How to Choose an Online Casino

See also Where to Play Casino Games?

You should look for several key features when choosing an online casino.

Awards and Reputation.
You must always choose a reputable casino. For this you should read what other players have to say about these casinos in message forums across the Web.

Software.
When looking at a casino's software provider, you should consider a highly ranked one that the majority of online casinos use. The graphics and playability of online casino software is improving with the rate of technology, and because high-speed Internet connections are so common, users should be able to play casino games glitch-free at any online casino. Though you have thousands of online casinos to choose from, the majority of them rely on the same few software companies for their casinos. Each online casino gets a software package completely designed for them in tune with the theme of their particular casino.

User environment.
For many players, the user environment is one of the most important aspects in choosing an online casino. The design and layout of a casino must catch the eye of the potential gambler, and the play must be free of any jerky movements or glitches.

Game types.
Watch for the number and variety of games an online casino offers. Most important, if you're new to playing online casino games, make sure you review the casino rules of the game you choose.

Play type.
Most of the best online casinos offer free downloads and free play of their high-quality casino software, perhaps as an encouragement to spend your money in the casino rather than on the software. For novice computer users, they also provide instructions on how to download and install their software.
Depending on your hard-drive space, processor speed, or connection speed to the Internet, you may not want to choose to download the casino software. Look for a casino that offers you the ability to play online without downloading their software.

Customer service and support.
The most common complaint regarding online casinos is the lack of high-quality customer service. Therefore, you should find a casino that not only offers a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page on their Web site and e-mail addresses by which to contact their help staff, but a casino that also offers 24-hour, 7-days-a-week live support via live chat, fax, or toll-free telephone calls from anywhere in the world.

Security.
One of the greatest fears of a new player betting at online casinos is that someone will steal their personal and credit card information. Online casinos must secure themselves against hackers who attempt to collect players' credit information to commit fraud. Both players and casinos should be aware of this risk and do whatever is necessary to protect themselves from being victims of such vicious attacks.
A player-protection company called e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) checks to make sure the online casino is secure for you to play at.
eCOGRA has a list of Generally Accepted Practices, or eGAP, which are principles it uses to judge online casinos for fairness and responsibility. Just as with OPA, you can find certificates from eCOGRA on casino Web sites. eCOGRA also lists their approved casinos on their Web site.

Licensing.
An online casino needs two types of licenses in order to function. First: the gaming license. When a casino is licensed, such as from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada or the Antigua Directorate of Offshore Gaming, the licensor gives its word that the casino will pay its winners.
Second, online casinos need a software license. The software manufacturer issues this license to a casino, for a fee, which is simply the right for the casino to use the software they have provided.

Deposit/Payout options.
Online casinos have recently been connecting with some of the top online payment companies. Some casinos even offer promotions or bonuses for using a particular online payment method.

Payouts.
The majority of online casinos have payout rates posted on their Web sites. Payout rates reflect the percentage of money that the casinos pay to the player. These payout rates are based on a set of odds programmed into the casino's software.

Bonuses/Promotions.
As interest in online gaming increases, online casinos are competing for your business more than ever. In order to attract new customers as well as keep current players, the majority of casinos offer incredible bonuses and promotions to new and old customers alike.