What is an Online Casino?

An online casino is a virtual gambling platform that allows players to wager and win real money while using their computers, tablets or mobile phones. It also offers a variety of bonuses and promotions to lure in new customers and reward loyal ones. The games found in these websites and apps are similar to those played at traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, and they are regulated by gambling authorities to guarantee fair play.

Unlike physical casinos, where the speed of gameplay is dependent on employees like croupiers and dealers, players can control the pace of an online casino game. They can choose from hundreds of slot machines, dozens of table games and more in the comfort of their own homes or on the go. They can also choose from various payment methods and rewards programs to suit their needs and budget.

The safest online casinos are those that display seals of legitimacy from independent regulators, along with audited payout certifications. These are typically displayed on the ‘About Us’ page of an internet betting site. They should also have partnerships with reputable game providers who use random number generators to create fair games for all players.

Many top online casinos offer a generous welcome bonus for new customers, which usually involves matching a percentage of the player’s initial deposit with wagering credits up to a certain limit. In addition, regular players can take advantage of loyalty program incentives like reload bonuses, Game of the Week promotions and tournaments to accrue extra bonus credits. Moreover, some sites even offer cashback payments based on player losses.