Choose a Reliable Gaming Site – Most of the long-established online casinos are trustworthy, especially those affiliated with leading software providers. If such gaming sites weren’t reliable, they would have gone out of business long ago. But there are still more than a few fly-by-night operations that lure players in with clever promotions and then make it almost impossible to ever withdraw any real money. When selecting an online casino for blackjack play, always be sure to check published blacklists for rogue casinos as well as the lists of the top-rated ones before depositing any funds. Also look for certification by a reputable third-party authority such as eCOGRA or Technical Systems Testing (TST).

Know How to Collect – Before committing any funds to an online casino, it is of critical importance to know how to get money out. Just because deposits can be made by PayPal, for example, doesn’t mean winnings can be transferred back the same way. The FAQ section of the gaming site should provide specific instructions for withdrawals, including methods available, any minimum required, expected wait time, any associated fees and what documentation, if any, is needed. It may be necessary to verify one’s identity, address and banking information prior to initiating a withdrawal. Don’t fall victim to a labyrinth of compliance details. Get informed before risking that first bet.

Read the Fine Print – One of the worst nightmares of any USA blackjack player is to win big at the table and then discover that the winnings are “subject to a forty times (40X) play-through requirement before funds can be withdrawn from the casino account.” This most often occurs in conjunction with a promotion, such as a deposit matching bonus or a new player welcome package. Become familiar with all of the details before signing up for any “free cash” or similar offers.

Invest in Proper Hardware/Software – It is the nature of machines to break down, and of course Murphy’s Law fully applies to online gaming—whatever problem can occur, will occur, and it will happen at the worst possible moment. Investing in such safeguards as a surge protector, a high-speed modem, sufficient bandwidth and adequate RAM can help avoid a nasty equipment-caused meltdown. If connectivity seems slow or intermittent, don’t play. Make sure hardware and software specifications are matched to the gaming site’s standards