You’ve just found a nice online casino and now you want to start playing those flashy slots and table games. Don’t be in a hurry though. You need to ask yourself one important question.
Is that casino a legitimate gambling site? There are hundreds of online casinos floating around the internet and without caution, you can find yourself playing at a fraudulent site.
So, is there a way of proving an online casino’s legitimacy? We are about to find out below. Read our guide and see the key areas you need to check and the red flags you should avoid by all means.
Source: medium.com
Contents
Find the casino’s licensing information
Legit online casinos have licenses from respected regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. These regulators ensure that casinos offer fair gaming practices and safe banking options. From the RNG systems to financial data, everything is checked to make sure players are protected.
To check a casino’s licensing information, scroll to the bottom of the website. Look for the licensing information here, usually in the form of a license number. Click it and you’ll be taken to the official website of the regulatory body where you’ll find everything you need to know about the operator including licensing and owners.
If the casino hasn’t provided any licensing information, consider closing your account.
Look for security measures
Have you heard about SSL encryption technology? If you haven’t, allow us to tell you what it’s all about. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and it’s the technology that keeps you safe when surfing the internet. This encryption technology, ensures that your data doesn’t fall in the wrong hands and it’s represented by that small padlock sign you see at the top of the website.
If the casino that you’re currently signed to doesn’t have a padlock sign, you will see a danger sign and a ‘Not secure’ message and this should be enough for you to close your account. Additionally, trustworthy casinos will also provide extra protection by asking you to create security questions or set up Two-Factor Authentication.
Source: protectimus.comCheck Reputation online
Reading reviews online is one of the easiest way of telling whether a casino is safe or not. With one search only, you’ll find a million of articles about the site and with this, you can read what other players think. If you find multiple complaints about the casino, it is best to be cautious and avoid playing there.
You can also head over to trusted review websites such as ours. Here at arabiconlinecasinos.com you’ll read unbiased reviews that will help you find only the best sites. Blacklisted casinos are also listed on many review websites. So try checking whether your current site is blacklisted and if they are, consider closing your account.
Check software providers
Software providers are the backbone of any online casino. These companies create and distribute games, so you must ensure they are safe and reliable. Some of the most popular software providers include Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Playtech and Play’n Go.
These software providers have earned their high reputation by making amazing games and ensuring fairness in these games. So any casino that partners with them is also safe and reliable. However, kindly note that the software providers mentioned above are not the only reliable providers.
To check whether a software provider is legit, simply visit a regulatory authority such as the UK Gambling commission and look for certifications.
Source: nagarro.com
Look for additional credentials
It’s great for a casino to have a license. However, we believe a certificate from a third-party regulatory authority doesn’t hurt anyone. And this is where eCOGRA comes in. The eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) is a third-party regulatory body that tests software used in casinos to ensure players are protected.
This authority places a strict emphasis on fair and responsible gambling. Customer privacy and data protection is also assessed as well as responsible marketing. Therefore, if your current casino holds an eCOGRA certificate, know you’re dealing with a safe and legitimate site. So feel free to play as many games as you want.
Test the casino’s bonuses and payout speeds
Online casinos are always rewarding players with bonuses. However, not every bonus comes with fair wagering requirements. With that in mind, check the kinds of bonuses your current casino has to see whether the wagering requirements and the other conditions can be met.
While here, you can also claim the bonus, fulfill the wagering requirements then withdraw your winnings. A normal withdrawal takes up to 72 hours to get processed and if the casino begins acting suspicious like asking you to verify your identity several times, know you’re dealing with an unreliable operator.
Source: timeofcasino.com
Test the casino’s customer support
Another way of telling whether a casino is legit or not is by contacting them. By default, an online casino should offer support through phone and email. A live chat feature is also a good sign.
If either email or phone support is missing, finding help will be extremely difficult and this can make gambling a living nightmare. Try sending a question and see if you’ll receive a quick and helpful answer. If there’s no reply after 72 hours, you’re better off at a different casino.
Check the casino’s responsible gambling tools
Before you deposit money to your betting account, check the casino’s responsible gambling page. Here you’ll see the kind of assistance the casino offers when it comes to gambling addiction.
Betting and time limits should be available. You should also be able to easily close your account or temporary disable it.
Source: versus.com
Our final thoughts
We hope that by reading this short guide, you’ll be able to choose good online casinos that will provide you with hundreds of games to play as well as safe banking options and a reliable customer support.
Read those online reviews, check the software providers and always keep an eye out for fraudulent sites using the other tips we’ve mentioned. Do this and you’ll have a smooth gambling experience.
