How to Spot a Secure and Licensed Casino

With thousands of online casinos to choose from, ensuring you’re playing at a safe, secure, and fair site is your number one priority. The existence of unscrupulous sites means you must be vigilant to protect your funds and private data. Follow this guide to identify the key indicators of a reliable and secure online casino.

The Importance of Licensing

There is no more important step than this one. A trustworthy casino will always be licensed by a respectable governing body. Licensing bodies impose rigorous rules to protect players.

Prominent licensing bodies include:

• The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
• The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA)
• The Government of Curacao

You can typically find the licensing details at the bottom of the casino’s homepage. Trustworthy sites are transparent about their licensing and allow you to verify it independently.

2. Look for SSL Encryption

Your personal and financial data must be protected. Trustworthy sites use SSL encryption to safeguard data transmitted between you and the casino. This is the same technology used by banks and casino major e-commerce sites to keep data safe. The presence of a small padlock symbol in the address bar indicates an encrypted connection. If the URL starts with “http” without the “s,” the site is not secure.

3. Fair Games and Independent Audits

To prove fairness, good casinos have their software audited by external companies. Agencies like eCOGRA and iTech Labs specialize in certifying the integrity of online gaming software. A casino proud of its fairness will often feature the eCOGRA or casino iTech Labs logo prominently.

4. Positive Reputation and Clear Terms

It’s always a good idea to research what other players have to say about a casino. A few bad reviews are normal, but widespread, recurring issues are a major red flag. A transparent casino provides clear and fair T&Cs. If you can’t understand the rules, casino find a different site.