The world of online casinos is booming and more and more people are opting for virtual gambling as it offers many advantages over traditional casinos. But how do you find the best online casinos among the multitude of offers? In this article, we will present the crucial criteria for choosing the best online gambling portal.

To give you a quick overview of the most important criteria for choosing a suitable online casino, we have compiled a bullet-point list here:

• Security and Licenses
• Game Selection
• Software Providers
• Ease of use and mobile availability
• Bonuses and Promotions
• Customer
• Fairness and transparency
• Commitment to responsible gaming and support
• Payment methods and fast withdrawals
• VIP Programs and Loyalty Rewards
• Language and currency options
• Player reviews and experiences
• Design and atmosphere
• Exclusive offers and cooperations
• Mobile gaming and casino apps
• Up-to-dateness and innovation
• Social interaction and community

By using this list as a guide and carefully examining the different aspects, you can find the perfect online casino for you that suits your needs and preferences.

Security and Licenses

A trustworthy online gaming portal must have valid licenses issued by recognized regulatory bodies. These ensure that the casino adheres to strict security and fairness guidelines. The license information should be easy to find on the website of the respective platform. Examples of such licenses include those issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and the Egaming Curaçao.

Game Selection

A good online casino is characterized by a large and diverse range of games. These include classic casino games such as roulette, blackjack and poker, as well as modern video slots and progressive jackpots. The best virtual casinos also offer live casino games with real dealers that make for an authentic experience.

Software Providers

The quality of the games offered also depends on the software providers that the casino works with. The best gambling portals cooperate with renowned software developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech or Evolution Gaming. These companies are known for creating high-quality and innovative games.

Usability

A user-friendly design and an easy-to-navigate website are crucial to the gaming experience. The games should be divided into meaningful categories and be filtered by manufacturer if possible. A well-functioning search function is also part of an optimal user experience. In addition, legal information such as the terms and conditions should be accessible at all times and translated into German.

Bonuses and Promotions

An attractive bonus offer can be an important factor when choosing an online casino. The best online casinos offer various rewards for new customers, such as welcome bonuses or free spins, as well as regular promotions for existing customers. However, be sure to check the bonus terms and wagering requirements before deciding on an offer.

Customer

Reliable customer support is another important criterion. The most recommended online casinos offer several contact options such as e-mail, live chat or telephone and are available around the clock. Customer service should be professional, helpful, and able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. However, contact with the customer service employee can often be avoided if the respective platform provides an extensive FAQ section. So also check whether the website answers frequently asked questions in an appropriate section.

Fairness and transparency

A reputable gambling provider values fairness and transparency. This includes the use of certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure that the games are fair and unbiased. In addition, the payout percentages of the games (Return to Player, RTP) should be easy to see and understand. Independent testing organizations such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs can create additional trust here by regularly checking and certifying the fairness of the games.

Commitment to responsible gaming and support

An important criterion that an online casino should meet in order to be considered the best is a commitment to responsible gaming and the support of its players. A responsible operator should take steps to ensure that its customers can play in a safe environment and that problem gambling behaviour is detected and addressed.

This can be achieved by providing information and resources on gambling addiction prevention, self-testing, deposit limits, loss limits, gambling breaks or self-exclusions. Some casinos also work with organizations such as the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) to provide players with additional support in dealing with problems related to gambling. Such initiatives show that the casino takes the well-being of its players seriously and is therefore a trustworthy provider. Information and contact details for counselling centres and aid organisations should also be easy to find.

Payment methods and fast withdrawals

Another feature by which one can recognize an excellent virtual arcade is the availability of a variety of safe and convenient payment methods. Players appreciate it when they can easily make deposits and withdraw their winnings quickly and easily. The best online casinos offer a wide range of payment options that include both traditional and modern methods, such as credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Skrill, or NETELLER), prepaid cards, and even cryptocurrencies.

In addition, the best gambling platforms should also ensure fast payouts. No one wants to wait long for their winnings, and a casino that processes withdrawal requests quickly and transfers the winnings to players within a reasonable period of time is considered more trustworthy and reliable. By providing quick and easy withdrawal processes, a casino shows that it cares about the satisfaction of its customers and is ready to provide them with a smooth gaming experience.

