How to Get Started at an Online Casino
Feeling like youâre ready to sign up to an online casino and start playing? All of the sites that Iâve recommended make this super straightforward, but to help you speed through the process, hereâs a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose a Reputable Casino
Read through the reviews above to find a casino thatâs right for you. Consider the type of games you like and which bonus you might want to claim.
Step 2: Register an Account
Head to the casino of your choosing and click to sign up. Youâll be asked for your personal details including your name, date of birth, residential address, and desired login details. This is usually where you claim a welcome bonus too, so make sure to opt in.
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
Head to the cashier to make your first deposit and remember to meet the minimum qualifying amount if youâre claiming a welcome bonus. The steps to follow will pop up on the screen.
Step 4: Complete the KYC
Itâs always a good idea to complete the KYC check before you start playing. This means that when you win, this stage is already done and your withdrawal can happen as quickly as possible. Youâll need your ID and a proof of address for this step.
Step 5: Start Playing!
With all of this out of the way, youâll know your way around the online casino already and be ready to start playing. Good luck!
Pros
1. Possibility of delayed withdrawals.
Sometimes withdrawals get held up at online casinos.
2. Less easy to socialize.
While there are certain games that put an emphasis on socialising, itâs generally harder at online casinos.
3. Need to be careful to choose a legitimate casino.
Looking for a licence helps to ensure you always stay safe.
Cons
1. Convenience of playing from home.â
Thereâs no need to leave the comfort of your chair to access huge game catalogues.
2. Access to a much larger range of games.â
Land based casinos canât compete with the variety of games available at online casinos.
3. Possible to claim bonuses and promotions.
Ever tried claiming a bonus at a physical casino? Youâd be laughed out of there!
You wonât find a mean wagering requirement, a tiny game catalogue, or lengthy withdrawal processes here, just safe casinos that prioritise top-quality games and a great customer experience.
How I Review Online Casinos
Iâve been writing casino reviews for ten years now, but Iâve been playing at casinos for much longer. Having a playerâs perspective helps me to pick out whatâs really important. For example, I know that most players donât care whether there are five payment options or fifty, as long as the ones that are there are fast, free and safe.
With this in mind, youâll find my review criteria below. I keep all of this in mind when reviewing every single casino and if thereâs just one criteria that they donât meet, then I wonât recommend them.

Licensing and Regulation
The first check on the list is always a license. If a casino doesnât have a license then you wonât find them on this site. The license can be a remote one like from the Malta Gaming Authority or Curacao Gaming Control Board, or a country-specific one.
Game Selection and Software Providers
Itâs always a nice surprise finding a casino with thousands of games, but thatâs only half the battle. If those games are from old-fashioned studios then it still doesnât provide much value for new players. So, I also get stuck into which game studios provide the software. Big names like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and NetEnt all score extra points.
Itâs important that the casino covers the main gaming categories too. Itâs great to see a spread of slot games, RNG table games, live casino games, and maybe some instant wins too.
Tip: Sometimes a casino has a particularly good slot or live dealer catalogue, but the selection isnât as strong in other types of game. If thatâs the case, Iâll recommend them for players of that type of game only.
Bonuses and Promotions
Being able to treat yourself to a few extra Euros to bet with is a huge perk when signing up to a new site. With this in mind, I check out the overall value of the welcome bonus and make sure there are some promotions for existing players too.
Also, itâs important that you check out the bonus terms before you accept a bonus. But, I do a lot of the heavy lifting here, going over the bonus terms of each site I recommend, so that you get a general idea of how player-friendly the wagering requirements, win caps, and payment exclusions are.
Payment Methods and Withdrawal Speeds
Itâs not about how many payment methods are available, but rather how well the payment methods that are there perform. Itâs always great to see a debit card option and an e-wallet or two, but increasingly Iâm finding great cryptocurrency options.
I make sure that the processing times are fair and that you can withdraw without fees. IF a casino has one or two particularly fast payment options, Iâll always point those out in the review, so you know which ones to choose.
Customer Support
I hope that nothing goes wrong with any of the casinos that I recommend, but sometimes things donât go to plan. When that happens, itâs incredibly important that you can get help quickly.
I always prioritise sites with 24/7 live chat, but itâs good to see email, phone, or social media support too. Iâll be sure to drop a message to each of the options to make sure that your queries will be answered quickly if you ever need help.
Understanding Online Casino Payments
Although itâs not the most exciting part of signing up to a new casino, understanding how payments work can save you lots of stress in the long run. Letâs take a look at the sorts of payment option you might find at a casino and some troubleshooting tips to help you make those payouts quickly and easily.

