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Live Casinos: How this experience continues to grow

Since the first online casino opened in 1996, time has, of course, not stood still. The software for online casinos has continued to evolve, as have the possibilities on the Internet. Whereas previously you could only play a few games online, the current offer in online casinos is now greater than in real-life casinos.

Every game you could ever want to play is available 24/7. It shouldn’t surprise you that millions of people all over the world take advantage of this. After all, casinos have never been this accessible. You can play your favorite casino games from the comfort of your couch, without having to leave your house at all.

However, there was a common complaint about online casinos: interaction with croupiers was missed. Due to the evolution of the software for online casino games, it was soon possible to chat with other players. This was also possible with croupiers, but many still felt that this was not the same. Croupiers are an essential part of the casino experience.

They create and enhance the atmosphere, ensure that games are properly managed and, what’s more, they are always willing to chat. They significantly improve the casino experience with their presence alone. For a long time, it was thought that a solution was impossible, but technology always progresses. That’s why we now have live casinos. What is the history of live casinos? What’s possible in this area and what’s possible in the future? You can read this below.

Live casino dealers

How did live casinos come into being?

For many of us, a visit to the casino is a special night out. Together with friends or family, we can have a good time, and making a profit is nice. The atmosphere of real-life casinos makes it such a great experience. Yet no matter how you look at it, online casinos have a lot of catching up to do in terms of atmosphere.

Years ago, this was a common complaint from online casino users: the games offered are fantastic, but the atmosphere could be better. Human contact was missed. Even in an online casino, you can spend many hours, but it gets boring to see the same interfaces all the time without any human contact. Was there a possible solution to this problem?

Although online casinos have been around since the 1990s, it took a while for live casinos to arrive. During the mid-2000’s, the first developments in this field took place. Around 2010, live casinos started to develop their technology and, as a result, became very popular. The goal was to mimic the real-life experience of a real casino as best as possible within an online setting. Improvements in software as well as improvements in Internet speeds in people’s homes made it possible to combine online casinos with video. The video allows players to see the croupier so you can interact in real time. What’s more, in the video itself you see a casino setting, which only enhances the atmosphere.

The enthusiasm for this concept was great. The first game performed on video was roulette. People were amazed by the fact that they could interact with a real croupier who actually stood at a roulette table. In addition, players could actually see what was happening. They could watch live as the wheel spun and the balled landed. Although live casinos can’t obtain a license without proving that they operate fairly, video is the ultimate proof for many players that online casino games can actually be played fairly.

Of course, it was inevitable that more online casino games would be added to the live repertoire. Some good examples of games that, in addition to online roulette, can be played in a live casino are:

We wouldn’t be surprised if this list of games grows rapidly in the near future. Live casinos seem to be an innovation that is going to be very big. But what is possible in this area?

What is currently possible at live casinos?

When you are of age, you can participate in live casinos. You will need to register with the relevant online casino, but after that, you can get started. Although you can’t participate in live casino games for free in online casinos, some online casinos do allow you to watch for free. This is similar to streaming games. Playing by yourself may be the most fun, but watching an exciting game of Blackjack can also be very entertaining.

Live casino games

Of course, technology will not stop here, and developments on this front will continue to improve rapidly. At the moment, the possibilities in this area are already quite impressive. You can observe the croupier or dealer in real-time via video. The croupier explains the game and tells you how everything is progressing during the game. If you have a microphone at your disposal, it is possible to interact with the croupier yourself. It is also possible to chat with the other participants in the game. Perhaps the best part is that you don’t have to appear on camera. At some live casinos, however, joining with your own video is possible, should you wish to do so. However, this is not the norm. Interaction with croupiers and other players enhances the online experience. After all, this is also one of the attractions of real-life casinos: the friendliness and the atmosphere. This is what’s possible so far. But what developments in this area are planned at the moment?

What does the future hold for live casinos?

Internet speeds continue to become faster, and the software for live casinos also continues to advance. That’s good news for you because it won’t be long before some interesting developments in the field of live casinos become reality. We have listed some of these developments for you below.

Virtual reality live casinos

With developments in video, higher definitions, more interaction with dealers and chat features with other players, the live casino experience feels increasingly real. Of course, live casinos have some catching up to do on some fronts, but they’re getting closer. We expect live casinos to approach real-life casinos, even more, when Virtual Reality becomes mainstream. Greater numbers of people recognize the potential of VR, and many already have VR glasses in their homes. However, running VR programs takes a lot of memory, and, so far, mainly the more advanced computers can handle this.

Nevertheless, efforts are being made to make VR more and more accessible. It is also now possible to use VR in live casinos. This gives you the experience of really sitting at a croupier’s table – almost. You can look around you. We wouldn’t be surprised if, in the future, you could walk through a “real” casino thanks to VR technology. By developing avatars, it is even possible to interact with other players in this digital casino.

Virtual Reality allows live casinos to not only mimic but also enhance the experience of real-life casinos. We’re not at this point yet, but what’s already possible is impressive. We, therefore, predict that Virtual Reality live casinos will follow in the future.

