Ultimate Online Casino FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Welcome to the ultimate FAQ round up of the most popular online casino questions. If you’re new to the world of gambling, or simply want to pinpoint a specific answer, this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights from industry experts. We’ll navigate through payment methods, game rules, security measures, responsible gambling, and of course, everything you need to know about casino bonuses!  

Table Of Content

Online Casino Bonuses

Online casino bonuses are promotional offers used to attract new players to register an account or incentivise existing ones to stay put. These bonuses come in various forms and are designed to enhance the overall gaming experience.

NoDepositKings is your one stop shop for a massive selection of online casino bonuses. Each one has been carefully curated for its value and potential to win real cash, whilst we also review the casino itself to ensure they provide a legitimate gaming platform.

There are various types of online casino bonus available to suit different players. You can split them into free-to-claim no deposit bonuses and also match deposit bonuses which are credited upon a qualifying deposit.

No deposit bonuses are usually used as a welcome incentive to encourage new sign-ups. They offer a great way to test out the casino without risking any of your own cash and hopefully take home some real winnings too.

Match bonuses are available for both new and existing players, providing enhanced bonus value after being claimed. In many cases, they provide dual rewards in the shape of bonus money and free spins combined.

Bonus credits top up your balance with a specified amount of bonus cash, although this can’t be withdrawn directly without meeting the associated wagering requirements. It provides the freedom to play various games within the bet limits stated in the T&Cs.

Free spins are another popular type of casino bonus. They credit a number of spins to play on a designated slot game at a fixed value. Wagering is still required, although this is linked to the winnings after all the spins have been played.

The best way to claim a casino bonus is to first assess your different options side-by-side. This is what we offer at NoDepositKings, allowing you to select your preferred bonus in relation to competing offers. 

Once you’ve made your decision, the sign-up flow at most online casinos follows a similar path. You proceed to the casino’s registration page, enter your personal details and verify your email address/phone number to get going.  

During this stage, you should also enter the displayed bonus code or ‘opt-in’ by ticking a checkbox. In some cases, your reward is credited automatically whilst others require a qualifying deposit. Customer support is on hand if you run into any difficulties.

This depends on the casino in question, but rest assured, if the code is needed then we’ll display it clearly next to the offer in question. You then simply copy and paste this where prompted during the registration flow.

To give you an idea of how bonus codes are displayed, here’s our current top 5 casinos where a code is required to claim the welcome offer.

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Wagering requirements are applied to bonus money as a way to separate it from real cash. Without it, you’d be able to withdraw the bonus immediately without playing in the casino first.  

Expressed as a multiplier, wagering requirements dictate the amount you must bet before converting the bonus into real cash. For example, with a €20 bonus and 35x requirement, you’d need to place bets worth €700 before you can request a withdrawal.

There’s more to wagering requirements than meets the eye, which is why we’ve put together an extensive manual detailing how they work. Discover all in our full bonus wagering requirements guide.

In relation to no deposit bonuses, it’s almost unheard of that a casino will negate wagering requirements completely. Because you’re essentially being treated to a free bonus, it’s only reasonable to have this restriction imposed.  

However, if you’re willing to make an initial deposit, some casinos are willing to remove wagering requirements completely. They often come in the form of free spins where you get to keep everything you win!

Check out our no wagering casinos where you’ll find 0x wagering on numerous sign-up bonuses.

Casino bonuses come with various terms and conditions that you must carefully stick to so you don’t invalidate winnings. We highly recommend reading any set of T&Cs carefully before opting into a bonus – especially one that requires a deposit.

Common terms you’re likely to encounter include:

  • Game Eligibility – When it comes to bonus wagering, playing on certain game categories may be excluded depending on the offer. Common examples include live casino games and jackpot slots.
  • Game Weighting – For the games you are eligible to play, some of them may be ‘weighted’ down which means they contribute differently towards the wagering requirements. Our game weighting guide explains more.
  • Bet Limits – With an active bonus, it’s likely the casino will restrict bets placed over a certain amount. Careful not to exceed this figure, usually something around €5 per spin/wager, or your bonus can be forfeited.
  • Expiry Dates – Casino bonuses won’t last forever. After claiming, there’ll be an additional validity period in which you must complete the wagering requirements or else it will be automatically cancelled.
  • Withdrawal Limits – In relation to no deposit bonuses specifically, a withdrawal cap will limit the amount you can cash out after completing the wagering requirements. This is usually removed when it comes to deposit bonuses, however.