Typical Casino Payment Options
Youâll find different payment providers at all casinos, but there are a few key groups that it pays to know about. Letâs take a look at them below.
Debit Cards
Debit cards are the most common payment option. They offer brilliant safety credentials and most of us have them, making them accessible for everyone. Theyâre almost always accepted for bonuses too, but withdrawals can be slow.
Tip: If you use VISA then you might be able to use Visa Fast Funds at your casino. This can take withdrawals down from days to just hours.
Bank Transfers
Bank Transfers are by far the slowest option, but theyâre also very secure. If youâre making a particularly large withdrawal after hitting a big win then consider a bank transfer.
Tip: Intermediaries like Trustly give you the security of a bank transfer but without such a long waiting time, just remember to check eligibility if youâre claiming a bonus.
E-wallets
E-wallets are becoming a very popular way to pay and itâs no surprise why. These providers can get transaction times down to just minutes. They have good security credentials and theyâre often accepted for bonuses - but not always. Skrill and Neteller are often excluded from bonuses, while PayPal tends to be more commonly accepted.
Pay by Phone
More of us than ever are playing casino games on our phones, so having a mobile payment option can be really useful. Options like PayByPhone, PayForIt, and Boku are the most popular. These providers are good for deposits, but usually donât accept withdrawals.
Prepaid Vouchers
Prepaid vouchers are a great option if you want to budget more effectively. Paysafecard and Neosurf are the most popular providers, letting you buy vouchers in amounts usually up to âŹ30. Like PayByPhone, these prepaid vouchers usually wonât let you withdraw, but deposits are instant and theyâre often compatible with bonuses.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is the newest option on the list, but itâs becoming one of the most popular. Some sites will let you bet and play in crypto, while others will convert it into Euros (or other currency) for you. Youâll often find particularly generous bonuses if youâre using crypto, but itâs worth considering gas fees when making withdrawals.
Speeding Up Withdrawals
One of the most frustrating elements of casino gaming is not being able to withdraw your money as quickly as youâd like to, but there are some steps you can take to help with this:
- Complete the KYC: If youâve not completed the KYC youâll need to do this before making a withdrawal, which slows the whole process down. Itâs best to do this ahead of time.
- Check the minimum and maximum: All casinos have minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts. Make sure you only request withdrawals that fall within these amounts.
- Complete bonus requirements: Most bonuses come with wagering requirements that need to be completed before you can make a withdrawal. Check out your bonus terms and make sure theyâre all completed before making your withdrawal request.
Different Types of Casino Games at EU Casinos
Weâre on to the fun bit! Games are the reason that everybody flocks to online casinos. Thereâs no land based casino on Earth that can compete with the sheer variety of games that youâll find at good EU casinos. Letâs take a look at some of the different categories that youâll find at my recommended casino sites.

Slot Games
Slots tend to make up the bulk of all casino catalogues - and it makes sense, there are dozens of mechanics, and thousands of themes. If youâre after a game thatâs easy to get started with and offers endless variety then slots are an excellent choice. Below are some of the sub categories of slots that you might enjoy:
- Classic Slots: If you like a simply payline set up and classic themes like a fruit machine, then this is the category to go for. There are lots of options here perfect for nostalgic, retro gaming.
- Video Slots: Think of these slots as the modern equivalent of a slot machine. They come with bright, beautiful graphics and animations too. Some are 3D and all of them feature mechanics that go beyond spinning and winning.
- Progressive Jackpot Slots:â If you prefer shooting for massive prizes then progressive jackpot slots are your best option. These slots take a small percentage of everybodyâs stakes and puts it all into the jackpot pool. Then, one lucky winner takes the lot!
Table Games
Table games are the undisputed casino classics. They take inspiration from table and card games that are played in real life casinos and use random number generators (RNGs) to bring them to life. Below are some of the most popular table games to try at online casinos:
- Roulette: this game is super easy to pick up but has lots of different variants that keep things interesting. Just place your bets on the board and wait for the croupier to spin the wheel and see if you got it right.
- Blackjack: a brilliant blend of strategy and chance, blackjack challenges you to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust. With the right strategy, you can get the house edge right down to 0.5% in this game.
- Baccarat: a simple betting game on whether the dealerâs or the playerâs hand will be the closest to nine. Itâs super popular and a favoured option in many online casinos.
- Craps: if you enjoy a dice game with lots of betting options then craps is probably your best choice.
- Poker: poker is hugely popular and often has its own section in casinos. There are more than a dozen variants, but Texas Holdâem is by far the most popular.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are just like casino table games, but with real, live-streamed croupiers. These games have become hugely popular over the last decade, as they allow you to get that real casino experience, without having to leave your own home. You can find all of the same options as in the table game category, plus some new options too, like Game Shows, and Board Games.
Specialty Games
Just when you thought youâd seen it all, there are still other games to try out! Some casinos have added extras that can be a fun way to switch up your casino gaming. Below are some of the most popular types of speciality games:
- Bingo: no longer reserved for bingo halls, this game is maybe the most sociable option around. Buy some bingo tickets (often for as little as âŹ0.05) and start dabbing.
- Keno: this game works in a similar way to bingo, but with a lottery element thrown in. Itâs very popular at EU casinos and is super easy to get started with.
- Fish Table Games: these games are more unusual, but still available at some EU casinos - particularly crypto casinos. You need to shoot the fish in an arcade style setting to win.
- Scratch Cards: you know the scratchcards you can buy from the shop? This is the online version, they often come with fun themes and flashy animations.
- Aviator Games: aviator games ask you to guess when the rocket/plane will stop. Theyâre great fun and quick to pick up, perfect for beginners.
How to Spot a Great Casino Bonus
If youâre signing up to a new casino then itâs a great perk being able to claim a worthwhile bonus. Some casinos hide bad bonuses behind confusing bonus terms and misleading conditions - but donât worry. Iâve already read through the bonus terms of all of the casinos Iâve recommended. If youâre looking for your own bonus to claim though, then hereâs what you need to know.

