Playing online casino games offers gamblers a multitude of advantages including convenience, the ability to play at any time, no crowds or dress code and the option to play at your own pace. But while there are a number of advantages of online gambling, it’s important to ensure that you’re playing at a legitimate establishment. Your casino of choice needs to be certified by the right bodies, have secure payment methods and good customer service. Doing your research beforehand can save you from the headaches and frustrations of playing at an unlicensed or fraudulent site.
Stay tuned as we explore the importance of choosing the right casino, how to make sure you get the most out of playing online and the safety and security features you should be looking for when playing your favorite table games or slots online.
The Risk of Recklessly Chasing Rewards
When playing online, you need to be wary of fraudulent sites. These sites are designed to rob you of your hard-earned cash through casino scams. Fraudulent casinos have constructed a variety of ways in which to exploit novice gamblers and casino thrill-seekers alike.
How do you spot one of these rogue online casinos? Many have already been identified, so doing your research is invaluable. For the ones that aren’t as easily detectable, there are several warning signs to look out for, including:
- Slow payment periods
- Non-payment
- Frequent and unpredictable changing of terms and conditions
- Stopping players from cashing out through forced bonuses
- Unnecessary locking or freezing of accounts
- Unreasonably high withdrawal fees (they can be as high as 25% in some cases)
Trust in Online Casinos With a Land-based Presence
When it comes to virtual establishments, a land-based counterpart is the most trustworthy indicator of authenticity and credibility. Online casinos that were born out of successful brick-and-mortar establishments are a significantly safer bet because they possess greater degrees of:
- Support
If live chat fails and email response happens to be slow, brick-and-mortar casinos can be reached via telephone or by an actual visit to their premises. Online casinos with no physical presence rely solely on online communication which could leave you stranded or worse yet, exploited.
- History and Reputation
Without a physical presence, you’re going purely on the word of the casino site. When an online casino has a land-based presence, there’s a tangible trail of communication and accountability.
- Size and Stability
A land-based casino with an online casino site will be more credible by virtue of the capital investment involved in purchasing, renting and maintaining a physical presence. The years of operation of a brick-and-mortar casino also demonstrate reliability. The combination of all these factors will help you avoid being put in a position where you fall prey to casino scams.
Safety and Security
In addition to having an offline presence, keep these tips in mind when searching the web for online casino sites that don’t partake in casino scams or the misuse of your personal information.
- Choose Reputable and Regulated Online Gambling Sites
Reputable establishments possess an online casino license that can only be obtained by undergoing a stringent assessment that ensures all the necessary online casino safety and security precautions are undertaken. These are the real online casinos where you can earn real money.
- Research Casinos Online
The internet, to a certain degree, also regulates itself, so you definitely can find forums and reviews from fellow online gamblers who share their experiences of online casino sites that you might be considering. In today’s world, it’s difficult to offer shoddy service or take advantage without being reported. However, you should also be wary of sites that are paid to promote certain online casinos. All in all, a credible casino will fulfill the following criteria:
- Possession of a valid operating license
- Positive reputation among online gamblers and within the industry
- Trackable and reasonable amount of years of operation
- Robust banking and an efficient payment system
- Offer trustworthy payment methods
- Depend on SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TSL (Transport Layer Security) for cybersecurity
- Smooth running and fair online casino games offering
- Availability and suitability of promotions
- Extensive personal information and data security
Pros of Online Casino Sites
The ideal situation is to have access to both a real casino online and an offline equivalent. However, in terms of convenience, variety, efficiency and ease, online casinos are simply the better choice when looked at independently. Online casinos offer a number of advantages including:
- Unlimited Games
It’s impossible to compete with online casinos when it comes to the sheer volume and variety of games available to play, especially since online slots have become the most popular online casino game. Even when it comes to the classics we all know and love, online casino sites offer a host of variants that can add a new twist to old favorites.
- Free Play
While the attraction of playing online and winning real money is easy to understand, there are times when simply playing the game is equally rewarding too. Virtual casinos allow you to test-drive their games, obligation free. Not only does this give you risk-free playing time but you can also hone your skills and become a master without risking a cent.
- Anytime, Anywhere
Since sites operate around the clock, every game you love is now readily available to play with mobile casinos online. So, as long as you have an internet connection, you can play. What’s more, you don’t have to waste time traveling to the casino or dressing up for it.
- Bonuses
Almost every casino online offers additional value in the form of bonuses and rewards. This is supposed to act as an incentive to draw in more customers, but the great thing is that all players get rewarded for their activity online. Of course, there are terms and conditions involved, so to avoid any confusion or possible disappointment, it’s always advisable to check these out.
Pros of Brick-and-Mortar Casinos
It’s evident that online casinos offer a host of benefits, but traditional casinos in the offline world still have plenty to offer. This includes:
- The Real-World Experience
Even the top online casinos can’t fully recreate the one-of-a-kind feeling and atmosphere you experience when you walk into a land-based casino. From the unrestricted charisma of the dealers to the extravagant interiors, banter, theatrics and buzz, it is not yet possible for an online casino to fully recreate the genuine thrill of a real casino setting.
- Patience is an Unnecessary Virtue
While patience will pay off during play, it’s difficult to practice patience when you’ve won and are waiting to receive your winnings. Playing offline, however, guarantees swift payment. This means from the moment you cash in on your chips, you could be walking off with your winnings lining your pockets.
- New Friends and Familiar Faces
There’s a social aspect to gambling and casinos that contributes to their allure. Although you can communicate in chats and play multiplayer games, online casino games, unfortunately, can’t replicate the real-world experience that lets you mingle, meet and communicate seamlessly in face-to-face interactions.
Your Live and Living Example
We’re proud to bring you the best of both worlds. Whether you want to experience the real thing on a social night out with friends or play online from the comfort of your own home, BetMGM offers an experience you’ll want to try again and again.
BetMGM Online Casino caters to all casino thrill-seekers, aficionados and hobbyists. It’s your go-to online gambling site for table games that never disappoint and real-money online slots you’ve never seen before.
Register with BetMGM to enjoy safe gambling, great service and the best selection of games.
