One of the core components of the modern digital gaming industry, online casino gaming is an immensely popular sector that combines cutting-edge technology with the thrill of traditional casino games.
The sector has expanded massively in recent years and there are now all sorts of iGaming options to take your pick from, from full-scale casinos to online poker rooms and betting sites.
With so many different gaming platforms available, it can be tricky to find the right one to join. That’s why it’s important to take the following things into account before signing up with an online casino provider.
Licenses and Regulations
One of your primary concerns when looking for an online casino is whether or not it has a valid gaming license from a recognized gaming authority. Licenses prove the legitimacy of a platform, ensuring that it operates on a provably fair basis, that it runs on a secure and encrypted website, and that players are protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
The top global licensing authorities include the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. Platforms operating in the States, meanwhile, are governed by individual gaming authorities, such as the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Games and RTP
The iGaming industry has advanced so much in recent years that it’s actually pretty rare to find a platform with only a handful of different games to play. However, if you want variety when you play you will need to research the different types of games on offer at a prospective platform.
As a minimum, expect to see a range of slots games, from classic fruit machine style games to progressive jackpot slots, poker, live dealer roulette and live dealer blackjack. If you want a more immersive gaming experience, look out for platforms that offer fast-fold gaming or incorporate advanced tech like VR.
Take the time to check out the RTP (Return to Player) of the games you want to play too, which will ensure that you get the most value from your wagers when gaming with real money.
Bonuses and Promotions
Let’s face it, none of us is immune to the allure of getting something for nothing, so bonuses and promotions are something you should look for in a prospective online casino platform.
When it comes to promotions at an online casino, no deposit bonus offers are typically the most common and are offered to first-time users. Once a customer has signed up, match bonuses, which promise to deliver a percentage of a deposit, are then offered to encourage further interaction.
Most leading platforms will also offer regular promotions in the form of free spins, cash vouchers, or bonus wagering on a monthly or even weekly basis.
Payment and Withdrawal Options
If you’re new to casino gaming you might take it for granted that the platform you choose accepts the specific banking methods that you use. As with games and bonuses, the legitimate casinos with good standing in the global gaming community are more likely to offer several methods for depositing and withdrawing cash, with the most common being debit or credit cards, eWallets, and wire transfer.
Surprisingly, the iGaming sector has been a bit slower on the uptake for integrating cryptocurrencies than the rest of the gaming industry, however, there are some crypto-only casino platforms in existence.
