Online Casino Guide for Beginners ᐈ Best Roadmap for Newbies

Getting started in online gambling might be tricky. While most platforms advertise gaming as pure entertainment and a quick and easy process, we as a gambling portal insist that newbies familiarize themselves with the insides of the industry before signing up for virtual wagering services. This online guide is a detailed but convenient roadmap for anyone who is ready to open a real money account at online operators and to start rolling over cash on games and betting services. It is an A to Z instruction guide on how to select a reputable gaming platform, to open an account, navigate through bonuses, meet play-though terms, and which offers to avoid, as well as how to deposit and withdraw cash, plus which methods to use. We also provide a closer look at the selection of content, banking and promotions based on the geography of players because the selection of offers will differ greatly for users from the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Regardless of the country of gaming, in this publication you will find valuable guidelines that will make the process of getting started easier. This article is also complemented with links to research on certain licensing and jurisdictions, further guidelines to crypto-currency wagering, and even links to game portfolios of major content creating studios. So, without any further ado, it is time to get started.

Step 1: Choosing a Reputable Casino

Choosing a certified, trustworthy online operator that will process payouts on time, will have low non-payment risks and will not change wagering requirements or change the rollover rules in the middle of your completing the play-through terms is vital. It is the key to safely entering the gaming industry.

At the same time, choosing the right brand is not that easy because currently the gaming market is flooded with offers. Our database alone has more than 700 places to bet and win, and these are all certified and peer-reviewed, and thus recommended to register at. But outside our database, there are thousands of gambling destinations, both reputable and rogue.

So, what are the markers of trustworthy gambling lobbies?

We suggest you take into consideration the following:

Licensing
Software
Reputation online

Let’s take a closer look at these three factors...

...Factor #1: Licensing

While it does require some skill and a trained eye to spot proper software and to check online reputation, licensing is the easiest marker to check. Below is the list of licensing terms that you may come across on your way to choosing a suitable gaming lobby:

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission currently holds leadership in terms of offering the most reliable services. Its panel constantly monitors compliant websites, updates rules, and has a clear and transparent arbitrage for player complaints. The commission exists for more than a decade and follows the Gambling Act of 2005. Our database has a list of over eighty UKGC-licensed online operators.
Malta Gaming Authority is the second biggest licensor, and it regulates the majority of Europe’s market and those of its participants that play by the rules and position themselves as safe and legit gaming environments. MGA has four classes of gaming licenses and brands regulated by MGA must undergo re-licensing every five years. Check our collection of more than 150 MGA-compliant places to bet and win.
The jurisdiction of Curacao is the third most frequent licensor in our reviews, but it is also very tricky. It has more than a decade of experience in regulating the specific gaming segment. Unlike MGA and UKGC, under which players from such countries as the United States will not be allowed, here international traffic is welcomed. What is more, such platforms allow for depositing in an assortment of regular, as well as crypto currencies. On the other hand, the procedure of player support and complaint arbitrage is less transparent, and before choosing a Curacao-licensed platform, we suggest players also check out the website’s reputation in our database.
Jurisdictions of Alderney, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man all depend on UK tax laws. The Gambling ordinance of 2005 is the official document that regulates gaming and all the corresponding procedures. Such licenses are often found in brands that are primarily UKGC-compliant as an additional permit that allows for broader traffic access. A certain selection of Alderney-compliant gaming platforms is available at our website.
Jurisdiction of Kahnawake is in existence for more than two decades, and purchasing its license is not cheap. It is also a permit that many established and experienced brands in our database boast with (just check the special list). Coming fifth in this mini list does not lessen the value of Kahnawake licensing.
Jurisdictions of Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and other countries are all specific government-issued licenses/passes to heavily regulated markets. These are all very prestigious permits compliant with national regulations. Currently, for instance, all eyes are on online casinos for Danish players as the local regulator is imposing fines on all brands that cater to the market without being properly licensed.
Permits from Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, Panama and Cyprus are among the most questionable and controversial. On the bright side, they allow for international traffic and regulate offshore casinos, as well as chaperone platforms friendly to anonymous and digital-currency wagering. On the other side, most rogue online operators are usually hiding under these less strict regulators. Naturally, there are exceptions, and our USA-based readers will immediately remember a few gaming platforms with many years of experience and good reputation that operate under some of the mentioned lobbies, but this is where you as a newbie will also need to check the online reputation and feedback on forums.

...Factor #2: Software

Here, we would like to introduce an important piece of terminology - “white-label”. What is this, and why is it so important for us to mention in the beginner’s guide?

