Your Guide to Online Casino Safety

Online casinos should be a place of fun, and if it is not safe, it can no longer be “fun.”

We all know that online gambling platforms have ways to ensure their players are safe when playing on their respective websites. However, players need to learn how to protect themselves from possible cyber attacks too.

Hence, we have created a checklist for players to guarantee their safety whenever they are out and about playing.

Check This Criterion

Your safety and security matter above all else. No money nor jackpot in online casino slots can ever compensate you if your personal and financial information is stolen from you. So to avoid this from happening, you need to know these important things:

• Licensed and regulated by proper authorities.
• Regularly audited and available to the public.
• A reputable company manages the data protection and security of the online casino.
• A random number generator (RNG) is used for fairness.
• The platform uses encryption for user protection.
• Trusted game testing companies have evaluated the online casino, its games, and its software.
• The gambling platform uses popular payment methods.
• The Online casino has awards and certifications to boast.
• Has a mobile application for ease of access.
• Customer support is very approachable and can answer any concern or query.

With this initial checklist established, let us dive deeper into their responsibilities to ensure players’ safety whenever they are on the platform.

Licensed

Online casinos need to have a license for several reasons. Here are a few:

• Legal Compliance: A license ensures that the online casino is operating legally and is following the regulations set forth by the licensing authority. This helps to protect both the players and the casino from any legal issues.
• Player Protection: A licensed online casino is required to follow certain guidelines to ensure that players are protected. This may include measures to prevent fraud, money laundering, and underage gambling.
• Fairness: A licensed online casino must typically use certified and audited random number generators to ensure fair and unbiased games.
• Reputation: A license adds credibility and legitimacy to an online casino. Players are more likely to trust and choose a licensed casino over an unlicensed one.
• Payment processing: Many payment processors require online casinos to have a valid license before processing payments. This ensures that the casino is legitimate and helps to prevent fraud.

Licensing authorities include:

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
• Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA)
• Curacao eGaming Licensing Authority
• Kahnawake Gaming Commission
• Alderney Gambling Control Commission
• Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

Each licensing authority has its own requirements and regulations that online casinos must comply with to obtain and maintain their license. These may include background checks, financial audits, and regular reporting.

Audits are Regular

Having a license to operate does not mean that an online casino should be considered reputable. One aspect that players need to ensure is that the platform is being regularly audited.

Through audits, it guarantees that the casino complies with the rules and regulations pertaining to managing its users and their respective funds.

Here are some reasons why regular audits are important for online casinos:

• Fairness: Audits help to ensure that the casino’s games are fair and random. This is particularly important for online casinos, where players cannot physically see the games being played. The audit process ensures that the random number generators used by the casino are unbiased and genuinely random.
• Security: Audits also help ensure that the online casino’s security measures effectively protect players’ personal and financial information. This includes verifying that the casino’s encryption technology is up-to-date and that all transactions are secure.
• Compliance: Online casinos must comply with various regulations, and the rules depend on the jurisdiction in which they operate. Regular audits help to ensure that the casino complies with all necessary regulations and requirements.
• Reputation: A licensed and audited online casino is more likely to be trusted by players. Regular audits help maintain the casino’s reputation and show they are committed to fairness and transparency.

Security

Online casinos need to have adequate technical security measures in place for these reasons::

• Player Protection: Online casinos handle sensitive information, such as personal and financial information, which can be at risk of theft or misuse if adequate security measures are not in place. Technical security measures help to protect players’ information and prevent unauthorized access.
• Preventing Fraud: Adequate technical security measures can help prevent fraudulent activities such as hacking, identity theft, and money laundering. These measures can include encryption, firewalls, and secure payment gateways.
• Maintaining Integrity of Games: Technical security measures such as random number generators (RNGs) and game logs help to ensure the fairness and integrity of the games offered by online casinos. This prevents any manipulation or tampering of the games, which can result in unfair play and loss of trust among players.
• Legal Compliance: Many jurisdictions require online casinos to have adequate technical security measures to obtain and maintain their license. This helps to ensure that the casino operates legally and follows the regulations set forth by the licensing authority.

Games are Fair

When visiting a casino, it’s essential to ensure that the games offered are fair, except for live casino games and sports where the outcome is not predetermined.

To ensure fairness, every game should be monitored by a random number generator (RNG) that determines the outcome of each game in a completely arbitrary manner. Reputable providers such as Play’n GO, OkBet, and Microgaming are known to offer fair games. 

However, some casinos have rigged games, making it necessary to check if the casino uses an RNG tested by external companies. Additionally, for added reassurance, eCOGRA’s Seal of Approval can be checked, which will discuss in detail later on.

Encryption

Encryption is a crucial process that guarantees the safety of your transactions by encrypting them before transmission over the casino servers. If you come across a casino website that lacks evidence of encryption, it’s recommended to exit the site immediately and avoid providing any personal information.

Software Used

The software industry is home to many trusted gaming providers, which is great news for players. These providers offer games that are featured on various casino websites. While some casinos have a few providers, others have a vast selection. 

eCOGRA, the internationally approved and independent testing agency, plays a crucial role in ensuring the fairness of games from these providers. They specialize in testing, inspecting, and certifying software providers and their systems. 

When you see eCOGRA’s certification seal, you can be assured of playing fair games in a safe environment.

Modes of Payment

You’ll likely deposit and withdraw money while playing at an online casino. Therefore, checking which deposit methods are available and whether the providers are reputable is essential. 

As you’ll be sharing sensitive financial information, the payment methods must be secure and protect your privacy using SSL encryption. The casino’s privacy policy should ensure that your details remain confidential and are not shared with third parties.

Owner

Several online casinos are owned by larger gaming groups that may also operate several other casinos. This information is usually found at the bottom of the casino’s webpage. If such a group owns a casino, you may enjoy a secure online experience across all of them. However, before creating multiple accounts across the group of casinos, it’s advisable to check the terms and conditions to ensure that it is permitted.

Awards, Certificates

Casinos receive awards in various categories within the gaming industry, and if a casino has been awarded, it usually displays these accolades on its website. Seeing these awards can provide additional reassurance that you are playing at a reputable and safe site, as it has been recognized for its excellence in the industry.

Mobile App

Most online casinos now provide a mobile version of their website, making accessing their games through a mobile browser easier. If the casino is fully licensed and regulated, you can trust it is safe and secure, even on its mobile version. 

The same high standards are required for the casino’s mobile and web versions. However, if the casino is not licensed and you are playing from your mobile, you should leave the site immediately and look for a licensed and regulated alternative.

Customer Service

A reliable customer support is crucial when playing at an online casino. You should check what options are available before making a deposit and playing. The most efficient form of support is through live chat, which most casinos offer today. 

However, suppose a casino doesn’t have a live chat as long as they offer alternative means of contact. In that case, you can consider it meeting the minimum requirement for reliable customer support.

Conclusion

If these criteria are met, there is almost a 100% chance that the platform is safe and secured, with players protected and stress-free. Only patronize legal online casinos to enjoy a positive and enjoyable gaming experience, free from concerns about the safety and security of your personal and financial information.