Frequently Asked Questions
Although online casinos have grown in number over the last couple of years, there are still a lot of players, both new and old, who want to try gambling online. But understandably, some folks are wary about its legitimacy and how it works.
We sifted through your common questions about online casinos and listed the frequently asked questions that will help you understand how online casinos work.
Is it really legit?
There are literally thousands of online casinos out there. There are lots of resources on the Internet (check our article on that) that compile the best online casinos as well as the ones we’ve blacklisted.
One indication of a casino’s legitimcy is their software. Some of the big names include Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, and Crytologic.
How Safe Is It?
The only way online casinos retain customers (aside from the variety of games and bonuses they give) is the security they provide. This is one of the most common concerns among online gamblers. An online casino must take precaution to protect their player’s personal and financial information, especially nowadays when hacking and identity theft is very common.
As such, online casinos use high level of encryption in their website (128-bit) to ensure that all the information you provide is safe.
Of course you have to do your part by choosing only online casinos that are licensed by a recognizable organization. Most licensing jurisdictions only give out licenses to casinos that have proved their financial records. Casinos are also required to get insurance or bonds to cover the balances of players in case something goes wrong.
Aren’t Online Casinos Rigged?
This is the most common sentiment of gamblers when it comes to online casinos. They feel that since it's powered by software, it must be easily tampered with and controlled.
But in reality, it's almost impossible to rig online casinos because the software they use also needs to protect their identity. The software is integrated with Random Number Generator (RNG) technology and is audited on a regular basis.
Aside from this, leading software providers offer play check systems so players can review all their transactions and game results whenever they like.
If there were rigged online casinos out there, it wouldn't take long before players noticed the irregularities and spread the news. It would bring tremendous bad publicity to the casino and the software developer. And in this industry, success hugely depends on reputation.
What Is The Legal Age To Gamble?
Like its land-based counterparts, underage gambling is strictly prohibited at online casinos. Players must be 18 years old to be able to open an account and play. However, the minimum age requiremetns can vary by jurisdiction.
What Do I Need To Be Able To Start Playing?
PC, smartphones, tablets, or any other gadget that has a web browser is fine. Fast and reliable Internet connection is also a must, especially for Flash-based games (the other type is download-only). You don’t want to get cut-off in the middle of a game. Right?
Keep in mind that Apple gadgets don't support Flash, so those users can only play downloaded games.
How Do I Deposit Money To The Casino?
Online casinos offer various payment methods but the more common ones are Visa, Mastercard, Click2pay, Neteller, and Skrill. Choose an online casino that offers a payment method that is most convenient for you.
What Bonuses And Promotions Can I Expect?
Land-based casinos can offer you free drinks, entertainment, and allow you to socialize. Online casinos, however, aren’t capable of offering these things. So in order to attract new players and keep the existing ones, they offer bonuses and promotions instead.
The most common are the: welcome bonus (you get it once when you sign-up), deposit bonus (the online casino will match a certain percentage of the total amount you deposit), loyalty bonus, and weekly promos where you have the chance to win additional credits. Free trials are also offered to draw new players in.
If I Win, When Will I Get Paid?
It depends on the casino. If the website has an instant pay button, then you can get paid within 2 weeks. This is reasonable since the casino needs to take security measures to ensure that there are no fraudulent activities. For large sums, the casino may ask for additional identification, which can extend the processing time.
Is There A Withdrawal Limit?
Most casinos have no withdrawal limit but some online casinos can't pay more than $5000 per week depending on your account status and payment method.
What Are the Wagering Requirements?
Before you can claim the bonuses that online casinos offer, you must first meet their wagering requirements. Wagering requirements apply to every single bet you place on a game, regardless if you're winning or losing. In short, you have to continue playing until you reach a certain amount of money before your bonus clears.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how online casinos work, it's time to create an account and start playing. With all the bonuses you can get, it's definitely a win-win situation.