Both casinos and software providers may be marked as white-labelled. Legit, trustworthy gaming platforms (those that not only can ensure convenient registering and depositing but will also deliver fast and risk-free verifications and payouts) work in accordance with transparent business schemes, have secure and reputable licensors, and are therefore considered white-label. These usually have a long list of restrictions and do’s and don'ts’ among their terms and conditions, which means - you are registering at the company that guards its reputation and values players’ rights.

Such platforms are usually looking for white-label providers. These are all certified, undergo regular audits, are not spotted serving rogue games or entering partnerships with rogue operators. Among such providers, there are well-known studios like Net Entertainment, Playtech, Microgaming, Next Generation Gaming and IGT. These are all i-tech giants with decades of experience, but this does not mean that only big studios can be white-label. This list also includes such ambitious startups as smaller companies as Slingshot Studios.

Quote: Experienced players will know from a single glance at the selection of software whether the platform suits their needs. It is highly unlikely to find NetEnt and Playtech at unregulated lobbies.

Studios usually work hard on earning their white-label status. Thus, the currently well-known and respected Pragmatic Play was once in a middle of a big scandal, and it took the label over a decade of dedicated work, as well as rebranding from Topgame to now be an award-winning provider of games, and an acknowledged one, too.

Knowledgeable players will notify at first sight the selection of software whether the platform matches their needs. It is highly unlikely to find Blueprint or IGT at casinos not controlled by some official authority. Content from RealTime Gaming or Saucify will most probably be found at offshore places to bet and are in high demand among the US, South African, Singapore and Australian players. And there are also certain lobbies (you won’t find them in our database) that cater questionable software or offer games from reputable studios, but do not list licensing. This will most probably be a marker that games are ripped, and services are rogue.

...Factor #3: Reputation Online

This requires some patience on your side, because it involves individual online research across forums and websites regarding specific brands. There is a series of websites and forums, including our partners at LCB and Affiliate Guard Dog, where you will be able to find professional and player feedback on almost every brand online. Our reviews also include compare and contrast feedback from all the major online resources. Additional checks may be required for newly opened platforms, as well as those with questionable and controversial licensing.

Step 2: Registering a Casino Account

This part of getting started is the one that most brands usually try to make as quick as possible. After reviewing more than 700 online operators, we noticed the tendency that while back in the day it used to be a three-step procedure with newbies usually being asked to provide personal, banking and address data, today more and more platforms are narrowing this part of the gaming process to a one-step option that takes no more than five minutes.

In some cases (this, however, happens rarely) registration is even possible via social network accounts, when with player’s consent a brand’s software will automatically pull personal information.

Though registration via social media may be an option, there is an even safer and faster way to start gaming for real money. Have you heard of playing without registration? It is new trend, especially in Scandinavia targeted gaming labels. How exactly does this work? As easy, as it sounds…

...if you have what is called a Pay N Play account. This is a game-changing service introduced by Trustly, but we are quite sure that the times will come soon enough when other major banking services will have alternatives.

A Pay N Play technique allows the operator to pull up a player’s information from an existing bank account, and it ensures safe and secure transactions. All a player must do is connect a gaming platform with the electronic wallet. At certain platforms, this payment and registration method may even be successfully combined with certain small welcome bonuses. It also allows players to save gaming sessions for a brief period of time.

While Trustly is working on expanding its outreach to more countries, most of the platforms will still be more conservative. Especially if they are licensed by UKGC, whereas of late, the registration process is heavily controlled, and a verification of age is required before a newbie can make a deposit. We’ve reported in great detail on this update from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.

So, the way it works is you provide all the contact information required by the brand. This may include a phone number that will then be used to send verification details. Among documents that a gaming website might later ask may be any that will allow to check your age and personal details.

In certain cases, especially in Bitcoin casinos, a sign-up process may be simplified due to peculiarities of crypto-currency wagering, where maintaining anonymity is one of the vital services. In this case, only an e-mail will be required during signing up, without any further personal details or a phone number.

Tip: Defining the legality of BTC and an online gambling place is two different things. Bitcoin is a legit payment method that is accepted worldwide. It can be purchased, exchanged, and used to pay for goods and services.

Providing correct information is important because it will later affect the withdrawing procedure, its speed and simplicity of receiving wins. At this stage, we also advise players to read the terms and conditions and not to skip this part because you might just get answers to some vital questions regarding depositing, bonus wagering, cashing out wins, and more.

After the registration stage is completed successfully, the brand welcomes you and usually offers you the opportunity to claim a welcome deal. Therefore, in comes the next important information that you should be aware of.

Step 3: Claiming a Casino Welcome Bonus

Sign-up bonuses are a casino’s way to, on the one hand, encourage a newbie. This is what no-deposits and bonus spins usually stand for. On the other hand, it is a way to engage a player in a series of gaming sessions because such promotions usually come with the wagering requirements that need to be completed.