VIP Programs and Loyalty Rewards

If you’re looking for the best online casinos, you should definitely check out the VIP programs and loyalty rewards. These offer special benefits and rewards to the most loyal players, such as exclusive bonuses, faster payouts, higher betting limits, personal customer support, and invitations to special events. A good gambling provider should provide an attractive program that rewards the loyalty of the players and offers them incentives to stay on the respective portal in the long term.

Language and currency options

Another aspect that plays a role in choosing the best online casino is the availability of different language and currency options. A casino that supports multiple languages and currencies allows players from different countries to take advantage of the offer without language barriers or exchange rate issues. This also shows the internationality and customer orientation of the virtual casino.

Player reviews and experiences

One of the best ways to find a good internet casino is to read player reviews and testimonials. Through the experiences of others, one can get valuable information about the quality of a casino, customer service, game selection, payout speed, and much more. When researching, pay attention to independent review platforms or forums in order to gather the most objective opinions and experiences possible.

Design and atmosphere

Although this is a subjective criterion, the design and atmosphere of the chosen casino should be appealing and inviting. A suitable design and color accents can significantly enhance the gaming experience. Also, pay attention to the ease of use of the interface to ensure that you can easily navigate and find your favorite games quickly.

Exclusive offers and cooperations

Some of the best online gaming platforms offer exclusive offers and collaborations with other brands or companies. This could include special partnerships with game developers, exclusive tournaments, or even the opportunity to participate in land-based events. Such offers can be an indicator of the quality and reputation of an online casino and make your gaming experience even more interesting.

Mobile gaming and casino apps

Modern internet arcades should not only work well on desktop computers, but also on tablets and smartphones. The majority of players expect a modern platform to be able to be used on the go. According to a study by Statista, the share of mobile gamers worldwide will continue to increase. Therefore, a good online casino should provide a mobile version of its website or a separate casino app for Android and iOS devices. Look for a user-friendly interface, fast loading times, and a good selection of mobile games.

Up-to-dateness and innovation

The best virtual casinos are always looking to keep their offerings up to date and introduce innovative gaming features or technologies. Look out for casinos that regularly add new games and features, as well as providers that use innovative approaches such as virtual reality or gamification to enhance the gaming experience.

Social interaction and community

Another criterion that can set an online casino apart from others is the possibility of social interaction and the presence of an active community. Here, players can exchange ideas with each other, support each other and participate in tournaments or other activities together. Look out for casinos that offer features like chat rooms, social media integration, or interactive contests.

Conclusion: There is a lot to consider

Choosing the best internet casino depends on a variety of factors. Security and licenses, game selection, software providers, ease of use, bonuses and promotions, customer support, payment methods, fairness and transparency, and responsible gaming are crucial criteria that an online casino should meet in order to be considered truly recommendable. An in-depth analysis of these factors will help you find the perfect provider for your needs and preferences.

In this context, it is also interesting to deal with the reasons why an online casino is better than an offline casino. These include the wider selection of games, convenient availability from home or on the go, attractive bonus offers, and the ability to play in a relaxed atmosphere without the pressures and distractions of a land-based casino. However, it is important to always gamble responsibly and be aware of the risks associated with gambling.

Flight delays and cancellations are a nuisance for passengers, who can not only disrupt their travel plans, but also suffer possible financial losses. What many travelers don’t know is that if a flight doesn’t go as planned, they are entitled to compensation from the airline.

But what can passengers do to get compensation for the inconvenience caused? There are several ways to get this payout, but each has its pros and cons. In this article, we will compare the different options.

Different ways to get compensation

If an airline could do something in the course of normal business to ensure that passengers still arrive at their destination on time in the event of problems with a flight, but does not do so, they must pay compensation for delays or cancellations.

In order for customers to receive this amount, they must make their claim. There are several options for this:

● Submit your application yourself

Passengers can contact the airline themselves and submit an application there. To do this, they have to collect documents such as flight tickets and other information and send them in.

