How do you decide

[dunhill78]

Hi,
I'm new to playing online and this forum so please take it easy on me (mostly play at the local casino & vegas). I see there's tons of information here about different top casino's to play at but even still I enjoy doing some research myself - that way if things go wrong I can only blame myself. Trouble is I'm not entirely sure what to look for in a casino.
So I thought I'd ask this knowledgable group - What's the single most important question that you need to answer when selecting your online casino??
Thanks in advance for you help!

[rockycatt]

answer is are they accredited ,and ease of cashing out period

[nisosbar]

Yes, how is the cashout process, that's the primary factor in determining which one is on my short list. Cashouts longer than two days move a casino down my list.

[Diane]

Welcome,

I am by no means an expert and have only been here about a year, but I have learned some things the hard way. So my intent is to simply share the things I *wish* someone had told me when I started to play. It took me awhile to find this awesome site with a wealth of good data and good contributors to make my casino gaming a better experience.

First piece of advice - only play at the casinos that are on the accredited list here. If you go somewhere else and have a problem, its your own fault.

Second piece of advice - there are lots of bonuses out there enticing new accounts to be opened. That's a good thing but before you accept a bonus, make sure you understand the terms and conditions. For example if you take a slot bonus, DO NOT PLAY Video Poker or any other prohibited game until you have met the wagering requirements. If you don't follow the rules (which vary by site) you risk losing any money won. You can go to the cashier and see what is left of your wagering requirements or you can ask Live Chat.

Third piece of advice - use a segregated credit card or bank account for funding your online gaming. Do not risk banking relationships or co-mingling funds with your other personal accounts.

Fourth piece of advice - At the same time that you deposit, find out what documents or validation will be required when you want to cash out. Know the method they use and the timeframe in which you can expect to be paid. Some sites such as the Club World casinos will let you cash out to Quick Tender even if you didn't use QT for your deposit. Slots Oasis on the other hand will only let you cash out to QT if that was your last method of deposit

Fifth piece of advice - Always request a record of your chat with customer service at a site to document what you were told. I tend to ask a lot of questions to ensure I understand. I keep a record of all chats since you will be told varying things by staff at the same casino.

Sixth piece of advice - On your computer keep a file folder for each site where you have an account. When the emails come in about promos or specials or you have communication with customer service, keep a copy of the chat or emails in the folder for that site. There have been many times that I was playing towards a special bonus or free chips and after meeting the requirements I was told by Customer service that they "couldn't find that bonus". So I provide a copy of the details and then there is usually no problem in getting the credit or whatever it was you were promised.

Seventh piece of advice - Limit your play to the best 2-3 casinos that you find after trying several. Just like in B&M casinos - if you focus your play between just a few sites you will qualify for better bonuses and comps. I play at 3-4 with a mix of gambling platforms/software so I have a wide variety of games to pick from. After awhile you get tired of just the RTG sites that are predominently open to us who live in the USA. Our European counterparts have lots more to pick from than we do.

Eighth piece of advice - have fun and don't risk more money than you can afford to lose. Be sure to keep balance in your life and other activities.

Diane

[jod5413]

Spot on, Diane!!!!!

That is one of the BEST posts I have ever seen here. Everybody should be as good a student of Casinomeister tips for gamblers!!

[Diane]

Wow! I am flattered. I am sure there are others with even better ideas, I just had time so I tried to help out a newbie.

I appreciate the nomination and kind words.

Diane

[dunhill78]

Thanks for the advice so far!

@Diane - that's A LOT of great advice, thank you!!

Yes, how is the cashout process, that's the primary factor in determining which one is on my short list. Cashouts longer than two days move a casino down my list.

How accurate are the cashout times on websites? Is it bait and switch or do you find that most (at least the accredited ones here) are pretty honest?

thanks again!

[nisosbar]

How accurate are the cashout times on websites? Is it bait and switch or do you find that most (at least the accredited ones here) are pretty honest?

Though I'm playing much less online than I used to, generally, I discount heavily claims about "Fast Cashouts!" - I go by what I've read here in the forums. For example, with regard to Rival's casinos, Slotocash or Black Diamond don't promise 24 hours cashouts, but I've never waited longer than that, and most people here who have played there have had similar experiences. On the other hand, many of Rival's white label casinos say their cashouts are fast, but in fact, can routinely take a week to ten days, sometimes longer. (Lion Slots is the only white label Rival I (occasionally) play at, because they have always paid me promptly.) There is nothing worse than winning something nice, then requesting a cashout that just sits there in the cashier, tempting you to try and win even more. Why? Because odds always favor the house, and if you reverse your request, you are more likely to lose, than to win more.

[ksech]

Spot on, Diane!!!!!

That is one of the BEST posts I have ever seen here. Everybody should be as good a student of Casinomeister tips for gamblers!!

I second that, very well in laying it for the newcomers!

[sticaz]

Box24 also pay within 25 hours.
24 hrs pending and than they pay you...they did for me yesterday