In the iGaming world, new online casinos are constantly sprouting up. If you are new to the industry, it can therefore be a daunting task to pick out a suitable platform. How do you know which sites are legitimate? Or which platforms you can legally access?
We understand how tricky picking new online casinos can be, so to help, we’ve used expert advice from GambleOntario together with our own experiences to create a simple 7-step vetting process. This process looks at key aspects of online casinos like licensing, game selection, and promotions that you should consider before taking the plunge and registering an account with them.
Does the Online Casino Have a License?
The first thing you must look for is a valid gambling license from a real licensing authority. Licensing authorities issue gambling licensed to online casinos and sportsbooks. To get a license, the casino has to comply with rules and regulations laid out by the licensing issuer.
The issuer also usually audits the platforms regularly to make sure they are compliant. The U.S. has a range of state-specific licensing bodies such as the West Virginia Lottery Commission. Additionally, there are a number of reputable global license providers like the Gibraltar Gambling Commission and Curacao eGaming.
A license gives you a safeguard and ensures that the casino operates ethically.
Which States/Provinces is the Online Casino Legal In?
In Canada, regulation is overseen by the individual provinces. Typically, Canadian residents can only enjoy online gambling at state-licensed platforms such as those operated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (New Brunswick), Loto-Quebec (Quebec) or iGaming Ontario (Ontario), or by using licensed offshore online casinos.
Online casinos in the U.S. are currently only legal in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. These are online casinos that are owned and operated by U.S. companies within U.S. territory.
There are also licensed offshore casinos that operate outside U.S. jurisdiction but accept U.S. customers due to their global gambling license.
Either way, make sure you check that you can legally play at the online casino! Check the license information that we explained above, and also look at the age requirements. If you can’t legally play at an online casino, the website will usually block your access.
What Welcome Bonus is Available for New Customers?
All new online casinos have some type of welcome bonus. This could be a deposit match bonus on your first deposit, free spins, or free bonus money. Make sure you find out what the bonus is and read the terms and conditions.
The T&Cs will uncover the true value and caveats of the promotion. In the T&Cs, look for things like wagering requirements, game limitations, expiry periods, and maximum cashout restrictions. Once you have read the T&Cs you should have a clear idea if the welcome bonus is worthwhile.
Is There a Well-Rounded Game Selection?
Games and entertainment are the main reason most people play at online casinos! We want fun and we want to try out different games. Before registering at an online casino, you should be able to check the game selection.
Look for the main game categories. There should be video slots, jackpot slots, table games, video poker, live dealer games, bingo, lotteries, and more. Don’t stop there though – check the sub-categories to see how many games there are and who provides them.
Look for well-known iGaming software developers like Evolution, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, Big Time Gaming, and NoLimitCity. If you see names like these, you know the game library is high quality and fair.
Can You Access the Casino on Multiple Platforms?
Most iGaming enthusiasts now prefer to play at online casinos on their smartphones. It’s easier, faster, and gives you greater flexibility. To that end, it’s prudent to check the accessibility of each online casino. There should be a desktop version available via web browser access if you want to play using your computer or laptop.
The platform should also offer mobile support. We prefer the online casino to have a dedicated mobile app that you can download from the App Store or Google Play Store as these are easier to use and give a better experience. If not, the online casino should at least have a mobile-responsive version of its website.
This is a web-browser version where the layout automatically adjusts to fit on a smaller mobile screen still while still being usable.
How Can Customer Support be Contacted?
If you pick a quality online casino that adheres to these pointers, you shouldn’t experience any issues. However, the unknown can happen and in the event of a problem you need an excellent customer service team. First, check the available customer service methods. There should be a live chat, email ticket system, and telephone number.
Next, look at the customer support availability. The live chat should be 24/7, and if not, it should at least be available during “awake” hours, i.e. between 6am-23:00. We also advise testing the support methods to check their responsiveness and helpfulness.
Is the Online Casino Easy to Use?
If you have never used an online casino before, UI and ease-of-use are paramount. The registration process should be simple and quick, and the casino should make it clear how to claim the welcome bonus.
The website should also be easy to navigate. Can you identify all the game categories and search through their game library? How easy is it to access your account and manage your funds? Does the website or mobile app have fast loading times?
Spend time testing the site and using the navigation to see how easy you can get to grips with it.
Follow This 7-Step Vetting Process to Find the Best Online Casino
If you want a little entertainment and to forget about all the depressing U.S. news headlines, an online casino offers a great respite. Using our 7-step vetting process ensures you get the most out of your gaming experience and find a platform that is secure, legitimate, easy to use, and entertaining.
While doing your own research is always essential, be sure to check out reviews from other platforms and customers too. Sites like Reddit and Trustpilot have a trove of information and can often point out issues with the online casino that you may have missed. Above all, make sure that you have fun and use the responsible gambling tools available to keep your online gaming safe and under control.
