Online Casinos

Welcome to the greatest guide to online casinos. Gambling sites have experienced a rapid increase in recent years. Every year, new providers flock to the market and want to attract new players through high bonuses or a large selection of games. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about online casino sites. Are you up for some casino fun? Keep on reading!

What Makes the Best Online Casino?

The best online casinos have a few key qualities that set them apart. First, they’re licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, like MGA or Curacao. They offer a wide selection of games, from top-tier slots to classic table games and live dealer options, keeping players engaged with variety.

Smooth and fast payment options are also essential, making deposits and withdrawals hassle-free. The top sites also excel in customer support, with responsive, knowledgeable teams available around the clock.

Finally, a solid bonus structure with fair terms—like welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards – can make gameplay more exciting. With these qualities, an online casino delivers a premium experience that players can trust and enjoy.

Online Casino Bonus

Bonus offers are standard at all online casinos. In addition to classic welcome bonuses, depending on the provider, there are several other bonuses you can find on online casino sites.

Deposit Bonus For New Customers

If you register with an online casino for the first time, you will receive a bonus on the first deposit as a welcome bonus. After that, you get a certain percentage of the deposited amount credited as a real money bonus. A decent welcome bonus should be at least 100%, double the deposit amount. There are also casinos online that offer a 200%, 300%, or even 400% welcome bonus.

However, finding a casino with such a high offer is pretty rare. You should not make the mistake of letting yourself be dazzled by how big a bonus is. Whether a casino bonus is fair depends on some other criteria, like wagering requirements or time limits.

No Deposit Casino Bonus

A no deposit bonus at an online casino is a popular perk, though it’s relatively rare. Typically, new players might receive a small amount, like $5 or $10, as a bonus without needing to make a deposit. However, these bonuses often come with stricter wagering requirements than regular deposit bonuses. Still, a no deposit bonus with a small starting balance is a great way to explore an online casino and try out different games without risking your own money.

Free Spins

To be one of the best, an online casino should include some free spins in the bonus. In most online casinos, in addition to the deposit bonus, there is a certain number of free spins for a specific slot. Free spins are also often used to introduce new slot machines. However, you should note that different conditions always apply to free spins.

Reload Bonus and Cashback

An important criterion for the best online casino is rewarding loyal customers. One way to do this is the casino reload bonus. For example, once a week, there is a certain percentage of the deposited balance. It is usually slightly lower than with the first deposit. The reload bonus is usually 25% or 50%.

An online casino pays back a part of the lost bets with a cashback bonus. Depending on the provider, the cashback ranges between 10% and 25%.

The positive thing about the cashback bonus is that there are no conditions for this. The cashback goes directly to the customer’s account as real money.

Bonus Codes

At some online casinos, you’ll need to enter a promo code to claim a bonus, and these codes may unlock extra credit. However, they typically come with certain terms and conditions. While new players often use bonus codes, regular players may also receive promotions that require a code. However, at most online casinos, using a bonus code isn’t necessary to claim a bonus.

What is Important for a Good Bonus?

The highest casino bonus is not necessarily the best. Top online casinos are characterized by their fair bonus conditions. The following criteria are of particular importance for the evaluation:

Wagering Requirements

Before a casino can pay a bonus, you must wager it several times. The best casinos charge 35 times the turnover or less. For example, with a bonus of 100 dollars, you would require a total turnover of 3,500 dollars. Some casinos are deceptive with the wagering requirements by making player wager deposit and bonus separately. Both 35 times this means a 70-fold total turnover. Generally, with offers more than 50 times you should waive the sales condition.

Time Limit

Online casino players only have a limited period to unlock the bonus. The time limit is usually 30 days, but it may be longer, depending on an online casino. The best online casinos even give their players 90 days or more time. If the bonus is not released within the set deadline, it will be forfeited, and the winnings will already be made.

Limited Bet and Win

When playing with bonus funds, the amount of possible bets is limited. A betting limit of 5 euros is standard. The same applies to the profit made. It is often limited, whereby winnings above the limit are not paid out.

Game Restrictions

Not all online casino games are equally considered in the wagering requirements. While the stakes on slot machines usually count in total, there are restrictions on the table games. For roulette or blackjack, 20% of the turnover will be credited. It is due to the higher payout rates on table games. Bets in the live casino are often not taken into account at all. However, some of our casino test winners allow live casino online games to meet wagering requirements.

