Online casinos allow gamblers to make wagers and possibly win big without ever having to leave the comfort of their own homes. There are a few different types of online casinos: web based, download based, virtual, and live dealer games. Web based casinos do not require the gambler to download any programs. Everything happens directly through a plug in, like flash. Download based casinos require the gambler to download software before being able to play, which allows the game to move quicker on lower bandwidth connections. Virtual casinos use a truly randomized system for dealing cards, and can provide a much more rewarding experience than web or download based casinos, but are not reliable for multiplayer games like poker, as one must be wary of “planted players” by the house. Live dealer games involve a live stream of an actual person sitting at a game table dealing cards, while people watching the stream bid online.
Sign Up and Registration
Once you have decided on what type of casino you would like to play through, you will need to sign up and register. All online casinos are a little bit different, but there are a few standard things you will probably need. Almost all, if not all of them, will require that you have an email address. This is used as a username in some cases, or as a fail safe in case you forget your password. Some casinos, depending on where you live and where the casino is based, will require you to prove your age by uploading a picture of your photo ID, typically while holding it. Once you have signed up, it is time to pick a game.
Available Games
Games available, will of course, vary by casino. Generally, however, there are a few games that you might expect from nearly any online casino. Card games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat are common. Number games like bingo, keno, and roulette are also fairly ubiquitous. Almost every online casino will offer slot machines, and you may even be able to enjoy a game of craps.
Bonuses
Online casinos are infamous for their catchy bonus deals. Many offer sign up bonuses. Typically, these bonuses, give the player a certain amount of money after they have met two requirements: making their first deposit of a given amount, and wagering a certain amount. Casinos do this to draw in more customers, and since the house has an edge in casino games, they are not likely to lose much, if any money, on the typical gambler. Online casinos also offer referral bonuses, both for the person who was referred, and the person who did the referring. With any type of bonus, it is important to read the fine print on the offer. Very few online casinos offer what is called a “No deposit bonus,” which the player receives immediately upon signing up. While you can’t withdraw a no deposit bonus, it does give you some “free” playing time. Most bonuses, however, are contingent on the player making a certain amount of gambles.
