Why Smart Online Players Look for eCOGRA Seals

Online gaming fans looking for new sites to play on are increasingly looking for the eCOGRA Seal as a mark of the operator's integrity.

eCOGRA is an independent body set up to self-regulate online gambling via standards. It currently oversees 145 tier one online gambling sites which have been awarded their 'Safe and Fair' seal. Gaming fans playing at these accredited sites have access to eCOGRA's free dispute resolution service.

Showing Why They're Safe and Fair

eCOGRA released figures on the first half of 2011 that demonstrate its value to the online gambling industry. Their stats show that accredited operators have a remarkably low complaint ratio - under 0.5% for each online gaming site.

3 Biggest Complaints

During the first 6 months of 2011 the Fair Gaming Advocate at eCOGRA received 358 valid and legitimate complaints the biggest issues raised were in connection to:

• cash-in problems (41 percent),
• bonus issues (23 percent) and
• locked accounts (21 percent)

There was an average of 13 complaints per week across all 145 accredited operators; the majority of these were resolved within just 72 hours. There was a split of 60/40 in favour of casinos in terms of who eCOGRA sided with to resolve the dispute.

Weeding out the Chancers

eCOGRA Fair Gaming Advocate Tex Rees commented that operators responded swiftly to requests for information and explanations. Rees also noted that a small percentage of players tried to circumvent terms and conditions governing play and payouts. Rees commented, "This small category of players has become more creative in their tactics, but the operators have developed correspondingly improved methods to identify and then lock them out."

Online Casino Reports is proud to have been awarded eCOGRA's Reputable Portal seal, demonstrating our transparent and professional approach to covering the online gambling industry.

Statistics don't lie; if you're looking for assurance about any online gambling site, always keep an eye out for the eCOGRA Seal.