This takes time and effort. Under certain circumstances, the airline may decide that the application will not be accepted, for example because it does not feel at fault for causing the delay, or if the documents are not meaningful enough.

● Use a service provider for quick compensation

Fast-track compensation service providers such as Compensation2Go take on this task for their customers and pay out compensation directly without having to wait for a response from the airline. In return, they receive a share of the payout as a fee.

Even if a court later decides that the airline does not have to pay compensation in this case, customers will receive the amount from the service provider. (More information at www.compensation2go.com)

● Apply for a debt collection agency

Debt collection agencies specialize in clarifying outstanding claims between two contracting parties. If you commission them, they try to collect a denied compensation in various ways. Again, there is a fee for the service. Depending on the outcome of the order processing, compensation is received after a waiting period that usually lasts several months.

● Claim compensation

If the airline refuses to pay compensation, it may be necessary to enforce the claim in court. This is associated with a lot of time and potential costs if the negotiation ends in favor of the airline. Here, too, it can take months for the legal dispute to be resolved.

Based on these options, it can be seen that it is not always easy to implement the claim for compensation.

Why can compensation claims be denied?

Air passenger law states in which cases compensation must be paid. As it is an EU law, this does not affect all global travel and airports. However, for airlines that have to comply with these requirements, it is also true that they do not have to pay for all cancellations. This applies, for example, to a storm, which they cannot influence.

Providers often try to deny their complicity in the problem so that they can save themselves the expenses. If it is not clear whether the airline was responsible for the problem, such decisions can even go to court.

An example of a case that is in a gray area is strikes.

• Depending on the interpretation and course of the strike, these can be seen as part of ordinary business life, for which the airline must pay compensation.
• However, it may be decided that a strike is an “extraordinary circumstance” that the provider did not cause or could not influence.

In the past, there have already been courts that have ruled in favor of the passengers in this case and those that have not blamed the airline. In these cases, passengers risk that their efforts and the time spent on them will be in vain if the court refuses to pay them out. For these cases, a service provider for quick compensation is a good option.

Result

There are several ways to get compensation for a flight cancellation or delay. If you want to take care of yourself, you have to be prepared to spend the appropriate time collecting documents and dealing with the airline in the event of a dispute.

If you want to receive the money without waiting and it is uncertain whether the airline was responsible for the delay, the fees for a service provider for quick compensation can be worthwhile. They pay out the amount no matter how a potential legal dispute is decided in the end. In return, the customers waive around 34% of the compensation amount as payment.

A trip can pursue different goals: a relaxing time after months or years of work, where rest and distraction from everyday stress play an important role. In this case, it’s about a longed-for added value. Or for professional reasons, where it may be a matter of acquiring new customers or processing new contracts. There are economic reasons behind it, such as the expansion of a company. In this case, it is especially important that everything goes without unpleasant interruptions.

Longed-for added value: relaxation and distraction

After a long period of hard work, the desired vacation finally arrives. The money for this was saved up over several months or even years to finally treat themselves to the dream trip. Everything is already booked: the flight, the hotel in half or full board, a rental car or a few excursions … the suitcases are already packed and off we go.

You hardly expect something to go wrong, because everything has been planned in detail! Thus, the anticipation of the holiday and the expectations of the forthcoming happiness are very high.

However, this feeling of happiness can be disturbed by various incidents and the dream of a relaxing holiday soon comes to an end.

What can interrupt the happiness of a dream trip?

The departure is delayed for hours. Thus, not only is the arrival at the destination delayed, but the stay at the holiday destination is shortened.

When they arrive at their destination, the waiting time for the suitcases begins. This time can be delayed suddenly, unexpectedly. The luggage is accidentally mixed up or taken somewhere else. Sometimes it is even lost altogether, apart from a possible theft. In this case, a complaint must be created and forms must be filled out. Instead of going directly to the hotel, we spend more time than desired at the airport.

These are all time robbers who interrupt a vacation at short notice and put you in a bad mood. Unfortunately, it happens more often.

