When you walk into a casino online, it can be quite overwhelming. You’ll be greeted with flashing lights, slot machines and table games all vying for your attention. In order to avoid this, it’s best to have a clear idea of what defines a casino online before you play for real money.

One of the most important aspects is security, which includes a high level of encryption to ensure that your personal information is never exposed. Secondly, you want to be sure that all games are fair and unbiased. This is achieved by having independent bodies test the games and audit them. Lastly, the casinos must also be licensed and regulated to operate.

Another aspect to consider is game variety. This means not only the number of games, but also their themes and wagering amounts. You want to be able to find everything from classics like roulette and craps to niche games like scratch offs and keno.

When choosing an online casino, it’s best to stick with licensed ones. This is because they are incentivized to create trustworthy and fair games. In addition, they must meet the stringent security standards of the relevant state gambling boards.

When it comes to real money, the speed and reliability of the casino’s payment processing are critical. A top casino will offer a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, along with fast processing times. In addition, they should have customer support that is available around the clock.