Casino FAQs for Beginners
New players to the world of online casinos are bound to have questions spanning a variety of topics. If this is something you can relate to, we’ve gathered the most common queries that novice players usually ask to help get you started. From understanding game rules and claiming bonuses, to making secure transactions and playing responsibly, this beginner FAQ will put you on the right track. Our Table of Contents is on hand below so you can instantly navigate to your preferred category.
Casino Bonuses
Online casino bonuses are types of promotions used either to attract new players or retain existing ones. These bonuses come in various forms, primarily in the shape of bonus cash and free spins, designed to prolong your play and potentially yield real money wins.
At NoDepositFriend.com, we're your ultimate destination for an extensive array of exciting bonuses. Our dedicated team rigorously tests and reviews numerous casino brands, ensuring that you have access to the latest and most enticing offers available.
There are two main types of casino bonus you can claim as a new player – no deposit bonuses and deposit match bonuses.
No deposit offers are completely free to claim. You register a new account at a casino via NoDepositFriend.com and the bonus will be credited automatically. They provide a great way to ‘try before you buy’ without risking your own cash.
A match bonus boosts your deposit with extra bonus funds by a specific percentage. A typical example would be a 100% match, where your deposit is effectively doubled with additional play money. You may also receive a batch of free spins too.
As a new player, it’s advisable to try out a no deposit bonus due to its safer nature. You get to test out various aspects of the casino before committing to a later deposit. However, these offers are usually restricted in terms of bonus value and potential winnings.
If you are prepared to make an initial deposit, you’ll have access to bonuses with enhanced value and more lenient terms and conditions. With a boosted starting balance, this allows you to play for longer in the casino and acclimatise to how games work.
Casino rewards are typically credited in two ways – either as bonus cash or free spins. NoDepositFriend.com offers a wide selection of these bonuses to suit your preferences, some credited completely for free, others requiring a minimum deposit.
Bonus cash increases your balance with a predetermined sum of bonus credits, although they can't be withdrawn directly until you meet the corresponding wagering requirements. It offers the flexibility to explore different games in line with the T&Cs.
Free spins are credited in batches, usually ranging from 10 to 100, on a specific slot game. Each spin comes with a fixed value, usually set to the lowest amount available in the game. Wagering requirements are applied to the winnings after all the spins have been played.
After conducting your initial research, claiming a casino bonus is quick and easy via NoDepositFriend.com. You proceed to the casino's registration page via our link, input your personal information, and verify your email address/SMS to get started.
During this phase, you may also need to enter a specific bonus code or select the 'opt-in' checkbox. No deposit bonuses are credited automatically, whilst deposit match bonuses necessitate a qualifying payment. Follow any other T&Cs to make sure you don’t miss out.
The requirement of a bonus code varies from one casino to another, but you can count on our transparency if one is required. During the registration process, you simply copy and paste this code in the designated field.
Yes, winning real money with a bonus is possible via every NoDepositFriend.com casino, although the wagering requirements make it harder to do so. But whilst a touch of luck is undoubtedly needed, there are also various strategies that can enhance your prospects.
To learn all the tips and tricks, we offer a comprehensive bonus wagering guide specifically related to no deposit bonuses. Inside, you'll find valuable information on how to cash out a profit.
- Cashback: Cashback bonuses offer players a portion of their losses back in the form of real cash or bonus funds. These bonuses provide a safety net, reimbursing a percentage of your net losses during a specific timeframe.
- VIP/Loyalty Bonuses: Loyalty bonuses are designed for dedicated players who reach a certain level of the casino’s loyalty scheme. These bonuses typically offer exclusive rewards, such as higher percentage match bonuses and generous cashback deals.
- Cash Drops: Cash drops are spontaneous rewards where you’ll receive a random sum of money directly into your casino account. However, you may need to meet certain criteria, such as wagering on specific slot games, to qualify.
- Reload Bonuses: Reload bonuses are rewards for existing players who make additional deposits into their casino accounts. They match a percentage of the deposit with bonus cash, encouraging players to continue depositing and playing.
Once a bonus is credited, it’s likely to be attached to wagering requirements. This makes it impossible for you to cash out the bonus reward until these requirements have been met.
