- Use a reputable review site, like AskGamblers, to find some of the best online casinos around.
- Security should be a top priority when playing at an online casino, which includes SSL encryption.
- Make sure that your preferred casino has more than one method for you to use to contact customer support.
“Is that casino trustworthy?”
This is just one of the many questions I ask whenever I come across a new online betting site. It’s not always easy finding reputable casinos, especially with so many bad apples about.
Fortunately, there are ways to separate the good operators from the rogue ones, and in this article, I’m going to show you how it’s done.
Whether it’s safe payment options or fair games, I will cover everything you need to know about finding genuine, high-rated casinos.
What Makes a Trusted, Highest Rated Online Casinos?
The internet is full of scams, and that’s why you need to put in some extra work when looking for reputable gambling sites.
cherry gold casino sister sitesSome of you might not have the time to do all of this, which is understandable. If that’s the case, I would recommend using a casino review site to find some of the highest-rated operators.
askgamblers is my go-to place for finding safe and secure online casinos.
You can search your favorite casino on their website to see if any player complaints have been made against them. This removes the hassle of having to look through tons of pages to see if a site is legitimate.
Reputation is key when it comes to casinos, and you want to play at sites with clean records.
Of course, there might be the occasional complaint, but that’s normal for any business. What’s important is how the casino handles these complaints.
Ideally, they should resolve them as soon as possible to prevent things from getting out of hand.
A good operator will also take steps to improve its service to make sure the same problem doesn’t happen again.
Another thing to note is that most complaints are usually related to payouts, bonuses, or lost connections (net downturns). These are common issues that can easily be resolved if both parties communicate properly.
It’s only when casinos refuse to pay players that legal action comes into play.
As you can see, reputation is huge, and I strongly advise you to consider a casino’s standing before signing up.
Once you’re happy that a casino has a clean record, the fun part begins, i.e., finding out what makes a highly rated site tick.
So, let’s dive into the factors that can make a betting site one of the best in the business.
Secure Platform and Games
Playing on a secure platform should be a priority, especially since you are entrusting a casino with your personal and financial details. Any site worth its salt will encrypt its pages using SSL technology.
What does this mean, exactly?
Well, SSL (Secure Socket Layer) creates an encrypted link between the server and browser, making it very difficult for people to intercept any sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Best No Account Casino Sites in UK - Play Without RegistrationIf a casino does not have this, I strongly advise you to close the page and find somewhere else to play. Your security should always come first, and there are plenty of secure casinos out there.
Not only should the main casino page be secure, but any gaming platforms should also have SSL. Some casinos have this for their main site but not for their instant-play or mobile versions.
This means that you should stick to downloadable casino software if a site’s Otherwise, I suggest playing on your desktop or checking out a new casino.
One thing I always do is check which game providers a casino uses. Most top online casinos have titles from well-known developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and Play ’n GO.
It’s not unheard of for rogue casinos to have big names, but there’s a higher chance of a legitimate operator. The reason being that these providers tend to partner up with genuine casinos, as it reflects badly on them if they are associated with shady sites.
That that does not mean that new game providers are sketchy, it’s just that you need to double-check their credentials before passing judgment.
If a casino has no traces of the provider anywhere on their pages or that developer has no official website – alarm bells should start ringing. Always trust your instincts, especially when it comes to money.
Random Number Generators (RNG) are another thing to consider when talking about safety and security.
These algorithms ensure that all games are fair by producing random results. All reputable casinos must have their RNG certified by third-party organizations, and the results should be publicly available to view.
Loyal Royal Casino Bonus & Free Spins Offers - Elroy GamesThere are several companies that test RNG, including eCOGRA, GLI, iTech Labs, and TST. If a casino passes these tests, you will often see their logo at the footer of the page.
Having a wide variety of fair games is a sign that a casino values its players, so try to aim for operators with large libraries.
Speaking of valued customers, respected casinos will allow you to install software onto your computer to monitor your play. This comes in the form of responsible gambling tools, which helps you keep track of your spending and playing habits.
Examples include session duration, deposits, losses, self-exclusion, bet limits, and time spent on the site.
So much goes into creating a safe and sound gaming environment, so it’s little wonder some casinos are considered better than others.
A fully-functional gaming platform is essential; otherwise, nobody will want to play there.
