Of all of the internet sensations over the last couple of decades, the online casino must be one of the most remarkable. From a standing start over two decades ago, it has come to be the single most popular type of gaming there is in the UK which, according to official figures, generated an unbelievable £5.7 billion in revenue between April 2019 and March 2020. More players coming on board meant that this was an 8.1% increase on the previous year’s figure, showing that there still room for more growth.
So if you might be wondering what playing in an online casino is all about, and how to give it a go yourself, here’s a quick beginner’s guide.
Which online casino?
There are so many operators now that it can be hard to choose exactly which one will be best for you. But there are definitely a few ground rules to follow. Although the industry is very tightly regulated, in the UK at least, a few rogue operators do sometimes slip through the net. So the first thing to do is check that a site is fully licensed by the appropriate authority and that they offer the right level of security by having a high level of encryption to keep all of your details safe. This is generally information that you can find easily on their website.
Once you’ve satisfied yourself that they are a legitimate and trustworthy operator, it’s time to take a good look at the bonuses that they offer to new players. These usually take a couple of forms – either they will match your initial deposit up to a certain limit or offer you a certain number of free spins on selected slots games. Some sites even offer you both of these bonuses so it’s worth looking around to see where you’ll get the best deal.
The other thing that many people look out for is how many ways there are to pay in stake money and receive your winnings. Most sites will accept popular e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller as well as debit cards. It’s always good to have as much choice as possible, so also bear this in mind.
What games to play?
The next big question is which of the games that you’re going to play. Obviously, this very much comes down to personal preference. But if you’re a complete newbie, here’s a rundown of the most usual options.
Roulette
For many people this is the essential casino game which conjures up images of James Bond staking it all on the tables in Monaco and Macau. A lot of its appeal is the sheer simplicity of the game. You place your bet, or bets, and wait to see where the little white ball lands. It’s also a game in which there are al great many alleged strategies designed to tip the odds in your favour. While these are a long way from being fool-proof, it can be fun to test them out.
Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the simplest card games there is, but also one of the most engrossing. Plus, if you do a little homework and absorb the basic strategy it can give you a distinct edge over the dealer. The online version of the game is arguably better than the live one as there can be a wider range of wagers that you can make. Plus, if you want the experience of playing against a real dealer, it’s a game that all “live” online casinos offer in which the action takes place in real time and is streamed direct to your PC or mobile device.
Poker
Poker might be chess to blackjack’s draughts, but that’s no reason to shy away from it. In fact, most sites let you play for free until you get the hang of the game and feel that you’re ready to start playing for real cash. Once you get more proficient and confident there are also tournaments you can take part in with some pretty generous prize pots.
Slots
The slots are undoubtedly the most popular of all of the games in online casinos, and it’s easy to see why. They’re simple to play and the level of stake needed goes from just pennies upwards. There are a huge number of themes from finding riches at the end of the rainbow to playing games based on top movies and TV programmes. Above all, the spinning reels and energising soundtracks make them quite a thrill to play.
Bingo
One game that has been really brought back to life thanks to the online casino is bingo. The online version has helped it to throw off its old image and attract a younger type of player who may only have a few minutes to play the game during a busy day. It’s also kept the more sociable aspects of the old bingo halls with the inclusion of chat rooms on most sites where players can meet up with friends and even make new ones. Rumour has it that it’s also seen an increase in the number of people going to real bingo halls again.
So there you have it. A very quick rundown of the whys, wheres and hows of online casinos. Take a look at the ones on offer and the chances are that you’ll find one that’s just right for you – then get ready to enjoy!