If wagering requirements weren’t applied to your bonus, then it would essentially be credited as real money. In other words, the casino would be dishing out cash rewards for no reason. Players would simply make an instant withdrawal and never play any games!
With so many bonuses to pick from, it can be a daunting task for a complete newbie to decide on just one. But don’t worry, our expert team has put together a handy bonus comparison guide that will help you choose the right fit for you.
Bonus Terms and Conditions
After claiming a bonus, wagering requirements dictate the amount you must wager before you're eligible to cash out. Sometimes referred to as playthrough requirements, they are a safety net imposed by the casino to protect against every player winning big.
To illustrate, if a USD10 bonus carries a 30x wagering requirement, you'd need to place bets totalling USD300 before your remaining balance is converted into real money. You can only place these bets on eligible casino games in line with other T&Cs.
Because wagering requirements are a feature of most casino bonuses, we recommend reading our full wagering requirements guide which explains how they work in more detail.
In some cases, casinos will offer their bonus with no wagering requirements at all. This provision is most likely applied to free spins where any winnings are instantly credited as real cash.
Although you may only have a limited number of free spins to play with, no wager bonuses are highly coveted by new players. Head over to our no wagering casinos to check out the best deals available in 2024.
Certain games will be restricted once you start working towards the wagering requirements. The casino doesn’t want you playing these games, such as live blackjack, as they make it easier to convert your bonus into real money.
Alternative games like video poker and keno, and even certain slots, may also be restricted from bonus wagering. Playing any of these games can see your bonus and any associated winnings forfeited.
Game weighting determines how much each bet on certain games contributes towards the wagering requirements. This term is applied to counteract the high payout potential of games that would otherwise be excluded completely.
Slots are not usually ‘weighted’ down at all – meaning that 100% of your spin value will be deducted from the remaining wagering requirements. However, bets made on virtual roulette may only contribute at 10% for example. Now, just USD0.10 will be deducted for every USD1 staked on the game.
Many beginner players aren’t aware of game weighting and how it affects the efficiency of their bets. To learn more, our full game weighting guide has all you need to know.
Once you have claimed the bonus, validity periods will vary from one casino to another. Always check the terms and conditions for any mention of bonus duration, although most range between 7-30 days.
Remember, you must complete the wagering requirements within the stated timeframe or your remaining bonus balance will be automatically removed.
As another form of protection, online casinos usually apply a cap on the amount you can withdraw after converting the bonus into real money. This is especially prevalent with no deposit bonuses due to the generous nature of the offer.
Withdrawal limits will vary but usually range somewhere between USD50 and USD100. Should you win more than this amount, the remainder would be forfeited upon a withdrawal request.
Also note that, if you make a real money withdrawal before you have completed the wagering requirements, this will remove the bonus from your account.
Sadly, you won’t be able to claim multiple welcome bonuses at the same casino. However, there’s nothing to stop you joining different casinos found at NoDepositFriend.com and claiming a new offer at each one!
However, after you have created an account, you will (probably) be able to claim more than one bonus simultaneously. However, this is ill-advised because the wagering requirements may be mixed together, causing a complicated bonus wagering process. It’s best to stick to one at a time.
Online Casino Security
Online casino security employ multiple safeguards to shield your personal and financial data from cyber threats. While no system is impervious to hacking, reputable online casinos prioritise robust security measures to mitigate these risks.
Because playing regularly at an online casino requires sharing personal information and conducting financial transactions, using a secure gaming platform is of paramount concern for players. This is why NoDepositFriend.com only endorses fully licensed brands who have measures in place to protect your account.
A range of security protocols are in place to safeguard player data. These include secure socket layer encryption (SSL), transport layer security (TLS), firewalls, and routine security audits – all designed to scramble data transfers and protect against misconduct.
To address concerns regarding personal information, reputable operators also enforce stringent privacy policies. You can typically find these in the footer of the casino website, along with additional information about player security.
The necessity for an online casino to hold a licence hinges on the jurisdiction. Nevertheless, in most countries, it is obligatory for casinos to obtain a licence to legally provide their services. NoDepositFriend.com only recommends operators who have gone through this process.