Live gambling whenever and wherever you want

We have spent more time than ever on the Internet over the past 10 years. We can no longer live without it. An important factor in this is the smartphone. With this, we are always carrying the Internet with us in our pockets, jackets or bags. The worldwide web is available 24/7. This also means that online casinos are always available. Smartphones have become so advanced that they are also suitable for playing in live casinos. You have two options here:

  • Live casino via the online casino website
  • Live casino via a special app that you need to download

You can gamble online more than ever.

Live Casinos FAQ

Can I use any bonus for live casino games?

You can’t. Each bonus at every online casino will have its own terms and conditions in place. This is why you need to check them over before you accept the bonus. You could end up with a bonus that never achieves wagering because live casino games don’t count.

Are there live casino specific bonuses available?

There are. Not all online casinos will offer them. You have to look through the promotions page in order to find them, or our online casino reviews can help you to find good ones.

Which online casinos offer the best bonuses?

Online casino bonuses change on a regular basis. Many online casinos will have a range of different promotions running at any one time. You can use our top casino list or detailed casino reviews to find out what is available to you and how you can benefit.

Will Virtual Reality casinos follow live casinos?

Live casinos are increasingly becoming popular, and we wouldn’t be surprised if these will soon be the most popular kind of online casinos. Although live casinos are the most current trend, not every player is familiar with them yet. In this article, you can read everything you need to know about live casinos. It explains exactly what they are, what casino games you can play and what makes live casinos so unique. We also detail the future of live casinos.

Highlights of this article

Below is a summary of what will be discussed in this article:

  • What are live casinos?
  • What are Virtual Reality casinos?
  • What is the future of Virtual Reality casinos?

What are live casinos?

The development of software regarding online casinos has continued to expand in recent years. What started as a simple interface with a few features in the 1990’s has now grown into online casinos with a vast range and variety of online casino games. All games operate smoothly, and you can switch from a roulette table to an online slot from one second to the next. Moreover, the graphics are very attractive, colorful and vibrant. However, the development of online casinos does not stop there. There is always a new market to tap into. This is how live casinos were created.

At live casinos, you can actually see a dealer or croupier via a live stream via video footage. These images are shot from different angles with various cameras. The casino setting is accurately represented. This makes it possible for you to watch live while a casino game is in operation. In addition, interaction with the dealer is possible. Sometimes this is done by means of a text prompt; other times you can communicate live with each other by means of a microphone. You can also interact with other players. This not only increases the realism because it places you in a virtual casino setting in real time, but this also increases the atmosphere and friendliness. After all, these are also reasons for visiting a real-life casino.

Advantages of live casinos

Live casinos are considered by many users to be fairer than normal online casino games although they are, of course, just as fair. However, actually seeing a dealer shuffle and draw cards from a pile, in, for example, the case of Blackjack, increases the sense that nothing underhand is occurring. Online variations of casino games use Random Generated Numbers, or randomness. In fact, this is no different than in a real-life casino where you also depend on chance. Nevertheless, live casinos are considered to be fairer, which is another explanation for their popularity.

Another advantage of live casinos is that they are especially attractive for men. After all, this is also the largest target group among online casino users. Live casino games often have an attractive woman as a dealer. The eye enjoys looking, right? Besides, these women all know what they’re doing They’re not just eye candy. They can deal like professional croupiers. The best of both worlds, in short. This may also explain why live casinos have become so popular in recent years.

Additionally, the development of technology and software can also explain why more and more live casinos are being frequented. Our Internet connections have significantly improved, allowing us to evolve from simple interfaces to online casinos full of games with detailed graphics. What’s more, playing videos and tracking live streams is no longer a problem for our computers and laptops. Thus, the software continues to evolve, making live casinos possible. Not to mention, technology itself never stops progressing. The next logical step is the development of Virtual Reality casinos.

What are Virtual Reality casinos?

Virtual Reality, often abbreviated as VR, is a computer technology that has been in development for decades. It allows you to experience settings in a computer-generated world that is based on reality. This is done using Virtual Reality glasses that essentially place you in that setting. There is a monitor inside the glasses so the distance that normally exists between you and your screen is eliminated. The glasses also block out the outside world. This really makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Everything around you is in 3D. You are fully surrounded by the digital world.

VR Casinos: The successor to live casinos?

Virtual Reality casinos, also known as VR casinos, are the logical next step for live casinos. No matter from which perspective, you’re still looking at a screen in live casinos. This naturally creates distance, regardless of how much you can interact with others. After all, video calls and video chats are not the same as talking to others in real life. With Virtual Reality, this distance is removed. Instead of staring at a screen, you put on a pair of VR glasses. It’s like you’re really in a casino because, among other things, you can look around and you’re completely surrounded by a casino environment. Realistic graphics only increase this experience.

Virtual Reality: Another world

By putting on your VR glasses, you place yourself in a real casino. That’s the power of Virtual Reality: you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. VR is already becoming more popular in the gaming world. An increasing number of developers are creating their own VR glasses. such as Valve, for example, which is of reputable quality. They’ve also just released a game that pushes the boundaries of Virtual Reality’s possibilities a little further: Half-Life Alyx. It’s innovations like this and impressive games with VR that speed up technology. We wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happens with Virtual Reality casinos.

What is the future of Virtual Reality casinos?

