iGaming FAQs: Before you Start Gambling Online…
The novitiates guide to online casino gaming.
Online gambling is finally surpassing land-based gambling as the most preferred way to place a real money bet. Available on desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet, internet casinos now provide a level of safety and security that players know they can trust.
Newcomers to the iGaming community tend to have a lot of questions, as they should. Today, we aim to answer all of them. Before you start gambling online, please take a moment to read the following Q&A that we like to call…
The Novitiates Guide to Online Casino Gaming
As a novice player, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into beforehand. Like learning to ride a bike, having someone there to guide you and you keep you upright will help settle any anxiety you may have. It makes the process a whole lot easier. So, we’ll start with the most common question of all:
Are there Benefits to Gambling Online?
There most certainly are—quite a few in fact. The most prominent one is, of course, the sheer convenience of it. You can log into an online casino and play for real money anytime, from anywhere. No traveling. No added expenses. You’ll also find a much larger selection of games online; many with better odds than land-based casinos can offer. Plus, internet gambling sites offer extremely generous promotions to their new members.
Is it Legal to Gamble Online?
This really depends on where you live. If you’re in Canada, like myself, yes, it’s perfectly legal, so long as you are of gambling age. We have access to hundreds of reputable, internationally regulated websites. Some parts of the US are okay, some are not. The same goes for Europe, Africa, Asia, South America… If you live outside of Canada, I recommend checking with your local authorities.
Are All Gambling Sites Safe?
Unfortunately, no. There are several must-have qualities to look for in an online gambling site. It should be well-established, online for several years at least, and have a long-standing reputation for customer satisfaction. It should be regulated in a responsible jurisdiction, where the highest standards are upheld; Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Malta, and the UK are best. The software should be certified safe and fair by a third-party auditor, such as eCOGRA or TST Labs. When these qualities are all present, you can rest assured it’s a safe online gambling site.
Do I Have to Play for Real Money?
Certainly not! In fact, I highly recommend playing the games for free in practice/demo mode before making a deposit. All games (except Live Casino) should be available for free, for as long as you like. This is also a great way to learn the rules of games you’re unfamiliar with. Once you’re comfortable and ready to take that next step, then you can deposit and start gambling online for real money.
Can I Win Real Money?
Absolutely! So long as you make a deposit and play for real money, you can win real money and withdraw the cash.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Winnings?
Again, this depends on where you live. In most countries, including Canada, gambling winnings are not taxable. In the US, however, large winnings (usually $1200+) will be taxed. If you’re not sure, check with a local tax agency for all the specifics.
How Do I Claim a Bonus?
Welcome bonuses are one of the greatest aspects of online casino gaming. The market is so competitive that the promotions go far beyond what any land-based casino would be willing to offer. To claim a bonus, all you need to do is sign up an account and follow any instructions provided. You may or may not need to make a deposit, depending on the offer. Above all, read the bonus terms before claiming. This way, you’ll know how to redeem the bonus, and exactly what it takes to cash out any winnings.
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