There are literally thousands of different online gaming platforms and new ones getting launched every day. If you’re new to the space and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of options, don’t be. Even though some of these platforms are sketchy and others are downright fraudulent, the vast majority of the sites online are legitimate. There are also ways to tell if a platform is worth your time before you sign up. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should look for when picking an online gaming platform.
Game Selection
Another thing you have to do is check how many games the site offers and what they specialize in. Some online gaming platforms will have more slot machines than others, for instance, while others will try to focus on offering multiple variations of classic games.
Check what software the platform is using to power their games. This could tell you instantly what type of gameplay you can expect.
For instance, if the site is powered by Microgaming, then you can expect to see a wide selection of themed games with fast action and snazzy graphics. You can expect to get the same thing at a site that is powered by Playtech. If you prefer games that have more futuristic graphics, immersive soundtracks, and traditional gaming elements, on the other hand, you might have more fun at a NetEnt site.
If you want to make things easier, find a review site that will give you a quick idea of how many games the site has and the quality of the gameplay. If you’re looking for a site that has a good selection of games, you can start with a site like SkyCity. To learn more about them and what they have to offer, you can check out this SkyCity review.
The License
Before you think of making a deposit on a gaming platform, you have to check if it’s licensed. This is the only way to know that a site is operating lawfully and that its games are fair.
Being licensed is one thing, but the issue also has to be issued by a reputable body. Thankfully, there are only a handful of bodies you need to remember. They include:
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- UK Gambling Commission
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission
- Curacao e-Gaming
If the site you want to play at is not licensed by one of these bodies, there’s a strong chance that it‘s not legit. Not seeing licensing information on a site should automatically disqualify it. If it is licensed by a body that is not on our list, ask around the community and get their opinion on the body in question.
The Payment Options
One of the most important things to check when picking a website is looking at the payment options that they offer. You should be able to pay with most credit cards and through bank transfer, but also look for other options like Skrill, Neteller, and Paysafecard.
Bonus Structure
Bonuses are one of the biggest perks of online gaming sites, but you must be very careful with them since they have all sorts of hidden conditions. The first thing you have to know is that match deposit bonuses will all have a minimum wagering requirement. And it won’t be small either.
You can expect the average gaming site to ask that you spend anywhere from 20 times to 40 times your initial deposit plus bonus before you can cash out. That is perfectly normal and understandable as they don’t want people to come in, make a quick buck, and run with the money. If you see a site asking that you spend 60 or 80 times your initial deposit, however, run away. Especially if there’s a time limit attached.
You should also know a thing or two about free spin no deposit bonuses. If you were wondering if they were a scam, they are not, but you again have to look at the fine print.
First of all, many of these bonuses will force you to use your spins on specific machines. And you can expect these machines to be the ones that are most advantageous to them and not you. So, check on which machines you’ll be able to use your bonus on and the type of return to the player they offer.
Take it for a Test Drive
Once you’ve found a platform you think is safe and worth your time, you can give it a spin, but don’t use real funds yet. Try it on your PC and any mobile device you own. Check how smooth the animations are and how stable the connection is. If you get disconnected many times, you should see this as a major red flag as you may get disconnected at a very crucial moment.
These are all things you should take into consideration when looking at online gaming platforms. Online gaming can be extremely fun and convenient, but only if you play on a safe, fair, and reliable platform, so take your time and choose the right one.