usUsne
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23 August 2010 - 5:25pm

Does Popularity Count in Online Casinos?

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Hiya Members,

I found this article and wanted to share it with you:

Apparently, the vast majority of active gamblers on the Web these days think there is a great deal in a name. According to eCOGRA's survey, 64% of gamblers say they only played at well-known, well-branded online casinos and poker rooms where large flocks of other gamblers also played. 40% of players said they consciously make a choice to not play at lesser known sites due to the fear of being cheated. While this should be considered a legitimate fear, it is unfortunate that a large number of these lesser known sites have to undeservedly suffer, or rather, lose out on business to more popular sites - even if the service being provided by the lesser known site is better!

It most certainly still is true that the majority of people feel safety in numbers. And why not? If other people are doing it and are pleased with the service, then something must be going right. If you fall into this group - this 64% who say they play at sites because of the name - we simply ask that you try and stay open to other possibilities.

Considering that your safety and protection are topmost priorities, what you should be looking for in other online casinos with less well-known names are their credentials. Just because a smaller site is not as popularly branded as another, does not mean they can't have the same credentials, such as a seal of approval, from of course, eCOGRA, but even other reputable organizations like the Online Players Association, Offshore Gaming Association and gaming commissions like those in the UK, Gibraltar and Antigua & Barbuda.

Would you play at a smaller casino that has not built up in popularity?

Usne

auCL-Ed
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24 August 2010 - 7:45am
#1

I have to side with popularity. Popularity may not even be the right word that I am thinking of - maybe more accurate would be financial stability.

Can the casino pay you quickly and properly if you have a big win? Are there any third party protections in place to take care of you if the casino tries to rip you off? Does the casino have to publish publicly available financial reports? Are their games and RNG regularly audited for fairness? Do they have a professionally trained support crew? If not, why not?

The answer to a lot of these questions is money - only those casinos with a solid financial backing and a large player base can afford to provide all of these things. The certifications you cite are not always cheap - UK and Gibraltar licensing can cost a significant amount of money.

On the one hand that may be unfair to smaller casinos - and there are some excellent ones out there, but on the other hand do you really want to be depositing your hard earned money with some unknown "business" of 3 people running an online casino from their bedroom? (I am not exaggerating here ... there are stories I have heard that would make you shudder).

An experienced player such as yourself knows the ins and outs and can try a bunch of lesser known casinos in search of a hidden gem. But then think of all the unsuspecting first time players who end up at a Cool Cat or a Cleopatra's Palace. They would have been far better sticking to the safe route of a popularly known and respected casino.

The democratisation the Internet brings is fantastic in almost all walks of life, but I would argue that the barrier to entry for providing an online casino these days is far too low. That is one reason why we need better regulation and oversight in places like the USA.

Always play it safe! Consult our list of rogue casinos and warnings before depositing at a new casino.
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rsCatFace
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24 August 2010 - 8:22am
#2

I also think that I would always rather opt for an online casino with better standing, than a new or a smaller one. I always figure, big casinos started off small, and fought their way to the top by providing a high-quality service. This does not mean I would never play at a small casino - but I always try to check its standing and other people's experiences with it. Because, in my opinion, if a little casino is good enough, it will eventually become popular. The gambling community is tightly connected thanks to forums like CL, and word spreads fast, whether it's good or bad.

ushighroller
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24 August 2010 - 5:06pm
#3

I would play at a smaller/newer brand if I saw it being promoted on a casino portal site that I trust...especially if I like the software

auCL-Ed
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24 August 2010 - 11:20pm
#4

That's the key thing highroller - working out who you can trust! In terms of both the casinos themselves and 3rd party sites which are recommending them. And CatFace is right - you can't beat word of mouth when it comes to any kind of business.

Trust is one of major the reasons we are not quick to jump in and start recommending any old casino as soon as it launches. We would prefer to wait a while and see how they go with those brave enough to plunge in and deposit their money first. We have come across too many small-time online casinos recently which launch with fanfare and are in financial trouble within 6 months and gone within 12, leaving players in the lurch.

Always play it safe! Consult our list of rogue casinos and warnings before depositing at a new casino.
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usUsne
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26 August 2010 - 3:12am
#5

Trust..........it is a big word. So big that i think that most would choose that above all. That is why forums like these are so imperative. I think the little guy running a new casino would do well if he was honest and players were happy and it could be expressed on platforms.

The smaller casino has a tough time getting off the ground i am sure. It is not how you advertise or promote it is the reputation that you build that will make you a success. Then again i think that goes for just about anything in life.

Usne