As tech-savvy people, we tend to know a good website when we see one.

But we also know that all that glitters isn’t always golden, and even when a site is designed in an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly way, this doesn’t necessarily tell us a great deal about the quality of the content that lurks within.

One of the fastest-growing industries in North America is mobile gaming, and a sector of that industry that is enjoying a particular boom is online casino play.

cards-1030852_960_720

Source: Pixabay

Millions of dollars have been invested by players into these casinos and, as tends to be the case with any cash-cow industry, there are a number of fantastic sites worthy of your time and those which are simply looking to make a quick buck.

But how do we separate the wheat from the chaff as far as online casinos are concerned? Hopefully, this article will help you to identify the good from the bad and the downright ugly.

#1 – Decide Exactly What You Want

Online casinos, on the face of it, are straightforward products: they tend to offer a selection of classic Las Vegas-style table games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, perhaps a few different variants of poker and, naturally, a cavalcade of slot games.

So you have to decide what exactly is it you want from your online casino? Are you a poker player? A blackjack buff? A slots superfan? Do you care more about a few really high-quality titles and specific variants or do you prefer a wide variety of options? Are you interested in live casino options or are they not for you? Do you play many different games or are you a super fan of one in particular? Once you have affirmed what it is you’re looking for, that’s when you can begin to narrow your search.

#2 – Use Trusted Comparison Websites

Now you have an idea of the sort of casino you might want to join, how do you go about finding one?

We’re all familiar with the concept of comparison websites for things like insurance policies or electrical products, and there are even similar sites for online casinos where you can see how each stacks up against the rest.

#3 – Read the Reviews

As tech lovers, we are already familiar with review sites such as TechCrunch and WIRED, where we can get a second opinion on the latest releases prior to parting with our hard-earned cash.

The point is that we can trust consumer reviews to reveal the things we have to know about a product or service, and online casinos are no different. Happily, there are stacks of casino review sites on the web, so if you are of the mindset that due diligence is key then you can find out everything you need to know about a casino prior to signing up.

#4 – Consider the Extras

It would be fair to say that in life we all appreciate a little something for nothing. Online casinos use welcome offers and promotions as a sort of metaphorical “golden carrot” to appeal to new players, and again, we should point out that not all bonuses are born equal.

It is these special ‘extras’ that ultimately set one casino apart from another, and so really you should do your research to ensure you know where the best bonuses exist. As pointed out in #2 of this guide, you can use casino comparison sites to get all of the information you need to find sites such as Buzz Bingo, which go beyond just the welcome package as well. On the site, consideration is given to ongoing promos, bonus spins, birthday giveaways, and much more besides.

game-bank-1003151_960_720

Source: Pixabay

Remember the small print of these extras, though. What are the wagering requirements? In other words, how many times must you “play through” the bonus amount prior to being able to withdraw any winnings earned from it? How long do you have to satisfy the wagering requirements? And so on.

#5 – Try Before You Buy

Some casinos offer what is known as a “no deposit bonus”, and this means you can try the site on for size without having to part with a single dime.

This, really, is the best way to go about your business. You can sample the user experience first hand, explore the games library and get a general feel as to whether this is a casino you wish to register and play with.

As ever, what appeals in life to some may turn others off, but there is a general consensus as to what makes for a strong online casino product and by following the pointers outlined above, you might just find your perfect home.

About The Author

SEO specialist, Blogger, Content Writer