Online casinos are entertainment powerhouses, providing exciting games, a unique way to socialize, a great way to pass the time and, just for the lucky ones, a jackpot prize that may just change your life.
But there are ways to maximize the fun and level up the overall experience. It’s not rocket science, nor are they industry secrets, but easy-to-follow steps that you can implement straight away.
Casinos Catering to You
There is no one-size-fits-all casino experience. That’s the beauty of the sheer amount of choice available online. You don’t have to stick with a casino that doesn’t quite seem to cater to your specific wants.
For example, go for a casino that’s geared to your geographical location. If you’re based in South Africa, for instance, sign up for casinos that offer real money and call the Rand their currency of choice.
Geo-specific casinos will focus on the sports you care about, will front-page the table games and slots that tend to be popular where you are, and will easily accept the currency you want. No more having to mentally convert from dollars to sterling to yen to whatever when betting.
Be Smart with Casino Bonuses
Casinos will do almost anything for your business, including offering bonuses that seem almost irresponsibly generous. Do bonuses this way:
- Sign up to many sites. Widen the search, set up accounts with different companies, and take advantage of new player bonuses.
- Too good to be true? Check whether the site is legit (more on that below).
- Don’t think of it as ‘free cash’, or you’ll lose your bonus and the chance to walk away with some real-money winnings.
- Have a strategy. Don’t gamble without thought, but work a strategy to maximize your chances (basic blackjack is a good one to know).
Reputable Casinos Only, Please
The good part: the industry is so competitive, you have literally thousands of casinos to choose from. But there’s a downside: in any popular market, there will be people trying to scam you out of money. It happens everywhere, not just with casinos, whether it’s pyramid schemes, crypto scams (Do you happen to know where the crypto queen is?), or fake tickets to the NBA playoffs.
Scams are an unfortunate part of life. You need to be aware of the signs of a reputable casino. The most important step is to check whether the establishment has the legal right to operate. Check the relevant government website.
But there’s more to it. Read reviews. Ask people on Reddit or Discord. Check for complaints or problems with balance withdrawals. Don’t fall for a scam just because a bonus seems too juicy to pass up (that’s often how they get you!).
Try Live Casino Games
Many online casinos critics will tell you that land-based casinos are the ‘real thing’. Online just doesn’t offer the same experience, it’s virtual, it’s not social, it’s the ugly sibling.
Not true. And there’s no proof that’s better than online live casino games, like blackjack or roulette. Gone are the frustrating days of pixelated video streams and low-end graphics. In 2023, live casinos are led by experienced dealers who will grace your screens in full HD quality.
Not only that, but there’s a social component too. Most casinos will let you interact with the dealer via a chat room, and you’ll also have the opportunity to chat with other players.
Make a ‘Walk Away When…’ Deal
Our final piece of advice is a twist on the ‘know when to walk away’ advice you tend to see at most other places. The premise is all well and good, but the problem is that there is no specificity.
Humans don’t work well with vague advice. Instead, actionable and clear are the answers here (e.g. SMART goals). You want to set a specific time limit or stop loss before you start playing, for example.
Here’s one: stop playing when you hit a $100 loss. No excuses, no discussion. This prevents the dreaded loss chasing, which always leads to more pain. Or perhaps consider a time limit; do you really need to play for more than two hours?
These points will help you enjoy the online casino experience you deserve. Remember, you’re there to have fun, let off some steam, and pass the time. Not to lose money you can’t afford to lose, or fall for common scams.