Yes, it’s possible to win real money with a casino bonus despite the wagering requirements making it tricky. Of course, you’ll need a bit of good fortune along the way, but there’s also other little tips and tricks you can use to increase your chances.

We reveal more in our bonus wagering guide, which lists the best casino games to choose when it comes to converting your no deposit bonus into withdrawable cash.

Payment Methods

Online casinos typically accept the same payment methods as you’d find with regular online stores, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and prepaid cards. Specific options will differ depending on your location and the brand in question.

Cryptocurrency casinos have also emerged onto the market, allowing you to play directly with your preferred coin or convert it into fiat currency at the current exchange rate.

Fees can vary depending on the online casino and the chosen payment method. For example, Visa debit transactions are typically free of charge due to their trusted nature whilst an e-wallet may incur a small percentage fee of the transaction amount. 

Some casinos also impose a fee if you exceed a certain number of withdrawals per week or month, and substantial withdrawal amounts may see additional charges added too.

Withdrawal times can vary depending on factors such as the chosen payment method, processing time and verification requirements. It can range from being almost instant to taking several business days.  

Also note that more established brands tend to have a larger payment team that can deal with numerous withdrawal attempts at the same time. They’re also likely to handle requests 24-hours per day and across weekends.

In most cases, online casinos require withdrawals to be made with the same payment method as was used for the deposit. This is a regulatory requirement and part of the casino’s anti-money laundering obligations.

However, you may be permitted to withdraw using an alternative method depending on the circumstances. You should contact the casino’s customer support team to confirm this possibility.

This depends entirely on the casino itself, although you shouldn’t need to verify your account before reaching a certain withdrawal threshold. However, it is recommended to verify as soon as possible to avoid any complications with future withdrawals. 

The verification process, referred to as Know Your Customer (KYC), requires you to send in personal documentation to prove your identity. We explain more in our KYC guide.

The best online casinos strive to maintain transparency regarding your previous transactions. They should provide a ‘transaction history’ page within your My Account section that displays all payments and an overall profit/loss tracker.

Yes, many online casinos now accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin for deposits and withdrawals. They offer an additional secure and anonymous option for transactions, often with faster processing times compared to traditional payment methods.

To make and receive payments via cryptocurrency, you must first obtain a crypto wallet that supports the type of coin you own. You enter your desired amount, copy and paste the wallet address and then send the funds.

Online Security

Online casino security refers to measures put in place to protect your personal and financial information from cyber threats. While no system is completely immune to hacking, reputable online casinos invest in robust security measures to minimise these risks.

Because you must register an account with personal details and make payments with your own payment methods, the need for a secure gaming platform becomes an important consideration for players.

Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption, transport layer security (TLS) firewalls and regular security audits will all be in place at online casinos. They are established to encrypt the transfer of data so it’s safe from potential foul play.

In case you’re worried about the use of personal info, strict privacy policies will also be implemented by all reputable operators. You should be able to find them in the footer of the casino website, along with more information on player security.

The requirement for an online casino to obtain a licence depends on the jurisdiction. However, in the majority of countries, operators must obtain one to offer their services legally.

These licences are issued by government or regulatory bodies that oversee gambling activities, with the most prominent including:

  • United Kingdom Gambling Commission
  • Malta Gaming Authority
  • Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
  • Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
  • Curaçao e-Gaming Licensing Authority

The first port of call is to check the website footer for mention of licence details. If you can’t see anything displayed, we’d recommend moving onto the next casino as a precautionary measure.

Please note that at NoDepositKings, we only list online casinos who’ve obtained an appropriate gaming licence. Therefore, you are assured of a safe gaming platform when choosing any of the brands listed on our site.

