As the US online casino industry continues to grow, more and more people are signing up, collecting bonuses, and taking their shot at big jackpots. The US already has the world’s biggest online gambling sector, but this is just the beginning, and it’ll only get bigger from here.
But before you rush out to find and join a new site, there are a few things you need to know. According to CasinoTopsOnline, a team of trusted reviewers and gambling experts, these are the essential tips that every new gambler must keep in mind.
Know the Rules
US gambling laws vary from state to state. There is no federal law allowing legal nationwide casino gambling, and crossing a single state line could drastically change your situation. In some states, such as California, it’s outlawed entirely; in others, you’ll need to download mobile apps from specific licensed providers and use them in the state.
It’s worth noting that these laws only apply to people in the state at the time, as opposed to those who were born in the state and continue to reside there but are currently elsewhere. For instance, if you live in a state that has outlawed gambling but have traveled to another state on vacation, you may still be able to download a casino app and play.
It can be complicated, much more so than in other countries, but it’s important that you know where you stand before you start playing. Don’t just assume that a casino is legal and regulated because it allows you to join. There are unregulated sites out there that accept players from all over the world, openly flaunting state laws in the process.
Check the Terms of Every Bonus
Every casino offers a succession of bonuses to lure new players and ensure they stick around. Those bonuses typically advertise free spins, matched deposit offers, and other incentives. They are a great way to get a head start on the site and explore the many different games. There are catches, though. For the most part, these are perfectly acceptable, as they exist on all sites. But some of them can be more problematic than others.
Always check the terms and conditions of the bonus before you collect. It could make a big difference to your experience of the casino. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Deposit Requirements: These terms cause the most distress and often lead to many bad reviews. Casinos require you to deposit a specific amount before you qualify for the bonus. They may also insist on certain payment methods or require you to contact live support to unlock the bonus. If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll miss out, and as you’re no longer a new player, you can’t simply deposit again to get the funds.
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Wagering Requirements: The wagering requirement is a multiple relative to your stake. It tells you how much you must roll over the bonus (or free spin winnings) before you can withdraw. Until you meet this requirement, those funds will remain as bonus cash, and you could lose them.
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True Value: An offer of 100 free spins sounds fantastic, but rather than letting yourself get lost in the promise of free spins and wins, you should be questioning the true value of the promotion. How much are each of those spins worth? Which slots can you play? Can you use them on any jackpot games? Is there a maximum win? All of these questions are important.
Know Your RTPs and House Edges
All casino games have either a return to player (RTP) or a house edge. Both are expressed as a percentage, but the former tells you the player’s advantage while the latter is the house’s advantage. For instance, games of blackjack and baccarat are around 1%, which equates to an RTP of 99%. It’s very high, and these are, therefore, some of the best games you can play. Slot games and American Roulette, however, can exceed a house edge of 5%, which means the player has less chance of winning.
Create a Bankroll and Set Limits
This is an easy one—create a bankroll as soon as you join, and don’t exceed it. Use the casino’s deposit limits and other responsible gambling tools to help you stick to this budget.
Know That Losing Doesn’t Mean You’re Being Scammed
If you check the review pages of any online casino, you’ll see scores of bad reviews angrily stating that the site is a scam. It usually goes something like this, “I played for an hour and didn’t get a single big win. It’s rigged.” Scam casinos do exist, but they are not as common as you might think, and you won’t find rigged games in a regulated casino.
If a casino is regulated and tricks its customers, it won’t last very long. Even if they could get those tricks past the regulators, they are not the ones who create the games. They are developed by third-party creators using certified random number generators. They’re not going to risk their reputation just to help a casino operator earn a few extra bucks, especially as those payouts won’t benefit them.
Think of it from their perspective. All casino games have a house edge, which means the casino will always profit in the long term. One lucky player can land a jackpot and walk away with a big win, but many others will lose to offset that. They essentially have a license to print money—why would they risk that just for a few extra digits?
Summary: Joining the Online Casino Trend
With so many casinos to choose from, it’s hard to know what’s worthy of your time. However, the above tips will help you figure it out and participate in one of the fastest growing sectors of the US entertainment industry.
