The Beginner's Guide to Online Casinos - How To Get Started
If you are new to online casinos, it’s vital that you first conduct some basic research before committing to a deposit. There are many factors to consider, ranging from T&Cs and payment methods to bonus offers and game selection, that will affect your overall experience. We’ll cover all of these areas throughout this guide as we introduce you into the exciting world of online gaming.
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✖How We Rank Casino Bonuses using BonusRank
Not just any online casino makes the grade. We have a strict process for testing online casinos to determine whether we even list them.
Once we approve a casino, our team of experts starts the real work. And it's thorough. Our unique BonusRank algorithm considers all the important aspects of a bonus and calculates a score that allows meaningful and direct comparison between bonuses. You don't have to guess, our rating scale will clearly show you if a bonus is great, good enough, or should be avoided.
Read more about our BonusRank system and how we make bonus comparisons.
✖What Are Online Casinos?
Online casinos are virtual platforms that offer a wide range of betting games accessible via an internet connection, 24-hours a day. They allow you to create a personal account, make secure payments and access a wide range of games from a desktop computer or mobile device.
To replicate games found in a land-based establishment, online casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to present realistic results on a consistent basis. This leads to a fair gaming platform where it’s possible to cash out real money profit, albeit by encountering a bit of good fortune along the way.
However, being a source of online entertainment, it’s imperative that you stay disciplined with your betting approach and choose to play at a licensed operator. At NoDepositRewards.org, we only work with online casinos who have obtained a gaming licence from a certified authority.
Note: Although you can also access sportsbook platforms via many online casinos, this guide will focus solely on the casino vertical itself.
Online Casinos vs Land-Based Casinos – What’s The Difference?
To help you distinguish how an online casino shapes up against a traditional, land-based establishment, here’s some key elements that visualise their differences.
Online Casino
Convenient - You can play from the comfort of home or any location you have an internet connection. Online casinos are accessible any time of day, 365 days a year.
Privacy - Your bets will be confidential and made in your own time and space. Other players won’t be able to see the outcome of your wager.
Game Selection - The choice of games at your disposal is enormous, with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of online slots and classic table games available to play.
Regular Promotions - You will have access to a much larger pool of ongoing promotional offers, as well as a diverse selection of no deposit welcome bonuses as found with NoDepositRewards.org.
Land-Based Casino
Instant Payouts - You cash out your chips to receive real money winnings instantly. Being paid into your bank account via the cashier desk may not be possible.
Atmosphere and Interaction - Some players enjoy the social side of playing in a shared space, combined with the buzz of entering the casino floor.
Delayed Gamerounds - You will need to wait longer between games on roulette and blackjack for other players to be paid out and place their bets
Restricted Accessibility - Some casinos aren’t open 24-hours per day and may impose a strict dress limit upon entry.
Check Local Gambling Laws
Every country will impose its own set of rules regarding online gambling. You must first conduct some basic research on whether registering with an online casino is legal in your jurisdiction, as well looking up the minimum age required.
Remember, ignorance of these laws is not a valid defence if you find yourself in violation. Non-compliance with local gambling laws can lead to fines, confiscation of winnings and even criminal charges in extreme cases.
Most governments have official websites that provide comprehensive information on gambling laws and regulations. Look for dedicated sections related to gambling, gaming commissions or regulatory authorities.
A major factor to consider is that of gaming licences which are issued by various bodies from around the world. You don’t need to be located in the countries where these organisations are based to play at an online casino licensed by them.
The most common names found at NoDepositRewards.org casinos include:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
- Curacao Gaming Control Board
- Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)
- Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden)
Although you do have responsibilities as a new player to check local gaming laws yourself, rest assured that every casino you see listed on NoDepositRewards.org has obtained an appropriate gaming licence. This assures you of a secure gaming platform and an external body to contact if a dispute were to arise.
How To Find the Perfect Casino For You in 8 Steps
With so many online casinos to choose from, knowing where to start can be a tricky decision to make. Much of the decision will come down to personal preference, and although the majority of brands offer a similar service, some casinos will suit certain players over others.
Here are eight simple steps you can follow to pick out the perfect casino for you:
1. Website Design and Platform
A simple assessment of the aesthetics and theme of the casino’s website can offer an instant insight into whether this is the right brand for you. A user-friendly interface is a key aspect here, where clear links to essential sections like games, promotions, payment options and customer support allows you to navigate effortlessly.
