Nowadays, more people are being attracted to play at online casinos. So much so that many so-called bricks and mortar casinos are starting to feel the pinch!
But it’s not altogether surprising, as the online casinos of 2024 have a great deal to offer players – not to mention the huge convenience of being able to play whenever and wherever you want. Recent events have naturally accelerated the rate at which people are switching online, however, the trend was already heading in this direction. In 2018 alone, there were 33.6 million active online gambling accounts, meaning they were active within the past year. This showcases how popular online gambling is and how it is the preferred method of choice for many people.
It’s also incredible to think that the online casino has only been in existence for around two decades. But it’s also remarkable to see just how far it has evolved since the early days.
Originally, there were a limited number of games available and those that you could play were basic, to say the least. But fast forward to today and the choice is huge, and the quality has to be seen to be believed.
Getting started
You’ll be spoilt for choice with today’s selection of online casinos while you’re learning how to play
The first thing anyone who wants to try out the online casino experience must do is find the right site for them. With literally hundreds to choose from, this can be a tricky task. However, just like choosing a laptop or even a car, it’s a process of elimination to find one that ticks all the boxes for you.
You want to ensure the site you’re playing on is secure and reputable. All sites have to be licensed by the Gambling Commission to be allowed to operate in the UK. If you run a search and that the one you’re considering playing on isn’t on the list, then don’t sign up for it. This is to ensure your own safety whilst gambling, as well as keeping within the law.
It’s also important to check what level of security encryption technology they use, so make sure that it is a minimum of 128 Bit or, preferably, 256 Bit. This is to protect your personal details, as well as your bank account.
New players should also research which gambling platforms offer the best quality. Look for sites that are known to have an extensive portfolio of popular games and exclusive themes. The site should provide all classic casino games like Roulette, blackjack and poker, as well as a range of themed slots. Make sure you play on a site that is regulated and provide responsible gaming practices, it is safe and offer exciting bonuses, like the popular 888 casino.
The games you can play
Capture all the excitement of the live casino
The sort of bonus that attracts you is probably going to be linked to the sorts of games that you like to play. If you’re a fan of table games, then the deposit match kind is going to be best. For slots fans, choosing free spins is a no-brainer, especially if you win big from what is essentially no risk.
As to the actual games, there are a number that almost all online casinos offer. Probably the most popular table game is roulette. For lots of people this is the quintessential casino game conjuring up images of hushed onlookers waiting to see where the little white ball will land. It’s also a very simple game to play which adds to its appeal.
For simplicity and excitement in card games, the nearest equivalent is probably blackjack. With the sole objective being to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, it’s a game that can be picked up in minutes. What might take a little longer, on the other hand, is learning the rudiments of the basic strategy. This is a set of rules that have been calculated to give players the best options, statistically speaking, in any given situation. No serious blackjack player can afford to ignore it.
Both of these games are also available as “live casino” versions on many sites. This is a relatively recent innovation that allows live action and games run by real dealers to be streamed to your PC or mobile. It captures a great deal of the excitement of the real casino experience and combines it with the convenience of online play.
But undoubtedly the most popular of all online casino games are the slots. Players just seem to love the many different themes and titles available, as well as the wide range of stakes that you can play for. The variety is certainly a fun factor for the players and a way to keep things fresh.
Make sure it’s mobile friendly with plenty of ways to pay
Another thing to check out is whether your choice of online casino has been optimised for mobile play. With more and more people using mobile devices to go online these days, the best sites are well aware of this fact and ensure that there’s a great player experience on phones and tablets too.
You’ll also want to know that there are a number of different ways to pay and withdraw money from the site. All accept debit cards and most of the good ones also let you use e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller and PayPal. Plus, with the latter’s announcement that it’s set to accept Bitcoin as a currency, you might even be able to start paying for play with cryptocurrency.
So, hopefully, this has given you a few essential pointers to get you started in an online casino. Now it’s just a question of choosing the perfect one and getting ready to play. This is where you come in. Perhaps dabbling in a few of the online casino’s offerings will help you make up your mind. When it comes to playing online, the possibilities are practically endless and there is always fun to be had.