Online Casino Guide

Gamerisms understands the overwhelming array of games and betting options available online, making it difficult for players to choose where to deposit real money safely. We have conducted extensive research using specific guidelines and standards to help you make an informed decision.

Our comprehensive guide highlights trusted and reputable gaming sites based on reliability, proper certifications, and their track record in the industry. Gamerisms aims to set a benchmark for online casino reviews, ensuring a secure and enjoyable gaming experience for players worldwide.

General Guidelines
Online Casino Games Guide

As players, the online gaming experience should be entertaining and rewarding and include these gaming options:

  • Games inventory variety.
  • Large total number of games and betting options.
  • Fair gaming verified by independent auditors.

To enhance your play, there should be special promotions including a generous welcome bonus, tournaments, loyalty rewards program and a newsletter.

To increase trust and security, these gaming sites must offer outstanding 24/7/365 customer support along with a variety of deposit options and fast payouts.

10 Benefits
of Playing at Online Casinos

There is no dress code requirement or travel expense to get in on the action. You can play the tables, slots, bingo, several poker versions or bet on your favorite sports team.

Additionally, you have the opportunity to check and determine which games are best to play, including the ones that payout best. Then there"s the ability to change from slot machines to video poker, to table games without even leaving your seat.

Click on one of the benefits below to read more about it.

Better Odds

Online casino players often enjoy better odds compared to traditional gambling settings. For instance, a typical American Roulette wheel has 38 slots, including zero and double zero, resulting in a 5.26% house advantage. In contrast, European Roulette has only one zero and 37 slots, offering a more favorable 2.7% house edge.

Online casinos cater to a global market and provide both versions, benefiting US players. Additionally, online slots usually have higher payout percentages, averaging around 97%, with some reaching 98-99%. Reputable online casinos regularly post their RTP (Return to Player) percentages, helping savvy players find the best odds.

Free Play

For beginner gamblers or seasoned players exploring unfamiliar games, most online casinos offer a "play for free" version of their software. This feature allows you to learn the game and perfect your skills without risking any of your money.

Comps, Comps, Comps

Most online casinos now offer a variety of comps to both new and existing players. These perks come in many forms, including signup bonuses, free spins, loyalty rewards, match bonuses, free play coupons, high roller bonuses, VIP clubs, and more. The value of these comps varies between casinos, so savvy players should always be on the lookout for the best programs.

Convenient Access

One of the top benefits of online gambling is convenience. Players are no longer limited by their physical location; as long as they have internet access, they can play any game at any time. With the rise of mobile gaming, gamblers now enjoy an even greater level of accessibility.

Less Pressure

It's all about the luxury of playing at your own pace. Online gaming allows players to carefully consider their moves and make better decisions without the pressure of others waiting. Unlike the intimidating atmosphere of a physical blackjack table, where decisions are rushed, online casinos provide a more relaxed environment. Additionally, you can be confident that a misplayed hand won't affect other players, ensuring a stress-free gaming experience.

More Variety

If you can place a bet on it, you can find it online. While traditional gambling options like casino games, sports betting, and poker remain the most popular, players now have access to a wide range of other games. These include bingo, fantasy sports, video games, and skill games such as chess, backgammon, dominoes, and billiards.

Originality

Many casino sites offer standard software and games, but new online casinos are creating unique experiences. Games like video poker and slots are especially noteworthy. Video poker versions that have disappeared from land-based casinos, such as All American, are now available online, along with over 100 other variations. Slot machines and skill/casual games also see frequent new releases online, outpacing offline casinos.

For more details on the variety and originality of online games, refer to the Online Casino Games Guide, covering blackjack, video poker, roulette, craps, slots, and poker.

Tournament Action

With poker's popularity soaring, major industry players continuously offer a variety of tournaments. Beyond poker, there are also numerous blackjack and slots tournaments available online. These events provide non-stop action for enthusiasts of various casino games.

Assistance 24/7/365

Many gamblers hesitate to play online due to concerns about potential problems and lack of support. However, reputable online casinos prioritize customer service, knowing it is crucial for their success. They understand that quick responses build player confidence, so they offer support 24/7/365.

Support options vary but typically include at least a toll-free number and an email address. The better casinos also offer live chat for immediate assistance. This ensures that players are never left to handle issues on their own.

Continual Gaming Tips and Info

Many players are trying new games not found in traditional casinos. Often, they do not use proper strategies. To help, many online gaming sites offer tutorials to teach new players optimal strategies. These tutorials ensure that players can enjoy the games and improve their skills, making the online gaming experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

Additionally, gamerisms.com is an accessible, free resource to add to your online gaming education toolbox.

Security Measures
in Online Casinos

Encryption

Top online casinos use advanced encryption like SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) to ensure that all data transmitted between the player and the casino is secure from unauthorized access.

Data Protection

Casinos adhere to stringent data protection regulations, such as GDPR, ensuring player information is securely stored and handled, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.

Fair Play Audits

Independent agencies like eCOGRA regularly audit online casinos to ensure fair play. These audits verify that the Random Number Generators (RNGs) used in games are genuinely random and fair.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Many online casinos provide two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of verification for account access.

Firewalls and Anti-Fraud Systems

Robust firewalls protect the casino's servers from cyberattacks, while sophisticated anti-fraud systems monitor transactions for suspicious activities, safeguarding player accounts.

