In the old days, gamblers had no choice but to head to their nearest casino when they wanted to place a wager. However, these days a lot has changed. Punters can now head online to get a gambling fix. However, one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the need players have to feel safe and secure when they part with their money. Whether you’re an experienced pro at the gaming tables or a complete newbie, when it comes to selecting the right online casino, finding one that is safe and trusted is paramount. It’s important to know when comparing casino brands that there are certain things to look out for. Some people think that online gambling is all about choosing a site with the best graphics or the most exciting games. However, there are more important things to keep in mind. Here, we look at how you can choose a trusted and safe casino so that your personal and financial details will be in safe hands.
What Makes an Online Casino Safe?
There are a few key features shared by all safe online casinos. These are the features that you should be looking out for when choosing the right provider for you. These include:
- Fair payouts
- Fair games
- Licensing and regulation by a recognised Gaming Authority
- High-quality encryption technology
- Reputable payment options
- Good customer service
Look Out for Regulation and Licensing
When visiting any casino’s homepage, you should check out the regulatory and licensing information that you’ll find displayed, usually at the foot of the page. There are different laws surrounding gaming around the world, so choosing a site which is regulated and licensed by a reputable gaming authority is important. Some of the most reliable sites will be registered in Alderney, Gibraltar, Malta, the UK, Kahnawake, the Isle of Man, Curacao, Antigua or the Netherlands Antilles. Canadian players have a harder time finding a regulated casino which allows them to play. Gamblers who live in Toronto or Montreal should choose casinos licensed in their country.
Which Software Is Used?
Typically, the majority of online casinos use games from several software providers on their sites. You should look out for software which has been supplied by the biggest and best-known providers as this is most likely to be reliable and trustworthy. Names like Playtech, Microgaming and NetEnt, are all famous in the industry and can be relied upon to produce games with impressive sounds and graphics.
Who Owns the Casino?
Every reliable casino has an “About Us” web page which tells you everything you need to know to make an informed choice about whether it’s a reliable operator or not. You should be able to clearly see which company runs the casino, their registered address and phone number.
Is the Site Secure?
You need to be certain that any online casino is completely secure before you start entering your personal and financial details. This means you should always check to ensure that the data on the site is encrypted using the latest SSL technology. The URL should always begin with https:// and there should be a padlock displayed on the address bar.
Are Payouts Safe and Secure?
One element to check out before you register with any online casino is whether it pays out quickly and via reliable channels. Any reliable casino will offer a range of trustworthy and well-known payment methods such as MasterCard, American Express and Visa for withdrawals and payments. User reviews will also let you know how quickly you can expect to receive your winnings.
How Long Has the Casino Been Operating?
Although longevity won’t guarantee success, it means something when it comes to casinos. If a casino has been operating for years, it must be capable of growing, evolving and changing with the times. The newer a casino is, the more likely it is to be a fly-by-night operation, and you may want to avoid it until it has proved itself.
Is the Casino Software Fair?
Another thing to look out for when choosing a casino is whether the fairness of its software has been tested and proven. All online casinos should only be using games which are powered by an RNG (random number generator) so that the outcome cannot be predicted. Online casino software should regularly be tested to ensure that the playing experience is authentic and fair. When software passes a review like this, it will be given certification by a testing company. The best-known software auditing firm is eCOGRA and looking for this firm’s seal of approval on a casino is a good sign that you can rely upon it as a trustworthy operator.
Playing in Safety
Although legitimate and safe casinos outnumber the unsafe, rogue ones, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t research your choice of casino carefully. You don’t want to take a risk with your money, and so choosing the right operator is vital. Sites like Bestrealmoneyonlinecasinos.co.uk are out there to take all the hard work out of choosing a reputable casino, and you can rely on the information and details that you find there as evidence that the operator is trustworthy and secure. Choose the right online casino, and you can enjoy all the benefits of gambling over the internet – who knows, you could win the jackpot!