Claiming a welcome deal is a simple procedure. These are almost all available online, right after the account is set. As the first deposit is being added, or right after it was added, there will be either a message, pop-up or new page inviting to get a promotions. All you will be required to do is to click the confirmation button.

Based on the extensive data that we manage to accumulate after reviewing hundreds of casinos, we may suggest that about 80% of the welcome deals are promotions offered in exchange for deposits, or deposit bonuses. Around 15% out of all the offers are bonus spins or no-deposit deals, and less than 5% are unusual propositions, including cash back on the initial deposit. This may be offered as a percentage refund (around 10% to 15%) on the cash lost while wagering.

Welcome Deposit Bonuses

It is either a single cash match to support the first deposit, or a so-called welcome package - a series of bonuses for the first two to five deposits. There is a frequent case of three to four initial deposits being covered by bonuses. In rare occasions, particularly in RTG-powered lobbies, welcome deals may cover between seven to ten first deposits. Most often, these will start from 100% cash match on the first deposit, and go down to 50% on the second, and even as little as 25% on the third and fourth.

Quote: Based on the extensive data that we manage to accumulate after reviewing hundreds of casinos we may suggest that about 80% of the welcome deals are promotions offered in exchange for deposits, or deposit bonuses.

Such welcome deals are often differentiated by countries. An offer for Denmark may differ greatly from a deal for Romania, and the approach to forming a bonus is based on statistical analysis of the gaming potential of the country. There are also certain jurisdictions, e.g. the United Kingdom or Sweden, where bonuses come with strict play-through requirements and heavy regulations. This is due to strict rules from national regulators.

Among the tendencies that we have noticed regarding deposit bonuses there is a trend to increase the initial deposit. It used to be common to receive a cash match on a deposit as small as USD 5. Today, minimal limits are most frequently set to USD 10 or even USD 20-25.

Bonus Spins or Free Spins

Deposit packages can often be complemented with a series of bonus spins. In about 20% of the welcome bonus offers, these can also be a standalone promotion, when newbies are offered from 10 to as many as 300 free rotations.

It is worth mentioning that the more spins offered, the tougher the play-through and withdrawal requirements. For instance, cashouts from winning on free spins can be capped at a certain sum, and the rest will be void and capped by the platform. Thus, receiving USD 10 worth of free spins may be then limited to no more than USD 100 of wins, and the rest of the sum won in a promotion (if any) will be annulled.

Usually, this type of promotion also has the highest wager - it often starts at 60xB and may reach 100xB.

Tip: Wagering requirements is the required amount of times that a given bonus (xB) or a bonus+deposit (xBD) must be played through multiplied by the received amount of cash.

There are, however, cases when a wager is established at 0. In most cases, such leniency will be then limited to a small withdrawal amount.

Bonus spins cannot be rolled over on all slots. Usually, a big section of terms and conditions will list all the restricted games (slots with high RTP or progressive jackpots are among standard restrictions). Among the most popular slots to wager this type of promotion on, there are such releases as: NetEnt’s Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Aloha Cluster Pays, and Fruit Shop; Play’n GO’s Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead; BGaming’s Brave Vikings; Saucify’s 7 Chakras; Yggdrasil Gaming’s Vikings Go Wild.

No-Deposit Welcome Bonus

This is one of the most valuable and most desired promotions. In the majority of cases, this is a type of deal issued to newbies, but there are rare occasions when a no-deposit offer may be listed among special deals for regulars.

It is worth mentioning that a gaming platform is very attentive to all withdrawals won from this type of bonus. Because it is a free deal, a player may try to receive it several times by opening several accounts. Therefore an identity check is always required by a brand during a withdrawal, and this is not a type of promotion that can be claimed and used anonymously.

There are also cases when a platform will still require a player to make a small deposit, even though an offer is called a no-deposit bonus. This is also known as verification deposit that allows the site to establish the user’s identity. When verification is completed, the deposit is returned to the gamer. We also came across cases when a platform required added play-through requirements to such verification deposits, but to this we would advise - avoid such brands.

Tip: No-deposit bonuses are the type of promotion most frequently offered to players from the Western Europe and are a rare deal at Easter Europe-targeted lobbies.

Regardless of the type of the bonus (deposit, bonus spins, no-deposit deals), it may be either cashable or non-cashable, and this depends on the internal policy of every online operator. A cashable promotion can be withdrawn together with the funds won on it if the wagering requirements were completed correctly and on time. A non-cashable bonus will be subtracted from the amount won and will be annulled.

Bonus Codes

This is still a common practice on many websites, although we are seeing a tendency for many new brands to proceed without these codes. Bonus codes are used as means to qualify users for certain promotions. For newbies, these will be listed on websites. For regulars, promo codes may be sent in promotional e-mails. Bonus codes may also serve as additional confirmation that a player is sure he/she wants to claim a welcome deal.

