Currently, there are millions of console owners around the world. The PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X/S, Nintendo Switch – you name it, millions of people own it.
However, consoles are missing a key factor that’s a deal-breaker for many people: gambling. Sure, in games like GTA V Online, you can gamble with fake virtual money – but it’s not real. The truth is that there are zero gaming consoles that allow you to gamble with real money, and this is likely never going to change due to their policies.
The move from console gaming to online gambling
Naturally, this lack of real gambling has led to lots of people switching away from console gaming to online gambling instead. In fact, these days, you can gamble online in a variety of ways – common examples include:
- Online casino games (which provide a ‘video game-like’ experience)
- Online sportsbooks
- Online bingo halls
Unsurprisingly, online casinos are the fan favorite – but before you play in any online casino, you need to check the best online casino reviews USA sites have acquired from their player base. Reviews are important when it comes to online casinos, as they shed light on how good they are, from the bonuses on offer and the gameplay quality to the different deposit methods available.
With that said, if you’re bored of console gaming and are desperate to make the switch to online gambling, this guide has got some tips and tricks just for you. Here’s what you need to do:
Firstly, make sure you’re above the legal gambling age
Before you get started, you need to make sure you’ve above the legal age to gamble. In the US, it’s 21 in most states. However, in some states, it’s 18, so it’s crucial to check the age limit before you play.
Providing you’re above the legal age, you’re good to go. If you’re under the legal gambling age, you’ll have to stick with console gaming for a little longer until you reach the legal age within your country or state.
Next, choose your preferred platforms
When it comes to gambling, think carefully about which factors appeal to you the most. If it’s betting on sports games, you’ll need to join a sportsbook platform that will enable you to bet on all the sports leagues you like, from the NFL to the NBA. If you’re more interested in playing online games, then your best bet (literally) is to join an online casino.
What games do online casinos offer?
On average, most online casinos offer at least 10+ different games, but most of the popular ones tend to provide far more.
Some of the most popular games are:
- Online slots
- Video poker
- Online blackjack
- Online roulette
- Online baccarat
Also, over recent years, online casinos have started to offer more modern, adventure-style games that replicate the experience you would get from a typical Google Play Store game. They’ve done this so that they can appeal to newer generations who are fans of mobile gaming. Whichever generation you’re from, after joining an online casino, you have complete freedom to play all the games you want to.
Pro Tip: Remember, if you want to experience more success, make sure to practice using the ‘trial’ versions of each game first. In a trial version, you won’t play for real money. Instead, you’ll play for fake money so that you can get a feel for the graphics, mechanics, and functions of the game. If you’re a beginner, it’s highly recommended that you play the trial version of a game first until you’re fully comfortable with it.
Decide which devices work best for you (smartphone, PC, laptop, or tablet)
When you gamble online, you have more flexibility regarding the devices you use. For example, if you’re someone who is out on the move a lot, your best option is to gamble online using your smartphone (just make sure it has a mobile internet connection).
Then, when you’re relaxing at home, you might want to switch to a device with a bigger screen, such as a laptop or PC. This will enable you to see the on-screen action more clearly, which is especially important when playing games like video poker and blackjack.
However, if you’re simply placing bets on sports games (or another type of gambling), then the size of your screen doesn’t matter too much, as all you need to see are the odds available.
Calculate your budget
As you transition away from console gaming into online gambling, you’ll need to manage your money a lot more carefully. After all, gambling is fun, but it is important to be financially responsible. This starts with you calculating a budget. Your gambling budget for each week should be based on your disposable income and how much you can potentially afford to lose if things don’t go your way.
Your budget might be $5, $10, or even $50 a week. Whatever the amount, the principle remains the same: always gamble responsibly. This is especially true if you decide to gamble online with your friends. When playing with friends, it can be tempting to make bigger and bolder bets. Don’t fall into this trap; instead, gamble responsibly and focus on having fun – that’s all that matters!
To gamble responsibly, here are some additional guidelines:
- Don’t drink and gamble
- Only play when you’re in a good mood
- Set playing limits (e.g., one hour per day)
- Don’t chase any losses
- Don’t assume that a winning streak will last forever – it won’t!
Try different deposit and withdrawal methods
Finally, because online gambling involves real money, you will need to find a deposit and withdrawal method that works best for you. If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended that you try different ones until you settle on one that you’re most comfortable with.
Typically, most online gamblers will use either their credit or debit cards to make deposits and withdraw any winnings they’ve earned. Additionally, more modern gamblers will use platforms like PayPal and Apple Pay to handle their gambling funds. It’s a case of finding which works best for you.
For example, you may prefer depositing funds the traditional way using your debit or credit card, which is absolutely fine. Plus, with the rise of cryptocurrencies in recent years, more online casinos are allowing players to gamble with Bitcoin, which opens up a new, exciting payment avenue!
