Making The Switch From Free Casino Games To Real Money
For many gamers, their first experiences of playing casino games online come from trying a few out on free websites. These are excellent training tools, as they can give you some idea of what to expect when you bet online. However, there are still plenty of things you need to know about making the switch from free casino games to playing for prizes.
There are real money casinos in the dozens online, so making the right choice is going to prove vitally important if you are to transfer the skills you learned playing free games into actual cash.
Always Research The Website
When making the switch, the first thing you should do is research the website. Online betting has become a multi-billion dollar industry in recent years. In the UK alone it was worth £2.28 billion ($2.8 billion) in 2012.
While this is great for the industry, it does lead to security risks for players. Rogue websites spring up all over the Internet every year and it is very easy to get caught out by them. There are a number of websites that list casino sites that are less than honest, but it is still important that you do your research to find out how reputable the casino is and what others are saying about it.
Budget Properly
Playing free casino games can give you a false sense of your success. When you aren’t playing for cash you are more likely to take risks, plus many free casino games are a little less skewed in the house’s favor.
You need to keep this in mind when making the switch. Budget accordingly so you don’t suffer financially if you lose and remember that there may be less chance of getting a win when playing for money as there is when you play free games.
Look At The Odds
It’s usually best to play the odds when playing at an online casino. Sure, the really big jackpots may look tempting, but the actually odds of hitting them are so astronomical that you’ll usually end up losing far more money than you win unless you are really lucky.
Conversely, games like Blackjack and Poker offer more ways to win and better odds as well. Learn the rules of the games and try the out with smaller sums of money. As your confidence increases so too will your chances of winning.
Look For Promotions
A lot of online casinos also offer promotions and bonuses that they would not be able to offer in a traditional setting.
Look for games that offer bonuses upon winning, or those that allow you to play free games every so often. These up your chances of taking something home from your online gambling.
Watch Out For Fees
When you start playing for with actual stakes you have to keep in mind that the online casino is now responsible for processing actual winnings and losses, rather than them all being fairly meaningless.
The best try to ensure their systems are as accurate and secure as possible, but this comes at a cost to them. In many cases, this cost will be passed onto you when you try to withdraw your winnings. When choosing your online casino, make sure that you are aware of the fees. Some will charge flat fees, while others may take a percentage of your winnings for the service.
Other Useful Advice
There are two additional pieces of advice that will help you to enjoy more success when you start playing for cash.
Firstly, take regular breaks from the computer. Not only will this remove you from the game, allowing you to get a little extra perspective, but it will also help you to stay focused. This is especially important in games that require more strategy to play.
Secondly, avoid drinking when you play. There is a reason why so many traditional establishments offer free drinks to players. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and makes you more likely to make rash decisions. Stay sober and keep your mind sharp to make sure you make the right decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The above tips will help you make the switch from free casino games to real money, but there are plenty of questions that first-time online gamers have before they start playing. This section will answer some of the most common.
Is Online Gambling Legal?
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. You will need to be aware of your country or state’s gambling laws as online gambling is a fairly unregulated industry at this moment in time. If you are wary, consider contacting your local authorities to make sure, but you should find that it is legal to play in most places.
Are They Safe?
As long as you play at a reputable sites it should be perfectly safe. They employ complex security algorithms to ensure your money and personal details are protected. Again, make sure you do your research beforehand.
Are They Fair?
The competition in the online casino market actually makes for fairer games. Most websites realize that they are only a click away from losing you as a customer, which gives them extra incentive to make their games fairer. Compared to regular casinos, the payouts online are significantly better, plus they make use of more complex random number algorithms in slot games.
How Do I Get my Winnings?
Playing for actual cash would mean little if you couldn’t get your hands on your winnings. Thankfully, most online casinos offer a number of withdrawal options, including:
- Cheque
- Wire Transfer
- NETeller
The latter is a site that has been designed specifically for online casino gambling. It can process payments and withdrawals and is the most reliable site on the web today for such transactions.
The Final Word
Making the transition from free casino games to playing for real money can be a difficult one. You will need to do your research, play smart and understand your budget to find success.
However, the probability of winning is much higher online, plus your transactions are secure thanks to numerous advancements in technology.