Step 4: Wagering a Casino Welcome Bonus

While at first a welcome bonus may seem as a gift with no cost, it is actually a deal between a platform and a newbie, and it comes with a certain list of rules that we will now take a closer look at.

Bonus Wagering Requirements

Regardless of licensing, every online operator will serve its promotions with wagering requirements, age restrictions and other terms and conditions. These are always listed on every brand’s page, and our team also includes them in casino reviews, next to promotional propositions.

Some jurisdictions, such as UKGC, require websites to be very clear about terminology because many newbies are often confused by a commonly-spread wording “free spins”, and mistakenly take such offers as a gift from a gaming platform, while in reality a casino would then require the player to roll over either a bonus amount, or bonus+deposit amount a certain number of times before wins from it can be withdrawn.

Let’s do some math to illustrate how the wagering requirements are applied to practice, shall we?...

The most frequent bonus amount is 100% cash match to the amount deposited. Many newbies are being misguided by the tempting announcements to “deposit 100 credits and to then play with 200 credits”.

Well, the next question should then be: what are the rollover terms? If WR (wagering requirements) are listed at, for instance, 20xBD, this will mean that at a minimum deposit of EUR 20, you will need to make (EUR 20 deposit + EUR 20 bonus match) x 20 = EUR 800. If the wager is listed at 35xB, this means that a deposit of EUR 20 will need to be played through (EUR 20 bonus x 35) = EUR 700.

For bonus spins, wagering requirements are applied to the amount of wins. In case of WR being 30x, this will mean that EUR 5 won will have to be then rolled over on another EUR 150 worth of stakes. There are, however, online operators that choose to offer bonus rotations without any play-through requirements. These are considered user-friendly brands that truly want their new clientele to decide for themselves, without any obligations applied, whether they would like to become registered regulars.

To sum up, we would also like to mention that on average the wagering spectrum is between 20x to 4x for deposit bonuses, and 30x to 60x for bonus rotations and no-deposit deals. We consider 20x to be the best and most player-friendly rollover terms.

Game Wagering with Bonuses

While you are getting ready to wager the bonus, you should also know that different game cohorts, and even games within cohorts, will contribute differently to the rollover terms.

What does this mean?

There are types of content that will contribute 100% to the bonus playthrough terms. Such is the case with almost all slot machines, scratch cards, and lotteries, e.g. Keno and Bingo.

It is a good idea, however, to check before claiming a welcome deal. Every platform will have a Terms and Conditions section where game cohorts will be listed together with their percentage of contribution. There is a certain type of content that will have either very low contribution to the rollover terms, or none. Some games may also be banned from being used in meeting the wagering requirements.

Among types of content least helpful (unless it is a specific promotion) for bonus wagering are video poker games and table games. These will most commonly come with 20% to 0% listed contribution in terms. This example requires some more math.

Let’s say, a platform lists WR at 20x, and a deposit of EUR 10 was made with a then received 100% cash match worth another EUR 10. As a newbie, you will check and find out that contribution to wagering requirements from slot machines and scratch cards is 100%, 20% is contributed by video poker games, 10% by roulette, and 0% on blackjack. Here’s how a further wagering will go based on your choice of content:

- If played on slots and scratch cards, amount of wagered cash will be 20x (10+10) = EUR 400.
- If rolled over solely on video poker games, amount of wagered cash will be 20x20x5 = EUR 2,000.
- If played through on roulette, amount of wagered cash will be 20x20x10 = EUR 4,000.
- Blackjack will be a restricted cohort.

As mentioned, there may also be division of contribution weight within a specific cohort. Classic slots usually have higher RTP, and therefore, may contribute only 70% to 80%. Among slots, commonly restricted to wagering, are the following titles: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Lucky Angler, Bloodsuckers, Big Bang, Craps, The Wish Master, Devil’s Delight, Robin Hood, Tomb Raider 2, Tornado: Farm Escape, Dead or Alive, Dead or Alive 2, Jackpot Jester 6000, Jackpot Jester Wild Nudge, Twin Spin, Reel Rush, Thunderstruck I, and several others.

Restrictions and Warnings for Wagering

In order to be able to cash out either bonus and wins from it, or wins from it, you as a newbie should also make yourself aware about strict limitations that every brand frames its bonuses with. Breaking any of the rules stated in T&C usually means losing both the deposit and bonus.

Following guidelines to game contributions is one such limitation. Wagering the promotion on a game cohort or type that is listed as being “0% contribution” means getting the bonus and all possible wins from it annulled.

