Switching Online Casinos: What to Watch Out for After Years of Loyalty

Many of us make significant changes throughout our lives. From moving to a new home, swapping to a different vehicle that better suits our lifestyle to changing internet providers, most people’s lives are in a state of ever-changing flux. 

Our online experiences can change over time as well, such as in the case of moving to a new casino platform. The need or desire to switch can be for any one of numerous reasons, but when making the switch, it isn’t something that should just be done arbitrarily. Expecting everything to be just the same from one platform to the next, can lead to some big misunderstandings.

The Rule of Online Casinos

There is a simple rule to keep in mind when looking at online casino platforms – they are not all the same. Those differences can mean a lot to the end-user. One clear example is the range of deposit requirements. Some sites belong to the group of £1 minimum deposit casinos UK, while others may set the bar at £5. These low-deposit platforms let players top up their accounts with just a small amount and still play slots and other games. On the other hand, certain casinos set slightly higher limits, which may not suit everyone.

People shouldn’t get tripped up by just assuming everything is the same when site-hopping. Two similar-looking 100% matched deposit bonuses for example could have wildly different wagering requirements. Other variations could be minimum and maximum bets, game restrictions and the qualifying period in which to complete the sign-up offer.

However, distinctions can easily extend to casino bonuses for existing players as well. Many online casinos run rewards clubs, and these will have varying conditions of how to qualify and what the prizes are. It’s very unlikely that rewards or VIP clubs at different online casinos will be the same and if you have hit a high level at your existing one, those perks will all be lost.

Playing It Safe

So the safe option is to assume that things will be different because then it will put you into a mode of awareness. Signing up with a new casino platform is basically starting completely afresh. The same due diligence that you followed when choosing and getting set up on your original casino platform, should happen all over again.

There are plenty of areas of an online casino experience to which this applies as well, including:

• Payment Options: Don’t assume the payment option and minimum/maximum deposit and withdrawal options are going to be the same on the new platform. Check for potential fees where there weren’t any before, as well.
• Game Variety: There could be a huge difference in game availability between the two platforms. Are the existing ones you like still going to be available to you on the new one?
• RTP Variables: A particular slot title may have a higher or lower RTP (Return To Player Percentage), so a game that you are very familiar with could be very different in how often it pays out.
• Customer Service: Not many people think about customer service when registering. But the hours and level of service received could vary significantly.
• Navigation: Everything from search and filter tools to design, layout, and site performance can vary widely, which has a big impact on how the user experiences the platform.

Why Switch?

There are many reasons why people may switch casino providers. The most common reason that someone does, is that they have suddenly become disgruntled with the experience they are getting at their existing one. That could be due to an issue with a withdrawal request, to something like games from their favourite provider simply not being available.

The goal of switching is to hopefully improve on whatever the issues were that drove you from the original platform. But even with that, there may be some compromises to face, as fixing one issue could lead to potential frustrations in new areas simply because of differences.

For many, deciding to sign up with another provider, doesn’t necessarily mean letting go of the existing one. A lot of players find that a balance can be struck between maintaining accounts at separate operators. That could be getting the desired live dealer roulette action at one, while preferring the other because of its fast, stable mobile app for playing on the go.

The Bottom Line

Don’t just take things for granted when switching casino providers as there are going to be differences and some may be more discreet than others. From payment options to the handling of bonuses and operator T&Cs, take a moment to fully assess what new changes you will be facing, even down to the house rules at the live table games.