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What are online casinos and what offers do they have?
When you access an online casino, you are going to a publicly accessible gambling facility. Originally, the term “casino” simply means “social house”, which already reflects the tendency towards good entertainment. New casinos have essentially brought the classic local casino business model into the digital age. All the different games that provide good entertainment and make it possible to win real money are gathered on one website.
When it comes to their games or so called slots, online casinos are in no way inferior to their classic role models the land based casinos. The range is usually based on a large selection of slot machines. From classic games to video slots with sophisticated graphics to progressive jackpots, everything is there. A second large area is determined by table and card games, such as poker, roulette, blackjack and baccarat. You can often also play these in a stream with live dealers, the so-called “live casino”.
Depending on the size of the online casino, other games await you, such as bingo, lotteries or scratch cards. But these are in the minority.
Are you looking for a reputable online casino with a high bonus or free spins without a deposit? The range is enormous and not every provider is a safe bank. The bonus offer and the game selection also sometimes differ greatly from one another. Given the many criteria, it can be difficult for a layperson to keep track of things. It is therefore important that you follow the checklist for a reputable online casino when making your selection.
An online casino must be convincing in all of these points so that you can play for real money in the casino with a clear conscience. Below we will explain to you what is important in each individual point.
License
Game selection
Casino software
Live dealer games
Payment methods deposit and withdrawal
Welcome bonus
Usability
VIP programs
Recessions on the Internet
Transparency in game conditions and limits
RTPs – Return to player rate
License
The world of online casinos was an unregulated market until a few years ago. In order to ensure more security for players, various regulatory bodies have now been set up. A country specific casino license, which is associated with strict requirements, has the highest reputation. But an online casino regulated in Curacao, Malta or Cyprus does not automatically have to be out of the running. These are also EU licenses with which companies offer their services throughout Europe.
Game selection
After registering in the online casino, you want to be entertained with high-quality games. To ensure that it never gets boring, it is important to have a large selection of slots, jackpots and table games. The more developers the online casino has in its portfolio, the broader the selection. If you already have certain favorite games, it's better to check in advance where you can play them.
Online casinos usually offer a wide selection of different games
Casino software
Ultimately, the casino software is responsible for whether everything in your online casino goes according to plan. Your online casino is only responsible for the area that concerns the website, registration, deposits and withdrawals and the selection of games. The games themselves come from large providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt or Play'n GO. The more big names there are, the better.
Live dealer games
The Live Casino turns your gaming evening into a social event and provides an upscale atmosphere. It is therefore an advantage if your online casino is equipped with good streams from providers such as NetEnt, Evolution Gaming or Ezugi. This means there is a place available for you around the clock.
Payment methods deposit and withdrawal
Before you can use real money in your online casino, you first have to make a deposit. Just as important are solid payment methods for the later payment of your winnings. In addition to the usual credit cards, good online casinos offer you a range of e-wallets and even cryptocurrencies. It is also crucial that the limits correspond to your expectations and, if possible, that there are no additional costs.
Welcome bonus
Of course, you don’t want to miss out on the welcome bonus that most online casinos offer you. This quickly doubles your first deposit or gives you numerous free spins via the casino bonus. A bonus awarded by Casinoformat is not only impressive in terms of the amount: the turnover conditions must also be correct, which you must meet before the money is paid out.
Usability
A website with poor user experience can make even the best casino games dull and boring. Good online casinos therefore pay attention to good usability, short loading times and intuitive navigation. It is important that this is now possible not only on desktop PCs, but also on tablets and smartphones.
VIP programs
Many casinos have bonus offers not just for new customers. Sophisticated VIP programs give you access to exclusive offers if you stay loyal to the site for a while. However, the content, which includes additional free spins, deposit bonuses, vouchers, raffles, trips and non-cash prizes, varies greatly.
Recessions on the Internet
You are not the first to register with a particular online casino. Therefore, there are reviews on the Internet that give you an insight into the quality of the site. If they come from authentic sources and paint a positive picture, nothing stands in the way of registration. We at Casinoformat also offer the opportunity to rate either the casinos or our articles on many pages. Simply set up a free account and you can tell us your opinion.
Transparency in playing conditions and limits
An online casino steers your game in an orderly manner with the help of limits. Stakes and winnings are limited, especially during the bonus spins. But payouts are also subject to clear rules. It is important that you have enough freedom for your playing style. The more transparently the casino communicates the rules, the better.
RTPs – Return to player rate at casinos
The probability of winning slots and table games can be measured - via the return to player. This average percentage of bets comes back to you in the form of winnings. In the long term, good online casinos offer around 95% payout rates. If your online casino reaches this value, there is a mathematical green light for registration.