Also, all promotions are usually listed as offers created for entertainment purposes and should a brand spot a certain pattern of player’s behavior that can be regarded as suspicious, such deals can also be annulled. While often terminology for such patterns of behavior is often vague in T&C, there are also some straightforward warnings:

- Player places bets and/or wagers amounting to the maximum allowed per bonus terms to raise the variance in order increase the balance;
- Player lowers the bet and/or wager size after a big win and changes the game to one with a lower volatility;

Also, it is prohibited to wager bonuses on high stakes, when a single bet exceeds a certain percentage of the bonus amount. Stake limits can also be capped at a certain cash amount, e.g. not higher than USD 5, and everything that is above may be classified as bonus abuse.

When playing the bonuses through, players will also be restricted from placing low-risk stakes. To illustrate this example: if wagering on roulette, you will be prohibited from betting simultaneously on red and black.

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Step 5: Discovering Banking Methods

Depending on a selected gaming platform, you will either have a narrowly targeted cashier with only so much currency variations and banking methods, or a big selection regarding types of cash (including digital money) and an assortment of payment options.

As we recently discovered, platforms with multi-betting options usually have the most diverse selection of e-wallets, cards, bank transfer systems and prepaid vouchers connected to their cashiers. Websites targeted at the United Kingdom, most frequently will stick to one language selection, as well as one currency (British pounds) and a small list of payment options. Places to bet and win created for the USA, Canada, or Australia, would most likely offer a list of currencies and banking methods that would include Bitcoin payments.

Tip: We also have a detailed selection of USA-friendly brands that allow players to wager in BTC.

In most cases, a method selected for depositing (unless you opted to deposit by a prepaid voucher) would be also a method that a withdrawal will be forwarded to. In the early days, it was harder for online cashiers to offer more flexibility. Today, it is easier to switch between banking methods, if needed, during depositing and withdrawals, but certain peculiarities may remain.

Regular Currency E-wallets

This is a section available in all the modern gaming platforms. Depending on the size of the brand, it may either cover some of the most standard options, such as Skrill and Neteller, or offer a broader or even targeted selection of e-wallets, such as PayPal.

E-wallets are valued by both players and brands due to their fast processing speed, that on many occasions takes under 24 hours to send funds to the winners, as well as for low fees. Deposit-wise, money sent by e-wallets will land in accounts within a few seconds.

Of course, to be able to use an e-wallets, you will need to register for one, but just as with many other online services, here it takes just a few minutes and standard personal information to get a hold of a personal electronic account. There may be difficulties with converting and withdrawing money from e-wallets themselves, depending on how a selected system caters to a certain country.

Crypto-Currency E-wallets

These work similarly to e-wallets for regular cash, only you will need to choose which of the digital currencies you prefer, and the list includes among others:

Also, if you are a newbie to crypto-wagering, you will probably have questions regarding how to get digital currency, how to process, store and withdraw it, and we’ve answered all these questions in our guide to playing in crypto-cash.

Among benefits that such e-wallets offer is anonymity, secure transactions, and speed. Unless you are playing with BTC that currently has its issues with rapid payouts, most other digital currencies are sent instantly, when they are both deposits and wins, and all this is due to a peer-to-peer system.

Among possible delays are verifications. Also, you will need to be very attentive when you give your account number because, due to anonymity, in some cases it will be hard to then return the money if it was sent to a wrong account.

Payment Cards

This is a procedure most familiar to most players because we use our cards to pay online almost on a daily basis. Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are among the most common options available throughout the gaming industry. There may also be such narrowly targeted cards that would be specific to certain countries: AstroPay, Bancontact, Discovery.

Cards may be tricky for countries where online gambling is heavily regulated. For instance, American players will not be able to use their cards as deposit/withdrawal methods because of local regulations that allow online wagering only in certain states and under state licensing, targets primarily payment methods, and restricts banks from processing casino-related sessions.

Among peculiarities of paying with a card is the necessity to provide personal details, as well as the card’s number, security code and expiration date. Luckily, licensed and legit casinos use encrypted methods to protect personal information. Also, a fee between 2% to 3% would usually apply to operations by card. On rare occasions, it may even be higher, so it is good to know the fees before getting started.

There may also be restrictions when the time will come to withdraw cash, so check with the support staff as to whether it will be possible to claim wins to cards, and how long will it take. Card withdrawals take longer than those to e-wallets.

Prepaid Vouchers

These are available only for depositing. Purchased in certain selling points across your country, these may differ in denomination, which will usually be fixed between EUR/GBP 10 to EUR/GBP 100. Prepaid cards are anonymous. You will need to insert a 16-digit code into the special field online if you select to pay by a prepaid voucher.

Such vouchers may have higher process fees than those offered by e-wallets. They may also be restricted when it comes to welcome deals - many platforms specify in their T&C that players depositing by prepaid means of payment will not be able to claim sign-up propositions.

