And by this, I don’t just mean the number of games, but the quality and variety as well. Some casinos can offer thousands of games, but if they are from small, unknown providers or are all the same type of slot game, then this isn’t so great.

Great casinos will have a diverse selection of games covering everything from slots and virtual table games to a live casino. Bonus points go to casinos that have unique, specialized games that can only be found on their site.

? Software providers

On the theme of games, it’s important that they are provided by quality suppliers. Not all suppliers of games are created equal and this shows in the games that they offer. However, just because a provider is netent casino not one of the big, well-known ones, doesn’t mean that it will offer bad games. I check out each provider and make sure that they are all fair and regularly audited.

? Welcome bonus

One of the perks of playing at an online casino is the welcome bonus. This is an offer that new players signing up to the casino can claim. This type of offer can be in the form of a no deposit bonus, free spins or a match deposit offer. However, these come with terms and conditions, so I make sure these are fair and transparent before recommending a casino.

? Additional bonuses and promotions

It’s all well and good offering newcomers a bonus, but existing or returning players also deserve to be rewarded. To that end, I make sure that recommended casino sites offer a range of different bonuses that cater to players who are long-term. These bonuses can include “reload offers”, more free spins and loyalty programs.

? Loyalty program

VIP or loyalty programs are a great way to keep players interested in continuing to play at an online casino. Loyalty programs are easy to implement and offer a range of bonuses and rewards to those who keep playing. I always look to see if casinos have a program like this before recommending them.

? Gamification features

Newer casinos are also trying to find fun ways to keep players entertained. Some of the best new casinos offer a range of gamification features that can include missions for rewards and various tournaments so that players can compete against one another.

? Wagering requirements

With any bonus, there are usually wagering requirements in place. Some of these can be really steep making them all but insurmountable. To that end, I look through all the requirements in place and choose casinos and bonuses that offer players a reasonable chance at fulfilling these requirements.

Top online casinos need to have a wide range of payment options available. In this way, they can cater to players from all walks of life. Payments should include debit card options as well as a range of e-wallets, prepaid options, cryptocurrencies, and bank transfers.

? Withdrawal and processing times

Following on from this, it’s important to look at the withdrawal and processing times. Some casinos claim to offer a quick turnaround period, but might not actually follow through. It’s important to take a look at the time frame, especially as some casinos can offer payouts in under an hour. The faster, the better in my opinion!

? Usability and design

Often overlooked, usability and design are very important when it comes to enjoyment at an online casino. Sites that have slow load times due to an overload of graphics, should be avoided. Similarly, so should casinos that offer bright, yet confusing designs. Sometimes simple is best, so players should look for casinos with simple colour schemes and easy navigation.