Online gambling can be daunting for the newcomer. Being an online gambling veteran, I get asked many questions from family and friends that I introduce to online gambling.

Online gambling includes activities for example online poker, casinos, skill games and sports books.

Here, I answer some several of the common questions I am asked.

Is gambling online safe and sound?

Wagering online will be as safe as going to the local bookmakers or casino.

Ensure that when you are depositing money that you’ll be doing so on a secured, encrypted page. You can often tell this by a padlock symbol within the browser as well as the address beginning with https.

Check that the site is licensed and regulated by a Government gaming body. They will often display this at the bottom of the site. But to be sure go on the government licensing body website and check that the site is listed. If it is, then you have some protection regarding fraudulent activity and arbitration if you think something is wrong (for example you are not paid for a bet that you believed you won).

As is relevant to the internet as a whole, check regularly for viruses and ensure that your anti-virus software is always up-to-date.

What to I need for gambling online?

You shall need a computer which is linked to the internet. On the flip side, many gaming sites now offer mobile gaming platforms so you are able to get by with just click the next site your smart phone. Broadband and 3G connection will provide the top gaming experience.

You will also need a form of payment to deposit at the web page. Many shall accept third party wallets for example Money bookers. You can top up the wallet direct through your bank or debit/credit card and after that transfer to the gaming site.

Beware that depositing via a credit-card for gambling, can incur additional costs through your credit-card company. So, it is often best to use either a debit card or third party wallet.

The amount do I need to begin with?

You can often play games and place bets from as little as 10p. On the other hand, often their will be the very least deposit of approximately Ł/$10. You may usually play games for free on top of that, to get a feel of what you will be playing for real money.

Most places also offer a bonus on your first deposit so you can be playing with more money than you initially deposited, although there are actually often wagering requirements with bonuses.