2. Loading Speed and Performance
Nothing detracts from the gaming experience more than a slow-loading website. It is one of the biggest reasons why a player would decide to leave a casino, especially if their playing experience is interrupted by lagging games and navigation. Play around on the site before registering an account to see if you run into any speed issues.
3. Mobile Responsiveness
Mobile responsiveness is a crucial aspect of all modern-day casino websites. If you will play predominantly on your mobile device, the casino website should adapt to your screen size seamlessly in both portrait and landscape mode. Likewise, check for compatibility with your operating system across numerous pages and games.
4. Online Safety & Security
A secure and trustworthy website design is of utmost importance. Reputable online casinos will prioritise player security with SSL encryption and safeguarded payment transactions, ensuring that all of your sensitive information is kept safe from cyber criminals. There should also be a transparent privacy policy accessible from their homepage.
5. Diverse Payment Methods
Before signing up with any casino, it is crucial to ensure they offer a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal methods tailored to your requirements. Also consider factors such as transaction fees and processing times to ensure a smooth and convenient banking experience.
6. Game Selection
There’s no excuse for a modern-day online casino not to offer a diverse selection of games, complemented by user-friendly filters and search options. Whether you're an avid slots spinner, live casino enthusiast or prefer alternative games (e.g. bingo, keno, scratchcards, etc), this should all be available in a large games library.
7. Bonuses & Promotions
All the casinos listed at NoDepositRewards.org will offer a generous welcome bonus, some of them with no deposit required. However, you should also look into the casino’s existing offers on their promotions page in relation to slot tournaments, instant cash drops and deposit boosts. Another good ploy is to investigate terms and conditions for their transparency and leniency.
8. Customer Support Options
Top-notch casinos provide round-the-clock customer support accessible through various channels such as live chat, email and occasionally telephone and social media. Likewise, big names will also offer support in various languages, accommodating players from different corners of the world. The presence of a detailed FAQ is also a good sign of an attentive casino.
Using the above steps provides a great indication of whether the casino is the right fit for you. These factors are something we also consider here at NoDepositRewards.org, of which our experienced team rigorously examine as part of our casino testing process.
How To Sign Up To An Online Casino – A Step-By-Step Guide
Registering a new account with any online casino follows the same easy process, especially when doing so via our website. All it takes a minute and best of all, you’ll have a fantastic welcome bonus waiting to play too.
Here’s all that is required:
- Pick Your Preferred Casino - Browse our listings for the casino and bonus which takes your fancy. Read our review to learn various aspects about the casino, whilst also familiarising yourself with the important terms and conditions.
- Proceed to Register - Enter your personal details on the casino’s registration page. Make sure they are accurate to avoid potential issues when verifying your account in the future. Create a unique username and secure password in order to proceed.
- Activate The Bonus - If a bonus code is displayed on our site, enter this during the registration phase. Alternatively, you may be asked to simply ‘opt-in’ to the offer manually. If you are claiming a deposit match bonus, make a minimum deposit at this point.
- Verify Your Details - Once complete, you’ll likely be asked to verify an email address or SMS number by clicking a confirmation link will be sent to either inbox. That’s it, your new online casino account and bonus are ready to go!
Casino Bonus Terms and Conditions – What You Need To Know
All casinos will encompass a general set of terms and conditions outlining such topics as account registration, player eligibility, prohibited activities, payment methods and game rules. These will broadly be the same at each operator, although they are still worth checking out as a beginner.
When it comes to bonus T&Cs, this is where certain clauses can differ and thus affect the true value of the reward.
Being a specialist in online casino bonuses, we’ve listed the most crucial terms you should be aware of:
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements indicate how many times you need to wager the value of your bonus before it is converted into real money. For example, with a 30 bonus and 30x wagering requirement, you would have to bet a further 900 before a withdrawal can be requested (30 x 30).
You will always see the wagering requirements listed as a multiplier within the main set of terms. Simply put, finding those as low as possible provides the best chance to cash out your bonus. We explain more about this crucial casino term in our wagering requirements guide.
Game Eligibility and Weighting
When working towards the wagering requirements, some games will be excluded by the casino. This are usually the likes of live casino, virtual table games, poker and bingo which offer a relatively high payout ratio. Playing any of these can see your bonus invalidated.
