The online gambling industry has been going from strength to strength in the last decade. Worth around $60 billion in 2019, the industry is expected to grow to $97 billion by 2025. There are hundreds if not thousands of online casinos available to players, offering a wide range of different games including poker, roulette, craps, blackjack, bingo and slots.
The main drivers behind this growth are advances in technology, the arrival of the smart phone, the accessibility of devices, internet connectivity, and changing player habits. The move to online for the gambling industry has captured the imagination of a whole new demographic, with players able to play their favourite games from the comfort of their own homes.
This surge in popularity has led to new market entrants, both those operators who have a physical presence, as well as online-only casinos. This range of offerings can feel overwhelming, and the sheer volume of games on offer can make it tricky for new players to navigate the world of online gambling.
Luckily for newbies, there is a wealth of information out there to help them get the most out of playing at online casinos. Keep reading for our tips for getting started with an online casino site.
1. Choosing the right gambling site
While it may be tempting to sign up to the first shiny site that comes along, players should do their own research to find out which site is best for them. This can be a combination of ensuring the site is secure, and that the operator is reputable, so that players have a fair chance of winning and the fastest payout of online casino winnings.
All of the big casino sites in the market compete for players, and will offer a variation on a theme when it comes to welcome bonuses, so depending on what an individual is looking for, the bonus on offer can be a deciding factor.
Other things to look for include making sure that the casino is licenced in the country the player is in, the types of games available, the reputation of the operator, and quality of customer support. Another factor that is becoming more popular is the ways in which deposits can be made, such as debit card, PayPal, digital wallets and even cryptocurrency.
One of the most popular online casinos in the UK is 888 Casino, they offer a range of possibilities for players of all levels. They provide a welcome bonus, which allows players to essentially ‘try before they buy’, and all kinds of popular casino games to suit all tastes and wants, including live casinos games, slots, and big jackpots.
2. Understand the rules of the game
Free-to-play options and guides can help new players learn the rules before betting.
If a player does not know what they are doing when playing at an online casino, they could make costly mistakes. Not knowing what the win conditions are can leave players feeling demotivated and unwilling to continue playing, as well as leaving with much lighter pockets. It is in the interest of the casino to help new players, and many offer free-to-play modes or specific games, tables or areas dedicated for new players, some even with guided plays to help players learn the rules. Learning the rules will allow players to make the most of their time and there are plenty of game specific guides available to help players learn the basics.
Additionally, players also need to know what the expected etiquette in a casino is, to help them embed with the clientele and feel confident coming back time and time again.
3. Use the freebies on offer
Alongside welcome bonuses, most casino sites continue to offer freebies for players who come back every day, make a certain number of deposits, or play for a certain amount of time. It is worth making the most of any loyalty programmes and high rollers may also be able to access a VIP area with exclusive prizes and bonuses. Any opportunity to try a new game risk free should be taken; it’s a great way to expand knowledge of casino games and find the right one.
4. Know when to quit
Most reputable casino sites will allow you to set limits on how much you bet or play.
The bottom line when gambling online is that the house (almost) always wins. The casino is there as entertainment, and is unlikely to become a serious source of income for all but a very select few. Players should not bet more than they are prepared to lose, and should not chase losses.
Realistically, games like poker, video poker, and table games have a slightly lower house edge, meaning it is easier (relatively speaking) to win, but require more skill, so beginners may struggle to win until they get better at the game.
5. Get involved in the forums and chat
Online gambling should be a sociable experience. Operators have leveraged technology to help recreate the sound and atmosphere of a bricks and mortar casino, and part of this is interacting with fellow players and live dealers. As well as being fun and enjoyable, newbies can get hints and tips from more experienced players and ask what the best games are, as well as ask the dealer questions.
6. Check out the Customer Service
Good customer service cannot be underestimated. While for the most part the precautions employed by operators and players are enough to keep problems from happening, the sheer number of players and traffic through the sites means that inevitable something will go wrong. The best casinos will have 24/7 customer service available through multiple channels who can resolve these issues quickly so players can continue to enjoy themselves.
With online gaming on the rise, it’s no wonder more and more people are trying their hand at online casino sites.
