New players can easily feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the online casino industry. There are so many casinos, all with their own strengths and niche products to attract new members. You can place a bet on the way to work or while you’re waiting for a dentist appointment. Wherever you are and whatever the time, you can log in and start to play.
Good casinos give you this flexibility and more. You can also expect vibrant graphics, smooth navigation and lots of diverse content. Experienced players know that finding a reliable casino can take time and effort, but if you are new to the world of online casinos, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Here’s a look at the type of things you need to consider before you sign up and commit to your first deposit.
Does the casino have a licence?
Trustworthy casinos are the only ones that you can rely on to safeguard your personal information and your funds. The best way to determine whether a casino can be trusted is to check its licensing status. Most will add these details at the bottom of their homepage, so just scroll down and look for a licence section.
The majority of UK casinos will be running under the authority of the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. This means that the casino will be subject to regular compliance checks, during which the authority ensures that it is safe and fair for players.
Is customer support in place and reachable?
If you check out the customer support options before anything has gone wrong, you’ll know how easy or difficult it will be to reach them when it does. The way that the casino handles complaints and the speed at which it gets back to players who need help says a lot about how much it values its players.
Specifically, look at which channels the casino keeps open for members to use. Phone support is less common, but live chat and email are a staple of online casino support. Check that the methods you prefer to use are offered so that if you need to reach them in a hurry, you can do so.
Are the bonuses worthwhile for your style of play?
Bonuses are not the only way to enhance your play at a casino, but they can be useful. As a new player, you’ll be presented with lots of extra spins, cash top-ups on your deposits and more. Read through exactly what each casino has to offer to see if its packages appeal to the way that you play and the games you enjoy – otherwise, the freebies might not be worth your while. Along with the bonus, you’ll also have a few wagering conditions to fulfil. Check that you will be able to manage them to make the most of your free bets or extra cash.
Does the casino have a payment method you are comfortable with?
Smooth deposits and withdrawals should be the norm at any online casino, so be sure to check how these can be carried out before you register. Credit cards are widely accepted, but you can often use bank transfers, virtual wallets and more. This will ensure that you don’t have any problems further down the line and you can feel confident about handing over your private information.
Check out the detailed reviews at NewCasinos.com for a closer look at numerous online casinos and details of their banking options. The experts there have compiled detailed lists that include new and established casinos so that players can find their next favourite casino in minutes.
Does the casino offer an extensive selection of games?
A good selection of games is what drives some of the world’s most popular online casinos. Without the constraints of a traditional casino, they are free to populate their virtual house with everything from slots to table games and a vast sportsbook. From cerebral games of poker to action-packed reels, there should be titles to suit your changing moods. Moreover, when a site has plenty to offer, you’ll never get bored. If you need a break from cards, you can play Slingo for a while, or just explore new games that you’ve never tried before.
Is the user experience smooth and stress-free?
The technology that supports online casinos is generally excellent, but it’s always a good idea to check out the user experience at a new casino before signing up. As soon as you arrive on the homepage, look for quality visuals and intuitive design features that make the site easy to use.
The text should be rendered clearly so that you can always navigate to what you need in a few clicks. In terms of the audio output, it’s a matter of personal choice. Some players love the atmosphere that a loud backing track creates, while others find it grating. The option to turn the sound on or off is always a welcome addition.
Has the casino invested in extra features?
Casinos know that players want to test out what they have to offer before parting with any real cash. Therefore, some of them have a demo mode that you can use to simulate a session before you even make a deposit. It’s a risk-free way of test-driving a new casino that gives you a feel for the atmosphere and inner workings of a house in advance.
Is the casino committed to securing your information?
To open an account, deposit funds and withdraw your winnings, you will need to provide a casino with your personal information. As this will be stored by the house, you should choose one that uses cutting-edge security solutions. To protect the data of their clients, most will use SSL encryption that secures the link between server, browser and client. The best way to check is by looking for a lock symbol on the casino’s web address. If the lock is closed, the site has a valid SSL certificate, which means that the connection with your browser is secure.