Review of the TOP Online Casinos
When it comes to online casinos, you want the most for your time and money. Luckily, the best betting websites frequently offer great bonuses and attractions for new and returning players alike. Tournaments and unique games are their specialties as well. Don’t waste time searching fruitlessly for the top casinos or locations where gambling is allowed by law — you’ll learn the specifics from this article to get you in touch with the most prestigious game developers in no time.
Legality of Online Gambling
Online betting is something of an enigma in the legal sphere. While gambling is largely illegal in the United States, except for tribal locations, actual action against individuals who gamble online is almost never pursued. The key is that operating a betting institution is illegal in the states, but not in many other countries.
Therefore, citizens in the states can access servers abroad without legal recourse. Approximately 70 countries allow companies that offer to gamble on their websites. Below, we’ll take a closer look at a few of them.
Illegal to operate, but legal or possible to gamble abroad:
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- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Germany
- Norway
- USA
Legal to operate and gamble:
Totally illegal:
Web Casinos Safety And Fairness
As in the real world, there are both real casinos which are safe and other institutions which aim to steal your hard-earned cash. We’ll discuss some aspects of online gambling sites that users must look at. Failure to do so could lead to ending up at a disreputable site and stolen money or identity.
Licensing
If a website is legitimate, it is licensed in its country of operation. Independent licensing agencies and oversight committees, such as those based in Malta, Gibraltar, or even the European Gaming and Betting Association, provide seals of proof that online casinos are genuine and within a protocol. Those sites monitored by these companies are deemed safe.
Independent Game Testing
House cheating is frowned upon all over the world. As such, agencies are dedicated to rooting out player-unfriendly machines operated by malicious casinos. Institutions such as TST and Certified Fair Gambling verify the integrity of games, ensuring that their estimated return to player (RTP) percentages are advertised correctly.
Encryption
With all the hubbub over Internet security these days, it is reasonable to wonder about online casino data protection methods. The most secure sites used the most recent, up-to-date encryption methods to defend consumer passwords, account information and private details. Examples of these methods include TSL and SSL encryption.
Dependable Withdrawals
The best casinos ensure that your money is deposited to your account in a timely manner and through a method that is convenient for you. While it is reasonable to wait for identity verification after any large win, the most trustworthy betting houses will provide a transparent window during which you can expect to wait.
Banking Options
Sending and receiving money through an online casino can be worrisome for some people, but the best sites provide a variety of payment and withdrawal methods. Typically, deposits are quick, simple and secure with encryption and a 128-bit Secure Socket Layer. Withdrawals usually take longer, but the speed of your transactions is based on your location and chosen method. Results may vary between casino.
Deposit
Depositing is the most straightforward option in an online casino. They are more than happy to accept your money, and so are very accommodating with limits and speed. Most often, people use their bank cards. While fast and convenient, they often carry small fees of up to 5% that can add up over time.
To the contrary, bank transfers are amazing because they have low fees, but they can take about a week to process. Cryptocurrency is another go-to payment option as it is quick and anonymous, but some dislike paying the network fee involved. The best method probably e-wallets, but sadly, many sites do not accept that form of deposit currently.
Withdrawals
Although withdrawing is the part the casino understandably enjoys the least, they give customers all the usual methods, albeit with some time restrictions involved. Using your credit card for withdrawal sees an average of 2-4 days of wait time before the transaction is processed and may include miscellaneous fees and limits as low as $1000 per day.
Bank transfers offer a near unlimited withdrawal limit, but can take up to 2 weeks for delivery. Casinos that offer Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies can typically pay in short fashion with low fees, but this option isn’t available everywhere. The same goes for e-wallets; you’ll struggle to find a reputable establishment accepting them!
Advantages of Gambling Sites
Playing in an online environment only helps your game. You have the freedom to play wherever and whenever you want, and you don’t need to deal with traveling costs such as admission fees, parking fees, etc. Additionally, there are no distractions with online games. Brick-and-mortar establishments use flashy gizmos and loud buzzers to distract participants, giving the house more of an advantage.
At home, it’s just you and the monitor. What’s more is your record of gaming: it is constantly saved to your profile, allowing you to analyse your strategy. Finally, and probably the greatest perk, is the fact that you get unlimited access to an entire library of games. You aren’t limited by your local casino—you can play everything!
