If you are new to the world of online casino gaming and have just recently registered for your first account in an online casino, allow us to welcome you to the world of fun, excitement, and vast possibilities. You have successfully entered a fantastic playground for adults teeming with thousands of video slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and other casino games, where you will feel like you are in a digital Las Vegas casino.
However, the online casino gaming arena can be a slippery ground, susceptible to some nefarious actions from false casino sites looking to trick the players, especially those inexperienced ones. Luckily for you, we are here to tell you more about how to recognize a safe online casino and what to look for if you want to have a genuinely great playing experience. Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?
Look for Reputable Licences
All good online casinos will have obtained valid licences from reputable gambling jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority. These two test every aspect of the casino, from the safety and fairness of games to the banking transactions, before issuing them with a licence.
Casino sites usually display the information related to their licences at the bottom of their homepages so that the players can make sure they are in a regulated gaming environment. So, once you open the casino’s site, go to the bottom of the screen straight away and see if your casino of choice has any licences.
Note that all casinos looking to offer their services to Britons need to obtain a permit from the UKGC first. There will be a unique licence number and a link that will take you to the UKGC, where you can check the licence’s validity if there have been instances where the operator has been accused of something and many other important details.
If there is no licence information on the site whatsoever, consider closing your account to avoid being scammed and look for another site. Even if the casino turns out to be legit, the lack of a valid licence is reason enough to bolt out.
Make Sure All Security Measures Are In Place
There are some additional aspects, apart from a gambling licence, that tell you that a casino website is safe to play on. The padlock sign found at the bottom of the homepage is an indicator that the casino is protected by SSL encryption, which safeguards all your sensitive data and banking details.
In addition, some online casinos need to meet specific requirements, depending on the market. For example, any $10 deposit casino conducting business in the USA needs to be PCI compliant, which guarantees all financial data accrued from the players is protected and the payment methods offered by the casino are safe and reliable. Also, GDPR compliant sites and those that use two-factor authentication systems provide extra security layers and should be among your top picks.
Read Casino Reviews for Players’ Testimonials
One of the most effective ways of getting all the info you need on a casino is to read online casino reviews. There, you can find details regarding banking options, the choice of games, casino licences, and much more.
Reputable review sites only support legitimate online casinos, and their reviews have been done by experienced professionals who know every nook and cranny of the iGaming world. There will most likely be a section on the blacklisted sites which you should stay away from at all cost.
Also, make sure to read what other players had to say about the casino. Online forums and comments sections are excellent sources of information about other players’ experiences, so they can be considered quite useful.
Check Out the Game Offer
No matter which games are your cup of tea, whether they are slots with regular or progressive jackpots or any of the table and live dealer games, they all must come from reliable software providers such as NetEnt, Evolution, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Big Time Gaming, and other such companies. These game developers can be found in top online casinos across the globe, and are licensed, regulated, and battle-tested. Of course, there are plenty of other providers in the business, but, no matter which one you opt for, make sure they have all the necessary licenses.
Scrutinise the Bonuses and Promotions
You will find different sorts of bonuses in virtually every online casino out there. By claiming one, you can test the casino and see if it is safe and if the bonus conditions are as the casino in question claims them to be. Most of the time, you will find free spins no deposit and deposit bonuses and other promotions that give bonus cash.
It is vital that you check the bonus’ terms and conditions and pay special attention to the wagering requirements. If you manage to win some money from the bonus and meet the wagering requirements, you should be able to withdraw the money straight away. In case the casino is prolonging your withdrawal or accusing you of some fraudulent activity and doing their best to delay your payment, then you might be playing in a scam casino.
Put the Customer Support to a Test
Every good online casino should offer multiple channels through which you can contact their customer support team in case you need any help, such as email, live chat, phone number, etc. It would be best if you put the customer team to the test by contacting them and asking them a question. Gauge the response time, the feedback received, and other aspects, as these are good indicators of the casino’s practices.
Use The Payment Methods and Check the Responsible Gaming Policies
Payment methods are an integral part of every online casino and should provide fast, safe, and reliable deposits and withdrawals. If the entire process is seamless and hassle-free, then you are in the right place. If it takes weeks for the casino to process your withdrawals and handle your money, that could be a clue that something is wrong.
Also, make sure to check the responsible gaming policies and see if the casino abides by the rules and cooperates with institutions that deal with gambling addiction. If so, then there’s no need to worry, as you can enjoy fair and responsible casino gaming on this website.
