Slots reign as the undisputed kings of the casino floor, with WifiTalents revealing that 70% of online casino revenue in the US stems from online slots. With so many online platforms offering slot games from all kinds of vendors, it is quite important that players find sites that not only offer quality games but also prioritize their security.
The online casino world has been growing at a rapid rate, with the global online gambling market being valued at $78.66 billion in 2024. This is due to the huge number of operators that have risen, as well as players entering the market. IBISWorld reported that there were 4,563 global casinos and online gambling businesses by the end of 2024.
Although many operators offer quality services, with the large number of casinos, some malicious players might masquerade as legit casinos to dupe unsuspecting gamblers. Just imagine signing up to a casino to enjoy your favorite slots, only to realize that all your deposits are MIA. How devastating!
Check out the licensing
The first thing to look for in a casino before registering with it is its licensing. A proper casino will be regulated by a reputable authority. Some of the well-known regulatory commissions include:
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Gibraltar Gambling Commission (GGC)
- Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ)
But why is licensing important? To start with, regulation works to safeguard the player. Licensing bodies ensure that:
- Operators follow the regulations set for the jurisdiction in which they operate.
- Players are not exposed to fraud or unfair practices.
- Gambling operators handle financial transactions in a secure and transparent manner.
- Operators maintain fair play
The UKGC has been known to enforce strict requirements to the operators under them with a keen focus on players. If the operator doesn’t adhere to its strict guidelines, then licensing is immediately revoked. Also, the MGA has been known for its robust licensing process, ensuring that operators meet the highest standards of fairness and security.
The allure of unlicensed operators is that you can make higher withdrawals, get speedier transactions and access more games. However, the risks are higher than the benefits. You don’t want to be in a casino where you are not sure whether you will make your withdrawals or if your personal information is safe.
The payment options available
The time it takes to make a withdrawal can make or break your gaming experience. As a casino player, you want a payment method that offers you security and speed. There is nothing as frustrating as waiting for three to five days in order to receive your potential winnings.
The good casinos always incorporate a wide range of payment options for withdrawals and deposits. While these options might have their own pros and cons, it is for you as a player to know which payment method suits you best.
Some of the popular payment methods include:
- Credit/debit cards like MasterCard, American Express and Visa.
- Direct wire transfer.
- Cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin
- E-wallets such as Neteller, PayPal, Skrill and Zelle.
E-wallets have become a personal preference of many gamblers due to their security and easy integration with mobile phones. With more than 75% of online gamblers preferring mobile devices for gaming, casinos which do not offer e-wallets as a mode of payment can be quite frustrating.
A payment service like PayPal offers convenience that makes it more desirable than banks. For example, a recent study by PYMNTS and FIS revealed that roughly 60% of consumers prefer storing their payment credentials with PayPal rather than their local bank. However, you’ll realize that bank transfers are more suitable for high rollers as they make it easy to make huge transactions.
How good is the customer service?
Bad customer service, what can compare to it? Poor customer service can turn the best of gaming experiences to the worst of them. Players want support agents who are knowledgeable and can help them out at any point during their gaming session. A report by Coveo states that customers will abandon a brand after two negative experiences.
Good customer service in an online casino gaming setup entails speed, availability and proper information. Top casinos often offer multiple channels of support 24/7, which include chatbots, FAQs and live agents through email and direct line services. You don’t want to be waiting in line for hours to get your issue fixed or your questions answered. In fact, good casinos give comprehensive answers to the common issues in their FAQ sections.
When speaking to live support, they should give prompt answers and in a knowledgeable way. It would be messy if the support agents you talked to did not have the answers to the questions about their platform.
Be prepared before you settle
Online casino gaming can be frustrating if you find yourself on the wrong platform. Therefore, you need to take your time to review a casino before you can fully commit to it. There are many online review sites that provide comprehensive reviews about different platforms, providing all the information you might need as a player.
If you want to remain safe and enjoy your gaming experience to the maximum, then it is vital that you take some time to get the finer details. With cyber threats and fraud being on the rise, you cannot afford to settle for the first platform that comes into your vicinity without a proper background check.
