Real money gambling games are gambling online games where users place real bets and stand the possibility of winning money prizes. We take you behind the scenes in this guide to explore what these games really are, highlight the best games, show you how to identify secure websites, and discuss key information on taxation and responsible gambling.
Is Online Gambling Legal?
Most of the EU countries have a licensing scheme, but others have gambling monopolies. However, a monopoly does not always mean foreign gambling websites are off-limits for consumers. EU legislation gives consumers free choice in what services they will utilize within the member states.
The majority of game providers work globally, distributing their games across different jurisdictions. For instance, a distributor such as NetEnt offers its games across jurisdictions such as Belgium, the United Kingdom, Malta, and most states in the US. This bears testimony to the legality of online gambling—most notably, where you play.
The best consumer protection standards are held by European-licensed casinos, so these are the first preference for most.
Play Safely on Licensed Online Casinos
Secure online gambling starts with playing on properly licensed sites. Properly licensed casinos utilize RNG (Random Number Generator) programs to provide fairness and thrill. Such websites provide clear terms, terms for bonuses, RTP (Return to Player) rates, and play rules.
To protect your data and transactions, the casinos use advanced TLS encryption protocols. Your sensitive information such as payments is even protected from internal staff. Firewalls, privacy policies, and cookie policies all outline exactly how your data is handled.
Customer support personnel are also on hand to answer any security-specific questions and assist players when needed.
Online Gambling and Taxes
Although players may play on any gambling site, the best tax-efficient ones are licensed in the EEA (European Economic Area). Most winnings from EEA-licensed sites are tax-free in most cases.
EEA-licensed casinos do not have such protections. The winnings on these sites usually must be reported for tax purposes.
It's a common misconception that any local language website is tax-free. The business must be rightly situated in an EEA country to be treated as tax-free.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible play matters. It includes gambling only what you can afford to lose and setting personal time and money limits.
Most reputable casinos provide you with tools to enable you to restrict your deposits, losses, and time spent gambling while you are registering. As a matter of course, using these tools will help you monitor and control your gambling activity.
Self-assessment tests and reality checks are also useful if you suspect gambling is getting beyond control.
Can You Really Win?
The short answer: Yes.
The longer answer: It depends.
While short-term wins are definitely achievable, gambling games are statistically designed to favor the house. Every game has a house edge, assuring the casino long-term gain.
Take a slot machine that offers an RTP of 95%. That implies the house retains a 5% edge. Experienced games such as blackjack will usually have a smaller edge than slots.
But randomness of outcome assures somebody wins and somebody loses—each and every day.
Free Gambling Games
Free gambling games are generally slot games that may be played using demo credits or free spins--no deposit. Many table games like video poker, auto roulette, and computer blackjack also offer free versions.
Although live dealer games are rarely free, most slot and video table games offer demo modes that simulate real play using virtual money.
Free games are perfect for trying out features and seeing how games work before committing real cash.
A Brief History of Gambling
Gambling is older than its youngest player can imagine, dating back thousands of years with the earliest evidence in ancient Egypt and China. Dice games, cards, and wagering were popular during the Roman Empire as well. Gambling changed over hundreds of years in Europe, and during the Renaissance, poker and blackjack became the most popular games.
Gambling got across the other side of the Atlantic and contributed to the growth of cities such as Las Vegas. In the 1900s, mechanical slot machines followed, and then came electronic ones and internet betting.
New gambling games are now available on desktops, tablet computers, and mobile phones. More competition in the market means that there is more variety and better deals for players.
Conclusion: Real Money Gambling Online
Everyone desires to discover secure and reliable games on the web. Luckily, it's simple: if a casino holds a legitimate license from a recognized gaming authority, its games are trustworthy.
Even game developers and not just casinos are licensed and regulated. Every jurisdiction has its own standards to make sure that its gaming is fair and responsible. For instance, the UK doesn't allow overly childish graphics in order to prevent children.
Luck alone is not the determinant of winning games. Volatility, RTP, and mechanics all play a role. With your new knowledge, choose a trusted site from this page and wager online responsibly and safely.