Travel insurance, for example from the renowned provider Europ Assistance , can include the delay of a flight and the loss of luggage and thus cover it.

Overbooking in the reserved hotel

If the holiday trip takes place in the high season, it can happen that we arrive at the hotel and do not get a room despite a paid reservation. How can something like this happen?

Many hotels risk accepting more room reservations than they really have available. Because they expect that not all tourists will start their trip and really show up in the booked time. This is because last-minute cancellations are more common and the accommodations do not want to have empty rooms and thus lose money. That’s a big risk that doesn’t always go well. In the end, tourists who arrive and don’t get a room suffer from it. You will then be accommodated in another hotel for a few days.

Of course, the few days in another hotel must also be paid for. Who bears the costs in such cases? The holidaymakers.

However, if you have previously taken out travel insurance and included this option in the insurance, the insurance will pay for it. In most cases, the guest gets a refund. Therefore, it is important to always keep all invoices.

Accidents at the holiday destination

Of course, no one expects to be subject to an accident or illness during the holiday season. Unfortunately, however, these also occur more often than we would like. Here are some examples of what make up the most accidents during a stay:

Sunburn

Depending on the time of year or where you are flying, it can lead to an unpleasant sunburn. As a tourist, you are often not aware of how strong the influence of the sun really is on your body. The sun’s rays also come through the clouds! The irradiation should not be underestimated. It is therefore particularly advisable to take precautions with an appropriate sunscreen, which is applied regularly, even if you would like to come home tanned after your holiday.

Here it is advisable to take special care to avoid sunburn and the resulting medical costs. This is because travel insurance companies always ask for a doctor’s report and a diagnosis. This is because sunburn and accidents caused under the influence of alcohol are usually excluded from insurance. This information is particularly important and should always be heeded!

Ear infection and urine infection

If the holiday resort is located in the south during a warm season, the pools are very popular and a swim is very refreshing. Swimming pools contain a lot of bacteria, which are not always removed immediately despite the chlorine content.

The water from the basin gets into the ears and inflammation occurs in many cases. The resulting earache is very unpleasant and should not be underestimated. This can be avoided if you go into the pool with earplugs. If an ear infection does occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is because you should not take a return flight with a middle ear infection, as the pressure caused by the difference in altitude can have a negative effect on the eardrum.

Visiting a doctor during your vacation is unpleasant enough. This does not have to be supported by an invoice. Travel insurance can cover these costs.

The same applies to a urine infection if you stay in the pool for a longer period of time.

Other accidents

Slipping next to the pool or in the bathtub and breaking a leg or arm is also common and leads to high hospital costs.

It can also lead to a gastrointestinal upset if the holiday destination offers different meals than you are used to.

That’s why travel insurance should always be considered.

To start the new travel season, Tamina Kallert takes the audience to the sunny Costa Blanca “From Alicante to Valencia” (April 30, 8:15 p.m., WDR television). In the programme “Småland – Unterwegs in Bullerbü” (4 June), she follows in the footsteps of Pippi Longstocking and Michel from Lönneberga and gives valuable tips for a family holiday in Sweden. She travels in Italy “From Ravenna to Parma” (2.7.), does a 3-country bike tour on the “Via Claudia Augusta” (30.7.), explores the “Salzkammergut” (17.9.) and climbs the mountains in “Hiking on La Gomera” (12.11.). One of the highlights of the year is the beautiful hike in the “Dolomites” on 13 August, for which the WDR Funkhausorchester – after last year’s “Norway” audience success – will once again record the specially composed film music.

Daniel Aßmann is on the road with the bike “From Borkum to the Ems” (21.5.), conquers “Rügen on foot” (9.7.) and goes to Malta (27.8.). Judith Rakers travels to Lake Garda (6.8.), to Cornwall (3.9.) and hikes on the Rheinsteig (5.11.).

Ramon Babazadeh travels along the Croatian Adriatic coast (23.7.), through Saxon Switzerland (10.9.) and the Odenwald (1.10.). All presenters can also be seen at any time in the ARD Mediathek.

