What Is an Online Casino?

Online casinos are one of the most innovative forms of entertainment. They began appearing in the late 1990s following the mass adoption of the Internet and creating safe casino games that could be played from anywhere in the world.

Today, there are more online casinos than there are brick-and-mortar properties, and that demonstrates their staying power. It also shows that consumer habits have changed. Therefore, understanding "what an online casino is" remains an important question.

An online casino is a provider of fun and light entertainment, various tournaments, thousands of casino games and online casino offers. But, more importantly, you will discover a safe real money gaming experience with a licensed online casino like Casino Rocket. It really makes not much of a difference today if you go to a brick-and-mortar casino today or stick to play at an online casino.

In fact, many players agree that online casinos tend to be a little more versatile, offering great deposit bonus options, different games, and innovative gameplay. If you are curious to find out a little more about online casinos, this article will help you familiarise yourself with the topic.

What Is the Difference Between Online and Brick-and-Mortar Casinos?

For decades, anyone looking to play casino games had to go to a brick-and-mortar venue and make special time for these trips to gaming venues. Such venues really have a tempting selection of casino games and real money casino opportunities. Yet, you will always need to be physically present in the casino to actually be able to play.

However, the best properties will usually feature dozens of table games, such as roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, and even private lounges for anyone interested in spending a little more time playing with bigger stakes. There is a complimentary drink service, and you can always order food.

All in all, brick-and-mortar casinos are very fun to visit if you are at a comfortable distance away from one. Now, not everyone lives in Atlantic City or Las Vegas, though, and many countries don't host glitzy casinos across their nation. So, to make up for the lack of casino action, many jurisdictions have legalised online casinos.

Online casinos have emerged to provide consumers with the opportunity to play great casino games and never have to worry about travelling to a physical location. Even though most of the action happens online, you can rest assured that it is safe and fair.

On the other hand, oftentimes online casinos may offer even a bigger and somewhat better selection of games. Clearly, online casinos are also more convenient. They save you travel time and grant you access to more games, various betting limits, and not to forget, a whole lot of bonuses that will truly make a worthwhile pick!

What Games Are There at Online Casinos?

Since Internet casinos have so much to offer, you are probably wondering: what casino games are there? As it turns, there are many online casino games that will catch your eye. Online casinos have been able to transfer the entire gambling experience online, featuring slot machines, blackjack games, roulette, baccarat, sic bo, video poker, and more. As a result, there are possible over 10,000 online pokies you can pick from and perhaps close to 4,000 table games.

Of course, either number is purely conjectural, and we are almost certain the number of online slots has increased twofold already! Most online casinos will feature around 3,000 games, and try to add more titles depending on interest in these titles. Then again, even pokies can come in many variations. In a way, there are different pokies in brick-and-mortar casinos, too, but we really think online casinos have done a better job! You will find progressive ones and 3D games, video pokies and even some classic slots.

A simple game such as online roulette will be available in multiple variations. There are all the traditional ones, of course, including European, French and American, but then again, you can find Speed Roulette and even a game known as Lightning Roulette. The same applies to all other table games, including blackjack, baccarat and any dice game usually part of the brick-and-mortar casino experience. There are even live dealer casinos, which are a lot of fun!

Live Dealer Casinos: Better Than Brick-and-Mortar Venues!

Online casinos have had a good look at the brick-and-mortar gaming sector and decided that the one thing that consumer miss is the ability to play live table games. Thanks to developers such as Playtech, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, NetEnt, and others, this has changed. The roulette wheel at a brick-and-mortar casino can hardly live up to the online casino roulette offered by Evolution Gaming.

Thanks to entertaining titles such as Immersive Roulette and Lightning Roulette, Internet casinos really have the upper hand when it comes to a live dealer experience. For starters, every studio that streams live table games will do so in HD. Yes, you may not be at the casino floor in person, but thanks to the pristine-clear graphics, it certainly feels that way.

Online casinos make the live dealer experience even more entertaining, allowing players to control every single camera angle. More importantly, there is a pit boss at each live dealer game, meaning you can even mediate conflict if one arises. The games are provably fair and, even though these live dealers are the ones spinning the roulette wheel, dealing the cards, and throwing the dice.

However, every live dealer is certified, and they uphold the highest standards for integrity. Another great upside of playing live casino games online is that you can bet and play a little quicker, since all winnings are awarded automatically, and it only takes a second.

How Safe and Fair Are Online Casinos?

Casino safety certainly seems important, and it is. To guarantee the safety of players, online casinos have worked out various ways to place failsafe in their offer. Online gambling today is quite safe, and that is possible, thanks to several measures that should always be observed.

For starters, an online casino must always hold a license. The Swedish Spelinspektionen, UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and Curacao E-Gaming are great examples of such. Yet, you will always want to see a license and even more than one.