Virtual Reality casino games have been in development for years and have great potential. Still, we think it will be some time before Virtual Reality casinos really become mainstream. First, this has to do with Virtual Reality itself. Even for the most basic games that you can play in VR, you need a large computer of considerable quality and power. These are a few system requirements for running VR technology:

  • Suitable VR glasses (expensive)
  • Two USB 3.0 ports
  • GeForce GTX 970 or higher
  • Intel Core i5 – 4590 or higher
  • 8 GB memory
  • Windows 7 SP 1 or higher

Even for powerful PCs, these specs are particularly challenging. This is not for your standard household computer or laptop. This alone is a substantial reason why Virtual Reality casinos are not a feasible option now. People simply don’t have the right PC’s for this experience yet. This is the same reason why online casinos, and later live casinos, needed time to gain a considerable following.

The price of VR glasses

VR glasses are also very expensive at the moment. Of course, cheaper alternatives are available, but you often lose out on quality. Actually, you should think of VR glasses as a portable console. Like putting an Xbox or PlayStation on your head. These glasses, in combination with a suitable PC, allow you to play games that you would otherwise not be able to play. Not everyone, however, has the same budget, and for many this is simply not yet affordable. This also stands in the way of the success of Virtual Reality casinos for now.

Is this going to change in the future? We think so. Technology continues to evolve, and what is expensive now will be affordable for everyone in a few years’ time. New technology quickly becomes accessible to many people, especially when there is a market for it. And we dare say there is. After all, many casino enthusiasts still miss the atmosphere of a real casino when playing online. For them, this is a reason not to participate, no matter how good today’s live casinos are. Virtual Reality may be the deciding factor that will lead them to make the switch anyway.

Virtual Reality Casinos: Major potential value

In addition, the potential of Virtual Reality Casinos should also be considered. Imagine it. You put on your VR glasses and suddenly you’re in a real casino. You can walk around, stroll from game to game and interact with croupiers. Maybe you fancy a game of roulette first, so you walk up to the table. After this you want to play a game of Texas Hold ’em Poker, so you walk to the table where other players are already present. You will be kindly greeted by them and the croupier, after which you will play a game of poker. Who knows, maybe you’ll go to the slot machines of this digital casino afterwards. And so on and so forth: the possibilities are virtually limitless. This potential alone is reason enough to think that Virtual Reality Casinos are the future of online casinos. It’s only a matter of time.

Conclusion

Virtual Reality casinos seem to be the future of online casinos, but it will probably take some time before the VR casinos actually become mainstream. This has to do with the software and the technology but also with the possibilities people have in terms of access to system requirements on their computers and laptops. Nevertheless, the future of Virtual Reality casinos looks bright, especially when one looks at the potential of these online casinos. Many casino players are already salivating at the prospect of walking around in a cozy casino without having to leave your house. We dare to say that Virtual Reality casinos are the future. But when? We’ll have to find out.

Virgin Casino FAQ

How does Virgin Casino know whether or not I am in New Jersey?

You have to verify your geo-location through a special software extension offered by Virgin Casino. If you are not located within the state, you can unfortunately not play for real money.

Can I claim a no-deposit casino bonus?

No, Virgin Casino does not offer a no-deposit bonus. They do offer a generous cashback offer for new players and – if you have a valid promo code – you can even enjoy a welcome bonus.

How can I join the VIP program?

Contact the casino and tell them that you would like to join their VIP program. After sending them proof of identity you will be registered and you can earn V*points for free casino money!

The Latest Online Slot Machines from NetEnt

If you have made use of online slots at one of the best online casinos from our top 10, chances are you’ve played on a NetEnt slot machine. NetEnt has been one of the most popular developers in the field of software for online casino games for years. This developer was also one of the first software developers on this front, as NetEnt was founded in 1996. It was around this period that the first online casinos were developed and made available online. So, it’s evidence of their success that, more than 20 years later, NetEnt is still one of the big names in this field.

NetEnt has also released a number of new online slots games this year. We will list them for you below and discuss whether they are worth it or not. But before we show you these new online slots games, let’s take a closer look at the developer. What are the advantages of NetEnt slots? What makes this developer so attractive to visitors of online casinos?

Highlights of this article

Below is a summary of what will be discussed in this article:

  • The advantages of NetEnt slots
  • New NetEnt slots
  • Wilderland
  • Secret of the Stones MAX
  • Rise of Maya
  • Gold Money Frog

The advantages of NetEnt slots

In the field of online slots, the range of offers is great. That’s why it’s all the more impressive that a developer like NetEnt has managed to remain one of the most popular developers for many years. Of course, this feat is not quite so simple. NetEnt online slots have a number of features that give them an edge over competitors’ slots. First of all, your odds of winning at NetEnt slots are on average better than those of other developers. NetEnt slots have a higher payout percentage and a lower house edge. On average, the payout rate is between 96% and 99%, which corresponds to a house advantage of 1% to 4%.

Wide range of casino games

In addition, NetEnt stands out because of their wide range of online slots. For example, there are many different types of themes, and slot machines can also differ from each other in terms of gameplay mechanics. Variation is a key characteristic reflected throughout their entire selection as (video) slot machines are not the only casino games they offer. Within their selection, you will also find online gaming tables for Blackjack, Roulette and Punto Banco.

