1. You need to really understand how online bonuses work
An online casino bonus is a perk given to you by the site as a way to attract you to the platform or make a deposit into your account. Most of us have a general idea of how online bonuses work. But do you really understand what is required from you before you can withdraw your winnings? Do you understand the difference between the various kinds of online bonuses?
Before you sign up for the first offer just because it seems very generous – even if it is – you should do your homework about the promotion. Find out what type of bonus you are being offered. Is it a no deposit bonus? How much do you need to deposit in order to get the free credits? How many times do you need to wager the deposit + bonus over before you can get your winnings? Are there any other wagering requirements that you have possibly overlooked?
Reading up about how online casinos work is an excellent way for you to educate yourself about the industry. Of course, if you need information about a specific online casino bonus at a certain site, there is no better place to get the data than through the site’s customer support.
2. Some online casino licenses are better than others
It’s important for an online casino to be licensed. A gambling license will enhance your trust in the online casino and put your mind at rest that you have an address to turn to if you come across a problem. But did you know that some online casino licenses are better than others?
An online casino may boast that it is licensed, but do some digging to see who exactly is doing the licensing. If the site is licensed in Curacao, for example, you can bet that it’s good for the casino owner (zero tax on casino profits, fast licensing process and low ongoing expenses) but not as secure for the player. As a rule, Curacao won’t intervene in disputes between players and operators.
On the other hand, if a casino is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. The authority makes its operators adhere to a number of strict requirements and the licensing fee is expensive. A Gibraltar license is another good example. Here casino owners need to prove their financial solvency before they are granted a license. Look out for online casinos that are licensed in the UK, Isle of Man and Alderney, to name just a few.
3. Slot games’ RTP have to be audited
Online casinos that take their reputations seriously will make sure that they conduct regular independent audits of slot games. This is to confirm that game outcomes are as to be expected. Return to Player (RTP) calculations use actual game data from the game servers and are usually done monthly. The RTP audit will calculate the total bets and wins for each game. Audit reports are published on the game site afterwards. Check to see that the online casino carries this published data by independent auditors such as iTech Labs.
4. The online casino will always have the edge
How do online casinos make their profits? For the simple reason that they always have an advantage over the player. This is known as the house edge and exists on practically every game in the casino. Some games have a bigger advantage than others. Some games, especially games of skill such as blackjack and poker, have variable house edges, depending on certain conditions and how you play.
As an example, American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, compared to blackjack which has an edge of just 0.5%.
5. The vast majority of online casinos are safe to play at
If you’re new to online gambling, you may be convinced that all online casinos are ‘out to get you’. You may not believe this, but the fact is that the vast majority of online casinos are safe and secure. They also take their reputations very seriously. Of course, there will always be rogue sites, just like there are other shady business operations in every industry.
You can keep yourself better protected by taking some precautions when choosing an online casino. Don’t compromise on things such as licensing, reputation, fair terms, fast payouts, secure banking methods, responsible gambling policies and well-known software operators.