The online casino industry is growing so fast, and the question of how to participate remains pertinent. In fact, according to recent statistics, the number of online gamblers is expected to hit 210 million in 2025. And, of course, it follows that players from regions like Calgary and Edmonton have contributed a lot to this growth.

However, just like any other industry, getting the right information is also important for online casino players. Realizing this, we have crafted an article that will enlighten you on a number of things, ensuring your gameplay is engaging. Therefore, you’ll actually do well to hang around.

Identify a suitable platform

A great online casino gaming experience all begins with choosing the right platform. But how do you ensure that it’s actually the right platform? Let’s take a look at a few factors.

Online security

No one wants to gamble on a platform that could expose them to attacks. And now that attacks are really becoming prevalent in this industry, you don’t want to turn a blind eye toward online safety. By the way, do you actually know that, according to experts, more than 70% of online casinos have been involved in security incidents just recently? You can imagine what things could be like in 2025, given that cybercriminals are ever-evolving.

But that should not leave you hopeless. Infrastructures like 2FA have really proven to be helpful. A popular statistic noted that this technology can prevent exposure to over 99.9% of targeted attacks and 96% of phishing attacks.

Other infrastructures that show a platform is secure include SSL encryption, firewalls and anti-fraud systems, among many others. Online casino platforms that integrate AI into their security efforts can also be good options.

Payment methods

You perhaps could be surprised to learn that GoCardless associates 30% of all churn to failed payments. As if that’s not enough, Testlio claims that more than six in ten customers likely stay loyal to brands with smooth, hassle-free payments. Assuming you were a game provider, would you ignore such a statistic? You probably wouldn’t because it would imply you don’t care about your customers’ preferences.

Similarly, platforms that pay attention to payment experience show they prioritize customer experience and could be worth your consideration. And one of the ways to guarantee this is by offering multiple payment methods.

That ensures that even if one fails, you have an ocean of other options to use. Plus, diverse payments also cater to multiple preferences. And, of course, if a platform goes a step further to localize these features, it can provide an even more engaging experience.

User-friendliness

Given that a single platform can offer even thousands of game variations, you want to use the minimum time to engage. But what about if navigating the platform becomes problematic? This can be frustrating, which only injures your gameplay. As such, a great platform will use features like logical hierarchy to improve the discoverability of games.

To further improve its friendliness, the platform will also want to cater to multiscreen consumers. And this is where the responsive design approach comes in. The website should work well even on smaller devices without needing you to pinch or zoom it. That way, you can always be sure of a great experience even when on the go.

Get started

Once you have examined these factors, it’s time to play. Most casinos will provide you with the option of either downloading their apps or participating instantly. For most platforms, you’ll need to sign up or register by providing some basic information like your name, email address and so on. Always ensure that these details are as accurate as possible.

This normally comes in handy for stricter platforms that may require you to verify your details. For instance, some may need players to upload copies of their IDs, passports or even driver’s licenses. Remember, gambling restrictions are becoming tighter by the day, and such measures can really help reduce fraud. Once all this is done, go ahead and fund your account.

Navigating the online casino lobby and playing responsibly

The casino lobby is where all the magic happens. You’ll find a wide variety of games, from classic slots and table games to live dealer games that bring the casino floor to your screen. Use the search bar or filters to find your favorite games, or try something new—many casinos offer free demo versions so you can practice before betting real money.

If you’re a fan of slots, look for games with high RTP percentages and exciting bonus features. For table game enthusiasts, check out different variations of blackjack, poker, and baccarat. And if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, live dealer games are the way to go. By streaming in real-time with professional dealers, these games actually make you feel like you’re in a real casino.

But, of course, we can never fail to mention the need to ensure you gamble responsibly. Since gambling should be done purely for fun, you may want to set a budget before participating. Good enough, most platforms actually have features like deposit limits and self-excursion options to help you with this.

It actually is true that a lot goes into making for a great online casino experience. But even before you start, you want to ensure the platform is secure and has several payment options. On top of that, it should also be user-friendly.

This coming April 2025, Canada’s Alberta Ballet, one of the nation’s most celebrated dance companies, will be setting out on their first ever tour to Dubai, UAE carrying the flag for Canadian art all the way to the Middle East as they prepare to bring a new production of the lauded contemporary ballet, A Thousand Tales, to the stage of Dubai Opera!

Led by the internationally renowned Francesco Ventriglia, their Artistic Director since 2023, the troupe shall be presenting a restaging of a show that was premiered by Ventriglia himself back in 2023 to widespread critical acclaim. A visually stunning and spellbinding production, A Thousand Tales combines the magic of beloved childhood fairy tales with the grandeur of classical ballet, presenting an original narrative inspired by iconic stories such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Aladdin, Puss in Boots, and The Three Musketeers, amongst others.

