The uninterrupted rise of the online casino has been one of the most impressive digital take-overs when comparing with any industry in the online world.
Look around the web and you’ll find countless casinos, games, bonuses and loyalty rewards all available to access via your smartphone – all you really need is an internet connection and you’re away.
But that doesn’t mean you should dive in headfirst without learning just a little beforehand. After all, you wouldn’t sit down at a blackjack table without knowing a little about the game first, would you?
There are bags of information out there helping you learn and make decisions about all things online-gambling, from the best online casino games to the sites you should avoid.
But one thing’s for certain, land-based just can’t keep up with the online alternatives, no matter how hard they may try.
The benefits of playing in the comfort of your own home come in thick and fast from the lack of dress-code to the sheer choice of games to indulge in – there’s no way they can compete.
But not everything in the online gambling world is always as it seems, not all casinos are safe and if you’re not careful, they can take advantage of you and your private details.
But fear not, we’ve got 5 of the most important things you need to know before giving online gambling a go – making sure you have the upper hand when going against the casinos.
1. The games will always favor the casino
No matter how much information we acquire, how many strategies and tips we try and how many dice we throw, the harsh truth is that the games will always favor the casino.
Take a look at the odds of any game and you’ll see that the casino always comes out on top, but don’t get me wrong, there’s always still a chance to win big.
If you’re switched on between the ears, this won’t exactly be groundbreaking news, but that’s never stopped anyone from having a bit of a flutter here and there.
You can be the smartest mathematician in the world by day and still love to play slots in the evening – not because it’s a sure thing that you’re going to win – but the complete opposite.
You know you’re playing against the odds, so if you do hit that big win it makes it so much better.
The games will always favor the casino – but that doesn’t mean that the jackpots aren’t waiting to be claimed – and it’s always good to beat the boss.
2. Bonuses aren’t always as they seem
One of the bigger issues with online gambling and the casinos that promote it is the sign-up bonuses that you’ll receive.
On paper, these sound great, right? You’ll be able to pick between deposit bonuses, free spins, bingo tickets and so many more from different casinos around the web – but dig a little deeper and you’ll find that not all bonuses are exactly as they seem.
By looking at the small print, also known as the wagering requirements, you can find out what these bonuses really mean.
With some deposit bonuses requiring the ‘free money’ to be bet multiple times before withdrawing winnings, it’s not rare to lose out the full bonus before you get the chance to play.
It’s sneaky, sure, but it’s something to take care of when shopping around for casinos.
Not a fan of reading the small print? Look for the bonuses with no wagering requirements – this way you’ll know exactly where you stand on sign-up.
3. Games can sometimes be deceiving
It’s not just the bonuses that you should be wary of, but the games too when you’re playing at any online casino.
It’s always a good idea to check the rules and regulations before playing for real money – that way you’re not left with any nasty surprises when you miss the chance to win big.
I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I knew I narrowly avoided the jackpot through my own ignorance.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to check the general rules of the games you’re wanting to try out before you’re playing them.
You wouldn’t wander into a brick-and-mortar casino with no idea how to play blackjack and the same should be said for online casinos.
Just because it’s available to play – doesn’t mean you should go in blind – it’s always best to check before you gamble.
4. You won’t be winning every time
This might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised at just how many casinos and affiliates hide the fact, but you won’t be winning each and every time.
As previously mentioned, the games are always designed in the casinos favor so as much as there’s the chance to win – you won’t be winning every time.
Of course, the amounts that you’ll be winning can differ massively each time, but it’s imperative to know that some failures are imperative.
Always remember that there will be plenty of losses with the wins, but I suppose you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain, right?
5. Not all casinos are safe
Last but by no means least on our list is to remember that not all online casinos are exactly safe when it comes to keeping you and your data away from harm.
To avoid being conned from fraudulent sites, it’s best practice to look for those sites with a good strong reputation to fall back on.
Keep an eye out for reviews, conduct your own research and view testimonials on independent sites for a true view of how the casino operates and behaves with long periods of play.
There’s an ample number of casinos you can trust and the majority of the somewhat dodgy ones get shut down in impressively short time periods – but it doesn’t mean they aren’t out there.
Keep your wits about you and check the reputation before going all-in and depositing at any online casino.