Playing online on an iGaming platform can mean a lot of fun, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started. Knowing this information can help you avoid unsafe sites, use those bonuses effectively, and also discover the best platform for you. So if you haven’t touched a digital casino yet, and are ready to finally make the transition from your favorite brick-and-mortar location into the online world, this guide is for you:
Are Online Casinos Safe?
The first thing you’re likely wondering is whether or not online casinos are even safe. It is scary to deposit funds into a casino, especially if you’re worried about sites delaying your withdrawals or even making it feel impossible to collect your winnings.
The good news is that, yes, online casinos are safe, but you have to check that they are, in fact, legal, licensed, and regulated.
How to Check if You’re on a Regulated Casino
Every reputable and safe digital casino is licensed by a gaming authority. A few of the most popular gaming authorities include:
- Gambling Commission United Kingdom (GCUK)
- Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Estonia Tax and Customs Regulatory Board
Chances are, however, if you can access a certain online casino without a VPN, that casino has a license in your area. This could be a country-wide license or state/province-specific, depending on where you are. Lonkero instant casino, for example, is licensed by the Estonian regulatory authorities.
Double Check with the Board
The second step, before you make a deposit, is to check the regulatory board your casino claims it is with. You can do this easily online. Simply go to said board and search for the casino. Lonkero, for example, is licensed alongside other casinos on the Estonian list of legal gambling operators under Blixx Gaming Limited, so it’s perfectly safe to use.
How to Bonuses Work?
Every bonus has its own list of terms and conditions.
Free Bets
Free bets are usually only available on sports betting sites. They allow you to make a bet and keep any winnings, while taking back the original bet amount. If you lose, then that’s it.
Free Spins
Similar to free bets, free spins allow players to spin a certain number of free spins on a slot game. You keep the money if you win.
Deposit Bonus
Deposit bonuses, where the platform provides money to your account if you also make a deposit, usually come with strict wagering requirements, so you have to make bets before you can make a withdrawal.
Always check what the wagering requirements and terms and conditions are on a bonus before you claim it. This will help you avoid getting confused or irritated when you can’t do something, like immediately withdraw the deposit bonus to your account.
Identity Verification
Increasingly, online casinos are using banking verification to run preliminary identity checks. Some countries, like Sweden, use BankID to instantly verify users as soon as they make a deposit. Others offer a preliminary identity check when you make the deposit, but will require a more substantial ID check later on. On Lonkero, for example, you’ll only need to verify your ID once you’ve made 2000EUR in transactions (deposits/withdrawals).
Safe Play Restrictions
One last thing to keep in mind before you get started, and that’s to set safe play restrictions for yourself in advance. You can limit everything from deposits to even losses this way. For example, you can set up your account so you cannot make another deposit if you’ve lost a certain amount of money. Similarly, you can keep your betting habit healthy by limiting how much you can deposit per week or month. This can help prevent you from accidentally going over your betting budget or chasing losses.
