The very first appearance of online casinos within the mid 90’s sparked the beginning of a new era, utilizing the web in a way unimagined of before. good online gambling agency Gambling had begun and was set to become among the webs most popular pastimes!

Some of the first few online casinos that appeared, have, rather remarkably, survived the test of time and have become leaders within their field. Others however, were one hit wonders and due to poor marketing coupled with abysmal customer support they failed miserably and disappeared shortly after opening.

As always, some were run by genuine businesses wanting to build a reputation for fairness and integrity and stand the test of time within an up and coming, profitable, market. These were the unfortunates that tried hard but failed.

With all new markets on the other hand, the conmen will appear, ripping off customers and grabbing as much of other peoples cash because they can without any morals, scruples or sympathy.

Unfortunately the on-line gaming market has picked up more than its own way of these conmen since its inception which led, in lots of peoples minds to the entire industry being tarred with the same brush.

The Press also has a part to play their dogged determination to knock online gambling as often as is possible, citing cases of addiction. As always, where fortunes may be won there will always be an element of addiction. On the flip side, these cases are fairly rare as well as the vast majority of individuals can gamble small amounts responsibly. Look-at how many have a weekly flutter on the lotto without any problems whatsoever.

It’s worth noting at this point that the area generally, over the past number of years, has somewhat gained a reputation for fairness and security. The conmen are now few and far between, although admittedly, some still exist. The leading sites in addition have measures in place to ensure that problem gamblers get help with their addiction and also are often barred from playing.

These days on the other hand, online casinos, poker rooms as well as other gaming sites have become fashionable and with the massively growing popularity, the numbers of folks playing online has grown exponentially. In some countries or areas though gambling is still illegal, so check precisely what the rules are for your area before playing.

So what is the simplest way of choosing a safe online environment by which to play casino or poker games? Let’s look at several of the ways by which you can protect yourself when gambling online.

Stick with a Well-known Company

Large international gaming companies are now available online as well as have a reputation to preserve. They cannot afford any bad press as it shall affect the whole of their operations, both on and offline.

Word of Mouth

What better way to get first hand information on how a site is operated than asking others how they have been treated there and whether they find it an enjoyable site or not.

Consult a Gambling Portal

There are a great many gambling portals available online giving advice on all facets of online gambling, including, but certainly not restricted to casinos, poker, bingo and skill games.

Read the reviews of the gaming sites they feature or read their forums for the “word of mouth” recommendations. The very best gambling portals only promote reliable, tried and tested sites.

As a result of the close working relationship held between the site owners and contributors, they can be a knowledgeable bunch who can advise with some authority or where to play safely.

Portals are also a great way by which to learn more about just how to play. Many portal site pages are adorned with rules, strategy guides and often free to play games to try out your talent before committing to regular play.

Secure Payments

All the worthwhile sites accept a number of different payment options with secure facilities to be sure your details are protected. Only play at the sites where your details are safe and sound.

Set a Limit

Prior to deciding to start, set a limit on just how much you would be prepared to loose and don’t cross that line.

Using the aforementioned information you should be well on your way to having an enjoyable time when playing online in a dependable and respectable site.