The online casino industry is not yet regulated so new players in the market need to take extra precaution to ensure that the gaming site that they choose to play on is reputable. What should you look out for when searching for a reputable online casino?
1. Reviews
In the online casino industry, it is survival of the fittest – the good casinos survive and the bad ones disappear as soon as they appear. When an online casino is given endless positive reviews by casino portals or random players, it is a clear sign that they are here to stay. Bad news spreads fast in cyberspace and if a casino has done a no-no, it will be reported on. Doing a quick search on the internet for the name of the online casino you are considering play on, will provide you with a wealth of information – for better or for worse.
2. Extra Certification and Approval
While there is no central body which regulates the online casino industry, there are some countries that have begun legalizing it. Until such time as the industry is regulated world-wide, some independent bodies have been formed to monitor the industry. eCOGRA is one such body which awards online casinos with certificates of approval if they meets specific strict criteria. These criteria include ensuring that the games are 100% random, that customer support is decent, that their marketing practices are fair and that their payout systems are totally legitimate. eCOGRA’s “Play it Safe” seal presents the casino with a token of approval and also helps out in the case of dispute between the player and the casino – in the form of arbitration services. Casinos with this type of extra certification should be sought after.
3. Software Providers
The casino software companies will not provide their software to casinos that are not licensed. Being licensed is a casino’s first step in being regulated in the country which issues the license. It is best to play on casinos that are powered by the leading online casino software providers – Playtech, GTECH G2, Microgaming and Cryptologic, amongst others. These companies will not provide their software to just any casino because if the site is accused of doing something shady, they will not want their good name tarnished. Casinos carrying these companies’ software could be considered a cut above the rest.
4. Customer Support and Contact Information
Details about where the casino is licensed and how it can be contacted are essential elements of knowing that the site is not a fly-by-night. A reputable online casino will have ready contactable customer support, ideally with a 24/7 phone number or live chat option. Online casinos that do not provide any contact information at all and who hide behind the glitz and glam should be avoided.
5. Payment Options
An online casino that has invested in building up a wide selection of payment and deposit options is recommended. Fly-by-nights will not have the resources to provide a large range of payment options, while established casinos will have taken the time and effort to build up relationships with the payment providers.
6. Reading the Small Print
In order to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting into, it is essential to read all the small print in every agreement entered into with the online casino. If a player disagrees with the casino about payouts or bonuses, but the casinos proves that it was agreed upon in writing when accepting an agreement, a player cannot then claim that the casino is not reputable. A player needs to understand their end of the deal under all circumstances.
7. Commitment to Responsible Gaming
Recently, many online casinos have taken it upon themselves to take measures to follow responsible gaming practices. The measures include fighting underage gambling, addictive gambling and other unsavory uses of their websites. Online casinos that display this commitment could be considered more reputable than others.
Conclusion
When seeking out a reputable online casino these tips will come in very handy. However, ultimately, a player may need to follow their gut feeling and it may also be a case of trial and error before your personal best online casino is found. Almost all the online casinos are reputable – some might be more reputable than others – and it is the bad apples in the pack that need to be removed.
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