Some casinos hold multiple licenses that enable the casinos to operate in several jurisdictions. On the other hand, a license from the Malta Gaming Authority already grants a remote gambling license. Next, an online casino will always have Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption in place compliant with the latest standard.

That's usually 256-bit encryption these days, giving you an opportunity to play safely and know that your private information is always protected. Casinos are also obliged to enforce KYC and AML verifications, which seek to establish that you are the person you claim to be on the registration form.

All of this combined makes online casinos as safe as any brick-and-mortar operator, and perhaps even safer since you only have the gaming to focus on. Some players also prefer to read up on other players' opinions before they choose an online casino. That's perfectly fine and welcome, and you should do your own due diligence.

Why the Random Number Generator Is Important

The Random Number Generator is why online casinos are safe. While hired security will keep the law & order on a physical casino law, online casinos offer an alternative solution—one of the biggest concerns when online casinos appeared as if they were safe.

Yet, the random number generators (RNGs) made that possible. Thanks to their unique nature, RNGs make it possible to enjoy online casinos without ever second-guessing any outcome. You just place bets and know that what comes up, as a result, is 100% fair and verifiable.

But how is this possible? Well, RNGs were created with a simple idea in mind. Produce seed numbers per milliseconds to create such a large variety of numbers and combinations that nobody can predict the outcome of the games. These seed numbers are then taken up by an algorithm which applies a mathematical operation to produce a new outcome.

Thus the randomness is achieved, and nobody can reliably sit down and know when a pokie or a video poker machine would payout. Of course, online casinos want to do everything in their power to keep the seed numbers and algorithms private. For starters, they hire certifying agencies, which test outcomes in real-time.

That means that independent auditors are keeping a close eye on the casino, guaranteeing the fairness in real-time. Now, the more high-profile a casino and a developer, the harder it is for them to get away with "cheating." That's why no credible brand that is one licensed by a regulator and audited by an independent testing agency would ever try to cheat.

In theory, it is possible, but you can rest assured that those online casinos almost do not exist or if they do, they face the full severity of the law and very quickly at that.

Welcome Bonuses and Promotions at Online Casinos

Now, brick-and-mortar casinos certainly have their way of making an offer more appealing to you. They would offer a nice VIP program, introduce some loyalty rewards, and complimentary drinks. While this is great, and it gives you a sense of satisfaction, it doesn't really improve your odds and chances of winning. On the other hand, online casinos offer a string of great bonuses and promotions you can actually use on casino games you like.

Actually, bonuses are one of the reasons why so many players prefer online gambling. Other than not having to deal with long trips down to casino floors, players enjoy having extra money online. Of course, a deposit bonus doesn't guarantee you a win, but it gives you more real money funds to try and win a game with.

The welcome bonuses are the most popular type of promotions, and they feature both real money and free spins. Other than that, you will find various other promos that are awesome and feature all sorts of treats. Now, one thing to make sure of, though is that you understand the terms and conditions.

Even the most tempting first deposit bonus will come with some terms attached. They usually have to do with the bonus amount, the so-called wagering requirements, and the deadline for the bonus. You need to know about these before you accept any bonus money from the casino, and that's why most players always peruse the terms and conditions very carefully before committing to any promotion.

Online Casino Software and How It Works

The online casino software has evolved a fair bit, and even though it started as a downloadable platform, today, it's all instant play. Online casinos want to make sure that they grant players the most accessible and entertaining experience. Back in the 1990s, most online casinos developed dedicated downloadable software and this trend stuck around through the mid-2000s.

Yet, the 21st century also brought the no-strings-attached approach to online gambling. Players demanded that they are allowed to play popular games without the need to sit at a desktop computer or download additional software. Thanks to HTML5, an intuitive piece of programming language, most online games today are fully compatible with any iOS and Android gaming device, as well as Macintosh and even good old Windows.

Adobe Flash is no longer that popular, and the majority of online gambling sites have all made a transition to intuitive gaming platforms to simplify things. Some casinos offer dedicated mobile apps, which are fantastic, but you can access the games, real money options, banking and customer support even without having a dedicated app.

In fact, most players prefer to play directly from their mobile devices and use the instant play platform as it affords more flexibility and comfort.

Different Online Casino Games Developers and Which One Are Best

There is some subjectivity when you try to pick an online casino. Some players go after big bonuses, others stick to the best games, and third just want to hear a good word or two about a brand before they make any formal commitment. Yet, for those players who appreciate having a great time online, the solution can only be one.

Choosing from the best game developers, an online gambling establishment has to offer! There are many award-winning brands, and most players focus on online slots. Therefore, brands such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, and Play'n Go will always come up on the list of personal preferences.

Players expect to find a great average return-to-player rate, but they also want an engaging gambling experience. The latter usually means adding some excellent features such as bonus levels, multipliers, wild and scatter symbols, free spins, and more.

