What New Players Should Do Before Playing Online Casino Games

Thanks to technology, gamblers no longer have to travel to a land-based casino to play their favorite games. Players can conveniently access all casino games directly on their computers and smartphones via gambling websites and apps. Online casinos also offer a life-like gaming experience in live dealer rooms.

But if it's your first time playing online casino games, you must be careful lest you fall victim to the harsh online gambling realities. So, what are some of the considerations to keep in mind before playing online casino games? That's where this simple but detailed guidepost comes in handy. 

Get the Right Device and Internet

Before you even think of creating an account at the best online casinos, ensure your device can handle the rigors of online gaming. The thing is that online gambling can transform your device into a resource hog because there are lots of actions happening. In light of this, get a device with modern and updated technical specs. For example, the screen should support at least 720p resolution to enjoy the best online gambling experience.

Internet-wise, Wi-Fi is the most recommended for online gamblers. But because you're likely to play using your mobile phone, 4G internet should handle your gaming activities. Players can enjoy a smoother and quicker experience with a 5G smartphone. And most importantly, ensure you're close to an electrical socket to refill the battery juice. Power banks should be helpful for mobile app players. 

Create a Gambling Budget

After buying the perfect gaming device, the next step is to set aside money specifically for gambling. This is, in fact, one of the best gambling advice you'll get as a beginner. Responsible gambling involves knowing the amount to spend at the casino. This amount should be money you can comfortably live without if an unfortunate loss happens. Assuming you earn $5,000 a week, set aside $1,000 for your gambling entertainment.

After setting aside a gambling budget, divide it into smaller units depending on the number of sessions per week or month. For example, if the budget is $1,000 per week and you play on weekends only, this should be $500 daily. Ideally, this budget should give you thousands of playing rounds, considering most online casino games allow bets as low as $0.10. 

Choose a Reputable Online Gambling Site

Online gambling is about playing using real money. For this reason, choose the best casino sites to entrust your precious money and financial information. For starters, always check if a reputable regulatory body licenses the casino. Bodies like the UKGC, MGA, and AGCO are most recommended. These bodies ensure that the casino follows all the gambling rules in the region, and they can also mediate if disputes arise.

After confirming the license information, check if the gambling site uses SSL encryption. This standard online casino security technology protects players' critical information like ID numbers, phone numbers, and credit/debit card details. Click the "lock" sign on the website's URL to view the SSL certificate.

Remember to read online casino reviews to avoid falling victim to unruly websites. There are lots of player reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and AskGamblers. A casino with many negative reviews isn't worth joining. And if you don't have the time to research a casino, hand-pick the websites listed on this page. The experts at LiveCasinoRank perform thorough security checks before recommending these casinos to players.

Using Reputable and Secure Banking Methods

Typically, you'll have to deposit money before playing online casino games. And because you cannot take any chances with your hard-earned money, using a reliable banking method is a must. Peruse the casino's payments page to ascertain that the banking options are reputable and available in your jurisdiction. Confirm if the casino supports popular banking methods like Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and more.

But don't link your payment account and assume that everything is okay. Read the payment terms to confirm the deposit/withdrawal limits and the payout speed. Usually, e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are the fastest, processing payments within 24 hours at the best online casino sites. Because of bank verification, credit/debit card payouts can take up to seven business days. The good news is that card transaction limits are often higher, making them perfect for VIP players. 

Consider Game Quantity and Quality

Before joining a casino website, check if the library is big enough to quench your gaming thirst. The simple logic is that you'll not play poker daily, even if you're good at it. An ideal casino library should have different games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, scratch cards, baccarat, etc. Of course, slot machines are always part of the menu, with games like Mega Moolah by Microgaming and Divine Fortune by NetEnt offering life-changing wins. 

With quantity matters sorted, check if the online casino games are from the best names in the industry. Play slot machines from industry trailblazers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft, Pragmatic Play, Thunderkick, etc. Also, check the live casino room to confirm that the games are primarily from Evolution Gaming. Titles from Ezugi, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, and Vivo Gaming are worth it. 

Most importantly, play tested games to avoid playing with rigged results. Confirm if the games are audited by eCOGRA, iTech Labs, Gaming Associates, and more have tested the games. Just scroll down the casino's home page and click the logo of the testing company to see the certificate. 

The House Edge is Critical

Does the casino library tick the quality and quantity checkboxes? If yes, it's time to filter out the games based on the house edge. This is the percentage that the casino takes from every wager you make. For instance, if a blackjack game has a 2% house edge, players can win a maximum of $800 from a possible $1,000. In short, a lower house edge is always better. 

With that in mind, sharpen your skills in blackjack and poker. These are the only casino games where players can use cunning strategies to lower the house edge. Some poker variants like Double Bonus and Deuces Wild even allow players to reduce the house edge to negative values if they use an optimal strategy. And don't forget to download the poker and blackjack strategy charts.

That's not all; check a slot machine's variance and hit frequency before playing. The variance or volatility is how often the slot machine pays out. A high variance slot pays massive amounts but less often, whereas a low variance slot pays small amounts frequently. So, use these numbers to prepare a working budget. 

Claim the Bonuses and Promotions

Do you want to play online casino games for free? Always claim the bonuses and promotions on offer. Online casino bonuses and promotions are simply free bet credits to allow players to test out the games and win a payout if they are lucky. 

The most common bonuses for new casino players are free spins and deposit bonuses. Some casinos can also offer no-deposit bonuses, meaning players can claim their rewards without depositing a dime. As for loyal players, the website can provide weekly/monthly cashback, essentially a refund on the percentage of your losses during the period. 

But always perform due diligence before claiming any casino bonus. Almost all online casino bonuses and promotions have wagering requirements. This is the number of times to play using the free credits before withdrawing any winnings. Therefore, the higher the play-through requirement, the lower your chances of meeting it. 

Don't Be Greedy!

The last piece of advice on this list might sound pretty obvious, but most players often overlook it. Greed might just be your main undoing at the gambling website. It's important to avoid chasing losses because this can lead to more painful losses. Also, intelligent players always quit while they are winning. 

Consider this; you have a $500 bankroll ready to lose at the casino. But then luck strikes, and you add $1,000 to the bankroll, making it $1,500. In that case, the common logic is to quit while winning. But most players are guilty of staking more significant amounts, hoping to strike more luck. The result? Bigger losses!

Conclusion

With the tips above, you can avoid the on/off sessions that can result in painful losses instead of wins. The most important thing is to lower your winning expectations and play player-friendly games using a budget. Remember, it's supposed to be about fun before you think of winning anything.