Whether gambling online is a serious pastime for you or a casual hobby, choosing between the a huge selection of online casinos available online today could be rather intimidating. After all, every online gamer has their own unique personality, likes, dislikes and preferred games. Just as every player is different, so are online casinos. Below are the basics to consider when shopping around for an online casino that will meet your gambling needs and then some.
It’s ABOUT the Games
In terms of online casinos, I arrived at play and I play to win. But first and foremost, I come to play. Which means that you’re not going to stick around playing a casino game you don’t enjoy. Even if you play a game common to all casinos like poker, if the interface is weak you are all but guaranteed to produce a fast “exit.”
Because online casinos only feature games where wagers are involved, you might think your alternatives are limited, but you couldn’t be farther from the reality. Many companies pride themselves on thinking beyond your box and offering new and innovative games that raise the bar when it comes to graphics, sound and playability. It is just a good idea to get a concept of which online casinos carry games you are thinking about playing. Companies like Rival and Cryptologic are just two of the numerous top online casino software providers that push the envelope with every game they put out.
Also know that each software provider has their own style. Rival, as I mentioned previously, has stellar games, but will cater to the younger crowd of online casino players. They focus more on graphics and games that appeal to “video gamers” more than other people. Where as Cryptologic includes a knack when planning on taking classic games and making them fresh and exciting again.
Banking Features
Naturally people when playing online, one really wants to make sure that they are able to access their money as quickly and conveniently as you possibly can. Most online casinos offer simple depositing processes whereby you deposit money into an account for use within that particular online casino. Still, not every casino operates the same way. RTG and Playtech incorporate their very own software methods to manage money while Cryptologic uses “Ecash.”
Look for Peer Reviews
An online casino will tell you anything and everything to make you gamble at their online casino. Can you blame them? They want to make money. It is within their best interest to market their online casino as the biggest and the very best. Therefore, your best bet on researching an online casino would be to seek out customer reviews on gambling review websites.
Online gamers are passionate about the casinos they love and venomous towards those they hate. Before spending a dime, it behooves you to read some reviews and take advantage of the experience of others. There are so many sites out there offering top-notch, third party reviews of online casinos. Despite the fact that you’ll be gambling at the casino, it is best never to gamble on a casino.
Beware of Sign Up Bonuses
Sign up bonuses as far as I’m concerned are the candy a shady stranger uses to lure a youngster into a van. They state nothing for the online casino’s game-play or customer support. I will use another simile. They’re like an ad incentive from a car dealership released there to draw suckers in to the clutches of salesman. Bottom line, there’s always a catch. In the aforementioned scenarios you either get kidnapped or have the old “switcharoo” pulled you and end up paying a lot more than you wanted for an automobile.
Online casinos are no different. Often the sign up bonus will offer some exorbitant amount of free money. That’s what it says at first glance. But what they don’t let you know is that if you wish that money to repay, you will need to pay an even more exorbitant amount in wagers until you meet your minimum that enables you to cash out…when you have any winnings that is.
Are You a Mac or perhaps a PC?
While every online casino is PC friendly, exactly the same can’t be said for Macintosh computers. However, online casino bosses aren’t blind and many have developed platforms which are appropriate for both PC and the rising amount of Mac users. So if you are on a Mac, your choice is fairly limited. If you are on a PC, the online casino world is your oyster.
ECOGRA Certified Casinos
There are a number of third-party online casino watchdogs out there, every one of them monitoring the casinos to note that they are playing fair. Probably the most trusted of these all is eCogra (short for eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). There is absolutely ufabeat to make sure that any online casino is completely fair 100% of the time. However, since a casino is certified by eCogra is best way to know that play is as fair as it can be.
There are other names on the market, but none as universally trusted as eCogra. While others may certainly do their job in addition to if not better than eCogra, their reputation is obviously strongest. Theoretically, anyone could start a watchdog company and create a seal. By going with an eCogra certified casino, you understand they stake their reputation on the fact that your gaming experience is a fair one.
Know the Law
Even though it must not be, online gambling is largely prohibited in many places, america included. In those places where it is legal, it is highly regulated. Therefore, whether online gambling is legal in your area or not, it is important to know the law before you begin spending. An online casino allowing you access does not necessarily mean that their services are legal what your location is. It is difficult for governments to regulate the internet and often the player is the one at risk. If your funds are seized, the casino has their money already since it is legal for most casinos to simply accept deposits. So before making a deposit, consider online gambling laws specific to where you live for a hassle-free gaming experience.