Another advantage of NetEnt’s slot machines is that they are available at free online casinos. So you can practice and get used to the gameplay before you start playing “for real”. In addition, the software developed by NetEnt is also suitable for mobile use. You can play online casino games 24/7 on your smartphone wherever you are.

Fantastic playing experience

Finally, NetEnt is an experienced developer who knows exactly what online casino enthusiasts want. They know better than anyone how to create a playing experience that is unique every time. Whichever slot machine you choose, there’s a good chance you’ll have a lot of fun every time. It is for good reason that NetEnt has been a popular software developer for over 20 years. How will their newest online slot machines fare? We’ll discuss this below.

New NetEnt Slots

Every year, NetEnt releases a number of new online slots games. Until now, these have been popular with gamblers every year, but the question here is: will that happen again this year? Below we list some of their latest releases for you. The main features of these online slots games are discussed as well as whether we think this slot game is worth it or not. Of course, it’s up to you to give it a try as everyone has their own preferences when it comes to online slots.

Wilderland

The first thing that strikes you about Wilderland is the beautifully designed theme of this video slot machine. Wilderland takes place in a fantasy setting strongly reminiscent of a combination of Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and The Witcher. With a payout percentage of 96.16% (a house advantage of 3.84%), the chance that fairy tales can also take place in real life is substantial. In total there are 20 winlines on which you can bet a minimum of 20 eurocents and a maximum of 400 euros.

The variance is low to medium which means that the risk is low but that the prizes to be won will also be lower than with an online slot machine with a high variance. You won’t be able to earn any real hits here. It’s the classic consideration that users have to make: do I go for a higher chance of winning? Or do I go for the big hit?

You don’t have to play Wilderland for the prizes, but, with a bit of luck, you can earn a reasonable amount of money from this game. The hit frequency is almost 40% which is particularly high compared to other video slots. However, the low prices mean that you won’t be easily impressed when you actually win something or when you get bonuses. The real feeling of a great victory is missing. That’s also the problem with Wilderland; the slot machine looks fantastic, but, in terms of gameplay, this new issue is a bit disappointing. Low prices, boosters and bonuses don’t give you much. The variance is just too low to give you any real excitement. Nevertheless, we recommend that you experience it for yourself as it is quite possible that you will have a lot of fun with this online slot machine.

Secret of the Stones MAX

Remakes are everywhere these days. Films are often being remade such as, for example, the famous Disney remakes that are converted from animation to live action.  Several games have also been re-released and graphically given a new coat of paint, so to speak. The remake trend has also reached the developers of online casino games. For example, there is the MAX series from NetEnt in which several well-known and beloved online slot machines are being re-released in an improved form. One of the recently released remakes is Secret of the Stones MAX.

The nice thing about Secret of the Stones MAX is that you can choose between the old and the new versions. So, if you prefer the old version, you can keep playing it. The main difference between the two versions is the variance; it is much higher in the MAX release. The risk is higher, but you have a chance of much higher prices. Whereas with the old version you could win up to 2,500 times your bet, you can earn 25,000 times your bet back with Secret of the Stones MAX.

For this, at least 25 cents must be wagered, a maximum of 125 euros. There is a total of 25 winlines. In addition, it is noticeable that the payout percentage is higher with the MAX version: 96.81%, or a house advantage of 3.19%. Finally, there is also beautifully designed mythological setting. This remake of an old classic is definitely worthwhile.

Rise of Maya

Rise of Maya is a video slot with an enjoyable Mayan theme. The Mayan population is a popular theme that has been used more often in several other online casino slots games. Still, the flair of NetEnt makes this game look fantastic graphically, so that this oft-used theme gets a new twist. Rise of Maya is a slot with an average variance. The risk you run is neither high nor low while the prices you can win are relatively attractive. This way you can win up to 2,500 times your bet. If you take advantage of the bonus bet, this can be as much as 5,000 times your bet.

In total there are 10 winlines on which you can bet a minimum of 10 eurocents and a maximum of 200 euros. In addition to the standard and premium symbols, which are related to the Mayan civilization, there are also a number of wild symbols. You can think of these as a kind of jokers. For example, if you have four reindeer masks plus a game symbol, this is actually equal to five reindeer masks. There are also scatter symbols available which can give you an attractive bonus.

The most attractive bonus, and also the most unique feature of this slot is the Second Chance feature. Two scatters give you a re-spin which is an extra chance to get the bonus. Of course, this is mainly a ploy to make sure you keep betting, but it does provide Rise of Maya with a lot of excitement. That makes this slot one of the nicer new additions to NetEnt’s wide range of products.

Gold Money Frog

Gold Money Frog is a remake of the Super Money Frog online slot machine from NetEnt. The biggest difference lies in the graphics. Gold Money Frog comes with an Asian theme. Whether this is enough to make this progressive jackpot slot machine interesting remains to be seen. Although such an ever-increasing jackpot sounds very attractive, this online slot machine itself is, unfortunately, a lot less fun to play. There are 25 winlines on which you can bet a minimum of 25 cents and a maximum of 50 cents. Of these, 8% contribute to the jackpot.

