Online Casino Safety Starts with You!
How to run online casino background and safety checks.
In years past, many players logged onto internet gambling websites with their fingers crossed. Most had a fun and secure experience, while the unlucky ones suffered everything from loss of deposits to identity theft.
Thanks to much better regulation and security features, every player can now enjoy a safe, secure and entertaining online casino experience. There are quick and easy ways to check up on an operator’s reputation and credentials. And in that regard, online casino safety starts with you, the player.
Online Casino Background and Safety Checks
There are two basic forms of certification to look for when examining the safety of online casinos. You’ll want to find out the jurisdiction that regulates the operator, and the auditing verification of the software, which guarantees its fairness.
Regulatory Jurisdiction
Every online casino with half a shred of dignity will boast a regulatory licence. This is the permit operators receive from a governing body, giving them the right to operate the business from that country.
If no licence information is present, close the window and find another casino. If the licence info is available—usually at the very bottom of the website in text and/or logo format—pay close attention to which government the licence comes from. Jurisdictions with the highest standards include any province of Canada, the UK, Gibraltar, Alderney, Malta, and Isle of Man.
If the casino is licenced elsewhere, especially in Costa Rica or Curacao, even Kahnawake, regulatory guidelines are much more lax. Players from jurisdictions where online gambling is illegal (i.e. USA) can be accepted, which opens a whole new can of worms and potential threats to the longevity of the operation.
Even if illegal player acceptance doesn’t get them in trouble, the site could go rogue at any moment, with little or no consequences. Although these operators may be perfectly safe and trustworthy, they don’t have to be—that’s the biggest problem. It’s not worth the risk. It’s safer to stick with upright regulators who demand compliance from their licencees.
Software Certification
Knowing the operator is trustworthy is one thing, but what about company that produces the games? Are they fair, and how can you be sure? Visible certification is key here. You should be able to find a software certificate alongside the licencing info, at the bottom of the website, in text and/or logo form.
Certification is provided by independent auditing firms that run rigorous tests on every game supplied by a manufacturer. The purpose is to ensure that the games are entirely random, and meet their expected return to player (RTP).
Slot machines are programmed to pay a specific RTP. When an auditor spins the reels about a million times, that RTP should match up. Table and card games like blackjack and video poker should match the natural probabilities of dealing with a real deck. If the RTPs match up, the software passes certification.
Save Time, Choose Microgaming Casinos
Running online casino background and certificate checks isn’t difficult. However, if you don’t have the time, or aren’t confident in your ability to do so, don’t worry. You can save yourself a lot of effort and potential frustration by choosing Microgaming powered online casinos.
The oldest software company in the business, Microgaming excels in many ways. For starters, its software is certified by eCOGRA, the most trusted name in the global iGaming certification community. Every Microgaming casino boasts the eCOGRA Verified Safe & Fair logo, so you never have to worry about the integrity of their games.
Microgaming also has a long-standing reputation for supplying its software only to operators who maintain a licence in high-standard jurisdictions (like the good ones listed above). They will not operate in any country where online gambling is illegal. They are also known for supplying the largest game variety and fastest payouts, even when it comes to massive progressive jackpots. Suffice to say, when Microgaming is at the helm, safety and security is not an issue.
#1 Canadian-Friendly Casino
Jackpotcity.com is our editorial pick for your gaming needs.
Currently offering an entire suite of casino games, as well as a wide range of Canadian deposit options, JackPotCity truly offers world-class gaming.