These different casino games exist
Online casinos try to outdo each other with the largest possible selection of games. If you are looking for a provider, you will have a huge selection of several thousand games at your disposal. These fall into very different categories and have their individual advantages. You can often test out many games with a no deposit casino bonus . Available are, for example:
Slot machines and slots
Table games
Live Casino
roulette
Blackjack
Jackpot games
Video poker
Scratch cards
bingo
Slot machines and slots
Slot machines make up the lion's share of the games on offer in most online casinos. The games are quite varied: They start with classic slot machines in which bells and clover leaves spin over the reels. Videoslots rely on the same principle, but combine it with various themes and additional features. Popular slots are Book of Dead, Starburst or Big Bass Bonanza.
Table games
“Table games” is a generic term that covers all games of chance played at traditional gaming tables. For example, you can play blackjack, poker, roulette or baccarat. Everything is based on traditional rules and the payout rate is usually considerably high.
Roulette is one of the most popular table games
Live Casino
The Live Casino is the area where you can play in the streams of live dealers - of course completely anonymously and without a webcam. You place your bets with one click and the casino automatically records any winnings. In addition to the table games, there are now some varied game shows in the typical live casino.
Roulette
Roulette is also a long-running table game because of its simple rules. As the ball rolls through the wheel, you place your bets on the table. The random position of the ball next to one of the usual 37 numbers determines whether the bet wins and the stake is paid.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular card game that you play against the bank. Your goal is to get the card values as close to the number 21 as possible without exceeding the value. You can celebrate a quick victory if you have blackjack, consisting of an ace and a 10, a jack, a queen or a king, in your hand right from the start.
Jackpot games
Most online casinos offer several of the popular jackpot games. These are often progressive jackpots that are increased by a small amount after each round without winning. In games like Mega Moolah or Mega Fortune, the payouts can reach into the seven-figure range. Whoever manages the perfect round of the game will win the jackpot.
Video poker
If you look at the test reports of the best online casinos, you can see that poker often only plays a secondary role. But occasionally there is a large area of video poker where nice winnings are possible with skill, tactics and strategy. As with hardly any other casino game, the chance of success here depends on the approach and skill of the respective player.
Scratch cards
Scratch cards have also made it into some online casinos in digital form. Depending on the lottery, there are considerable prizes hidden behind the tickets with a precisely calculated probability. If successful, these will end up directly on your casino account, from where you can have them paid out.
Bingo
Due to its large fan base, bingo is also represented in the world of digital casinos. The classic is available with either 30, 75, 80 or 90 balls. You first buy your tickets, then follow the usually automatic drawing of the winning numbers and can then look forward to the immediate payout if you win.
These types of casino bonuses exist
A good casino bonus ensures a nice win even before the first round of play. In recent years, providers have wanted to outdo each other with their bonus offers. That's why, in addition to the typical deposit bonus, there are a whole range of other types of bonuses that players can benefit from. These include:
Casino bonus without deposit on casino format – free testing made easy
Casino bonus with deposit
Free spins without and with deposit
Online Casino Bonuses for Existing Players - The Reload Casino Bonus
High roller bonus
Loyalty bonus
Cashback bonus
Casino bonus without deposit on Casinoformat
The casino bonus without a deposit, also known as a no deposit bonus, is a special highlight. Because you can receive it directly after registering for free in the casino. It consists of free spins or a small free credit. This means you can complete the first rounds of the game without having to deposit any money. Initial successes are also possible up to a certain winning limit. However, you can only pay out your winnings after successful implementation.
The casino bonus with deposit
If you want a very classic bonus, the casino bonus with deposit is the right choice. This works according to a very simple principle and rewards you for the first deposit made.
For example, the 100% deposit bonus of up to $200 is popular. In this case, if you deposit $75, you will then have a total of $150 credit available for use. After fulfilling the sales requirements, which are available with absolutely every reputable bonus, you can withdraw the money.
Free spins without and with deposit
For some slots, the online casino can also offer you the chance to play without depositing. These free spins almost always result in some nice winnings. The first 10, 20 or even 50 free spins are occasionally available without a deposit - just for registering on the site. You will receive a larger number of free spins in combination with some deposit bonuses.
Free Spins are always a good Idea
Online Casino Bonuses for Existing Players – The Reload Casino Bonus
If you have been registered with an online casino for a long time, this does not have to mean the end of any bonus promotions. Finally, there are a number of offers that are specifically designed for loyal, repeat customers. One of them is the reload bonus, which provides you with fresh gaming credit. For example, it doubles a deposit every week and thus expands your options.
