Playing It Safe: Offline Vs Online Casinos
Today, gambling is less of a guilty pleasure. It has grown in popularity, particularly because of the rise of online casinos. No longer shouldering the reputation of being licentious, you can hit it rich casino-style if you have an internet connection. However, where safety is concerned, casinos with a land-based presence are still important. Find out why.
From Land-based to Online Casino Gambling
So, what of the traditional gambling experience? What has happened to online casinos’ offline counterparts? They are still thriving, alive and well. This is vital because for all the added convenience, flexibility and returns that online casino games offer, you can still lose money unfairly or compromise your personal information. In fact, in terms of security, brick-and-mortar casinos with an online counterpart, such as Borgata online casino, are an invaluable indication of authority and credibility. By virtue of their physical location and premises, it is far easier to establish their authenticity and avoid falling victim to scams.
Common Casino Scams
Fraudulent casinos or rogue casinos have a multitude of ways to undermine the integrity of the gambling industry and can also exploit unsuspecting players. Red flags to look out for when scouring the reviews and comments in forums are:
- Slow payment periods
- Non-payment
- Frequent and unpredictable changing of terms and conditions
- Stopping players from cashing out through forced bonuses
- Unnecessary locking or freezing of accounts
- Exorbitant withdrawal fees
Online Casino Safety and Security
Security and safety should always be top-of-mind alongside the big winnings you hope to score in online casino poker or roulette. In addition to looking for online casino sites with an offline presence, keep the following tips in mind to avoid casino scams or abuse of personal information while playing online casino games:
- Use reputable casinos and regulated online casinos
As mentioned before, it’s much safer to play in online casinos that have an offline counterpart than those that don’t. Reputable online casinos operate with a licence that ensures that they continue to take all the necessary precautions to ensure your online experience is as entertaining and safe as the real-world alternative. These are the real online casinos where you can win real money.
- Research casinos online
Browse the internet for reviews to determine which online casinos are considered to be the top online casinos and have a good standing in the industry. This is also where having a physical presence is useful as an indicator of credibility as they are more likely to have a track record of service delivery and quality. Many online casinos that have offered either poor service or have been involved in casino scams will have been blacklisted or listed as rogue casinos.
A trustworthy casino should fulfill the following criteria:
- Possession of a valid operating license
- Positive reputation among online gamblers and within the industry
- A trackable and reasonable amount of years of operation
- Robust banking and an efficient payment system
- Smooth running and fair online casino games offering
- Availability and suitability of promotions
- Extensive personal information and data security
- Make use of only trustworthy payment methods
An almost surefire way to ensure that payment methods are safe and reliable is to only play on reputable online casino sites. However, it is still important to be conscious of what methods are being used. If a payment method is not easily recognizable, you should look for an alternative site to play on. Popular and common payment methods will be far less likely to cause hassle or put you and your hard-earned money in jeopardy.
- Trust sites with robust cyber-security
If a casino site lacks SSL encryption technology, it is simply not worth the risk. Rather, continue your search until you find a trustworthy site with comprehensive cyber-security measures and protection in place. This will help limit the possibility of falling prey to hackers and cyber-attacks.
- Search for casinos with thorough deposit processes
While you may want faster access to online casino games, foregoing a quick process will be worthwhile. Many top online casinos will request an ID before allowing you to make your first withdrawal or deposit. This may seem like an inconvenience, but ultimately it paves the way for greater security and safety online.
- Self-awareness and checking in with yourself
It is no mystery or surprise that many associate gambling with financial instability, loss and problems. These are very real problems that can occur when self-control is lost. Being able to recognize your behavioral patterns or be receptive to others that might notice a cause for concern is vitally important.
Casinos with your best interests at heart will help if ever you feel overwhelmed or unsure about having self-restraint when it comes to gambling. Alternatively, these casinos may very well point you in the direction of organizations that will be able to assist you and help you regain control in these circumstances.
Pros of online casino games
Now that you are aware of how best to ensure your online casino safety and security, what can you expect from the online casino experience?
- Speed
The whole gambling experience is quicker in an online setting. Furthermore, the online platform allows you to play many games at once in addition to having tables with as many as 60 or 70 players at a time.
- Availability
While land-based casinos offer a physical space, some are only open at certain times whereas online casinos are available for playing at all times of the day, every day. You can play at times that suit you best.
- Lower limits
Online casinos have a considerably larger number of players investing in games than their offline counterparts and this means that you can benefit from lower limits.
- Travel
While it is sometimes fun to dress up for the occasion and go out, there are times when nothing can beat being in the comfort of your own home. Online casinos allow you to save time, money (registration and gas) and effort on travel but still make all the winnings of a real casino.
- Practice makes per…better
When it comes to online casino games you can play the free or demo versions before committing to online gambling. This allows you to master the game or, at the very least, get better.
- Higher returns
It may only be marginal but online casinos offer a higher return to player ratio than their land-based counterparts. Furthermore, the stakes are lower. A single round online costs a mere 25 cents whereas it costs anywhere from 1 to 2 dollars in the real world for the same return.
Cons of online casino games
- No socializing or experience
What the online application of casino games grants you in convenience and speed, it loses out in social connection to the real-world application. Some online casino sites have recognized this and offer a chat functionality, but it is no replacement for genuine interaction.
- Delayed payment
If you’re looking for quick payments, online casino games may leave you a little disappointed. In comparison to land-based casinos, online casinos take longer to payout because of transfer periods, so your winnings may not reflect immediately.
Find a casino that caters to you
If you find yourself Googling “Casino near me” or would prefer to win big from the comfort of home, Borgata’s online presence is backed by over 15 years of market-leading land-based success in Atlantic City, NJ. Borgata Casino provides both an online casino platform for players as well as the good old-fashioned brick-and-mortar alternative. We value your safety, security and casino experience.
Play your favorite online slot games, online poker, virtual sports, and more at Borgata Online for real money. Sign up, deposit and withdraw at your own convenience with our multiple banking options.
Borgata Online is licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement as an Internet gaming operator in accordance with the Casino Control Act N.J.S.A. 5:12-1 and its implementing regulations. Its games are tested by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to provide games that are fair and operate correctly. Only customers 21 and over are permitted to play the games. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER