An online casino is a virtual platform that lets players play a variety of casino games with the option to win real money prizes. They are accessible through a web browser or, in some cases, through dedicated mobile casino apps available for iOS and Android devices. The best online casinos offer a smooth gaming experience across all platforms with secure transactions and full account management.

Most reputable online casinos are licensed and regulated by a national or international gambling authority. This guarantees that the website meets fixed guidelines and standards to protect players. In addition, a licensed casino is able to verify a player’s identity and keep their personal information confidential. This is critical because a player’s winnings could be at risk if they gamble with an unlicensed casino.

When selecting an online casino, look for a website that offers the type of games you enjoy playing. Most sites have a complete list of their games and you can browse them easily to find one that matches your preferences. Then, look at the casino’s security features and make sure it uses an SSL certificate to ensure that your data is safe.

A trustworthy online casino will never rig a game or cheat its customers. However, it’s not always easy to tell if an online casino is legitimate until you actually win and try to cash out your winnings. It’s also important to read through the casino’s privacy policy to understand how your personal data will be used by the website.