In recent years, engaging in interactive gambling activities has grown to become a popular pastime for millions of people around the world who sign into their online casino accounts to play their favourite casino games for fun or real money. For some, it is a one-off experience; for others, playing online is a hobby and a pleasant way to pass the time. Then again, there are also seasoned professionals for whom interactive gambling has become a major source of income. Regardless of players’ motives, one thing is impossible to deny – online casinos provide an exceptionally entertaining gaming experience, arguably better than that offered by their brick-and-mortar cousins.
There are three important events that contributed to the birth of interactive gambling. It all started over twenty years ago, with the enforcement of the Free Trade and Processing Act in Antigua and Barbuda in 1994, which gave the small twin-island country the right to issue licences legally to companies interested in offering online gambling services. The passing of the Act coincided with the establishment of Microgaming, which went on to become one of the leading developers of online casino software in the world – a position the company continues to hold to this day. A year later, another significant event occurred, namely the emergence of CryptoLogic, a company initially specialising in developing protocols for processing secure and reliable payment transactions over the internet.
As competition increased dramatically over the years, so did the quality of the casino software and the games. More features and functionalities were added while the introduction of live-dealer casinos and progressive jackpot slots further boosted the appeal of playing online. Following the boom of mobile devices at the turn of the 21st century, the next logical step was to increase flexibility and optimise casino games for mobile play.
Today, there are hundreds of online and mobile casinos welcoming customers from an impressive number of countries and territories. More and more players are deciding in favour of switching from land-based to online gaming. Read on to find out why.
Online Casinos and How they Work
Allow us to start with a short explanation of how online casinos actually work. Online casinos, also called virtual casinos, offer a selection of interactive casino games, ranging from classic mainstays such as craps, blackjack, baccarat and roulette to slots, video poker, tournament poker and bingo. The difference here is that there is hardly any interaction between players since all the games run on computer programmes called RNGs (Random Number Generators). There are three major requirements for an online casino to work.
Requirement No.1 – The Licence
Much like any other business offering services to the public, an online casino needs a licence in order to operate legally. Such licences are issued by dedicated licensing authorities and ensure the casino is legitimate. In addition, there are taxes to be paid, as virtual gaming operators are expected to contribute a specific percentage of their overall turnover. Depending on the jurisdiction issuing the licence, these taxes may be levied at a flat rate. Another important role of licensing authorities is to regulate and oversee their licensees to guarantee online casinos operate in compliance with specific guidelines and treat their players fairly.
Requirement No.2 – The Software
The second requirement is the software, as online casinos need a platform to run on so that they can provide a seamless, hassle-free gambling experience for their players. The first online casinos that were launched required the download and installation of a casino client, which contained the entire portfolio of games along with cashier functionality, allowing players to transfer funds to their accounts. Playing via the client was necessary because of the slow internet speeds at the time.
Many casinos still offer downloadable clients, but a great number of operators have also transitioned to Instant Play, allowing their customers to load and play the games directly in their web browsers. Some of the most respected online casino brands in the industry run on software provided by renowned developers such as the above-mentioned Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Betsoft, CryptoLogic and IGT. An increasing number of online casinos now offer games from several developers to give their customers a broader choice.
Requirement No.3 – The Payment Processing System
Virtual casinos enable their customers to place real-money bets, just as they would in a brick-and-mortar establishment. Accordingly, a payment system is required so that players can transfer money to their casino accounts and, conversely, cash out any profits they generate online. Typically, this payment system is integrated within the casino as part of its software. Successful online gaming operators normally provide their players with multiple payment solutions, allowing them to deposit and withdraw in a variety of currencies.
Another point worth mentioning concerns the safety of transactions – a topic many online casino novices are keen to learn about. Licensed and adequately regulated gambling operators are committed to their customers’ safety, which is why they use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption on their websites to protect the banking and personal information of their players. All monetary transactions to and from legitimate casinos are processed in accordance with the strictest security standards in the financial industry. As all information concerning payments at a given casino is heavily encoded, no ill-intentioned third parties have access to it and, even if they do, they will find themselves powerless to decode the gibberish.
How to Start Playing at an Online Casino
Many people who have never used the services of an online casino before have no idea how to begin their interactive gaming journey. The good news is there is not much to it and you will get used to playing online in no time. The first thing such players need to do is to find a legitimate and licensed online gambling operator that accepts registrations from their country of residence. Due to legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions, many virtual casinos cannot accept customers from specific countries and regions. If you are unsure whether or not gambling is legal in your domicile, you can contact a casino support representative via live chat and ask for assistance.
There are several criteria on which your decision as to where to play should be based. It is highly recommended that you look for casinos with appealing promotional offers and bonuses, a wider selection of games, multi-currency and multi-language options, as well as a variety of payment solutions, so that you can choose a deposit method you are comfortable and familiar with.
Once you have made up your mind where to play, you need to sign up for an account. The registration process is absolutely free and does not require much time to complete. You will be asked to fill in a registration form in which you need to specify your name, date of birth, address, email and phone number, as well as choose a password, security question and security answer for safety purposes. Do not worry – as we have explained above, your details are in good hands.