By acquiring a gaming licence, this shows the casino is committed to various aspects of fair play. For example, licences are only issued to operators who use certified random number generators (RNGs) for their games. These RNGs ensure that outcomes are fair, unbiased and unpredictable.

Likewise, licensed casinos must also keep player funds in segregated accounts separate from operational funds and implement responsible gambling measures to promote responsible gaming practices.

In the event of a player dispute, the regulatory body is also open as a communication channel for you to air your grievance. For example, if the casino is withholding legitimate winnings, you can contact the authority directly in the hope of obtaining a resolution.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling refers to the practice of ensuring your time spent playing casino games is conducted in a controlled manner. Online operators must adhere to certain initiatives to make sure players aren’t spending more than they can afford.

Every casino should provide certain tools to help players take control over their gaming sessions whilst also advertising social programmes to help detect and prevent suspected problem gambling from taking hold.

Online casinos offer a variety of tools to help players stay in control of their time and money whilst logged in. Although some of them differ in practice depending on your jurisdiction, they all follow the same mechanism.

These are:

  • Deposit Limits: One of the most popular gaming limits, this caps the amount you can deposit over a certain period – typically a day, week or month. It is impossible to exceed this figure until the limit resets.
  • Wager Limits: This prevents you from wagering more than a specified amount over a set period. Once you have reached this limit, you will not be able to continue betting on any game until the period resets.
  • Loss Limits: Loss limits only take into account how much you have lost during a specified period. You can deposit as much as you like, but a bad run of luck will put a stop to any more betting until the limit resets.

In addition, there’s also numerous ways to curtail your gaming sessions and/or block yourself completely from logging in.

  • Reality Check: An on-screen notification that informs how long you’ve been playing and your current profit/loss figure. This acts as a great visualisation tool to prevent excessive play.
  • Time-Out Sessions: You can set up time-out sessions which will automatically log you out once the limit has been reached, set on a daily basis. This is an effective and definitive way to control your gambling sessions.
  • Take a Break: Casinos will provide a cool-off period where you can simply take a break from your account. This is a temporary measure, sometimes set up for a week or two, where you’re not able to log in at all during this period.
  • Self-Exclusion: Self-exclusion is a way to stop yourself from logging in for an extended period of time, or block your account completely. You won’t be able to alter this decision, especially if you’re under suspicion of gambling issues.

Some online casinos may be able track and monitor player behaviour, allowing them to identify patterns and intervene if signs of problem gambling are detected. However, it’s still a pattern that needs to be addressed on a personal level first and foremost.

If you’re worried about the possibility of addiction taking hold, we recommend reading our problem gambling guide which looks at various tell-tale signs and how to spot them early on.

Slots

Online casinos offer a massive variety of slots with hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of different types waiting to play in the games lobby.

The main categories include:

  • Classic Slots: Classic slots replicate the look and feel of a traditional Las Vegas fruit machine using a simple 3-reel, 1-payline mechanism.
  • Video Slots: Video slots are abundant in their theme and mechanics, incorporating exciting bonus features and 3D elements into their gameplay.
  • Megaways Slots: Megaways slots change up the mechanism of how slots work by altering the number of paylines upon each spin.
  • Slingo: Slingo is a fun combination of slots and bingo where the more numbers you match on your card, the more winning lines you’ll chalk off.
  • Jackpot Slots: Network progressive jackpots merge all losing bets into a mega jackpot prize pool that can reach into the millions.

Slot games use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and random outcomes. Players spin the reels and the RNG determines the position where the symbols land. Winning combinations are determined by specific paylines or patterns.

The games are tested vigorously by game suppliers and auditors to ensure they produce fair results on a consistent basis. However, you must be aware that slots have a return-to-player (RTP) rating of below 100%, signifying the house edge over long term play.

Paylines are the patterns that determine winning combinations in slot games. They can be straight, diagonal or even bunched together in ‘cluster-pays’ slots. The more paylines a slot game has, the higher the chances of creating winning combinations.

