Online casino gaming has been popular in many countries since the first operator opened in the mid-1990s. In more recent years, the relaxation of laws in places such as the USA and Canada has increased that popularity on a global scale.
By opening up in regions that had previously been restricted, the casino gaming industry has grown, and revenue figures continue to deliver at impressive numbers.
Open for Business
In 2018, a ruling by the United States Supreme Court paved the way for online sportsbooks and casinos to open across the country. It was now up to individual state governments to decide whether to legalize the practice and many now have licensed operators in place.
North of the border in Canada, the biggest development in recent years has seen the province of Ontario allow online casino and sports betting from 2022. A more open landscape has led to additional players getting involved, but those new casino customers need help in finding the right operators, along with the games that suit their preferences.
Getting Involved
The first step on the journey is to find a casino site that is right for you. As a new player, it’s a good idea to seek out a strong all-round platform with a good mix of games, alongside regular bonuses and promotions.
A list of providers can be found at sites such as casinos.com, and it’s also possible to carry out some of your own research. All casino players want to see that mix of choice and value, along with fast and efficient customer service and a wide set of funding methods.
There are sites to help you find your casino, but those are the key factors you need to look for when looking for a provider.
Choosing a Game
Now that you have identified a platform to play with, it’s time to decide which game you want to play. The main options at each online casino include slots, roulette, and blackjack. There may well be other card games such as baccarat, along with bingo and lottery in some cases.
Are you the type of player who likes to use an element of strategy when playing online? If that’s the case, you may prefer to play blackjack which combines chance with a factor of probability.
If you enjoy fast action games and want instant results, the slots may offer a better fit. The bonus rounds on some slot games have a small element of strategy, but the focus is on quick gameplay.
The good news is that most online casinos offer an option to play games on a free, trial basis. There is no money at stake, so you can spin some reels, or play a few hands while deciding which type of game you prefer.
Adding Funds and Playing Responsibly
Having registered for an account and found the games you want to play, you’ll need to cover your first real money wagers. Each operator has a cashier’s section, and a tab can usually be found at the top right corner of the homepage.
There will be a choice of funding methods, so click on your preference and follow the instructions. Digital wallets such as PayPal offer an extra layer of security as you don’t share your account details with the operator, but these methods may be excluded from certain offers and promotions.
Before you start to play, take a moment to read the casino’s responsible gambling policy. It will include useful tools such as timeouts and deposit limits.
Going Mobile?
You can play on laptop or desktop, but the most convenient way to access your online casino is via an app. If you’re the type of person that likes to play on the go, mobile options are the logical choice, and an app offers faster access to your favourite games.
All of the major casinos offer apps for iOS and Android. They will be free to use and can be downloaded onto your device in seconds.
Staying in the Loop
Your chosen casino will ask whether you want to receive communications. It’s completely optional, but this is the best way to stay informed about the latest offers and promotions.
Additional bonuses are a great way to get some extra value from your provider. You can always log on to your account each day to check the promotions page, but opting in to receive those communications means you should never miss out on the latest deals.
Wrap Up
Once you’ve taken all of these tips on board, it’s time to play for real. It’s recommended that when you start out, you play with small stakes. Only wager around 10% of your account balance in any one session.
By playing responsibly and within your limits, you can enjoy casino gaming, armed with the knowledge needed to make the most from the experience.