These licences are granted by governmental or regulatory entities tasked with overseeing gambling operations.
Notable examples include:
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA)
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
- Curaçao e-Gaming Licensing Authority
Your first step should be to examine the website's footer for information regarding their licensing. Once found, you will be able to cross-check and verify these details on the licensing authority website. If you find no such details displayed, it’s advisable to choose an alternative casino as a precautionary measure.
Obtaining a gaming licence signifies the casino's commitment to various aspects of fair play. For instance, these licences are exclusively granted to operators employing certified random number generators (RNGs) in their games. RNGs ensure that game outcomes remain impartial and unpredictable.
Furthermore, licensed casinos are mandated to separate player funds from operational funds. This guarantees your winnings will be safe should the casino suddenly close.
In case of player disputes, the regulatory body serves as a communication channel for addressing grievances. For example, if a casino withholds your rightful winnings, you can directly contact the authority in pursuit of a resolution.
Casino Payment Methods
Online casinos offer a similar array of payment methods as those found at conventional online stores. This includes credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and prepaid cards. However, the availability of specific options can vary based on your location and the casino in question.
Furthermore, the rise of cryptocurrency casinos has introduced an exciting alternative, enabling you to play with your chosen digital coin directly or converting it into fiat currency. Check out our range of Bitcoin bonuses available right now.
Deposit and withdrawal fees depend on both the casino and your chosen payment method. Generally, trusted methods like Visa usually come without any charges, whereas e-wallet transactions may incur a modest percentage fee.
Certain casinos may also levy fees if you surpass a defined limit for weekly or monthly withdrawals, whilst substantial cash out amounts may also trigger additional charges. Always review the terms and conditions to understand the specific fee structure at your chosen brand.
Withdrawal durations will fluctuate influenced by variables such as your selected payment method, processing speed of the casino and any required verification procedures. Timelines can span from near-instant to several business days.
It's worth mentioning that well-established brands often boast larger payment teams, facilitating simultaneous handling of numerous withdrawal requests. These brands are therefore likely to offer round-the-clock, weekend-inclusive withdrawal processing.
Reputable online casinos prioritise transparency when it comes to your financial history. They typically offer a 'transaction history' section within your account, enabling you to track all payments made and visualise your profit and loss.
Typically, online casinos enforce a rule that state withdrawals must match the payment method used for the initial deposit. This is a regulatory part of the casino's anti-money laundering commitments.
Nevertheless, under certain circumstances, you might be granted permission to employ an alternative withdrawal method. To explore this possibility, reach out to the casino's customer support team for confirmation.
The need for account verification prior to withdrawals varies from one casino to another. Generally, you won’t need to verify your account until you reach a specific withdrawal threshold. However, it's advisable to complete the verification process as soon as possible to pre-empt any future issues.
This verification procedure, referred to as ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC), involves submitting personal documents to confirm your identity. Further insights can be found in our comprehensive KYC guide.
Many online casinos have embraced cryptocurrencies – such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin – allowing you to utilise them for both deposits and withdrawals. Cryptocurrencies present a secure and discreet alternative for transactions, featuring quicker processing times in comparison to conventional payment methods.
To engage in cryptocurrency payments and receipts, you'll need to acquire a compatible crypto wallet for your specific coin. You input your desired amount, copy and paste the wallet address, and then initiate the transfer.
Pros:
- Anonymity: Cryptocurrency transactions offer a high degree of privacy as they don't necessitate personal banking information.
- Speed: Cryptocurrency transactions are known for their swift processing, outpacing traditional banking transactions.
- Lower Fees: Typically, crypto transactions come with lower fees in comparison to conventional payment methods.
Cons:
- Volatility: The value of cryptocurrency can experience considerable fluctuations, thus impacting the value of your deposits and withdrawals.
- Limited Acceptance: Although the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum are popular methods, lesser-known coins may not be accepted by the casino.
- Technical Proficiency: Using crypto requires a slightly elevated level of technical understanding compared to conventional payment methods.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling involves the management of your gaming activities in a controlled manner. Due to licence requirements, online casinos are obligated to implement specific measures to prevent players from exceeding their financial limits.