Minimum deposit

You should consider the minimum deposit if you prefer to play with small stakes. For example, some online casinos grant a bonus from a deposit of one dollar. However, some top providers require a minimum of 20 or 50 dollars.

Transparent terms and conditions

Reputable online casinos are open with their bonus conditions. These should be easy to find right away and easy to understand. However, if casino players have to search for a long time or if the conditions are published in a foreign language, this is not a sign of a good casino.

Casino License, Player Protection and Security

Playing in an online casino with a license is a must. Casino providers with valid licenses within the EU are considered the most reputable. Especially the licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission. To obtain such casino licenses, casinos online must meet strict requirements. It includes, among other things, that player and company accounts are kept separate from each other.

In addition to the state authorities, several other organizations check the fairness of online casinos. A certificate from eCOGRA means, for example, that the online casino payout percentages are regularly reviewed, and they use a neutral random number generator for their games. Another important criterion for the best online casino is data protection. The standard is currently data transmission with 256-bit encryption. You can find a certificate for secure data transmission via the website information of the browser in the address bar.

Online casinos allow their customers to set personal limits on wagers and deposits. In addition, the account can be temporarily or permanently blocked for your protection. All reputable online casinos work with support groups that players can turn to if needed. These include GamCare or Gamblers Anonymous. The corresponding link should be visible on the website of your chosen casino.

How to Deposit in an Online Casino?

Depositing at a casino is simple and doesn’t need to be explained in detail! On the other hand, there are a few things to remember before making your first deposit. Below you’ll find some tips for choosing a payment method.

• If you are traveling and playing from time to time abroad, make sure that the payment method you want to use is available in the countries where you will be staying.
• Be sure to use the same method when depositing and withdrawing to avoid inconvenience.
• Learn about possible fees when using a specific payment method (if any).
• Check whether you can receive a given bonus regardless of the payment method (it happens that online casinos do not offer bonuses if you use specific payment methods.
• Check if the casino uses proper security when making transactions.

A Wide Range of Games – In Every Game Category

Only an extensive range of games, turns a good casino into the best online casino. Therefore, a balanced mix of slot machines, table games, and other games such as baccarat or bingo should be available. The following games are most often used in online casinos:

• Slots
• Poker
• Video Poker
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Baccarat
• Keno
• Bingo
• Sic Bo
• Scratch cards

Online Slots

Online slots are the heart of an online casino and provide an exciting gaming experience. Online casinos usually have more than 1,000 slot machines in their program, with no limits to the creativity of the developers.

In addition to the traditional fruits, there are slot machines to ancient Egyptian rulers to wild adventures in the depths of the sea.There is something for every taste, and new online casino games are released every day. However, the slot machines differ in terms of the number of reels and paylines, features, and payout percentage.

Popular Online Slots at a Glance:

• Book of Dead
• Gonzo’s Quest
• Starburst
• Big Bass Bonanza

Table Games

Classic table games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, or baccarat should not be missing in any online casino. A plus point is the higher payout percentage compared to the slots. Casino players should ensure that online casino games are offered as many variants as possible.

Among other things, roulette is online in European and American versions and is also a multi-wheel. Likewise, you can usually find a vast selection of blackjack. However, virtual table games have lost some of their importance in recent years, as they are mainly played at live dealer tables.

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots are a special type of online slot. The bets of players flow into a shared jackpot. For this purpose, the online casino sites are connected so that the possible winning sum increases steadily. One of the most famous jackpot slots is Mega Moolah.

With a winning amount of about 19 million euros, he even made it into the Guinness Book of Records. The dream and goal of every casino player, isn’t it? Other jackpots with high winning amounts are Mega Fortune and Jackpot Giant.

Popular Online Jackpots Are:

1. Mega Fortune
2. Mega Moolah

Other Game Categories

Online casinos offer different variants of video poker as an alternative to classic poker. These are often found in a separate category. Some popular titles include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Double Joker.The game offered in the best online casinos is rounded off by other games such as keno or bingo. Although these are not the focus of online casinos, they often offer first-class profit opportunities. Moreover, compared to the lottery, the chances of winning are much higher.

In modern online casinos, TV games are now also available. These are similar to the live casino but offer more diverse betting options, such as betting on poker. Typical games here are Lucky 6 or JokerBet.

