In recent years, the number of legal online casinos available has increased significantly. Choosing an operator from among the various options can be complicated. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed choice.
Deciding between game modes, bonuses, promotions, and payout percentages is not easy for those entering the world of online gaming for the first time.
1. Look for reviews and opinions
The starting point when approaching a new activity is to read reviews or critiques, and online casinos are no exception. Since money is involved, it is extremely important to understand the reputation of different gaming platforms. For this reason, we recommend reading both reviews published by reliable sources and industry experts, as well as opinions left online by players. This will give you a clear idea of the strengths and weaknesses of various casinos and, most importantly, help you avoid platforms with a poor reputation.
A small but necessary note concerns personal opinions left by players. Do not stop at the first review, but dig deeper into the subject. Some reviews may not be reliable: frustrated players who cannot accept a loss may leave negative comments without reason, while others may post overly positive impressions because of financial interests. Therefore, consult multiple sources to form a balanced opinion.
2. Use support and assistance services
All online gaming platforms provide a support service for players—use it whenever you need, even if you are not yet a member. The best online casinos offer live chat support, which you can access for free without creating an account. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the chat operators, who are usually knowledgeable and quick to respond. This is the most direct way to get information without unnecessary delays.
3. Read the terms and conditions for bonuses and promotions
One of the most complex aspects to evaluate is bonuses and promotions. What kind of bonuses are offered? What are the terms and conditions and wagering requirements? Are they cash bonuses or play bonuses? The topic is broad, and if you want to explore it further, you can consult detailed guides on casino bonuses.
The most important thing to check is whether the bonus restricts withdrawals. A good example is the Stay Casino no deposit bonus offer, which may look attractive at first glance but should still be checked carefully to see how winnings from those spins can be used or withdrawn. The most important thing to check is whether the bonus restricts withdrawals. If it does, such bonuses should be approached with caution, because even if you win, you may not be able to withdraw your winnings until specific conditions are met. If withdrawals are not blocked, you can then evaluate other factors such as how the bonus is released (immediate, gradual, or deferred), the amount, and the percentage. Licensed casinos must clearly publish bonus regulations on their websites, so a quick check should give you the details you need. If you’re in a hurry, as mentioned above, you can always ask customer support for clarification.
4. Choose the access mode
Each online casino offers different ways to access its platform: directly online, via a downloadable program, and, in most cases, through mobile devices. Each mode can differ not only in how it works but also in the games available and the payout percentages. We generally recommend using the browser-based online version, as it ensures maximum compatibility across devices, including mobiles (although in some cases the mobile version may have a smaller selection of games than desktop). In any case, the choice is yours.
5. Assess the probability of winning and the RTP
Let’s start with the definition: RTP (Return to Player) represents the percentage of money wagered at an online casino that is returned to players on average in the form of winnings. By subtracting the RTP from 100%, you can calculate the casino’s profit margin for that game.
For example: if the RTP for a version of roulette is 98%, the casino’s margin is 2%. If players collectively wager $100,000 in a month, $98,000 would be paid back as winnings, while $2,000 would remain with the casino.
This raises the question: can the RTP published by casinos be used to identify which games give the best chance of winning? The answer is both yes and no.
While RTP gives an idea of the average payout in a game, there are several factors that limit its practical usefulness:
- RTP is an average calculated over time. Knowing the theoretical payout percentage from last month—or even across the lifetime of a game—doesn’t guarantee it will apply to your current session. Slot machines, for example, can show variations of up to 20% from one month to the next.
- Payouts are random and shared across players. The system might collect losses from 99 players and return them to a single player, or distribute them unevenly among many players, entirely at random.
- RTP says nothing about the quality of winnings. A game with 99% RTP could mean steady small returns (e.g., winning 99 units for every 100 bet), no returns for some players, or a huge win for one player while others win nothing.
In short, RTP is a general indication of “how much the casino pays back” overall. It can be one factor to consider when choosing between games, but it should never be seen as a guarantee for an individual player. For instance, some games may show RTP values over 100% in a given month. Does this mean you will automatically double your money? Absolutely not—it only means that, in that period, the casino paid out more than it collected from all players combined. For the individual player, it remains uncertain and never a promise of winning.
6. Try the games for free
Games are at the heart of every online casino. The range of slot machines, table games, and live dealer options is usually very broad. The exact selection depends on the software providers powering the platform (NetEnt, Playtech, Microgaming, and others). Some casinos rely on a single provider, while others combine two or more.
In most cases, players can test the games for free without even creating an account. This gives you a chance to explore what’s on offer, try out different slots or table games, and get a feel for how they work before spending real money. You can browse multiple casino sites, sample their games without registering, and then decide which platform best suits your interests once you find a title that appeals to you.
7. Know the terminology and rules
Being informed is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises. Reading the rules and terms may feel tedious, but it is essential for understanding how a gambling site operates. Our reviews aim to highlight the most useful details, but every player should still take time to check the rules directly on the casino’s site.
Understanding the terminology used in online gaming is equally important. Knowing what terms like “wagering requirements,” “volatility,” or “progressive jackpot” mean will help you make smarter choices and avoid confusion during play. Taking a few minutes to learn the basics can save you from frustration later.
Also Read: Why Are There Non GamStop Casinos With a Minimum Deposit of 5 Euros?