Although the Gold Money Frog has a low variance, the prizes you can win are nothing to brag about. The payout percentage is therefore between 92% and 93%, which means a house advantage of 7% to 8%. This is very high for an online slot machine. The more you bet, the greater chance you have of winning the biggest jackpot. However, the chances of winning a progressive jackpot are slim. In addition, the gameplay does not run as smoothly as in the aforementioned online slots, and the bonuses are not interesting enough to continue to play. All in all, this is by far the least enticing release of the four new online slots games listed in this article.

Conclusion

NetEnt has once again managed to release a number of interesting new online slots games. Although we are a bit fonder of one slot over the other, we still think that a lot of gambling fans will enjoy these new releases. Two of them stand out the most: Secret of the Stones MAX and Rise of Maya. The gameplay in these slots is not only the most fluid and entertaining, but these two video slots also keep the excitement high. Wilderland, on the other hand, is a slot machine with fantastic graphics, but the gameplay is a bit disappointing. Finally, there’s Gold Money Frog, and let’s be honest about it: this is one of the more inferior releases of NetEnt in years.

The 5 Weirdest Mistakes Gamblers Make Online

In an online casino, mistakes can cost you a lot of money. It’s a shame because such mistakes are often completely unnecessary. Moreover, it is possible to prevent these mistakes, but then, of course, you have to realize that you are making them. That’s why we have listed the 5 weirdest mistakes gamblers make in online casinos below. Keeping these mistakes in mind will save you a lot of avoidable losses. In addition, if you would like to know how to maximize your winning chances at any online casino game, you can use our online game guides.

Highlights of this article

Below is a summary of what will be discussed in this article:

  • What you especially shouldn’t do in an online casino
  • Win a round amount
  • Not understanding the aim of the game
  • Not reading the rules
  • Not reading the bonus conditions
  • Sucker bets

What you especially shouldn’t do in an online casino

Below you can read more about the 5 weirdest mistakes gamblers make at online casinos. We understand how such mistakes can be made.  It is often in man’s nature to err; other times mistakes can be caused by haste. Either way, you will most likely suffer unnecessary losses as a result. Of course, in the long run, you will lose to the casino anyway because the goal of an online casino is to make a profit on you. However, there is a difference between ordinary expected losses and unnecessary losses. Therefore, it is important to understand these errors to be able to avoid them and eventually save your money.

Win a round amount

Imagine having a good evening at the casino. You stand at 290 euros profit, but you want to keep playing until you reach exactly 300 euros. A nice round amount. Maybe you’ll get lucky and succeed in one fell swoop. However, the chances of that happening are small, and you will more likely incur unnecessary losses to reach your goal. It’s a remarkable psychological feature, but we humans like nice round figures. However, this is very inconvenient when playing online casino games. It is advisable to get used to the uncomfortable feeling that a non-round number gives you (if this bothers you).

Not understanding the aim of the game

In order to be able to play a game properly, you need to understand the purpose of the game. In some cases, it’s simple. With an online slot machine, you press a button and a combination of symbols is created. If you have five in a row, you win a nice amount. Simple. However, not all online casino games are equally simple to play and understand.

A good example of this is online Blackjack. Did you know that there are people who still think that the goal of Blackjack is to reach exactly 21? On the contrary, the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible. You should consider yourself lucky to get a higher score than the dealer. However, by playing for an exact 21, you are much more likely to “bust” because you are guaranteed to lose. Even with online bingo, it often happens that the purpose of the game is not understood. There are several variants in which you have to achieve a certain pattern in order to win. If you don’t figure this out, you are aiming for the wrong goal which means you most likely will not win. Therefore, always try to comprehend the objective of the game. If you’re not sure what the exact purpose of a game is, you can always consult our online game guides.

Not reading the rules

A misinterpretation of the purpose of a game can result in losses, but a failure to understand the rules of a game is also an error that occurs regularly and results in a lot of unnecessary losses for many gamblers. This is especially common with online slots. Gamblers simply choose an online slot machine to play on, without first reading up on, for example, the house edge, the variance or the payout percentage. However, these factors can tell you a lot about your odds of winning and the amount of money you can make with an online slot. By reading up on this and weighing your own winning chances against the amount of money you can earn, you can find online slots that are exactly right for you.

Knowing the rules is one thing, but becoming familiar with the rules is something else. That’s why it’s also advisable not to start playing “for real” in an online casino. One should rather practice a number of times first with the intention of truly mastering a game. Gambling games such as online slots may not always need to be practiced, but it is advisable to practice first with games such as Blackjack or online poker. Not only do these games have more complicated rules compared to other casino games, but these games also have strategies that can be applied to increase your winning chances. Take a look at our online game guides to learn more about these strategies. Fortunately, it is possible to practice without betting on free online casinos. This is how you master the best strategies.

Not reading the bonus conditions

Bonus terms are a good incentive to lure people to an online casino. After all, free money sounds like music to many of us. However, there are usually a number of conditions attached to such bonuses. For example, you have to wager an x number of times in games before you can claim a bonus. Unfortunately, many people still do not read the bonus conditions properly which often causes frustrations about not receiving a “promised” bonus. However, this is entirely their own fault. In most cases, online casinos are clear in their terms of conditions. It is your responsibility to read up on this in order to be an informed player because there are often very nice bonuses that are very difficult to obtain. Other possible actions that fail to meet the bonus conditions:

  • Playing online casino games that weren’t eligible for the bonus.
  • Betting too much.
  • Allowing the bonus term to expire.
  • Using a deposit method not applicable to the bonus.

