With the vast amount of options in the online casino market, it can be hard to select a top gaming platform that suits you. The available choices will depend on your geographic location and the casinos that are licensed to operate there.

Quantity, of course, doesn’t mean quality, so for new players, there are some important elements to weigh up before settling on a provider. It’s important to know that while many online casinos can look the same, there can be considerable differences between their operations.

The search for a high-quality, trustworthy and reliable online casino can be a daunting task for newcomers. Here, we lift the lid on how you can find one, as we present a guide to the key factors that you should put to the test when selecting an online casino.

Licensing and regulation

When choosing an online casino, it is vital to look for registration and licensing. This adds a layer of protection for the end user because it means that the casino is following regulated industry guidelines. This includes security checks for ID to protect payments, responsible gaming tools and general rules for fairness.

Examining the licensing and security is the crucial first step, as if any of it is not in place, then you are not on a legitimate site. An online casino site should also be secure, so look for other features such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that ensure that transactions and uploaded documents are protected.

TonyBet, for example, is licensed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board and the Revenue Commissioners of Ireland. Having been running since 2011, TonyBet is also linked with entities such as BeGambleAware, which helps to promote safe and responsible gambling.

Game variety

Game variety is another essential factor. Every player will naturally have their preferences when it comes to the types of games they like to play. For some, this may be some casual play on classic three-reel fruit machines. For others, it could be chasing huge progressive jackpots on video slots or dipping into some baccarat or blackjack in a live casino setting.

Having access to a large range of games with varying RTP values gives players plenty of opportunity to not only stick to their favourite game mechanics, but also expand their horizons and look at other eye-catching titles. Playing different types of games and testing different titles is a great way to spice things up.

Gaming titles will change over time as libraries grow, and this is important, as it keeps things fresh for players. It’s good to have a constant flow of not only new slot titles but also different types of games that come along to break the mould, such as Instant Wins and Aviator-style crash games.

It’s a good idea to test online casino platforms before signing up, as it is a good way to get a feel for the operation and quality of a site. Slot titles can be tested out for free, as some are available to play in demo mode.

If you check out the TonyBet casino, you will find over 3,000 online slot titles, from Megaways to Drops & Wins features and Bonus Buy games. You can also find a large range of table games and instant wins.

A great way to check the quality of the gaming quality is to look at the volume of games by leading software providers. The TonyBet casino has around 100 game providers, including all the major players such as Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Mancala Gaming, Blueprint and Hacksaw.

Live streaming quality

Part of the TonyBet gaming experience also includes a live casino. This is where players can interact with live dealers in games such as blackjack and roulette. These engaging games are delivered with fast live streams with real dealers controlling the play.

While video versions of the same table games can be found in the casino, those are controlled by random number generators. Live dealer games instead provide players with an experience that’s close to sitting in a brick-and-mortar casino and dealing with a real person.

The quality of the live stream must be fast so that there is no lag in trying to join a game, or during the play of one. Another key factor in live casinos is the ability to have easy and responsive game controls. The simpler the gameplay, the more enjoyable and quicker the playing experience will be.

Not only can you find traditional casino table games such as poker, blackjack and roulette live games among the 500 live casino games at TonyBet, but there are also other engaging titles such as craps, sic bo, Andar Bahar, keno and game-show-type games, including Deal or No Deal, Monopoly and Sweet Bonanza CandyLand.

Bonuses and promotions

Bonuses and promotions are an important part of online casinos. One of the most common features of those is the welcome bonus, which is offered exclusively to new players. Bonus cash and free spins will be added to the new account when opening and fulfilling the terms and requirements of a particular welcome offer. This is a great incentive for players to get started with an online casino.

TonyBet, for example, has a deposit bonus, where you can get 100% of both the first and second account deposits credited as bonus cash. Each of the deposit bonuses also comes with extra free spins.

Bonuses are important for gaming and come in many shapes and sizes. Among the most popular types are reload bonuses, free spins bonuses and rewards programmes. TonyBet has a Casino VIP programme that rewards players with exclusive bonuses, free spins and bonus cash.

Points for the Tony Bet VIP programme are earned through regular play in the casino. Also, look out for tournament play, daily prizes in tournaments, and prizes in Drops & Wins games.

Customer support

Strong customer service is another aspect that players should look for when selecting an online casino. It’s something that you may never need to use, but it’s always good to have just in case.

Should you need to reach out for help, perhaps with a payment query or a technical problem, you want to easily be able to get in contact with a knowledgeable representative.

The TonyBet customer service is available through live chat, so you can get all of your queries answered quickly. Live chat is the most common channel for online support as it’s quick and convenient, but email support is also available.

Another good element to check for at online casinos is help pages. A good knowledge base with a search tool is very useful, allowing you to easily browse and find answers on your own, without the need for customer support.

Mobile compatibility

The shift of online casino play to mobile platforms has become commonplace. The way that you are going to be accessing an online casino is also something to consider. You may want to have convenient access to your favourite slots and table games wherever you are located.

Most online casino sites, such as TonyBet, are mobile-compatible. This means that the platform can be called up on any mobile browser, regardless of whether you are using an Android or an iOS device. All you need is a strong connection, and the casino can be enjoyed on the go.

However, a dedicated mobile casino app can provide an even stronger mobile gaming experience. Because mobile apps tend to be lighter in data usage, due to being specifically designed for a particular operating system, they also tend to run more quickly.

Mobile apps should scroll quickly and be responsive to touch, and there is a TonyBet app for both Android and iOS. Everything is just a tap away, and there is another benefit to using a mobile app: being able to secure your account through features such as 2FA.

There is no difference between the experience that you would get on the main website and what you get on a mobile browser or app. All of the same slot and table games will be available, as will all of the promotions and the operations you need on the back end of the site for account management.

Payment options

Another factor to take into consideration when choosing an online casino is the payment options that are available. All casinos will accept debit card payments and bank transfers, which are secure payment options.

However, this may not be the solution for all players, who perhaps may prefer an e-wallet option. So, check to ensure that your preferred payment option, which will also be used for withdrawals, is available to you. When it comes time to cash out winnings from your balance, the funds ideally have to go back to the original funding source. If that can’t happen, then it could cause delays in processing.

TonyBet offers a wide range of payment options, including Visa and Mastercard along with other options such as Neteller and Skrill. There’s an option to cater for all players, and individuals are able to add more than one payment source to their account for added convenience.

In summary

It’s worth doing a little research and groundwork when selecting the best online casino platform to suit your needs. Here at TonyBet, we have listened to our customers to deliver a safe, engaging and complete online casino and live casino. Everything from classic three-reels to video slots and 3D slots along with progressive jackpot slots are available, which means that there is something for everyone, and it’s backed by a great mobile app and our high-quality customer support.

Find and play high-quality casino games on TonyBet today.