Gambling online should never be taken lightly. Although it is a fun hobby, remember that real-money casino games can eat up your bank account balance if you’re not careful. Whether it is casino gaming or sports gambling, learn how it all works here!
ESTABLISH AN ONLINE GAMBLING BUDGET
Before loading up any online gambling sites, it is crucial to set aside your budget for real-money play, that is, gambling online with real money. Every responsible online gambler makes sure to set a budget to avoid overspending and to keep track of their online gambling activities. By having a budget in place, you can limit the amount of money you spend on gambling and avoid any financial problems that may arise from overspending. Unless you keep tabs on how much money you spend on real-money online gambling, it is easy to lose money quickly. Do not bet money that you cannot afford to lose, and when the fun stops, stop gambling.
CHOOSE A LEGITIMATE CASINO SITE
Although there are way too many online casinos to count, it doesn’t mean that all of them are legitimate. Legitimate casino sites are licensed by reputable gaming authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). A licence from the MGA, for example, would indicate that the online gambling site in question has undergone rigorous testing and meets certain standards of fairness and security. Additionally, check for independent third-party sites that have completed the casino’s auditing and certification. This confirms that the casino games being offered are fair and that the gambling site operates transparently.
It is also important to look for secure and popular payment methods which protect your financial information — credit cards and e-wallets are the most popular payment options. Do note deposit money without first making sure that the casino guarantees safe and secure deposits. Also, check if the casino has a good and informative Customer Support page — no page at all would mean that the casino doesn’t really value its new customers. And finally, have a look at what expert reviewers have to say about the online casino you have chosen to have an idea about what to expect upon joining. The sign-up process is usually quite fast, but the casino may need to verify your documents before enabling you to withdraw your funds.
BROWSE THE POPULAR GAMES
Are your favourite games offered by the casino you have chosen? Does it offer all the traditional games like roulette, poker and blackjack, if that’s what you’re looking for? Game variety is important when choosing your casino, but so is making sure that the games being offered are safe. Browsing game releases can help you identify any potential red flags, such as suspiciously low payout rates or rigged games. The gambling industry has pumped out thousands of games, but not every casino product out there is legit.
CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUS
Claiming casino bonuses is the talk of the town, but doing so safely is the key factor here. In general, a casino bonus grants you more money to use on games, be it slot games, table games or even Live Casino games. In essence, bonuses give you more attempts to win money than your money is worth.
- The first step is to choose a reputable online casino with a valid license and a track record of fair play — we’ve gone over that in the sections above.
- Then, read through the bonus terms and conditions carefully to understand the wagering requirements, restrictions and selected games that qualify. Ensure that you meet all the criteria before claiming the casino bonus to avoid any potential issues.
Most casinos, including land-based casinos, offer a sign-up bonus. These are usually referred to as Welcome Bonuses and they are only available to new players making their first deposit. If you’ve already made your first deposit, claimed that bonus and spent that bonus money, you can claim the usual Deposit Bonuses, which normally award you with bonus cash proportional to your deposit. However, some bonus offers also give you bonus spins, which is great for fans of online casino slots. Don’t worry; the best online casinos offer bonuses for everyone, even players who prefer online poker, roulette and blackjack — sports betting included! Loyal customers are sometimes offered a VIP program, which can include exclusive bonuses, weekly rewards and other great rewards.
STUDY THE BETTING OPTIONS AND PLAY RESPONSIBLY
When gambling online, you should never gamble without knowing the ins and outs of every bet you place. It’s important not to place bets before you know how and when they pay — this goes for slot games, card games and sports betting. Online casinos will not be held responsible for bets you have mistakenly placed!
If you’re a fan of slot machines, make sure to consult the game rules. All online slots players should make a habit of checking how paylines work (or how many ways to win there are), what symbols they should look out for and what features there are. All slots and card games have this information written in the game rules, not just the best online slots. When it comes to sports betting, all online sportsbooks should have a clearly visible bet slip on which your current bets are placed. Make sure that the sports odds are acceptable for you before placing any money on the line. Don’t remember what we said about your gambling budget, so don’t bet more money than what you initially prepared for.
UNDERSTAND LUCK
Before trying to legally gamble and claim any casino offers, it’s important to understand how important luck is when gambling. While skill and strategy can play a role in some forms of gambling (especially poker), luck is often the deciding factor in whether you win money or lose it (think of the chances of winning when buying lotto tickets). Luck is essentially the unpredictable and uncontrollable factor that can determine the outcome of a gambling session — this goes for both online gambling and Las Vegas gambling. Even the most skilled and experienced gamblers can be defeated by a run of bad luck.
