The Essential Handbook: Beginner’s Guide to Thriving in Online Casinos

Are you new to online casinos? Navigating the world of online casinos can be difficult at first. Luckily, we are here to help! In this article, we will go over the advantages of playing at online casinos, introduce you to casino bonuses, and help you find your ideal online casino.

Table of Contents

What Are Online Casinos? 

Online casinos are virtual casinos you can access via the internet. They allow you to play your favorite online casino games from the comfort of your own home. In fact, you can play from wherever you like so long as you have internet access!

To ensure that their games are fair, online casinos use random number generators (RNG). These RNGs generate sequences of numbers that lack any pattern and make sure that the results of your game are entirely random. 

How to Find Your Ideal Online Casino in 6 Steps

If it’s your first time choosing an online casino, you ought to know what to look out for. Finding and featuring the best online casinos is our forte. Here’s what we – the experts – evaluate before we agree to feature an online casino: 

Licensing & Regulation

You should only play at an online casino if it is licensed and regulated by a gambling authority with a great reputation. These licenses ensure that the casino’s games are fair and the service can be trusted.

Games Library

You should check to see if the casino hosts games you want to play. While many casinos have a diverse and large games library, not all casinos can host all games. Usually, casinos are partnered with one or a handful of particular games developers.

Generous Bonuses & Promotions

If you are looking to claim a casino bonus, consider the terms and conditions. The T&Cs will indicate if the bonus you’re claiming provides you with a genuine chance of winning. We also recommend you see if the casino offers regular promotions to existing players.

Safety & Security

All casinos should have a certificate advertising that they use the latest SSL Data Encryption technology. This technology ensures that all of your sensitive information is kept safe from cyber criminals.

Transaction Methods

You should make sure that the casino you’re going to sign up to has a selection of safe deposit and withdrawal methods that you can use. Also consider other aspects, such as transaction fees and processing times.

Customer Support

The best casinos offer customer support that is available 24/7 across multiple channels, such as live chat, telephone, and email. We also like casinos that have a comprehensive FAQ section that provides direct answers to common queries.

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Expert Tip – Find your ideal casino the easy way!

Our experts are here to help you find the online casino that fits you best. We have developed a handy guide that illustrates how we test online casinos so you can learn the expert’s method for evaluating online casinos.

Online Casino Bonuses: Decoding the T&Cs

The trick to comprehending online casino bonuses is to understand the T&Cs. The common T&Cs have a huge influence on what you can and can’t do with your casino bonus, plus your odds of winnings. We’ll introduce you to the most common T&Cs below. 

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements are presented as a multiplier, such as 10x. This multiplier indicates how many times you have to wager the value of your bonus. For instance, if you get a €10 bonus with 20x wagering requirements, you have to stake a sum total of (€10 x 20) €200 before you can withdraw your winnings.

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Learn more about wagering requirements!

If you are going to get the most out of your online casino experience, it is worth knowing and understanding wagering requirements. When we say they’re a key concept, we’re not kidding! Check out our article on wagering requirements explained today!

Game Contribution

Game contribution is a rule that determines how much of your stake goes towards the wagering requirements depending on the game you play. Online casinos will lower the game contribution of high odds games to lower their risk. 

In most cases, slots will contribute 100% to the wagering requirements. Therefore, if you wager €100 on a slot game, the entire €100 will go towards the wagering requirements. 

Blackjack, on the other hand, may have a game contribution of 6%. Therefore, if you wager the same €100 on blackjack, only €6 will actually contribute to the wagering requirements.

Eligible Games 

The terms and conditions of your bonus will explain which games you can and can’t play with your casino bonus. Free spins tend to be eligible on one or a handful of slots. Whereas bonus credits tend to be eligible on a wide variety of games, which sometimes includes table games.

Expiry Dates

Casino bonuses will expire after a set period of time. You need to make sure you have enough time to satisfy the remaining T&Cs before your bonus expires. Most no deposit bonuses expire between 2 and 7 days.

Win Caps

A bonus’s win cap signifies how much you can ultimately withdraw as real cash using your casino bonus. Most no deposit bonuses will be capped at around €100. However, deposit bonuses are unlikely to come with win caps.

Minimum Deposit

If you are claiming a deposit bonus, you will have to make a minimum qualifying deposit. The minimum deposit can vary a lot depending on the casino and the type of bonus you claim, but for most deposit bonuses it will be around €10-€20.

Playing with Casino Bonuses: Maximizing Your Bank Roll

Another key feature of online casinos are welcome bonuses. Welcome bonuses present a fantastic opportunity to boost your bankroll and, in many cases, even play for free! We will introduce you to the most common types of welcome bonus below. 

Free Spins

No deposit free spins are a type of welcome bonus that all new players can get with no deposit required. All you need to do is sign up and you will receive a number of free spins to use on eligible slot games. In most cases, you will receive between 10 and 50 free spins.

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No Deposit Bonuses

Regular no deposit bonuses will provide you with €10-€50 in bonus credit. This credit can be used to play a wide variety of casino games, including slots and sometimes table games. No deposit is required – simply create a new account and the bonus is yours!

