Just as now you’ll likely turn to an online streaming service to find the ModernMan.com’s top seven heist movies, you’ll also likely turn to an internet connection to enjoy casino games. In fact, in the UK alone, some £6.4 billion came by way of gross gambling yield for online gambling. However, it’s not always as straightforward as playing at a site you recognize from the adverts. So, consider this your guide to what matters when picking an online casino.
Quality of the license provider (Important)
Online casinos can boast a license from one of many jurisdictions around the world. Curaçao, for example, is often a popular one. Just because a site has a license, though, doesn’t mean it’s regulated to a high degree. To ensure safe and responsible gambling, CasinoReviews.com recommends checking that a site possesses a valid gambling license from a reputable authority, such as the UK’s Gambling Commission or the MGA of Malta. They ensure strict compliance with their high standards for fair play, player safety, and player security. Picking these sites also ensures that the games played are tested for fairness and randomness to guarantee the provided RTP values.
Selection of payment methods (Important)
You should only ever sign up to an online casino that provides your preferred payment method. If possible, your preferred payment method should also be one that enhances your privacy and security – like an eWallet. Online payment services like PayPal are rapidly on the rise in the UK, but so many defer to inputting debit card details. Where possible, pick a casino with eWallet or mobile wallet payment options and make use of them. If nothing else, these services offer a clearer and easier path for recourse if required.
The RTP fascination (Not Important)
There is quite a fascination with RTP when it comes to finding casinos, but for the most part, this isn’t useful information. Individual random digital games have an RTP rating, showing the percentage of bets paid in that are paid out over time. An online casino doesn’t have an RTP: they just pay what gets withdrawn. A site can have more very high RTP games, but almost all games from trusted providers and studios stick to the high industry standard RTP anyway.
Competition in the market (Important)
We live in a capitalist society, and the main way that capitalism works in favor of your average customer is through competition. As detailed by Europa.eu, as businesses vie for your time and money, they end up producing better products, sites, and offers. Of course, online casinos can’t lower prices as players pick the bets. They can create better bonuses with user-friendly terms and conditions, though. You know you’re entering a competitive market if the welcome bonuses have low or zero wagering requirements, don’t require a deposit, and offer free time on popular games or are unrestricted in use. It’s always worth checking the level of competition and how each leading casino compares before jumping in.
Size of the welcome bonus (Not Important)
Welcome bonuses are the primary way in which online casinos market to potential players. The new customer offer is a storied and proven method of getting more players. However, many players – particularly those who are very new to the entertainment medium – simply go for the biggest number. Be it hundreds of free spins or thousands in bonus funds, the size of the bonus isn’t what matters. In fact, most of the time, the larger bonuses are tied to terms and conditions that limit their real value beyond free time playing casino games.
Terms and conditions of the bonuses (Important)
When assessing an online casino’s bonus, refer to the terms and conditions before claiming the offer. First, you need to ensure that the welcome offer doesn’t combine your real money with the bonus money. Next, check the wagering requirements. In this regard, it’s the lower the better, as the higher the requirements, the less likely you’ll get to withdraw any potential winnings from bonus play. Finally, check the restrictions for the bonus, as some will limit you to a certain slot or are only accessible if you use certain payment methods.
When looking to pick an online casino, be sure to pay attention to the licensing, payment methods, competition, and terms and conditions of the welcome bonus before signing up.
