Over the years we have seen many casino guides for beginners. As a result, we decided that instead of cramming you full of text consisting of cryptic jargon, it is much easier to present the most important information in an organized manner.
With this in mind, we have split our online casino guide into five sections which can be found below:
- Choosing an Online Casino
- Signing up at an Online Casino
- Make a deposit
- Customer Service
- Casino Tips
Choosing an Online Casino
If you think that there is not much differentiation between the different casinos, then we are very sorry to inform you of this, but you are completely missing the point!
The game selection, available bonuses, customer service level, and of course the jackpots that can be won all differ. This is just the beginning, as there are many more details that differ from casino to casino. We suggest you take a look at online casino reviews to find an ideal casino so you can make an informed decision.
What are factors you should always consider when choosing an online casino?
- What are your favorite games? Does the casino you are looking for offer these games?
- Would you also like to play mobile or live dealer games?
- What kind of bonuses would you like to take advantage of?
- Do you plan to play regularly, which might make it worthwhile to sign up for the loyalty program?
- How do you wish to make deposits and receive withdrawals?
- Would you like to play on the casino website via flash or from your desktop?
Once you’ve asked yourself these questions and have some idea as to what factors are most important to you, then you can simply start looking for a casino that offers all of this. It’s that easy!
Signing up at an Online Casino
Now is the time to register, and depending on whether you choose to play at an instant-play casino or a download casino (we recommend the downloadable version), the process differs a bit.
- To download casinos, go to the casino website and then click on the “Download Now” button which is normally easy to find. Then allow the download by pressing the appropriate buttons when pop-ups are displayed.
- If you are playing from the web browser through an instant flash casino, click on one of the games and a page will automatically open asking you to sign up or register.
- It basically doesn’t matter if you use the download or instant casino, the registration process should match. You will be asked to fill in your details, and we recommend that you provide the casino with correct information, as false data can lead to problems when trying to cash out:
- Country
- Name
- Date of birth (To establish that you are over 18 years of age)
- Address
- Phone number
While you’re there, don’t forget to claim your casino bonuses. Casino bonus codes (if they apply to a particular bonus) can often be found on the casino website and in reviews.
Make a Deposit
Once you have registered at a casino, you will have to make a deposit to start playing (with the exception of using a no-deposit casino bonus).
You can make a deposit using a wide range of payment options, as indicated on the casino’s payment page.
More often than not, you will be asked if you want to make a deposit after registering. If not, that shouldn’t be a problem at all, as you can easily navigate to the “Bank” or “Cashier” buttons found near the casino lobby or on the site.
Once this is done, the payment options will be presented to you. Choose the option you wish to use and fill in the requested details. The information required depends on the deposit option you select. Often you will also need to indicate if you wish to be considered for a bonus by filling in a bonus code sometimes, as you normally cannot receive a bonus retroactively. Then all you have to do is decide how much money you want to deposit and take advantage of a welcome bonus if you want to.
Customer Service
While the sign-up process and starting to play is fairly straightforward (especially if you consult this guide), support is available if you encounter problems sooner or later.
This support comes in the form of well-trained customer service representatives who are available 24/7. Today, most casinos allow their players to contact them via live chat, email or toll free number. All contact options are also free and normally offer players a prompt response. If possible, we recommend using the live chat option, as most casinos quickly connect you to a staff member, without the long wait that sometimes occurs with phone support.
One more thing, don’t be afraid to get in touch with customer service, no matter what the nature of your question or problem is. They are probably waiting to help someone anyway, and are paid to provide you with the assistance you need.
Guide to playing at the best online casino
Choosing the right online casino to play at can be the difference between a safe and entertaining gaming experience or, at worst, not getting paid or even seeing your data and credit card information misused.
All online casinos on Jackpot have been carefully tested. This guide will provide you with some valuable information and help you have a safe and satisfying online gambling experience.
Free Casino Software
All online casinos allow the installation of their software for free in the hope that your playing habits will eventually offset the cost of the software.
You can either download the casino software, play directly online (using Flash or Java), or in some cases play from your cell phone or tablet. Downloading should take no more than 5 minutes, depending on your internet connection. However, most casinos offer an instant version of their casino software, often described as a ‘no download version’. This is the perfect solution if you are in an office or just want to play quickly without the wait of downloading.
Experiment Free Before You Pay
Online casinos and gaming sites offer virtually every game you might expect at a traditional land-based casino, as well as some of the new games you can find online. We recommend that you play for fictitious money first before you decide to deposit your own money. Most casinos call this ‘Play For Free’ or ‘Play For Fun’. So make sure to play for Playmoney first before you deposit money to showcase your skills and start scanning the games. Once you are ready, then you can throw yourself into the deep end by playing for real money.
Claim your Casino Bonuses
Most online casinos give away a bonus to new players on their first deposit. Some like the InterCasino offer one every month. Although you should decide where and how you spend your money, it’s fun to try out different games with these bonuses when you know it’s not your own money after all.
You must always have a certain number of chips wagered before withdrawing money. This is known as the wagering requirements. This way people are prevented from abusing the system by depositing money and then immediately cashing out with the extra bonus money without actually playing. Always consult the casino website for the full bonus terms and conditions.
