A Complete Guide to Online Casinos

Online Casinos

The online casino industry has come a long way since its modest beginnings back in the mid and early 1990s. These days, you as the gambler, have hundreds and even thousands of different slots, table games, and even live dealer tables to choose from. The choice is almost limitless.

The market has become incredibly competitive and there are thousands of online casinos plying their trade in order to get their piece of the pie. This can present a real conundrum for the gambler looking to enjoy games at the best sites, as there are simply too many operators to choose from. That’s why we, at PokCas, have elected to do all the legwork for you and provide you with a filtered list of only the best platforms to play at.

In this guide, we will take the time to showcase and list our favorite casino partners and their best deals. We will also explain what we look for when vetting a premium online casino for the gambler. This will give you invaluable information on how to find casinos in the future and will educate you on what to expect from a top online casino package.

What are Online Casinos and How do they Work?

With advancements in technology and the growth of the internet, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy casino entertainment. You can log on to a top-quality online casino site from your desktop computer or mobile device within seconds. Simply register an account and play all your favorite games within minutes.

With modern advancements in video streaming, internet gaming, browser technology, and online payment solutions, the online casino industry is booming and shows no signs of slacking off. This is tremendous news for the gambler who is hoping to enjoy state-of-the-art entertainment. We have certainly moved on in leaps and bounds from medieval times and earlier.

Online casinos provide all the conveniences that you are used to at your favorite modern land-based retail casinos and more. You can load up your casino account, claim an awesome bonus, navigate to your games of choice, and even withdraw the funds right back into your banking account. Because online casinos do not have as many overheads to consider as retail venues, the game returns are slightly more generous.

While online gaming is illegal in certain regions around the world, most of the European Union, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries can play games without a worry in the world. You needn’t just get your gambling fix by watching your favorite classic casino movie. Instead, you can register an account and play in person right where you are.

Getting started at an online casino is simple. Simply navigate to our recommended list of operators below. Read a review of the operator if you want a little more information and then click on the ‘’Sign Up’’ tab to be directed to your casino choice. It’s really as easy as that!

How to Sign Up

Once you are on your online casino site of choice, you can register an account in four easy steps:

  1. Click on the ‘’Join Now’’ or ‘’Sign Up’’ tab on the casino’s homepage.
  2. Fill in the form submission with all the personal details required.
  3. Claim your bonus if you want one.
  4. The casino will now direct you to make a deposit of funds on the cashier’s page. Enter the amount you wish to transfer and select your payment method of choice to get things underway.

Some casinos may send you an SMS or email link to validate your account. Once verified and your funds reflect, you can navigate to your favourite casino games. Simply place your wagers, and start enjoying the entertainment.

Recommended Casino Operators

We have worked hard to provide a stellar list of casino brands that harness the qualities we admire in a site. Be sure to sign up and collect a welcome offer at any one of the fabulous online operators listed below and play with peace of mind that you are in safe hands.

Top 7 Online Casinos

  • LeoVegas Casino

  • Play Frank Casino

  • VulkanVegas

Choosing the Best Online Casino – How we Review them

When setting out in the online casino market, it’s best to know how to choose the right platforms to play on. Finding your new casino home can be a difficult task unless you know what to look out for. While a big game selection certainly is a major drawcard to the gambler, it cannot be the only factor you consider.

As a guide, we will walk you through our review process at PokCas. This way, you can see what the experts look for when testing a site. Once you are done, you’ll be able to draw quick conclusions about the quality of any casino.

casino bonus

Competitive Bonuses

Casino Bonuses are usually the first draw card that players come into contact with when they are looking to join an online casino. Bonuses and promotions are a valuable asset for an operator, as they work as a hook to invite the gambler in. When you know what to look for, you can use these promotions to your advantage by boosting your bankroll. This way,  you can enjoy extended playtime without footing the whole bill yourself. In many cases, bonuses are the best risk-free way to enjoy casino games.

A Welcome Offer

Most casinos will extend a lucrative offer to players on their very first deposit. Often, this includes them matching your deposit by a certain percentage. In some cases, they may even throw in free spin promos or bonus cash to accompany your deposit. These are all perfect tools to use in exploring the new site. All professional gamblers online use these offers to their advantage.

A classic example of a welcome offer would look like this: 100% Deposit Match up to €500 + 50 free spins. In this offer, the casino will match any deposit you make, up to a maximum of €500, and give you an extra 50 free spins to play on slot games.