Typically, players will need to find at least three matching symbols across a payline to achieve a win. The more matching symbols found, the higher the payout.

Wild symbols substitute for other regular symbols to create winning combinations. In most cases however, they won’t perform this task for Scatter or other special symbols that can activate bonus features. 

Scatter symbols trigger the game’s main bonus feature usually when three or more are found anywhere on the reels. They’ll most commonly unlock free spins or other exciting gameplay elements, offering bigger payout rewards.

Slot games are based on chance with outcomes determined by RNGs, thus making it impossible to guarantee a win. However, in some games, playing at the maximum stake does slightly increase the chance of unlocking a bonus feature or landing the jackpot.

Another way to increase your chances is to learn about RTP (return-to-player) ratings and volatility. You can learn more in our full RTP and volatility guide.

Depending on your location, some online casinos allow you to play slots in demo mode without registering an account. With reloadable credits on hand, you can familiarise yourself with the slot’s gameplay without wagering real money.

In real money mode, claiming a batch of no deposit free spins allows you to play a slot for free and potentially take home cash winnings. NoDepositKings lists the best no deposit bonuses where you’ll find dozens and dozens of free spin offers ready to claim!

Blackjack

The online version of blackjack simulates the real table game experience. You select a seat, enter your stake and prepare for the cards to be dealt. In the live casino, other players may be sitting in neighbouring positions but you will be playing independently against the dealer. 

Also note that you aren’t able to play live blackjack in demo mode without registering an account first. To do so, we recommended checking out our range of blackjack no deposit bonuses before signing up.

The aim of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand in the race to 21 without going bust. You’ll be dealt two face-up cards which are combined to give a numerical value, whilst the dealer receives one face-up card and one hidden card.  

You’re then tasked with hitting (taking a card) or standing (keeping your current tally) at your own discretion. Once you stand, the dealer reveals their hidden card and must keep hitting until they reach a score of 17 or higher.

You can play blackjack in animated 2D format which uses a random number generator (RNG) to simulate the results found with a real deck of cards. Here, you can play lower stakes and at your own pace without the pressure of the live environment.

There’s a wide range of blackjack tables to be found in the live casino also. They cater to players of all betting levels, from casual players to VIPs, with minimum bet stakes varying between €5 up to €500+.

Modern variations of blackjack provide the chance to place additional side bets independently of the main game. They offer increased payouts depending on the type of bet placed and cards drawn. 

The most common is ‘perfect pairs’ which pays out if your cards are of identical colour, suit and/or value. Others include ‘21+3’ which utilises Texas hold‘em poker hands for its payout mechanism, and ‘dealer bust’ where you’re awarded if the dealer exceeds 21.

There’s a delicate balance to the game of blackjack: do you take another card to get closer to 21, or will you go bust for doing so? Strategy guides are easily accessible online to help make the optimal play, although it often just comes down to common sense and a bit of luck.

Online casinos generally use eight decks of cards for their games, meaning it’s practically impossible to predict which card will be next. However, the 10-value card is the most common in the game so keep this in mind when making your call.

Because it is on the player to act in a game of blackjack, there is a degree of skill required to make successful decisions. This itself is amplified with the additional betting options you have depending on the initial cards drawn.

For example, you can choose to ‘double down’ and be dealt just one more card to hopefully double your winnings. ‘Splitting’ divides your cards into two separate hands whilst ‘insurance’ is available upon the dealer having an Ace as their face-up card.

Card counting is a strategy that involves keeping track of the ratio of high to low cards in a deck of cards, thus being able to better predict the likelihood of the next draw. The practice is not illegal – especially in the online realm where the casino cannot track your behaviour.

However, with often eight decks being used in conjunction with regular shuffling at random intervals, it’s extremely difficult – if not impossible – to predict the next card with any consistent degree of accuracy.

Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular games available at online casinos. Players bet on the outcome of where a ball lands after it’s spun around a wheel divided equally into numbered segments.

These numbers are divided into various categories, such as black/red and high/low, which leads to increased ‘outside’ betting opportunities. You can also bet on single numbers and groups of numbers on the table itself.