Live Casino

In a live casino, players compete against others with a real dealer, offering a smooth experience when paired with a strong internet connection. Top casinos provide HD-quality streams and features like direct communication with dealers and players, along with multiple camera angles to create an authentic atmosphere.

The best live casinos offer a wide range of games, including various poker versions like Caribbean Stud and Three Card Poker. They also cater to all players with tables for both high rollers and low stakes, with some offering high-stakes tables where bets can reach five digits. Low-stakes options, like blackjack starting at 50 cents, are available for casual players.

How to Withdraw Winnings From an Online Casino

Withdrawing your casino winnings should not be difficult, and the waiting time until your money appears in your account should not take more than a few days at most. Below we have described a few things you should take into account when withdrawing winnings from a casino:

1. Wagering requirements: One of the most important things to remember before withdrawing winnings is the wagering conditions. If the winnings you want to withdraw have been earned through bonus funds, ensure you meet the wagering conditions first before requesting a withdrawal.
   
2. Withdrawal limits: Often online casinos will impose daily, weekly, or monthly withdrawal limits. Some casinos have no limits, and others offer increased withdrawal limits to VIP players. Make sure to find out the limits of a particular casino before registering.
   
3. Time limits: While deposits at online casinos are processed instantly, withdrawals are a bit more complicated due to the risk of money laundering. The security/software team must review all requests. It usually takes 24-48 hours. Once the order is processed, the processing time depends on the payment method used. If an e-wallet is used, it will only take a few hours, while bank transfers can take several days. The average processing time for withdrawals at casinos is 24 hours
   
4. Account limits: To help you control your spending, all licensed online casinos offer account limits. These can be applied to deposits, withdrawals, and betting amounts.
   
5. Security checks: Before your first withdrawal request is processed, the online casino will ask you to confirm your identity. You’ll do this by submitting an official ID for verification and sometimes even a photo of your credit card (with hidden digits and CVV code).

High Payout Ratios

In contrast to a classic or a local casino, the payout percentages at online casinos are much higher. It is because it indicates what percentage of the bets made are paid back to the players. – in other words, how high the chances of winning are. Often the payout ratio is indicated with the abbreviation RTP, which stands for Return to Player.

For the RTP values, a distinction is made between the theoretical and actual payout ratios. The actual payout rate indicates the distributions made over a specific time. In most cases, this is one month. However, depending on the game results, this can fluctuate slightly. At online casinos, the payout rate is, on average, about 95 percent. If a high jackpot has been won, it can rise to over 100 percent in the short term. The different online casino games also differ regarding return to player value. A reputable online casino indicates the chances of winning in the game instructions. It is always the theoretical payout ratio.

For slot machines, the RTP value is due to algorithms of the random number generators. These are between 95 and 96% for most slots. The top 5 slots with the highest payout rates:

1. Ocean Princess = 99.07%
2. Mega Joker = 99.00%
3. Jackpot 6000 = 98.90%
4. Bloodsuckers = 98.00%
5. Jokerizer = 98.00%

Another essential point is volatility. It refers to how often a slot machine distributes real money winnings. For example, some slots pay out smaller winnings more often, while others pay out less often and, in return, pay out higher amounts.

Online casino players should ensure that an independent institute regularly checks the random number generator and payout percentage. Reputable casino sites display the certificates at the bottom of the casino page. Casino games such as blackjack or roulette have a more comprehensive range of RTP values. For example, the payout percentage in blackjack ranges between 92 and 99.80%. The situation is similar to roulette. It ranges between 92.11 and 98.60% of the bets paid out.

Fast and Secure Payment Methods

A deposit to the player’s account is first necessary to play in the best casinos. An excellent online casino offers a wide range of payment methods for this. The standard includes bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and various online payment providers (Neteller, Skrill, etc.).Except for bank transfers, the deposit is available within a few moments as a bet on casino games. Depositing by bank transfer at online casinos can take one to three business days.

For the first deposit, almost every online casino offers a bonus. Players should consider whether they want to use it before choosing a payment method. You cannot use certain payment services for the bonus with some of the best online casino sites. In addition, there is a minimum amount, which is 10 or 20 dollars. The casino bonus also has an impact on a possible payout. It is only possible when the bonus has been wholly unlocked and converted into real money. If you want to withdraw your balance in advance, you risk that the bonus will expire.

Otherwise, a fast payout at top casinos is very easy. Considering the minimum payout amount, you can request this with a few clicks in the customer account. The best online casinos process requests within one to two working days. The credit will be credited immediately after processing, depending on the selected payment method. For bank transfers, there is a corresponding processing time.

