So many casinos, so little time
If you have decided to check out online casinos and have a go at some of those pokies everyone keeps going on about, here is a handy checklist for you to ensure that you have the best gaming experience possible in a safe environment.
1. Is it safe and licensed?
This is probably the most important aspect to choosing a casino. If the casino is legit you will find their licensing details easily.
2. How good is the Customer Service support?
Given that you will be spending money at a casino, quick and responsive Customer Service is very important. Online casinos, unlike land based casinos are available round the clock and a good casino will have customer service round the clock too. Along with toll free numbers, most casinos these days provide you with a Live Chat facility which allows you to communicate directly without having to make a phone call. The better ones even mail you a transcript of the chat for your reference.
3. How easy is it to navigate?
A good online casino should not be confusing or obtrusive. A graphics suite lets you feel you are actually in a land based casino without being over the top, is a good sign. Here’s the litmus test – would someone who has never played at an online casino be able to find their way around the site? If so, it gets a thumbs up
4. What is the software used?
The software a casino chooses can tell you a lot about the casino itself. Companies that use reputable, tried and tested software spend a great deal of money on licensing and that is a reflection of their commitment towards their players. In Australia, Microgaming is a top provider you can trust your money with.
5. Is it mobile?
These days more and more Ausssie players are turning to their mobiles for entertainment and any online casino worth its salt will have a mobile option so you can play your favourite pokies on your Android smart phones, iPads or iPhones.
6. Can you play for free?
The better casinos always offer you free play which is not to be confused with no deposit play. Free play is when you play without money and can try out the different games for as long as you like. There is no payout when you win, but free play is a great way to try out different games, particularly variations of blackjack, poker, roulette.
7. What are the available payment options ?
When you join an Australian online casino you should be presented with a wide range of depositing methods to choose from including credit card, debit cards, bank transfers and of course, epayment methods like
POLi, Neteller and Click2Pay.
8. What are the payout ratios like?
We cannot stress enough just how important it is to understand the payout system of an online casino. Do not deposit a single cent until you know how and when you will be paid. Also remember not to trust casinos that claim to offer instant payouts since that may only be an advertising strategy. And always remember to read the wagering requirements.
9. What are the gaming choices like?
Unlike a land based casino where gaming choices are fairly limited, one of the best things about an online casino is the sheer choice of games you can try out. You should have a minimum of a hundred pokies to try out. If table games are your thing they should all be there from blackjack to craps, from roulette to poker. There should be a game to suit every taste and every skill level.
10. Is there a generous sign up bonus?
When you sign up, you should be welcomed with a generous sign up bonus. A 100% cash match is a good start but you can always get better bonuses. Additionally, don’t forget to check if they’ve got a no deposit bonus that you can play with.
11. Are there follow on bonuses?
Do you get rewarded for your game play? Is there are a loyalty program in place? Are there top up bonuses? If you answered yes to all questions, you are on the right track.
12. Are there tournies?
If it’s a Microgaming casino, you are certain to find slots tournies including some fabulous free roll action.
13. Do you have the chance to win big jackpots?
A good casino will always offer progressive jackpots and you should have at least half a dozen to a dozen pokies that give you the chance to win big.
If your prospective online casino ticks most of these boxes, you are on a good thing. However, if you want to take the short cut and skip the check list entirely, you can always head over to our review section and check out what we have to say about top Australian online casinos!