When a new game begins, select where to place your chips on the betting table before the ball is spun. You can bet on various outcomes, each with a fixed probability and therefore a  fixed return.  

Roulette is a game of luck where the ball will land randomly in any of the segments upon each spin. There is no long-term strategy to guarantee a win, predominantly because the inclusion of the green ‘0’ segment signifies the house edge.

There are three main variations of roulette: European, American and French. Each has slight rule differences and varying odds, although the betting format remains the same for all.

European roulette is the most popular version for its basic layout and inclusion of only one zero. American roulette uses a double zero segment, increasing the house edge, whilst French roulette includes the La Partage rule which returns half your stake on losing outside bets.

Section bets allow you to place chips on specific groups of numbers on the roulette wheel as opposed to those found in chronological order on the table. They are referred to by their original French names which indicate their position on the wheel.

For example, Voisins du Zéro covers 17 numbers found next to each near the green zero, whilst Tiers du Cylindre’ comprises a third of the wheel on the opposite side. The remaining eight numbers are covered by the Orphelins section bet.

Betting strategies are sometimes used by roulette players, although they don’t guarantee consistent winnings on a long-term basis. Examples include the Martingale or Fibonacci systems where you adjust your stake on outside bets depending on the previous result.

However, you must remember roulette is a game of chance and no past result will affect the likelihood of a future one. If you would like to try your luck on one of the tables, check out our current no deposit roulette bonuses.

Baccarat

The objective of baccarat is to bet on the side which obtains a total closest to nine – either the Player or Banker’s hand. They each pay out at a ratio of 1:1, although the Banker’s hand incurs a 5% commission on winning bets. A tie outcome awards 8:1.

The game begins with one card first dealt to the Player, followed by one to the Banker. The house then deals another Player card and then the second Banker card. Now, we can start to tally up the total values of each hand.

Tens and face cards are worth zero, while other cards retain their face value. If the total exceeds nine, only the second digit is considered (e.g. a total of 14 becomes 4).

Baccarat is an automatic game meaning there’s no player involvement required after betting time has ended. The dealer simply begins drawing cards if required, starting with the player side. 

The total value of the first two cards determines if a third card is drawn to either hand. A (natural) total of 8 or 9 for the Player will get no additional cards, whilst they will Stand upon a total of 6 or 7.

If their total is worth 0-5, another card is drawn unless the Banker hand is equal to either 8 or 9. In this scenario, the Banker is instantly declared the winner.

Rules governing the third card for the Banker are determined by a set of predefined conditions.

We have listed each of these connotations here:

If the Player does not draw a third card:

  • The Banker stands if their initial hand total is 6 or more.
  • The Banker draws a third card if their initial hand total is 0 to 5

If the Player draws a third card:

  • If the Banker’s hand total is 2 or less, they always draw a third card.
  • If the Banker’s hand total is 3, they draw a third card unless the Player’s third card is an 8.
  • If the Banker’s hand total is 4, they draw a third card if the Player’s third card is 2 to 7.
  • If the Banker’s hand total is 5, they draw a third card if the Player’s third card is 4 to 7.
  • If the Banker’s hand total is 6, they draw a third card if the Player’s third card is 6 or 7.
  • If the Banker’s hand total is 7, they stand and do not draw a third card.

The Banker is known to have a slightly higher probability of winning compared to the Player. A 5% commission is thus imposed on Banker bets to help balance out the odds and ensure the house remains profitable over the long-run. 

It’s important to note that the commission is only charged on winning Banker bets. If you lose, no extra charge is collected. This commission is a standard practice in Baccarat and is a part of the game’s traditional rules and payout structure.

Yes, online casinos offer various versions of baccarat, including Punto Banco (the most common), Mini Baccarat (with lower stakes and simplified rules), Chemin de Fer (a more interactive version) and Baccarat Banque (with a rotating banker role). 

Each version has slight rule variations and may offer unique features, providing options to suit different preferences. No Commission baccarat is also available in some online casinos, although any winning Banker hands with a total of ‘6’ are only paid at 50%.

