Many people can relate to the following: Before we buy just about anything nowadays, we read reviews. Be it a new phone, a restaurant, or even an online casino, we need to hear what other people have to say before we commit. Not all reviews are the same, though. Some are written by experts who comb through products with a fine-tooth comb, and others by everyday consumers simply sharing their personal experiences. So, which do you think do you believe? And in online casinos, how do you use trusted reviews for online casinos to weed out the helpful information from the chatter?
The influence of reviews on consumer behavior
Think about the last time you bought something online. Did you read the reviews first? If so, you’re not the only one. Studies show that most people use reviews to help them make decisions, and they tend to value them as much as a friend’s recommendation.
There are many things that impact consumer behavior. But the reason why reviews are dominating is simple: Reviews offer us information marketing copy can’t. A company will always indicate their product is wonderful, but real customers? They’ll relate to the good, the bad, and the ugly. Professional reviews go a little further, with critical analysis of features and functionality. Both kinds of reviews leave a huge effect on what we buy, and where we play, in the case of online gambling sites.
Expert versus customer reviews: What’s the difference?
Expert reviews are authored by experts who review, and test products or services based on specified criteria. They are generally more technical and longer, covering things like security, user experience, and reliability. Customer reviews are personal opinions from people who have actually used the product or service. They have real-world relevance, but they can also be subjective. Someone might post a bad review for no other reason than they’d had a terrible day, but another person might award five stars just because they’d won a huge jackpot on their first attempt.
When you are deciding, especially for an online casino, you want to view both types of reviews. Expert reviews give you a sense of the overall picture, while customer reviews give you a sense of what day-to-day experience is like.
Choosing an online casino: What to look for in reviews
With so many online casinos to choose from, it is hard to make the right decision. That is where reviews come in. But what should you actually be on the lookout for?
Licensing and security
One of the best warning signs online is a non-licensed casino. A genuine casino must be licensed by a reputable authority, like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. Expert reviews will usually cover this in depth, so be sure to check it out. Customer reviews will also give you some idea of whether or not users feel comfortable with the site.
Game selection
Do you gamble poker? Slots? Live dealer? A good online casino must have a big selection of games to keep things interesting. Experienced site reviews usually break down the game selection, so you can check if a site has your kind of games.
Bonuses and promotions
Almost every online casino will offer you some sort of welcome bonus or offer, but only a few turn out to be as good-looking as they actually are. Few of them meet quite high play-through requirements such that you might have to bet lots of cash before you receive your payout money. Expert comments generally consider terms and conditions, while user opinions will show if the individuals had really profited from the reward.
Payment options and payout speed
Nobody wants to have to wait weeks before cashing in on their wins. Reliable casinos pay quickly and accept many different forms of payment, from credit cards to e-wallets and even cryptocurrency. Customer reviews are ideal for this, thereby telling you in the first instance if payouts are slow or if there are unexpected fees.
Customer support
Good customer service can make or break your online casino experience. If something goes wrong, you want an efficient team that responds quickly and actually fixes the problem. Professional reviews usually test response times of customer service, and customer reviews will tell you if people have had frustrating experiences.
How to use reviews to make smart decisions
So, how exactly do you use reviews to select the best online casino? Here are some tips:
- Read several sources: Don’t count on a single review. View different expert pages and customer opinions to get the overall picture.
- Look for patterns: One bad review does not a bad casino make. But if lots of people are complaining about the same issue, like slow payouts or unfair conditions, that’s a red flag.
- Be wary of overly flattering reviews: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of reviews that sound like they were written by someone who is getting paid to write them.
- Test the waters: If you’re unsure about a casino, start small. Deposit a small amount and see how the experience goes before committing more money.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, reviews by experts and consumers alike are valuable tools in assisting us to make better decisions. In the case of internet casinos, reviews can be the difference between winning a fantastic website and getting conned. Do your homework, trust your judgment, and most of all – have fun and play responsibly!
