Frederick Jace
Today, online gambling is more massive than ever. This sector has existed since the mid-1990s. However, it wasn’t until smartphones got widely adopted that it blew up into the behemoth it is now. Anyone with a mobile phone released in the past decade can now enjoy games of chance over the internet. Thus, this industry is on track to start pulling in global revenues of £116 billion in the next seven years. Over of third of this generated money will stem from casino-style entertainment.
Entities operating in this sphere are churning out interactive gaming platforms at an incredible pace, looking to create gambling sites that fit every preference imaginable. UK residents are privileged in that they have access to two different platform categories, UKGC-licensed ones and casinos not on GamStop, or ones operating from a foreign land. Therefore, with so many sites on hand, for newbies and super casual players, things can get confusing regarding which one these players should call home. In the subheadings below, an examination follows concerning the main aspects everyone should look for when evaluating the quality of an online casino, regardless if it is a UK-based one or a casino not on GamStop.
Proper Security Measures & Regulatory Approval
In the past, everyone had fears about sharing their info over the internet. However, nowadays, those worries no longer exist thanks to the invention of data ciphering technology. That is software that wraps information sent online in an unhackable cover that third parties cannot access. Virtually all gaming platforms utilize this technology via Secure Socket Layer encryption of the 128-bit or 256-bit variety. They also implement a wide range of data protection methods and notify users of potential security breaches. Patrons can, and should, check all this information on a site’s general terms and conditions page.
Regulatory approval ensures that a casino will follow through with the measures described above. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is Britain’s gaming regulator, overseeing all betting activity throughout the nation, except for spread wagering. UKGC-licensed sites have to follow a set of very stringent rules regarding player security. Non GamStop casinos are platforms run by offshore operators, overseen by international bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority, or one of the four Curacao master license holders. These implement many of the same safety measures as the UKGC but are not as diligent as Britain’s regulator. No players should ever sign-up with unlicensed gambling sites or ones that do not boast a decent reputation among experienced players.
Wide Range of Diverse Payment Options
An interactive gaming platform needs to offer a vast selection of payment methods. That is so because each one has its specific perks, and not all bonuses can get claimed through all offered transaction options. For example, while e-wallets offer anonymity and feature super-fast transfer speeds, many sites make their promotions unavailable for Neteller and Skrill users. That is accurate across the whole industry. Meaning, it does not apply only to UKGC-approved casinos.
Thus, having access to a set of multiple money transfer options allows users to reap all the benefits an online casino provides. As a rule of thumb, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin should unite players with their funds the quickest. E-wallets are next in line, facilitating transactions in less than 48-hours, and credit/debit cards are third with wait times of up to seven working days. Bank wire is a tremendously secure option that incurs processing periods that can go over ten working days.
A Slew of Promotions
Here is a public secret. Bonuses are the backbone of the online gambling sphere. It is what dramatically sets these digital gaming hubs apart from their land-based counterparts. Hence, no player should settle for testing their luck at a platform that offers few promo deals. The most standard offer a casino will feature is a welcome bonus, consisting of a deposit match often coupled with some free spins. Both can be stand-alone deals as well. The regular sign-up offer will supply more than £100 in free-play funds through a deposit match.
Another promo mainstay that users should expect is a loyalty system. These programs most often get comprised of multiple tiers, each one carrying its perks. Users rise through them via their bet activity. Cashback, a weekly/monthly rebate, may be available in such a scheme. The refund percentages players get access to will likely climb as they ascent the program’s tiers.
Robust Game Lobby
According to polls, promotions aside, game selection is the second most vital aspect of an online casino for most players. It is wise for players to choose sites with game lobbies that boast hundreds of gaming products. Doing so ensures that a player will never get bored on their hunt for riches. Also, it is crucial for an operator to transparently list all game specifications that give users an idea of the type of gameplay they can expect in terms of the odds they face. That includes showing titles’ return-to-player percentages, their volatility, and max exposure.
No modern gambling site should be without a quality selection of live dealer tables, virtual video poker machines, lottery-style games, and naturally hundreds of reel-spinners.
Excellent Customer Care
Nothing goes perfectly in life. The same principle holds for online gambling fun. So, any operator worth their salt will have representatives on standby 24/7 to help resolve any issues originating from a player’s use of their service. That is pretty much the industry standard. Email support is fine if site staff responds to all inquiries within two hours at the most.
Having an extensive FAQ section is also a sizeable positive, as a vast self-help page can help users locate the solution to their problems on their own without contacting staff, saving both parties time. Phone support is pretty much dead these days, except for some premium UK-based sites still offering it. Do not expect to see it as an option at a casino not on GamStop.
Differences Between UKGC Platforms & Casinos Not on GamStop
Recently, there has been a shift in public perception in the UK regarding gambling. Concerns have arisen regarding a rise in betting addiction rates. That stems from surveys that show that the number of problem gamblers in Britain has increased, with many addicted not seeking help. Thus, this revelation caused the UKGC to implement new measures that make online slot gameplay less intense. Some of these include the addition of spin timers, removing the auto-play function, and lowering max bet limits.
These dramatic gameplay restrictions have had the adverse effect of causing many UK players to migrate over to foreign sites. As discussed, an offshore operator is a non GamStop casino, one operating outside Britain’s borders. These platforms do not get licensed by the UKGC. So the elaborated anti-addiction measures do not apply to them. Their allure lies in them supplying gameplay freedom, niche payment options, games unavailable on the UK market, and more substantial bonuses. Find out more about these alternative gambling sites at casinonotongamstop.net.
To Wrap Up
All parties interested in seeing if good fortune will smile upon them when spinning digital reels or enjoying other interactive gaming products should consider the points covered in this article. Even more importantly, they should ensure that they engage in this pastime responsibly, never overstepping their means by wagering amounts that they cannot afford to lose.
