New Online Casinos
Did you know that it wasn’t until 1997 for the first online casino to open its virtual doors? Since then we have seen thousands of brand new sites entering the fast-growing online gaming market. Too fast for some as plenty have disappeared again while some have weathered all storms and are still around today.
While a first rush happened around the turn of the century, a second wave started at the beginning of the second decade to a large extent thanks to mobile gaming. Smartphones turned into small computers while tablets became a mainstream must-have thing. Much of our daily life transformed thanks to these small tech gadgets and that applies also to online casinos.
The result is that we see new brands being launched virtually every week, be it an operator making its debut on the online gaming stage or an established group adding another site to its portfolio. The market is meanwhile pretty crowded, presenting newcomers with a rather tough challenge to create a unique gaming destination with a concept that will attract and retain players. Much of that is to the advantage of gamers as casinos will offer generous welcome packages and other goodies to get our business, speak deposits.
Why should you register at brand new casinos?
There can be quite a few reasons to open a brand new online casino account. You might not be happy anymore with your current hangout or are currently on the lookout to add some more spice to your gaming. Or maybe you are a novice player who is searching for a reliable, fair and exciting place to spin the reels for the first time online.
In all cases, it pays to have a look what’s on offer on the world wide web. The majority of online casinos offer generous welcome packages for new players which consist of deposit matches, bonus/cash spins or a combination of both, and that often for the first few deposits. It is an easy way to boost your starting balance and will give you more playtime on either your favourite games or on new ones you might want to try your luck on. Bear in mind, that all offers come with bonus terms and conditions that define how often you will need to wager the received bonus amount, what maximum bet sizes you use while your bonus is active and other things. Always make sure to read the full terms carefully to avoid any disappointment.
Every time a new online casino is opening its virtual doors, players are facing one core question. Should I register and deposit? Obviously, the question is raised for a manifold of personal reasons punters see as the deciding factors, simply because everyone has individual preferences and expectations about a new gaming hangout. Naturally, the first part of the question is easily answered if the new casino is offering no-deposit sign-up bonuses or free spins. This typically attracts registrations as people love freebies just like in any other part of our daily life. GMBLRS recommends to always sign up at such sites if they are legit with a proper licence. You can find a range of such offers in our casino directory by using the intuitive search tool.
Harder to answer is the second part. Obviously, before anyone decides to deposit real cash, they want to see good value for money, fair treatment, a flawlessly working website, gamification and generous rewards, a large game choice, fast payments, VIP program, professional support – the list is near endless as to what ultimately becomes the deciding factor. We looked at the most important reasons for not just making a first deposit at a new online casino to benefit from a welcome bonus but also to maybe become a regular player.
1. Gambling Licence
For players in regulated markets, the gaming licence is the core item, simply because it is the regulatory framework the casino is operating under. A reputable licence provides player protections and avenues to deal with complaints, non-payments and other issues that may arise over time. A UK player signing up at a casino without a licence from the UKGC is virtually on his/her own as unregulated gaming sites have no obligations whatsoever to adhere to a code of conduct. The case can also be made for other countries.
Primarily, GMBLRS is listing casinos with licences from reputable regulators including the UK Gambling Commission, MGA Malta, Swedish Spelinspektionen, Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Danish Gambling Authority and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. We also added a few select online casinos operating under the weaker Curacao licence, however, only after a months-long testing period or in cases where we personally know the owners and can vouch that they will treat players fairly.
2. Operator
The next criteria will make it much easier to answer the question as to whether to sign-up at a new online casino. We have gaming companies or platform providers who operate multiple or even dozens of brands. Just like for everyone else in this industry, reputation is the core asset. Hence, if an established operator is adding a new casino brand to its portfolio, players who are already registered at some or all its sister brands will have a clear indication as to what they can expect at the new kid on the block. Even for completely new potential clients, a quick Google search will bring up reviews reflecting the reputation of the operator.
Adding new online casino brands is a typical vertical expansion strategy for gaming operators as they use their experience to further increase their audience by offering slightly varying products but with a common base. Gaming groups expand horizontally too by acquiring competitors.
