The rise of the online casino has been a phenomenon unlike any other in modern times. From simply not existing a few decades ago it has become a global industry worth many billions of dollars – and it’s set to continue to grow.
So, if you’re one of the many people around the world who want to discover what it’s all about, here are ten tips to get you started.
1.Choose the right casino
It’s no big surprise that there are many different casinos online and, among them, there’s going to be the right one for you. It may be one that has a vintage feel to it that harks back to the golden age of Vegas, or one with a more contemporary vibe.
It’s also vital to check that it’s fully licensed by the appropriate authority so you know that you can play safely and securely.
2.Look for the best welcome bonus
Competition to attract new players is intense. So pretty much all casinos offer welcome bonuses to new players. These come in several forms from matching your initial deposit to giving you a certain number of free spins on slots games.
Some even give you a so-called no-deposit bonus which is effectively free money to play. So shop around and find the most generous bonus you can.
3.Choose the best way to pay
Online casinos offer you a wide range of ways to pay your stake money as well as direct from your bank account. A very popular option is to use a digital wallet like Neteller, Skrill or PayPal and one of the key advantages is the speed and convenience of using these.
All good casinos should have a full list of the payment options they accept so study these carefully before you commit.
4.Pick the games you want to play
There are a wide range of games to play at an online casino so decide whether the thrills of roulette, the fun of slots or the strategy of a game like blackjack appeals to you most.
Maybe you’ll want to sample them all before you decide so our next point may be very welcome.
5.Try games for free
Most good online casinos let you try out the games for free for a limited period. This gives you a chance to get used to the betting methods and how the game is run.
It’s a great way to find your feet until you’re ready to start playing for real money.
6.Make sure you understand the rules
Perhaps even more importantly, free games are a great way to get accustomed to the rules of a particular game. Even though most casino games are fairly simple to play some, like baccarat, have extra rules that you need to understand to give yourself the best choice of winning.
These can even vary from casino to casino so you can’t assume that your experience on one can be directly transferred to another.
7.Check the RTP on slots
Slots are undoubtedly the most popular of all games on any online casino site. They’re fun and easy to play and come with many different themes. But to maximize your chances of winning there is one important piece of information to check out – the RTP.
This stands for Return To Player and is given as the percentage of stake money that is returned as winnings. Look for games that are 90% or over. But remember, the percentage is a figure that will be paid back over time, not necessarily during your own session.
8.Don’t believe the myths
There are countless myths about online casinos including that you can apply effective gambling systems. But because all online games are run using software called a random number generator the outcome of each game is genuinely random. So no system in the world is going to sidestep this particular fact.
The only exception may be blackjack thanks to something called the “basic strategy” which can be memorized and indicates your best move in certain situations.
9.Manage your bankroll
Successful play in online casinos is also a question of carefully managing your stake money, or bankroll. So it’s vital to try and keep your winnings separate and to hold on to them. It’s also never a good idea to chase your losses.
10.Above all, have fun
The most important thing of all is to remember that playing at an online casino should be fun. The best way to achieve this is by playing for short periods of time, not long sessions.
Also, stick to the games you enjoy the most and don’t play when you’re too tired and might start making the wrong decisions. This, along with following the other nine tips, will make sure you get the most from your online play.