Type into Google ‘online casino’ and the world’s biggest search engine will return a seemingly infinite number of results. That is because online gaming has exploded in the last few years. According to data reported on the website of consumer and market data firm Statista, the size of the global online gaming and betting industry was calculated at 61.5 billion US dollars in 2021. That figure is predicted to rise to 114 billion by 2028. Given the general popularity and the innovations taking place in the online gaming world, that’s a prediction likely to come true.

This popularity is understandable. Online gaming offers so much convenience and the prizes up for grabs are well worth the investment, especially since this type of gaming is so affordable. The platforms are often user-friendly and there’s plenty of variety when it comes to choosing something to play. Below is a look at the increase in gaming, in particular online casino gaming, plus tips on how to choose a suitable online casino and the right game.

The world is loving its online gaming more and more

The year 2020 was a significant one for the gaming world. The demand for online gaming increased and gaming niches such as casino games boomed in popularity.

Life as a casino operator in the industry isn’t easy, however. These operators are conducting their business in a highly fragmented market that consists of regional and global competitors. Major industry players are concentrating their efforts on mergers and acquisitions, product innovations and partnerships. Their aim is to expand their presence and enhance their brand portfolio so that they’re catering to the preferences of their customers.

Not only is the market fragmented: it’s also extremely competitive. Operators are competing on lots of different factors. User experience, the offerings, brand equity, access to platforms and content are just a few of them.

Choosing an online casino

Of course, you should never just enter the digital doors of any old casino and just start playing. It’s always best to do a quick search online. You’ll find plenty of online casino enthusiasts out there, either on social media, in forums or on their blogs, who discuss how to choose a good online casino. Affiliate sites such as Gambling.com also list the top online casino sites available in your region, helping players find the most suitable provider for them. If you’re thinking of trying out some online gaming, here are some tips on how to select the right casino:

Check the security and credibility of the casino

Online casinos take protection of their customers’ data extremely seriously. They do this by using sophisticated encryption technology so that transactions between the operator and the customer are only visible to them. This technology protects the players’ personal information at all times.

A responsible operator will also have a valid licence. Check whether the casino you’re considering has a licence that applies to the relevant region. Licences held from the jurisdictions of Malta, Gibraltar, Costa Rica, Antigua and the Isle of Man are often a sign the operator is trustworthy.

See the bonuses and promotions

Online operators are keen to attract new players and will offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to encourage a sign-up or retain players. Some bonuses will benefit you more than others, however, so it is best to read the terms and conditions of each one carefully. Note that bonuses and promotions such as free spins and no deposit bonuses are an excellent way to try games out and see if you like them without risking any of your own money.

Test the customer service

Online casinos don’t want to keep their customers from the gaming tables or slots any longer than necessary. See how easy the casino is to contact. Are the contact details easy to find? Ask a question. Is the operator quick to respond? If the contact details are hard to find or the operator is slow to answer your query, stay away.

Choosing an online casino game

Once you have created your online casino account, you’ll find there’s a wide range of options. How do you choose the right game? Here are some tips:

Find a game you can understand

To play a game but not really understand will only see you end up losing. That’s completely disheartening, especially if you’re a beginner. Find a game that’s easy to play and understand. Online gaming should be fun.

Choose a game that offers good odds of winning

Some casino games offer you more favourable odds of winning than others. Select a game that entails a higher element of skill than luck, such as blackjack or poker. Slots and roulette rely more on luck, so you might prefer to stay away from these, even though they’re entertaining.

Consider the jackpot available

A huge jackpot is vastly tempting if you’re a beginner but be aware that they’re much harder to win. Sticking to games that boast smaller jackpots might be more preferable. The gains might be smaller, but they’ll be easier to hit and still reward you with a decent pay-out.

Online gaming has gotten much more popular in the last few years. If you are thinking of giving it a try, the tips above will help you to choose the right casino and the right game. Take your time so you can make the right choices and get the most out of your gaming.