A casino online is a virtual platform where people can play a variety of games for real money. The games are similar to those in brick-and-mortar casinos and they use random number generators to ensure that the results are fair. Many regulated casinos also offer bonuses and promotions to attract new players and retain existing ones.

When gambling online it’s important to know the rules of your jurisdiction before making a deposit. In some cases, local laws prohibit certain types of gambling or limit the maximum stakes you can make. For example, some states only allow you to gamble in casinos owned by state-licensed operators, while others don’t even allow licensed online casino games at all. In addition, some states require players to be physically present in the casino to place a wager or cash out winnings.

To protect player’s money and privacy, online casinos should have multiple security measures in place. This includes encryption, a secure payment gateway and a customer service team available 24/7. The best casinos also offer a wide range of payment methods, including PayPal, which is a fast and reliable way to move money from one account to another.

When choosing an online casino, make sure it has a gaming licence from a reputable body like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada or the Gambling Control Board of Nevada. This means the casino is held to high standards and its games are regularly tested for fairness. The top casinos also promote games with the highest payout rates, so that you can get more bang for your buck. Some online casinos also allow you to set loss limits, which helps players manage their bankroll and stop themselves from spending too much in a session.