How to choose a casino

When it comes to online casinos, the choice can seem overwhelming. With so many to choose from, how do you decide where to put your money? You might think that all online casinos are pretty much the same, but that’s not the case at all. 

A little due diligence before your start playing can go a long way, enhancing your playing experience and keeping you and your money safe. When you’re choosing which online casino to use. Here is what you have to look out for. 

Do they have the necessary regulatory licences?

Online gambling is a highly regulated industry and with good reason. There are rules in place to ensure that casinos are above board and do not indulge in any unfair or dangerous practices. These include fair playing practices and keeping deposited money in a ring-fenced account, that means that if for whatever reason, they stop operating, your money is protected and available to you. Before you sign on with a casino, make sure that they are licensed to operate in your country. 

Do they have responsive support channels?

If you use online casinos regularly, you will probably need to contact their support teams at some point. This could be to ask questions about a game or bonus, query a transaction or even make a complaint. 

The best casinos make it easy for you to contact them through methods like live chat, email and phone. Some are less responsive, and you don’t want to be waiting days for a response. Visit their support page to see what options are available and at what times.  If a casino doesn’t have an easy and responsive way to contact them at any time, this should be treated as a red flag. 

Do they have good reviews?

One of the best ways to get a good feel for a casino is by looking at what people are saying about it. Visit some review sites and have a look at what is being said about them. The odd bad review is normal, even for the best casinos, but if you’re noticing a pattern, it’s not a good sign. 

Do they have responsible gambling tools?

Although they are a form of online gambling, online casinos have a duty of care to act responsibly and not encourage problem gambling. Check their site to see if they have any responsible gambling tools. These usually include the ability to set deposit limits and set ‘time outs’ where you can restrict yourself from gambling for a predetermined period. 

Do they have the games you’re looking for?

People have their own preferences when it comes to online casinos. Some people prefer to live casino games and others prefer slots. Check the site to see if they have what you’re looking for. If you prefer slots but they only have a few available, then you might want to look somewhere else. 

Do they have free play options?’

It can take a while to get the hang of a game, which is why many casinos offer free play options, that let you experience the game, but without having to gamble your money. 

Do they have regular promotional offers? 

Many casinos will try and entice you with fantastic welcome offers. Before you choose a casino based only on this, look at the small print. Just how good are the offers? What are the wagering requirements on a bonus or winning? Also, when the welcome offer is over and you’ve signed up, are there regular promotions or clubs that you can take part in to maximise your chances of winning? 

Do they have your preferred method of payment?

Many casinos have a range of payment methods that you can use to deposit to your account. Before you sign up, make sure that they use your preferred method. You don’t want to have to open new bank accounts or e-wallets just to use one particular casino. 

Another thing to look out for is the speed of the withdrawals. Some casinos offer same-day withdrawals to your preferred method, others can take days. 

What kinds of documentation do they require?

By law, online casinos are required to identify that you are who you say you are. It prevents fraud and money laundering. The process of this differs between casinos. Some seem to be able to do this fairly simply, others require notarised documents and paperwork before they will release any winnings back to you. 

Checking your identity is all part of being a responsible casino, but you may not want to go through the complicated process that some casinos use.

Final thoughts

When choosing an online casino, you want to make sure that you are signing up with a reputable company that offers fair gaming and a good support system. It’s easy to be taken in by impressive-looking websites and welcome offers, but it really does pay to do your homework before committing.