Poker has been popular since its inception in the early 19th century. First mentioned in an account by English actor Joseph Cowell in 1829, it has been a mainstay of the commercial gambling movement since its beginnings.
While this long-standing appetite for the game is indisputable, it cannot be denied that the number of poker players has seen a huge increase in the last decade or so – a trend that is largely attributable to the advent of online play.
With around one in every four dollars gambled being staked over the Internet, those who want to take advantage of the accessibility and convenience of Internet gaming are faced with a conundrum: how do they choose a site that will suit them out of the thousands available?
The answer is not a simple one but rather based on numerous factors, which is why we’ve created this straightforward guide to help you weigh up your options and make sure you’re choosing wisely.
Faced with the choice between multiple online providers, the first step a discerning player should take is to check out whether the site you’re considering is properly regulated. Have a dig around to see whether the casino holds a gambling licence from a trusted body, such as the gambling commissions of Malta or the United Kingdom. If you cannot find evidence of this, see it as a red flag and walk away immediately.
Reputation
Assuming the site you’re leaning toward has a licence, your next step is to evaluate its reputation among players. You want a company that you can trust with both your money and personal information, so read some reviews from directory sites and outfits like Trustpilot to see what sort of experience other players have had. If more than one person has left negative feedback, opt to look at one of the many other options that are out there.
First deposit bonuses
When it comes to playing poker online, you’ll soon find that competition is fierce. The upside to this is that almost all Internet providers will offer an array of attractive bonuses to new players – a fact you can use to your advantage. This means it’s a good idea to explore what’s out there and to do this, you’ll need to take a few different factors into account, including percentages, maximum bonuses, and wagering requirements. Compare these across your favorite sites to find the best option.
Variety
Next up, think about how much variety the site you’re leaning toward will offer you. While you may be happiest sticking to one particular format, it’s nice to have options, in order to keep things exciting and stop your gaming experience from becoming stale. Try to make sure there are a few different variations on the game available.
Payment methods
Last but not least, take some time to evaluate the payment methods on offer. It’s important that you can comfortably deposit and withdraw money, so you want a provider who offers a variety of different options to give you sufficient flexibility. Debit and credit cards, e-wallets, and wire transfers should be provided as standard, but the more choice you have, the better. Resources can be found online that detail the various payment options for casinos online, and should give you a better understanding of what to look out for.
When it comes to choosing the best online casino for playing poker, there are so many different options that it can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why it’s handy to have a list of important criteria in mind, to make it easier to find the best choice for you. Follow our handy guide today, and your decision should be simple, straightforward, and – most of all – successful.
