7 Things You Didn't Know About Playing Online Casino Games
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Online casinos have exploded in popularity in recent years, offering the thrill of traditional casino games from the comfort of your home. But beyond the flashing lights and tempting jackpots, there's a whole world of details most players might not be aware of. If you're already a fan of online gaming or you're just curious, here are seven things that might surprise you about the world of online casinos.
1. Games Are Tested for Fairness
You might wonder, "Is this game rigged?" Well, the truth is, online casino games are rigorously tested to ensure they are fair. Licensed online casinos work with independent auditing companies to check the randomness of their games. These audits ensure that the outcomes are unpredictable and not manipulated by the casino.
The magic behind this is something called a Random Number Generator (RNG). It's a sophisticated piece of software that generates random outcomes in games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. This means you’re not competing against a computer that's designed to beat you every time — the results are truly random.
What to look out for:
Ensure the casino you’re playing at mentions its use of RNGs.
Check if the casino is licensed and regularly audited by independent agencies.
2. Welcome Bonuses Have Strings Attached
Most online casinos, like Level Up casino, will welcome you with open arms and tempting bonuses. However, these aren’t as straightforward as they might appear. Sure, you can get a bonus that matches your first deposit, but before you can withdraw any winnings from that bonus, you'll need to meet specific requirements.
These often include something called wagering requirements or playthrough requirements. It’s the number of times you need to bet the bonus amount before being able to withdraw it. For instance, if you’re offered a £100 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement, you need to place bets totalling £2,000 before that bonus money becomes real cash.
3. Not All Games Contribute Equally to Wagering Requirements
If you thought you could clear those wagering requirements by playing your favourite slots or blackjack games, think again. Different games contribute differently towards meeting the wagering requirement. For instance:
Slots – Usually, they contribute 100%.
Table games (like blackjack or roulette) – Often contribute less, sometimes only 10-20%.
Live casino games – Usually contribute the least or sometimes not at all.
It’s important to know this before you dive into the games because you might be thinking you're working towards your bonus when, in fact, your progress is slower than you realise.
4. Some Online Casinos Offer Exclusive VIP Perks
It’s not all about the newbies. For regular players, many online casinos offer VIP or loyalty programs. These programs are designed to reward players who spend a lot of time and money at the casino.
Some perks include:
Personalised bonuses tailored just for you.
Faster withdrawals, so you can access your winnings quicker.
Exclusive tournaments only open to VIP members.
Dedicated customer support with quicker response times.
Becoming a VIP member can be worth it if you’re a regular player, but it’s crucial to know that these perks come with a cost — you usually need to play (and spend) quite a bit to reach these levels.
5. Online Casino Apps Offer Better User Experience
Although most online casinos are accessible via a browser, downloading the casino’s mobile app can make a big difference in your gaming experience. Many apps are specifically designed to be more user-friendly than their web-based counterparts, making gameplay smoother and offering features like push notifications for exclusive bonuses or promotions.
So, if you often find yourself playing on your phone, it might be worth checking if your favourite casino has an app. You might get a few perks simply for using it!
6. Live Casino Games Bridge the Gap Between Online and In-Person Casinos
One of the most significant innovations in the online casino world is live dealer games. These games are run in real-time, with actual human dealers dealing cards or spinning the roulette wheel while you watch via a live stream.
You can interact with the dealers and other players, which brings the social aspect of in-person casinos to the online world. It’s a great middle ground for those who want the convenience of online gaming but miss the personal interaction of a traditional casino.
7. The Importance of Knowing Your Limits
This one might not be a shocker, but it’s something many players don’t fully grasp until they’ve already lost more than they intended. Setting limits for yourself — whether it’s the time you spend playing or the money you’re willing to risk — is crucial.
Online casinos can be a lot of fun, but it’s easy to get carried away. Many platforms offer tools to help you stay in control, such as:
Deposit limits to cap how much you can deposit daily or weekly.
Time reminders that notify you after you’ve been playing for a certain amount of time.
Self-exclusion options, allowing you to take a break if you feel your gaming is becoming too much.
Take advantage of these tools to ensure your casino experience remains enjoyable and doesn’t veer into unhealthy territory.
Final Thoughts
Playing online casino games can be an exciting and entertaining experience, but it’s important to go in with a bit of knowledge. From understanding how the games work to making the most of bonuses and knowing when to stop, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Keep these seven facts in mind the next time you log in, and you’ll be ahead of the game.
