Online casinos offer players a variety of games including slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, baccarat, craps, keno, scratch cards, sports betting, etc. They all come under the umbrella term “online casino games” which includes reputed online gambling sites around the world. However, choosing among the various options available can sometimes become overwhelming. This is where we shall be able to help. We have compiled a list of factors that must be taken into consideration while selecting any kind of online casino site and these are discussed in detail below:
1) Reputation
This refers to the reputation of the company behind the website. It should be noted here that not every online gaming provider has been vetted by authorities such as eCOGRA (Electronic Commerce Guild). So it becomes important to find out whether or not they are licensed by the government to operate their business.
The licensing procedure involves meeting certain standards laid down by the government relating to security measures and customer protection regulations. If you see that some websites are offering bonuses on signup then try to check if those offers hold good with all customers regardless of their country of residence.
Also, make sure that your desired payment method is accepted at the given site before making payments. You will also need to verify the authenticity of the software being used since there may be fake versions floating about on the web. There are many other things you want to look for while searching for reputable providers but this article does not cover them all so we suggest that you browse through our reviews section to get more information.
Reputations vary tremendously amongst various websites based on quality standards set by regulatory bodies and other concerned parties. The following three categories are commonly used:
- Legitimate / Recommended Sites – Generally considered safe and reliable due to stringent policies adopted to prevent online scams and cybercrime.
- Scam Sites – They are usually offering fake offers either intentionally or unintentionally. This type of site will try to prey on naive customers and trick them into transferring funds without receiving adequate compensation. Please beware!
- Illegal Sites – There’s definitely not much difference between these and scamming sites except that they’re outright illegal. While legitimate platforms comply fully with applicable regulations, rogue operators often fail to adhere to relevant statutes thus tarnishing their reputation.
We don’t recommend using these companies because they might rob innocent users through hidden charges or use fraudulent means during withdrawals/payments. Hence we advise people who wish they could deposit more money than what they pay out of their pockets to avoid playing at these places. Most importantly we always emphasize safety first! With proper precautions, you won’t suffer financial losses and instead enjoy yourself to the fullest.
2) Security Features
The most common threats to your financial safety include fraudsters, hackers and phishers. These attackers use sophisticated methods like viruses, Trojans, bots to steal money from unsuspecting users. Therefore, having anti-virus programs installed on your computer or mobile device helps protect against infections by scanning files for threats. Apart from that having secure payment channels provides an additional layer of a precautionary measures.
In fact, when using debit/credit card transactions, ensure that none of them exist anywhere else than what was mentioned over there at the payment page to eliminate the chance of chargebacks. Avoid registering with an unsecured internet connection even if it is free otherwise anyone could grab confidential info sent to register themselves by hacking right away. Also, check out our review of the Best VPN service providers.
3) Customer Services & Support
Customer support and services provide value beyond merely providing access to game content. Your relationship with customer contact persons helps manage any existing account balances, deposits, withdrawals, transfers, pending player requests, complaints regarding technical difficulties as well as queries and tips about promotions and bonus opportunities offered by the particular operator which would impact the overall gameplay experience.
One thing to remember whilst browsing for online gambling sites – Try to stay local to avoid trouble with laws governing consumer practices related to fraudulent activities; especially tax evasion issues. Most countries impose taxes or levy fines onto companies operating inside their boundaries unless you declare yourself an individual citizen enjoying offshore accounts paying no income levies nor taking advantage of tax loopholes.
4) Game Variety
At times one might opt for simplicity or rather stick to something familiar just enough to suit his short attention span or skill levels yet always innovative enough never cease challenging his prowess. A key factor should lie in finding the ideal balance between two extremes – Too much of everything won’t work because people won’t end up feeling entertained with a constant stream of new titles popping across the interface.
Whereas too little of anything means there’s nothing to distinguish you from another player who plays less games per day but spends lots of time grinding away trying to hit lucky winning streaks. Hence, depending upon personal preference you decide how much variance do you require from different games played.
That said though, there are some popular types of games whose popularity continues to grow year after year. Some examples of slot machine games, table games (Texas Hold’em Poker, Baccarat, Roulette), live dealer games, and progressive jackpot games. Another element worth considering is whether all games offer the same payout percentages despite varying wagering requirements or maximum bets allowed.
For example, real money lottery games typically payback 99%, unlike regular slot machines which return lesser amounts with higher minimum bet limits. On a similar note, some online casinos only offer low limit tables games whereas others exclusively feature high roller tournaments and massive prize pools. Again you choose according to your style and taste.
5) Casino Bonuses & Loyalty Programs
Likely, any website that claims to have a large number of players available has already passed thorough background checks to ascertain legitimacy among public trust entities like eCOGRA. Any company looking forward to gaining market share must understand the nature of competition, particularly in light of fierce competition from illegal operators. As they say ‘You can’t buy love’, therefore casino rewards schemes play a major role in attracting new players and retaining current ones. At best, they present an opportunity for an enhanced playing experience.
Online gamblers take pleasure in the extra benefits that come with loyalty program membership. It gives an edge to preferred players compared to non members with frequent winners getting higher benefit rates on deposit options. Other factors such as complimentary gifts and VIP status help gain momentum for better odds during gaming sessions. Furthermore, bonuses may be subject to terms and conditions before being awarded, so make sure to read them carefully before signing up.
Conclusion
The above five elements set apart legitimate operators as opposed to those engaged in shady activity. However, it wouldn’t hurt to know more about these aspects while evaluating an online gambling site. Remember that sometimes one small detail standing alone proves harmful to one’s interests; hence we strongly recommend conducting due diligence exercise by conducting adequate research ahead of making a decision.
Hopefully, this article serves as a good starting point for anybody willing to try their hand at online casinos, where ultimately decisions made will affect the lives of many individuals worldwide.
