iGaming is one of the hottest trends in both gambling and video games today. More people than ever before are trying online casinos, thanks to the modernisation of gambling laws in many countries. iGaming includes both online casino games and online sports betting.
Players in the UK have been lucky to have a healthy iGaming industry for over a decade. There are dozens of reliable online casinos to choose from and new ones are regularly being launched. There are also tons of game developers, giving players thousands of options for slot machine games, and hundreds of table games, live dealer games and alternative gambling games.
For new players who want to give iGaming a try, all of this variety can make deciding where to play very difficult. Choice paralysis is a real thing and it can happen when you start scrolling through a long, long list of slot games.
We’ve compiled a list of the top iGaming tips from JohnSlots for UK gamblers. These industry experts know everything there is to know about the iGaming industry and after reading this guide, you’ll be able to play or bet with confidence.
Consult a casino guide
Online casino guides have emerged in the last few years as a helpful tool for players. Casino guides such as JohnSlots have information on the games, casinos, payment methods and bonuses that are available to players. They also keep track of any important casino related news and casino licensing changes. These guides are produced by experts in the industry.
Reading casino guides lets players skip the research process when choosing a new casino. They also make it very easy to compare the online casinos that you’re considering. Also, many guides work through an affiliate system, so they’re able to offer exclusive bonuses to their readers.
Check licenses and security
Online casinos can only operate legally in the UK if they are fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC is a regulatory body that is in charge of overseeing all types of gambling in the UK. It is a highly respected regulator, so you’ll usually see its licenses accepted in other countries as well. Never play at a casino that isn’t UKGC licensed – no license means there are no protections for players if something goes wrong.
Security is very important at online casinos. They hold your deposit as well as the personal and financial information that you’ve submitted in order to create and verify your account. This makes them a hot target for hackers and scammers. Only play at online casinos that take security seriously by encrypting their site. 128-bit SSL encryption is the standard. Simply look for the lock icon in the address bar or for security information in the terms and conditions.
Use a trusted payment method
Online casinos typically offer a wide selection of payment methods for making deposits, and a limited number of payment methods for withdrawals. Always check which payment methods are accepted before you create an account to be sure that there’s a method you’re comfortable using.
The most reliable payment methods are credit/debit cards, e-wallets, payment apps and bank transfers. Each payment method has its own pros and cons. For example, debit cards are very secure and have a lot of consumer protections but they also can take much longer to process withdrawals. Consider what you need in a payment method (security, withdrawal speed etc) before selecting a deposit method.
Play higher RTP games
Every casino game has a Return to Player rate (RTP). This is the average amount that a player can expect the game to pay out over time. The higher the RTP, the more money you’re likely to win. The average RTP for slots ranges from 94% to 96%. Some can go as high as 99%.
Games with a higher RTP are a better choice, especially for new players who are still figuring out their betting strategies. Low volatility games are also a good choice for new players. These games pay out small amounts on a regular basis, which makes them more balanced for beginners.
Enable responsible gambling tools
Enabling responsible gambling tools is the best thing that anyone can do to protect themselves while iGaming. Problem gambling habits are very hard to break. Using responsible gambling tools makes it less likely that you’ll develop these problematic behaviours.
Trustworthy online casinos will have a range of responsible gambling tools available for their players. You don’t need to enable every single one, just one or two at first. Deposit limits, reality checks and time limits are the most effective responsible gambling tools. Other tools include single/daily wager limits, time outs and self-exclusion.
Set a budget and stick to it
You don’t need a budget to play slots but having a budget is the best way to keep slots enjoyable. Going over budget adds unnecessary stress to what should be a relaxing hobby. Set a budget that you can comfortably afford to lose each month – and don’t deposit more than your budget. Anything you win is then a bonus!
Read reviews
Reading reviews from other players gives great insight into the available online casinos. Affiliate reviews can be less critical than they should be and only present one experience. Anyone who has watched any social media content understands that sometimes the goods or services that influencers receive are better than what the rest of the public get.
Reviews from players on iGaming forums, casino review sites or review platforms such as Trustpilot and Yelp will give you a huge range of individual player experiences. On platforms that give the business a chance to respond, you can also see how the online casino handles complaints and concerns from players.
Just remember that people typically only leave reviews for terrible or fantastic experiences, not when things are just fine.
Read the terms and conditions
Never skip the fine print when signing up for an online casino. Reading the terms and conditions will tell you everything that you need to know about your account, your rights, how to claim bonuses and what can happen if something goes wrong.
