If youβve been playing casino games on and off for a while now, you might be considering joining an online casino platform long-term. Casino gamers today are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting an online casino to play in, but not all platforms are created equal, especially if youβre looking for one that will continue to meet your needs and requirements as you develop as a casino player.
As is the case with beginners to iGaming, first and foremost, any casino you join should be licensed, legal, and safe and secure to play at. There are some other considerations that you need to keep in mind, however, such as the selection of games on offer, deposit and withdrawal options, and bonuses and rewards programs.
If youβre on the search for the perfect online casino, here are some key things that you need to look out for.
Challenging and exciting games
If you’re looking to become a long-term member of an online casino, the quality of game selections on offer will be very important. Most leading platforms will offer the usual fare that can be found in their brick and mortar counterparts, but take some time getting to know the platforms you’re interested in – what kind of table games are on offer? Does the platform have a wide range of online slots, including progressive jackpots or mega slots? Are there any tournaments or special events that provide more of a challenge? What about live dealer games?
Itβs also worth checking out the RTP (Return to Player) of some of the games on the platforms that have caught your eye β most reputable casino operators will publish RTP information on their websites, and you can also search for this information on casino directories.
Loyalty programs worth joining
One huge benefit of the saturation of the online casino market to gamers like yourself is that online platforms are starting to level up their loyalty programmes in an attempt to differentiate themselves. Leading online operators in the current market have become quite generous with their loyalty and VIP offerings, so you wonβt be stuck for options. Itβs important, however, that you are realistic about the amount of time and money youβll be prepared to spend each month, especially if you have a strict spending limit.
One of the most useful things to look for in a loyalty programme is one that gives you points for playing your favourite games. Each casino operator will assign loyalty points to different games, with some being of greater value than others e.g. $10 wagered in a slots game will generate more points than $20 worth of bets in blackjack. If you know you enjoy playing a game with a high point value then it will be easier to access your loyalty rewards.
Other things to look out for in a loyalty programme include enhanced customer service, regular free spins or bets on games you havenβt played, and access to exclusive promotions and tournaments. Donβt forget to check the small print too; you should be able to find detailed terms and conditions of loyalty programmes either in the casinoβs βAboutβ pages, or on the sitemap. If the platform youβre considering doesnβt have either, then step away!
A range of deposit and withdrawal methods
VISA, Mastercard, and American Express debit and credit cards remain some of the most trusted and accepted methods of making deposits into an online casino account, but in the age of digital banking, itβs important to have a range of options at your fingertips. Being able to deposit money into your account quickly and safely is a priority when you plan to play games regularly, as is using the payment methods that you feel the most comfortable with.
If you like the added security that comes from using an eWallet like PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill, make sure that any casino youβre interested in joining accepts your preferred platform. Some online casinos, for example, will accept Neteller and Skrill as approved ways to make deposits, but not PayPal.
You can prevent being caught out by expensive withdrawal fees by taking the time to research the withdrawal options on offer at the platforms youβre considering joining. Debit, credit, or prepaid cards typically have lower fees (0%), but processing times can take between 3 to 5 days. Meanwhile, depending on the individual casino, withdrawals made to eWallets can incur fees of up to 3%, but in many cases, withdrawals are processed immediately.