Online casinos allow people to gamble from anywhere. Unlike physical casinos, gambling sites are more convenient. The plethora of options also means you won’t have to search long to find a website to gamble.
On the downside, the proliferation of online casino sites exposes players to unfair gambling practices. Rogue casinos tempt players, especially new customers, with mouth-watering bonuses. Unfortunately, they don’t pay out winnings.
Not only this, but customer support also doesn’t respond to inquiries. Reputable casinos offer high-quality games like Sweet Bonanza slot or table games. In contrast, scam gambling sites rig their games to cheat players. If you’re a newbie, discover how to filter safe online casinos in this post!
Understanding Fair Payouts: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Fair payout in casinos or slots means the amount players receive from games is equitable and statistically accurate over a period. With this, operators ensure a transparent environment. To ascertain fairness, casinos use a Random Number Generator (RGN). The machine ensures outcomes are unpredictable and free of manipulation.
Likewise, their games are tested by an independent body to verify their fairness. Finally, online gambling sites provide information about their game rules and RTP on the website. With this, they communicate expectations before players risk their money.
Online casinos have two types of payouts. First, low variance payout. In this case, players obtain frequent but small payouts. This type is ideal for customers with small bankrolls. On the other hand, we have high variance.
Unlike the former, players secure infrequent but larger payouts. Software developers like NetEnt or BCGaming build a payout structure into their games. Not only this, but they ensure it matches their return to player and variance or volatility.
How to Choose a Safe Online Casino That Pays
Selecting the best online casino is daunting. But with our guidance, you will have more success. Discover how to pick a reputable gambling site in these six easy steps.
Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
Casino licences ensure the operator follows industry best practices, especially concerning fund and player protection. The licensing body also mediates during disputes, ensuring a cordial relationship between the casino and its players. As a result, we suggest you only play in an online casino with a valid licence.
Some regulatory jurisdictions that issue licences include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curaçao, and the UKGC. However, many casinos in AU are regulated by the Australian government, which ensures a fair and safe gaming environment for local players. Most platforms display their licence information on the official website, so you won’t have any trouble locating it. Alternatively, you can visit the regulator’s website to verify the casino’s licence information.
Independent Audit
An audit agency like iTech Labs, eCOGRA, and Gaming Laboratories International verifies casino games. They also ensure the operations are transparent. Hence, in addition to the licence, play in a casino with audit seals. This is the only way to ensure the random number generators are fair and the return to player rates are accurate.
Website Security
Legit casinos implement cutting-edge security features to protect personal and financial player information. Besides, they use it to protect the website from hackers and unauthorized access. Hence, choose gambling sites that use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. Check for a padlock symbol in the browser address. Likewise, look for additional safety features like two-factor authentication, Face ID, and biometrics login methods.
Payout Percentage and Return to Player (RTP)
Visit casinos with higher payout percentages. At the same time, choose games with high RTPs, typically above 96% for slots and table games. Most importantly, ensure an independent auditor verifies the RTPs.
Customer Support
Customer support is the first line of defence when something goes wrong. Therefore, choose casinos that provide multiple ways to ask for help. The channels include phone, live chat, email, social media, and FAQ section. Test these channels to note their responsiveness and extent of resolution.
Games and Software Providers
Top casinos partner with leading software providers like Pragmatic Play or Microgaming to offer high-quality games. As a result, their games are fair. Besides, they have clear rules, and the RTPs are known. The chances of falling into scams are lower in such casinos.
Steps for Verifying a Legit Casino Bonus
Casinos use bonuses to attract new players. Even better, they can use it to retain existing ones. Promotions increase bankroll while reducing risk. Players also potentially win real money with incentives, making them even more appealing.
Available offers include deposit and no deposit bonuses, free spins, VIP rewards, etc. They are activated automatically or with the help of bonus codes. Sometimes, even a scratch card for casino bonus may be used. Customers can receive a scratch card, which they then ‘scratch’ to reveal a particular extra, such as a no deposit deal in the form of free chips or costless gameplay to have fun with scratchcards.
As you can expect, some gambling platforms simply use these promotions as bait to tempt unsuspecting players. Thankfully, the terms & conditions are a unique way to detect unscrupulous operators. Follow the below stated steps to verify the legitimacy of an online casino bonus.
Wagering Requirements
Casinos assign wagering requirements to most bonuses. It is the number of times a player has to wager the bonus before the bonus is available for withdrawal. As a result, if the number is too high, players often fail to meet the obligation before the bonus expires. Therefore, choose casinos with low wagering, something between 1 – 35x.
Expiry Period
All bonuses have an expiry period. Unfortunately, customers who don’t meet the playthrough before the bonus expires will forfeit their bonus. Likewise, any associated winnings. Hence, the best bonuses provide enough time to meet the target. The expiry period ranges from a day to up to 30 days. The longer the time frame, the better the promotion.
Withdrawal Limits
Casinos impose withdrawal limits to protect themselves. However, some win caps are unreasonable. If a casino’s withdrawal limit is $100 and you win $500, you cannot withdraw more than $100. In other words, you’ll forfeit the remaining $400. Hence, ensure the withdrawal limit is significant to justify your investment.
How to Address Suspected Unfair Casino Practices
Players still fall into pitfalls even after exercising caution. If you suspect unfair practices in an online casino, follow these steps to protect your funds and personal information:
- Screenshot transactions, error messages, and game discrepancies. Not only this, but also your chats with customer support and payment confirmations or withdrawal requests.
- Record dates and times for all the interactions above.
- Review the casino’s terms, especially the playthrough obligations, game rules, and payment policies, to ensure your claims are valid.
- Contact customer support to resolve the issue.
- Reach out to the casino’s licensing body in case of an unsatisfactory customer support interaction.
- If the casino does not resolve your complaint, file a complaint with the regulator.
- Involve alternative dispute resolution services like eCOGRA.
- Share your experience on a public review platform or the casino’s social media channels.
- File a lawsuit if it involves significant losses.
Conclusion
Online casinos are not equal, even if they have similar offerings. The games, payment options, and bonuses are not the same. As a result, choose a legit online casino to ensure an unforgettable gambling experience. Select a licensed casino with seals from independent testing agencies. At the same, investigate bonus terms and conditions to guarantee their fairness. Follow our tips for a safe gambling environment.
