By offering fast-paced action on-demand, online casinos have become some of the most popular gambling platforms in the modern age.
But for something that boasts such easy accessibility, the sheer amount of variety is enough to confuse any would-be player.
Ignore the barrage of free spins and bonuses. Instead, read on for my three-step beginner’s guide to getting started with online casinos.
Find the best casino for you
So you’ve got an itch to place some bets? Luckily for you, there are hundreds of online casinos looking to take your wager. However, picking the right casino is a tricky process; research is vital to ensure you don’t fall at the first hurdle.
Here are the four main factors which separate the best casinos from the worst:
Games: The most important feature of any casino is its selection of games. There are hundreds of games from blackjack to poker, all with unique themes and stipulations. I see no reason why you should commit to a single game off the bat and miss out on such great variety. Beginners like yourself, are in a privileged position to play everything for the first time. Find an online casino offering a lot of games, and play them all to find your favorites.
Customer Support: Many issues can arise when dealing with a website or phone application. For one, servers can crash. And two, you are placing banking details in the trust of a faceless platform. So making sure there is a good support system available when things go wrong is a must. Take Bet365 Casino as an example of stellar customer service. Bet365 provides a 24/7 live chat with real employees; a personal touch will give you that extra bit of confidence going forward.
Software: There are many big-name developers in the online casino industry. These are not only a sign of fun games but also evoke a sense of quality in your chosen casino. Among others look out for names like Quickspin, Big Time Gaming, and NetEnt.
RTP rating: Return to player ratings (RTPs) illustrate the percentage of player bets that are eventually won back from the casino. Say you wager £100 on a game of blackjack — an RTP rating of 99% means £99 of the original £100 will be returned over time. Ideally, narrow your search down to online casinos with an RTP rating over 95%.
Try the free games first
Now you’ve chosen your casino, give the free games a try before anything else. These games will help you get a feel for the casino experience without having to put any real money at risk.
Some online casinos require you to signup before playing but don’t let that put you off. There is no real pressure making you wager hard cash; the site understands when you are playing a free game and will keep any deposits intact.
Don’t rush into wagering just yet and take your time. In my opinion, free to play games are the best way to enjoy casino classics and build up your confidence. In short, free to play is all the fun and none of the stress.
Bet responsibly
So you’ve played the free games and feel ready for the next step? Just keep one thing in mind — remember to have fun.
Avoiding greed is key and will go a long way in enhancing your overall experience. Betting lots of money is not conducive to enjoyment. I assure you that no casino is pay to win. The more money you invest in a game, the more there is to lose.
The house will always have an edge. And bringing the house down is a fool’s errand, virtually impossible to achieve. The real winners bet infrequently and with modesty. Your winnings should be nothing more than an added bonus.
Recommended reading: Guide To Progressive Bonuses In Online Casino
Online casinos operate in a highly competitive market and it’s a difficult task to narrow down your choices. Don’t take a risk, do your research. By following my beginner’s guide to online casinos, in the end all you will need to worry about is the games.