Once your registration is complete, you will be prompted to transfer a deposit into your new account so that you can place real-money bets. Selecting a payment method sometimes happens during the registration process, when you may also be asked to choose a currency. It is best to opt for a payment solution that works for both deposits and withdrawals.
To make a deposit, all you need to do is head to the Cashier section of the casino, click on your preferred method, and enter your banking details, such as your credit card or bank account number, together with the sum to be transferred. Then, you simply need to confirm the transaction and the deposit amount will be added to your casino account balance within seconds. Go back to the casino gaming library, choose your preferred game, adjust the size of your bet, and you are ready to go.
A few words on verification procedures. Upon your first withdrawal request, you will most likely be asked to verify the information you provided when registering. This is due to regulatory guidelines, security reasons, or sometimes both. You will be required to provide scanned copies of documents to verify your age, permanent address, payment method and identity.
The documents you will need include copies of your ID, passport or driving licence, a recent utility bill, as well as copies of the front and back of the credit/debit card you use. Please note, you are expected to cover digits 7 to 12 on the front of the card so that only the first six and the last four digits of the number are legible. The CVV code on the back of the card should also be blurred out.
A Brief Comparison between Online and Land-based Casinos
The games offered by online casinos largely coincide with those available in brick-and-mortar gambling venues. Traditional table games are the mainstay of both types of casinos. In land-based establishments, there are blackjack, roulette and craps tables with different minimum and maximum limits to cater to the needs and bankrolls of both high-rollers and low-stake players. Such is the case with online casinos, where players are able to choose from variations of their favourite games with different table limits. Reel enthusiasts will be able to enjoy various classic and multi-line slots, as well as different video poker variations, in both land-based and virtual casinos.
One of the main differences between these two media for gambling lies in the way players fund their gaming sessions. Visitors to land-based casinos need to carry the amount of money they intend to play with in cash and go to the cashier cage to exchange it for chips. Sometimes, the customer may opt to use a marker, which is a cheque they would write at a given table in order to buy chips. At some venues, cards can also be used.
Land-based casinos are known to extend credit to their customers. For instance, if a player runs out of money, they may apply for credit and, if their application is approved, they will be given more chips to continue their session. In fact, land-based casinos are more than happy to lend their customers money. On the downside, players who are unable to return the amount they have ‘borrowed’ risk the casino pressing felony charges against them. This is not the case at online casinos, where one cannot play on credit – the only option (a better one in our opinion) is to deposit and use one’s own money.
Social interaction is the second aspect in which online and land-based casinos differ. In brick-and-mortar establishments, gambling is, for the most part, a social activity, as there are other players at the table and they compete against the dealer in most instances. An extrovert would consider this a big plus, since for such people chit-chatting with fellow players or with the croupier is an essential part of the gaming process.
This is not the case with introverts, who prefer to play online at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. Such people usually find the ceaseless buzz of slot machines and the intermittent cries of joy from fellow players rather distracting. What is more, the busy, noisy atmosphere of the casino floor can be intimidating to some players.
Seven Reasons why People Favour Online over Land-based Casinos
The rate at which the online gambling industry has been growing over the past few years is truly staggering, with new interactive casinos opening their virtual doors to customers on a regular basis. The same applies to the number of available games, which is constantly increasing as software developers continue to expand their offerings, regularly introducing new titles for players to enjoy. If you are interested in learning why more and more people favour online over land-based casinos, we have listed a few of the main reasons below.
Greater Convenience and Quick Access
Online casinos are entirely committed to ensuring the optimal convenience of their customers. First of all, these websites are available around the clock, and there is no need to drive to a casino in order to play your favourite slot or roulette variation. The only requirements are that you have registered an account and possess a desktop computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection. This way, you can join the action with a few bets any time you choose – while you are waiting for your train to arrive or during your lunch break on a sunny park bench.
What further enhances players’ convenience is the opportunity to play the games at their own pace. Those who are just learning a given casino game will benefit from step-by-step tutorials and tips. They will also be able to take their time and carefully consider their next decision. One would not feel embarrassed or intimidated by more advanced players, as is often the case in land-based gambling venues.
Additionally, access to an online casino is exceptionally quick and easy. You simply need to sign into your account with your log-in credentials, make a deposit, and within a few seconds you are good to go. The interface of the games is easy to understand even if one is a rookie at online gaming. The graphics and animations are highly realistic and come close to what you would see in an actual casino. Moreover, you can determine the duration of your betting session. It is possible to play for a couple of hours if you have time to kill or to make a few quick bets for five minutes while waiting for dinner to be ready.
Broader Selection of Games
Many fans of online gaming cite the broader selection of games as the chief reason why they have transitioned from land-based to web-based casinos. You can switch between games with a few clicks of the mouse button. Many established online casinos have added hundreds of games to their catalogues, including different variations of mainstays like blackjack, roulette, craps, and casino poker. There is a suitable option for any type of player, even for those who prefer lottery-style games like keno and scratch cards.
