Around 80% of Indians gamble yearly, and the local gambling market continues to grow rapidly with a CAGR of 8.59% (2023-2027). These numbers only show how prominent gambling activities are in the country, and we can only expect that more people will hop on this gambling wagon.
If you’re one of those considering playing real money casino games or betting on sports, things may feel overwhelming. After all, there are so many online gambling platforms out there claiming they’re the best. So, where do you begin? We have everything you need to know about casino gaming and sports wagering.
On Choosing a Casino and Sports Betting Site
The very first thing you have to do before you can enjoy any gambling activity is to find the right platform. Sure, a quick Google search can do the trick, but the truth is that not all online casinos and betting sites offer the same thing. Here are the factors you should look into before signing up at a gambling site:
Licensing and Regulation
This should be non-negotiable. Look for sites licensed by reputable regulatory bodies because this means they adhere to strict standards of fairness and security. Different regions have different licensing authorities, so verify that the site is licensed in a recognised jurisdiction (Curacao, Malta, the UK, etc.).
Trustworthiness and Reputation
Do your homework. Aside from checking the license, take a closer look at the general pulse of a specific gambling site. Read user and expert reviews on trusted gambling-related sites like TheTopBookies, Casino Guru, and AskGamblers.
It also helps to check the hype. See if celebrities or influencers endorse the platform, indicating they have a marketing budget and reach. An example is 10CRIC signing cricket star Harbhajan Singh, as this helps prove the platform is credible.
Security
Check what security measures are in place, such as SSL encryption. The easiest way to tell if a website uses SSL encryption is to look at the beginning of the website’s URL in the address bar. If the URL starts with “https://” (instead of “http://”), it indicates that the website is using SSL encryption. The “s” stands for “secure.”
Variety of Games and Betting Markets
Are you considering playing real money games, betting on sports, or doing both? Then check if the platform you’re eyeing offers either or both. Variety also matters, which means they should be able to give you plenty of choices for both casino games and betting markets.
Payment Options
Consider the payment methods available to deposit into your casino account and withdraw your winnings. Convenience is key here, but of course, make sure the options are secure.
Customer Support and Responsible Gambling
Look into a platform’s customer service. Is it easy to reach them? How fast do they answer queries? Find out and reach out to them even before signing up to get a feel of what getting support is like.
Also, only legitimate and trusted gambling platforms promote responsible gambling. They allow you to set deposit limits or self-exclude to ensure your safety.
What Casino Games to Play and Getting Started with Online Sports Betting
Did you find a casino that ticks all the boxes? Next is determining what you should play or finding the best betting options. Since you’re new to casino gaming, it’s best to stick to beginner-friendly options like slots, roulette, blackjack, and video poker. Stick to those games that are easy to understand and don’t require complex strategy-making right away.
When it comes to sports betting, start with a sport you’re familiar with. Understand the different bet types, like money line bets (predicting the winner), spread bets (considering point differences), and over/under bets (predicting total scores). Research teams and players, analyse odds and start with small bets as you gain experience.
Some Tips To Consider Before You Start
Ready to place your bets? Before you do, here are some tips that could enhance your gaming experience:
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend beforehand and stick to it. Treat it as entertainment money, not essential funds.
- Start Small: Begin with smaller bets to get a feel for the games and odds before increasing your wagers.
- Learn the Rules: Understand the rules and strategies of your games to make informed decisions.
- Take Breaks: Don’t get carried away. Step away from the screen regularly to clear your head and maintain perspective.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Avoid increasing your bets to recover losses. This can lead to a downward spiral.
Conclusion
Online gambling is an excellent form of entertainment, but always play responsibly. Prioritise choosing a reputable platform to ensure your online safety. Be sure you understand the risks gambling comes with, too, as it should be all about having a great time.
