|
|
|
CHOOSING AN ONLINE
CASINO - 10 KEY QUESTIONS A BEGINNERS MUST ASK
by James Daniels
Okay! You are a complete novice, you have never gambled at an online casino but due to the recent media hype, your interest has been peeked and you want to give it a go.
Which casino should you play at? There are so many out there, that you really do not know which one is the right one for you. The prospect of becoming an online gambler excites you along with winning some serious money, but you are cautious and want to choose carefully.
Detailed below are 10 critical questions that you should ask (and get answers to) before signing up with a particular casino.
1. What type of casino games interests me?
You will need to decide what type of game you want to play. There are literally dozens of casino games on offer from favourites such as blackjack, roulette, video poker, craps and slots to games that are not immediately associated with casino gambling such as bingo, lotteries, sports betting or skill gaming. Then of course there are specialist sites dedicated to just poker, where you can choose from a multitude of different game variations from Texas Hold'em to 7-Card Stud.
2. What kind of licenses does the casino have?
There are two of particularly importance - a software license and a jurisdiction
license. All online casinos use third-party gaming software, such as
CryptoLogic, Boss Media and Microgaming - 3 of the best in the industry. In order to use this software, the casinos are required to sign long-term contracts that can cost many thousands of pounds, so you can be sure that these casino operators have long-term stable businesses. The most reputable online casinos also have a jurisdiction licence from where they operate, the most well known being Kahnawake in Canada. This means that the country of jurisdiction will be able to independently audit the payouts and ensure that the casino adheres to their strict rules.
3. What kind of security measures does the casino
utilize?
This is of critical importance. You will be providing the casino with personal and sensitive banking data, so you need to make sure that it is able to handle this information over a secure connection. 128-bit SSL encryption achieves this is and is impenetrable to a potential hacker.
4. How long has the casino been in operation?
If the casino has been operating for 5 years or more, you can be reasonably sure that it is reputable.
5. What type of payment and withdrawal methods does the casino employ?
Some of the most common payment methods are NeTeller, FirePay, credit card and bank transfer. Make sure that the casino offers a payment method that satisfies you. Also of critical importance are the withdrawal methods available. What are they and how quickly can you receive your winnings? Are there any withdrawal charges? These are all critical questions.
6. What is the casino's privacy policy?
Carefully read the privacy policy before handing over any personal or banking information including your e-mail address. You will want to make sure that the casino will not distribute any sensitive information to third parties. You most certainly do not want to get bombarded with
Spam.
7. What customer support options does the casino offer?
Customer support should be available 24:7:365 and be contactable by phone, fax, e-mail and live chat. This is a very good sign and it indicates honesty and a readiness to resolve any issues that may arise.
8. What type of starting or welcome bonus is on offer?
Look for a casino that offers a good welcome bonus and does not have a high wagering requirement (the amount that you must gamble before being able to cash-out). There are three basic types of welcome bonus offered by the casinos: a fixed bonus - triggered by a predefined minimum deposited by you; a matching bonus - usually a percentage of the amount that you deposit up to a pre-defined maximum; and occasionally a no-deposit bonus - requiring no initial deposit by you.
9. What type of loyalty program does the casino operate?
If you intend to gamble on a regular basis, then finding a casino that rewards regular play is important. Often termed VIP or Comp
program, they can come in different guises. Read the details carefully and compare it to other casino loyalty
program.
10. What type of playing guides does the casino have?
The best online casinos not only provide a systematic guide to help you get started playing at the casino but also provide comprehensive individual game guides that teach you the basics of the most common games. Read these guides carefully and make sure that they are helpful and understandable to you.
|
|
|
|
|
21 - Auto Racing - Baccarat - Baseball
- Basketball - Bingo - Blackjack - Boxing - Craps
- Cricket - Football Golf - Hockey - Horse - Racing
- Keno - NCAA - NFL - NHL - MBA - MLB |
|
|
Advantages of Online Gambling
The last few years have seen online gambling become one of the biggest and most successful enterprises on the planet. With that has come many technological advancements in software as well as increasingly efficient and user friendly systems. There are so many advantages to online gambling compared to land-based casinos although the choice is very much a personal one. For those who haven't tried it yet, here are just a few benefits of choosing to gamble online.
Convenience
One of the primary reasons why online gambling is so popular is because it can be done within the comfort of your own home. As long as you have a computer, a sturdy Internet connection and are over the age of 21, you can play online. Many people who are interested in games and gaming simply do not live close enough to the facilities that would enable them to play. Online gambling therefore brings the excitement of a land-based casino straight to you.
Variety of Games
As well as the multitude of casinos now established online, there are also a wide variety of games to choose from. If you are interested in poker you will find virtual rooms where there isn't just one but several different types of poker on offer; with slot machines there are 3 and 5 reel games as well as multi-line and progressive slots; the same can be said for blackjack, roulette, bingo, baccarat and even specialty games like keno. With online gambling there is literally something to suit all tastes and all levels of players.
Bonuses
As the online gambling industry is so competitive, many casinos will offer attractive bonuses in order to secure your business. These might be in the form of random cash prize draws simply for signing up, or additional credit when you make your first deposit. Please read the terms and conditions first though as many casino bonuses have strict stipulations about minimum deposits and credit being spent specifically within the casino that has awarded you that prize.
There are also many bonuses within the games themselves, which can boost the overall jackpot and is money you do get to take home. Many slot games, for example, have bonus rounds and free spins, where you can multiply your winnings.
Play for Free
If you enjoy the experience of playing online, but don't want to risk losing money, there are many games online where you can play for free. Most casinos will also allow you to 'test-run' games before making a deposit. This is a great way to explore the games you are interested in and to get a feel for which ones will best suit you personally.
Security
Many people are concerned about the safety and security of online gambling and whether or not their personal and financial details will be misused in some way. Although it's very important to always check the terms and conditions of any site, and also consult reviews and player organization's for information about a particular casino's reputation, most casinos operating online are now just as safe as their land-based counterparts.
Online gambling is a huge industry and the casinos cannot afford to lose credibility amongst players. Larger, high profile casinos have the most to lose and therefore work very hard to operate fairly and within the confines of the law. If you are at all concerned, stick to the names you know best.
Summary
The popularity and success of online gambling is probably one of the best ways to measure its many advantages. Players have found that in many ways the online methods are just as enjoyable as those found in land-based casinos, while being infinitely more convenient and far less intimidating. If you have never played online before take your time and look around. There is sure to be something to suit your taste and
style. |
|
