From registration to playing: A starting guide for new gamblers

According to Global Marketing Insights, online gambling is “estimated to grow at CAGR of 10.5% to reach USD 257 billion by 2034”. The number of gambling platforms might seem overwhelming, especially if you are just starting. So, our experts have put together some key factors that you should consider before registering at a casino.
Choosing the best casino
There are many gambling platforms these days, and you need to make informed decisions because you can lose money or be prone to scams. Keep reading to find out the main data you should look for when choosing a casino.
License and security
It’s also important to check if the casino divulges the license it’s operating under, its number, and the operator that provides it. Without this information, there’s no guarantee the casino is actually licensed. SlotsCalendar considers the license to be a key element of trust and player safety.
Right before you go ahead and register, scroll down to the bottom of the casino’s main page. That is where the license information should be available.
Here’s the top 3 most popular licenses:
– UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Pro tip: UKGC is one of the most prestigious licenses and has a very good reputation in the gambling industry. If the casino you’re gambling at has this license, then you can be sure it’s safe.
– Malta Gaming license (MGA) ’ It protects players and has a good reputation overall.
– Curaçao eGaming ’ This one is offshore and has fewer restrictions, which means less player protection.
Responsible Gambling
All casinos should have a special page dedicated to their responsible gambling policies. Here is what to look for when it comes to these pages:
1. Limits ’ A prestigious casino should let you add deposit limits to your account. These prevent you from spending too much money over your set budget. Additionally, casinos should also have wager or session limits available.
Pro tip: Our experts recommend checking if you can easily add limits from your profile. Some casinos might ask you to request it via email, which will take longer, but you will be able to deposit over the limit.
2. Resources ’ See if the page provides resources from specialized authorities that help combat gambling issues or underage gambling.
3. A self-assessment quiz ’ These tests usually have sets of questions that can make you aware of your tendency to gambling issues.
4. Self-exclusion and cool-off ’ Casinos should definitely offer those two options. They both give you access to breaks that can last up to a year or even more.
Terms and conditions
It’s true that these days, most people skip the terms and conditions page because there is a lot to read. However, when playing at a casino, your money is at stake. This is why you should always go through the entirety of the information in the terms and conditions and not agree to it if there is something suspicious.
Gambling options
The main thing that you’ll find interesting in as a player are the gambling options. Most casinos usually have a variety in this sense and include slot machines, live casino, and even sports. See if your favorite options are available.
Going through the registration process
Once you’ve realized that the conditions and services of the gambling platform are satisfactory, it’s time to begin the registration process.
Here are the steps you will have to go through:
1. Click the button to open the singing up widget and page. The button will usually be on the right upper side of the main page with the titles “Sign Up”, “Register”, and so on.
2. Then, you will need to add your personal details: full name, date of birth, and address.
3. Creating a password is also part of this process. Make sure you choose a strong one that fulfills these conditions:
– minimum 12 characters
– a special symbol
– an uppercase letter
– a lowercase letter
– a number
4. If you haven’t read the information in the T&C, go through it during the sign-up procedure.
5. You’re all set!
Verifying your account
Some casinos let you go through the KYC process (account verification) before you invest any money, but some might not. In the second case, simply verify your account after you make your first deposit.
Account verification might take a couple of days, depending on how fast you send the right documentation to the support team. Here are some key insights you have to know about the account verification process in general.
1. You’ll need three main documents for the basic account verification:
– Proof of identity: valid ID, driver’s license, passport, and so on.
– Proof of address: a bank statement or utility bill
– Proof of payment: depending on your payment method, a bank statement, photos of your card, and so on.
2. Additional documents like an SOF (source of funds) or SOW (source of wealth) might be requested by the casino in special cases.
3. You have to send valid documents ’ The proof of address must have been issued in the last 3 months. The photos mustn’t be blurry, and all your details should be visible. The documents shouldn’t present signs of deterioration.
4. The process might take longer if you don’t send valid documents.
Initiating your first deposit
Make sure to choose a casino with deposit and withdrawal methods that meet your standards. Casinos usually offer various types of e-wallets, credit cards, or even bank transfers.
There has been a rise in cryptocurrency casinos because they are very easy to use and are secure due to blockchain technology. Depositing with crypto can also give you access to having privacy and not putting your payment and personal data out there. However, keep in mind that crypto casinos are not regulated in many regions, and you may have limited recourse in case of disputes.
Placing the first bet
As a new player, you can either deposit and place bets or claim a promotion.
Here are the categories of bonuses you’ll be able to redeem as a newly registered player:
– Cash bonus ’ The casino will grant you a cash bonus that you don’t have to deposit after signing up and account verification. The advantage with this one is that you can switch between bets and play multiple games.
– Free spins offer ’ You’ll get a set of spins without deposit on one of the casino’s most popular games or providers.
– Welcome promotion ’ When you initiate your first deposit, you will be able to unlock this one, which can grant you a match bonus, a set of free spins, or a bonus crab.
Pro tip: Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the offer before claiming it so you don’t breach them. Pay attention to the maximum withdrawal, wagering requirements, and maximum bet allowed.
Choosing not to get a bonus and playing with your balance means that there will be no restrictions. If you want to do that, our experts recommend initiating the minimum amount and not going all in from the very start.
Some popular games associated with offers on sign-up include Book of Dead, Starburst, Big Bass Bonanza, and Gates of Olympus. We recommend you choose one with cool built-in features, like Gerard’s Gambit, which gives you access to fun mini-games that can increase your winnings.
Final words
Overall, choosing a casino can become overwhelming with the rise of this industry. However, if you take into consideration some important key factors, you can play safely and have a fun start to your gambling journey.