Betsson AB is a particularly good example of how horizontal and vertical expansion can work. They own a series of brands that reflects the vertical strategy – Betsson Casino & Sportsbook, Casino Euro, NordicBet and more. Recently, they acquired the B2C (business-to-customer) segment of Gaming Innovation Group PLC (GiG), expanding their portfolio horizontally with the likes of Rizk Casino & Sportsbook, Guts and Kaboo.
GMBLRS takes great care to research casino operators before adding their brands to the site, especially when it is a new gaming company entering the market. We require transparency as to who is ultimately the owner, a clear record of fair player treatment, fast resolutions of player complaints, reliable payments and more. Only those who pass our rigorous vetting process will be listed.
3. Game Choice
For veteran players, the game choice is one important criteria when choosing a new online casino. Most will have their favourites list of games or provider they like to play in every or most sessions. Not finding those in the lobby of a new gaming site is often the main reason that they will not sign up.
For unexperienced newcomers, the game choice is less important since they do not have the knowledge of who is who in iGaming. They might have read online articles about a game or seen an advert with Starburst and will then look for that particular slot.
GMBLRS recommends choosing online casinos with a wide variety of games from a good range of suppliers. It will allow players to mix up their sessions with different game specifics such as volatility, number of lines, grid or reel format and more. Our reviews contain a list of all providers (except some small studios) you can find at a particular casino, giving you a full overview of what games are on offer.
4. Welcome Bonus and Other Promotions
Regular surveys and industry polls show that the welcome package at new online casinos is one of the major decision factors for players. Generally, they want to see a generous match bonus for at least the first deposit, possibly for multiple deposits and preferably a good number of free/bonus spins as icing on the cake. While that is sufficient for many, it is also important to look at the bonus quality not just the quantity. With that we refer to the bonus terms for wagering, allowed games, maximum allowed bets, maximum cashout limits and other restrictions.
GMBLRS is doing that work for you, listing all factors in the bonus offers for new online casinos. It will allow our members and readers to make a qualified decision as to what they can expect when they sign up at a new gaming site.
5. Loyalty and VIP Program
A loyalty program in any form goes hand in hand with promotional offers at an online casino. All operators have an average revenue from which they can use a portion for so-called player retention tools. While promotions are one part, loyalty programs have increased in importance over the last years.
They come in different shapes and sizes from straight earning points for every bet that can be exchanged for bonus/cash chips to complex gamification programs that resemble a casino adventure through a variety of levels and tiers. In essence, they all do the same, giving players something back for their loyalty. It is up to the player to decide what the preferred choice is.
For big depositors, the VIP program is a core element when signing up at a new online casino. VIP players are usually treated with special promotions, bigger bonuses, cashback, personal account manager, invitations to events and more. GMBLRS reserves one paragraph in every review that describes loyalty and VIP programs, allowing our readers and members to make a qualified decision.
6. Banking and Payments
Paramount to an enjoyable experience at a new online casino is the financial part. Do they list my preferred payment method? Are there any fees for deposits and/or withdrawals? How fast will I receive my winnings? Is the operator a reliable payer? These and others are all important questions to new and veteran players as a major factor in the decision-making process to sign up at a new online casino.
Payments are a core item in the GMBLRS vetting process and thus, each review has a dedicated paragraph with information about banking methods and withdrawals. We personally test at least one brand from each casino group for range of payment methods, speed of cashouts and reliability. Only those paying in a timely and orderly fashion will be listed. In dispute cases, we can assist players who have registered at a new online casino via our links.
7. Customer Support
Last but not least, is the department of a new online casino that we generally hope to never need but happy that they are there in case of an issue. Customer support has greatly evolved in the last two decades from simple email contact to a variety of channels that include live chat, social media and onsite messaging. Preferably, we expect to find knowledgeable and professional individuals on the other side that can help us in a timely fashion and that around the clock including weekend and public holidays.
8. Closing Thoughts
All of us at GMBLRS are players and thus rating a casino is very much a personal matter as it affects us in the same way as any member or reader of our site. Even more important is an unbiased review of a new online casino as it will lay bare what players can expect to find at a gaming site. Still, each player has his/her own individual preferences, which is why our reviews are as broad as possible and contain all items that we consider significant in making an informed choice.