Each brand should offer essential tools to assist in regulating your gaming sessions, along with promoting awareness of social programs designed to identify and prevent potential issues related to problem gambling.
On a player level, the measures you can take to alleviate problem gambling include:
- Establishing a reasonable budget and adhering to pre-set limits for deposits, wagers and session losses. You must stick to these decisions on a consistent basis.
- Taking personal accountability for your own actions and avoiding chasing losses when experiencing a losing streak.
- Maintaining a balanced approach by ensuring that gambling doesn't dominate your other interests and hobbies.
- Monitoring the duration of your gambling sessions and incorporating regular breaks to maintain a healthy boundary.
- Avoid gambling while under the influence, emotionally distressed or as a means to escape personal issues.
- It’s highly recommended to make use of available safety tools such as spending limits, self-exclusion periods and reality checks.
- You must seek external assistance if your gambling behaviour becomes compulsive. Our helpful guide will help to spot early signs of addiction taking hold.
Online casinos offer a range of tools designed to give you control over your time and spending. While the implementation of these tools will vary based on your jurisdiction, they all share a common purpose.
Here are the most common options available:
- Deposit/Wager/Loss Limits: These limits cap the total amount you can deposit, bet or lose within a specified period – typically daily, weekly or monthly. Once this limit is reached, it's impossible to surpass until the period is reset. Additionally, there are methods to manage your gaming sessions and even block access entirely:
- Time-Out: Setting a ‘time-out’ provision automatically logs you out once the duration is reached, usually on a daily basis. This offers a highly effective and definitive way to control your gaming sessions.
- Take a Break: Online casinos provide a cool-off period during which you can temporarily halt your account access, typically lasting for a week or two, restricting your login privileges.
- Self-Exclusion: Self-exclusion allows you to block access to your account for an extended period or even entirely. This decision may be irreversible, especially if related to gambling addiction.
Some of the more established online casinos possess the capability to track and trace player behaviour, enabling them to intervene when indications of problem gambling surface. Nevertheless, addressing this issue primarily hinges on individual awareness.
If concerns arise regarding the risk of your potential addiction, we strongly advise referring to our problem gambling guide. This comprehensive resource explores common warning signs and what steps to take should you feel concerned.
Slots
Online casinos present an extensive array of slot games in their games lobby.
These games can be broadly categorised into the following:
- Classic Slots: Emulating the traditional Las Vegas fruit machines, classic slots employ a simple 3-reel, 1-payline mechanism for a more nostalgic gaming experience.
- Video Slots: Video slots are renowned for their diverse themes and intricate mechanics, often incorporating bonus features and 3D elements within their gameplay.
- Branded Slots: A subsection of video slots, these games feature recognisable movie, TV and music franchises, often with familiar characters included.
- Cluster Pays Slots: Wins are achieved by forming bunches of matching symbols adjacent to each other. When a cluster forms, winning symbols are replaced by new ones.
- Megaways Slots: Megaways slots revolutionise the slot mechanism by altering the number of paylines with each spin, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement.
- Slingo: A fusion of slots and bingo, Slingo relies on matching drawn numbers to complete winning lines, offering you some control over the game’s outcome when the main game is complete.
- Jackpot Slots: Network progressive jackpots take a portion of all losing bets to create a substantial jackpot prize pool that can grow into the millions.
Slot games operate using random number generators (RNGs) to guarantee unbiased and unpredictable results. Once you initiate the spin, the RNG dictates the placement of symbols on the reels. Winning combinations are based on predefined paylines or patterns.
Game suppliers and auditors examine these games to verify their consistency in generating fair results. Nevertheless, you should acknowledge that slots possess a return-to-player (RTP) rating below 100%, signifying the casino’s house advantage over extended periods of play.
Paylines are designated patterns that define winning combinations of symbols in slot games. They are usually implemented in straight or diagonal lines, but also come bunched together as seen in 'cluster-pays' slots.
Usually, players must secure a minimum of three identical symbols along a payline to attain a win. The more matching symbols discovered, the greater the resulting payout.