Would you like to know which online casinos offer the best and most attractive bonuses? Read our best online casino bonus of 2020 guide.

Sucker bets

So-called “sucker bets” are bets in which the anticipated return does not reflect the odds of winning. These can be made at a variety of games in an online casino. These are the extra bets that you can gamble on but which bring you very little in the end. Often these sucker bets even have a house advantage between 15% and 30%. 

The best-known example of a sucker bet is the insurance bet with online Blackjack, also known as the insurance. In our online Blackjack game guide, we advise that you should never take this and for good reason. Suppose the dealer’s open card is an ace. By taking out insurance, you pay half of your original bet to be paid out 2:1 if the dealer has a Blackjack (i.e. Ace with a 10, Jack, Queen or King). However, it is much more likely that the dealer will not win a Blackjack. In other words: you have put money in for a bet that most likely will be lost again. This results in unnecessary losses.

The following are a number of other known types of sucker bets:

  • Bet on a tie (or draw) at Baccarat.
  • Online casinos in which you have to pay an ante for every hand you play.
  • Progressive jackpot slots have a temptingly high jackpot, but the chances of winning it are so minimal that we also consider this a sucker bet.
  • Bet on 2 and 12 at Craps. These are the scores with the smallest chance of winning.
  • Playing American roulette is a sucker bet because the house advantage is twice as large as the European variant.
  • Keno is the sucker bet among the lotteries with a house edge of up to 25%.

Conclusion

There are a number of common mistakes that cause gamblers to lose money unnecessarily in an online casino. Sometimes these are somewhat compulsive tendencies, such as waiting for a good round amount in terms of profit. Some players continue unnecessarily and ultimately lose more money than necessary. In addition, mistakes can be made in haste. Good examples of this are not reading about the rules of a game or about the bonus conditions in an online casino. Not fully understanding the purpose of a game is also a common mistake. Finally, there are the so-called sucker bets which are extra bets where the chance of winning money is minimal. There are also a number of bets within an online casino game, or a casino game itself that can be characterized as a sucker bet as the profit is illusionary and minimal. It is best to ignore these.

  • Is every live casino the same?

    No. There are a lot of different variations in what a live casino can offer. This is why it’s best to look over the different options before you decide where to play.

  • Where’s the best live casino?

    This is something that can regularly change. Because of this, it’s best to keep checking in with our casino reviews. This will allow you to discover the best places to play and where the current best selection of live casinos is.

  • Will the game I choose guarantee a win?

    No. There is no way to guarantee a win when playing at an online casino. All you can do is manage your bankroll as best you can and hope that luck is on your side. You can improve your chances by picking a game with a high RTP, but this still won’t guarantee a win.

Tips to Make More Money on Online Slots

Online slots are still one of the most popular games of online casinos. This, in fact, is unlogical. There are games with a lower house advantage, such as online Blackjack. However, gamblers have always remained loyal to online slots over the years. First of all, this is because the principle behind the game is a lot of fun. It creates a pleasant tension because with every spin you have a chance to win a nice cash prize. What’s more, online slots are always accessible, no matter where you are. The offer is available 24/7. Not to mention, a huge variety of slots is available.

It is possible that you are only playing online slots for fun. You find it relaxing and entertaining, and any winnings are welcome. However, many gamblers play to make money. Yet online slots games are games of chance where your fate depends on luck. Is this not so? By following the tips below, it is indeed possible to make more money on online slots. Luck remains to be a determining factor, but you can give fate a helping hand. How? Read on.

Highlights in this article

Below is a summary of what will be discussed in this article:

  • How does an online slot machine work?
  • How can you make more money from online slots?
  • House advantage
  • Variance
  • Winlines

How does an online slot machine work?

Maybe you’ve played on a slot machine in real life. The principle behind these slots is simple. First of all, you’re betting money. You press a button or pull a lever which causes the symbols to start rolling. One by one, they land on a certain symbol.

With the right combination, you could make a lot of money. Online, the principle is essentially the same. As with real-life slots (also known as land-based slots), it is arbitrary which symbols form a combination. Online, this is controlled by a Random Number Generator. Random symbols are shown each time. Thus, you depend on luck.

Slots and winning lines

The combination of symbols is made in a line. With land-based slots, there is usually a single line, also known as a winning line, or winline. This line is horizontal and is the only way to win a cash prize. Online slots, on the other hand, have many more winning lines. These are often horizontal, but various other patterns are also possible, such as:

  • Vertical
  • Diagonal
  • Zig Zag
  • Triangle
  • Square
  • Oval

And so on and so forth. This gives you more opportunities to win money. However, you have to bet per winning line to have a chance to win these prizes. These lines are therefore not automatically at your disposal.

With online slots you often have a greater variety of symbols. We’re not only talking about the symbols themselves but also about the kind of symbols. For example, there may be low symbols that you can convert into premium symbols that can generate more money. In addition, many online slot machines have a so-called game symbol.

You must think of this as some kind of joker. The game symbol can replace any other symbol. If you have to obtain three in a row, this can be achieved by getting two of the same symbols plus a game symbol. Moreover, this often gives you additional profit thanks to the multiplier effect. Scatter symbols are also often present. These give you agreeable bonuses.