You must always make the deposit and withdrawal in the same way. However, the processing may take a little longer at the first withdrawal, as the player still has to verify himself. For higher amounts, confirmation of identity may also be required. In addition, the sum of the possible monthly payouts is limited depending on the casino online.

Meanwhile, there are also casinos without verification, which are just as good in the security standards as regular online casinos.

Best online casinos waive the collection of fees for both deposits and withdrawals. Unfortunately, there are also some providers where, for example, the payout by bank transfer or credit card in the online casino is not free. Any fees that may incur should be listed transparently.

Cooperation With Well-Known and Modern Software Providers

The casino software quality is an important criterion in the casino test. On the one hand, it is about the software of the online casino sites so that, among other things, registration and deposits, and withdrawals work smoothly. The second point is the casino games themselves.

The best casinos work exclusively with well-known developers to give their customers the best possible gaming experience. It ensures that the casino games run smoothly and offer convincing graphics and great sound.

• In the field of slot machines, Microgaming, among others, is one of the market leaders. The company’s best-known slots include Mega Moolah, Avalon, or Game of Thrones. In total, the portfolio includes more than 450 slots. The options for table games are also appealing. For example, there are over 40 different variants of blackjack.
• Another top software provider is Netent. The company presents a colorful mix of slots, table games, and high-quality live dealer casinos. From the forge of Netent come well-known casino games such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Mega Fortune.
• The software provider Evolution Gaming has become the market leader in live casinos. Many of the best online casinos use Evolution Gaming software for live games. The portfolio includes a wealth of variants of all known table games. In addition, the software impresses with numerous setting options and first-class graphics. 

Other well-known developers are:  

• Novoline
• Gamomat
• Betsoft·       
• Quickspin
• Pragmatic Play
• iSoftBet
• Yggdrasil

Mobile Versions and Casino Apps

Online casinos usually offer great user experience so that players find their way around quickly. It includes, in particular, logically structured navigation. All casino games should be divided into appropriate categories and can be accessed via a search function. A reputable online casino always offers different language versions of the website. The terms and conditions should also be available in a multitude of different languages.

A mobile casino site is also standard at an online casino. Thus, you can also play the entire range of games in the casino conveniently from a tablet or smartphone. It works easily and quickly via the respective browser. The software automatically detects which device the player is using and adjusts the display accordingly. You don’t need to download a separate app to use a provider’s mobile online casino. Nevertheless, some online casinos offer their real money app for free downloads for iOS and Android. The mobile application depends on the simplest possible operation as with the casino website.

It is advantageous if, in addition to the entire range of games, the customer account administration can also be carried out via tablet or smartphone. It allows players to conveniently deposit money or request a withdrawal on the go. However, compared to the classic website, sometimes, not all payment methods are available in the mobile casino.

Reliable and Helpful Customer Service

In case of questions or problems, online casino players expect fast and competent help from their casino through customer service. Basically, in addition to the FAQ, there are 5 different ways to get in touch with the casino customer service:

• Live chat
• Email
• Phone
• Messenger
• Social Media (like Whatsapp)

The best online casinos always offer fast support via live chat. Since problems can occur at different times, it is also essential that customer service is available around the clock. In addition to the speed, live chat offers another advantage. Players can attach pictures or screenshots online at many casinos. Telephone contact is handy for complex problems. Here it should be ensured that you can reach the casino provider via a phone number in your country. In the case of foreign numbers, it may otherwise incur additional costs. Telephone support is also standard at a good casino.

Of course, the best online casinos also offer contact via an email address. However, it is primarily suitable for less urgent requests. In addition, players can describe their problems in detail and send attachments if necessary. An essential criterion for support by email is the response time. According to our experience, reputable online casinos answer emails within 24 to 48 hours.

Some casinos also offer other contact channels. It includes, for example, a messenger or support via social networks. In addition to good accessibility, the quality of customer service also impacts the casino rating. Ideally, an online casino should solve the problem directly at the first request.

Sports Betting

Online casinos often provide even more options to make money. The integration of online sports betting on the casino platform is quite common. The combination of online casinos and betting providers is particularly popular and makes the online gaming library unique.