- Wild Symbols: Wild’s substitute for regular symbols on the reels, aiding in the formation of winning combinations. However, they typically do not replace Scatter symbols or other special symbols which activate bonus features.
- Scatter Symbols: Finding Scatter unlock the slot game's primary bonus feature, such as a high-paying free spins round. You typically need to land three or more Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels for the feature to activate.
Because slot game outcomes are dictated by RNGs, this makes it impossible to guarantee you’ll come away with a profit every time you play. However, you can adopt certain playing strategies to help manage your bankroll more effectively.
In certain slots, playing at the maximum bet level will boost the likelihood of triggering a bonus feature or landing a jackpot. Another approach could be to switch games as soon as you hit a big win, a tactic influenced by ‘return-to-player’ (RTP) mechanics that may limit the payouts on a single slot.
To learn more about the concept of RTP and how it can affect your chances of winning, we have put together a full RTP and volatility manual.
Paylines represent the potential winning combinations on the slot reels. While classic slots often feature just one payline, video slots usually have 10 or more in play.
A greater number of paylines equates to a higher chance of landing a winning combination on the reels – as is the case with Megaways slots – although this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll achieve a profit upon each successful spin.
Most slots use a fixed payline structure, meaning you can’t adjust the number of active paylines. This configuration simplifies the betting process as you typically place a single bet that covers all active paylines.
However, with adjustable payline slots, you’ll be able to manually alter the number of paylines as desired – often ranging from 1 up to 25. Increasing the number of paylines improves your chance of winning but also requires an increased bet per spin.
There are numerous software providers that design games used by online casinos, each developing a distinctive portfolio of slots, table and live dealer games.
The major contributors include:
- Microgaming: Pioneers of the online casino software realm, Microgaming introduced the first true online casino software back in 1994. Their extensive game library includes crowd-pleasers like the progressive slot Mega Moolah.
- NetEnt: A leading figure in the online gaming industry, NetEnt is celebrated for its top-notch graphics and inventive game concepts with the likes of Starburst and Gonzo's Quest.
- Playtech: Playtech is a versatile software provider covering online casinos, poker rooms, bingo games, sports betting and live gaming.
- Evolution Gaming: The frontrunners in the live dealer casino game domain, Evolution Gaming delivers classics like live blackjack, roulette and baccarat. They also add a unique twist with their captivating live gameshows.
- IGT: IGT offers a diverse selection of slots, table games and video poker for online casinos. They are renowned for their licensed slot titles, as with their collection of Wheel of Fortune games.
In certain regions, online casinos provide the chance to play slots in demo mode with no registration required. You will be credited with reloadable credits, allowing you to explore the slot's features and gameplay without risking your own cash.
Alternatively, you can access a casino in real-money mode with a set of no deposit free spins courtesy of NoDepositFriend.com. This allows you to play a slot completely free, with the chance of winning real money too. Check out our daily free spin offers available today.
Roulette
In roulette, players place bets on the anticipated landing spot of a ball following its rotation around a wheel, divided evenly into numbered segments.
These numbers are further categorised into various groups, such as black/red and high/low, expanding the scope for 'outside' betting. You can also place bets on individual or groups of numbers directly on the table itself.
Being a fixed odds game, roulette has a set payout structure for each successful bet. In the online casino setting, winning bets will be paid directly into your account instantly.
- Bet Placement: Choose where to position your chips on the betting table before the ball commences its spin. The betting table features a variety of wagering options, each with a fixed probability and corresponding returns.
- Bet Types: You can place bets on different outcomes such as specific numbers, groups of numbers, colours (red or black), and high/low segments.
- Game of Chance: As a new player, you should recognise that there is no enduring strategy that guarantees consistent wins, primarily due to the presence of the green '0' segment, which contributes to the house edge.
- Round End: If the ball lands on a segment of the wheel which you have placed a chip on, you win the corresponding amount. All the other chips on the table will be automatically removed before the next game round begins.
Roulette comes in three primary variations: European, American and French.
Although the core betting structure remains consistent across all versions, each offers slight distinctions:
- European Roulette: European roulette is the most widely played variant, known for its straightforward design and the presence of a single zero – thus making the odds slightly better than its American counterpart.
