Starter Guide to Online Gambling
Online gambling is fun and quick. If you ever feel the itch to win money by gambling, you can easily satisfy it by finding the right online casino. We’re letting you in on how to find a secure, high quality online casino.
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Why Gamble Online?
Well, to keep this short: Gambling online is fast and easy. Who would say no to making money and having fun without ever leaving our home? Sure, it’s not quite as glamorous as a regular casino can be, but it’s comfortable and accessible 24/7. Online gambling laws and technological standards make sure it’s safe and efficient. On top of that: A lot of online casinos have bonus offers that allow you to play for free within certain parameters. There’s a lot to gain here, let’s check out what to look for.
What to Look for in an Online Casino
Safety
So much should be clear: Every person who deals with money on the internet wants to make sure it’s safe and not a scam. There are multiple things to look out for:
- Does it have a license?
- Who are they? Do they have other businesses?
- How are the customer reviews?
- What programming do they use on their site?
License
Regulators like the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) and the MGA (Malta Gambling Authority) give out gaming licenses. To get one, the casino owner has to invest money and follow a strict set of regulations that assure the quality and safety of the gaming experience. The Curacao License is slightly less respected, mostly because it is faster to get and very e-gambling specific, but it’s still good.
Other Businesses & Ownership
A lot of online casinos are run by people who already own regular casinos and then just expanded to the internet. The chances that the website is a scam are smaller, if there’s a whole established business connected to it.
Check the site for the owner information. They should be listed with a name and registered address. If you can’t find any information on who is responsible for the site, don’t use it.
Reviews
You can get reviews on just about anything online, that includes gambling. Try to google the site and experiences people have made with it. You can also check out a community for online casinos. They consist of gambling fans who a) have experience and b) like to share their knowledge. They can give you all kind of helpful information for starting your online gambling career.
Programming
Like any other website, the programming defines how secure a site is. It’s what protects your data against hacking and makes sure every transaction runs according to plan. If you have your payment info somewhere on the site, you better make sure they do their best to keep it away from thieves. Certificate Authorities (CA) give out certificates that show a website’s safety.
The standard makes sure Google and Co. deem your website trustworthy, if not they would not even show it to you. Make sure the https:// actually has a “s”, that’s a sign that the site follows current safety guidelines. Other signs are little lock icons that say secure or verified. They mark the site’s partnership with a safety provider. Clicking on them should give you more info.
Variety
A proper casino wants to satisfy you as their customer, which means they try and give you the best experience possible. That includes a broad variety of games to chose from. Many and an updating list of games show the work they put into it on their end. That way things won’t get boring too fast.
Deposits & Withdrawals
When you play for money, you want to make sure that the payout methods are secure and quick. A good casino offers a wide variety of payment services, to make sure that everybody finds the options they regularly use and trust. Usually that includes options where a deposit or withdrawal can take a day or two AND methods where you get your money instantly using instant transfers.
Many casinos also open the doors to international customers with country-specific payment services. You should also note the option to make limited deposits. It’s a way to make sure you don’t spend more than you have in the heat of the moment.
Bonuses & Promotions
As a new player, the bonuses and promotions a site offers when you join them are some of the biggest deciding factors. They are there to attract you, to make sure joining pays out. Many of them are good offers. Make sure to read the terms and conditions, though, or you might miss that the bonus is tied to a limited timeframe or high wagering requirements.
Customer Service
Many people might only pay attention to the customer service when they have a problem, but it helps to check out if they have one and how to contact them beforehand. It should be readily available pretty much 24/7. Websites that only list a phone number are not very customer friendly.
Conclusion: How to Spot a Good, Secure Online Casino
Reviews and Communities are your biggest help in finding the right casino and getting started. If you want to look for yourself, make sure the site works and follows safety protocols. The casino should show their licenses and certificates clearly. If a name and address regarding the ownership of the site and casino is not found, stay away from it. If it is, you can google them and check if they are a respected person/business. A variety of games and payment options are a good sign for a site that aims to make your experience great. If you take part in bonuses or sign any kind of contract, make sure to read the terms and conditions closely.