Yes, many online casinos offer live baccarat games with real dealers. These games are streamed in real-time, providing an immersive experience that resembles the atmosphere of a land-based casino while playing from the comfort of home.

Baccarat is a game of chance and outcomes are largely determined by luck. While there is no guaranteed strategy to win, some players follow betting systems like the Martingale or Fibonacci. These systems involve adjusting bet sizes based on previous outcomes. 

However, it’s important to remember that no strategy can overcome the inherent house edge in baccarat, and responsible gambling practices should always be followed.

Poker

Online casinos offer various types of poker games with the most popular being Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud. Each game has its own rules, betting structures and gameplay dynamics.

You can also play video poker, a game based on the five-card draw variation, that works in a similar fashion to a casino slot. However, unlike slots, there is a skill element required based upon your knowledge of various poker hands.

Poker at online casinos follows the same basic rules as the traditional game where you aim to form the best hand using your own cards in conjunction with the community cards. The game involves rounds of betting with the strongest hand winning the pot.

You can claim a no deposit poker bonus to play a selection of video poker games via NoDepositKings. However, it’s admittedly very rare you’ll be able to join poker rooms against other players with a free bonus of this nature.

Basic poker gameplay includes understanding hand rankings, reading opponents, managing bankroll and knowing when to bet, raise or fold. It’s crucial to study and practise these strategies to improve your gameplay and decision-making skills.

Bluffing is another tactic synonymous with the game. Although its use may be dented somewhat in the online sphere, it’s still an important aspect of the game to both master yourself and spot when being used by rival players.

Yes, many online casinos offer poker tournaments where you can compete against other players for a share of the prize pool. Tournaments can range from freerolls to high-stakes events with significant buy-ins.

There’s also various betting structures you can choose between, with the most common being ‘no-limit’ games. They provide more freedom to raise as much as you like upon each action.

Live Casino

A live casino allows you to experience interactive casino games streamed to your device in real time. They replicate the immersive atmosphere of a land-based casino where you can place bets on a range of games and engage with professional dealers. 

Live casinos utilise advanced streaming technology, high-definition cameras and instant communication systems to broadcast gameplay. This enables players to watch the action unfold and be paid out instantly upon winning bets.

Live casinos offer a variety of popular table games, with the most abundant being adaptations of blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Other types of game will also be present, including live poker variants (such as Casino Hold’em) and live gameshows.

If you’d like to try your hand in the live casino yourself, take a browse through our current live casino welcome bonuses for the latest deals.

Live gameshows are a modern alternative to classic table games with a host classified more as a live presenter as opposed to a live dealer. They offer a fun and innovative paying style, with exciting bonus rounds and massive multiplier wins on hand.

Many live gameshows use a giant prize wheel, such as Monopoly Live and Crazy Time, where you bet on which segment the wheel will land. Deal or No Deal Live takes elements from the TV show, whilst Mega Ball is a take on bingo offering an incredible 1,000,000x payout.

No, special software is usually not required to play live casino games. Players can access the lobby directly through their web or mobile browser, or by downloading the casino’s mobile app. A stable internet connection is necessary for smooth gameplay however.

Unfortunately, live casino games are not available in demo mode. You will need to create a new account and deposit personal funds to play.

Likewise, in relation to no deposit bonuses in particular, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use bonus funds on live casino games. This is in no small part due to their relatively high RTP rating and big multiplier payout potential.

Lightning roulette is a modern variation of the classic game but with enhanced payouts on single numbers stretching up to 500x. These extra multipliers are selected at random before each gameround.

However, to offset this increased payout potential, Lightning Roulette reduces the returns of a straight-up bet from 35:1 down to 29:1. This means, unless you hit one of the boosted numbers, you’re not getting better value playing the new version.

Published on: 2023/07/18

About the Author

Hi, I'm Courtney, the Webmaster at No Deposit Kings - We provide visitors with free and easy access to real money casino gaming thanks to no deposit casino bonuses offered by our hand-picked selection of online casinos.