detailed information on the offer. Promotions should include free spins on slots or games or a cashback promotion such as playing X amount on a specific game and getting a certain percentage back. Most casinos also have a VIP club which offers exclusive bonuses and promotions.
Game Selection
Any online casino worth its salt should have a games selection that includes table games, slots, live dealer games and perhaps even sports betting. These games should be provably fair, use a random number generator and be from reputable software providers such as Evoplay Entertainment, NetEnt, Microgaming, and Blueprint Gaming, to name but a few. Furthermore, the catalogue of games available should contain the latest titles and be neatly displayed in categories and searchable.
Payment Methods
Another critical factor to consider is the payment methods accepted at the online casino of your choice. Payment methods should include credit or debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. At the same time, Crypto casinos should accept all the major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. It is always wise to check the turnaround time and any costs associated with payments made back to you because nothing is worse than waiting days for your winnings to come back into your pocket.
Customer Support
The customer support team should be contactable via multiple channels such as email, live chat and phone and, preferably, be available 24/7. Customer service should be responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly. A quick internet search for reviews on the casino should tell you everything you need to know about their customer support. The online casino should also have a comprehensive FAQ page covering various topics.
Mobile Compatibility
Mobile compatibility ensures players can enjoy their favourite games on the go. Most online casinos are now fully mobile-optimised or have a downloadable app for Android and iOS devices. That means that players can enjoy all the aspects of the casino’s website, such as claiming a bonus, depositing funds and playing games from a smartphone or tablet.
Security and Fairness
Besides licencing and regulation, security and fairness are among the most important factors to check before creating an account at an online casino. Online casinos should use advanced SSL encryption to protect the player’s financial and personal information. The casino should also have a fair gaming policy displayed on the website and within the terms and conditions. It’s also important to check that the casino offers games that use RNGs or random number generators to ensure fair gameplay.
Reputation and Reviews
As much as licencing and security are essential, so is the reputation of an online casino. While there will always be a handful of complaints, online casinos should have a stellar reputation among industry experts and players. An online search of the casino’s name with the word “review” will give you an idea of its reputation. You can also check into specialised casino review websites, check chat forums or talk to friends or family members that use the casino.
Conclusion
In closing, you must do your due diligence when choosing an online casino to sign up for. One of the first things to do is check the terms and conditions page to see if the casino accepts players from your home country. Always remember to check the licencing, payment methods, games selection, customer support and peer reviews to ensure that your personal information is protected and your gaming experience is of the highest quality.