If you’re planning to embark on a journey into the world of online casino gaming, then it’s important to bear in mind that safety should be one of your foremost considerations.
Fraud is a pretty big problem in the iGaming world; BetVictor fraud and security director Jason McGinty is one of many voices calling for a “collaborative approach” between companies to tackle this issue both on the corporate side and the customer side.
For now, however, you’ll have to rely on your wits to help you navigate the often-tricky world of online casino gaming. Well, your wits and us, of course! Here’s our guide on how to stay safe if you’re planning to hit the casinos online.
Research platforms extensively
You shouldn’t pick an online casino to play with until you’re absolutely sure it’s the right place for you. That means conducting extensive research on reputable platforms and sites that have your best interests at heart.
Dependable casino websites like Play Alberta will foreground their security information so that it’s easy for you to see how they’re protecting your data and your money.
They’ll also be upfront with you about what kind of bonuses you can expect, how much it’ll cost you to play each game, and what you can expect to win.
Don’t spend too much
One surefire way to make sure that you and your money are safe in the online casino gaming world is to try and set spending limits for yourself.
In 2024, the UK government introduced a £5-per-spin limit for slot machines, and that limit is as low as £2 for those aged between 18 and 24.
This limit was introduced in an effort to curb problem gambling, but it can also serve as a great reminder of when it’s time to walk away even if you aren’t suffering from addiction.
Ask around online
There are plenty of forums and other places you can ask folks online whether a website or platform is safe to gamble with, and it’s worth doing this before you make a decision.
There’s nothing quite so effective as a user review for figuring out whether a platform is above board or not, so if there’s a chorus of voices telling you a certain platform should be avoided, it’s best to steer clear.
You can also use this process to figure out whether the platform is worth your time; it may be safe, but the bonuses and incentives may not be what you’re looking for.
Check who’s providing the games
Online casino websites usually don’t create or code their own games; they look to third-party providers to do so, and there are a batch of reputable, well-known providers you should be looking for.
These companies include the likes of NetEnt, Push Gaming, and Playtech, and there are a host of others as well. You should be incorporating developers and iGaming providers into your research wherever possible.
Check reviews for these developers and make sure that the methods they use to develop their games are above board, and if you see a developer whose name you don’t recognise, it might be wise to venture elsewhere.
Look for verified payment methods
If you see a site offering payment methods you’ve never heard of before or that look sketchy, don’t give them a single penny of your money.
Reputable websites will feature a bevy of reliable payment methods that you can use to add funds to your account, including credit and debit cards, as well as the likes of PayPal and recognisable cryptocurrencies.
Sites that don’t provide this information may not be trying to scam you outright, but it’s absolutely not worth the risk given how easy it is to find a platform that does offer more mainstream payment options.
Check the license
Reputable gambling websites will be licensed by the authority of the country in which they’re based to provide their services, and if you don’t see a license like this, it could be a red flag.
In the UK, for instance, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) will provide a license to websites looking to offer online casino gaming, so if you don’t see the UKGC’s logo, you may wish to look elsewhere.
This will, of course, look different based on the location of the site you’re trying to access, but the fundamental point is that you should be looking for an official license wherever possible.
Check the security certificate
This might not be something you’ve ever done if you mainly stick to a small group of well-known websites, but if you’re venturing into the online casino world, be sure to check your platform’s security certificate.
You’re looking for a small padlock icon in the address bar, which will demonstrate that the site you’re using is utilising SSL encryption. You should also see an “https://” before the website’s address if you click inside the bar.
If you don’t see these indicators, then it might mean that the site’s security is inadequate or compromised, and that’s a surefire sign that you need to look elsewhere for your online casino gaming fun.
Keep an eye out for addiction
Gambling addiction isn’t something many online casino fans or providers want to talk about, but it’s an important part of the online casino gaming experience, and it’s something for which you need to be vigilant.
You may not think you have an addictive personality, but gambling addiction can strike anyone at any time, so it’s crucial that you recognise the initial signs that you may be developing such a problem.
These signs include thinking about online casino gaming on a regular basis, hiding your gambling activity from family or friends, and becoming irritable if anyone asks you to stop or cut down.
Conclusion
Staying safe while playing casino games online isn’t an easy thing to do, but if you follow the above-outlined steps, you should be able to protect yourself from some of the more well-known pitfalls.
Armed with the tools we’ve provided, you should be able to have fun safely while you’re exploring the best the world of online casino gaming has to offer!