Next up, we have banking options, which is arguably one of the most crucial elements outside of game safety and security.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
How do you play at an online casino?
Well, you need to sign up, claim any welcome bonuses, and deposit some cash to get started.
For most of us, this process is second nature, but it’s amazing how some casinos don’t value this feature.
Poor payment options can lead to higher costs and inconvenience for players, so it’s no surprise that they migrate to other sites.
Respected casinos tend to have lots of different payment methods, from e-wallets to bank transfers and prepaid cards.
Depending on which country you reside, casinos will have local payment processors, allowing you to deposit in your native currency. Do note that some sites only offer USD, EUR, and GBP, so you may be hit with poor exchange rates.
In an ideal world, casinos should accept multiple currencies, removing the need for dumb conversion rates.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular payment options.
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Visa and MasterCard are the two biggest payment providers when it comes to gambling, with most casinos accepting these debit cards.
Mastercard and Visa Debit are two of the best banking options at online casinos due to the added security they provide.
Casinos near Bozeman, Montana - TripadvisorThey are quick, easy, and secure, although some casinos charge fees for using this method.
You should also be aware that some banks may decline transactions to gambling sites, so it’s always good to have backup payment options.
E-Wallets
PayPal casinos are becoming increasingly popular, mainly because it’s one of the best e-wallets out there.
Many online casinos accept PayPal, but there are other alternatives, including Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz, among others.
E-wallets allow you to store funds and make transactions quickly without sharing your bank details with the casino. They also tend to have much lower fees compared to other options.
Speaking of low fees…
Pay N Play
Pay N Play is a banking revolution that aims to speed up the process of depositing and withdrawing from casinos.
With traditional banking methods, you must verify your account details every time you wish to cash out your winnings. This can take anything from a few hours to a couple of days.
Using Pay N Play, you bypass the registration process by using your bank account and identification number.
Popular Pay N Play providers include Trustly, Zimpler, and Euteller, which are accepted at various .
Bank Transfer / Wire Transfers
Bank transfer is the traditional method of moving money from A to B.
Most casinos accept wire transfers, but it’s one of the worst options for gamblers. That’s because bank transfers can take several days to clear, and some casinos charge hefty admin fees.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however, as there are some positives. For starters, there’s a high chance that your transaction will be secure since banks have some of the best cyber protection units in the world.
No Deposit Casino Bonuses +20 Free Spins - Apr, 2023You also benefit from extremely high deposit and withdrawal limits, which caters to high rollers.
Crypto Casinos are starting to gain traction within the gambling industry.
Cryptocurrency
We have seen more and more crypto casinos accept digital coins, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, over the last few years.
Crypto payments are fast, secure, and anonymous; that’s why many players prefer this option. One drawback, however, is that not many casinos accept cryptocurrencies, limiting your choices.
Most of the ones that do accept crypto payments tend to be new sites. It’s not a surprise that older casinos are slowly adopting this feature – launching coding to accommodate this technology takes time and resources.
Cryptocurrencies could become the norm in the coming years, so it will be interesting to see how many operators adopt the feature.
When choosing a highest-rated online casino, there are so many things to consider beyond payment options – bonuses, promotions, loyalty schemes, customer support, and the list goes on.
But if a site hasn’t gone down the crypto route, and you’re not keen on using it, what other options are there?
Well, credit/debit cards and e-wallets are probably your next best bets.
Personally, I think PayPal is the best payment method for US casinos, mainly because of its security features.
But which casino accepts PayPal and offers a great service overall?
I recommend heading to Ignition Casino, which is arguably one of the best sites for US players.
Bonus Offers
Who doesn’t love ?
They give you extra value for your money and can come in all shapes and sizes. One of the most popular types is the welcome bonus, which is awarded to new customers.
Almost every casino has one, but they do vary in terms of size, playthrough requirements, validity, and other terms and conditions. As such, it’s imperative to read the small print before claiming any deal.
free slots with bonus real moneyHere’s a short snippet of what you might find in the T&C:
- Wagering Requirements – This refers to how many times you need to playthrough the bonus before you can withdraw your winnings. Anything above 35x is generally considered high, while anything below that is reasonable.
- Parachute clause** – Some bonuses will reduce if you don’t use a certain amount of the prize within X amount of days. For example, if you don’t use $10 of your bonus within three days, then $1 will be removed from your original deposit amount.
