“Beginner’s luck” does not always make up for “Beginner’s mistakes.” If you are new to gambling games in general or online casinos in particular, you may be facing new challenges that pose new questions, the first being: which are the main mistakes you can make while playing online, and how can you avoid them? Here we propose a guide on what to consider in advance.
Online casinos: which and why
The first choice you will have is which casino you want to start playing in. Consider that each platform will have the strongest suit and something that makes them outstand their competitors: the particular offer of a certain game or the number of bonuses they provide. Consider what you are looking for, like which game you want to play and which site offers a wider variety of it, before signing in.
The first option on the menu is only sometimes the best one. When diving into a casino’s profile, it is advisable to be on the lookout for other participants’ recommendations (also named feedback and reviews) and the site’s verifications by legit licenses and regulations (this should be available on the “about us” section of the website).
Although it is helpful if you know some of your country’s regulatory bodies, some famous ones are the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Spanish Gaming Commission, and the Isle of Man. Some sites (check Legitimate Casino, Legit Gambling Sites, and Casino to start with) offer a list (and a blacklist) of real money casinos to follow.
Some extra security-related names to be searched for are the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and the Transport Layer Security (TLS), which are ways to encrypt information between users and operators. Another useful name is Random Number Generators (RNG), which certifies the game’s fairness.
Consider that, though there are some widespread bonuses (like welcome bonuses or multiple deposit bonuses), each site will hold its system. Do not click “agree and accept” on automatic mode: read carefully before signing in.
The demo mode
A free trial is a very common trade-in in online casinos and, if used correctly, is a way to save money. This is your chance to get the hang of a new or old game that you used to play on land-based casinos by getting on the real field in a cost-free mode.
After you have started playing, consider that some bonuses also come in the shape of free spins in slots or free rounds on card games like poker or blackjack. Take advantage of these opportunities to keep practicing.
Payment methods
The best casinos will offer a wider range of deposit and withdrawal possibilities. Whereas the classic credit card choice is the first option to come to mind, it is also the first one that will probably have fees attached to it. PayPal and Skrill are two fairly common methods, and most casinos are now introducing new currencies, such as Bitcoin.
Some extra measures
- Budget limit: If you are unfamiliar with online gambling, you may lose track of the amount of money you are playing with. You should set a budget beforehand to set a limit for yourself.
- Strategy: online gambling is not the classical poker, slots, or roulette app you download on your phone. There is money involved, both for you and your competitors. Take the opportunity to learn the basics of the game you are about to play, make the best of the free trials you get, and form a strategy to stick with when playing.
- Fake accounts: as we have said, money is involved. If you set up your account with a fake name, you may have problems depositing or withdrawing money.
Final Considerations
As we have previously named, you must check the casino’s security and legitimacy before depositing. Each site will have different deposit and withdrawal periods.
Make the best out of playing games on your computer or phone comfort. Practice makes the master!