When the first online casinos appeared in the mid-1990s, no one imagined the kind of growth that the industry would enjoy. Market demand in those early years was estimated at $200 million worldwide which didn’t make it an investor’s dream.
The industry grew steadily and exploded in the second decade of the 21st century when the games started to become mobile-enabled. That meant that a gamer could open his personal casino account at any time, from any Internet-accessible location, and play any casino game at his leisure, for free or for real money prizes.
The second jump occurred in 2020 when the COVID pandemic left gamblers without access to the casinos and many others without access to entertainment.
From a market size of $53.7 billion in 2019, the online casino industry jumped to 75.41 billion in 2021 and, despite predictions that the end of the pandemic would slow the industry down, has continued to expand exponentially ever since.
Projections are that by the end of 2024, the industry will reach a market size of 107.26 billion. Much of this growth comes from new account holders who want to join the fun and excitement of online casino entertainment.
To make it easier for first-time players to enjoy real money online gaming fun, SlotoCash online casino has created a Beginner’s Guide to get you started on your gaming action. Regardless of whether you prefer to play slots, specialty games or table games, this guide will give you all the tools that you need to log into the casino and start playing whenever and from wherever you want.
What is an Online Casino
An online casino is a digital platform where you can play casino games including slots, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat roulette and other types of games for real money. These casinos operate similarly to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos but allow you to enjoy the convenience of playing on your computer, smartphone, or tablet at any time and from any location.
How to Choose an Online Casino
There are hundreds of online casinos available today to gamers in every corner of the world. It’s important that, as you start out on your online gambling journey, you choose a reliable and trustworthy casino venue. Some of the factors to consider include:
- Licensing and Regulation – check to ensure that the online casino is supported by software that is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. These authorities, including the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority and the Curacao eGaming, monitor the software provider to ensure that all of the games adhere to strict standards, that the Return to Player percentages of each machine match the RTP that is advertised and that each machine’s Random Number Generator deliver fair and random results.
- Game Selection – You want a casino that offers a wide selection of games. Even if you think that you’re going to be sticking with one game but the truth is that, when you have a choice, you are likely to find that you enjoy the variation. Make sure that the casino offers the basics, like slots and table games, plus specialty and lottery games for some light-hearted fun.
- Bonuses – every online casino offers bonuses and promotions but not all bonus programs are valued similarly. To be a savvy player you should compare and contrast the offers from several online casinos to make sure that you’ll be getting the best deal. It’s important to read the terms and conditions that the casino sets out so that you understand your rights and responsibilities at the different sites.
- Payment Methods – You’ll need a casino that supports your preferred payment method. Regardless of whether you prefer credit/debit cards, e-wallets, a bank transfer or cryptocurrencies, you won’t be able to play for real money if you can’t link your ebank to the casino.
- Customer Support – it’s crucial that you have a customer support line on which you can rely. Customer support is needed when you have questions about the games, the casino technology, the bonus programs, the ebanking procedures. In addition, you need access to the support line in order to claim your cashback deals. Look for a casino that offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, or phone.
Create an Account
Once you've chosen a casino, you'll need to create an account. To begin, submit your name and email address to the casino. Create a unique password that you use ONLY for your casino activities and that you NEVER share with anyone else. That’s enough to allow you to start playing for free.
When you’re ready to start playing for real money prizes, you’ll need to verify your identity with a photocopy of a government-issued ID and a copy of a utility bill that’s been sent to your address.
Make a Deposit
To play for real money, you will need to make a deposit. To make a deposit, navigate to the cashier or banking section of the casino and select your preferred payment method. Follow the instructions to deposit funds into your account. Keep an eye out for any Welcome Bonus that the casino may be featuring as this is often the most valuable bonus casino bonus.
Explore the Games
Once you have funds in your account, you can start exploring the games. Online casino games generally include:
- Online slots -- popular casino games thanks to the various themes and features. Many include progressive jackpot competitions
- Table Games -- classic casino game such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. The online versions often feature multiple variants of each game.
- Video Poker -- a digital version of poker where you play against the machine rather than other players. It combines elements of both slots and poker.
- Lotteries -- games that you’d find at kiosks or via state-run lotteries like scratch card, bingo and keno
Odds and Payouts
If you’re choosing a game because it’s what you like to play, go for it! If you’re making a choice based on payouts and winning, you should be aware of the games’ odds and payout rates. To understand these issues, take a minute to look at each game’s
- RTP (Return to Player) percentage, which is a percentage of all wagered money that a game pays back to players over time. For instance, a slot machine that has a 96% RTP will return, on average, $96 for every $100 wagered.
- House Edge is the casino's advantage over the player. Games like slots typically have a higher house edge, meaning lower odds for the player than, say, blackjack or poker which have a lower house edge and higher odds for the player.
Responsible Play
Gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment and shouldn’t be regarded as a way to make money. You must set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Withdrawing Payouts
Read the casino’s Terms and Conditions so that you’re familiar with the procedures and limitations associated with withdrawing your winnings. When you’re ready to withdraw your winnings, make your request via your chosen ebanking method. The processing time for withdrawals may vary, depending on the method used. Withdrawals can take from a few hours (cybercurrency withdrawals) to several days.
Stay Safe
Ensure your online safety by choosing a casino that uses secure encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information. Be aware of phishing scams. Never play via a public network and always log out of your casino account when you're done playing.
Online casinos offer a convenient and exciting way to enjoy casino gambling entertainment. You can enjoy a high-quality casino adventure by choosing a reputable casino, understanding the games, setting a budget, and playing responsibly.
