The gambling industry is a miasma of various options all offering different games and as a rookie, you must be able to pick out the right casino for yourself. It’s important to know what makes a trustworthy and fun platform to play at and which ones you should avoid before you sign up to create an account.
Do your research
Before committing yourself to anything, do a little sleuthing. Believe the word on the streets because the reputation left by a casino is a clear indicator of whether it is good or bad. Any red flags raised, even one, are worth considering. Use Google reviews to check what others have said and ensure you make the right choice. It also helps to visit reliable gambling websites to evaluate a particular site, paying attention to whether they are quick with payouts and whether customer service is on the ball.
Always make sure they’re licensed
The online ads for gambling sites are truly spectacular in many countries, and it is very easy to simply click on an attractive link without thinking. The rule is this: Always check the license and reputation of the casino. If a casino is licensed, they have to adhere to regulations which means your data and your money are well-protected. All the gambling in the UK, whether online or in-person, is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. You can check the license status of any casino on the Gambling Commission’s website.
However, there are plenty of great casinos licenced outwith the UK, which are ideal for players who have previously registered for Gamstop, but now wish to start playing again in moderation. Any site that is licensed by a reputable jurisdiction, such as Curacao, is likely to be just as safe as a platform with a UK licence. Many featured sites hold a license issued from this country and adhere to industry-standard measures designed to safeguard players (source: https://readwrite.com/gambling/uk/non-gamstop-casinos/).
Compare and contrast
After the safety concerns are met, some viable options should remain to choose from. Now the fun begins. Online casinos are very good at offering bonuses and promotions as part of their advertising. Compare the bonuses and promotions offered by different casinos. Playing online allows you to benefit from various bonuses and promotions that can boost your bankroll and enhance your experience in the casino. However, not all bonuses are created equal. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming them. Look out for wagering requirements, expiry dates, game restrictions, and the maximum bet limit for each promotion.
Enjoy yourself
Next, it’s time to pick out the games. Choose the casino games that you enjoy and have a good chance of winning. The right casino will have a wide range of games that cater to different tastes and skill levels. Whatever your preference, be it slots, table games, live casino, bingo, or sports betting, there’s a casino out there for you that has it all. Pay attention though and check the payout rates, the volatility, and the return to player (RTP) percentage of the games, as these can affect your chances of winning.
Payment options
Another important factor to consider when choosing the right casino in the UK is the banking options that the casino provides. While you’re playing for fun, the important thing is the ability to deposit and withdraw your money easily, securely, and quickly, essentially hassle-free. Different casinos may offer different payment methods though some may not have all of the methods available out there. You should always check the available options and make sure you’ll be able to cash in or out before committing.
Some of the most popular and convenient banking options for UK online casino players are:
- PayPal: PayPal is used almost everywhere and it is a highly trusted e-wallet worldwide. Many UK online casinos accept it as a payment method. PayPal allows you to make instant deposits and withdrawals, without sharing your bank or card details with the casino. PayPal also offers buyer protection and dispute resolution services, in case of any issues with the casino.
- Skrill: This is another popular e-wallet that is accepted by many UK online casinos – gambling actually makes up more than 14% of payments made by Skrill. It lets you transfer money to and from your casino account securely, using only your email address and password. Skrill also supports multiple currencies and has low fees.
- Pay by Phone: Pay by phone is a local way to deposit money into your casino account using your mobile phone bill. You don’t need to provide any bank or card details, just your phone number. The amount you deposit is added to your monthly phone bill, or deducted from your prepaid balance. It is ideal for small and casual deposits, as the limits are usually low.
Can you play on your phone?
With life on the go between work and other engagements, you may want to sneak in a few minutes of your favourite pastime. A lot of the features that are included in desktop versions are often shaved off on mobile to cater to the smaller screen as well as the smaller storage space and processor. Check that the website you’ve chosen can be accessed on a mobile phone so that you can play wherever you are. Also, make sure that the mobile version includes all the perks that you enjoy when you play on a computer.
Budget, budget, budget
Here’s where you need to keep it together. Spending money online is very easy, as easy as clicking the ‘pay now’ button. So, you must set a budget and stick to it. Gambling can be fun and rewarding, but it can also become expensive if you don’t prepare properly. Always gamble responsibly and only with money that you can afford to lose.
You should set a budget for your online gaming activities and never exceed it. You should also avoid chasing your losses or gambling when you are feeling stressed or depressed so you can make the most of your bankroll and have fun playing.
