The number of online gaming sites has more than quadrupled within the last decade. This tidal wave of new competition flooding the net may be extremely beneficial to the millions of consumers which select to partake in online gambling, but one should always do his/her homework first.

Many of your modern-day site operators are college graduates with degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing, or Computer Science, and they operate from ultra-modern facilities that are located in foreign countries. Many of them may employee as many as 400 highly qualified personnel that utilize state of the art training, technology, and software. By applying the same sound business tactics that would be employed in opening a new restaurant, for example, these gaming gurus not just know-how to attract new business but they are usually experts in customer retention.

Today’s levels of competition are fierce and the marketing tactics used are very well thought out and organized. Online sites will usually entice newcomers with a bonus on their own initial and subsequent deposits. This encourages the consumer to not simply join, but in addition to remain a loyal customer with them. A normal bonus for some respected sports books is in the 20% to 25% range. It’s normally given within the type of “free play” or “match play” credits that will be used strictly to wager with, but can never be withdrawn as cash.

However, what ever is won with these token credits is deposited in to the player’s account as cash. When selecting an online or offshore site, you should never make an increased bonus percentage your main priority. When a sports book or casino is ready to give a ridiculously high bonus, it should put up red flags to you that something is not right.

Look into the fine print and make certain that you are not agreeing to unreasonable restrictions, such as a 10-time rollover or Info possibly 60-day hold of your deposit and all winnings just before a withdrawal. In today’s tough economy, a relatively new site that’s offering a colossal bonus, might only be trying to overcome the very fact that they are short on operating capital and need your deposits to even survive.

Before selecting an online or offshore site, do-your-homework. Listed in order of priority, here are the best criteria to follow when selecting your gaming site, albeit an online casino, sports book, or both:

Longevity – Experience and financial responsibility are normally connected with longevity. If a global gaming site has been in existence for at least five years, odds are well in your favor that they can be credible. This should be your very first and utmost concern.

Deposit/Withdrawal Methods – Choose a site that offers several favorable options for money transfers, both going in and coming back to you. Hassle-free cash transactions will avoid many inconveniences and frustrations down the road.

Customer support – Nothing can be anymore irritating than handling a Customer service representative that does not understand your requirements, questions or problems. More times than not, you will be handling a foreign country whose first given language might not be the same as your language. Conversely, that individual you are coping with on the other end of the telephone has to be bilingual, knowledgeable, professional, and courteous constantly.

General Rules – Wagering menus vary from site to site. Check the “RULES” section, either online, or with a Customer support representative by phone or Live Chat, and make sure that the site offers all or most of your requirements.

Technology – Although last on the list, this is crucial. Many sites provide a “guest” section that can allow you to navigate through the betting software before making a deposit and playing for real. On the flip side, if you have followed steps 1-4 above and also are comfortable so far, odds are that the technology will follow suit in a positive way.