Q&A: Online Casino Internet Requirements

Do i need an internet connection to play online casinos?

Do I Need an Internet Connection to play Online CasinosThis may see like an odd question, but by no means is it uncommon. It’s not just whether you’ll need to be connected to the internet, but rather, how many ways there are to go about it, and which ones are the fastest, or most secure. We’ll discuss your options in our online casino internet requirements Q&A.

Do I Need an Internet Connection to Play Online Casinos?

The short answer is, “Yes!” An internet connection is required to play real money casino games on any device—desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. How you connect to the internet will vary, depending on your circumstance, location, and device of choice.

WiFi via Ethernet Cable

If using a desktop computer, you’re probably accessing the internet through WiFi via an ethernet cable. This is achieved by connecting the modem directly to the computer with an ethernet cable, which looks like a typical phone wire/jack, but larger.

Ethernet connections are great for several reasons. First and foremost, ethernet connections are usually faster than connecting wirelessly to your WiFi. That’s not always the case, especially if you have an older computer or modem that’s only capable of 10Mbps via ethernet. In this case, 54+Mbps wireless WiFi is probably faster. However, any modern system should be capable of 100Mbps or better.

Most laptop computers also provide an ethernet port, but using the wire will tether you to a location near the modem and/or router.

So long as you have a secure WiFi with a strong password, this is a very safe way to play online casino games.

Wireless WiFi

Most homeowners have a wireless router connected to their modem for wireless internet. This is the most common way to play online casino games from home, as it can be utilized by any device. For tablets, it’s generally required, since most tablet devices don’t have mobile network service.

So long as you are close enough to the wireless router, you should get a good connection speed. If not, there are WiFi extenders you can purchase and plug into any wall outlet where the connection seems to be weak. This will extend the WiFi service, speeding it up in remote areas of the home.

Again, with a strong password, this method of iGaming is perfectly secure.

Mobile Network

For smartphones and select tablets, a mobile network is one of the fastest and most secure ways to play online casinos. The capability of your service provider, and your current location, will determine the strength of your signal; thus the speed of your game play.

Public WiFi Hot Spot

Although convenient and available in many public areas, an open WiFi hot spot is not recommended for playing online casino games. Public WiFi is not secure, and can easily be infiltrated by anyone with a modest knowledge of hacking.

Even if the public WiFi is secured with a password—such as a hotel where paying guests must ask for the password to access the internet—it isn’t particularly safe. Any other hotel guest with the right knowledge and a propensity for duplicitous behavior could potentially infiltrate your system. It’s better not to take the risk, and use your smartphone’s built-in internet connection to play online casinos.

Author

  • Trevor Hallsey

    Passionate webmaster, devoted card game enthusiast, and proud son of the Great White North. With over a decade of iGaming experience, Trevor has launched numerous web portals to share his passion for game theory and all things Canadian gaming. With this site, he acts as a fact checker and mostly writes at the intersection of gaming and finance. He aims to offer statistical insights and unique information that you might see lacking in similar sites.

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