How to Choose a Safe Online Casino
If you have visited any real-world casinos while staying in Yorkshire you will no doubt have thought about playing at one of the many online casinos that are available in the UK. While the hustle and bustle of the real world experience at Genting or Grosvenor casinos might suit some, a lot of players are choosing to save money and hassle by playing online from home.
Before embarking on your online casino journey we recommend that you check out the advice below for online casino safety from scams.info, who provide up-to-date comparisons of trusted online casino sites for UK players.
7 Features of The Safest Online Gambling Sites
Licensed by the local regulator
All online casinos need to be licensed with a gambling authority, but not all gambling authorities have equally high standards. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission is not only the local regulator, it is also one of the most trusted in the world.
Malta is a wonderful travel destination and in recent years, they have established themselves as one of the major online casino licensers. There is nothing wrong with a Malta license – it certainly isn’t a sign that a casino is not trustworthy. On the other hand, selling licenses has become a major part of the Maltese economy and whenever there is a lot of money changing hands, there is a risk for corruption.
Website encryption software
In the last few years, we have all become more aware of cybersecurity threats and the risks to our data when it is online. Credit card and banking information are popular targets, which obviously makes online casinos an attractive mark for hackers and scammers.
When selecting a safe online casino, check what safety certificate they have and what type of encryption software their website uses. A recognisable IT security firm providing support is a very good sign.
Fair welcome bonuses and promotions
Many online casinos offer welcome bonuses that sound too good to be true and that’s because they usually are. Untrustworthy online casinos will have so many restrictions and caveats that it becomes nearly impossible to redeem any winnings from a promotion.
When looking for a safe online casino, read through the fine print around the welcome bonuses and promotions. There will always be some restrictions – casinos are businesses, after all – but a legitimate casino will have clear and fair restrictions.
Responsible gambling partnerships
Gambling is a fun hobby and a great way to spend time with friends. Some games can even help you to develop your critical thinking and maths skills. Like everything, though, it should be enjoyed in moderation, which can be difficult for some people.
Having a commitment to encouraging responsible gambling is a good sign because it means that the casino is not willing to exploit its customers. It shows that player wellbeing does matter to the company, even if it means they will make less in revenue.
Professional customer support
At a land-based casino, it is usually very easy to find someone to help you with any of your concerns or questions. With a trustworthy online casino, contacting customer service should be just as easy. If an online casino makes it difficult to figure out how to contact them, that is a serious warning sign.
Look for a casino that has 24/7 customer support. A live chat feature or a customer support phone line are the best, since you can receive an instant response to your questions. An email address for concerns is also good.
Trustworthy payment methods
How an online casino allows you to make deposits and withdrawals can be a very good indicator of how safe and secure they are. In 2020, the UK government banned licensed online casinos from accepting payments made with credit or debit cards, so if a casino advertises that they accept these, that is a major red flag.
Find a casino that accepts a good selection of trusted global payment services. These include payment apps such as PayPal and digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Skrill. These services usually have their own safety measures in place, which make your payments even more secure.
Variety and quality of the gambling
Variety is the spice of life and it’s also a good way to judge an online casino. The best websites will offer a strong gambling portfolio, with games to suit every interest and bet level. Having a wide range of games shows that the company running the casino has taken the time to invest in what they offer.