Online Casinos Bonus Offers
Internet betting houses are always running promotions for novice users and high rollers. Using these deals is critical to keeping your edge. Below, we’ll take a gander at some of the more frequent bonuses you can take advantage of.
Welcome
Nothing greets better than free money! Welcome bonuses award users for their first deposit by matching anywhere from 25% to 200% of their deposit. Free spins are also common as well, giving new players a chance to test their luck on the best slots on the market with no cost.
No Deposit
No deposit offers are rare, but totally worth the effort you put in. If you create an account with the casino, they will give you a small amount of money (about $5 or $10) to play with. Anything you win with this money is yours, provided you meet the playthrough requirement or make an initial deposit. Details vary by location.
Regular Promo
Players aren’t satisfied with one-time offers. To meet consumer demand, casinos will drop additional deposit bonuses throughout the year. These promotions can include anything from increased loyalty points or free slot games. Although these offers typically come around during holidays, they can be monthly, weekly, or even on a daily basis!
High Roller
High rollers always receive preferential treatment. Commonly known as “whales”, these players are enrolled in a VIP program with the online betting house. The more you deposit and play, the more points you earn towards your account. As you rise through the ranks, you’ll earn exclusive rewards such as tournament invites, free spins, and other goodies.
Game-Specific Offers
Software providers want players to check out their newest games. As such, online casinos will often run promotions for certain games. The prizes may be additional payouts, VIP points, or even a free play or two.
Device-Oriented
Ever wanted to get paid to play on mobile? Now you can with device-specific promotions. Though rare, these bonuses reward players who gamble on Apple or Android products. It’s all about exposure for these institutions and you can reap the benefits!
Wide Choice of Games
The main allure of Internet betting is the sheer volume of amusements ready at any given moment. Games exist for everyone. This includes everything from slots, blackjack, poker, and craps to new custom lotteries and bingo games being released steadily. Online-only offerings are popular as well; live streaming table games and player competition around the globe is only possible on online sites. Below, we’ll look more closely at the specifics of each category.
Slots
Slots make up the greatest number of online gambling entertainments. They are simple: click a button, watch the reels blur past, and collect your winnings once they stop. Slots vary from the traditional 3-reel machine to the 7-reel behemoths made possible by software providers. This form of gambling allures players because of its straightforward nature.
But if you’re looking for skill, investigate fruit machines. These are special slots that use fruit-based symbols to multiply prizes. Player skill comes into play with options like “nudges” and “holds” which affect the slot’s outcome. Using these selections in the correct positions is the difference between a jackpot and a losing spin!
Video Poker
Video poker entered the scene before the turn of the century. As such, it has developed a huge following both in land-based casinos and over the Internet. Conceived from the original 5-card draw poker game, dozens of spin-offs are available in online betting establishments. The goal is to generate the best possible hand from 5 random cards with a single chance to replace any number of them. The better your hand, the more you win!
Card Games
Blackjack is without a doubt the most played card games, both in physical locations and online. Trying to get 21 sounds simple, but the strategy behind the game is infinite. Tons of varieties of blackjack exist, including everything from the standard version to competitive live versions of the risking game.
Baccarat is another offering popular with high rollers and casual players alike. Due to the streaky nature of the game, the possibilities are endless. At online betting houses, live versions and hi-lo variants dominate the scene. Because a player can win huge on the side bets, baccarat continues to please on the web.
Roulette
Ah, roulette, one of the most hypnotizing games available on the market. Watch the ball go ‘round and ‘round the table and hope it lands on your number! This classic game dates back hundreds of years. Thanks to the ingenious minds behind casino software, now you’ll have access to it everywhere.
The game has several variants. Among them are American and European roulette with their own betting rules and procedures. In general, the European version is more profitable, so aim for that game!
Dice Games
Rolling dice is a fine art—but can you master it? Online casinos offer virtual dice rolling algorithms to be used in craps and sic-bo. For craps, make a bet (there are many to choose) and let them roll! Strategize your bets based on previous rolls and hope to strike gold. Sic-bo is more about the luck in itself: each round is purely a win or loss for one side or the other. This game is widespread in Asia, but has moved online in recent years to please the masses.
Live Casino Plays
If the atmosphere of a real casino is your gig, online establishments provide a live streaming service for gambling. Chat up the dealer, talk with other gamblers, and see the game unfold in real time! This option is very popular with those who don’t have the ability to travel, but still, want that full-fledged gambling experience replete with good-looking dealers and banter. All types of games can be played live including poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and others.
