The iGaming industry is ever-evolving, and it reached unprecedented numbers in 2023. Recent studies show that the global gaming market grew to over $700 billion in 2023, from “a mere” $450 billion in 2022. The annual growth rate of the industry as a whole was 56.4%, which is a staggering number by itself. Experts expect the market to grow up to around $800 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 2.5% – and the most significant number of it falls to online casinos.
There are more than 4,800 registered casinos and gambling platforms as of early 2023, and the number is expected to grow at a rate of about 5% yearly in the following decade. As useful as it is for players to have a choice, the task of choosing an online platform can be a daunting one. Ideally, you’re looking for a site that ensures a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience. That’s why you should make an informed decision before registering with a site, and that’s where we come in. We’ll provide you with a guide on how to choose the best casinos on sites such as https://highstakes-casinos.com in 2023 and make sure that you’re getting the most out of your time and money.
Licensing and Reputation
The first determining factor that either makes or breaks a casino site is the license. It’s also the first sign that you should look for. Ideally, the site you’ve chosen should be fully licensed, regulated, audited, and overseen by your domestic governing body. Be it the UK Gambling Commission, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Malta Gaming Authority, or any other reputable governing body, the site you’ve chosen must have a valid license issued recently.
Be vary of rogue casinos (sites that don’t have a license) because you and your personal information may be at risk. Always choose sites that have been tested and audited, and you can take it a step further by checking when was the last audit done. Moreover, check out if the games at the site have been tested for fairness and randomness by a reputable third-party testing agency such as eCogra.
And last but not least, you should look for reputable sites that have positive reviews by players and have proven their authenticity.
Game Library
The game portfolio is another crucial factor when choosing a casino to play. You’re probably looking for a site that contains lots of games, powered by leading software providers. If that’s the case, then you should check out the game library and see what’s on offer. Do you see the games that you would like to play? Is it varied enough? Does the site include a sportsbook? Can you play live casino games?
If all of these boxes are checked, then you can proceed with the next step – the banking section.
Payment Methods, Deposits, and Withdrawals
How you transact money to and from the casino is of crucial importance, and it’s the next aspect you should check. Visit the banking section (or the ‘Cashier’), and open the list of available payment methods. Check if the casino accepts popular services such as Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or the one you prefer.
Then, check the minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts, see if the site imposes fees for transactions, and check the transaction time.
If all is well, you can proceed with the next step.
Bonuses & Promotions
The bonus section is probably the most visited page of any casino, and it’s another factor you should consider. Check out the welcome bonus, see what’s on offer, and read the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure that the wagering requirements are reasonable, and that the expiry date is at least a week away.
If everything looks good, you can proceed by registering as a new user and making your first deposit.