Whether it’s video gaming or casino gaming, gaming on an online platform should be simple, fun, and harmless. It should be as straightforward as logging on to any gaming site offering your preferred game and having fun. But, with the increased risks of online scams in today’s internet age, it’s not as easy as it once was to find that perfect platform.
Choosing the perfect gaming site transcends merely checking for superior graphics and fun-filled gameplay. Nowadays, players must also prioritize finding a secure environment that matches their gaming preferences without missing out on the fun. Frankly, there’s a long list of things to consider when making that choice.
In no particular order, the following are the steps you should take when choosing a gaming site:
Check the Site’s Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
A gaming site’s legal and regulatory frameworks refer to the statutes guiding its operations. They are often determined by the territorial laws of the site’s location.
For instance, in the United States, casino gaming sites are principally regulated by individual states. And, sometimes, US gamers choose to play on offshore casino gaming sites, since there are only local options available in six states at the moment. While there are many options available for offshore casino gaming, these sites must abide by the region’s legal and regulatory frameworks to be considered safe to play at. These frameworks are practices that keep you, the gamer, safe.
However, regulatory frameworks go a few steps further to ensure that every player uses the operator’s services responsibly. Through various self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, time-outs, and easy access to professional help, a good gaming site actively ensures responsible gambling.
Additionally, when playing on an online gaming site, you are bound to share your sensitive information, whether personal or financial. You don’t want those in the wrong hands, and the site’s legal and regulatory frameworks should safeguard those. Some policies ensuring the safety of your information include the following:
- Encryption technology: Reputable online gaming sites must have a Secure Socket Layer (SSL). This technology protects your data from unauthorized access.
- Money protection policies: When picking an excellent online gaming site, you must ensure that the gaming site implements anti-fraud and anti-money laundering systems.
- Third-party certifications: Finally, a good gaming site may have certifications from organizations like eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs, etc.
It’s also up to you as a player to keep your information private. Some online casinos allow players to use live chat boxes to communicate with others. Video gaming sites similarly have these features, and might even require players to communicate verbally using headsets. In either case, the onus is on you not to share any personal information that could potentially be used to identify you. Sites where live chats are moderated can also help prevent people from sharing anything they shouldn’t, and it’s something to consider.
Inspect the Available Games and Software Suppliers
In plain terms, you want a gaming site with an extensive collection of games from reputable software providers. These sites are generally more fun and secure because you have more choices and a robust support system with the right software providers.
Considering casino gaming, for instance, the following are some examples of games every site should offer:
- Slots.
- Table games like blackjack, roulette, etc.
- Live dealer games;
- Specialty games such as Keno, scratch cards, etc.
- Video Poker etc.
More so, a good gaming site should feature games created by reputable software developers. Some reputable developers include:
- Micro Gaming.
- NetEnt.
- Playtech.
- Yggdrasil etc.
In terms of video games, there might not be such a variety as many games have their own website. However, you’ll still want to make sure you’re playing at the official site and avoid any suspicious links to play the game elsewhere.
Consult User Reviews
User reviews are first-hand assessments of the gaming platforms by previous users. They give you the raw opinions of other gamers who’ve used the platform you’re about to choose. These are usually the cheapest ways to tap into other people’s experiences without cost. And you know what they say about experience; it’s the best teacher.
So, during the selection process, you must establish, through diligent research, that such a gaming site is reputable and transparent in the industry. Finally, it is advisable to read reviews published on blogs, social forums, and media platforms from experts and fellow players about the gaming site.
One or two bad reviews can usually be ignored, but if you find repeated mentions of players having issues with multiplayer games crashing or their casino winnings being confiscated, it’s wise to take your custom elsewhere.
Look Out For Available Bonuses and Promotions
The best casino gaming sites have an endless list of bonus and promotion offers. These promotions enhance your gaming experience by offering multiple playing options and free trials. In turn, the extended practices allow you to get a feel of the game.
Therefore, ensure that the gaming site you choose has the most lucrative bonuses and player-friendly deals.
There are various types of bonuses, including:
- Welcome bonuses;
- Deposit bonuses;
- Free spins;
- Cashback offers;
- VIP and other loyalty programs. Etc
Video gaming sites might also have trial versions of the game where you can learn the ropes without entering a competitive environment with more experienced players straight away. The best sites will also have trailers and previews, maybe even demos before you commit to buying a new game.
Confirm You Can Make Convenient Deposits and Withdrawals
What’s the point of gaming online when you can’t make seamless deposits or withdrawals? Nobody wants their winnings stuck on a gaming platform, or to be unable to make that vital in-game purchase to progress to the next level.
So, convenient deposits and withdrawals are factors to consider when choosing a gaming site. You want to ensure the site has a hassle-free process for making deposits and withdrawals. The ability of a gaming site to facilitate secure and quick transactions is a crucial part of the online gaming experience, as this ingrains user confidence. It also encourages such users to engage in the platform actively.
Most reputable gaming sites offer several payment options. The most common payment options include the following:
- Credit and Debit Cards: Such a gaming site must allow Visa, Mastercard, and even Maestro cards.
- E-Wallets like Skrill & Neteller: Many international gaming sites also allow you to deposit and withdraw via international e-wallets.
- Online Banking: Online banking allows you to transact online through your international bank accounts.
You want to ensure your chosen site enables one or more payment options.
Check in With Customer Support
As with most online services, glitches are bound to happen when gaming on online platforms. And you’ll often need a responsive customer support service to navigate the hiccups. Otherwise, you might be stuck in nasty situations that might hold up your winnings or hinder your progress while gaming.
You want to check if the site has a stand-by customer support team that responds to customer queries quickly. A reputable gaming site ensures that you can get assistance whenever it’s needed. More so, the customer support should be reliable, friendly, and knowledgeable.
In addition, you should also check if customer support is available through various channels, such as email, live chat, and phone, so that you can reach them quickly in clutch situations.
Access the Website on Both PC and Mobile Devices
It is advisable to game on platforms accessible on multiple devices. Sometimes, players dive in to the gaming site on their PC and are okay with the platform’s features. Then they log in on their mobile device when on the bus or otherwise away from their PC, and everything is all over the place.
Don’t be that person.
During the screening process, try accessing the website on both your PC and your mobile devices. In addition, ensure the gaming site is compatible with various operating systems like Android and iOS. It can also be helpful if the site offers a dedicated mobile app which will ensure the features are perfectly-optimized for mobile. Generally, a reputable gaming site ensures you can experience quality gaming sessions on the go.
Additionally, good gaming sites ensure that they feature easy-to-use interfaces that allow quick navigation. The whole point of accessing the website on both PC and mobile devices is to ensure you’re comfortable with all aspects of the gameplay process.
So, check everything and ensure it matches your preferences.
Register
Finally, your preferred gaming site should feature its unique identification and registration process. Most reputable gaming sites have special procedures that every customer should go through. This procedure often involves a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedure that allows the gaming site to confirm your identity. Some gamers rely on the best VPNs to protect their virtual persona, whether playing video games or casino games, but even then you’ll likely have to verify your identity to the operator when joining a new casino site.
Ultimately, making the right choice comes down to ensuring the site you stick with is genuine and authentic. Running the checks discussed above might help you decide on the site’s authenticity to a large extent. However, sometimes, it might come down to your gut instincts. When you feel something is off about a site, don’t play there. Always be vigilant!