It has never been easier to sign up at an online casino, make a deposit, and start playing. The convenience is incredible, far surpassing anything seen just a few years ago. But although online casinos are convenient, are they really secure?
There are numerous reports of cyberattacks these days, giving the impression that the online world is the Wild West. From crypto heists, to security breaches, to malware and more. How can anyone be safe gambling online? The truth is that online casinos go to amazing lengths to ensure that visitors are safe. In fact, online casinos use some of the most cutting edge security technology currently available.
Licensing Standards
Online casinos must operate according to specific criteria. In order to function legally an operator must be licensed, which in turn means meeting tough standards. A site is inspected, audited, and scrutinised. If any irregularities or security flaws are found the operator is forbidden from running the site.
This is why you should always only gamble at a licensed site. Visiting an unlicensed site means that none of the security standards have been verified, and that the operator is not beholden to the law. Check for licensing information in the footer of a site’s homepage.
Encryption Technology
Cutting edge encryption technology is used at all online casinos. Regardless if you are accepting an online casino sign up bonus, making a deposit, or spinning the reels, the information is encrypted. This means that it is impossible for a hacker to intercept the information, given that any sensitive data would appear only as gibberish.
128bit SSL encryption is the most common used. If you are unsure if a site uses encryption be sure to ask. Though, according to security standards, it is all but guaranteed that some form of encryption is being used.
Fair Gaming Standards
So we know that transactions are secure, but what about the games themselves? Online casinos must run according to strict fair gaming standards. Not only is it guaranteed that games are run using cutting edge random number generators (RNG,) but the games are also audited on a regular basis.
Most operators will even publish their audit reports, allowing anyone to check that the games are run fairly. If, during an audit, anything is found to be irregular the site will be shut down. Remember; audits are performed by third party authorities.
Financial Histories
It isn’t just the sites themselves that are scrutinised, but the operators that run them. Operators also publish their financial histories, allowing for total transparency. Again, anyone can look at the histories, leaving no room for unscrupulous operators to get licensed.
With all of this being said, you should, once again, be certain that you are only playing at licensed sites. Unlicensed sites are fairly rare this days, given how quickly authorities crack down. But there is still a chance of stumbling onto a rogue site. Simply report a rogue site, don’t play any of the games, and move on.