If some of these categories are permitted, they may instead be ‘weighted’ down. This reduces the contribution they make when bonus wagering. Where slots would count 100% of your bet level, roulette may be set at just 20%. Now, just 0.20 would count for every 1 wagered.
Game weighting is an often-overlooked bonus term but something definitely worth investigating as a beginner. We explain more how it works in our game weighting guide.
Withdrawal Limits
In relation to no deposit bonuses in particular, it’s likely you’ll be faced with a cap on your winnings. These limits generally range between 20 and 100 where anything in excess is forfeited by the casino team upon a withdrawal request.
Expiry Dates
All casino bonuses will come with a validity period. You must both claim the bonus and complete the wagering requirements within this period or your bonus, and any associated winnings, will be removed.
Minimum Deposit
When it comes to claiming a bonus, a minimum deposit will be needed to trigger the reward. Much depends on the offer in question, but you can typically expect something around 10 or 20.
Common Types of Casino Bonus
Being the home of the best casino bonuses, it’s also important we take a look at the different types available for new players. It’s always worth claiming a welcome bonus to either test out the casino for free or boost your bankroll with some extra bonus cash.
Here’s the most common types of casino welcome bonus you’ll find:
No Deposit Bonus Cash
Upon registering a new account, many casinos are willing to give you a chunk of bonus cash to play on a range of casino games. Often set somewhere between 10 and 50, you’ll instantly begin working towards the wagering requirements as you attempt to convert the bonus into real money.
No Deposit Free Spins
A similar promotion comes with no deposit free spins. Commonly credited in batches of tens ranging between 10 to 50, the spins will be added to a popular slot of the casino’s choosing or sometimes a small game collection. The wagering requirements will be applied to your winnings after all the spins have been played.
Deposit Match Bonus
After making an initial qualifying deposit, the casino will match its value by the advertised percentage up to a maximum amount. For example, this could be a 100% deposit match up to 100. In addition, they may even throw in some free spins on top! You can check out our match deposit bonuses for the latest deals.
No Wager Bonuses
Although rare, it’s also possible to find casino bonuses with no wagering required. Most commonly applied to free spins, this means that anything you win is yours to keep as real cash! There will likely be withdrawal limits applied, but these type of welcome bonus provide a great way to kickstart your casino journey with no financial risk.
With so many different offer out there, me and the team follow a strict methodology when it comes to bonus comparison. Of course, some offers are better than others, and not just necessarily because of what you see advertised on our site. Want to learn more? Take a read of how we compare bonuses at NoDepositRewards.org.
Casino Game Categories
When you first enter an online casino, the sheer magnitude of games staring back at you can be a bit overwhelming.
Knowing where to start is a tricky decision, and so next, we’re going to provide a quick introduction to the main game categories you’ll encounter:
Slots
Slots are the most abundant type of game you’ll find in the casino. There will be a countless array to choose from across various themes, game mechanics and payout levels. Their simplistic nature and instant payout nature has been a massive factor in their popularity.
The different types of slot include classic 3-reel replicas of those you’d find in a Las Vegas casino floor, video slots packed with bonus features, and jackpot slots with life-changing payouts on hand. To get a feel for slot games, check out our demo-mode slots that are topped up with unlimited bonus credits.
Live Casino
Live casinos replicate the setting of a real-life casino, providing access to various games via a streaming service and virtual betting platform. Human dealers are on hand to deal or present each new gameround in real time, just as you’d find in a real life establishment.
Alongside classic table games, live casinos also include modern day gameshows which offer big multiplier wins and exciting bonus rounds. Many use a giant prize wheel which stops on a particular segment to pay out the correlating reward.
Virtual Table Games
You will also find 2D animated versions of roulette, blackjack and baccarat at online casinos. These games use a random number generator (RNG) to simulate the results found when playing the real thing.
For casino beginners, playing virtual table games provides the ideal entry point. Compared to live casino versions, you can play in your own time and at reduced stakes to get a feel of the game.
Alternative Games
For increased variety, many alternative games will also be present at an online casino. These include the likes of Slingo, a unique blend of slots and bingo, and keno – a lottery-style game with substantial payouts.
There’s also online scratchcards which provide quick and thrilling chances to win instant prizes, and video poker where you use your own game knowledge to bet on winning poker hands.
