Stay Safe: 9 Things to Know About Playing Safe on Online Casinos
The first thing you might wonder when stepping into the world of online casinos is:
Are they safe?
Maybe you’ve heard of the big jackpots and want to take a punt? But you’ve also heard tales of fraud and scammers! We can’t promise you’ll always get as much dough as New Zealand’s Rawiri Pou, but there are some surefire ways to avoid fraud and scams on the online pokies.
1. Password, password, password
It may seem obvious, but making sure passwords are strong and secure is vital! It’s the first line of defence for an account, so make it memorable only for you, not others.
One foolproof way to check online casino safety and security is to see if they use two-factor authentication (2FA) in their login process. That extra step keeps your details, account and $ secure.
2. Check the License
Any reputable online casino should hold the necessary license to operate and ensure that they’re following the rules. Luckily, this is usually an easy one to check out. Just scroll to the bottom of the homepage and check for the relevant gaming commission logo.
For ultimate online casino safety, cross-reference the casino on the official licencing authorities websites, such as MGA, UKGC and Curacao.
3. Encryption & Verification
All personal information is uploaded onto the casino’s system, so it needs to be safe. Trustworthy casinos will have digital encryption technology to make sure data is inaccessible by third parties.
Secure websites will have the telltale lock icon in the website address bar when using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate.
4. Payment Options
Of course, payment is a principal thought for a player. Mostly, the possibility of depositing and withdrawing money quickly and efficiently. Yet, more importantly, the casino’s payment methods are reliable and trustworthy.
Visa, Skrill, paysafecard and cryptocurrencies are all examples of dependable payment methods. Which one is most suitable will depend on personal preferences.
5. Do your Homework
As well as making sure the online casino is licensed and keeping your details secure, you’ll want a breakdown of everything they have to offer, including welcome offers, bonuses and everything in between.
With the popularity of online pokies’ growing rapidly in Australia and New Zealand, it can be a difficult task to choose where to play. Although, there are many tools and websites to compare and find the right online casino NZ or OZ based.
6. Player Protection
Some of the best casinos offer tools to help players regulate their online play; for example, wagering restrictions or time limits. While it might not be necessary for every player, it does show a level of mindfulness from the casino.
As a result, it’s a good idea to note the policies and assistance the casino have in place for responsible gaming. Of course, everyone likes to think they can remain in control, but even the best players can lose themselves.
7. Customer Service
Does the online casino have access to a dedicated customer service team? It may be essential if you encounter any issues on the online casino platform.
It might also be necessary to see what methods of communication they have to ensure it’s convenient and low-cost. Whether you want to speak to a humanoid on live chat or prefer to have a local number to call direct.
8. Know your Stuff
The flashy exciting games of online casinos can easily draw you in. But, it can be a rabbit hole if you don’t know what you’re getting into. So make sure you’re up with the lingo and etiquette.
It’s crucial to understand wagering requirements and make the most of free spins at each casino. According to Kim Pascoe, an expert author in the online gaming industry, players can be caught out by simple oversights of information; she explains more about online casino safety here.
9. Don’t Forget the Fine Print
Often overlooked as tedious, but it could be a pitfall for some. Ensure you know what’s included in the casino’s terms & conditions so you don’t get caught out by any hidden clauses.
That includes T&C’s for those promotional and bonus offers too, to ensure they are suitable for you.
You’re ready to Play it Safe!
So keep these 9 things in mind when picking your casino of choice and you’ll be sweet as! Also, a huge thanks to Kim Pascoe for her expert opinion on this matter. Be sure to check her work from here.
