Whilst it was already well on its way to becoming the dominant form of gaming in the years prior, 2020 really was the era in which gambling online took over as the go-to way for players to feel the adrenaline rushes and intense moments synonymous with the industry. Whilst it’s hard to look over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns around the world had on anything involved with the digital sector (all of which saw booms similar to the one enjoyed by online gambling), there are also plenty of other factors that have led to the rise of online operators.
For starters, the sheer accessibility of gaming on the go is something one cannot understate, with players being able to take the casino experience with them wherever they go and whenever they like. There’s also the addition of new forms of bets that can only be housed online, and the greater sense of reach and community that things such as live chat windows allow for.
And, as with anything that experiences strong growth over a sustained period, the online world has opened up entirely new markets and unlocked regions players would have never stumbled upon before. With the competition now more stacked than ever, and the options seemingly endless for players around the world, here are some of the best things to look out for when it comes to spotting a good online gambling site.
Support And Security
Before even looking at the selection of games, operators and even thinking about making a deposit, the first thing every user should do when landing on a site is checking out the amount of support and security available to them.
Every single house online should have a URL address that reads ‘https://’ rather than ‘http://’. A good way of double-checking this is by looking at the URL top bar and seeing whether there is a padlock present; this padlock tells a user that the site is built with secure sockets layer encryption, an absolutely essential tool for security when it comes to handling vital components of information such as personal information and payment details.
Once a site has been judged to be a safe to play, users should always scroll to the bottom of a homepage and see whether the house and operators are registered to operate in their region. Certifications should be present at the bottom of the page, and things like TrustPilot reviews are always a nice feature to see present.
Online gambling sites should also have a plethora of options for players when it comes to support from the house for users with questions or concerns. Most well-regarded sites will come with live chat support in a host of languages, as well as contact information such as Emails and a main address users can clearly find.
A Clear Identity
Everything from classic tabletop games such as Blackjack or Roulette to online flash video slots are examples of real money earning games, but they are also examples of just how stacked and diverse the gambling community has become over the years.
Most online gambling sites will try to squeeze in every single type of game on their site, fearful that not housing something will lead to them missing out on hordes and hordes of customers. The reality is that most users know what types of games they like, and as such, they will rarely ever find themselves deviating away from them and across to other alternatives. Players on online gambling sites are either doing it strictly for recreation, and as such will only go to the games that entice them in, or as a serious way of making money, which requires investment in both time and money in order to seriously become an expert in.
The saying ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ might be appropriate in trying to work out whether an online gambling site is a winner or not. Look for sites that have a clear idea of what they are and what types of games or operators they are trying to push. Clear and consistent color themes and palettes are a great place to start, but also look for consistency in fonts, image usage, layouts and overall structure as well as what games are available to play.
For example, a site that is presented with a crisp and clean design that is being employed to try and sell a virtual experience of a classic casino loses a lot of its authority when it begins plastering cheesy video slots all over its homepage. Look for sites that have a real focus on what they are trying to offer customers, rather than the sites that are on a mad dash to embed every type of game in the industry.