Verifying Your Account – Know Your Customer Process (KYC)
Because the online casino industry is heavily regulated, operators are required to verify the identity of their players. This is primarily conducted to ensure new registrations are above the legal gambling age, free of potential gambling addiction and also as part of anti-money laundering (AML) obligations.
Although you probably won’t be faced with account verification straight away – you simply use personal details and a legitimate email/SMS address to register – it may be requested of you at some point, especially upon exceeding a certain payment threshold. This is what the casino refers to as ‘know your customer’, or KYC for short.
If you receive a KYC request, you will need to send in copies of personal documents to the casino.
Here is an idea of what would be required from a KYC request:
- Government-issued photo ID such as a passport, driver's licence or national ID card.
- A recent utility bill/bank statement showing your name and current residential address.
- A copy of your credit/debit card (with sensitive information masked), bank statement or screenshot of the e-wallet account.
- Some online casinos may request information about the source of your funds, especially for larger transactions.
Responsible Gaming – Your Obligations
Having looked at the casino’s responsible gaming responsibilities, you must also be aware of your own. Remember, playing online casino games is only an enjoyable and rewarding experience if you stay in control of your play.
All the casinos listed on NoDepositRewards.org will offer certain tools to help you maintain your spending. These come in the form of deposit, loss and wager limits which ensure you can’t exceed a specified amount over a certain timeframe. Reality checks and self-exclusion tools should also be used when necessary.
We explain more about how to play safely in our dedicated responsible gaming manual.
Payment Methods
If you wish to continue playing at your chosen online casino, you will need to set up a payment method in order to make deposits and receive withdrawals. Online casinos typically accept a wide range of payment methods to accommodate players from various regions and preferences.
The common types of payment methods accepted at online casinos include:
- Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, etc.
- E-wallets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, etc.
- Prepaid Cards: Paysafecard, AstroPay, Neosurf, etc.
- Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers or wire transfers.
- Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.
- Mobile Payment: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
It's worth noting that the availability of payment methods may differ based on your country of residence and the casino's terms. Additionally, some methods may only be applicable for deposits – namely prepaid cards. You should always review any associated fees, processing times and minimum/maximum limits for transactions.
Things Not To Do - Common Mistakes Casino Beginners Make
As a new player, it's natural to feel excited and eager to try your luck at the various games on offer.
However, there are some common pitfalls that many beginners fall into when they first step into the world of gambling, such as:
Ignoring the Terms and Conditions
All casino bonuses come with specific terms and conditions. Neglecting to comply with your obligations as a player will see your bonus and any winnings invalidated. To learn about the most important clauses, our bonus T&Cs section is the place to start.
Abusing Bonuses
Bonus abuse, even by accident, is a common pitfall new players make after first signing up. There are various ways to invalidate your bonus, mainly by not being aware of the terms and conditions attached to it. Our 5-step-guide on how to avoid bonus abuse provides further details.
Neglecting Your Budget
Without a proper budget in place, it’s all too easy to lose track of your spending within the exciting world of casino games. Bear in mind that deposit limits will be on hand to help you maintain a strict budget. Otherwise, this could lead to the very harmful behaviour of ‘chasing losses’.
Not Understanding Game Mechanics
Ideally, you should research how the payout mechanisms of casino games work. Remember that they are games of chance dictated by random number generators and return-to-player (RTP) systems that cannot be affected from your position.
Key Takeaways - The Beginner’s Guide To Online Casinos
- Register with a casino via NoDepositRewards.org to ensure you are playing at a fully licensed operator. Check local gambling laws to confirm the legality of online gambling.
- Find the perfect casino for you, based on numerous factors such as the design, mobile compatibility, choice of games and promotional offers.
- Read and understand the predominant terms and conditions set by the casino, especially in relation to claiming a bonus.
- Avoid common pitfalls which new players often fall into. Try and learn about the way casino games are designed before investing your money.
- Remember that you won’t win every bet placed. Stay in control of your spending and don’t chase losses.
Conclusion
Online casinos offer a secure and accessible platform to indulge in your favourite casino games. However, as a beginner, you should first understand your responsibilities as a player before registering an account. Likewise, careful research into the casino itself and bonus on offer is also highly recommended.
Luckily, NoDepositRewards.org has done much of this work for you, ensuring every brand listed on our site is fully licensed and provides a genuine way to win real money in a safe playing environment.