Online casino is gambling where you place wagers on real money games like blackjack and roulette, but instead of being in a brick-and-mortar venue you play on your desktop or mobile device. It’s a great way to get in on the action without having to travel all the way to Vegas or another major city. You can even try out the live dealer games that some sites offer for an authentic casino experience.

Before you start playing for real, make sure you’ve read the terms and conditions carefully. Also, verify your identity before depositing any money, so the casino can ensure you’re who you say you are. This process is usually easy and fast. The site will ask you to upload a copy of your ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement.

Once you’re ready to play, sign up with a trusted casino online. This will give you the best welcome bonus and ensure you’re verified before playing for real. After that, you can enjoy top-tier entertainment and the chance to win big prizes.

Licensed casinos are safe to play at. They are regulated by government bodies, which makes them trustworthy. They’re also required to use encryption, and their games are tested for fairness. Additionally, many reputable sites display seals from eCOGRA and auditing by PriceWaterhouseCoopers. This shows that the casino is committed to protecting its players’ information and money. However, the only guaranteed way to protect your funds is to never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.