Casinos that offer a ‘Match Bonus’ or ‘100% Bonus’ will double your first deposit with an equal amount of free bonus chips. For example, you deposit $50 and the casino doubles your bonus by 100%, you will receive $50 free, giving you a total of $100 to play with. Again, always read the terms and conditions.
Why do online casinos give away bonuses?
Gaming sites are very happy to give you the chance to try out their game offerings and get a taste of the atmosphere of the respective casino without spending much of your own money right away. You’ll find that as a regular player at each of the casinos listed here you’ll be able to take advantage of special promotions and access to all kinds of offers.
Disconnection During the Game
It can happen that while playing for Fun or Real Money your connection to the gaming server is broken. If this happens, a ‘Connection Disconnected’ pop-up will normally appear. If this happens, close the application and then log in again and restart the game. The game situation before the disconnection should have been recorded, but if you think your player account looks different, contact customer support immediately to explain what took place. They will eventually resolve any issues for you.
What Casino Games Can I Play Online?
Pretty much any game! You can find at an online casino any game that you might normally expect to find in a land-based casino. In addition, there are many other games you can play there, which are better known as instant win games. These instant win games range from slot machines to bingo games and are true games of chance where skills play almost no role.
Game Fairness and RNGs
The outcome of the games at all online casinos is unpredictable and is based on statistical, random numbers, so the outcome cannot be tampered with. Random numbers are generated using a Random Number Generator’ (RNG), which is basically a Geiger-Müller Tube Detector. This detects continuous (and random) changes in the natural background radiation. These random numbers are then translated into a card, a reel on a slot machine, or a roulette ball.
Is My Privacy Guaranteed?
All online casino sites have a Privacy Policy. Always make sure you read it through before making a deposit. Check that the site complies with the UK Data Protection Act 1998. If it does, then you can rest assured that your personal information will not be shared or sold to third parties without your consent.
How Can I Expect Support?
All casinos and gambling websites have more or less customer service available. Quality 24-hour customer service is a crucial part of a solid gaming experience. It is important that good customer service is always available, as most games vary from site to site.
Put them to the test by sending them an email or calling their toll-free number and asking them about bonus offers before you decide to deposit your first amount. The faster the response, the better the site is.
Tips when playing at an online casino
Keep Records
Note down important information when you register at a casino, such as the name of the casino, website, login name (or number), password, amounts deposited, etc. There is nothing more annoying than having a casino account and not remembering your password.
Resetting your password is fairly simple, but can be time-consuming and you would obviously rather spend this on some fun bets at the table.
Money
Gamble only with money you can afford to lose so you are able to enjoy the game.
Bonus terms
Study the casino’s rules and policies in advance, wagering requirements for bonuses, customer service (should have 24-hour phone support), minimum deposit amount, and privacy policy.
Legal
Make sure you are sure that you are allowed to gamble “for real money” at the casino from the country where you live. At some casinos, depending on where you live and their policies (as well as legal issues), you may not be eligible to gamble or withdraw your winnings. So check this before you download the casino.
Set Goals
Set a limit for your gains and only gamble with the remainder. To put it another way, when you earn more money, raise your lower limit.
Take it easy
Relax and don’t get carried away by a winning streak by placing a large stake. If you do decide to increase your wager, do it gradually and carefully. Of course, what you have won quickly, you can also lose very quickly, even faster.
Tired?
Don’t play when you’re tired. A simple rule that is often forgotten.
Don’t Play When Drunk
Even an even simpler rule, but we’ve all done it once and regretted it a lot later! Alcohol and chips are not a happy combination.
Check the Minimum Stake
Play only games of which you can afford the minimum bet.
Be a Good Loser
If you’re losing, you should cease playing after five defeats or after you’ve reached the predetermined limit. The opposite also applies. If you are winning, stop when you are still ahead!
Gambling addiction?
While gambling can be entertaining, there are also some dangers and pitfalls that you need to guard against. The fact is that you can win an astronomical sum of money with a simple spin on a slot machine or with received cards, but this leisure activity can also work against you if it is not kept under control.
Gambling addiction is a serious problem and will need to be treated as such by both players and casinos. In order to protect yourself from gambling addiction and the problems that stem from it, we recommend that you read the guide below thoroughly. It could save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Gambling rules to follow
Check out these guidelines to make sure your time at online casinos remains enjoyable and more importantly, protects you from any problems.
- Avoid gambling when you are drunk.
- Gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a monthly budget to spend on gambling and regardless of the reason, do not exceed this limit.
- Review your monthly income and expenses, then decide what percentage from your free income you want to set aside for gambling. We recommend using about 10-12% of your free income.
- Set a profit goal for yourself and stop when you reach it.
- Participate in other interests and hobbies – don’t let gambling have a dominant influence on your life.
- Don’t use gambling as a way to escape boredom.
If you think you might be suffering from gambling addiction, consult the rules above and see whether or not you follow them. If so, don’t panic as there are plenty of organizations and people willing to help you.