Luck can be considered as both an advantage and a disadvantage when it comes to gambling. On the one hand, a lucky streak can result in big wins and a sense of accomplishment. However, on the other hand, a string of bad luck can lead to significant financial losses. One of the most important factors in the role of luck in gambling is the element of chance. In games such as slot machines, roulette, and lottery, the outcome is purely determined by chance, and luck is the only factor that can influence the result. In contrast, games such as poker and blackjack require a combination of skill, strategy, and luck. While a skilled player may be able to reduce the impact of luck to some extent, there is always an element of uncertainty in these games.
DON’T GET CARRIED AWAY WITH PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS
Progressive jackpot slots are slots in which the jackpot (that is, the grand prize) increments the more players gamble. A portion of each player’s bet is tucked away for the progressive jackpot, which keeps growing the more people are playing at the slot. New players might be tempted to gamble on a progressive jackpot due to the prospect of winning the grand prize, but their chances are exceptionally low. No “how to gamble online” educational post on any casino site recommends persisting with progressive jackpots, and ours won’t be the one that does!
USE YOUR PREFERRED DEVICE TO PLAY ONLINE
The rise of technology has revolutionised the way people gamble, with mobile phone and desktop gaming being the two most popular forms. Mobile gaming involves playing games and placing bets using a smartphone or tablet, while desktop gaming involves using a desktop computer or laptop. One of the main advantages of mobile gaming is convenience. Players can access casino games from anywhere, at any time, without the need for a physical casino or computer. Mobile gaming also allows for easy and secure transactions, making it a popular choice for people who prefer to gamble on the go.
Desktop gaming, on the other hand, offers a larger screen and a more immersive gaming experience. It is also more suitable for games that require a higher level of concentration and strategic thinking, such as poker. Desktop gaming platforms typically have more features and options than their mobile device counterparts, offering a wider range of games and bet options.
CHECK OUT FREE GAMES (DEMOS)
Where slot games are concerned, giving the demo mode a spin is definitely recommended. If you’re not familiar with this method of playing free games, then you’re in for a treat!
- The demo mode is a gaming mode available in most online casinos that includes all the same features and mechanics you can expect when digging into the actual gameplay.
- The only difference is that you won’t be pulling in actual cash prizes when placing free bets. The slot provider will set players up with a virtual bankroll — a form of fake cash that will only exist within the game.
- Players won’t be able to collect any of the winnings they earn in the demo, but this free-play version of the game is a great way to give the slot a taste test before diving right in.
Depending on your jurisdiction, there may be registration required, as well as verification checks, before access to the demo mode can be granted. In cases where verification is not necessary, you may be able to play for free as a visitor. Other online casino games also include demo modes, but not all games offer this feature. The best online gambling sites always make it a point to offer games that come with a demo for their players to try.
WITHDRAW YOUR WINS WHEN YOU ARE DONE PLAYING
After learning how to gamble online, you’ll need to know how to withdraw your money. Placing a deposit is usually quite easy since casinos try to accommodate new players as much as possible when they first deposit. However, there are some steps that a site might demand before you can withdraw your winnings. This usually includes verification of your documents, a process that might take a few days or weeks to complete. We recommend completing this process sooner rather than later, since you won’t need to wait too long to claim your winnings that way!
JOIN ENERGYCASINO AND START PLAYING ONLINE
If you want to kickstart your gaming experience, feel free to drop by the EnergyCasino portfolio comprises over 3,000 online slots from the industry’s leading software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw, Big Time Gaming, Red Tiger and others. You’ll find all of your favourite classics, like Starburst™ and Stunning Hot™, as well as modern and innovative releases like Gonzo’s Quest™ Megaways™ and Bigger Bass Bonanza™.
GAMBLE ONLINE AT OUR LIVE CASINO
At our Live Casino, professional dealers are ready to greet you at hundreds of our authentic tables. Whether you’re in the mood for some card games, there’s a perfect table out there for you. We recommend games like Lightning Roulette, Golden Wealth Baccarat and Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker. Last but not least, our live shows combine the best of both worlds, offering unforgettable live gameplay with vibrantly explosive features and bonuses. Interested? Check out Crazy Time, Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt, Mega Ball, Cash or Crash, Monopoly Live and Fan Tan.
TRY OUT OUR SPORTSBOOK
Fans of sports betting are also welcome! Our Sportsbook offers betting markets on a wide range of popular sports, including football, basketball, horse racing, and more. We also offer the best odds and the best bonuses for both Sportsbook users and casino players, so check out our ‘Promotions’ page to find out more! With every popular payment method and casino game available, you can easily turn this “How to gamble online” post into a worthwhile casino experience!