One of the most popular and widely spread methods is the Paysafecard. There may also be Neosurf, which is broadly used in by Belgian players, as well as other local variations in certain targeted cashiers.

Instant Banking

The selection of options for this section is truly diverse, and where it is possible, a platform will use an assortment of targeted payment systems. Thus, the most popular ones for Germany are Sofort and GiroPay. There is EPS for Austria, Interac Online for players from Canada, Trustly and Zimpler for Scandinavia, Przelewy24 for Poland, POLI for casinos that accept Australian players, and many others.

Currently, the most trending instant payment method is Pay N Play, that allows players to sign up and deposit - all in a couple of clicks - without any registration. The only downside is that currently this convenient deposit/withdrawal method is limited to a small list of European countries, but Trustly is working on expanding the geography for this option.

The way instant banking works is it uses official intermediaries that assist in providing financial transactions. Instant banking can be used for both deposits and withdrawals. The first procedure is fast. The second one will take time, but it happens quicker than cash outs by cars, bank transfers or checks.

Mobile Banking

As gaming-on-the-go rapidly grows in popularity, more and more cashiers are adding mobile-friendly payment methods to their selection of deposit/withdrawal systems. These are usually adapted to portable devices, easy to use, and accessible within a couple of swipes.

Among those that already gained reputations of trustworthy and reliable are Siru Mobile and Boku. Both have their geographic peculiarities that we describe in greater details in corresponding reviews. There is also ApplePay, Zimpler, and Pay N Play adapted to the portable devices.

Bank/Wire Transfers

The most conservative way to manage financial transactions, it is still thriving in the era of instant/rapid/mobile banking. When depositing or withdrawing, you will need to specify your bank account number and details.

Get ready to wait. Bank transfers are a long and bureaucratic procedure. On top of the time that the online operator takes to verify you and your wins, there will also be time added by the bank to process the transaction. Reserve between five days to two weeks to send funds or to receive wins. This transaction may also come with fees.

Also, some gaming platforms will limit you to only one financial transaction via bank/wire transfer per a certain period (once a week, once a month).

Step 6: Discovering Games and Providers

So, as soon as a casino is chosen, an account is created, and you have decided on whether to use a bonus and what method to pay and withdraw wins, it is time to explore the gaming lobby!

Normally, all online gaming platforms would have their content sorted by cohorts:

- Slot machines
- Table Games
- Live dealer
- Video poker
- Instant wins and arcades

A more sophisticated place to bet and win will also allow filtering by genres, software developers, and even go into more detail with each of the major cohorts, subdividing slots by classic, video and progressive; table games by pokers, roulette and blackjack, and so on.

So, what are the differences and peculiarities of these game cohorts?

Slot Machines

Usually, this is the biggest section at any online lobby. It is also the most frequently visited one. Here, a variety of reel configurations, topics, genres, bonus features, RTP and volatility limits, and low or high-roller variations are represented.

On average, narrowly targeted platforms, for instance websites for USA-based players that are powered by RTG, WGS Technology, Saucify, Rival or Slotland, will have a smaller selection of slots - between 80 to 200.

White-label brands targeted at Europe may be either single-software powered, which is often the case with Microgaming and Playtech that cater a total of up to 500 releases each, or multi-software ones, where the selection of slots starts at 100, and may exceed 1,000. Such is the case with Slots Million and Videoslots.

The most basic, and at the same time the most famous type of reel spinning is on classic fruit slots. These may have a either 3x3, 3x4 of 5x4 reel configuration and a set of symbols familiar to everyone: cherries, watermelons, Lucky 7, bells, stars, etc. These releases are usually very simple in terms of features, as it is with 6 Fruits by SYNOT that offers basic reel spinning plus a double up round, but there are also plenty of variations of bonuses and fancy designs to diversify the genre. Deco Diamonds by Just For The Win may just be an example of such modification.

Currently, the trend of the industry is video slots that are heavily based on stories and a diversity of features. These may include all sorts of Wild and Scatter variations, ways to win, free spins, pick-and-click sessions, multipliers, and level-based play among many other variants. An example of such complex but very engaging game is Pirate on the Edge by Skywind. A variation of video slots is 3D-rendered reeled machines, which have lately been the specialty of BetSoft.

Tip: In addition to classic, video and progressive releases, to check out the latest obsession of software developers - pachislots. Among software creators that specialize in crafting these, there is Japan Technicals Games.

We need to mention arcade slots, too. These have simple and basic mechanisms like standard slot reel spinning. What makes such games stand out is the unusual design. Most frequently, you won’t see standard reels, but would rather be introduced to an alternative layout, as it is at Energoonz.

