How to Play Online Slot Machines

Playing slot machines online is almost as much fun as being at a regular casino. What you may miss in atmosphere is more than made up for by the many advantages of playing online. You don't have to drive anywhere. You don't have to spend money on a hotel room. You can even play in your pajamas if you want. Smart gamblers, however, do their research before entrusting their money to an online casino.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Read the rules--all of them. While most online casinos are reputable, there are those that hide nasty surprises in the fine print. House rules vary from one casino to the next anyway, so you should never assume you know how to play at a new venue.
2. Understand the bonus system. Many online casinos offer bonuses to attract new players. While the banner may scream "$500 free!," the reality is that you are accepting a contract when you accept a bonus, and could be required to deposit and wager many times the amount of that bonus.
3. Read casino reviews and ratings at Best Online Casinos (see Resources below). These reviews will tell you about the experiences others have had playing at these casinos so you can avoid the problematic ones.
4. Look for the eCogra seal, which shows that the casino has been accredited by eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. Never play at a casino that does not have accreditation.
5. Familiarize yourself with each game by playing for free before setting up an account. There are thousands of different games offered online, and most casinos allow you to play practice games before you actually place a wager.

Tips & Warnings

• Because of new laws, many online casinos no longer accept American customers. Check the casino listing to see whether United States citizens are allowed to play.
• When playing free practice games, the slot machines are set very, very loosely to entice you into the casino itself. Enjoy winning thousands of play dollars, but don't think you're going to win that much money when you play for real.
• It's easier to spend more money gambling online than you intended to, since you aren't actually handling cash. Set limits and stick to them. If you find you are gambling more than you should, visit the Gamblers Anonymous website (see Resources below).