Choosing Wisely – Your Online Casino Checklist

Just a few short years ago, online casinos weren’t really all that great. Like most of the VR headsets of today, nice in theory, but terrible in execution. The games were slow to load, looked like a pixelated homage to the 1980s, and the overall experience was nothing compared to going to Las Vegas.

But today? It’s a totally different ballgame. The online casino industry is worth billions of dollars for a reason: the games are a ton of fun. If you’re a land-based regular or a casino newb, this checklist is a must-have before signing up.

Find Legit Casino Resources

Let’s face it: you can’t choose your casino alone. It’s like with anything online, you have to do a little bit of research first. We recommend focusing on professional resources that reflect a high level of expertise, giving you an unbiased overview of what you need to know.

Of course, it’s a bit of a Wild West out there, so you need to do your due diligence before blindly following a particular website’s advice. Look for resources like Paygamble, which goes in-depth on relevant topics (e.g. payment options, recent trends, game reviews), has a professional design, isn’t too ‘salesy’, and gives a balanced collation of the leading online casinos.

Customer Service

Just think of any situation where you’ve had to get in touch with a customer service team and it was just impossible. It’s probably one of the most irritating experiences out there, like looking at your friend’s baby photos or people talking at the movies.

The thing is, if the casino is legit, you probably will never need to get in touch with customer service. Things will usually work without issue. But it’s best to make sure that should you need it, help is there whenever you need it. Good customer service tends to reflect a solid company overall.

Read Reviews (Users + Professional)

Most casinos have excellent graphics, a well-designed website, and an overall professional look. Even the not-so-good ones. Just like with fancy pictures from a hotel website, you need to read reviews to get the real skinny.

We recommend a site like Reddit or other notable forums, as it’s where most people tend to discuss products, services, and anything else in between. But if you’re already a member of a forum or other online community, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from fellow trusted posters.

In addition, look for professional websites that give you a deep-dive review of your chosen casino. They’ll give you an A to Z walkthrough of what it’s like.

Government Licensing

Every single legitimate casino will be registered with a government gambling commission, or similar. If the casino you’re thinking of joining doesn’t have that, close that browser as soon as humanly possible.

To be completely safe, check out official government websites to verify a casino has a license. In the United States, this is done at the state level. In New Jersey, for example, check out the Division of Gaming Enforcement for an up-to-date list.

Bonuses and Promotions

The great thing about the online casino industry is that it’s a player’s market. With so many operators out there, they need to go that little extra step to try and attract new customers. The primary method is offering a range of bonuses and promotions. However, they may all sound great, but not all are equal.

Look for promotions with a low wagering requirement (WR) and require minimal deposit amounts. The best bonus, in our opinion, is the no-deposit variety, which (as the name suggests) doesn’t require a deposit up-front.

Range of (Quality) Games

At its core, an online casino is all about the games on offer. Without AAA-level titles, an operator is dead in the water. Look for companies that offer the big games, like roulette, blackjack, and slots like Cleopatra and Megabucks. You should also ensure that the casino is using leading software development companies to run their games.

Casinos don’t usually develop their games in-house, using third-party companies that not only deliver high-quality games but are also independently verified to be 100% fair and above board (i.e. no scams on the games). For example, look for companies like NetEnt, which has been around for decades.

Use Your Brain 

It’s a little blunt, but here’s our final advice: always think it through. It’s that simple. Just like with online bank scams or spam emails, it’s ultimately down to you. Use your common sense when choosing an online casino.

If you see spelling mistakes, the payment options are limited to cryptocurrencies, and the casino is based in a random country you’ve never heard of, move on.

When you start, stick to the big players. Once you’re a little more confident, spread your wings. There are hundreds and hundreds of legit online casinos out there, all with their unique spin on games, offers aplenty, and maximum entertainment right at your fingertips.