Anyone who has ever watched a James Bond movie will know that casinos are exciting, glamorous places. You may never have the opportunity to get all dressed up and visit Monte Carlo, but there is no reason why you cannot experience the excitement of a casino.
That’s because the number of online casino websites has grown in recent years, thanks to the change in gambling laws in the US. Now people in over 30 states can log on and try their hand at anything from jackpot slots to blackjack. If you are new to casino gaming all this might seem as daunting as it is exciting. So we thought we would take you through the basics – from comparing the best sites at places like mytopsportsbooks.com, to playing the actual games.
Here is our beginner’s guide to online casinos.
Choosing an Online Casino
If you have never played at online casinos before you may think that all sites are the same. The honest truth is that they basically are. As a beginner, you will probably be able to find what you are looking for from any online casino or sportsbook site (some site covers sports betting and casino gaming).
Any halfway decent online casino will offer big games and slots. Once you have developed favorites you can think about looking around with a little more purpose. So, when you are just starting out it is probably more important to make sure that you can access a site in your location – and what kind of welcome bonus you can claim.
All good online casinos will offer some kind of new customer bonus. Some of them can be very attractive too. But just make sure that you check the terms and conditions attached to the offer. There will probably be some kind of wagering demand, so just make sure that you know exactly what is expected of you before you sign up and claim a bonus.
Online Casino Games
Slots may be the first kind of games you play at online casinos. These are sometimes known as fruit machines or one-armed bandits in some places, and offer a quick chance of winning some money. At their simplest, you need to match the symbols to win a prize. But these days the games can be much more complex and are sometimes tied in with famous TV shows or movies.
You can also play computer-simulated versions of classic casino table games, like roulette, baccarat or blackjack. If you do decide to play these games at an online casino you should remember that you are essentially playing against a computer program. There is a random element built into the programs – but they are still programs all the same.
Roulette may be the best table game for absolute beginners. The odds for winning are fixed depending on what number, area, or color you are betting on – and the game is very easy to pick up. Once you get more confident playing games like this, you can then think about playing games that require a little more strategy.
Once you have built up a little confidence in your gaming we would also suggest trying the live dealer rooms instead. These are much more like playing in a real, bricks and mortar casino. You can choose your preferred game and watch the real-life dealer or croupier control the game. Theoretically, you should have as much chance of winning as in a real casino.
When playing gambling games online, especially if you stake money, you need to know the rules and apply strategies to lower your spending and, eventually, your losses. Strategies may seem really complicated at first, but thankfully tutorials and guides in the online space inform you simply about what you need to accomplish.
You can use your card knowledge to play a variety of games at online casinos. Poker is one of the big favorites, but you may find that blackjack is a little easier to pick up. Remember with this game, you don’t have to beat everyone at the table to pick up some winnings – just the dealer
Make sure you understand the rules of the games before you start playing though. That way you won’t be throwing your money away quickly. Many online casinos give you the chance to play practice games before spending any real money. This works just as well with slots as well. Get a good feeling for the games and then start playing for real only when you are absolutely ready.
Mobile Gaming Experience
The digital age has ushered in a surge of mobile gaming. Many online casinos have adapted, offering user-friendly apps and mobile-optimized sites. While mobile gaming offers the convenience of playing on-the-go, desktop versions might provide a more immersive experience. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on personal preferences and you can check them out here.
Payment Methods & Withdrawal Times
Diverse payment options, from credit cards to cryptocurrencies, cater to a global audience. However, be aware of varying withdrawal times. E-wallets might process faster than bank transfers. Always check for potential fees to avoid surprises.
Licensing, Regulation and Customer Support
Safety first! Always choose casinos with legitimate licenses. This ensures fairness, transparency, and adherence to strict operational standards.
A responsive support team is invaluable. Prioritize casinos offering 24/7 assistance, especially those with live chat features. Quick problem resolution enhances your gaming experience.
Basic Tips
Although we would definitely recommend looking around and trying all kinds of games, we would say it is important to specialize fairly quickly. There is no quicker way of spending your money than playing a game here and there and then moving on. If you invest in a game, you will feel more confident playing it and give yourself more chances of winning.
Don’t waste too much time playing games you don’t like – or don’t fully understand. You may really like the idea of playing poker in live casino rooms, but if you find it difficult to remember the hierarchy of hands, you should practice more and come back when you can give a good account of yourself.
Another thing to remember about online casinos is that there is no obligation for you to stay with the one that you first signed up with. There is no cost to registering for a customer account. So if you start to get a little tired of the site you are using – look around for a new one. At the very least you should be able to claim another attractive welcome bonus.
Stay Safe
Our final piece of advice for online casino gaming is to gamble responsibly. We understand that playing roulette, or jackpot games, is very exciting – and that you could get carried away. But the whole point of playing online casino games is that it is fun. This is not a way to make serious money.
If you feel that the fun isn’t there as much anymore, or that you are desperate to win to make up for losses, it is time to take a break. Only bet with the amount of money you are comfortable with losing. You should consider winning a bonus and that way the James Bond feeling of playing roulette at an online casino should remain the same as when you first started.