Frequent bonuses

You, as the gambler,  will want to look for a casino that provides frequent reload bonuses and free spin offers. If they do, it’s an indicator that the operator holds its players in high regard. Loyal players want frequent bonuses and rewards and player-focused sites will oblige them. Other popular promotions that go down as a treat include cashback offers, risk-free bets, tournament leaderboards, and more.

Loyalty rewards or VIP club

The best online casinos always reward their loyal players for playing. In many instances, you’ll be able to earn loyalty points when you place wagers on games. These points can essentially be redeemed for added bonuses and promotions in the future. The best casinos keep on giving!

Important Bonus Terms You Must Know

On the outside, bonuses may look great but you should inspect the terms and conditions more closely. Be sure to read the bonus policy of any deal before claiming the promotion to make sure that the playthrough policy is fair. Pay close attention to the following.

The wagering requirements

Most bonuses come with wagering requirements. You must wager the bonus a stipulated number of times before the funds are converted to real money rewards. Once this process is completed, you can withdraw the funds. If the bonus credits afforded to you are €100 and the requirement is 30x, you will need to wager €3000 (100×30) with the bonus cash before you can cash out.

The wagering requirements on free spins work a little differently. Here, you will need to wager the wins you make with the allotted free spins. So, if you win €50 and the requirement is 20x, you will have to wager an amount of €1000 (50×20) before you can cash out.

Minimum Deposit

All deposit bonuses require a minimum deposit before you can claim a deal. This is usually around €10 or €20.

Maximum withdrawal

Be aware of withdrawal limits on offers, especially on No Deposit Free Spin deals. In some instances, the casino will cap the amount you can cash out. This is often limited to around €100 to €200.

Time Limit

All bonus deals have time limits. In most cases, you must complete the wagering requirements within 30 days of claiming the offer.

Be sure to claim any one of the bonuses listed in our recommended operator list, as all these deals have passed our strict vetting process.

virtual casino games

The Best Virtual Casino Games

The selection of games you’ll be able to enjoy on a casino website is important to factor in. You, as the gambler, will want to make sure that the operator has a good selection of your favorite games. Not only this, but the games should come from reputable gaming studios.

The best iGaming providers in the business include premium brands like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, NoLimit City, Evolution Gaming, Betsoft, iSoftbet, Playtech, Big Time Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Thunderkick, RedRake Gaming, Quickspin, IGT, Elk Studios, Novamatic, Scientific Games, and Wazdan.

A good spread of games is essential for maximum fun, that’s why the best casinos usually have 1,000+ titles for you to enjoy. Make sure the operator has a good spread of the following:

1. Online Slots

These are by far the most popular gaming titles at online casinos. They generally dominate the portfolio offering you hundreds or even thousands of titles, ranging from 3-reel fruit classics to multi-payline video slots. Online slots are like video games and boast multiple themes and provide exciting special features and bonus rounds. We always look to see if a casino offers the best slots, like Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Moolah, Book of Dead, Starburst, Reel Rush, and other top titles.

2. Jackpot Games

Jackpot slots are especially popular because of the size of the rewards on offer. Certain progressive slots, like NetEnt’s Mega Fortune or Microgaming’s Mega Moolah slot, have created instant millionaires many times over.

3. Virtual Table Games

Those who prefer better odds and don’t mind exercising some skill will enjoy blackjack, so make sure that the casino has this game option available. It’s easy to play and is often more rewarding than any other game option. Roulette offers you a variety of bet options to match your risk level and budget. Guess the outcome of the wheel for rewards of between 1x and 35x your bet. Other top options to look out for include baccarat, casino poker, and casino patience. The professional gambler will always hover towards this type of game, because of the favorable house edge.

4. Video Poker

Video poker is super popular. If you like the arcade gaming feel but enjoy the skill that goes with playing card games, then video poker will suit you perfectly. Here, you can win rewards simply for landing a legitimate poker ranking.

5. Other Games

There are multiple other games that a casino may offer the gambler. The more games available, the higher we rank a respective site. These options may include keno, bingo, Slingo, scratch cards, dice games, and more.

Some casinos provide omnichannel entertainment, which means that they offer more than one style of betting. Sites, like LeoVegas, for instance, offer online casino games and sports betting opportunities. Other classy operators, like GGPoker, provide casino games and poker rooms for those who enjoy the more authentic competitive poker vibe.