- American Roulette: In American roulette, the wheel contains both a single zero and a double zero, introducing an additional pocket and slightly increasing the house edge. E.g. the chances of landing on a single number are increased from 37:1 to 38:1.
- French Roulette: French roulette features an interesting rule called ‘La Partage,’ which is beneficial for players making outside bets. If the ball lands on zero, you'll receive half of your stake back.
Section bets offer a more strategic approach to roulette. They allow you to place your chips on specific groups of numbers based on their wheel position, as opposed to the numerical order displayed on the table.
These bets are known by their original French names, which reflect the physical location of the numbers on the wheel:
- Voisins du Zéro: Translated as ‘Neighbors of Zero,’ this section bet encompasses 17 numbers situated in proximity to the green zero spanning 22 to 25 on the wheel.
- Tiers du Cylindre: Translated as ‘Third of the Wheel,’ this includes a selection of numbers between 33 and 27 positioned on the opposite side from Voisins du Zéro.
- Orphelins: The term ‘Orphelins’ translates to ‘Orphans’, reflecting that these numbers don't belong to either of the aforementioned section bets (1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31 and 34).
While some roulette players try to employ betting strategies, there is no certified way to guarantee consistent long-term winnings. Roulette is fundamentally a game of chance where the results of past spins have no influence on the probability of future outcomes.
To give you an example of a common betting strategy, the Martingale system is used on ‘even’ money bets such as red/black. You simply double your bet after every loss, hoping to eventually make a profit equal to your initial bet.
However, if you suffer a long losing streak, the cost of covering your previous losses rises exponentially – sometimes to a point where it becomes unwise to persist with the approach. Always remain cautious when betting on any game of chance.
Lightning Roulette presents a contemporary twist on the timeless casino game by offering increased payouts on individual numbers, reaching as high as 500x your wager. These multipliers are randomly chosen before each gaming round.
Nonetheless, to counterbalance this heightened payout potential, Lightning Roulette decreases the returns on a straight-up bet from 35:1 to 29:1. In practical terms, this implies that unless you hit one of the boosted numbers, the odds of winning aren’t greater long-term.
Blackjack
Online blackjack mirrors the real-life table game experience. You begin by choosing your seat and placing your bet (chips) before the cards are drawn. You can either play in the live casino or on a virtual 2D blackjack game which utilises an RNG-format.
Keep in mind that playing live blackjack doesn't offer a demo mode as you might find with slot games. Therefore, we suggest exploring our assortment of blackjack no deposit bonuses as a great way to sign up with no financial risk involved.
The primary objective of blackjack is to outscore the dealer in the race to 21 without exceeding this total. You receive two face-up cards with their combined value determining your hand's total. The dealer reveals one face-up card and retains one concealed ‘hole’ card.
Next, the decision is yours to make: You can opt to ‘hit’ (take another card) or ‘stand’ (maintain your current score) at your own discretion. Once you decide to stand, the dealer unveils their hidden card and then must draw cards until their total score reaches at least 17.
Achieving a ‘blackjack’ involves being dealt an Ace along with a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen or King) as your initial two cards. Due to the improbability of this combination, a ‘blackjack’ usually pays out at 3:2. For example, a USD10 bet would result in a USD15 payout (USD25 in total).
This combination makes it the highest-ranking hand and an automatic win, provided the dealer doesn't also have a blackjack. In this scenario, the hand would be classed as a ‘push’ and your stake would be returned.
Apart from the conventional ‘hit’ and ‘stand’, there are other decisions you can make depending on the cards drawn to you and the dealer.
These include:
- Double Down: This involves doubling your initial bet after receiving the first two cards, with the condition of standing after drawing one more card. It's typically used when your initial hand is strong, i.e. having a total of 9, 10 or 11.
- Split: If dealt a pair of identical value cards, you have the option to split them into two separate hands. This can be advantageous, especially when you are drawn two Aces, and will result in doubling your usual win if both hands are successful.