Online Casinos Tournaments
If you want to win big and not put much of your gambling stack at risk, consider tournaments. These are amazing player-versus-player events which allow you to play a single game for play money. The person who wins the most in the time allotted is the winner. Bust, and you’re out of the tournament! Slot tournaments are the most played but hold’em games, blackjack and other tournaments are available.
Best Software Providers For Gambling Sites
Online casinos do not create their own casino software. Instead, they receive a license from providers to utilize it on their website. Some betting houses use a single provider, but many use several. Below, we’ll exemplify the best and brightest in the industry. These include Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and NextGen, amongst others.
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Microgaming
- 850+ casino games available to play;
- Leader in Live Gaming technology;
- Founder of PlayItForward, a charity based on changing lives on the Isle of Man.
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NetEnt
- Creator of Back Office, a management system provided to operators for marketing and business purposes;
- Pooled Jackpots featured in multiple slots across multiple genres;
- 95-98% Return-to-Player payout.
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Playtech
- 600+ casino games across all channels;
- Offers trading platforms for businesses;
- Has virtual sports as an option with integrated betting interface.
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NextGen
- Nearly 20 years of experience in the industry;
- Original gaming content, including SuperBet, Select-a-Play, Slide a Wild, etc.;
- Focuses on business solutions in addition to providing high-quality entertainment.
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Aristocrat
- Over 70 years of experience;
- 240 different licenses to date;
- High-quality, idea-driven games.
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Betsoft
- Focus on HTML5 software;
- Specialized in 3-D gaming, but other options available;
- Offers account management services + customer support.
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Cryptologic
- Company purchased by Amaya to further software goals;
- 300+ games, chiefly advanced video slots;
- RTP of 90-97%.
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Realtime Gaming
- Over 300 classic and new titles;
- Novel game concepts such as Feature Guarantee, Suit ‘em up, and Jackpot Pyramid;
- Provides analytics, which enhances business visions for both beginning and established casinos.
Scam Prevention in Online Casinos
Unfortunately, some websites out there prey on the unsuspecting customer. To combat this, there are a few things you can research about your casino of choice. The most obvious is to see if your casino is regulated by certain agencies such as the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. Most businesses will show a seal on their website to indicate as such, but you can always check the regulator’s website for a list of licensed websites.
The second tip is to read reviews on blogs and forums — these writers have little reason to lie and their experience can serve you well. Also be sure the Internet casino uses the common software in the industry that is proven to be secure. If you ever experience account closure for no reason or have trouble getting paid, be sure to warn others about the scam in progress.
FAQ
Both new and experienced players have questions regarding online casinos. A lot of the wording is technical or confusing. Due to this, we’ve compiled some basic questions that people ask regarding Internet betting houses. We’ll answer these in a manner that is easy to understand.
1. Is There Any Difference Between Desktop And Mobile Versions of Online Casinos?
In terms of content, there are rarely any differences between versions of casinos. However, a certain quality of life features may be missing from mobile versions. Lower resolution and less-refined audio are typically present on phone games due to lesser processing power. Games run on older operating systems are less optimized as well, but the actual content is generally the same.
2. What is Better – Download Casino or Instant Play?
Instant play technology for casino applications has the unique benefit of being able to be played anywhere. Typically run in a Flash environment, these offerings use less processing power and save memory. However, the Flash versions are typically slower. A downloadable client has the benefit of better graphics and speed. Thus, it should always be used on your main computer. However, the client must be downloaded anywhere before you are able to use it.
3. Should Players Pay Attention to the Number of Casino Winners?
Absolutely. The more winners a casino has, the more reputable it is. You have a greater chance to win in a casino that has previous winners. Users should keep in mind the odds of hitting the jackpot. Just be careful of websites advertising too many winners — this could be a ploy for scams.
4. What are Bitcoin Casinos?
Bitcoin casinos come in two varieties. The first only accepts Bitcoin as a payment and withdrawal method. Therefore, you gamble with cryptocurrency exclusively. The second type accepts both cryptocurrency and traditional forms of payment. Because Bitcoin is a digital currency that is anonymous, quick and cheap, many users prefer it over legacy payment methods. These kinds of casinos are legal, but consider your local legislation concerning cryptocurrency.
