🗝️ The basics: What is gambling and how does it work?
Without getting too clinical, gambling refers to the act of betting or staking on a particular outcome. When you relate this to online casinos, you’re referring to any stake that has been placed on an online slot, table game, instant win, scratch card, or live casino title. When looking at sports or esports betting, you’re looking at placing bets on the potential outcomes of an upcoming fixture; whether that is a horse race, a football match or a boxing bout.
1. Legal situation
The legal situation surrounding online gambling is relatively complex. In short, it all depends on your current location. You may find that safe online gambling sites can be accessed in your location, provided they are backed by a legitimate licence.
You’ll notice global licences, like those offered by the UKGC and MGA, are highly sought-after and viewed in high regard. However, in some areas, state-specific laws may place certain restrictions on the kind of games, bonuses, payouts, or access that is allowed. In some countries, online gambling sites may be required to obtain specific licences based on the state or territory they are looking to open their virtual doors, too.
2. What is a random number generator?
In order to comply with legal standards, a random number generator is used at online casinos to help randomise the outcome of each spin or in-game play. This software or hardware takes into account the current multipliers, maximum wins, and available stakes of a casino title before completely randomising any potential payouts.
Recently, I have also started to see a selection of newly launched casinos that accept crypto. In addition to offering standard casino gaming options, they also provide provably fair games. These games utilise the blockchain to predetermine a randomised outcome, which brings a whole new twist to casino play.
3. Understanding RTP and volatility
Although it isn’t a legal requirement, many of the best online casinos will highlight the RTP and volatility of a casino title before you load it up and decide on your stake. The RTP is the return to player percentage – a figure that highlights the numerical likelihood of a winning spin.
Bear in mind that this number does not relate to a jackpot win, but the likelihood of a win in general that could happen over a period of time, rather than during a single gaming session. Volatility offers you a similar insight; however, the volatility will showcase whether you can expect a higher chance of smaller wins or a lower chance of bigger wins.
In order to keep your online gambling experience safe and healthy, the best online gambling sites will provide you with a range of tools to use. These tools will allow you to set your own deposit limits, time restrictions, and staking limits. Plus, if required, you can also request that a timeout be placed on your account or complete closure.
5. Sports betting odds
In my mind, the odds provide the backbone to your sports betting or esports betting experience. The more competitive the odds, the greater potential returns you could achieve. Odds are directly related to market movement and initially pieced together based on market research, current position, and the latest news. Should you find yourself a top online sportsbook, you’ll also notice odds boosts and other bonuses are aimed at giving you the most competitive odds available.
Online Betting Pros and Cons
- Legal online gambling sites are audited
- Games kept fair by using an RNG
- Set own limits to keep activity healthy
- Competitive odds are expected
- You cannot guarantee wins
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👍 How to choose a reputable online gambling site
As you can see, there is plenty that goes on behind the scenes in order to confirm the legitimacy of an online gambling site. Alongside the need to obtain a legitimate licence and pass external audits, I would expect the very best online casinos to excel in the following areas.
Usability and accessibility
To begin, when working my way around a specific online casino, I hope to be met with an inviting design, a simple layout, and the option of playing online or on the go. From there, you should be able to work your way through the registration process with ease, experience glitch-free gaming, and the chance to access all important areas of the site within one or two clicks.
Gaming portfolio and betting markets
Of course, the gaming lobby will play a huge role in the overall rating of an online casino, too. When searching for a reputable online gambling site, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for developers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Hacksaw Gaming. These developers have established themselves over the years, powering the portfolios of many top online casinos today. When looking at sportsbooks, I’d hope to find a number of sports and betting opportunities, including the option to bet in play.
Welcome offers, ongoing rewards, and VIP programs
You’ll notice that many of my online casino reviews have dedicated sections devoted to the bonus experience. Without making any guarantees, bonuses and promotions provide you with a chance to get familiar with some of the best online gambling sites backed by a little security blanket. Beyond the welcome bonus, I’d expect a top online gambling site to provide you with the chance to pick up regular free spins, rakeback, mid-week/weekend deposit match bonuses, and the chance to release perks through a VIP program.
While this may often be overlooked, there is no doubt that online casino payment methods play their part in the selection process. Many of the latest online gambling sites have expanded on traditional methods, including top alternatives like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Where legal, you can even find online casinos presenting you with the chance to deposit and withdraw freely using the blockchain. Just be careful to check the small print of any bonuses, as some restrictions will apply.
🌟 Helping you find the best online gambling sites for your needs
All that you have to do is to check the banners on this page to get a roll call of the best online gambling sites available in April. What’s best is that each of these brands should be able to give you a legal, safe and fun way to bet on your preferred form of gambling from your location. Here are just a handful of the different gambling options that you might encounter at these recommended sites.
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🧐 Step-by-step: Setting up your online gambling account
Now you’ve got a better insight into the kinds of online casinos available to you, let me take this opportunity to run you through the process of registering online.
Download the app or head to the site:
As discussed, you’ll find that most top online gambling sites offer you the chance to play online or on the go. If the latter, you’ll want to head to the app store and begin your download. Alternatively, you can type in the online casino address and locate the register button.
Begin the registration process:
Next, you’ll be required to provide some basic personal information, including your name, email, date of birth, and telephone number. Before submitting, make sure you have your promo code ready.
If required, you’ll want to enter your bonus code before creating your account. Failing to do so could result in any potential bonuses being voided or removed from your account. Happy? Great, now it’s time to verify your account.
Verify your details:
After you’ve submitted your details, you’ll likely find that you need to click on the link sent to your email address, provide copies of your photo ID, and send across a household bill to confirm your identity. From there, you’re ready to deposit, redeem your bonus, and play your favourite games or begin building your bets.
🤩 Check out my reviews and find a quality online gambling site that suits your preferences today
That should just about cover everything you need to know to help get you started. From here, I’d suggest taking advantage of my numerous online reviews and keeping your eyes peeled for specific perks, promotions, betting markets, and casino titles that suit your preferences.
Depending on the current legal position in your location, you should find a whole host of top online gambling sites to choose from. Just remember to check the betting odds or the RTP of your chosen casino titles before risking your hard-earned cash.
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❓Online Gambling FAQ
🧐 How can I tell if an online gambling site is legal?
To confirm the legitimacy of an online gambling site, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for an official licence. Fortunately, online casinos and sportsbooks display them like a badge of honour, so you’ll soon spot if your preferred site is legit.
💰 Do all gambling sites offer welcome bonuses?
Almost all online gambling sites will provide you with a way to kick-start your time online. You will, however, have to make use of my online comparisons to find a specific bonus that suits your personal requirements.
🔎 What games will I find at the best online gambling sites?
The bulk of any online casino lobby is dedicated to slots. However, you will now find a stacked portfolio at most top gambling sites, offering you the chance to play everything from instant wins and scratchcards to live game shows and Keno.