Also, slot machines can be classic progressive and video progressive. It means that on top of the genre, players are invited to take a chance on winning a jackpot. It can either be a jackpot within the game, where the bigger the stake, the higher is the possible win as it is in Loco Habanero by Pariplay, or a progressive jackpot connected to a worldwide network. In this case, thousands of players on daily basis will contribute to a jackpot until a lucky spinner hits it. The most iconic example of such game is Mega Moolah by Microgaming, which has by now paid out millions of euros worth of rewards.

Regardless of the genre, every slot is a game of chance which means the key strategies are to select a good combination of volatility and RTP, and to bet wisely.

Table Games, Live Dealer, Pokers

This is a section that many players love. It covers roulette, blackjack, table and video poker, live dealer, and such other games as baccarat, Craps, and Sic Bo.

Regulars enjoy wagering cash on table games due to high return to player percentage of this section. Also, unlike slots that are a game of chance with you having a small impact on the outcome, here skills and knowledge of the subject will be at hand.

For instance, hundreds of pages of guidelines are written on playing video poker games: from preferred modifications for the newbies that will include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild to compiling the right hands according to working strategies, and stopping the game when the odds are not in your favor. Our portal also published a classification of video poker games based on the game’s winning hands, payouts, odds, and other parameters, and fans of this game type or those interested in learning to play it will be able to choose a variation to bet on.

Fans of roulette will also choose between many variations based on their preferences. Thus, the majority will go after a single-zero roulette, but there are also fans of other variations: American, La Partage, Common Draw, Double Ball, and others.

The same goes for blackjack that has lots of variations: European, American, Perfect Pairs, Double Exposure, Single Deck and VIP among some of the most popular, as well as table pokers: all sorts of Hold’ems, progressive releases, Caribbean Stud, Pai Gow, Oasis, and more.

Back in the day, these games, though considered golden classics, also used to be very predictable in terms of design, which would cause complaints from bored players. Lately, however, with the growth of the gaming market, there are quite a few studios that offer new and exciting takes on the old design.

Switch Studios, a young UK-based label working for Microgaming, is one of such innovators. Simply check out its American Roulette. Evolution Gaming, the leading live software developer, has been revolutionizing this sector for a while now. Did you see its combo of live roulette and interactive technologies all available live in the innovative Lightning Roulette?

Instant Win Games

This cohort covers games with simple rules and fast wins, and includes scratch cards, Keno, and Bingo. This genre is extremely popular in the United Kingdom. There are whole platforms with Bingo Rooms. There are also websites that have separate lottery sections with schedules listing upcoming draws.

Scratch cards are among the most common types of games. Simple at first glance, they do require some knowledge of odds and strategy. This genre may differ in terms of prices and may or may not come with the jackpot. Luck remains a big factor in succeeding in this genre, too.

Keno and Bingo are both based on lottery design and numbers. Keno is tied to picking a certain amount of numbers on a card and on hoping these would match the numbers on the balls drawn from the machine. Bingo, tickets already come with numbers, and marking off all of them leads to a winning streak.

This section also includes Virtual Sportsbook, Wheel, and other games of same sort, as well as Asian-inspired Mahjong, Pachinko, and others.

Additional Betting Options

In addition to games, many platforms would offer an assortment of other betting options. We already mentioned Bingo rooms and lotteries. Sports fans will be able to place in-play or pre-match bets on hundreds of sports events at platforms that have Sportsbook sections. There is even a more specific type of betting - on horse racing, and it is available at websites with Racebook software.

Platforms with Poker rooms are also very popular. Software here can either be installed or tournaments can be played online, and poker is a game that requires many skills. Finally, there is an option to explore exchange betting - a relatively new and trending type of wagering online.

Selecting Games at KTC

Our database has more than 11,000 game reviews with links to play and updates on promotions. We conveniently sort content by video slots, table games, video poker, arcades and variety.

Those of you looking for slots can sort content by the number of reels, pay lines, or specific bonuses and features. If you are exploring table games, in our database you can sort content by card games (e.g. blackjack, pokers, other card games), roulette and lots of its variations, live dealer and other table games.

More than fifteen variations of releases are included in the video pokers cohort, and there are also plenty of options among arcades. What is more, we also have an Alternative Classification into which all the releases with unusual mixes of rules and genres are being sent. Overall, our registered users can benefit from more than seventy categories of games with detailed filtering, which allows players to select preferred games quickly, and locate casinos where they are available in demo and real money modes.

Software Providers

Content that you find in online lobbies is not produced by these lobbies. It is a result of partnership agreements between online operators and a variety of studios. Back in the day, the selection of software was limited to just a few names, and usually, game providers would deliver downloadable clients that had to be installed onto computers.

