Online Casino Guide – What All Beginners Should Know
Online casinos have never been more popular, with millions of people playing casino games online each day. Yet if you are considering giving it a try for the first time, you may be a little perplexed by where to begin. Whilst it is true that there are no shortage of internet casinos to choose from, how are you supposed to know which is the best for you? Perhaps you have concerns regarding how safe and fair it is to play online? Maybe you are unsure which game will be a good choice for you? As such, I have decided to create this article specifically for the beginners out there.
I will address the issues most frequently raised by new players and give you a useful guide covering topics you may not have even considered, yet are vital to understand to get you off on the right foot. So, before you pop your online casino cherry, check out this guide to ensure you know everything you need know to get the best possible experience.
Tips and Advice for New Players
So you have decided to play casino games online, that’s a good start. But what next? You’ll need to consider what kind of games you want to play. Will you play on your PC or would you prefer to play on your mobile? How about depositing and withdrawing? In the following paragraphs, you will find all the details you need to get started.
Download Casinos vs Instant Play Flash Casino
Many operators offer a choice between instant play games and a download casino. The web-based version uses Flash to provide games which can be instantly launched and played within your browser. The download software, on the other hand, must be installed on your PC in order to access the games.
Whilst both versions are usually pretty similar, you tend to find a slightly larger game selection on download versions. If you’re a beginner and unsure which is the best option for you, I’d recommend the instant play option. You can quickly and easily get stuck into exploring and playing different games. Plus, there is nothing to stop you downloading the software and trying that out later down the line.
Play Casino Games on the Go
Given how much we use our mobile devices these days, it is probably no surprise that you can play casino games on your mobile phone or tablet. There are some operators, such as LeoVegas, who have embraced mobile gaming and have developed an intuitive, user-friendly mobile casino with a rich selection of mobile-friendly games. Others fall a little behind, with a limited range of games. If you are likely to play at online casinos on your mobile device, it is well worth checking how the mobile app shapes up before deciding whether to join.
Mobile casinos are compatible with most iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets. Most are available as a web app, meaning you play directly in the browser of your phone or tablet. Games can be played instantly with no need to download anything. Alternatively, some operators also offer native apps for iOS, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store, and/or a native app for Android, which can be downloaded directly from the casino website. For new players, I would advise using the browser-based mobile casino. This is the quickest and simplest way to instantly play games on the go and saves valuable space on your mobile device.
Different Types of Bonuses and Their Conditions
As a new player at an online casino, you will find a wide variety of welcome bonus offers up for grabs. The types of offer vary from operator to operator and can include a 1st deposit bonus, a welcome bonus package deal or free spins. Whilst they may differ, what they all have in common is that they come with a wagering requirement. Generally speaking, you will need to play through your bonus a set number of times before you can withdraw any winnings you have made with it.
It is also important to understand that some games have a lower weighting than others and some are excluded altogether. As a new player, you can take advantage of these bonus opportunities to boost your bankroll and enable you to play for longer. Yet, always be sure to check the conditions attached to it to avoid any surprises later down the line.
Gambling Licences and Safety
The reason that many people are reluctant to try out online casinos is due to concerns over safety. If you are concerned about whether it is safe to play at an online casino, you can easily wipe out that fear. Reputable operators use cutting edge technology to protect their players’ sensitive personal data. Any financial transactions are encrypted using SSL to ensure that they cannot be intercepted by third parties. Furthermore, legit online casinos use sophisticated software to keep their sites virus free and safe to use.
In order to operate legally, casinos must possess a remote gambling licence from the UK Gambling Commission. These licences are not granted unless safety and security are guaranteed. As such, by only playing at online casinos which are licenced and regulated by the UKGC, you can be certain you will be safe.
Making Deposits and Withdrawals
You will find a wide variety of payment methods which can be used to deposit and withdraw at an online casino. As mentioned earlier, financial transactions are safe and secure as they are encrypted. Deposits are processed virtually instantly, and as such, once you make your first deposit, you can start playing real money games straight away. You can use most credit and debit cards to deposit, including Visa, MasterCard and Maestro. Also, some operators also accept e-wallets, such as Skrill, Neteller or PayPal. Other options can include Paysafecard and bank transfer.
Whilst deposits are processed instantly, withdrawals take longer, and the timeframe can vary from a few hours to over a week. An identity check is required when you make your first withdrawal. This is a licencing requirement, which protects against money laundering and fraud. Generally speaking, you can provide a copy of your passport or driving licence, along with proof of your address. My advice to beginners is to provide this info to the customer support team soon after joining the casino. As such, your first withdrawal will be processed more swiftly. It is also worth bearing in mind that withdrawals using e-wallets tend to be credited back to you more quickly than with a credit/debit card.
The Best Games for Beginners
Online casinos offer a rich and diverse selection of games. You’ll find slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, baccarat, scratch cards, arcade games and poker, among many others. There are plenty of innovative variants of the classics, which feature unique rules and special features. You will also find live casino games, where you can play with real dealers.
If you are new to casino games and not sure where to begin, I would advise playing slots. They generally have the most simple and straightforward rules which are very easy to pick up. Most online casinos allow you to play their games in demo mode and another top tip is to play for free before you play with real money. This way, you can familiarise yourself with the rules and features of a game, to ensure you are fully prepared to play confidently with real money.
Make Your Casino Selection Wisely
So there you have it. These are the basic tips and instructions that you have to consider when you decide to play online casino games for the first time. Remember to make a thorough research of the online gambling operator, before you make a registration so that you are sure that you’ll be playing at the right place. So, to recap, here are all factors you should have in mind:
- The Casino Platform
- The Mobile Compatibility
- The Bonus Selection
- The Safety and Security of the Operator
- The Available Payment Methods
- The Game Seleciton
Have Fun Whilst Gambling Responsibly
Whilst the thought of winning big money draws many players to online casinos, you need to remember that there are going to be times when you do not win. When gambling with real money, it’s really important to set yourself a limit. Consider how much money you are willing to spend for the entertainment of playing casino games and stick to it. Never be tempted to chase losses and bet more than you can afford. This way, you can play exciting games, have fun, and stay safe.
FAQs
👍 Are online casino games fair?
As part of their licencing requirements, online casino operators must submit to regular testing and analysis of their RNG (Random Number Generator) and payout percentages. Independent, specialist testing agencies including eCOGRA and GLI perform rigorous checks of game results over thousands of rounds to determine that they are truly random and that games are fair. Operators usually display the payout reports produced by these agencies on their website.
📞 What support is available for customers at online casinos?
Reputable and trustworthy operators provide a variety of options for players in need of support. Customer service teams can usually be contacted by phone, email, and live chat. Of these options, live chat is the preferable option. Reliable casinos provide quick responses to queries 24/7 and you can contact the customer support through your mobile device as well.
🎰 How to play online casino games?
In order to play online casino games, first, you have to make a registration at an online casino. After your account has been verified and you make a real money deposit, you can pick a game from the game library and start playing.
💰 How to deposit at an online casino?
Most online casinos provide plenty of payment methods that you can use to make a deposit. Normally, you can choose between credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and Maestro, e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller and Skrill, bank transfers and more.
