Consider this scenario: If you were buying a new smartphone today, would the reviews you read of that smartphone look at the same factors that they did, say, ten years ago? For instance, when covering the new Samsung Galaxy S20, would reviewers cover the same areas they did for the original Samsung Galaxy S in 2010? Some areas would be similar, but there are countless new additions to the S20 that makes the emphasis very different.
When it comes to online casinos, there is a lot of uniformity in the review material out there. Besides, reviews tend to focus on areas that don’t really need attention anymore. For example, talking about how a casino can offer mobile games is equivalent to saying a smartphone has text messaging capabilities – it’s expected.
The point is that reviewers can concentrate on unnecessary areas while overlooking the evolution of online casinos. The games have changed dramatically, as have the expectations of players. If you want the best casino, you should be looking at these factors:
Do They Have “New” Live Games?
Good casinos have live casino tables as part of their site. Again, that’s been an expectation of players for a few years now. But how far do they take this new trend in real dealer games? A site like casino.com has ZA’s top online roulette options, but it also goes further with new variations of live games from top providers like Playtech. That variety is important, and players are looking for more than just the standard versions of classic casino table and card games.
Is the Finger on the Pulse?
We are big fans of NetEnt games, and the developer is definitely one of the world’s best. One of its creations, Starburst, is among the most popular casino games ever created. As such, you will see casino sites and reviewers trumpeting that they stock the game. However, this is 2020, and Starburst has been around for almost a decade; it’s not the game that the trendsetters are playing. Instead, look for sweeping connected game series like Kingdoms Rise or high-octane games like the Megaways range. Want proof? Check out YouTube and Twitch casino streaming channels, where you will see streamers playing these games.
Multiple Payment Methods
It might surprise you to learn that some casinos will only accept payments by debit and credit cards. It defies belief. Moreover, some reviewers will tout this as acceptable. You want to see internet wallets – Skrill, PayPal, Neteller – as well as voucher payments like Paysafecard. Other options like Pay By Phone should also be on the list. If a casino is not doing this, it almost feels lazy.
The Social Element
Do you consider playing video games a social or solitary activity? Twenty years ago, it would have been the former. However, now as you strap on your headset and log in to play COD with your buddies, it’s very much a social activity. Casinos should be the same, so you’ll want to have plenty of options to socialise with other players and your friends. This is particularly important when it comes to live dealer casino games, where having a chat with friends enhances the experience.
Licence
Last, but certainly not least, comes the licence. Still the most important factor you should look for in an online casino. If it isn’t licenced, then you are taking a big risk. It doesn’t matter how positive the reviews are off a site that doesn’t carry a licence is – avoid it. The best thing to do is have a look yourself before joining. Head to the bottom of the homepage to see the latest accreditations, and then click the links to ensure they are genuine.