The coronavirus pandemic has hit land-based casinos significantly, increasing demand for mobile games and online gambling. In 2020 alone, the European online gambling market grew by 10.2%, reaching $30.92 billion.
Why online casinos have become so popular in Europe and the world, and how players from other countries choose the best deals on the online casino market, please, continue reading the article.
Online casinos in 2021: recommendations on how to choose
As soon as fans of online poker, blackjack, roulette, and other casino games popular in land-based casinos start looking for something similar on the Internet, they face a wide range of different options, and it’s not easy to find trusted, legal, and fair gambling site.
Due to COVID-19, many gambling regulators in countries where it is legal have begun to actively consider the possibility of legalizing online gambling, taking into account the latest trends. Make sure that in many countries the Internet gambling market has long been allowed, in some, it was legalized recently, in others they are only considering this possibility of opening it.
For example, at the end of last year, Germany has adopted new legislation, in other words, a set of gambling norms, allowing legally operate the online gambling sites. Thereby, offering high RTP slot machines, a wide variety of poker, and sports betting.
When choosing an online casino, players can focus on the following indicators:
1. Games
Large selection of games. Something that often gives a particular online casino an advantage over land-based casinos and/or direct competitors. It is usually important for gamblers that the casino features classic games and fresh developments.
2. Movile application
Convenient mobile application. Nowadays, people access the Internet from their smartphones rather than their desktops. Therefore, when looking for a particular online casino, you should evaluate its mobile application. Check out for the convenience of the interface of the casino site, or application. In addition, look for the speed and stability of applications, etc. If the application is poorly optimized, players usually quickly forget about such places and start looking for new ones.
3. Taxes
Taxes and payments on winnings. Before starting to play at online casinos, remember that there are taxes on winnings. Of course, we are talking about those countries where online casinos are allowed. For example, New Zealand players do not have to pay taxes, since they legally play on offshore sites. Always look at the casino policies. It should be remembered that, in addition to the government that imposes a tax on winnings at online casinos, some operators may also hold a fee for certain types of withdrawals. Usually, players do not pay attention to such aspects and often surprised when they are told to pay the tax or commission.
4. Payments
It is also worth remembering that online casinos work with certain payment systems. And it is not always possible to use the casino bonus through the wallet that is convenient for the player. Take this into account.
5. Bonuses
Moreover, no deposit bonuses at online casinos are one of the most attractive offers. Although bonuses for registration do not bring a lot of money, the player can get $10–$50.
Usually, there are two types of bonuses for registration. The first is for making a slot more interesting, the players can get free spins. The second type gives a small amount that you can spend playing certain slot machines.
Why online casinos are popular in Europe
The capital of casinos in Europe is the Principality of Monaco. The ban on casinos in Monte Carlo was lifted back in the 19th century. In other European countries, casinos have also been popular for a long time. With the development of information technology and the Internet, and now also thanks to COVID-19, the demand for online entertainment, including mobile games and online casinos, is rapidly growing in the West. Top 10 Online Casinos in the world.
It’s worth mentioning that the massive boom in the popularity of online casinos in Europe started in 2018. This became clear from the revenues of online casinos, which amounted to €22.2 million, 23.2% of the total European gambling market.
Since then, the online casino industry has even created its own customer base of players from different countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and others.
Considering the long history of the gambling business on legal terms, gamblers associate Europe primarily with reliability. In this context, advertising of online casinos and gambling, in general, deserves special attention.
During the pandemic, for example, European associations tightened control over online gambling sites. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) Code provides specific controls on gambling advertising.
Of course, it should be understood that European online casino operators have the opportunity to develop their business legally, protecting the players.
Popularity indicators
The following factors have contributed to the overall popularity of online casinos in Europe:
- Strong laws and assurances from governments that they will be followed.
- Support from the regulator and various associations.
- The regulator’s control over operators who comply with the rules of responsible gaming and data protection.
- Mobile games are driving the popularity of online casinos.
- Integration of social networks into mobile games.
As a result, according to Fortune Business Insights, the online gambling market in Europe increased by 10.2% in 2020 compared to 2019, to $30.92 billion, despite the coronavirus crisis.
How to choose the best deals on the gambling market in Europe and the world?
Let’s consider a number of important criteria of a casino:
- Rules of the game.
- User reviews.
- Technical support.
- Ways of payment.
- The duration of the withdrawal of funds.
- Software license.
- Operator and brand reliability.
- Reputation.
It becomes much easier to choose one or another online casino after looking at these criteria.
Pay special attention to the license of the online casino operator. License by a reliable gambling authority is the highest guarantee of the reliability of a casino.
If the casino operates legally, then its players can be sure that the site provides officially authorized content. In addition, legal operators handle the safety and security of their customers’ personal data by implementing encryption technologies.
Everyone can easily find information on the availability of a license in the site’s footer or via technical support. Moreover, you can visit the official site of the regulator and find the casino in the list of licensed casinos. If the casino does not provide a license, it is better to refuse the services of such a place and turn to the services of a licensed operator.