High roller bonus
High rollers are casino players who wager and wager a particularly large amount of money on the games. And often there is an additional bonus for them. In order to qualify for the High Roller Bonus, a significantly higher deposit is usually required than for the welcome bonus. The premium can easily be in the four-digit range. Just right for players with high stakes.
Loyalty bonus
In order to keep their regular customers happy, some online casinos offer a loyalty bonus. This is only available to those who have been active for a longer period of time. The aim is for loyalty to pay off for players, whether through membership in a VIP club or an additional loyalty bonus for the next deposit.
Cashback bonus
Of course there have to be phases when things aren't going well in the casino. In order to cushion the losses of their players, some online casinos have launched cashback bonuses. With this promotion you have the chance to get between 5 and 20% of your losses reimbursed. The players can then either use the money for a second chance or leave it at that and pay out. An enormous advantage are the usually very fair and often only 1x turnover conditions for the cashback bonus.
The Casino VIP programs - these exist and these are the differences
VIP programs are a common way to reward deserving online casino players. Loyal souls gain access to exclusive offers that are not available to other users. However, there are very different ways in which these programs can be designed:
Deposit bonuses and free spins: VIP status often brings you an additional deposit bonus that you can use to top up your account. Fans of slots often enjoy free spins, which allow them to play the particularly popular games without wagering.
Special conditions for transactions: Deposits and withdrawals can sometimes take a little longer or are associated with fees. Some online casinos offer their VIPs special conditions and give them priority so that everything goes a little faster.
Personal gifts: In order to put VIPs even more in the spotlight, personal gifts often follow, for example on their birthday. The providers usually write to their customers personally and thank them for their loyalty.
Invitations for events and tournaments: The exclusive invitations that are part of many VIP programs are something very special. Some open the doors to casino tournaments where nice rewards can be won. Sometimes online casinos also give their particularly important VIPs tickets to real events.
Personal customer advisor: The service can ultimately go so far that a personal customer advisor is even assigned. From now on, this person will take care of all inquiries and ensure that the sometimes long queues in customer service can be elegantly avoided.
How do you become a VIP?
There are a few requirements to become a VIP yourself. First, you should choose an online casino that is known for its good VIP program. Regular play then determines whether the invitation arrives. The providers often use a points system to calculate whether a player qualifies for the VIP program through stakes and deposits. High deposits and daily logins can't hurt.
Then it's time to wait. Because it is usually the online casinos that approach deserving players and accept them into the VIP club. However, if the invitation is actually overdue, a polite request from support won't hurt.
Are online casinos safe and what about player protection?
At the end of the day, there is often a considerable amount at stake when playing in an online casino. High security standards from the moment of registration are therefore mandatory. You also benefit from providers with good player protection who protect you from the risks of the game. The following three points are particularly important when it comes to the security of online casinos:
Encrypted data transmission
Gambling addiction prevention
Monitoring bodies
Encrypted data transmission
Every good casino test is dedicated to the provider’s connection security. Ultimately, proper data encryption is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. You can also easily do a short test on your own. To do this, simply go to the website information in the browser and take a look at the certificate.
256-bit encryption is currently the standard on the Internet. You can also see whether your provider meets this requirement by looking at the logos that the casino presents on its homepage. The logos of Rapid SSL, thawte, digicert and Comodo testify that high standards are really maintained.
Gambling addiction prevention
In every reputable online casino, it is also about curbing the risk of gambling addiction. Certain factors make players less likely to become addicted to gambling. It is important that you can voluntarily set personal limits and that these are permanently integrated into the account. This ensures that you don't spend more money than you originally planned for the evening.
Self-exclusion is increasingly possible with just a few clicks. Casinos licensed in specific countries even have to register the 24-hour self-exclusion. During each phase of the game, one click on the corresponding button is enough to completely block the account for that period. It is also a good sign if relevant offers of help can be found.
Such preventions show a high degree of seriousness
Monitoring bodies
Providers who do well in the online casino tests can usually show badges from other monitoring bodies. This includes, for example a seal from a gambling authority. They take a close look at the software, checks possible manipulation of games, looks at the identity verification and pays attention to the security of the payment methods.
The random generators also look at the iTech Labs. Casinos that have undergone this independent review usually proudly display the logo on their homepage. The same applies to the coveted seal of eCOGRA, to name another institution that checks the security of casinos.
Does every online casino also have a mobile casino for iOS and Android?
A growing number of players want to access online casino games, especially on mobile devices. But contrary to expectations, not every online casino is represented in the App Store. After all, downloading a native app is just one possible way to ensure mobile gaming.
