When you gamble in an online casino, your real money is on the line, not virtual coins or credits. That makes you a real player, and the games will move and feel different than if they were just point-of-view videos that you watched from your couch. So before you begin playing, you should make sure that your casino account is safe and that you have the required identification documents for verification.

This is something you should always do before depositing and wagering, even if you only want to play for fun. Depending on the platform you choose, this may include e-mailing the casino’s customer support department with copies of your government-issued photo ID, proof of address and bank account information or uploading those documents directly to the website. This is a requirement that all legitimate casinos must follow in order to protect players’ personal and financial details.

Once you have a verified account, you can start gambling in real cash! Just be careful to only claim a bonus when you know that it will suit your play style and that the wagering requirements are reasonable.

If you prefer to try your hand at table games, you can find a range of classics, like blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. Online versions of these games are easy to access at any time of the day or night, on desktop or mobile. If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can even play a live dealer game, which is becoming increasingly popular within the regulated US market, and is a great way to experience a Las Vegas-style casino without having to take a plane trip!