Licensing and Regulation

Licensed casinos comply with regulations set by gaming authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring adherence to strict security standards to protect players.

These measures collectively ensure a secure and safe gaming environment for players at online casinos.

Global Online Casino Licensing Bodies

A significant trust factor for an online casino is having a license from a reputable global licensing body. This ensures the casino adheres to strict regulations and maintains fairness.

Below, we outline the key regulatory bodies governing online casinos around the world.

United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)

Regulates all forms of gambling in the UK, ensuring high standards of fairness and player protection through stringent regulations and regular audits.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Oversees online gaming operations in Malta, known for its strict regulatory framework ensuring compliance and security.

Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA)

Licenses and regulates online casinos in Gibraltar, maintaining high standards of player safety and fair play.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission

Based in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada, it licenses online casinos and poker rooms, ensuring fair and secure operations.

Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC)

Regulates eGambling from Alderney, focusing on integrity and fairness in the gaming industry

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission

Offers licenses to online casinos, emphasizing player protection, fair gaming, and anti-money laundering measures.

Curacao eGaming

One of the oldest licensing bodies, offering licenses to numerous online casinos with a broad regulatory scope and relatively easy licensing process.

New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)

Regulates online gambling in New Jersey, ensuring compliance with state laws and robust player protection measures.

Nevada Gaming Control Board

Oversees all gambling activities in Nevada, including online poker, upholding high standards of integrity and fairness.

Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC)

Issues licenses to online casinos, ensuring they comply with local laws and international standards for fair gaming and player protection.

As players, the online gaming experience should be entertaining and rewarding and include these gaming options:

Key Points

  • Fairness and Integrity: These bodies ensure games are fair and operators are trustworthy.
  • Player Protection: Emphasis on safeguarding player funds and personal information.
  • Compliance: Regular audits and strict compliance requirements maintain industry integrity.

These licensing bodies are crucial in upholding the integrity, fairness, and safety of the global online gaming industry.

Payment Options
in Online Casinos

Credit and Debit Cards

Popular options like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Transactions are typically processed instantly, but withdrawals can take 3-5 business days.

E-Wallets

Services like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller offer fast and secure transactions. Deposits are immediate, and withdrawals usually process within 24 hours.

Bank Transfers

While secure, bank transfers can be slower, taking 3-7 business days for both deposits and withdrawals.

Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies provide quick and anonymous transactions. Processing times for both deposits and withdrawals are typically within a few hours.

Prepaid Cards

Options like Paysafecard allow for secure deposits without linking to a bank account, though they often don’t support withdrawals.

Mobile Payment Services

Methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay offer convenient and secure transactions, typically processed instantly.

Online Casino Glossary

Cashcheck
casino software feature to review your financial transaction history.
Deposit
to get in on the action, make a payment to online casinos via a credit card, web wallet or other payment system. See methods available at the casino site.
eCOGRA
The e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance guarantees player assurance and casino regulation from approved online casinos. Look for eCOGRA's Seal on the homepage of approved casino and poker room operators.
Encryption
provides a software security measure used by online casinos to guarantee that online transactions are safe from hackers.
Flash
this no-download casino software allows for instant play through a browser. This technology is deprecated though as many browsers now block Adobe Flash and prefer HTML5 instead.
iOS
Internet Operating system refers to Apple's OS for it's devices like iPad and iPhone.
Live Dealer Action
this option is now widely available for Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, SicBo and Baccarat.
Live Sports Action
Sportsbetting sites provide 24 hour, live game action and live parlay bets.
Lobby
one of the cool graphics feature at online casinos is the lobby area that displays game selection plus up-to-date news and promotions.
Mobile Casino Play
3 ways to play via mobile devices are:
  1. Blackberry Casino Games: download games from mobile sites for free play or deposit to account for real money play.
  2. Mobile Casino App: for players with Apple or Android devices. These apps, once downloaded, provide access to a large selection of casino games.
  3. Mobile Web Casino Games: choose a mobile casino site via your browser, register for an account and collect bonuses at the same time.
Multi-Player Casino
everyone gets in on the challenge as players face each other.
Other Online Gambling Regulators
  • EGBA: European Gaming and Betting Association
  • IBAS: Independent Betting Adjudication Service
  • G4: Global Gambling Guidance Group
  • MGA Malta Gaming Authority
  • UKGC UK Gambling Commission.
Promotions
there are plenty of rewards for online play. Free Cash, free spins, bonus deposits, Sign-up bonus, tournaments daily, club cards to gather loyalty points and special events with cash prizes to name a few.
Tournaments
blackjack, poker and slot tournaments whether daily or monthly are popular entries at online games sites. Specific poker tournaments for Holdem, Omaha and 7-Card Stud are the norm. While there is one winner left standing at the end of the competition, prize money is usually distributed among many of the participants.
Web Wallet
a secure and convenient software resource to manage online transactions for both deposits and withdrawals. Listing of Payment Methods Online.

Legal Statements & Privacy Policy

Gamerisms is an independent games glossary-quiz-trivia site and the casino and betting ratings expressed here are not controlled by specific gaming operators, but rather by specific guidelines and standards established by Gamerisms alone.

Warning: You must ensure you meet all age and other regulatory requirements before playing casino games or placing a bet. Online gambling is illegal in many jurisdictions and users should consult legal counsel regarding gaming in their jurisdictions.