The popular alternative is a web-based app. Casinos simply redirect all players who access the site using a mobile device. Thanks to an adapted display, you still have an overview of the content and can access practically all functions. This solution even has a few clear advantages over the classic downloadable app:
There are no delays when using it for the first time
No storage space on the smartphone is lost
Access from all mobile devices is possible
No updates are necessary
How do I recognize a bad online casino?
There are now a huge number of online casinos, but not all of them will lead you to happiness. It is therefore crucial to distinguish trustworthy and licensed providers from dangerous black sheep. After all, there is a lot of money at stake. Providers that belong better on the blacklist can be identified by a number of characteristics:
Unknown license
Little game selection
No well-known game providers
Few payment methods
Non-transparent terms and conditions
Poor payout rates
Long payout time
High transaction fees
High deposit and withdrawal limits
Bad customer service
Unknown license
There are a number of well-known licenses, especially those from Curacao, Malta and recently also more country specific licenses. However, if an online casino has no license at all or if the logo is not known in its form, you should stay away. The risk that this is a provider that is barely regulated or not regulated at all is too high. The risk of fraud is correspondingly high if the license is unknown.
Small selection of games
A small selection of games is often an indication that an online casino only has very limited resources. At the same time, renowned developers may have refused to cooperate because they realized that they were dealing with a dubious provider.
No well-known game providers
A small selection of games and the lack of big developers go hand in hand. Both are indications of an unsafe offer that you should stay away from.
Few payment methods
A wide range of different payment methods speaks for the seriousness of an online casino. If these are missing, a questionable business model may be hidden behind it. Black sheep in the industry are particularly reluctant to offer payment methods with strong buyer protection, especially Paypal. Depositing in the casino with Paypal is often very convenient, but the provider is not very widespread and many other payment methods offer similar convenience, but are used by many more casinos.
Non-transparent terms and conditions
If the stake is too high, the bonus will be blocked? A large part of the games do not contribute to the fulfillment of the bonus conditions? From the player's perspective, such clauses are not only unfair, but can cost a lot of money. They become even more of a problem if they are not clearly communicated and you can only find them in the small print.
Free spins are always subject to certain conditions
Poor payout rates
It is no feat for a normal online casino to offer solid payout rates in the 95 percent range. If the payout rates are significantly lower, alarm bells should ring for you. Because here the house advantage of the games is obviously too big and you don't have a good chance of winning.
Long payout time
If players complain that payouts take a long time or that an impossible number of documents are required for verification, this also speaks against the reliability of the provider. Reputable online casinos do not put any obstacles in the way of their players and enable payouts within a few working days.
High fees for payment methods
Most reputable online casinos have started offering their players free deposits and withdrawals. If there are significant deductions, you should be careful. Here the operators have obviously found a way to enrich themselves beyond the normal level.
High deposit and withdrawal limits
High limits indicate that a casino wants to get you to bet more real money than planned. Player-friendly deposit limits, however, are $10 and withdrawals are ideally possible from $20.
Bad customer service
Are you literally ignored by customer service and have no contact options? This is also an indication that you have ended up with a black sheep in the industry.
What different online casino licenses are there?
There is no single license that alone attests to the seriousness of a casino. Different authorities are responsible depending on where the casino's headquarters are located. We would like to discuss the most important licensors below.
Curacao
As a small island state, Curaçao is part of the territory of the Netherlands and is therefore part of the EU. A lot of online casinos are based here. The number of licenses that the Curaçao Gaming Control Board issues annually is correspondingly large. When it comes to data protection, Curaçao is significantly less strict than other issuing states.
Malta
In Malta, the Malta Gaming Authority is responsible for regulating online casinos. It examines the security and transparency of the sites and, in cases of doubt, takes decisive action against money laundering. Youth protection and player protection are also assessed by the authority.
Cyprus
Cyprus has also been issuing state gambling licenses since 2007. Since the state has been a member of the EU since 2004, the providers operate internationally. Since then, certified operators have received a main license and four so-called “satellite licenses” for smaller casinos through the Cyprus Gaming Commission.
Isle of Men
Online casinos can also have a license of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. It checks the offers and enters them into her register on the website. However, licenses are rarely found.
Gibraltar
Since 2000, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority has included the regulation of online casinos as part of its remit. The seal is comparable to that from Malta or Cyprus and signals an officially verified offer.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica issues around 100 licenses every year. However, the country shows a lack of laws regulating the gambling market. Ultimately, this also affects the credibility of the license, which must be called into question.
What makes good customer support in an online casino?