The variety of slots at online casinos is unprecedented, with some operators offering as many as several hundred different titles. Many of these slots have huge progressive jackpots just waiting to be won. Some are based on popular blockbusters, novels, and TV shows, while others are inspired by iconic musicians and rock bands.
It makes sense that choosing from, say, 500 slots at a land-based casino is rarely possible due to the limited physical space in brick-and-mortar establishments. Of course, there are gargantuan edifices, like the Venetian in Macau and Foxwoods in the United States, which house several thousand slots and table games. But think about it – how many players can afford to visit and play at such refined and expensive venues?
As for those who seek the thrill of the live casino experience, they can conveniently do so in the comfort of their surroundings. Many online gambling operators have Live Casino sections with staples like baccarat, roulette, poker, and blackjack being hosted by real dealers and streamed in high quality directly to players’ desktop computers and smartphones.
The Option to Play the Games for Free
If you visit a land-based casino and ask the pit boss to let you play a couple of hands of baccarat for free to see how the game works, you will almost certainly be denied the privilege. This is yet another advantage online casinos hold over their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
The majority of online gambling operators provide new players with the opportunity to try the available games for free in Practice or Fun mode. This serves as a fantastic alternative for less experienced players, as it allows them to master the rules at their own pace without potentially losing their money in the process. In brick-and-mortar venues, you play only when you pay.
Free games are actually beneficial to more advanced and seasoned players as well. Imagine a new slot has just been added to your favourite casino’s collection – your fingers are itching to give it a go, but you are unsure whether the game will appeal to you. In online casinos, you can test new slots for free to determine whether or not they meet your expectations and suit your style of play. Basically, the only games one is not allowed to play free of charge are those hosted by real dealers and the progressive jackpots.
Security and Access to Payout Percentages
Some people are interested in playing for higher stakes but are reluctant to do so at land-based casinos, chiefly because they feel uncomfortable carrying substantial amounts of money. This would hardly be an issue if they were playing online, where high-rollers can deposit thousands of pounds in a matter of seconds and join the action at the high-stakes tables right away.
Payments in online casinos are processed in a secure and convenient manner, and there are plenty of banking options to pick from. Both financial transactions and personal information are securely encrypted, so the risks of embezzlement and identity theft are reduced to the absolute minimum. Moreover, if something happens to your money (which is highly unlikely), you will always have a regulatory institution to defend your interests.
Now, let us assume you walk into a land-based casino but are not familiar with the average return you can expect at a given blackjack table, where the house edge may vary depending on rule deviations. Neither the pit boss nor the dealer will willingly provide you with such information. In some gambling establishments, they only post the return percentages of slot machines. This is not the case with online casinos, as the latter are required to undergo regular software audits – the results are frequently updated and published on their websites. Players are thus granted access to the accurate RTPs of all games offered by the online casino.
Loads of Bonuses to Boost One’s Balance with
Online casinos offer a great variety of bonuses to both new and old customers. Typically, new players are awarded welcome bonuses upon their first deposits, but there are offers which do not entail depositing at all – the only requirement is to sign up with a real-money account and opt in for the bonus credits. Slot fans, on the other hand, are rewarded with Free Spins on selected games from the casinos’ slot collections. Most online operators have also set up loyalty schemes where players are given points each time they bet a certain amount of real money. These can be converted into bonus credits or even cash later on.
Some may argue that land-based casinos treat their patrons to junkets and comps as well. These come in the form of all-inclusive free trips to the casino, free meals, accommodation, air fares and show tickets. The only trouble is that high-rollers are normally the ones to benefit from such privileges. Low-stake players are treated to free beverages, though.
Greater Variety of Deposit Methods
In land-based casinos, there is normally a limited number of payment options. In most cases, players are required to exchange cash directly for chips. Depending on the player’s status, credit may be extended to them to pay back over time if they happen to lose the money. Some establishments also offer cash terminals, and cards are accepted in certain venues.
In contrast, you can deposit via almost every payment method imaginable at online casinos. What is more, some deposit methods can earn players additional casino credits, as many operators offer so-called reload bonuses which range between 5% and 15% of the deposited amount. At many online casinos, it is possible to process payments via credit/debit cards, eCheques, digital wallets, third-party payment processors, online banking, standard bank transfers, prepaid vouchers and virtual Visa cards, such as those offered by Entropay. Some online casinos have already adopted cryptocurrency and accept payments in Bitcoin as well.
Online Casinos Help Players Save Money
This might come across as a bit strange, but playing your favourite casino games online can actually end up saving you money. Not everyone lives in Atlantic City or Las Vegas – there are many people who reside in small towns and enjoy playing recreationally. If such a player decides to bet in a land-based casino, they usually have to travel to get there. And travelling involves additional expenses for transportation, fuel or parking. If they wish to extend their stay over the weekend, they will spend even more on accommodation and food. There is a good chance their expenses will surpass their profits in the land-based casino.
In contrast, a recreational player will experience none of these inconveniences if they register at an online casino, as all their favourite games will be readily available at their fingertips. The only problem that may arise is deciding which game to play first.
