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5 Things to Look for in a Safe, Legitimate Online Casino

Published November 20, 2021 by Elana K

Online gambling is a fast-growing industry, but some people are concerned about the safety of playing at online casinos. While it’s true that you have to be careful when making any online transaction, legitimate online casinos actually have strict rules about consumer protection and internet security. This means that if you choose an online casino carefully, you will actually be playing at a site that’s more secure than many others.

Here are 5 ways you can tell if the online casino you’re playing at is safe and secure.

Licensing

The first thing to look for when checking out an online casino is whether the casino is licensed. This information can usually be found at the bottom of every page of the website, or in the About Us section. Well-known regulatory authorities include the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), the UK Gambling Commission, and the government of Gibraltar, to name a few.

A licensed casino means that the site must adhere to strict rules regarding consumer protection, security protocols, and fair gaming.

Fair Gaming Practices

A legitimate online casino will use fair gaming practices for all its games. In some cases, this simply means only featuring games from licensed software developers, which have their own RNGs (random number generators) to ensure game randomness and fairness. Casinos can also have their games tested by independent testing labs to ensure that results aren’t skewed.

Online casinos that are not legitimate will make no promise of fair gaming and won’t use an RNG to ensure game randomness. In these cases, players often lose so the casino can eat up their money.

SSL Encryption Technology

One of the requirements of licensed casinos is to use industry-standard technology to ensure the safety of players’ financial information. After all, if players can’t trust that their financials will be safe, they won’t play on the site. SSL (secure socket layer) encryption technology is the standard among online casinos (in some cases 128-bit, in others 256-bit).

SSL encrypts players’ financial information when it’s sent from server to server, preventing cyber criminals from stealing it and using it for nefarious purposes.

You can check to see whether the site you’re playing on is protected by looking to the left of the URL. Sites that use SSL encryption show a small padlock icon to the left of the URL. You can click on it and then see the site’s SSL certificate. If an online casino doesn’t have that small lock icon next to the URL, run the other way.

Identity Verification

Legitimate online casinos usually require players to verify their identities before making their first withdrawal. Identity verification means sending some form of photo ID, a bill with your address, or another form of identification that the casino requests. While it can be annoying to do all this, it actually prevents fraud and maintains the integrity of the site. It’s totally legitimate for an online casino to request this. In fact, it’s preferred.

Good Reviews

Before playing at an online casino, it’s always a good idea to do a Google search for reviews. Even if a casino is licensed, it might not be user-friendly or offer competitive promotions. Reading reviews can give you a general idea of whether the casino is legitimate—and whether it’s worthwhile to play at.

Casinos that don’t have good reviews should be avoided. Since there are so many online casinos available, you should have no problem finding one that meets your standards.

Bottom Line

Online gambling is a fun hobby that you can do without having to leave your house. But like any internet activity, it should be done safely and responsibly. Make sure that the online casinos you play at tick all the requirements when it comes to player safety and security. This way, you can enjoy a pleasant and safe experience.