Online Casino Guide

Thanks to new legislation throughout the world and advancements in technology, the online casino industry is booming again. If you enjoy playing casino games and would like some information about online casino gambling, you have arrived at the right place. We hope the information provided below will help you better understand the excitement and fun you will find playing your favorite casino games online.

Choosing the Right Online Casino Website

There are literally hundreds of online casino websites in operation throughout the world. They come in all shapes, sizes and themes. While most of the sites operate within the bounds of the law, there are a few rogue sites that need to be avoided at all costs. To help you with the selection process, there are four main attributes upon which you should focus. They include: reputation, software platform, games and bonuses.

Reputation – It only takes a couple of dubious reports for an online casino to hurt its reputation. With so many quality websites to choose from, it simply doesn’t make sense to join a site that has a history of software problems or payment issues. The good news is you do have access to some public resources that will offer up performance information about most websites in operation somewhere in the world. We refer to these sites as “watchdog” sites. Casinomeister is a great example of such a site. If a casino rates highly with at least one of the better watchdog sites, chances are it’s an acceptable place to play. You will also want to stick with online casinos that operate under the rules and regulation of governing bodies like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority or a top agency in America.

Software Platform – During the golden years of online casino gambling, most websites were powered by a singular software platform. Today, discerning online casino enthusiasts demand variety. For that reason, most top online casino sites use a mix of at least two of the industry’s top software developers. As a player, you deserve an opportunity to play the best games on the market. With that in mind, you should save your money for a website that offers the most bang for your money. FYI: The industry’s top software developers include Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt and Betsoft with a number of middle-level developers close on their heels. Be sure to verify a website’s software platform and games have been tested and certified as fair by one of the leading testing firms.

The Games – At the end of the day, your playing experience is going to be determined by the games you decide to play. The better sites will be offering hundreds of video slots, table games (Blackjack, Baccarat, Hold-em Poker, Roulette, Craps, etc.), scratch cards, video poker and arcade style games. For players looking for a playing experience that rates closer to sitting in a live casino, it has become infinitely easier to find quality websites that now offer live gaming options being streamed from actual brick and mortar casinos.

Of course, the real stars of the show are the amazing 3D video slots that keep testing the bounds of technology. We are seeing video slots with more than a thousand pay lines, incredible bonus features with quality graphics and jackpots that can make a person nervous. No matter where you land, you’ll want to seek out a few of the progressive jackpot games that can returns hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s worth noting that games like Mega Moolah (Microgaming) and Mega Fortune (NetEnt) have paid out single progressive jackpots well in excess of $15 millions over the last few years. Those are life-changing jackpots.

Bonuses – All things being equal, the selection process usually comes down to bonuses. The online casino industry is very competitive. Players demand perks in exchange for loyalty. This is not lost on online casino operators who strive to claim new players and seek to hold on to existing players.

For new players, it’s all about the welcome bonus packages. A “no deposit required” deposit is always a good place to start. This type of bonus gives a new player a change to check out the website with no risk. If they like what they see, it’s easy for the player to add a few dollars to their account and start gambling with real cash. As additional incentive to do so, most casinos offer some type of matching bonus based on the player’s first real cash deposit or deposits. The matching percentages can be quite lucrative, but beware. Every bonus comes with terms and conditions that must be met before the bonus is paid and winnings can be withdrawn. The best approach would be to look for respectable bonuses with player-friendly restrictions.

Established players get other benefits. It’s common practice for a top online casino to offer daily, weekly and monthly promotions that cover reload bonuses, cash rebates and prize giveaways. You should also take a look at a website’s loyalty program to see if the online casino operator is serious about rewarding its top players.

Other Attributes Worth Considering

Online gamblers are embracing the chance to gamble on the go. With that in mind, you’ll want to seek out online casino providers that offer mobile gaming. Look for mobile sites that closely emulate the originating site with the same games and bonuses. You should have no problem finding a quality online casino with a mobile app that operates efficiently with iOS, Android and Microsoft operating systems.

Banking is another attribute that warrants serious consideration. You need to look closely at the banking options being offered. Setting your preferences aside, you’ll want to make sure a website offers affordable deposit options that are available in your region.

Finally, you’ll want to focus on websites that offer good customer service. You’re going to have questions and issues. When it happens, you’ll feel much more comfortable knowing a customer service agent is standing by ready to answer your questions and gett you back into action. Live chat is always the best option because issues tend to get resolved within minutes.