Online gambling is become more and more popular by the minute and practically everybody wants to join the fun. But inexperienced players may feel a bit bewildered or intimidated by the usual razzle-dazzle found online. So where should a novice online gambler start?

As a rule of thumb, the first thing to do in a casino is try out the free games. The games are the casino's raison d'etre; impeccable customer support, never-ending bonuses, the most undiscriminating assortment of banking methods, all these fantastic features lose their charm without hard-core inviting and exciting game action. Variety, speed, and aesthetics are key elements along with personal criteria such as multihand play option for avid blackjack players, bonus features for slot fans etc. So before you start waddling the grey details of banking and help, take a leap to the practice games to see if you and the casino actually click.

Nowadays leading casinos provide both downloadable and no-download casino software. If you only want to check out the casino and the free games, you can settle for the instant play version and play through your browser instead of downloading the casino to your PC. If it strikes your fancy you can then download the casino, complete with desktop and start menu shortcuts. Such casinos, as in Golden Tiger Casino and Money-Casino.com, enable players to open an account through the instant play version and still retain it when switching to the downloadable software.

Playing through an instant play version or the free casino games also allows you to test the casino' s server connection, meaning how fast the software loads and how soon you can start playing from the moment of launching it. While playing the free games be aware of any disconnections or failures. Although even the best casinos may experience an unexpected glitch once in a while, it is not acceptable for casino software to crash every single time you play.

Prior to becoming a real money player it is highly recommended to try out the casino's customer support. Simply come up with a question and call, email, or chat with a customer support representative to get an idea of the service you will receive at time of need. Make note of the service's accessibility, responsiveness, courtesy, and of course efficiency. More often than not, player support reveals the true face of a gaming operation and reflects its trustworthiness.

Banking methods are also worth looking into, particularly for US citizens. The more payment methods available the better. Although credit card companies are still going strong in the real world, the internet is increasingly pushed aside in favor of faster, more secure, online payment methods. It is advisable for all online shoppers in general to use alternative payment methods when making a purchase online such as Neteller or Moneybookers. These services provide safe and immediate payments without directly tracing back to your credit card or bank account. Also, processing commissions are usually lower.

Last but certainly not least are promotions. In addition to the welcome bonus you will get for making your first deposit, the casino should also offer comps (short for complimentary). Meaning that you get points for playing that you can redeem for other bonuses or prizes. The casino should also have an elaborate bonus code system such as Cool Cat Casino or VIP scheme to reward loyal players and highrollers like Money-Casino.com. The bottom line is that when playing at the right place loyalty pays.

After testing the games, customer support, banking methods, and promotions you have a pretty good picture of the casino and you are ready to become a real money player and experience the thrill of internet casino gambling.