- Insurance: If the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, you can choose to buy insurance. This then pays out at 2:1 if the dealer does reveal a blackjack. It's essentially a form of protection against losing your initial bet.
- Surrender: In some blackjack variants, surrendering is permitted. It involves forfeiting your hand, as well as half your bet value when the dealer's up card is particularly strong. It's a strategic move to minimise losses in unfavourable situations.
While blackjack strategy guides are readily available online to assist in making the best decisions, winning at the game often comes down to a mixture of common sense and good luck.
Online casinos commonly employ eight decks of cards, making it nearly impossible to predict the next card's value. Nevertheless, these fundamental blackjack strategy charts offer the optimal approach to play each hand, minimising the house edge in the process.
Here are some key basic strategy rules:
- 10-value cards are the most frequent in the game, a consideration that should influence your decision-making.
- You should always stand on hard totals of 17 or higher.
- Split 8s and Aces; avoid splitting 10s except against a 5 or 6 value card.
- Consider doubling down on hard totals of 10 or 11 depending on the dealer’s face card.
- Expert players usually don’t take insurance, as you may simply be paying extra for a losing hand.
- The dealer being dealt a 5 value means they must draw a third card, meaning they have an increased chance of going bust.
You can play blackjack in a 2D animated format, employing a random number generator (RNG) to replicate the outcomes of a physical card deck. This mode allows you to engage in low-stakes gameplay at your preferred pace, free from the pressure of the live setting.
If you prefer the live casino experience, a diverse selection of blackjack tables awaits. These tables accommodate players across the betting spectrum, from casual gamers to VIPs, with minimum wagering limits ranging from USD5 up to USD500 and beyond.
Card counting is a technique that entails monitoring the proportion of high and low cards within a deck, enabling more accurate predictions of upcoming draws. This practice is generally not strictly illegal, particularly in the online setting where casino surveillance of player behaviour is limited.
Nonetheless, because most online blackjack games use eight decks combined with random and regular shuffling, predicting the next card's value with consistent precision becomes a challenging, if not impossible, task.
Baccarat
The primary objective of baccarat is to wager on the hand that comes closest to a total of nine; either the Player or the Banker’s hand. Both options payout at a 1:1 ratio, although a 5% commission applies to winning Banker bets. In the event of a tie, the returns are set at 8:1.
Cards worth ten are assigned a value of zero, while all other cards retain their face value. If the cumulative total surpasses nine, only the second digit is taken into account (e.g. a total of 15 is counted as 5).
Baccarat operates as an automated game, requiring no active involvement from your side after the betting phase concludes. The dealer proceeds to draw cards consecutively, commencing with the Player's side.
Drawing a third card to either hand is determined by the total value of the first two cards. A natural total of 8 or 9 for the Player means no additional cards are drawn, and they’ll also stand when their total is 6 or 7.
In the case where the Player's total falls within the range of 0-5, another card is drawn, unless the Banker hand also equals 8 or 9. In such a situation, the Banker is immediately declared the winner.
If the Player does not draw a third card:
- The Banker stands if their initial hand total is 6 or more.
- The Banker draws a third card if their initial hand total is 0 to 5.
If the Player draws a third card:
- If the Banker's hand total is 2 or less, they always draw a third card.
- If the Banker's hand total is 3, they draw a third card unless the Player's third card is an 8.
- If the Banker's hand total is 4, they draw a third card if the Player's third card is 2 to 7.
- If the Banker's hand total is 5, they draw a third card if the Player's third card is 4 to 7.
- If the Banker's hand total is 6, they draw a third card if the Player's third card is 6 or 7.
- If the Banker's hand total is 7, they stand and do not draw a third card.
Banker bets come with a 5% commission due to the Banker's slightly higher probability of winning compared to Player bets. This commission helps maintain balanced odds and ensures the casino's profitability over the long run.
Note that the commission is only applied to successful Banker bets; no extra fee is levied on losses. This 5% charge is an established aspect of online Baccarat and is integral to the game's traditional rules and payout structure.
Online casinos provide an array of baccarat versions, catering to diverse preferences. The most common variant is Punto Banco, whilst Mini Baccarat offers lower stakes and Baccarat Banque features a rotating banker role.