In addition, you can earn free spins in many online slot machines. These are free turns that do not cost you a stake. You can also earn bonuses. Indeed, there are many more factors to keep in mind when playing slots online compared to real life variants. If you really want to know everything there is to know about this game of chance, view our online game guide. But the big question now is: can you be certain you can increase your winnings with these slots?

How do you make more money from online slots?

There is no doubt that happiness is the most decisive factor. There’s not much you can do about it as online slots work with a Random Number Generator. Therefore, it is entirely arbitrary when a slot will pay out. That’s why you should never believe anyone who says the jackpot is about to come. The chances of scoring the jackpot or any other cash prize remain the same every time.

But is it possible to increase your chances of winning? Yes, it is possible. The most important thing you can do is read up on an online slot machine. Many players think that all online slots are the same. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. A number of factors are listed below. You should consider these before playing an online slot machine.

House advantage

The purpose of a casino is to make a profit. If you play wisely, you can make money playing games of chance, but, in the long run, you will lose. That’s the hard truth, even in an online casino. Whatever casino game you play, the (online) casino will have a house advantage, or house edge. Statistically, the casino has a greater chance of winning than you do. This advantage is shown in a percentage known as the house advantage. It differs from game to game; in one game, it is higher than in the other. This is true of online slots as well.

Many gamblers still don’t check the house edge. They choose a slot machine that looks nice and start playing right away. That’s a shame because, by checking the house advantage, you can significantly increase your chances of winning. The lower the house advantage, the more the winning chance of the game is to your advantage. The other side of this coin is the payout percentage.

The higher it is, the greater your chance of winning. You calculate the payout percentage by taking 100% minus the house advantage. Conversely, you calculate the house edge by taking 100% minus the payout percentage. So, if you want to have a higher chance of winning, it is advisable to always check the house advantage beforehand.

Variance

Many online slots machines indicate whether they have a high, medium or low variance. This can also be read in many reviews about a new slot machine. But what exactly is variance? Variance, also known as volatility, is an indicator of the risk associated with an online slot machine. The following types of variance are most common:

  • Low: the risk of loss is low, but the prizes you win are also low. Often you win 0.5 to 1 times your bet back, and the big prize is 5 to 10 times your bet.
  • Average: this is the standard. The risk of loss is average, as is the probability of an average prize.
  • High: finally, there are the online slots with a high variance. The risk of loss is greater. At the same time, if you win, you win big. You can find online slots where you can earn up to 20,000 times your wager.

It’s up to you to make up your mind. If you want to win a substantial amount of money, slots with a high variance are more suitable for you. However, the risk of loss is also greater. If you want to be more confident that you can win, choose an online slots game with a low variance. However, you won’t make much profit if you win. The consideration is: do I want to increase my chances of winning? Or do I want to make a lot of money in one fell swoop?

Winlines

Earlier in this article, we talked about the winning lines, or winlines, i.e. the lines on which you can make combinations of symbols. This is another factor to keep in mind with your odds of winning. The rule of thumb is: the more winning lines an online slot machine has, the greater the chance of winning is. However, the rule here is that you have to bet per line. These do not apply automatically. So, it will cost you more money to increase your chances of winning. Thus, the consideration you have to make is: do I bet more money for a higher chance of winning? Or do I limit the number of winning lines? The more lines there are, the more ways you have to profit. For example, there are online slots where you have more than 4,000 opportunities to make a profit.

Conclusion

At an online casino you can try your luck, but you can’t force it. You depend on luck to make a profit. This applies double to online slots. They use a Random Number Generator. Every time you let the wheels spin, it is random which symbols appear. However, by reading up on the house advantage, variance and winning lines of an online slot machine, it is possible to slightly increase your chances of winning. This way you will have a higher chance of winning when the house advantage is low. In the case of variance, the consideration is: more risk for a higher amount of money, or a lower risk for less money? Winlines give you a bigger chance of winning, but you also have to bet per line and that costs you more money.

Therefore, for the best outcome, you’ll have to make your own considerations per online slot machine. A greater chance of profit does not necessarily go hand in hand with more money and vice versa. Try to determine for yourself what you prefer because every gambler has his own degree of risk with which he is comfortable.

However, online slot machines often require you to risk a lot in order to make a lot of money. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and, by reading up on the above-mentioned factors, you can find the best balance between all these elements. And hopefully, make more money with online slots.

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5 tips to minimize your losses

Tips for playing at an online casino often focus on increasing your chances of winning. While this is definitely possible – have a look at our online game guides – online casinos exist to make a profit, which is why it’s still likely that you’ll end up losing to the house in the long run. That’s why it’s advisable not only to focus on making a profit but also to pay attention to minimizing your losses. We’ll explain how to do this below.

What you can find in this article

Below is a summary of what will be discussed in this article:

  • Money management
  • Don’t be tempted by high prices
  • Play slower games
  • Use tactics
  • See an online casino as entertainment

Money management

A topic that crops up time and time again in many articles is money management. You should never underestimate how important it is to manage your money well. Online casino games are a lot of fun, but they can also be addictive. Especially because humans have a tendency to keep playing until we win again. Unfortunately, this often causes us to be saddled with even more losses. However, this can be completely avoided using money management. It’s perhaps the most effective way to minimize losses.

