Online gambling is an ever-growing industry with new online casinos everywhere. The gambling industry clearly benefited from an online presence. Players didn’t have to leave the comforts of their own home anymore. However, alongside the sudden rise in popularity of online gambling, a lot of negativity and rumors started to spread.
Until now there are sill a lot of myths. That’s why today we will cover the most common myths about online gambling and lay out the truth about online casinos.
Disclaimer: While all of this points below are just myths, there are still a few operators you should steer clear of. Inform yourself about the online casino you would like to play at and read our reviews to make sure to choose a reputable online casino (Link of the Post “How to choose an online casino”).
Online gambling is illegal
This is one of the biggest myths out there. Although there are some countries where online gambling is either outlawed or exits in a grey area, in most of the countries you can gamble online without having to worry about it. Most regulations are targeted towards the individuals and organizations who offer online gambling and not towards the user itself. Operators must own a proper gaming license and these, by definition, ensure the legality of the casino’s operation.
Online casinos are rigged and it is impossible to win
Another common myth among people is that online casinos are rigged and therefore it is impossible to win. While it is easy to blame a casino when you lose, most of them are fair, provided you play at a licensed establishment.
If casinos would cheat and manipulate the games, they would go bankrupt over time. Bad news spread fast and the casino would be out of business very quickly. Operators know that it is more profitable in the long run if they treat their customers fairly and earn a good reputation.
Moreover, most of the games make use of random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that what happens next statistically mirrors what would happen in real life. They make sure that every spin, card dealt or number drawn is fair and random. Therefore, software suppliers spend a lot of money in having their games audited for accuracy and reliability.
However, online casinos are businesses. Therefore, they want to make sure that they make a profit at any given time. This principle is also known as the house edge or house advantage. This is different for any game and can be easily calculated. All demo games provided at Gambling4you state the RTP which is basically the opposite of the house edge. Though the house edge it is made sure, that casinos get a guaranteed percentage of the stakes made. However, while this assures the casino makes a profit in the long run, this does not mean that you can not win. As we all know, anything can happen when gambling online.
So, in conclusion, make sure to play at trusted online casinos only. Read casino reviews before singing up and inform yourself on how to choose the right online casino.
Online casinos do not pay winners
Indeed, there are many shady operators on the internet, but even those places commonly use other ways of scamming you than denying you your legit winnings. Delaying tactics or continuously validating your identity some of those actions taken by dubious online casinos.
However, if the casino has a valid license the players can just submit a complaint to the licensing authority which will initiate an investigation to find out, if the player is right. If this happens, the casino will normally lose its license.
Reputable casinos won’t risk not paying you your winnings, as this could lead to bankruptcy. They wouldn’t want to risk losing their license and going viral with such bad press.
However, sometimes a payout may be denied because the player didn’t comply with the terms and conditions of the casino. This may include:
- Using another person’s credit card
- Having more than one account with the casino
- Violation bonus terms and conditions
- Being underage
- Violating Bonus Terms and Conditions
Bonuses have impossible conditions
This is one of the most common myths about online casinos. In fact, this is partly true. Some operators offer huge promotions with high wagering requirements attached. But this does not mean, that all bonuses are designed that way.
Unfortunately, many players do not read the bonus terms and conditions before taking advantage of a promotion. In order to be able to clear a bonus, it is crucial to get familiar with the respective terms and conditions and then decide if the bonus is really favorable. You need to know what you are allowed to do and in which time frame you need to do it in order to convert the bonus money into real money.
Online gambling is more addictive than land-based gambling
While it is true that it is much easier and convenient to play online, the statement that online gambling is more addictive than playing in a land-based casino is another myth. Both forms of gambling are equally addictive.
Online casinos can be accessed instantly. As long as you have an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or notebook you can start playing. Whereas it takes a while to drive to a land-based casino, provided you even have one near you.
However, online casinos track every move you make. From your deposit frequency, over the number of log ins, to how much time you spend gambling. This makes it easier for them to be proactive when it comes to taking action against problem gambling. Reputable casinos also provide several self-limits, like deposit limits or time limits as well as the option of self-exclusion in order to fight a forming gambling addiction.
Online gambling makes underage gambling easier
While it is true that it is possible, it is definitely not easy. Online casinos have to follow very strict rules and carry out an in-depth verification of a players age. Not only is it necessary to use a credit card, bank account, or e-wallet which belongs to the account owner, but also many documents, like a legal ID or utility bills, are required to verify a new player. This is sometimes quite frustration given the number of documents asked, but it is required in order to protect both, the user and the operator from fraudulent behavior.
Obviously, a casino cannot stop a parent from letting their child gamble online by using their online account, but we hope that this is not common.
All in all, it is easier for minors to fake an ID and play in a land-based casino if you look old enough than open up an account at a reputable online casino and gamble there.
As you can see, there are a lot of myths about the online gambling industry. But that’s just it. They are just myths. While it is true that some concerns may have been justified in the early day of online gambling, nowadays most of them are not. Due to strict regulations, auditing and independent licensing authorities, online casinos have become true business who treat their players fair.
