How to Choose the Best Online Casino
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor Updated: 04/21/2023
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
The Best Online Casino
- How to Choose the Best Online Casino
- What Are Blacklisted Online Casinos?
- Check the Gambling License
- Check the Reviews
- Look at Their History
- Do They Offer Good Customer Support?
- Are Their Terms Fair?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Today, you’ll find more online casinos than ever before – they’re a dime a dozen. As a result, it can be tough to know how to choose the best online casino and ensure you’re gambling in a safe environment. Thankfully, our team of online gambling experts are here, and today, we’re going to walk you through some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a new casino.
Learning How to Choose the Best Online Casino
If you want to learn about online casino safety, then it may be better to look at what to avoid. That’s why, on this page, we’re going to be showing you five major red flags to look for when choosing a gambling platform. If you notice any of these red flags at a casino you’re thinking of joining, we’d recommend avoiding the site.
What Are Blacklisted Online Casinos?
All the sites recommended here on our website are top legal online casinos. This means they all hold valid online gambling licenses and are permitted to offer real money gambling services to players. However, this isn’t always the case; if a casino operates without a license, or if they run pirated/fake games, they’ll become one of the many blacklisted online casinos. This means they should be avoided at all costs.
Red Flag #1: No Gambling License
The first thing our experts consider when preparing online casino reviews is whether or not the operators hold valid online gambling licenses. This is particularly important for US players, as laws and regulations can vary from state to state, and many online casinos operate in a legal grey area.
An online gambling license is a legal document issued by a regulatory body that allows an online casino to operate within a specific jurisdiction. This license ensures that the casino is operating legally, that it has met certain standards for player protection and security, and that it is subject to regular audits and inspections.
If an online casino does not hold a valid online gambling license, it is operating illegally, and there is no guarantee that your funds and personal information will be safe. In fact, unlicensed online casinos have been known to engage in fraudulent activity, such as rigging games or refusing to pay out winnings.
Virtually all online casino scams originate from sites without a valid license, and this is why it’s so important to check. Reputable regulatory bodies include the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Furthermore, all casino sites should follow the regulations for responsible gambling and prioritize player protection.
Red Flag #2: Poor Reviews
The second red flag to watch out for when choosing an online casino is poor online reviews. Online reviews are an essential source of information for players looking to find a reputable and trustworthy online casino.
If an online casino has consistently poor reviews, it is a sign that players have had negative experiences with the casino. These negative experiences could include issues with payments and withdrawals, rigged or unfair games, poor customer service, or difficulty in navigating the website.
It is important to read online reviews from a variety of sources, including player forums, casino review websites, and social media. Look for common themes and issues that have been raised by multiple players. If an online casino has a significant number of negative reviews, it may be best to avoid it altogether.
Of course, casinos can always manipulate reviews (write fake ones), which is one of the reasons why we recommend checking forums and social media websites for player reviews, too.
Red Flag #3: No History
The third red flag to watch out for when choosing an online casino is a lack of history or reputation. Online casinos with a long history of operation and a good reputation are more likely to be trustworthy and reliable.
A lack of history or reputation means that there is little to no information available about the casino’s track record, and it can be difficult to assess whether they are trustworthy or not. Newer online casinos may lack a track record of fair play, timely payouts, and good customer service.
It is important to do your research and choose an online casino that has a proven track record of success. Look for online casinos that have been operating for several years and have a good reputation among players.
While most new casinos are legitimate, there’s no denying that many online gambling scams originate from new operations with little to no history behind them.
Red Flag #4: Poor Customer Service
The fourth red flag to watch out for when choosing an online casino is poor customer support. Reliable and efficient customer support is essential for resolving any issues or questions that may arise while playing at an online casino.
If an online casino has poor customer support, it may be difficult to get timely and effective help when you need it. This can be frustrating and may even result in lost funds or a negative overall experience.
When choosing an online casino, make sure to look for one that offers multiple customer support options, such as email, live chat, and phone support. Check to see if customer support is available 24/7 and look for reviews from other players regarding their experiences with the casino’s customer support team.
Red Flag #5: Unfair Terms and Conditions
If you’re wondering how to choose the best online casino, you may have browsed other websites before landing here. If so, you may have seen that unfair terms and conditions are often offered in the online gambling world, and it’s something you need to be really careful to look out for.
In an attempt to lure new players into signing up, most online casinos offer generous new-player bonuses and promotions. This is fine – and for players, they’re often quite a big advantage. However, some casinos will implement insanely strict terms that make it almost impossible to actually win.
For example, some online casino scams will set the wagering requirements at, say, 100x, while others will require you to make a huge deposit before you’re able to actually withdraw. Always read the bonus’ terms and conditions in full before claiming an offer.
Still curious about what is the best online casino? Check out the table below where we’ll walk you through a few other factors to take into account.
| What To Look For | Reason |
|---|---|
| Game Selection | The whole point of joining an online casino is to play games. If a site doesn’t have the games you want to play, there’s simply no point joining in the first place! Check before creating an account and depositing money to ensure your preferred games are available. |
| Payment Methods | To make deposits and withdrawals, you’ll need to use a payment method. Most online casinos accept credit and debit cards, EWallets, and some cryptocurrencies, but not all sites are the same. Ensure your preferred payment method is available before joining. |
| Cashout Speeds | In 2023, it’s widely accepted that most casinos should process withdrawals within 24 hours. The top US online casinos with fast payouts offer excellent results. Yet, check player reviews to see what a site’s true cashout speeds are like. |
| Mobile Gaming | If you plan to play casino games from your mobile device, check the site is mobile-optimized and works well on your mobile device before signing up. |
| VIP Program | If you plan on becoming a regular player, you may want to look into the VIP and loyalty programs. These will enable you to earn rewards for continued play. |
