Whether gambling online is really a serious pastime for you or perhaps a casual hobby, choosing between the hundreds of online casinos available online today can be rather intimidating. After all, every online gamer has their own unique 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 will meet your gambling needs and some.
It’s ABOUT the Games
When it comes to online casinos, I come to play and I play to win. But first of all, I come to play. That means that you’re not going to stick around playing a casino game you don’t enjoy. Although you may play a game common to all 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 involved, 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 improve the bar regarding graphics, sound and playability.
It is a good idea to get an idea of which online casinos carry games that you are interested in playing. Companies like Rival and Cryptologic are simply two of the many top online casino software providers that push the envelope with every game they released.
Also understand 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 anyone else. 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 a merchant account for use within that one online casino. Still, don’t assume all casino operates exactly 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 let you know anything and everything to make you gamble at their online casino. Is it possible to blame them? They would like 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 is to search for 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 one to read some reviews and benefit from the experience of others. There are so many sites out there offering top-notch, third party reviews of online casinos. Even though you will be gambling at the casino, it’s best not to gamble on a casino.
Beware of Sign Up Bonuses
Sign up bonuses so far as I’m concerned are the candy that a shady stranger uses to lure a kid into a van. They state nothing for the online casino’s game-play or customer support. I shall use another simile. They are like an ad incentive from the car dealership put out there to draw suckers into the clutches of salesman. Bottom line, almost always there is 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 at first glance. But what they don’t let you know is that if you wish that money to repay, you will have to pay an even more exorbitant amount in wagers until you meet your minimum that enables you to cash out…assuming you 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 several have developed platforms that are compatible with both PC and the rising number of Mac users. So if you’re on a Mac, your choice is fairly limited. If you’re on a PC, the web casino world can be your oyster.
ECOGRA Certified Casinos
There are numerous of third-party online casino watchdogs on the market, every one of them monitoring the casinos to see 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 no way to make sure that any online casino is completely fair 100% of that time period. However, seeing that a casino is certified by eCogra is the greatest way to understand that play is as fair as possible.
There are other names on the market, but none as universally trusted as eCogra. While others may certainly do their job and if not much better than eCogra, their reputation is obviously strongest. In theory, anyone could take up a watchdog company and develop a seal. By choosing slot online certified casino, you understand that they stake their reputation on the fact that your gaming experience will be a fair one.
Know the Law
Even though it must not be, online gambling is largely prohibited in many places, the United States included. In those places where it really 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 permitting you access does not indicate that their services are legal what your location is.
It is problematic for governments to regulate the web and often the player may be the one at risk. If your funds are seized, the casino has their money already because it is legal for most casinos to simply accept deposits. So before making a deposit, look into online gambling laws specific to where you live for a hassle-free gaming experience.