Choosing an online casino is not the simple task of Googling “online casino” and signing up at the first online casino hit. A player should choose the online casino with the same seriousness as a student chooses a university because the online casino is going to have custody of the player’s funds. The following pointers will act as a guide.

All online casinos need a license from the jurisdiction in which they are located. Good jurisdictions conduct probity checks before issuing licenses. Kahnawake, Malta, Gibraltar, Antigua, Alderney and Curacao are reputed jurisdictions. The name of the jurisdiction normally appears at the bottom of the lobby. Check if the online casino is from a good jurisdiction.

Similarly check out the software provider. A reputed software provider not only ensures smooth gaming operations but also financial and administrative integrity. Some of the reputed software providers are Microgaming, Cryptologic, Playtech, Real Time Gaming, Vegas Technology and Wizard Gaming.

Online casinos need to be tested for fairness of the Random Number Generator and payout percentages on a regular basis. The best online casinos assign this task to independent expert agencies like eCOGRA or Technical Systems Testing and put up their reports in the public domain. Potential players should check this out before signing up.

Players are required to accept the end user agreement during the registration process. They should not blindly check the box but actually read the clauses completely. The agreement provides vital information like countries from which the casino does not accept players. If you are from such a country and make a deposit then you can have difficulty in getting back your funds.

Usually the playing terms and conditions are in a separate document, which is equally important. In particular players need to read and understand the terms governing the bonus and wagering requirements because most disputes are connected with bonus issues.

Next potential players need to look at the games offered. There is no point in finding out that your favorite game is not on offer after signing up. Online tournament fans should check out the tournaments offered. Roulette players should see if French Roulette is available because that offers the lowest house edge.

The Cashier section of the online casino provides useful information. The player needs to know if the payment options offered are suitable to his requirements. He also needs to check if the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits are suitable to his level of wagering. 

New players will need customer support services. The best method is through live chat. Most online casinos offer this option, but the player must make sure it is available. In order to check the quality of service players can ask some dummy questions to customer support and gauge the response.

Despite going through the above steps it makes sense to find out what experts say. Sites like CasinoAdvisor review and rate online casinos. Players should cross check with such experts before taking a final decision.

Most online casinos allow players to play for free. After a player has selected a casino he should first open a free play account and try out the games he wants. Only after he is comfortable with the mechanics of the casino should he make his first deposit.

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