Types of Casino Bonus
There are loads of different bonuses you can claim and if youâre new to casino gaming, it can be a bit confusing. Hereâs a quick guide to some of the bonuses you can get your hands on:
- Deposit Match Bonus: these are commonly part of welcome bonuses and give you a certain amount of cash to use as a percentage of your deposit. For example, get a 100% deposit match up to âŹ1,000.
- Cashback: some casinos offer cashback to loyal customers. You can find anywhere from 1-10% cashback thatâs usually applied to your losses. This is a super worthwhile bonus to claim, as it makes a big difference to your bankroll over time.
- Free Spins: if youâre a slots player then look out for free spins. These are typically awarded in bundles of 10-200 and can usually only be used on selected titles. If youâre looking for a no wagering or no deposit bonus, then free spins are your best bet.
- Reload Bonus: reload bonuses are like deposit bonuses, but exclusively for returning customers. Youâll typically get a smaller percentage match up to a certain amount, for example a 50% match up to âŹ500.
- Refer a Friend: found a casino you love? Lots of casinos offer bonuses for referring a friend. Your friend will usually need to input your unique referral code and wager a certain amount of money before you get your bonus.
Common Bonus Terms to Look Out For
Weâve talked about some of the different bonuses that you can find at online casinos, but what about the terms that come with them?
Even the best casinos still have terms and conditions attached to their bonuses, but as long as you know what they are, you can make an informed decision about which bonus will work best for you. Below are some common bonus terms to be aware of.
- Wagering Requirements: These are attached to most bonuses and tell you how many times you need to wager the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit amount too) before withdrawing your winnings.
- Expiry Date: All bonuses have expiry dates. This isnât just when you need to use the bonus by, but you need to have completed all of the bonus terms, including the wagering requirement by the expiry date too.
- Win Cap: Some bonuses have a win cap where anything you win over this amount is forfeited. This is particularly common for free spins bonuses.
- Game Exclusions: Some bonuses are designed for specific games. Itâs common to only be allow to play slots with deposit bonuses, where live casino games are completely excluded.
- Game Contributions: Sometimes not all games contribute to the wagering requirement equally. While slots usually count 100%, sometimes table games and live casino games only count 10%.
- Payment Exclusions: You need to check before claiming a bonus to make sure that you can claim it with your chosen payment method, often e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are excluded.

Staying Safe and Responsible While Gambling Online
Gambling is all about having fun - and if it stays fun, then thatâs fine. But, if you find yourself feeling negative emotions towards gambling, or spending too much time/money on your hobby, it might be time to take advantage of some responsible gambling tools.
Setting Limits
As well as keeping a limit in mind, itâs possible to set a limit at your chosen casino site too. You can usually choose from deposit limits, loss limits, and time limits. This is a really effective way to take a more proactive approach to controlling your gambling habits.
Utilizing Self-Exclusion Tools
If youâve already set limits and it doesnât seem to be making a difference then self exclusion is a good option. You can do this for a short period of time (typically 24 hours to a week), a long period of time (up to 6 months) or permanently.
FAQ
How do I know if an online casino is legitimate?
A legitimate online casino will always have a licence. If they donât have a licence then it isnât worth signing up. If youâre still not sure, then check out this site for a review. I am always impartial on this site, so if a casino isnât legitimate, Iâll tell you about it.
What are wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements are bonus terms that are put in place to ensure the casino isnât essentially giving out âfree moneyâ. They tell you how many times you need to wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw your winnings. A wagering requirement under 40x is usually considered fair.
Can I play casino games on my mobile device?
Yes! All of the casinos that I recommend either have an excellent mobile site or a dedicated mobile app - some even have both. This means youâll be able to access all of the games you love from your smartphone.