How To Choose The Right Online Casino

With so many online casinos available to players in Australia, it can be difficult to choose the best one. The online casino you pick will depend on several factors, like the variety of games, the payment methods, and the desktop and mobile usability. But overall, it will be up to you to decide what you value more. Some players are keen on bonuses and promotions, others care more about quick payments, while others still look for specific games.

Read on for some expert guidance on how you can choose the right platform for you.

If you’re new to playing online, it’s important first to understand the regulations that govern gambling in Australia. The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 states that it’s illegal for companies to provide services like online gambling in Australia, but the act doesn’t make it illegal for Australian players to use licensed and regulated offshore websites. This means that if you find a website licensed by a major body like the Malta Gaming Authority or the Government of Curacao, you can sign up and play from Australia. The laws are the same throughout the country, so it doesn’t matter which province you’re in.

Before you play, it’s important to make sure that it is licensed. You can usually find all of this information – including license numbers – within the footer of the online casino website. When a casino is licensed, it needs to adhere to strict rules regarding game fairness, payments, and data protection so you can feel totally safe while playing at one of these casinos. 

When you play at a licensed and regulated site, you’ll know you’re getting a safe and secure experience. When you’re assessing platform security, you must be aware of various factors, like payment methods, data security, and website security. When it comes to payment methods, most online casinos that accept Aussie players offer options like bank cards and reputable e-wallets, so you’ll know that your money is safe.

Trustworthy sites use only SSL encryption technology to ensure that no unauthorised third parties ever have access to your personal or financial data and that the way your personal information is collected, stored, and transmitted conforms to regulatory guidelines. It’s also important to ensure that the casino you choose has a good reputation. Chances are, you’ll have heard of some of the bigger online casino websites, but even smaller casinos might be just as reputable. A good way to find out about a casino’s reputation is by reading reviews like the ones here at Betsquare.

Game selection is one of the most important factors in choosing your online casino. In fact, it’s probably just as important, if not more so, than the sign-up offers and regular bonuses. Some of the main types of games to look out for include pokies, table games like roulette and blackjack, bingo, and live dealer games.  The best Australian sites have hundreds and thousands of pokies, from retro games to totally themed, interactive video pokies. It’s always a good idea to look out for games packed with special features like bonus rounds and free spins, exciting jackpot slots, and games with high payout percentages.

Card and table games are also super popular in Australia, and many offer live dealer tables where the games stream in HD from a studio, and you’ll get to play with a real dealer and tablemates. In addition to the usual pokies and table games, some sites also have other game options like bingo, keno, scratchers, and arcade-style games. Overall, Australians are really spoiled for choice when it comes to games. 

There’s a huge number of software providers, each with its speciality in casino games. Some studios focus on pokies, while others are more concerned with table or live dealer games. The best Aussie sites carry games from various providers rather than just one or two. This is how you can be guaranteed the best quality games and the best variety. If you love a certain pokie, chances are you’ll be a big fan of other similar games from the same provider.

Some of the main pokie studios are Microgaming (one of the biggest providers in the world and maker of some huge progressive jackpots), NetEnt, and PlayTech, but it’s worth exploring the selection of smaller studios, too, as they often have some great niche games. When it comes to live casino games, the major provider to look out for is Evolution Gaming, a studio that brings you casino classics, interactive game shows, and live dealer experiences based on popular pokies. Evolution tables all stream in HD, the dealers are professional, and there are many ways to win!

Almost all gambling sites offer Australian players some kind of special promo for signing up. These offers can take the form of a deposit match on your first transaction, some free spins to help you get started on top pokies or a cashback offer where you can claim a certain percentage of your losses back after your first day or first week. While it might be tempting to just pick a site with the biggest percentage match, it’s not quite that simple. For a deposit match offer, read the T&Cs, and choose a casino that offers a low minimum deposit amount and low wagering requirements so that it’s easier to withdraw winnings and plenty of time to use your bonus and meet those wagering requirements.

While some platforms boast free spins just for signing up, it’s also important to check that there aren’t any hefty wagering requirements attached to those either – the last thing you want to do is lose all your winnings before you can withdraw! The fun shouldn’t end with welcome offers. The best casinos also have regular promotional calendars for existing players, where you can claim exciting bonuses or participate in special tournaments to win prizes. You should also look out for VIP and loyalty programmes, which offer extra perks to top-tier players. 

Some sites opt for a totally simple and stripped-down experience, while others have more complex journeys and themes for you to navigate while you’re playing. Whatever the case may be, it should always aim to be 100% user-friendly. 

When you’re assessing a site, make sure it’s easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile. For example, you should be able to move between various website sections with just a few clicks, the cashier should always be easily accessible, and you shouldn’t have to hunt to find your account information. It’s always great when an online casino website has a dedicated promotions section where you can see any offers with just one click.

The navigation of the games lobby is also important. Almost all platforms have a search function where you can locate your preferred game by name, but it’s also ideal to have a well-laid-out games lobby where you can browse games by categories like pokies, jackpots, live dealer games, or table games. Some sites break down these categories even more, for example, by theme or by special feature.

Finally, the navigation must be as good on mobile as on desktop. Look for clean and simple menus, graphics that resize for your screen, and games that can be played in landscape mode to get the most out of the mobile experience.