This guide aims to familiarise beginner players with the very basics of online casino gaming. We will explain how to make your very first deposit at an online casino – one of the very first steps in an online gambling journey. The first deposit will set you up to start playing casino games for real money. We will explain what you need to do before you are ready to make a deposit, how to claim the welcome bonus, and, lastly, how to make subsequent deposits.
Contents
The First Steps
Before you make the first deposit, you need to choose a casino with an acceptable number of games, proven security, and an affordable minimum deposit. Always make sure to check the security of a casino. Look for mandatory elements like a gambling license, SSL certificate, and provable record of fairness. Also, find out what payment methods are supported. Give the Tangiers casino a try – a Curacao-licenced operator available in a number of countries and a low minimum deposit requirement of just $25.
Registration
The registration process is a mandatory part of any legal online casino. You cannot access the content and bonuses of an operator without having created an account. Once you pick a casino, you’ll need to click on the Sign Up/Register button to start the registration process. Here are the general steps you’ll encounter at most casinos:
- Start the registration process.
- Create a username and password.
- Enter your personal details – name, address, email, and telephone.
- Accept the terms and conditions and confirm.
- You’ll need to reply to the automatic email verification message to activate the account.
At most legit casinos, you’ll need to undergo identity and address verification process. This will enable you to use the full functionality of a platform. For this purpose, you’ll need to send a copy of an ID card, passport, driver’s licence, or utility bill.
Making the First Deposit
Once you log into your new account, you’ll be ready to perform your first top-up. Make sure you have activated the ‘opt-in’ option for the welcome bonus beforehand. While not all casinos offer this feature, some do, and you’ll need to tick it to enable the activation of the bonus upon making a qualifying first deposit.
Depositing at most online casinos works in the following way:
- Find the Cashier section – it is usually in the top-right corner.
- Pick a payment method from the list of supported methods.
- You’ll be redirected and asked to log into the account of your selected payment method.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
The time it takes for the money to become available varies for the different payment methods, but it won’t be more than a few hours in the majority of the cases.
Payment Method Considerations
Selecting the right payment method for online casinos is not just about convenience; it’s also about maximizing benefits and minimizing costs. Consider the processing times. Faster transactions can mean quicker access to your winnings. But beyond that, be wary of fees. Some payment methods might seem attractive but can be laden with hidden charges. For instance, while credit cards offer immediate transactions, they might come with international fees.
Moreover, not all payment methods cater to every currency. It’s essential to ensure that the option you select supports your preferred currency to avoid conversion fees. Here’s a pro tip: Some online casinos incentivize specific payment methods by offering bonuses or promotions. For instance, a casino might provide an extra 10% casino sign up bonus for deposits made using cryptocurrency. So, always be on the lookout for such special offers. By doing thorough research and comparing options, you can not only save money but also enhance your online gaming experience.
How to Claim the Welcome Bonus
The first deposit will make you eligible for the welcome bonus at an operator – if they have one (most do). You will either need to confirm that you want to activate the bonus at the end of the registration process, or go to the bonus page and activate it from there.
Bear in mind that welcome bonuses at different operators have different requirements. This includes the minimum deposit requirement. You’ll need to read the T&Cs of a bonus to find out what the minimum requirement is. It can range from $10 to $25, but at some casinos, it may be more than that amount. It is best to know this information before you venture to make your first deposit.
Making Deposits beyond the First Deposit
You just need to repeat the process described in the ‘First Deposit’ section. You can make future deposits from the Cashier section of a casino. It’s important to stick to one payment method, rather than switch them for each payment. This includes withdrawals, as most casinos will delay the withdrawal process if you use a different method to the one you’ve used for deposits.
Some casinos offer the feature to link your payment and casino accounts. This significantly simplifies the process, as you’ll only need to type in the amount you want to inject into your casino balance.
Another useful feature is the self-restriction tool. These tools are useful if you want to allocate a weekly budget for your casino gaming.
Conclusion
We hope new players will find this guide about first deposits useful. We laid the ground for making the first deposit by explaining how to check the security of an operator and how to register with them. With these steps out of the way, you’ll be ready to make your first-ever deposit. This will set you up to claim the welcome bonus and start playing slots, classic table games, and other gambling games. To claim the bonus, you’ll need to satisfy the minimum deposit requirements, which vary at different casinos. If you want to try out the steps above, you can take advantage of a solid $5 deposit casino. This type of casino is suitable for new players and those who want to play on a low budget.
