Online casinos, just like their land-based counterparts, can be a source of great entertainment and occasionally also provide you with big wins. However, for new players, getting started with online casinos can be overwhelming at times.

There are simply so many unknowns for the beginners that they may think it is just not worth their time and effort. Furthermore, how can they tell if the casino they play on is fair and will pay their winnings? If these are the same questions you've been asking, you've come to the right place, as this comprehensive beginners' guide to online casinos will help you get started within minutes and rid you of any fears you might have.

What is an online casino?

If you’ve ever been to a brick & mortar casino then you have a general idea what these places are all about. There are slots, table games, and more, offering players a chance to place wagers and, if they’re lucky, win more than what they put on the table or inside the slot machine.

Online casinos are basically the same thing, but everything is done electronically. There are no physical tables or slot machines as the gaming experience is delivered to you using the computer software via the internet. Of course, live dealer casinos are an exception to this, as they bring you real dealers and tables from an actual studio or a casino venue.

How can I know these computer games are fair?

This is a perfectly natural question asked by many beginners at online casinos. After all, all computer software can be tampered with and it seems online casinos would have a special incentive to do so and win more of your money.

However, serious casinos are licensed and regulated by a number of licensing bodies and independent auditing authorities such as UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gambling Authority, eCOGRA, and more, making sure all the games are perfectly fair and not tampered with in any way.

Is it legal to gamble at an online casino?

There is no one answer to this question that would fit all players. Online gambling is often regulated by particular states or jurisdictions, so it depends on where you intend to play from. Most countries allow players to play at online casinos, but they might restrict some operators or require casinos to obtain special licenses. You can find more information about these aspects of online gambling on GamblersPick as well.

It is also important to remember that almost no country in the world, with very few exceptions, will ever go after someone for simply playing at an online casino.

How can I deposit at an online casino?

Online casinos these days accept a broad range of banking methods. If you’ve ever shopped online you might be familiar with the process even if you’ve never tried online gambling before.

Players can fund their casino accounts using their credit and debit cards (like Visa and MasterCard), many popular e-wallets such as Skrill (formerly Moneybookers), NETELLER, ecoPayz, prepaid cards such Paysafecard, and much more. Some online casinos will even let you deposit with Bitcoin, which is the best option if you want to remain as anonymous as possible and keep your deposits under the radar.

If I win, how can I know I’ll get my money?

This is another important question many beginners have. If you happen to get lucky and win, it seems like there is no guarantee that you’ll get paid and, if that happens, there is no one to turn to. However, reputable online casinos will always pay your winnings as that is the only way to keep the players happy and continue to attract more customers.

To make sure you’re playing with a reputable casino, always check first with a review site such as GamblersPick to make sure you’re playing it safe. All the casinos we promote are 100% safe and will never try to confiscate your money.

Why should I play at an online casino at all?

There are many reasons to play at an online casino. For one, you can play whenever you feel like it from the comfort of your home. There is no need to get dressed, go out, and perhaps drive for half an hour or more to get to a casino.

Furthermore, online casinos are known for their generous bonuses and constant promotions. These will significantly improve your winning chances and give you a lot of extra cash to play with.

Finally, unlike most land-based venues, good online casinos constantly update their game library with new titles, so you’ll never get bored of the same, old games. There is always something new and exciting to try out.