How Can iGamers Make Sure They Choose Only Secure Platforms

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Online gambling has shown immense growth in recent years, with many players switching out land-based casinos for the comfort of their own homes. Despite online platforms allowing for convenience, it is important to find iGaming websites that are safe and secure. For instance, unsecured platforms can result in your private information being shared or the possibility of malicious attempts by threat actors. As such, there are several practical steps iGamers can follow to ensure they are choosing a secure platform while remaining safe online.  

Protecting Your Data

Protecting personal information is an important part of any online activity users may engage in. Choosing a platform that guarantees information will be protected is always a smart move. Some great options offer privacy which, in turn, also means there is an added layer of protection. With a Bitcoin live casino, for example, iGamers can wager anonymously without having to enter any personal details, including their banking information.

SSL encryption is another way websites keep users safe, as it ensures privacy and requires authentication. When using Firefox or Chrome browsers, it’s as easy as clicking on the padlock icon in the website’s address bar. From here, a pop-up window will appear. Then click on “Certificate (Valid)” and check whether the certificate is up-to-date. An expired certificate means the website is a no-go.

Reviewing an online gambling platform’s privacy policies is another way to figure out whether any personal data will be shared with third parties. If an iGaming site offers two-factor authentication (2FA), then it would be a good idea to make use of this option to keep login and account details private. Other measures include checking how secure payment gateways are, and if the site has reputable payment options. Also checking who the software company is for each platform is always beneficial, as most reputable software providers undergo regular audits. 

User Reviews and General Reputation

Most people tend to avoid any type of service wherein the provider has negative ratings or bad customer reviews. This shows how valuable a customer review can be as it offers insights into what can be expected from said service, and whether it can be trusted. Heading over to reputable rating websites such as Trustpilot or Google is always a good idea if you have any doubts.

When looking through user reviews, try and identify any trends being flagged, especially with low ratings. For example, are there complaints about the gambling platform’s payout times? Or are punters unhappy with customer service quality? A general rule of thumb is if there are more than one or two comments that suggest the site is not trustworthy, it is probably best to avoid using it. If there are no user reviews at all, to be safe, it is best to avoid those gambling websites as well.

To get an even better idea of what an online gambling platform is like, consider going through some threads in forums. This is a good way to get an unbiased opinion from other platform users, and to find out how trustworthy the site actually is. 

Licensing and Regulations: Why Is It So Important?

One factor to consider when looking for an online gambling platform is whether it has a valid license. As with most things, a valid license means the body is adhering to the relevant regulations, and most importantly, is a legal entity. In most countries, there will be a reputable licensing body in place such as the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority to ensure strict alignment across each of these platforms to guarantee player safety.

There are a handful of ways to verify a platform’s licensing, and one such way is by checking the website footer. This will usually hold the gambling platform’s licensing information. If not, try looking at a register of licensed interactive wagering providers if available in your country to see if the betting platform being used appears on this list. For countries that do not offer this option, checking out the official website of the body that governs the platform can prove beneficial as it usually holds all licensing information.

Does the Platform Have Responsible Gambling Tools?

While it may not sound like a factor to consider, offering responsible gambling tools shows the platform actually cares about its customers. Offering self-exclusion tools, including relevant support and resources, shows the casino has responsible gambling measures in place. The promotion of responsible gambling showcases the platform’s trustworthiness as an illegal site that would prioritize profit over player well-being.

As such, a reputable and trustworthy platform would offer these gambling tools in addition to other resources. Good customer support is another characteristic of a secure platform, as it means, once again, that users are being prioritized and offered the necessary assistance. To bring things full circle, a sign of good customer service can usually be spotted in the number of positive ratings a gambling platform has received.