Are you new to playing casino games online? Maybe you’ve seen the alluring ads on TV for online casinos and fancy giving it a try? Well, you may be surprised to know that there are hundreds of online casinos to choose from. Before you go any further, you should read this article. It contains the key things you need to know to find the best online casino for you to play at. You’ll see how to spot the safe and legitimate operators from the rogues. Plus, discover the main criteria you should use to find a casino that matches your personal needs.

Safety

You should only ever play at a safe casino. Whilst that may sound like an obvious piece of advice, you’d be surprised how many new players get duped by dodgy operators. Fortunately, it is incredibly quick and simple to check that a casino is legitimate. All you need to do is check that the operator holds a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission. Simply look on the footer of the casino website, where their licencing credentials and a link to the official UKGC licence holder register will be displayed. A UKGC licence verifies that the operator adheres to the strictest standards of player protection. This includes top-notch technical security for safe deposits and withdrawals, independently tested fair games, and a commitment to promoting responsible gambling.

Games

Before you sign up at a casino website, take a moment to consider what types of games you want to play. Do slot machines take your fancy? Perhaps roulette appeals? Maybe blackjack is calling to you. Then check out the game selection on offer. If slots are your game of choice, then look for casinos that boast a rich and diverse selection, with plenty of jackpots included if you want to play for big money. If table games are more your thing, then opt for a casino with a solid selection. There should be a range of table limits that match your preferences. Also take a look at the live casino selection. The best online casinos will offer an exciting assortment of table games that you can play with real dealers, for a truly authentic land-based casino playing experience. If you want to play on a mobile device, then also peruse the mobile game selection to see how it shapes up.

Bonuses

You will find that most online casinos offer a welcome bonus to encourage you to sign up. Although, there are a couple of important factors to consider before claiming one. For starters, don’t simply take the offer at face value. Most casinos offer a match bonus on your first deposit and the amount they display is an “up to” figure. Consider how much you want to deposit and then check how much bonus this will reward you with. The other key factor is wagering requirements. Operators attached this condition to bonuses to ensure that you play with them and do not simply withdraw the extra funds. Check how many times the bonus needs to be played through before you can make a withdrawal to ensure you get a good deal. Also keep in mind that different types of games contribute different amounts towards fulfilling the wagering requirements. Confirm that you can use the bonus to play your preferred games.

Whilst there are various other factors that can be used to assess an online casino, such as deposit methods, customer service options and mobile compatibility, the above 3 criteria are a great starting point to get you started on your online casino journey.