Set a limit

Everybody has a natural limit that is set by the amount of money they have access to. While you could drain all of your bank accounts, keeping playing until you have no money left isn’t recommended. Which is why you should set a limit. There are several ways to do this. 

First, you can choose an amount of money that you are willing to spend. If you only spend this amount, you won’t keep on playing forever. Second, you can opt for a profit limit. Once you’ve made a certain amount of profit, you quit. Finally, you can set a loss limit. For example, you could set a loss limit of 75 euros. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your balance at the end of a session will be -75 euros, but rather that you can lose a maximum of 75 euros in a session. If you win 100 euros but lose 75 euros you will make a profit of 25 euros, but you will still need to end your session.

Assume loss

Online casinos have a house edge with every game. There are some games where this advantage is lower than others, but the house still maintains an advantage over the players. Understanding that the most likely outcome is that you’re going to lose out to the online casino, whether in the long or short term, will make you also less inclined to keep spending money. This outlook has the added benefit of making you happier when you do make a profit. Assuming loss can also encourage you to withdraw less money to help you minimize your losses.

Don’t be tempted by high prices

It’s always tempting to go for a high price when the opportunity is presented to us – no matter how small the chance that we will win. That’s why lotteries are still so popular; we imagine hitting that million-euro jackpot even if the chance of that actually happening is minimal to nil. The same is true for high prices. These prices can only be promised because many people who only have a tiny chance of winning are participating and spending money, yet people continue to take part in these kinds of lotteries. It’s the excitement of the potential win that draws people in.

Slots with a high variance

The same is true for online slots with a high variance. If you win, you win a huge cash prize. However, this chance is minimal and you’re at high risk. This risk is especially high with progressive jackpot slots, because a portion of your bet goes to the jackpot. Although that portion of your bet – often around 8% – can be recouped by winning the jackpot, the chances are minimal. While there are also other prizes that you can win, these are generally low in value because they can’t detract from the big jackpot. 

Online casinos often mislead players when it comes to these types of online jackpot slots. They might make out that the jackpot is about to be paid out when, in reality, the chance of this is just as minimal as before. Participating in online slots games that have a high variance is often a waste of your money. To minimize your losses, you should avoid taking part in these games or play them sparingly.

Play slower games

It might seem a bit obvious, but if you want to reduce your losses per hour, you should opt for the slower running online casino games. Fast-paced games like slots are exciting, but they can lose you money at the speed of an express train ride. Online casino games like Blackjack or Punto Banco have a much slower pace, which means you lose less per hour when playing them (in case of equal bets). If you find that you are losing too much, playing slower games is a clever way around the problem. You can continue to play online casino games, but the slower pace means that you can minimize your losses per hour.

Use tactics

Luck is always a factor with online casino games. However, luck is a bigger determining factor in some games than others. While you aren’t able to use many strategies with an online slot machine, things are quite different with online Blackjack. By continuously applying the right tactics in a game of online Blackjack, you can reduce the house advantage to a meagre 0.5%. That’s a payout rate of 99.5%. Although this is great, it highlights the fact that an online casino always retains an advantage. After all, the main goal of the casino is to make a profit and without this advantage they wouldn’t be able to earn anything from you. 

These strategies can help you to make more profit, but you shouldn’t see this as the only goal. Tactics and strategies are also an excellent way to limit your losses. If you want to know what the best online Blackjack strategies are, take a look at our online Blackjack game guide.

See an online casino as entertainment

Although we have several online gaming guides to increase your odds of winning, it’s extremely important that you continue to think of online casinos as a form of entertainment. You’re always at a disadvantage to an online casino, where the games are made so that you’ll lose in the long run. It’s unrealistic to think that it’s possible to make a profit from playing the games. And we certainly don’t recommend becoming a professional gambler. You can increase your chances of winning and minimize your losses, but the system is simply unbeatable. 

Look at online casinos as a form of entertainment. When you go to the cinema, you spend about 10 euros on a ticket. You won’t get this money back, but you’ll get an hour or two of entertainment in return. The same goes for an online casino. Think of it as a nice way to spend your time, but not something that will bring you profits. What’s more, by simply treating it as innocent entertainment, you also minimize the chance of developing a gambling addiction. If you keep treating online casinos as innocent entertainment, you won’t lose too much money, which is another way to minimize your losses.

Conclusion

There are several tactics that can be used to minimize losses when playing online casino games. First, it’s advisable to have a good money management strategy. Set a limit, a maximum amount that you are willing to lose, and stop as soon as you reach this limit. This doesn’t have to mean you end up at a loss. If you have set a maximum loss of 50 euros and you have won 100 euros in total, you will still walk away with 50 euros.

Online casinos try to attract customers in multiple ways. Which one of us isn’t going to salivate at the thought of winning a big jackpot? However, the chances of winning these high prizes are small. You can further minimize your losses per hour by playing games at a slower pace and using tactics. These approaches at least minimize your losses, especially in games like online Blackjack. They can bring you profits too. Finally, don’t forget to think of online casino games as entertainment. An online casino wants to make a profit and you’re always at a disadvantage, so don’t take it too seriously and don’t see it as a way to make quick money. Just enjoy the games. By approaching it this way, you won’t spend too much money.

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