With online poker getting tougher by the day, the real value is to be found in bricks-and-mortar cardrooms. Here are ten essential tips

Are you a card player? Do you like putting your skills and knowledge to the test? Or do you simply like being entertained? These kinds of questions will help you decide what kinds of games to play. Whereas games like poker or blackjack are games of skill that require some thinking, there are other games like slots that are for pure entertainment. Take advantage of some of the games available for free play to get a feel for your tastes.

Knowing what kinds of games you favor will help you decide on a casino as well. Some online casinos are geared toward specific games while many often offer separate sites for Poker, Bingo, Baccarat and more therefore knowing, generally, what games you like to play will help narrow your choices down. Another good tip is to look for evidence of a reputable site - check that the casino uses a reputable software provider like Microgaming, Playtech or Party Gaming and even read a few independent reviews.

With so many tantalizing bonuses out there it's hard to know where the good deals are. To spot a good bonus you need to (unfortunately) read some of the fine print. Make sure you know the bonus details pertaining to wagering requirements (how much money you have to bet before you can withdraw your winnings), how much time you have to play, if it's even considered real money (or are just casino chips or credits) and even how long it will take the casino to pay out your winnings.

Making transactions easy and painless for you is of top interest to online casinos, after all, they want your money as much as you want theirs! Make sure the casino you choose offers a variety of payment options like PayPal, Neteller and credit and debit transactions. Also check that the sites payment methods are independently audited from an accredited source like eCOGRA and even take a quick look at the casinos payment and security sections to review their standards. Good luck and have fun!