You can often place your bet on eSports games such as Fortnite or Virtual Sports. Although the selection in the sports betting segment is usually not quite as large as with the huge betting providers, you can usually find the most important sports like Football, Basketball or Tennis. So if an online casino has sports betting in their offer, this is undoubtedly a significant advantage.

A Look Into the History of Online Casinos

Online casinos have undergone rapid development. The starting signal was given in 1994 with the enactment of the “Free Trade and Processing Zone Act” by the Caribbean island states of Antigua and Barbuda. It established that online gambling is legal and issued the first provisions for granting licenses. In the same year, the game developer Microgaming founded “The Gaming Club,” the world’s first online casino. The software used for this is, of course, not comparable to today’s casino games. In addition, the possibility of making deposits via the Internet was still missing at this time. The first electronic payment methods were developed in 1995 by the Irish company Cryptologic.

A year later, there were already 15 online casinos. The increasing competition ensured that the casino providers advertised bonus offers for new customers early on. In the following years, more and more new providers came onto the market. As a result, the number of online casinos rose to around 700 by 1998. This year also saw the establishment of the first poker rooms. One of the first providers was Planetpoker.

By 2001, there were around 8 million players in online casinos worldwide. The enormous increase in online casinos ensured that other countries such as The Isle of Man, Alderney, and Gibraltar set up their gambling commissions and granted licenses to online casinos. As a result, online gambling has increasingly become a billion-dollar business. In 2008, global sales were more than $21 billion.

The development of modern smartphones and tablets ensured increasing revenues. So casino players could also pursue their hobbies on the go. In the following years, the software for casino games has continuously improved. By 2010, online casinos had increased to more than 860. Another development was the live casinos, where customers could sit down at a virtual table with other players and real croupiers. It caused another boom, and the supervisory authorities issued stricter guidelines for fair and safe gaming pleasure. As a result, the global market volume in 2025 will be around 350 billion US dollars.

Online Casinos Without Registration

If you play regularly in online casinos, you will have already heard of casinos without registration. With these providers, no registration is necessary, and payments are processed via the provider Trustly. They are also called Pay n Play casinos and are among the biggest innovations in online casinos in recent times.

Casinos without an account do not have a worse game selection. However, since many bonus offers are tied to player accounts, Pay n Play casinos mostly work with cashback bonuses.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Casinos Compared to Classic Casinos

Compared to traditional casinos, the market share of online casinos has steadily increased in recent years. It is due, among other things, to the ability to play from any computer or smartphone.

The selection of casino games is much higher online. You can sometimes find several thousand slots and table games at the best online casinos. Not even the casinos in Las Vegas can keep up with that. In addition, customers of Internet gambling sites do not have to adhere to opening hours. These are open around the clock, 365 days a year. Another advantage of online casinos is the higher payout percentage. Due to the lower operating costs, online providers get by with a lower house edge. The payout ratio ranges between 90 and 99 percent, depending on the game.

For classic casinos, this value is significantly lower at around 75 percent. However, customers benefit from attractive bonuses and rewards and higher payouts. Traditional casinos can score above all with the unique atmosphere. It cannot be achieved online despite ever better live casinos. A visit to a casino is something special for many people, which is shown, among other things, by the evening wear.

In addition to a round of roulette or blackjack, guests can chat at the bar with a drink or visit a restaurant. The often larger limits are also an advantage for players who like to make high bets. In addition, they can take the money profits directly with them. However, depending on your residence, you sometimes need to accept a long journey.

New Casinos

If you are looking for new casinos we are recommending that you read our general guide about new casinos or check out our country-specific guides to find the best new casinos.

• New UK Casinos
• New Online Casinos Canada
• New Casinos NZ
• New Online Casino Australia
• New Irish Casinos
• New Online Casinos in India

Online Casinos: Conclusion

The range of online casinos is huge and, therefore, a bit difficult to overlook. If you want to find the best casino, you should pay attention to security. Providers with a valid EU license provide a secure environment. The selection of casino games is excellent at almost every online casino. However, a certain amount of caution is required with the bonuses. You should not be dazzled by the amount and look closely at the conditions.

An online casino test gives important information about the quality of the different providers. It applies in particular to the customer service offered. But, overall, we can say that most online casinos are reliable and attach great importance to the satisfaction of their customers.

FAQs About Online Casinos

Robert Miller

Editor-in-chief

38 years old from London. He has a wife and one beautiful daughter. Robert has nearly 15 years of experience writing quality casino content. His hobbies include Baccarat, board games and Arsenal London.