More people than ever are playing casino games. World statistics show that 26% of people gamble, with many of these choosing to play their favourite games from the comforts of home.
The rise of online casinos is due in large part to smartphone, tablet and computer ownership. These days, players can access their favourite games without ever having to enter a land-based casino, and many are enjoying the convenience that online gaming has to offer.
Whether you’re experienced with online casinos or a newcomer, it’s worth knowing what features to look out for. In this article, we explore the top seven features you should consider before choosing a casino site to play at, to ensure you’re getting the best gaming experience out there.
Reputation
Reputation matters, and when it comes to online casinos it speaks volumes. There will be some casino brands out there that you hear a lot about, not just from players but as a result of their advertisements and campaigns. And while good marketing doesn’t always guarantee an equally great experience, the casinos that can afford to invest in their reputation will also be investing in the experience they offer too.
When in doubt, stick to online casinos you’ve heard of before or who have many positive reviews online.
Game Options
Another feature you should look out for is the gaming options that are available to you. The best casinos will offer a huge array of games to ensure that their players will never get bored and are constantly adding new titles to try.
One of the benefits of online casinos is that unlike land-based casinos, they aren’t limited by physical space and can easily include the latest games to their offering.
Security
Cybersecurity is becoming a huge concern across industries, as so much of what we do is online now. With cyberhackers becoming increasingly smarter, the threat of personal data being stolen is on the rise and should be something to consider whenever you’re sharing your details online. As online casinos do require you to input your data and banking information, it’s important that they’ve invested in the most up-to-date security measures to keep players safe.
The best casinos will outline their policies and be always improving and upgrading their security to align with the latest measures.
Customer Service
The level of customer service might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about online casinos, but you’ll definitely notice it when you need it. As most online casinos are open 24/7, you should be able to receive help during these times too.
There should also be options available to you when it comes to how you get in touch, from email to a helpline and live chat so you can speak to an advisor instantly. When it comes to the customer service itself, it should be friendly and useful.
Design
These days, great UX/UI design should be expected. But not all online casino sites have invested as heavily into their design as others.
Great design will make a big difference in your gaming experience and how you navigate the website, so it’s a feature that’s absolutely worth considering when you’re choosing one online casino website over another.
Payment Options
Any good website, whether it’s an online casino or e-commerce shop, should offer its customers an array of payment options. This can include everything from different card types, to other features like Apple Pay and even currencies like Bitcoin. The ways that you can pay should be diverse and suit whatever if your preferred option.
At an online casino you should be able to make deposits and withdraws quickly, so checking whether they allow you to do so, and comparing the timescale with others, is recommended.
Loyalty programmes and bonuses
There are so many online casinos to play at these days, but a feature that will definitely make one stand out from the other is their loyalty programmes and bonuses. Many casinos offer new players a sign up bonus, which allows them to play with free money to try out their games. The best online casinos will continue to reward loyal players with VIP schemes and promotions, so have a delve into what’s on offer before you commit to playing with them.