For almost 20 years, Tamina Kallert has been presenting the travel show “Wunderschön” on WDR – with unbroken enthusiasm and passion for her “dream job”. On April 30, 2023, she will open this year’s summer season with a trip to the southeast of Spain: She will sail “From Alicante to Valencia” (8:15 p.m., WDR television), visit well-known places on the Costa Blanca and discover lesser-known places inland.

We are pleased that the popular presenter was available to answer some questions:

On 4 June, you will take the audience to Småland and walk in the footsteps of Astrid Lindgren. Which other destinations with children would you recommend for a family holiday this year? The North Sea and Baltic Sea always work. You don’t have to fly, you can get there easily by train or car. Three personal tips: Texel with its miles of sandy beaches, Spiekeroog, a car-free island, ideal for families with small children, and Rügen, where you can also discover a lot on foot. Menorca, Mallorca’s little sister, is also family-friendly : not so crowded, with flat beaches, moderate hiking trails and hotels specially designed for families with small children. If you like it more adventurous and sporty and want to go a little further away, I recommend the Canary Islands, where you can discover the hinterland in addition to a beach holiday. I was just on La Gomera for “Wunderschön”, for me the most pristine island of the archipelago, but more for older children: magnificent vegetation, challenging hiking trails through volcanic landscapes and only a few black beaches.

You travel a lot for work. Do you like to take it easy on vacation and enjoy the days at the beach? Or are your legs always tingling? Professional travel and private holidays are two pairs of boots. On my professional travels, I discover the world for the viewers, the days are tightly timed and full of adventures. On vacation, I look forward all the more to relaxation and deceleration. As a family, we always revote on how it suits everyone best. The children are also growing up and their needs are changing. Whether it’s Lake Constance or through Italy in a motorhome – I’m excited to see what’s to come.

Last year, her book “And then the sea comes into view” was published. A feeling that brings back memories of my childhood when I went to the south of France by car every year. What is the book about? We often took the VW bus to the Mediterranean or the Atlantic. The rrrraaack when the sliding door of the VW bus slams shut is one of my earliest childhood memories. And the sea stands for holidays, longing and horizons. In my second book, I talk about new travel experiences, exciting encounters with people, inspiring life plans and take a look behind the scenes of the filming of my travel shows. It has become a very personal book again, in which I also report on my crises and setbacks. At the same time, I would like to encourage people to set out anew and to discover the world with an open mind, joie de vivre and optimism.

Is there a country that you still want to travel to and are there destinations that you visit again and again? Some countries in South America are still missing from my travel list, especially Costa Rica I would like to discover. Friends are in Japan right now and send exciting pictures, but China, for example, is less appealing to me as a travel destination. I am always enthusiastic about Italy, especially where the Alpine and Mediterranean meet. Norway is a country of longing that I have already been able to travel to twice. This great and powerful nature, this vastness, the fjords with their towering, steep mountains, the majestic waterfalls – I feel very small and humble as a human being. By the way, on July 16, the beautiful journey through “Norway’s West. From the Sognefjord to Bergen”. And of course, Switzerland is a country of the heart, because that’s where my two children were born.

As a travel journalist, it is inevitable that you think about the topic of climate change. Personally, I have already taken a few flights with my wife and children. Nevertheless, you do get a guilty conscience. How do you personally deal with this?
Climate change concerns me both professionally and privately. Over-tourism, sustainability and the question of how to be a good traveller are regular topics in the editorial office. In my family, for example, air travel is hotly debated, and to this day we have not taken any long-distance trips. It is a constant struggle.

How do you think travel will change in the next 15-20 years?
Travelling is and remains a primal longing of man. But the framework conditions will continue to change. Travel is tending to become more expensive again, and the travel industry is forced to invest more in climate-neutral sustainable offerings. The fact is: With climate change, innocence is gone and more and more people are thinking about what they can still reconcile with their conscience. But it is also a fact that traveling makes you more tolerant, broadens your horizons and can have a formative effect on your personal development. On my travels, I have experienced again and again that there is much more that unites than divides in the world. A comforting realization.