If you’ve never played a slot before, it can be an overwhelming experience trying to start. Never mind the sign-up process, with the number of online casinos out there, picking the right one can be difficult. There are several factors you need to consider before you make the final decision, but if you don’t know what you’re looking for, how can you be expected to make an informed choice? Well, RTP is here to help, with our guide on what to look for in new casinos.

What to Look For

Game Variety

A lot of first-time players on a site will join up because they want to play a specific title. The thing is, no matter how much you like that game, at some point, it will begin to feel stale. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a look at the library of games before you decide to invest your time and money. If they have a wide variety of options to choose from, then you’re more likely to enjoy the casino in question. It’s not all just slots either, there is plenty more fun to be had outside of the reels. Take table games, for instance. If you’re a fan of the classic casino experience, then something along the lines of online poker, blackjack, or roulette could be just the thing. These types of games have the lowest house edge as well, so if you’re wary of the volatile nature of slots they can prove an entertaining alternative.

Another type that has begun to take the world of online gaming by storm is live dealer titles. They are similar to the table games in that the gameplay comes in the form of something like blackjack or roulette. However, the twist here is that these games have an actual dealer who will oversee proceedings. It’s a bit of a strange scenario because the actual playing element takes the backseat. Instead, live dealer products place a large focus on the social aspects, relying on the dealer to keep everybody engaged through conversation. You’ll also see expanded chat functions as well and the whole idea is to create a social setting rather than simply serve as a game.

Functionality

While the games are a vital part of enjoying the casino you’re playing on, if the site itself is a mess, this is going to give you some issues down the line. Even though you’ll be spending most of the time playing, the look and accessibility of an online casino are massively important to the user’s experience. Before you register with anyone, make sure to have a good inspection of the site’s functions and test out all the various pages. If it’s unresponsive or slow, it might not be the best option.

When it comes to online gaming, though, the one factor you should value above anything else is its reliability. This should be obvious, but never register with an unlicensed site, it’s just asking for trouble. Don’t visit any brand that doesn’t have proof they’ve followed the proper regulations, there is no guarantee that they’ll pay out your winnings and you could end up losing a lot of money. However, there are still some bad apples amongst the licensed casinos. To avoid the few bad ones that slipped through the cracks, make sure you’re using a trusted and reputable brand, the popular ones are there for a reason.

One thing that might seem small is the ability to play on both desktop and handset. The technological level of slots has been raised in recent years, with everything from graphics to gameplay seeing drastic improvements. However, the move to mobile is, without a doubt, the most innovative change the industry has seen and has opened up entirely new avenues for developers and providers alike. Casinos that couldn’t offer portable versions of the games have quickly died out and most have moved from flash-based games to the HTML5 format.

Personality

Each brand out there will have its own unique aesthetic and twist that’s meant to entice prospective players. This theme generally won’t affect the selection of games they have on offer, but it will influence everything outside of them. There will typically be an overarching colour scheme that is used for game pages and a distinct tone in all the text. They might even have mascots or personas they use to deliver things like promotional material or product announcements. Now, this clearly won’t have any impact on your gameplay experience, but you may enjoy the time you spend on these sites more if it’s one with a theme that interests you.

Casino Bonuses

Onto the last point and the one that will have the biggest influence on the slots themselves. Many casinos offer bonuses to new users, usually something like a set amount of free spins on a specific game or a 100% up to a certain amount. While you might be tempted to go for the most lucrative offer, this could end up being a terrible idea. This is due to wagering requirements, a multiplier that is applied to any winnings you earn, forcing you to wager the equivalent value of the multiplier before you can withdraw. Some casinos offer bonuses without wagering requirements, but these are often well below in value. In the end, it’s down to personal preference which you should choose to go for.

Find the Right One with RTP!

If you’re struggling in the pursuit of a new casino, don’t worry, RTP has got you covered! We have plenty of reviews, features and much more to keep you fully informed on the latest brands making waves in the slot’s scene.

Fancy an immediate recommendation? One recent online casino that fills all the criteria we’ve looked at today is Temple Slots, which features a theme reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie. There is a wide selection of games on offer, with slots, table games and live dealer titles all represented. It’s an ever-growing library too, so expect more great games to be added soon. On top of that, it has a clean, simple user interface and nothing ever feels slow or unresponsive. What’s more, Temple slots always has a few offers going too, so check the promotions page for the latest welcome offer.