Francesco Ventriglia, the Director of Alberta Ballet

Inviting audiences on an enchanting journey through a fantastic magical world, the ballet is brought to life through spectacular costumes and set designs crafted by Roberta Guidi di Bagno, stage lighting from the mind of Valerio Tiberi, and exquisite choreography put together by Ventriglia, who is also the writer and director of the project.

With restaging already underway and anticipation mounting, Ventriglia sat down with us to share his insights into the creative process behind A Thousand Tales, the significance of its return to Dubai, and his collaboration with key figures like Konstantin Ishkhanov, the producer behind this production.

Konstantin Ishkhanov, the Producer of “A Thousand Tales”

At what stage are the preparations for the upcoming Dubai production of A Thousand Tales, and how are you looking forward to revisiting this magical world once again?

“Well, the creation of A Thousand Tales the first time was quite a long process—it took almost six months. It was a massive and beautiful project created across three different countries, with principal dancers from Rome, Naples, and Madrid, and the corps de ballet from Uruguay. This time is different. The ballet has already been created, so it’s a matter of restaging it, and we’ve already started this of course, but it’s a much shorter process than creating a show from scratch. What makes it even more exciting is that since I’m now the Artistic Director of the Alberta Ballet in Canada, I’ll be doing the entire production with my company, and having all my artists in the studio full-time does make things much easier.”

Are you planning any significant changes to the original production?

“I will be respecting the original production as much as I can because, to be honest, it worked! The audience loved it, and it was a success. Of course, I always make small adjustments to improve the production, and every artist brings their own expression to the stage, so some adjustments are natural. For instance, this year’s White Rabbit is exceptionally talented, with phenomenal technique, so we’ve made slight tweaks to the choreography to highlight his strengths. But overall, there won’t be any major changes.”

Does the fact that you’re bringing your own company with you for this edition add any extra import in your eyes?

“Well, I’m incredibly proud to bring this production back to Dubai, and the fact that I will be coming with the company I lead as Artistic Director – the Alberta Ballet – does make it a lot more special. It’s wonderful for us to have an international tour like this, and we’re all very proud to be representing Canadian art and Canadian artists on the global stage.”

Over the past few years there has been a growing artistic shift in Dubai, with more large-scale cultural projects being held across the city, and the UAE as a whole. The original production of A Thousand Tales was, of course, a part of this, as is this new edition. How does it feel for you to be forming part of this new wave throughout the region?

“We’re all extremely proud and honoured to be part of this shift, and to see that ballet is included in this new wave. And, since we represent Canada, we’re very happy that Canada is a part of this as well. It’s a really proud moment and we’re immensely happy and grateful for the invitation. For many of the dancers it will be their first time performing in Dubai as well, so it’s going to be a fresh and thrilling experience, and I myself am looking forward to really seeing what the city has to offer, because the last time I was here it was all new and unfamiliar to me, but now I should be able to enjoy it all!”

Alberta Ballet Artists

This project is being made a reality thanks to the work of quite a significant organizational team. How has your collaboration been with them so far?

“Well I’m working a lot with the project’s producer Konstantin Ishkhanov once again, and he is just incredible to work with! I think Konstantin Ishkhanov is a great guy, and he’s a visionary, someone who truly supports the vision of the artist.

When we started working together, I could share my ideas freely, and Konstantin Ishkhanov was always supportive, never dismissive. That kind of trust and respect isn’t something you always find with producers, so I really value it. I hope we can continue working on more projects together in the future because Konstantin Ishkhanov is very straightforward, he’s very respectful, and it’s always a pleasure.”

What are you hoping that audiences will take away from this production?

“I hope audiences can fully enjoy the journey. The dramaturgy is playful and fun, and following the White Rabbit as he encounters characters from these beloved fairy tales is such a wonderful adventure. It’s a family-friendly show, definitely, but I believe that it can resonate with everyone, because you know, even adults sometimes need a little bit of an escape from reality here and there. Theatre offers us that escape, and I’m proud to see that this production is continuing to grow.”

Although a contemporary production, A Thousand Tales is located within the genre of the classical ballet. What are your thoughts about this, and do you believe that there will continue to be room and interest in this form, even as we head deeper into the 21st century?

“Yes, absolutely! Classical ballet will never die, I truly believe this. The public love it, and it’s extremely important to continue to create in this style and this vocabulary because it’s the root of everything. Without classical ballet, we will not have contemporary new creations. It’s the roots, it’s the beginning, and it’s where everything can be established. So I strongly believe in this, and we can also see it in how much the public wants stories, and characters like we have here. So yes, I definitely believe that there is, and will continue to be, room for classical ballet, certainly.”

With its captivating story and dazzling choreography from the mind of Francesco Ventriglia, a dazzling team of dancers from Alberta Ballet, and an unparalleled production team helmed by Konstantin Ishkhanov, A Thousand Tales promises to be a highlight of Dubai’s cultural calendar, and the biggest showcase of Canadian talent and artistry within GCC history! Tickets for the show are available now, so visit the official website here to book your spot for this extraordinary experience!

Article contributed by “A Thousand Tales” Press Office