Online gambling is an extremely popular pastime for millions of people in the UK.
But those unaccustomed to the ways of this world may be asking themselves, can you win money on online casinos.
Well, the good news is that you certainly can win money at online casinos. But there is a lot to learn in the maze-like world of online casinos.
In this article, we will attempt to make this confusing world a bit clearer, whilst providing you with some invaluable guidance in the process.
Can you Really Win Money on Online Casinos?
Yes, you really can. Indeed, online gambling is a behemoth of an industry which shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
You may be asking yourself, why is online gambling so popular?
The bottom line is that online gambling affords players the opportunity of winning money and sometimes, plenty of it.
Yes, players might genuinely enjoy the games themselves and the atmosphere of the online casino but principally, that possibility of raking in some money is what keeps bringing the players in.
How Can I Win Money?
So, naturally the next question is, how do I get my hands on some lovely cash? Well, as you probably expected, winning at an online casino is definitely not a given.
Ultimately, for the vast majority of online casino games, your success, or otherwise, is completely determined by chance and probability.
But we don’t want to be the bearers of bad news: it is entirely possible to win at online casinos. After all, why else would players keep coming back?
Furthermore, online gambling can reward players with genuinely life-changing sums of money. For instance, the record win on the Mega Moolah jackpot game was 13.2 million pounds!
What are the Different Types of Games I Can Play?
To those uninitiated, an online casino might look like a dizzying, confusing and overwhelming place.
But once you get to grip with the basics, you will be comfortable browsing at any online casino and feel as cool as James Bond at the baccarat table. Well, perhaps not that cool.
You will find some combination of the following types of games at online casinos:
- Video Slots
- Video poker
- Live casino games
- Computerised classic casino table games, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette and craps
- Lottery games such as keno
- Instant win games including bingo and scratchcards
Ordinarily, you will be able to view the different types of casino games from the casino homepage. You should find a banner or a drop-down menu on this page which will list all your different options.
Just make sure you haven’t clicked to play the game in demo mode. Demo mode is a freeplay version of the game, which doesn’t require any depositing.
Of course, this means that you cannot actually win any money when playing in this format.
How Much Can I Win?
Once you have made your choice, click on that game to load it up. The next step is to wager some money and then sit back and enjoy the excitement that’s about to unfold.
Exactly how much you can win will depend on the particular game you are playing, and winnings vary considerably among different games.
If you click on the information of a game the prizes and payouts will usually be listed, enabling you to tailor your game choice according to what you are looking for.
High Variance and Low Variance
Video slots are the most popular games of all in the online casino. They come in many different varieties ranging from traditional 3-reel games to detailed, innovative creations packed with inventive features.
One way of distinguishing between different slots is whether they are high or low variance:
- High variance slots are those which offer the possibility to win larger amounts of money, but fewer opportunities to win.
- On the other hand, you can win more frequently on low variance slots, but those wins are not as impressive as high variance slots.
House Edge
The house edge of a game is a term which describes the advantage the casino has over a player in a particular game. This term is usually applied to casino table games and their variations.
If you are looking for the best chance of winning, search for games with a low house edge. Here are some games with a low house edge which you can try your luck at:
- Roulette has a house edge from 2.5%
- Three Card Poker has a house edge from 1.5%
- Baccarat has a house edge from 1.5%
- Craps has a house edge from 1.4% for don’t pass bets
- Blackjack has a house edge from 1.5%
RTP
The RTP of slot games is another factor which you can consider before starting those reels.
The definition of RTP is return to player. Analysts establish the RTP of a slot by analysing thousands of plays of a game. The higher the RTP, the more likely it is that a player will receive some kind of payout.
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 92%, the player can expect to receive 92p from every 1 pound wagered.
However, do bear in mind that this is not a given. As we explained, the RTP is calculated by analysing thousands of gameplays and the RTP will not apply to every single time you spin the reels.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for the best possible chance to scoop some money from slots, it makes sense to source out the slots with high RTPs.
Here are the five slots with the very highest RTPs which we could find:
- Monopoly Big Event. 99% in Big Bet Mode
- Mega Joker. Up to 99%
- 1429 Unchartered Seas. 98.6%
- Blood Suckers. 98%
- 97.87%
- Kings of Chicago. 97.8%
Registering with an Online Casino
So, to begin your online gambling journey, the first thing you need to do is find a suitable online casino and register yourself as a player there.
A good first port of call is to read a few reviews of a casino you like the look of. You don’t need us to tell you that if that casino has a considerable number of poor reviews, you should stay away.
Once you have sourced an online casino which looks professional and trustworthy, the next step is to register.
Firstly, head to the homepage of the casino you have decided on. From there, search for a register or sign-up button, which is usually located at the top of the page. Once you’ve clicked on this, the first registration page will be displayed.
The registration process involves providing some basic details which usually includes:
- Your full name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Choice of currency
- Email and password
Depositing
Once you have registered, it is now a case of actually depositing some money.
From the homepage, you should be able to spot a deposit button. If not, a drop-down menu will usually display the option.
The deposit page will show the different depositing methods available to you. The options will include any of the following:
- Standard card payments
- Pay by phone payments
- Voucher payments
- E-wallet payments
- Online bank payment service
- A transfer of some kind
Once you have confirmed the deposit, you are free to select your game, place a wager/bet and get the ball rolling.
Welcome Bonuses
One thing to keep in mind is the welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses are a casino’s way of welcoming you to their world, and they are definitely worth scooping up as a new player.
The welcome bonus might include free spins, matched deposits or even free money.
Usually there is a minimum amount which you must deposit in order to receive the welcome bonus package, so make sure you read the full terms and conditions of the welcome package.