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Match Bonuses

Match casino bonuses are welcome bonuses that require a deposit. If you claim a match bonus, the casino will match the value of your deposit by a particular percentage. For example, if you claim a match bonus worth 100% up to €100, and deposit €10, you will receive €10 in bonus credits.

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How to Sign Up to Online Casinos: A 6 Step Guide 

Signing up to an online casino is easy and takes only a few minutes. We’ll show you how to sign up to an online casino and at the same time claim a welcome bonus.

Here’s what you do: 

  1. Step #1 – Choose a Reputable Casino – Your first step is to find a reputable casino. Simply go to one of our lists to discover the latest offers. You then have the option to read our casino review by clicking on the name of the casino, or the bonus details, by clicking on the offer.
  2. Step #2 – Navigate to the Sign-Up Page – Once you have found a bonus you’d like to claim, select the CLAIM BONUS tab. This link will take you directly to the casino. Select the option to Sign Up or Register to create a new account.
  3. Step #3 – Complete the Registration Form – Fill out the registration form using your real details. For no deposit bonuses, you will only be expected to provide your date of birth, name, and email address. If you are using a bonus code, you should now have the chance to paste it into the designated field.
  4. Step #4 – Create a Username and Password – Enter a username and password and record this information somewhere safe. You will be required to log in every time you access your casino account.
  5. Step #5 – Accept the T&C’s – Review the T&Cs. If they are reasonable, you can accept them and move on to the next step.
  6. Step #6 Verify Your Account – Once you have successfully completed the registration form, you may have to verify your account by going to your email inbox and clicking on a unique link sent to you by your new casino.

Know Your Customer (KYC) Processes at Online Casinos

All of the best online casinos employ a strict KYC process to ensure that both the player and the casino is protected from fraud.

Here’s how they tend to work: 

  • Account Registration – You will be asked to provide some basic details, including your date of birth, name and contact details. These must be accurate or else you will fail the KYC process later.
  • Document Requests – When you make your first withdrawal, you will be asked to verify the information you used to sign up. You may be asked to provide ID, a utility bill to verify your address, and/or a bank statement.
  • Document Verification – The casino will then make steps to verifying these documents. If there are issues with the quality of the documents submitted, you may be asked for further documentation.
  • Completion – Once your documents have been verified, the withdrawal will be approved and future withdrawals will be made easier.
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Expert Tip – Read our expert guide on bonus abuse! 

If a casino doesn’t like how you use their bonus, they may accuse you of bonus abuse! Learn how to avoid bonus abuse today by reading our feature article and boost your chances of winning.

Navigating the Exciting World of Casino Games

Before you sign up to an online casino, you need to consider which game you would like to play. Online casinos offer a wide variety of games. Depending on your own risk-profile and skill-level, you may prefer one over another. 

Let’s introduce you to the most popular types of online casino game.

Slots

Not only are slots the most popular type of casino game, they are the most abundant. This is partly due to the immense variety of different types of slot games and their accessibility – anyone can play and win on slots as they require no skill level.

Table Games

Table games, such as blackjack, roulette, poker and craps, generally provide players with the best odds at online casinos. However, this is only the case with a critical caveat: you can only maximize the odds of these games when playing with an optimal strategy.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are table games streamed directly from a state-of-the-art studio. When you play these games, you will join a table with a real dealer that presides over your game. You also get the opportunity to interact with the dealer and fellow players at the table.

Specialty Games

Specialty games are games that don’t fit the other categories, such as bingo, keno and scratchies. Similar to slots, these games are often based on luck and may not provide you with particularly great odds.

The Ins and Outs of Casino Payment Methods and Withdrawals 

Learning how to make a deposit and a withdrawal at an online casino is an essential step for new players. We’ll show you how to do both in this section. 

How to Make a Deposit at an Online Casino

  1. Step 1: Create an Account – You can’t make a deposit without first having an account. Go to your casino, fill out the registration form, and verify your email address. For more information, please see our section on How to Sign Up to Online Casinos in 6 Steps.
  2. Step 2: Go to Banking Section – Once you have an account, go to the banking section at your casino. This may also be called the ‘cashier’ section.
  3. Step 3: Select the “Deposit” Option – At this stage, you will be given the chance to make either a deposit or withdrawal. In this case, select the “Deposit” option.
  4. Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Method – Once the page has loaded, you should have a selection of deposit methods to choose from. Select the one you prefer to use. Generally, you will be given the chance to use a credit/debit card, bank transfer, e-wallet, or cryptocurrency.
  5. Step 5: Enter the Deposit Amount – You will now be able to enter how much you want to deposit into a designated field. If you are claiming a promotion, please be aware of the minimum qualifying deposit.
  6. Step 6: Click to Confirm – Once you have confirmed your deposit details, you will be redirected to a payment gateway. Here, you’ll need to provide your account or card details, depending on the type of method you’ve chosen.
  7. Step 7: Check Your Account – In most cases, deposits are processed instantly. Once it appears in your account, you are free to play!

