The 8 Best Real Money Online Casinos for Beginners

With the popularity of online casinos soaring, playing real money games from your home computer has become far more common than traipsing to a land-based venue on dark and stormy nights. However, with so many sites out there, it can be tricky knowing where to begin. In truth, there are plenty of sites that cater exclusively to newbies, but they usually only feature very basic versions of a few classic games – Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat and Video Poker. Some may offer virtual versions of Roulette or even slots – but as almost all these titles are based around luck rather than skill (or strategy), they’re not really for the discerning casino connoisseur. On the other hand, some online casinos make it almost painful for beginners by packing their websites with too much information about rules and too many obscure niche titles like Australian Pontoon or Japanese Pai Gow Poker. Complete beginner? If you’ve never played any type of casino game before – land-based or online – then you need to keep reading to discover which top sites will give you a gentle introduction to this world.

1. Casino Basics: Knowing the Rules is Key

Real money casinos are flexible beasts and you’ll find different games, rules, regulations and pay-outs depending on which website you play at. So, even if you’re a beginner, it’s important to understand the basics of how each game works. The best online casinos will have a section on rules and regulations that should explain the rules of each game in a simple and straightforward way. From Craps to Baccarat, you’ll also find basic tutorials on the various rules and strategies that can help you get to grips with the game much more quickly. For example, if you’re a beginner playing Blackjack, it’s essential that you know the difference between the various types of hands, such as a ‘natural’, a ‘split’ or a ‘surrender’. You should also know how to use the ‘counting cards’ strategy to gain an edge over the dealer, and understand how to use the ‘rule of 17’ to work out how much to bet in certain situations.

2. Find a Real Money Casino with an Easy-to-Use Platform

You’ll also find that some online casinos are far easier to use than others. For example, if you have a Mac, you’ll struggle to find a site that caters to you. Similarly, if you want to play on your phone, you’ll have to be careful – most mobile casinos don’t allow real money play. Similarly, if you’re a beginner playing on a PC, you should try to find an online casino that has an easy-to-use, intuitive platform. This will make it much easier to navigate through the games, cashier and general features. Ideally, you should look for a site that has been designed with beginners in mind. The basic layout should be clear, with a large and obvious ‘play now’ button for each game. The navigation menu should be simple and straightforward and the site shouldn’t bombard you with unnecessary information or links that you don’t need.

3. Don’t Deposit Too Much, Too Soon!

Some online casinos will let you ‘try before you buy’, so before you make your first deposit, you can play a few games and see how they feel. Alternatively, you can play in ‘demo mode’, which allows you to play a game with virtual credits. The best strategy when playing in demo mode is to play only small amounts. The last thing you want to do is deposit a large amount of money, lose it, and then not have enough to play at a real money casino. Again, you’re looking for sites that cater to beginners and will often offer a small amount of free play credits. You can also sign up for a newsletter or follow the casino on social media to keep informed about promotions and special offers. These will give you free credits that you can use to try out different games, explore the site and get a feel for how it works.

4. Be Careful of Scams & Bottom Feeders

As with any entertainment, leisure or shopping activity, there are scammers out there waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims. There are also plenty of casinos that are more interested in parting you from your money than treating you as a valued customer. Fortunately, most of these operators are easy to spot if you know what to look out for – and best online casinos will protect their customers from these ‘bad apples’. Many sites will have a ‘responsible gaming’ section on their websites that will include information on problem gambling and how to get help if you think you might be affected. They’ll also have a section on ‘responsible gaming’, which will include information on spotting scammers and ‘bottom feeders’ – casinos that have a vested interest in taking your money and parting you from it as quickly as possible.

5. Pick Games You Like and Practice, Practice, Practice!

The good news is that even if you’re a complete beginner, you can still take advantage of the free play credits and practice credits offered by reputable online casinos. You can also use these sites to explore the different types of games on offer and find out which ones you like the most. Casinos usually offer a selection of slots, table games and card games. However, the most popular titles change regularly, so you should check the site to see what’s available before you start playing. There are plenty of online resources that can help you learn more about each game and understand the basics. Alternatively, you can find a friend or family member who has experience playing casino games and ask them to show you the ropes.

6. Which Games Should You Play?

There are plenty of articles and guides out there that will offer advice on which games beginners should play. However, the best way to decide which title to try is to play a few games and find out which ones you like best. You can find out which casino offers the best games for beginners by reading articles like this one or by signing up for a newsletter. Alternatively, you can visit a forum and ask other players for advice. In truth, there’s no single ‘best game for beginners’. Instead, you should try to find a title that you like playing, understand how to play it, and have a basic idea of how much you can win from it. You should also bear in mind that some games are better for high rollers than for beginners – and vice versa. For example, slot machines are great for low rollers, but Blackjack and Baccarat are better for high rollers. Similarly, Craps is a good game for beginners, but Pai Gow Poker is better for high rollers. What’s important is that you have fun and enjoy the experience. If you follow the tips outlined above and find a casino that caters to beginners, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a long and successful career as a real money casino player!