Each developer has its own unique signature that will make their games. NetEnt is known the world over for the dynamic and exciting titles they have created. Microgaming is the author of the world's best-paying progressive jackpot, Mega Moolah. Betsoft Gaming has unique 3D pokies that no other studio has been able to replicate.

At every step of the way, there is something about the online gambling experience that excites players who are prepared to spend real money for the sake of having fun. Yet, picking the casino with the best developers.

VIP and Loyalty Bonus Programs at Online Casinos

A great way to get going at an online casino is to find yourself part of the loyalty and VIP programs. In the past, these used to be earmarked for big spenders, and they mostly are. Yet, gambling sites will let you progress through unique loyalty systems. For example, some casinos allocate fantastic free spins and money bonuses for reaching a specific level of loyalty points.

You will get to enjoy the same online casino games but pick up a few perks along the way to make your overall experience far more amusing using some cool extra treats. The loyalty and VIP schemes have a clearly incentivising effect, but you never have to pursue them actively. It's good that they are there, though!

How to Deposit and Withdraw from Gambling Sites

As it turns out, it's very easy to find your way around an online casino! Payment options these days are very straightforward and easy to handle. You can usually pick from popular banking methods to make your first deposit or cash out any winnings you wish. Online casinos accept everything from banking cards to e-wallets, and naturally your bank account. Some may even use cryptocurrencies, which is less popular, but it's being adopted en masse.

Players will always have the opportunity to deposit swiftly and cash out just as quick. Each transaction may have a limit, which is fine because there is always a way to make sure you cannot deposit over the limit. However, you won't find any limits on deposits in general. Some may apply to cashouts, depending on the casino or specific payment method.

Some payment options may be traditional ones, such as Visa, MasterCard or PayPal. Others could be a little more intuitive, such as ApplePay or Trustly. In general, though, payments these days are very quick at gambling sites. Most brands want you to be able to cash out your real money instantly or in under 24 hours.

Mobile Casinos Are the Future of All Online Gaming

The most exciting form of gameplay these days is none other than mobile gaming. Therefore, all real money online casinos have made sure that they bring the level of comfort to players by creating a worthwhile and reliable mobile platform. As mentioned earlier, HTML5 has made it possible to enjoy a truly outstanding experience that extends beyond any platform and operating system.

Better yet, mobile gaming allows a level of comfort and an omnichannel experience you can transfer from your handheld device to a desktop computer. All of this makes it nice to play on the go and then spend a little more time at home if you want to. Either way, it's all about having a versatile and enjoyable experience.

Online Casinos Are Fun But Remember to Play Responsibly

Online casinos are clearly a blast to play. From the moment you place your first deposit to the moment you withdraw your first big win. Yet, for all their great qualities, players are better off always playing responsibly. Don't worry too much about missing out on a promotion or all the fun. The truth is that online casinos are always coming up with new ways to keep you entertained.

Games are added almost constantly, and what truly matters is finding a way to play responsibly. Make sure that your online gambling habits are always healthy, and you allocate just enough to play. There are some great promos to pick as well. They can both extend your stay and make your gaming sessions slightly more entertaining.

If you do find yourself needing some help, just reach out to one of the responsible gambling helplines you can always find listed at any decent casino's website, and remember - when the fun stops, stop!

Online Casinos - A Quick Final Word

Online casinos are quite entertaining, and if anything, they will bring you all the fun and enjoyment that you can expect. In their essence, Internet casinos are fair, they offer players great real money opportunities, and you will have a blast. It's important to mind the few recommendations we have made here, but other than that, it's all great.

Online Casinos Faqs

Can I play online casinos without real money?

You actually can. Casino Rocket allows you to test all popular games, and more, without ever spending any money. Our games will provide players with authentic, real gameplay. That way you can choose a title you like and want to play.

What do you do if you have an issue at an online casino?

If you run into any type of problem, the best thing to do is to get in touch with customer support. Customer support is usually accessible via live chat, email and phone. Customer care agents need to know everything about the casino, making it easy for players to have their issue solved.

What's the house edge?

A gambling site will always have a small house edge. The house edge will vary from one casino to the next, but that's usually 3-4%. You can minimise the house edge further by sticking with games that pay slightly better.

How do you pick a good online casino for yourself?

Choosing a good online casino boils down to making sure you play at a licensed casino that conducts AML and KYC checks.

Do all casino games pay the same?

No, online casinos usually set their own payment limits. Some may pay only €20,000 a month to a player while others could set the limit to as high as €200,000. At Casino Rocket, it goes up to €40,000 per transaction.

Is online gambling safe?

Yes, online gambling is perfectly safe as long as you play at a licensed and regulated online casino like Casino Rocket.