- Game Weightings – Different games contribute differently toward clearing bonuses. Slots tend to be 100% but I’ve seen table games as low as 20%. This is why it pays to play games that have a weighting of 100%. Always check which games contribute!
- Expiry Dates – How long do you have to clear your welcome bonus? This is an important factor to consider since some can expire within a few days. Ideally, you want to have at least a month or longer to clear your prize.
Those are just some of the clauses you might encounter. There could be more, depending on the casino.
Best Real Money Slot Apps to Play on iPhone & iPad in 2023The good news is that the best online casinos have straightforward bonuses with fair terms and conditions.
Promotions are not just limited to welcome deals. Ongoing promos and loyalty schemes can add more value to regular players.
VIP programs can come in many formats, ranging from comp points to tiered systems. You want something that is active and rewarding.
Offers play a big role in the success of a casino. A good promotion can attract hundreds, if not thousands, of new players.
That’s not to say that rogue sites don’t offer bonuses. Many of them do, but once again, you need to do your research to make sure they are legit.
AskGamblers maintains a record of all bonuses offered at each casino. You can head to the promotions section to learn more about welcome deals, free spins, reload bonuses, and more.
This saves you the hassle of sifting through pages of T&Cs to see if a promotion is fair or not.
A high number of promos and a solid VIP program are signs that a casino cares about its players. Unsurprisingly, these sites tend to be regarded as the best by users.
Customer Support Options
Even the most experienced players run into issues from time to time. When this happens, it’s reassuring to know that you can get help from customer support.
The best online casinos have multiple forms of contact, enabling you to choose the method that suits you best. Email tends to be the standard option, but live chat and phone are also popular.
Best Boise Casinos - Top Casinos in Boise, IdahoEmail is fine if your issue is not time-critical, but sometimes you just want an answer now. Live chat and phone achieve that, with some casinos offering 24/7 support.
Do note that not all phones are manned 24/7, so make sure you check the opening times before picking it up.
It’s frustrating to get a voicemail or an email auto-responder when you just want to speak to someone about a problem.
I’ve used a lot of live chats in my time, and some are better than others.
A good system should connect you with an agent straightaway. I class anything over a five-minute wait as bad. Of course, there might be exceptions during peak times, but it should not be a consistent issue.
Agents should be able to understand your problems and provide concise solutions. Their English skills must be fluent, too.
That covers the live chat agent side of things. The other half is having access to the right tools to aid the discussion.
Top Rated Las Vegas Strip Casinos To Try - Jazz Sports CasinoProviding your account details and order numbers speed up the process massively. Agents can then pull up your file and investigate the matter rather than asking for info.
Some casinos even have screen-sharing technology, which allows them to see exactly what you’re seeing. This is great for demonstrating a problem with a game, and it saves you explaining what the issue is.
Not all agents are created equal, but having live chat and phone options increases the chances of resolving matters swiftly.
Do casinos with poor customer support options go to heaven? Probably not.
My top recommendation for a casino with excellent customer support is 7Reels Casino.
This online casino has a 24/7 live chat and phone service, along with email support. Agents are professional, helpful, and knowledgeable, ticking all the boxes for me.
Of course, I have used casinos with email support only, and some are good. But like I said earlier, it’s better to have multiple options when dealing with issues.
That wraps up customer support, and as you can see, it is one of many factors that contribute to a high-rated online casino.
You could always check which casino has the highest rating at AskGamblers to see where the best operators are ranked.
One last piece of advice is to do your own research. Check reviews, compare welcome bonuses, and test games to see if they are for you.
I appreciate that not everyone will share the same opinion as me, and that’s fine, but at least you’ll know you’ve taken the time to validate a site’s credibility.
Sometimes, it’s better to lose out on a welcome bonus and play at a safe casino rather than risking money on a rogue site. Once you’ve been scammed out of money, you’ll think twice about taking shortcuts to claim crazy bonuses.
Play at your own pace, and don’t rush into anything.
I hope this article has given you some pointers on what makes a trusted and reputable casino.
All that’s left for me to do is wish you the best of luck in your gambling adventures. Oh, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
About the author
Peter Clayton
Peter is one of America's top writers on gambling topics. He brings more than 15 years of experience covering sports betting, casinos, and finance.