Today, the majority of games are browser-based, and even the oldest studios already switched to instant software. Also, the booming industry currently offers thousands of games from tens of content creators, among which there are both old and experienced, as well as young and ambitious brands. The core list of i-tech giants, however, remains unchanged for many years now, and includes:

- Playtech
- Microgaming
- NYX Interactive
- Net Entertainment
- Evolution Gaming
- Play’n GO
- Euro Games Technology
- WMS

Two of the leading homeland countries for studios are the United Kingdom with its IGT, Microgaming and Playtech, and Sweden - home to Quickspin, ELK Studios, Fantasma Games, and Net Entertainment.

However, currently Eastern Europe is catching up in this race, with such popular brands as Evoplay Games, Foxium, RubyPlay, Wazdan, and Bomba Games emerging on the horizon. Also, Asia-based software providers such as Spade Gaming and Ganapati are trending. Let’s not forget about perspective companies from smaller markets, such as Bla Bla Bla Studios based in South Africa.

Offshore markets rely on a limited list of certified and regulated content by Rival, Saucify, BetSoft, Makitone Gaming and RealTime Gaming. Those looking for quality live dealer content, can explore a big list of creators, that in addition to an absolute leader Evolution Gaming, also stars Ezugi, Asia Live Tech, and Vivo Gaming.

Another tendency is i-tech giants signing deals with smaller providers. This allows companies to rapidly deliver new releases to portfolios, and to then productively distribute them to hundreds of online lobbies. Such is the strategy that Microgaming sticks to, and within several years, it expanded its list of suppliers to:

- Stormcraft Studios
- Gamburger
- Fortune Factory
- Slingshot
- Crazy Tooth
- Switch Studios
- All41
- and many others

Another major brand that sticks to this strategy is Yggdrasil Gaming with its YGS Masters program. It currently chaperones such startups as Northern Lights Gaming, AvatarUX, 4ThePlayer, Fantasma and several others.

Step 7: Finding Support

From the very first steps of registration to claiming and wagering bonuses, as well as withdrawing cash - questions can emerge throughout the entire gaming process online, and good online platforms will always employ a staff of help desk representatives to guide their clientele.

Ways of connecting with the representatives usually cover live chat (a 24/7 live chat at good brands), e-mail and phone. Basic questions can be solved here.

If there are questions of fraud, abuse of power, and other major cases involved, in comes the third-party regulators. In MGA and UKGC-licensed brands, these are IBAS, eCOGRA and Licensor, as well as commission representatives themselves. In operators regulated by Curacao, there is CDS. Brands regulated by questionable or controversial licenses, often stick to resolving issues within the brand.

What you as a newbie should also know is that the voice of the online gaming community is very strong when it comes to resolving issues. Forums at LCB, as well as other major gambling portals, all have a staff of representatives willing to connect to gaming brands on behalf of the player in order to solve problems and to point out the violations. Do not hesitate to seek for help here.

Step 8: Knowing Your Do’s and Don’ts

While we covered most of the major questions regarding selecting a casino and checking a license, opening an account and taking care of all bonus wagering and deposit questions, as well as choosing the right games, here is a small check list of the most basic do’s and don’ts that should be kept in mind:

Do’s

- Do find a platform that offers a no-deposit bonus for newbies.
- Do change a game immediately after you realize it takes a long time to pay. Many newbies believe that the longer the reels are being rolled, the bigger the final payout. This was the case with games at land-based venues, but it is not the case online. It will be in a blink of an eye that you realize you lost your balance.
- Do avoid the double-up function in slots. Statistically, it is a feature that lowers the slot’s RTP.
- Do start exploring slots by choosing releases with medium volatility and high return to player percentage, and make sure these are from the major software developers.
- Do check the casino’s reputation before signing up and avoid brands that have low ratings and lots of complaints.
- Do make yourself aware of all the programs that take care of the player’s reality check and safety from addictions.

Don’ts:

- Don’t go off the deep end by immediately wagering real money. Many platforms have their content available in demo modes, which allows players to select a suitable game in a safe environment rather than by a chain of financial losses.
- Don’t hesitate to contact help desk representatives or the gambling community in case you need assistance.
- Don’t lay all your financial hopes on gambling. This is primarily a source of entertainment,with many game cohorts being very specifically labelled games of chance with no guarantees.
- Don’t overestimate your wagering budget, and don’t proceed to gaming if your clarity of judgement is clouded by substances.
- Don’t engage in claiming bonuses unless you know you are ready to face the wagering requirements.

Online Casino Guide for Beginners (Becoming a Savvy Player in 8 Simple Steps)

Step 1: Choosing a Reputable Casino

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Step 2: Registering a Casino Account

Step 3: Claiming a Casino Welcome Bonus

Step 4: Wagering a Casino Welcome Bonus

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Step 5: Discovering Banking Methods

Step 6: Discovering Games and Providers

Step 7: Finding Support

Step 8: Knowing Your Do’s and Don’ts