You want to play online slots and poker. You’ve heard people win money at online casinos. But you’ve also heard stories about online scams. You want to have fun but you’re afraid to lose your money to a fraudulent site.
You’re not alone. Every tech-savvy person surfs the web cautiously. We all want to protect our money and data. The best way to play online casino games safely is to play at secure websites and apps. Look for these features to verify that a casino site is safe.
Licensing and Web Security Features
Many countries around the world have gambling laws. Some countries have laws about brick-and-mortar casinos. Others have laws that include online gambling laws. If you live in a place where online gambling is regulated, then look for a casino licensed in your country.
In Canada, online gambling regulation is a provincial matter. Most states permit online casinos. In the US, it’s a matter of state concern. New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania have legalized the industry. But Texas, Hawaii and Utah do not permit online casinos. Licensing aside, look for web security features:
● HTTPS and SSL Certificates
● Secure web hosting
● Automatic back-ups
● Password protection
● Data protection policies
If you choose a licensed online casino, chances are it will feature important security features. Securing a casino site is compulsory before you get a license from popular regulators like the UKGC and the MGA.
Safe and Convenient Banking
Web security gives you confidence in a casino’s ability to keep your data safe. But can you trust the company to provide smooth banking? For your peace of mind, choose an operator that supports your favourite payment option.
There’s a caveat: Every payment method has its benefits and drawbacks. Casino deposits with bank transfer are great because you can send and receive large sums of money. But they take more time compared to cards and digital wallets like PayPal.
Of course, banking speed also varies depending on the casino you choose. Pick a company that processes both deposits and withdrawals quickly, preferably while keeping the fees low.
Games from Trusted Software Providers
One of the most common myths about online casinos is that they rig games. It’s not true. Licensed operators are required to provide fair games by law. These games come from a wide range of software providers. And that’s where your input is needed.
Choose games from renowned software providers to enjoy high-quality slots and table games. Look for these names:
● NetEnt
● Microgaming
● Betsoft
● BTG
● Evolution
● Play’n GO
Crucially, research around to discover the best games from each software company. NetEnt, for example, owns Starburst, Guns N’ Roses, Gonzo’s Quest and Mega Fortune. On the flip side, Microgaming is famous due to Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II and Game of Thrones slot. Although you can also play games from less-famous developers, ensure the companies have licenses that prove they provide fair games. Also, learn about their reputations. In fact, read reviews about popular casino games and choose the best-rated slots and table games.
Fair Bonuses
Casinos in Las Vegas have comps. Online casinos have bonuses that everyone can claim. Picture this. You can earn $50 free of charge for creating a free account. What’s in it for the casino? They’ve gained a new customer.
You could use your no deposit bonus to win real cash. But this is only possible when you pick a site with fair bonuses. Fairness comes in the size of your bonus compare to your deposit amount—if there’s any.
It also comes in the maximum you can cashout from your bonus and the conditions you must fulfil to cash it out. Choose bonuses with fair terms, especially wagering requirements. If a bonus demands that you play through your amount 50x or 60x, it’s probably not worth it. That being said, find operators with a wide variety of bonuses. Look for welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, cash backs, VIP programs and daily quests.
Functional Customer Service
Casino safety transcends licensing and web security. It also includes customer service and how effective an operator runs it. Many unreliable gambling websites have no means of communication. And if they exist, they don’t function as they should.
By comparison, the best casinos have a multitude of ways to contact them. You can use emails. Or you can drop a message through a chatbot. Other alternatives are use social media and phone communication.
Effective customer service is fast and helpful. So, don’t just focus on how quickly a casino responds to your email. Also, factor in whether it provides meaningful feedback to its customers.
Social Proof
If you’re like many people, you consider social proof before you make any online purchases. Think about it. Do you read online reviews? Do you look for a stamp of approval? How about an endorsement by a celebrity?
Social proof adds confidence. And it’s essential when finding safe casino sites. Start by looking for social media pages and whether people follow these accounts. Then look for a stamp of approval from a gambling auditing firm like eCOGRA.
Celebrity endorsements are great, but they’re not a deal breaker. A casino might not partner with celebrities. But if it has great reviews on casino forums; give it a shot.
Recommendations from Trustworthy Sources
Recommendations are technically a form of social proof. Nonetheless, they can help you differentiate a safe from an unsafe online casino. If you have friends who gamble online, ask them for recommendations.
Unless they’re terrible friends, they will recommend the best casinos they know. They could also warn you about casinos to avoid. In doing so, you’ll have a great idea of which websites to avoid.
Summary
Online casinos are safe. But don’t take anyone’s word for it. Take time to find proof that a site is safe and reliable before you create an account. Look for security features, a license and safe payment options. In many cases, safe and trustworthy casino sites provide wonderful services. And that’s exactly why it’s worth the hassle to find these operators.
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