The lists below contain new online casinos that recently opened their doors to the gambling public. We put them through the paces and completed a stringent vetting process to make sure they are worthy of your and our attention or in this case deposits. All have proper licenses from reputable regulators such as the MGA Malta or the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, a good game choice and a generous welcome package. Naturally, we are keeping a firm eye on how they fare in an increasingly competitive market that has seen toughening regulations, higher taxation and other things thrown at them, which in turn will ensure that only the best will survive. Any changes will be immediately noted in their review, good or bad.
The United Kingdom has turned into a tough market for online casino operators. Various factors such as tightening regulations from the UK Gambling Commission, increased demands to perform stringent checks for the source of funds and anti-money-laundering, higher taxation and more have seen numerous online casinos surrendering their license and leaving the country.
However, the UK being one of the major markets for betting and gambling ensures that there are still plenty of newcomers and hopefuls that are taking the plunge this year to serve British players. Below is a list of the latest online casinos welcoming players from the United Kingdom.
Established in 2001, the MGA (Malta Gambling Authority) is one of the world’s most organised and respected gambling authorities. Present in major markets such as Canada, Italy and New Zealand plus mainland Europe and many other minor jurisdictions, the MGA carry this as their mission statement:
“To regulate competently the various sectors of the gaming industry that fall under the Authority by ensuring gaming is fair and transparent to the players, preventing crime, corruption and money laundering and by protecting minor and vulnerable players.”
Playing at an MGA licenced casino affords some protection for players and all casinos offer responsible gambling tools to help prevent gambling harm and addiction. Expect to be asked for verification and answer requests for personal information under KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) guidelines. When choosing your new casino, be mindful of a proposed reduction of casino RTP operating threshold in 2021 from 92% down to 85%. You can find useful information on RTP and more from our new MGA casino reviews.
Historically, Curacao eGaming casino sites suffered from a bad reputation due to rogue casinos attracted by the less stringent licences issued by the Government of Curacao. In 1996, the Curacao Gaming Control Board emerged as the regulator for the gaming industry and, more recently, has echoed the UKGC and MGA demand for compliance with legislation and regulation regarding AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CFT (Combating the Financing of Terrorism).
Expect to complete some form of KYC verification with the modern Curacao licenced casinos. Lower taxes and more flexible operating procedures mean casinos, in turn, can offer more variety. You will find more payment options and tournaments along with a hotbed of cryptocurrency casinos. Be aware casinos are not required to show an online slots RTP; therefore, single version providers are the best option. Useful responsible gambling tools such as spend or time limits are also not a licencing requirement. We make sense of some of the broadest catalogues and payment methods found at Curacao licenced casinos below.
In 2019, Sweden introduced a completely new licencing authority for online gambling; Spelinspektionen (Swedish Gaming Inspectorate) granted more than 270 licences by the end of its first year and are vigilant in their pursuit of companies who do not live up to requirements and have issued heavy penalties for regulation violation.
Casinos operating under licence from Spelinspektionen will be working to the most stringent procedures and legislative requirements that protect players on one side of the coin, but on the flip side, has virtually eradicated bonus offers and limited gamification. GMBLRS list the rarest of welcome offers from Swedish Casinos below.
Spillemyndigheden is the Danish Gambling Authority that ensures a well-regulated market in Denmark. Formed in 2000 under the Danish Ministry of Taxation, they protect players with a heavy focus on responsible gambling and devout pursuit of regulation violations.
Of the 771 licences issued by Spillemyndigheden in 2020, 35 were for online casinos. During the same period, 64% of online gambling was carried out on mobile devices. GMBLRS examine features such as apps or mobile optimisation in our reviews of new casinos for Danish players.
Online Casino sites with a Gibraltar license from the Gambling Commissioner, who is the appointed licencing authority. Traditionally, the Gambling Commissioner and team of regulators have considered only the biggest names in online gambling, such as William Hill and Ladbrokes and casinos proven in other jurisdictions.
However, now in 2021, although still strict, the Gibraltar licencing conditions are more accepting. Before choosing your new online casino licenced by the Gambling Commissioner, check for the perfect fit from the GMBLRS list of Gibraltar licenced online casinos.
Do you want to be one of the first to sign up at a new online casino? Then keep an eye on the list below as we are updating it regularly with new gaming sites that are getting ready to launch. We have done our pre-checks, ensuring they have proper licenses, a generous welcome package while also highlighting any new concepts for loyalty programs or gamification they integrated into their operations.
Stay tuned and also follow us on Twitter for more news!