Thousands of online casinos are fighting for your attention. Some are solid brands with fast payouts — others are slow, confusing or simply not worth your deposit. This guide gives you a simple checklist to quickly separate decent casinos from the ones you should skip.
1. Check the license first
A license doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it sets a minimum level of rules the casino must follow. Common options you’ll see:
- MGA / UKGC: stricter rules, strong player protection, often limited bonuses.
- Curacao: more relaxed, common for crypto and high-bonus casinos.
- No visible license: a red flag. If the site hides who regulates it, think twice.
The license is usually listed in the footer or “About / Terms” section. If you can’t find it after 30 seconds, that’s already a signal.
2. Look at payment methods and payout speed
A casino that wants long-term players tries to pay out quickly and offers popular methods in your country:
- Bank cards (Visa/Mastercard) or local solutions.
- E-wallets like Skrill, Neteller or MuchBetter.
- Bank transfers and, in many cases, crypto.
Check the “Payments” or “FAQ” page for two things:
- Average withdrawal time – good casinos pay within 24–48 hours.
- Fees: avoid brands that charge you for basic withdrawals.
3. Read bonus terms before claiming anything
A welcome offer like “100% up to €500 + 100 free spins” always comes with fine print. At minimum, look for:
- Wagering: how many times the bonus (or bonus+deposit) must be wagered.
- Game restrictions: some slots or live games may not count.
- Max bet while wagering: for example, “max €5 per spin”.
- Time limit: often 7–30 days.
If the wagering is very high (x50, x60) or there are many exclusions, the bonus is there mostly for marketing. It might be better to play without it.
4. Test the website and support
Spend 2–3 minutes clicking around before you deposit:
- Does the lobby load quickly, also on mobile?
- Is navigation clear, or do you get lost?
- Is there 24/7 live chat or at least quick email support?
A short test can save you a lot of hassle later if something goes wrong or you need verification help.
5. Look for responsible gambling tools
Legit casinos offer tools to help you control your play:
- Deposit limits and loss limits.
- Reality checks (reminders after X minutes).
- Cool-off periods and self-exclusion.
If a casino doesn’t mention any of this, it cares more about short-term deposits than long-term players.
6. Use independent reviews as a shortcut
Editorial rankings like ours are not perfect, but they can save you time. We look at:
- How clear and fair the bonus terms are.
- Which payment methods are available and how fast payouts are.
- Licensing, game providers and basic player protection tools.
Use these reviews as a filter: remove the obviously weak casinos, then choose between the solid ones based on your own preferences (games, payment method, country restrictions).
Key takeaways
- Always check who licensed the casino and where the license is shown.
- Make sure it supports payment methods you actually use, with reasonable payout times.
- Read bonus rules before claiming anything – especially wagering and max bet.
- Look for clear responsible gambling tools and responsive support.
- If something feels off or too complicated, you can always pick another brand.