Additionally, some online casinos offer No Commission Baccarat. Here, the 5% commission on Banker bets is negated, although winning Banker hands with a '6' total are only paid at 50% your bet stake.
In baccarat, the outcome primarily hinges on luck. Although no strategy can ensure victory, some players employ betting systems like the Martingale or Fibonacci. These systems revolve around modifying bet sizes in response to previous results.
Nonetheless, it's crucial to recognise that no strategy can completely negate the inherent house edge over extensive play. Prudent gambling practices should be maintained at all times.
Live Casino
Live casinos deliver interactive casino games directly to your device via real-time streaming. They recreate the look and feel of a brick-and-mortar establishment, giving you a chance to wager on a variety of games and interact with human dealers.
These live casino platforms use streaming technology, high-definition cameras and on-screen communication systems to transmit gameplay. As a result, you’ll observe game outcomes as they happen and receive immediate payouts.
Live gameshows represent an alternative to traditional table games, brought to you live presenters rather than live dealers. These games offer a dynamic and innovative way to wager, complete with thrilling bonus rounds and the potential for substantial multiplier rewards.
Many live gameshows feature a giant prize wheel, as seen in Monopoly Live and Crazy Time, where you place bets on which segment the wheel will stop. Deal or No Deal Live draws inspiration from the famous TV show, while Mega Ball offers a unique bingo-style experience and incredible 1,000,000x payout.
Live casino games typically do not offer a demo mode. You'll need to sign up, create an account and make a deposit.
Likewise, when it comes to no deposit bonuses, you probably won’t be able to use these funds for live casino games. This is mainly due to their relatively high ‘return to player (RTP)’ and potential for awarding substantial multiplier payouts.
In most cases, you won't need any special software to enjoy live casino games. You simply access the live casino lobby directly through your web browser on your computer or mobile device. The only key requirement for a seamless gaming experience is a reliable internet connection.
Poker
The objective of online poker remains the same as with the traditional game: form the best hand by combining your own cards with the communal cards. The game transpires through a series of betting rounds, culminating with the most robust hand claiming the pot, or when all other players fold.
Online casinos provide a diverse selection of poker games, with the most popular being Texas Hold'em alongside Omaha and Seven-Card Stud. Each of these games comes with its unique set of rules, betting structures and gameplay.
Additionally, players can play video poker which is based upon the five-card draw variation. It operates similarly to casino slots, although it does require a degree of skill based on your knowledge of different poker hands.
Getting started with online poker is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps, and you'll be ready to enjoy your favourite poker games online:
Choose a Reputable Online Casino: Select an online casino from our range of no deposit poker bonuses. Assess the offer alongside the casino’s overall suitability. Register an Account: Fill out the required information to create your casino account. You'll usually need to provide your name, email/SMS, home address and phone number. Claim The Offer: With a no deposit offer, your bonus will be credited automatically. You may have to enter a bonus code during sign-up, although this will be displayed clearly next to the offer on our site. Select Your Poker Game: Navigate to the poker section of the casino and choose your preferred game. Options will include Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud and more. Understand the Rules: Remember to familiarise yourself with the rules and strategies of the specific poker variant you've chosen. Each game has its unique set of rules and tactics. Start Playing: Join a table or tournament that matches your skill level and budget. Online casinos typically offer tables with various stake levels. Follow the on-screen prompts to either fold, call or raise.Basic poker strategies revolve around learning hand rankings, interpreting opponents, managing your bankroll and choosing when to bet or fold. Diligent practice of these tactics is vital for enhancing your decision-making skills.
Bluffing is another quintessential aspect of the game. While its effectiveness may be somewhat limited in the online realm, adeptly employing this tactic and detecting its application by other players is highly advantageous.
Numerous online casinos host poker tournaments that enable you to test your skills against fellow players for a portion of the prize pool. These tournaments come in various forms, spanning amateur freerolls to high-stakes competitions with substantial buy-ins.
Furthermore, you'll encounter a diverse selection of betting structures to suit your preferences, with 'no-limit' games being the most prevalent. These games grant you greater flexibility to raise your bets without constraints during each round.