Whether gambling online is a serious pastime for you or perhaps a casual hobby, choosing between the hundreds of online casinos available online today can be rather intimidating. In the end, every online gamer has their own personality, likes, dislikes and preferred games. In the same way every player is different, so can be online casinos. Below are the basics to consider when shopping around for an online casino that may meet your gambling needs and some.
It’s All About the Games
When it comes to online casinos, I come to play and I play to win. But first and foremost, I come to play. That means that you’re not going to stick around playing a game you don’t enjoy. Even when you play a game common to all or any casinos like poker, if the interface is weak you’re all but guaranteed to produce a fast “exit.”
Because online casinos only feature games where wagers are participating, you might think your alternatives are limited, but you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Many companies pride themselves on thinking beyond your box and offering new and innovative games that raise the bar regarding graphics, sound and playability. It is a good idea to get a concept which online casinos carry games that you are thinking about playing. Companies like Rival and Cryptologic are just two of the many top online casino software providers that push the envelope with every game they put out.
Also know that each software provider has their very own style. Rival, as I mentioned previously, has stellar games, but will cater to 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 wants to make sure that they are able to access their money as quickly and conveniently as possible. Most online casinos offer simple depositing processes whereby you deposit money into an account for use within that one online casino. Still, don’t assume all casino operates exactly the same way. Slot Online 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 because 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 concerning the casinos they love and venomous towards those they hate. Before spending a dime, it behooves one to read some reviews and benefit from the experience of others. There are so many sites on the market offering top-notch, alternative party reviews of online casinos. Despite the fact that you will be gambling at the casino, it is best never to gamble on a casino.
Beware of Sign Up Bonuses
Sign up bonuses so far as I’m concerned will be the candy that a shady stranger uses to lure a youngster into a van. They say 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 into the clutches of salesman. Important thing, there’s always a catch. In the above scenarios you either get kidnapped or have the old “switcharoo” pulled on you and end up paying way more than you wanted for a car.
Online casinos are no different. Usually the sign up bonus will offer some exorbitant level of free money. That’s what it says on the surface. But what they don’t let you know is that if you wish that money to pay off, you will have to pay an even more exorbitant amount in wagers until you meet your minimum that enables you to cash out…for those who have any winnings that is.
Are You a Mac or a PC?
While every online casino is PC friendly, the same can’t be said for Macintosh computers. However, online casino bosses aren’t blind and many have developed platforms which are compatible with 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 web 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. The most trusted of them all is eCogra (short for eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). There is no way to make sure that any online casino is completely fair 100% of the time. However, seeing that a casino is certified by eCogra is the best way to understand that play is as fair as possible.
There are other names out there, but none as universally trusted as eCogra. While others may certainly do their job along with if not much better than eCogra, their reputation is certainly strongest. Theoretically, anyone could take up a watchdog company and develop a seal. By choosing an eCogra certified casino, you understand that they stake their reputation on the truth that your gaming experience is a fair one.
Know the Law
Even though it shouldn’t be, online gambling is basically prohibited in many places, america included. In those places where it really is legal, it is highly regulated. Therefore, whether online gambling is legal in your town or not, it is important to know the law before you start spending. An online casino allowing you access does not necessarily mean that their services are legal where you are. It is problematic for governments to regulate the internet and often the player may be 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.