Safe Online Casino Software Providers
Online casinos use different software to provide their games to players. Sites that are serious about providing a safe experience would only partner with reputable software providers who have met strict regulations to offer excellent and smooth gaming experiences.
Software providers are tested and audited by independent organisations such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), TST (Technical Systems Testing) or iTech Labs.
Some of the safest and most popular software providers are:
Microgaming has been delivering high-quality and unique games to players since 1994 and now offers a catalogue of over 700 games. The firm has won numerous awards, regularly releases new games and was one of the co-founders of eCOGRA.
Microgaming are certified by GLI and offer the highest quality protection for their players. Microgaming casino sites also use the latest technologies such as 128 and 256-bit certificates, tough encryption and programs for data loss prevention. If that isn’t enough for you, Microgaming actually won the Certified Software Seal from eCOGRA.
NetEnt has been operating for over 20 years and has become one of the most prominent software providers. They have over 200 games, are audited by eCOGRA and has won several awards throughout their service including Slot Provider of the Year and RNG Casino Supplier of the Year.
If that isn’t enough for you, NetEnt has participated in extensive testing and auditing to earn the highest licensing possible. They’ve even earned a Class 4 security license from Malta Gaming Authority, something many other casinos don’t have.
A popular online casino software developer that was founded in 1999, Playtech is certified by GLI, Playtech is known for offering a selection of high-quality film and television-based online slots. The firm also monitors casinos that use their software to ensure that quality standards are met and honoured.
In addition, Playtech also used advanced SSL and 128-bit encryption technology to protect its player’s personal information. What’s even better is that some of the biggest online casinos available today use Playtech as their software provider.
The testing and regulating bodies make sure that each casino software provider is offering fair games to players without any technical glitches. You can easily spot which software providers your casino is using by scrolling to the bottom of the page where their logo should be displayed.
Online Gambling Licenses
The UK Gambling Commission regulars online casinos in the United Kingdom and any online casino offering its gambling services to players based in the nation must obtain a license from the Gambling Commission as required by the UK Gambling Act.
Simply, if an online casino doesn’t possess a valid license from the UK Gambling Commission, it’s best to stay clear of them as they’re not legally allowed to be offering their games to you.
What’s even better is that the Gambling Commission doesn’t just offer licenses to anyone, casino operators have to undergo several tests to prove the validity and fairness of their software. In addition, operators have to meet a series of strict regulations that ensure your protection as a player.
Obtaining A License
Casino operators must submit an application to the UK Gambling Commission to obtain a license. As part of the application, the operator will have to provide several documents to prove their validity and undergo a DBS check.
They will also have to vow to follow the Gambling Commission’s License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) which work to protect the player and prevent fraud and money laundering.
For example, accepting the Commission’s LCCP means operators must offer fair and open gambling and offer assistance programmes to help anyone dealing with a possible gambling addiction.
The Gambling Commission’s rules also order operators to keep records of every transaction made throughout the service and to make an effort to stop any criminal activity from occurring. If operators fail to follow their rules, they face tough punishment.
How to Spot A License
It’s incredibly easy to spot a valid gambling license. You need to scroll to the bottom of the page where the operator should proudly display the UK Gambling Commission logo. However, if you’re unable to find the logo, you can also search through the Gambling Commission’s website to find out if they carry a valid license.
Other Gambling Licenses
After browsing through several operator websites, you may have noticed that some online casinos have gambling licenses from other regulatory bodies. Other than the UK Gambling Commission, the two most common licenses you’ll see on casino sites are issued from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA).
These licenses allow casino operators to offer their games to players based in Europe. Just like the UK Gambling Commission, these operators require casino operators to undergo tests and meet strict policies and regulations before being awarded a license.
Old Casinos Vs. New: Which is Safer?
One question many people ask themselves when registering for the first time or switching operators is whether a modern online casino is safer than an older casino. Many people may find older casinos more trustworthy because they’ve been offering their services for longer and if they’ve been doing it for five or more years, they’ve got to be doing something right, right?
However, it’s important you understand that some rogue casinos may keep their license for a long period of time because they’re discreetly scamming customers. This rarely happens since the UK Gambling Commission regulates online casinos in the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, many newly launched casino sites may offer as great a service as those who have been around for longer and may even be more transparent when it comes to safety, payments, bonuses and more. If you’re still unsure about a casino, you can always take a few minutes to read reviews about it from us or players themselves.
Payment Security and Safety
It’s hugely important that online casinos offer several layers of protection when it comes to payments and personal information. You wouldn’t want to lose money or have any personal information stolen by third-parties and its the casino’s responsibility by law to make sure this doesn’t happen.
There are various ways online casinos make sure your personal information and payments are secure, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Payment Methods
First of all, you should make sure you’re using a secure payment method to deposit or withdraw money with the online casino. All operators offer a range of payment methods to suit your needs including debit and credit cards or e-wallets such as Skrill or Neteller, which offers two-factor authentication.
Some casinos also accept PayPal, Trustly and prepaid cards such as Paysafecard or Entropay. However, it’s important you use a payment method you’re comfortable with and something that is safe.
SSL Encryption
All online casinos have a form of Secure Sockets Layer encryption which is a form of security technology that established an encrypted link between a web server and browser. The guarded link ensures that any data passed through it remains private and makes it difficult for a third-party to gather personal information.
SSL encryption is so standard that Google now marks websites without SSL encryption as unsafe and informs users with a warning.
Two-Factor Authentication
Some online casinos also support two-factor authentification, also known as two-factor or 2FA, which is an additional security layer that not only requires a username and password but requires the user to provide a temporary code that only they have access to at that moment.
Two-factor authentication makes it harder for someone to gain access to your account or identity and more online websites and services are adopting the security measure to prevent fraud.
Staying Safe While Gambling
You should now understand how to spot a safe and trustworthy online casino. Luckily for us, the UK Gambling Commission works hard to regulate any casino offering its services to players based in the United Kingdom.
However, it’s important to remain vigilant. Whether you’re a new or long-time gambler, it’s important you consider which casino software the casino is using, which security layers they offer and whether they possess a valid license from the UK Gambling Commission.