How to Choose the Best Online Casino
The rise in popularity of gambling has seen the number of online casinos on the Internet increase rapidly. There are now hundreds of sites offering a range of games from slots, roulette, blackjack and other table games to video poker and bingo.
This means that choosing an appropriate casino for your requirements can be tricky. What features should I look out for? How safe am I going to be? Are they regulated or licensed? Where do they rank according to security standards?
To answer these questions, we recommend that you take some time to consider the following key aspects before signing up at any new site.
How to Choose the Best Online Casino
1. Security
Security is obviously important when considering where to play at. Do they offer SSL encryption? This ensures that all data sent over the internet is encrypted so that it cannot be intercepted by anyone else while en route to its destination.
You should also check if they use software which is reputable and tested. Good software providers will have been independently audited – usually by one of the major gaming authorities such as eCOGRA (Electronic Gaming Regulation Authority) and PGS (Paddy Power Gaming Services).
2. Payment Methods
It’s always best to make sure that there are plenty of different ways to pay for your money. These include credit cards, debit cards, Neteller, Paypal, Skrill etc. You shouldn’t assume that this feature is available unless you see it specifically mentioned on their website.
3. Deposit Options
As well as providing multiple payment methods, it’s worth checking that the deposit options are diverse too. Some companies only allow cash deposits whereas others may accept bank transfers, cheques or even pre-paid vouchers like Ukash.
4. Bonuses
Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that the bonuses offered match your needs. If you’re just looking for a fun bonus then this might not be enough. However, with no strings attached you could find yourself playing for weeks after receiving your welcome package!
5. Support
Finally, how easy is it to get support? Is it clear and informative? Does it follow through quickly? Can you speak to someone who speaks English?
If you need to contact them, are they able to provide telephone numbers which are not answered by automated systems?
6. Customer Service
The last thing you should ever think about when entering into an agreement with another person is whether or not they can fulfil their promises. It goes without saying that if a company can’t live up to it’s obligations they won’t survive long. Therefore, try to ensure that any company you deal with offers excellent customer service.
7. Game Variety
There really is no point having a huge selection of games and accepting players from around the world if you don’t actually have any variety. A good way of finding out if there is any diversity is to investigate what games they offer. Many of them will limit their offerings based on region. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to access their entire catalogue from anywhere in the world.
8. Languages
Even if they don’t offer any real language support, it’s still worth mentioning this information. Although the vast majority of people playing at an online casino will be fluent in English, many players prefer to play in their own language. For example, Spanish speakers may appreciate being able to chat to their friends using an alternative language.
9. Mobile Gaming
Since mobile devices are now commonplace, most casinos are now offering some sort of mobile version of their site. As more and more people download apps onto their smart phones, this is becoming a very popular method for accessing online gambling sites.
10. Social Media
If you’ve joined the social media scene recently, then you probably know that it has become something of a necessity. Players like interacting with other users and sharing tips and tricks. So, it’s important to bear these things in mind before joining a site.
11. Affiliations
In recent years, online casinos have started to affiliate themselves with various recognised brands. For example, there are often links between poker rooms and certain card manufacturers. The same applies to sportsbooks and bookmakers. By doing so, these partners give their websites credibility.
12. Reputation
Although reputation is unlikely to influence your decision to join an online casino, it can certainly help keep you safe once you’ve signed up. This includes keeping tabs on any complaints made against the site. There are also independent agencies which monitor the industry to confirm that all responsible operators adhere to the highest standards.
13. Security
You wouldn’t go to a major city centre shopping mall alone would you? That’s basically the same situation with online casinos. Whilst reputable sites do take security seriously, you shouldn’t rely solely on their word – check the details of their licencee and registration details. Also, always be wary of any “special” promotions which ask you to make payments via credit cards or bank accounts. These types of transactions are usually designed to steal money from unsuspecting punters.