An Immersive Live Casino Selection

If you enjoy the social atmosphere of brick-and-mortar casinos, but you stay too far away from your closest venue, don’t despair! You can play all your favorite table games via video stream on your desktop or mobile device. Live dealers host each table and interact with players using a special chat portal.

The games feel so realistic! Your user interface overlays the real table on the screen to make you feel like you’re on the casino floor. Top game makers like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Microgaming, and Ezugi offer real dealer blackjack, live roulette, live baccarat, and even live dealer casino poker. These immersive game types will make you feel like a professional gambler. Simply load up the table and start interacting with the professional casino staff.

If you are really lucky, you’ll even be able to play some fabulous live-hosted gameshows. Evolution Gaming’s Dreamcatcher, Monopoly Live, Deal or No Deal, and Mega Ball are super exciting titles that are worth playing.

mobile casino gaming

Mobile Compatibility is Essential

In accordance with modern-day trends, the top-rated sites must offer games for mobile users. Fortunately, most sites use HTML5 software so that you can load up and play instantly from your internet browser. In other instances, a casino may opt to provide a downloadable Android or iOS/Apple app for your phone. These will usually streamline the gameplay tremendously and make interaction seamless.

Mobile-compatible casino sites offer games that play well on the small screen and boast optimizations for touch interaction. Studios like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, and other market leaders always design their games for dual-platform compatibility. This ensures you can carry your favorite mobile casino in your pocket for on-the-go convenience.

casino payments and banking

Top-Notch Banking

Loading money into your casino account and withdrawing wins is a vital part of the services offered by any online casino. The best operators will always provide multiple banking solutions for their player base. The broader the jurisdiction of the site, the more options they should supply.

The payment options can be divided into several categories. This includes solutions like debit and credit cards, e-wallets, Bitcoin wallets, instant banking, traditional banking, prepaid cards, and mobile wallets.

Some of the reputable payment brands you should look out for include names like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, POLi, Qiwi, Paysafecard, Euteller, Sofort Banking, Trustly, Interac, WebMoney, Rapid EFT, and many more.

Withdrawals and Payouts

While depositing funds is usually instant, withdrawing funds can be a little more involved. Some casinos really drag their heels when it comes to paying the gambler out. Be sure to pay attention to the payout policy in the terms and conditions section of the site. Rather play at casinos that payout quickly. Bitcoin casinos, like TrueFlip or BitStarz, allow cash-outs within minutes. Standard fiat currency casinos should payout within 24 to 48 hours. Any more delay than this is excessive.

Please remember that the type of payment solution you are using can delay the money reaching your account by between 1 to 5 days.

casino safety and security

Safety is Key for every serious gambler

We’ve left the most important part of the review process for last. It is of the highest priority that you make sure that you are safe when playing online. There are some quick things to check for to ensure you and your details are secure:

Licensing

All reputable online casinos hold valid licensing by reputable regulatory bodies. Some of the most notable gambling regulators include the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gaming Control Commission, the Swedish Gaming Commission (Spel Inspektionen), and the Government of Curacao. Look for the license at the foot of the casino’s homepage. Valid certification shows that the operator is answerable for their actions and has been thoroughly vetted for quality software and service.

There are also some licensed casinos that are opportunistic in regions with grey areas (like the USA) around the gambling rules. Sites like Everygame and XBet to name a few are reputable brands that tread this fine line.

Browser security

All reputable casinos offer a secure browser to protect the gambler. They use 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption or better. All is well if the URL prefix starts with HTTPS (not HTTP). The ‘’S’’ stands for ‘’secure’’.

Responsible Gambling

Licensed casinos will always offer the gambler handy responsible gambling tools to help you manage your gaming effectively. This comes in the form of deposit limits, wager limits, timeouts, self-exclusion protocols, and more. If an operator does not support responsible gaming, do not support them!

Support

You will want to be able to contact a customer service representative if you have a query or complaint. Make sure that you can contact one easily. The best operators offer this service for extended hours (often 24/7). An operator with a Live Chat portal is preferable so that you can contact an agent within seconds if you need to. If there is no live chat, make sure that you can send an email or call a live support agent on the phone.

The PokCas Way!

It is our main priority to help the gambler find the best online casino match possible. Follow our detailed online casino guide and you’ll be able to play safely while enjoying the best gaming action around. This perfect balance of entertainment is our wish for you.