No Shortage of Casinos

Choosing the perfect online casino is almost an impossible task.  For one, the selection of online casinos is almost as vast as the web itself.  Secondly, there are no two gamblers that are exactly alike and there are loyalists to all sorts of casino games.  However, that does not mean there is not a solid guideline that a new gambler can adhere in the search for a worth casino.

A Plethora of Games

One obvious characteristic to be desired in an online casino is a wide selection of games.  Though most players have a particular casino game that they consider “their game”, that does not mean the do not dabble in other games.  Sometimes players like to try new card games or even blow off steam on slot machines when things are not going so well at the more skill based table games.  So look for casinos that have a great selection of slot machines, video poker, poker, keno, scratch, and progressive jackpots.  Some sites even offer sports books.

Reading is Fundamental

The next step is possibly the most tedious, but certainly the most important and informative.  Reading.  Review the various sites that peak your interest.  Take a close look at the casino terms and conditions.  You may find a casino with all the games you desire, but reading the terms and conditions of the casino may turn you off completely. 

Researching the deposit/withdrawal options presented at the casino is also very important.  Keep eyes open for information like time of transfer for each method.  As far as methods go, find out whether you can use credit cards, wire transfers, bank account transfers, and e-checks.  How you chose to handle your money with the casino is a serious matter and there are many options involved.  Take the time to visits the sites of each payment method and review their terms and conditions as well. 

Money Talks

Continuing on the topic of money, be sure to find out how long it takes for a deposit to make it to the casino and the length of time it takes for a withdrawal to come back to you.  You will find that casino times range from three weeks to instantly.  Either way, be sure to know the minimum and maximum time established at each casino for withdrawals and deposits.  When it comes to the many bonuses offered at almost every casino, make yourself familiar with the play-through requirements.  At most casinos, in order to claim their free bonuses, players are required to wager a certain amount of real money; anywhere from ten to thirty times your deposit plus the bonus.

With a Little Help from Friends

Support and service may not jump out to a new comer, but do not let the importance of such services go unnoticed.  People go to casinos to play games…with their hard earned money.  So when something goes wrong it is best to resolve it immediately.  Most respectable casinos provide 24/7 support.  Support should also be provided through multiple means; live chat, e-mail, fax, and telephone are the most popular.  Be aware of casinos that claim 24/7 live support but do not actually have any warm-bodies waiting to provide you service. 

Certification and Paperwork

Many people have said the world of online casinos are dangerously unregulated.  That is simply not the case.  There are a few accreditation that a new player can keep their eyes peeled for that indicate a trust worth gambling site.  First find out where the casino got its operation license.  Many big name casinos received theirs in Canada with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.  Not all great casinos, but many of them have received the eCORGA seal of approval.  eCORGA is an non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining fair and honest standards in online gaming and e-commerce.  In order for a casino to be awarded the seal, the casino must: have fair games, operate honestly, behave responsibly, provide safe monetary deposits, and payout winnings in a timely manner.

The last thing to look for in an honest casino are the tabs they keep on their own operations.  It is important to have a casino that maintains a high pay out percentage, 95% and above is best.  Most major casinos have not only their payout percentages, but their Random Number Generators as well, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.  Many casinos post an actual copy of each month’s audit in an archive for the viewing comfort of its guests.