The first online gambling site started its operation in 1994. Now, there are over a million online betting sites and online casinos worldwide, catering to a huge player base. Today, the gambling industry is estimated to be worth over $40 billion. Like any form of business, there is a high risk of criminal and fraudulent activity in online gambling. But, you can look out for certain signs, and follow a set of rules to prevent getting scammed. Online casinos are a safe and secure way to gamble online.
What Signs To Look Out For
Gambling License
The first and foremost thing to look out for while selecting an online casino is to know whether it is licensed or not. There are several reputable license providers all around the world, where several leading online casinos are registered. These providers put the online casino through a series of tests and regulate it according to stringent gambling rules. It also ensures that the online casino is operating at high standards and is committed to player safety. Several license providers annually audit online casinos, which will lose their accreditation if the standards are not maintained.
A few of the most reputable license providers are:
- Curaçao Gaming License.
- Kahnawake Gambling License.
- PAGCOR (The Philippines Amusement and Gambling Corporation)
- Malta Gaming Authority.
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Security Protocols
Technology is advancing, and so are scamming methods. Online casinos should implement the latest security protocols to prevent data leakage. The industry-standard security measures include 128-bit SSL encryption, modern firewall systems, and sophisticated security software. A few online casinos take it a notch above by providing 256-bit SSL encryption, used by financial institutions. Players can peacefully game online casinos with the assurance that their data and transactions are heavily safeguarded.
Fair Gameplay
Several online casinos are popping up here and there. How to know they are not scammers? Look out for trustworthy game providers. Globally renowned game providers only associate with reputable online casinos. The games they provide will be of the highest quality and will have a high RTP (return to player). These games operate under Random Number Generators (RNGs), which ensure the randomness of the result. Check if the RNGs used in the casinos are regularly audited, so that you are not scammed.
Payment Methods
There should be straightforward methods to move your money in and out of the online casino. It should also have realistic transaction fees with no other hidden charges. If an online casino has a list of globally renowned payment processors to help players deposit funds and withdraw their winnings, it would be a legitimate casino. Payments on crypto casinos are completely anonymous and provide you with the utmost privacy. Since crypto transactions happen across the blockchain, they cannot be manipulated.
Responsible Gambling
Online casinos are required, under the law, to advocate responsible gambling. An online casino should acknowledge the ill effects of gambling and provide the necessary tools to help people addicted to gambling. The tools include self-exclusion, custom deposit limits, addiction helpline, and player support.
Wagering Requirements
Online casinos should have realistic wagering requirements. All the online casinos dole out attractive bonuses and promotions to reel in players. However, what people do not know is that many of these promotions carry achievable wagering requirements that need to be fulfilled to initiate a payout. So, go through the promotions provided by the online casino and check if it is achievable before creating an account in it.
Do Not Break These Rules While Gambling Online
- Never share your username or password with others/other players.
- Check the terms and wagering requirements of huge welcome bonuses before creating an account.
- Never use cheats or other cheating software while gambling, as it might lead to forfeiting of your winnings.
- Do not click any links within the online casino that might carry you to a new website.
- Always download the official casino apps from the official website or dedicated app stores.
- Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
- Always keep a check on the money that you are spending.
- If your gambling is getting out of control, seek help or use the responsible gambling tools.
- Set a specific time to gamble online and never exceed it.
Conclusion
Online casinos are a lucrative method to earn money and seek entertainment. However, like every other industry, there are several pitfalls in online gambling. Before you start your gambling journey, be aware of the risks and rewards. Online casinos are safer than brick-and-mortar casinos as there is no human intervention in them.
They use AI, algorithms, and advanced game servers to emulate real-life casinos. Several divisions of gaming enforcement actively monitor online casinos so that no players get scammed. To sum up, online casinos are miles ahead in safety when compared to land-based casinos.