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Even though online casinos are currently not legalized in Illinois, the online gaming industry is rapidly evolving. Major gambling organizations worldwide view online casinos as a profitable sector.
Consider this as your beginner’s guide to online casinos.
In essence, online casinos allow you to access and play a variety of casino games such as slots, poker, and roulette from your computer or mobile device. Similar to setting up an Illinois online sports betting account, you create an account, log in, and start placing real money bets on each spin or virtual dice roll.
It is possible that online casinos may become legal in Illinois by 2025. In the meantime, it would be advantageous to familiarize yourself with how online casino gambling operates, where it is available, and the potential benefits it can offer.
Where are online casinos available?
Online casino gambling is allowed in six U.S. states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
There are virtual slot machines available to play online in various locations across North America. Several provincial lottery corporations in Canada also offer online casino games. Ontario stands out as the only province with a fully open online casino market, hosting 41 live online gaming operators. Among them are six out of the seven companies currently offering sports betting in Illinois.
Online gambling is allowed in Mexico, but there are few regulations governing the industry.
Although gambling is strictly prohibited in Cuba, it continues to take place. In contrast, Jamaica and Puerto Rico have more relaxed regulations when it comes to online casino gambling.
How do you play?
In states in the US where online casino gambling is allowed, you can easily access it through the same apps that are used for sports betting. These apps usually have a Casino icon located either at the top or bottom of the screen. Simply tap on this icon to be transported to a virtual casino floor where you can enjoy playing a variety of games such as slots, blackjack, craps, poker, and others.
Usually, the account you have set up for sports betting can also be used for casino expenses.
How do online casinos work?
It is important to note that when playing at a legitimate and regulated online casino, the games are not rigged. All casino games are regularly tested and certified for fairness. A reputable casino will provide the theoretical Return To Player percentages for its games and display verified payout rates from independent gaming labs and testing authorities.
In states where online casinos are allowed, regulatory agencies are responsible for verifying the legitimacy of the games. In Illinois, the Illinois Gaming Board oversees this task.
These digital games use pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) software to produce results that mimic those found at a traditional casino. It feels like you’re actually at the gaming table or slot machine, as they both utilize the same technology.
There are also live dealer games available that use camera technology to enable players to visually and audibly interact with their dealer. These games, often poker, are broadcast in real-time and include a chat feature for communicating with the dealer and other players.
Additionally, there is no need to worry about not being paid if you win. As long as you only gamble with operators that are legally regulated, payment is guaranteed by law.
What do you need to access an online casino?
In order for the website or app to work properly, you are required to use geolocation software to verify your location. This software must be installed on your computer or mobile device. Online casinos may also ask for identification such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or social security number to set up your account.
All of this information is securely stored on a server.
If you choose to deposit funds with a credit or debit card, you may need to confirm ownership by submitting photos of both sides of the card. This measure is implemented to prevent underage gambling and fraudulent activity.
How easy is to gamble this way?
This is similar to placing bets on the Bulls or Bears, but instead of analyzing point spreads, you log into your account and select a slot machine to place your money on. You have control over how much you bet on each spin or dice roll. Online casinos offer a wide variety of games, including hundreds of slot machines, blackjack at different betting levels, and poker. The options available may surprise you.
Many online casinos offer a “demo” mode for most of their games, allowing players to enjoy playing without the risk of losing real money. This is a great way to try out different games and find ones you like before deciding to bet with actual money.
Are there responsible gaming measures at online casinos?
Online casinos consistently track the amount of time you spend on their website and will occasionally remind you to log out if necessary.
You can also set up protections on your account to prevent you from exceeding your gambling limit.
These safeguards include limitations on how long you can play, setting daily or weekly betting limits, and restricting the amount you are able to deposit into your online casino account.