Practically every casino has customer support that is designed to resolve problems and questions. But the mere fact that such an offer exists does not mean that the support meets expectations. Rather, a few criteria can be identified that support should fulfill if possible:
Available 24/7
Short waiting times
Many different contact options such as telephone, email, live chat, chatbot
German-speaking support
Clear answers and assistance
Available 24/7
Anyone who plays in the casino does not necessarily do so during normal working hours. Rather, it is the evening hours when the next missions take place. It is an advantage if support can be contacted around the clock. Many good casinos offer you 24/7 service that you can contact at any time.
Short waiting times
Anyone who may be dealing with a serious problem doesn't want to wait long for help. Short waiting times are therefore a central quality feature of good customer service. Ideally, with the hotline and live chat, it only takes a minute until contact with the service team is established.
Many different contact options such as telephone, email, live chat, chatbot
Very good customer service in the casino cannot only be achieved in one way. For some short questions, a written inquiry via email or live chat is recommended. Others require personal conversations with employees. Ideally, the online casino covers the entire range of contact channels and also supports its players with a sensibly designed FAQ.
Native-speaking support
For international companies, it is not a given that questions can also be answered in several native languages. It's an advantage for all players in this country if they don't have to switch to English to get their answer.
Clear answers and assistance
Even the quickest answer is of little help if all you do is beat around the bush or make excuses. The online casino test report must therefore show whether the employees provide clear and helpful answers.
Advantages of online casinos to land-based casinos
Now online casinos are the modern alternative to traditional casinos. The fact that the latter have become so rare has to do with the many advantages of online casinos. We would like to briefly introduce you to the most important ones.
Available around the clock
Normal casinos have fixed opening times. If you are registered in an online casino, you don't have to stick to it, you can be active around the clock. So you play in your own rhythm.
Better welcome offers
In land-based casinos there is usually no bonus available for financial reasons. But you want to double your first deposit and collect several hundred euros extra or get free spins? This is only possible in online casinos.
No mandatory minimum stake
In order to achieve the right balance between stake and revenue, many land-based casinos require a minimum bet. This does not exist in this form at online casinos. Instead, just a few cents are enough to get started.
No arrival and departure
Before the first bet, land-based casinos incur travel costs for arrival and departure. You can avoid this by choosing an online casino. This is an enormous advantage, especially in rural regions.
Game selection is larger online
A land-based casino is already limited by the store space when it comes to the game selection. There is no such limit online and so even young providers can create an offer with several thousand slots.
More payment options
Cash, credit card and debit card - most land-based casinos are limited to these three payment methods. This cannot be compared with the large portfolio of different options including cryptocurrencies that modern online casinos give you.
Usually more flexible limits
Do you see yourself as a low roller and only want to go into the evening with a few dollars? Or are you well-heeled high rollers who only know at least three-digit stakes? Both target groups find each other in the online casino. In land-based casinos, rigid limits usually make this difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Do online casinos have a welcome bonus?
Yes, a welcome bonus is available in the vast majority of online casinos. This usually consists of a deposit bonus with free spins that rewards new customers for registering.
What are the best online casinos?
Ultimately, it is crucial that an online casino fits well with the wishes and gaming habits of the player. We recommend those in our “best casinos list”
Can you play in an online casino without real money?
Yes, many online casinos offer a demo mode for their slots. This offers the opportunity to test the games without risk and get an impression without real money.
Which payment method is suitable for an online casino?
A payment method that is suitable for the online casino must, above all, be quick and inexpensive. Credit cards, instant transfers and e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill are therefore very popular with players.
How do I recognize a reputable online casino?
A reputable online casino cannot only be recognized by the positive experiences of the players. Licensing, good player protection, transparent communication and reliable support are also clear characteristics.
What are No Deposit Casino Bonuses?
A no deposit casino bonus is a bonus without a deposit. Players receive this after registering for free in a casino. With the small balance or the free spins from the no deposit bonus you can explore the online casino for free.
What are casino free spins?
Casino free spins are game rounds for which you do not have to pay a stake. The casinos usually provide them for their most popular slots. Losses are excluded because you do not pay any stakes. But you can still most likely look forward to winnings.
Can you withdraw winnings from bonus offers?
Yes, in principle your winnings from the bonus offers can be paid out. However, the online casino may set a limit, for example if it is a no deposit bonus. In addition, with any reputable bonus you have to wager your winnings before the payout is possible.
Do I have to be verified in the online casino?
Yes, online casinos are required to verify your identity before the first withdrawal can be made. That's why it is necessary for all reputable providers to prove your identity using your ID card or passport.
