When you sign up to a casino site, deposit money and play, you have to be confident your personal data and funds are protected and that you will be able to cash out your winnings. However, with so many online casinos now in operation, it can be difficult to know which are safe. So, here are five signs you are playing on a legitimate casino website.
1. The site has security measures in place
As part of their day-to-day operations, online casinos are required to obtain and store lots of personal data, including customer contact details and payment information. It is therefore important that a site has measures in place to stop this data from being stolen. Two simple ways to check this are to make sure the web address (URL) starts with “https” and has a padlock symbol in the address bar, both indicating the connection is secure and that the site is legitimate.
2. The site is licenced by a recognised jurisdiction
One key sign that an online casino is reputable is that it holds a licence from a recognised jurisdiction. Each country has its own rules relating to in-person and remote gambling. In countries where online gambling is allowed, operators are usually required to hold a relevant licence. In the UK, gambling is regulated and licensed by the Gambling Commission. Some of the other jurisdictions that issue reputable licences include Gibraltar, Alderney, the Isle of Man, and Malta.
3. The site offers legitimate payment options
A crucial aspect of playing on an online casino is the safety of the payment process. This covers making an initial deposit, receiving and cashing out winnings, accessing any monetary bonuses, and withdrawing all funds. Legitimate casinos will offer a variety of recognised payment options, such as Visa, Mastercard and PayPal. Nowadays, many online casinos also offer the ability to transact in the major cryptocurrencies.
4. The site features reputable software
The games available on online casinos run through software provided by a third-party developer. An indication that a casino website is reputable is that it employs gaming software from one or more of the “big names” in the industry, such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech and Evolution. This is important to ensure your personal data remains secure. Casino games developed by legitimate software providers also undergo independent testing to ensure the outcome is always fair.
5. The site has a customer verification process
A strong customer verification process is a further indication the site takes the gambling regulations rules seriously. While it can be frustrating to have to wait to deposit and play, by verifying new customers, the site is protecting itself and its existing customer base. The process can identify such issues as under-age gambling, money laundering and other fraudulent activity.
Playing on an online casino is a risk, not just in terms of placing bets but due to concerns over the legitimacy of the site. By doing a little research to ensure the site is properly regulated and operated professionally, you can help to ensure your deposits, winnings and personal data are secure.