How to Make a Withdrawal at an Online Casino

  1. Step 1: Go to Banking Section – Navigate to the “Banking” or “Cashier” section of your online casino.
  2. Step 2: Select the “Withdrawal” Option – You will be presented with the options to make a “Deposit” or “Withdrawal.” Select the latter option.
  3. Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Method – You will be presented with a selection of withdrawal methods. Select the method that you want to use. Usually, you will be given the chance to withdraw via bank transfer, e-wallet, or crypto.
  4. Step 4: Enter the Withdrawal Amount – Specify how much you would like to withdraw into the designated field. Please be aware of minimum withdrawal policies and factor this into the withdrawal.
  5. Step 5: Click to Confirm – You will then be redirected to a payment gateway where you can verify the details of your preferred withdrawal method. Enter the correct details.
  6. Step 6: Wait for Withdrawal to Process – Withdrawals generally incur a processing period. This period is used by casinos to ensure that the withdrawal is going to the genuine owner of the account.
  7. Step 7: Receive Your Funds – Once the processing period is over, your funds will arrive into your account. The time it takes to arrive in your account may depend on your withdrawal method.

Play Smart: Mistakes to Avoid in Online Casinos 

There are a few common pitfalls made by players when they first start out at online casinos, Here are a few of the mistakes we recommend you avoid.

  • Not Reading the Terms and Conditions: You need to read the terms and conditions of every bonus you claim. For one, this helps to avoid disappointment, as the bonus terms are likely to be more difficult to satisfy than at first glance. For another, you need to know exactly how your bonus works to avoid invalidating it.

    You need to read the terms and conditions of every bonus you claim. For one, this helps to avoid disappointment, as the bonus terms are likely to be more difficult to satisfy than at first glance. For another, you need to know exactly how your bonus works to avoid invalidating it.

  • Playing Without a Budget: Casino games are so fun you can quickly lose track of how much time you’ve spent playing, and how much cash you’ve spent. To avoid playing excessively, we recommend you set a strict budget and stick to it.
  • Chasing Losses: Losing at your favorite game – or losing more than you budgeted for – is a negative experience. Do not compound this negative experience by making yourself feel worse. The urge to chase losses visits us all, but giving in to it can have real consequences.
  • Playing When Tired or Under the Influence: Gambling online is a form of entertainment. But there are consequences to excessive gambling and reckless gambling. We advise that you gamble with a clear mind – which means you should avoid gambling when tired, under the influence, or unhappy.
  • Not Learning the Game Rules: If you don’t know the rules of the game you’re about to play, the likelihood is that you won’t stand much of a chance. We recommend you practice either in demo mode or with a no deposit bonus before you use your own cash.

Online Casinos vs. Land Based Casinos: Which is Best? 

Wondering what the differences are between online casinos and land-based casinos?

We compare the advantages of the two below: 

Advantages of Online Casinos

  • Convenience – You can play from the comfort of your own home at online casinos, or anywhere you have internet access!
  • Availability – You can access our online casino and favorite casino games 24/7.
  • Game Variety – Online casino games don’t take up any physical space. Consequently, online casinos tend to have larger games libraries.
  • Lower Minimum Bets – Online casinos sometimes allow you to make bets that are smaller than land-based casinos, making them accessible to more players.
  • Bonuses and Promotions – Online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses and promotions to both new and existing players!

Advantages of Land-Based Casinos

  • Social Interaction – While online casinos have developed live casinos, land-based casinos are still the more social environment.
  • Instant Payouts – You don’t have to wait for deposits or withdrawals to process at land-based casinos.
  • Atmosphere – Online casinos struggle to compete with the atmosphere of a land-based casino, with its lights, crowds and music.
  • Complimentary Services – Land-based casinos are able to offer in-person incentives, such as food and drink, that online casinos cannot.
  • Technical Issues – It’s a lot less likely that you will encounter technical issues when playing at land-based casinos, as most aren’t reliant on internet or electricity.

Key Takeaways

  • Always read the T&Cs – Reading and understanding the T&Cs of any bonus you claim, will ensure your expectations are proportionate and you will be able to accurately evaluate the value of your bonus. 
  • Choose reputable casinos – Playing at a reputable online casino will minimize all potential issues. Here at NoDepositKings we only list online casinos that have passed our extensive evaluation. 
  • Play games for free before playing for real money – New players can benefit greatly by playing games in demo-mode or claiming a no deposit bonus. We recommend you take advantage of these options.

Conclusion

Online casinos are a safe and convenient way to enjoy your favorite casino games. But you should be wary of signing up to casinos that are not licensed and have not passed an extensive evaluation carried out by an industry expert. And remember: taking a bit of time to carry out research on a casino will dramatically reduce the likelihood of encountering issues in the future.

Published on: 2023/07/18

About the Author

Hi, I'm Courtney, the Webmaster at No Deposit Kings - We provide visitors with free and easy access to real money casino gaming thanks to no deposit casino bonuses offered by our hand-picked selection of online casinos.