It is estimated that there are over 2000 online betting sites on the internet. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are choosing an online Casino.
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What kind of Online casino should I play with?
Check if the Online casino has a licence from the gaming regulator
The gaming regulator is usually responsible for setting the regulations under which an online casino operates and monitoring compliance with them. The UK Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public interest, with the aim of maintaining fair and safe gambling. It does this by setting the conditions under which the licensee must operate and the technical requirements that the licensee’s equipment and systems must meet.
Gaming at unregulated online casino may not be fair or safe. They may be operating illegally and therefore there may be risks when betting. When an online casino says they are regulated, you can check if this is true by going to the regulator’s website.
Check where different betting products are regulated?
Many online casinos hold licences to operate in multiple gaming jurisdictions, so their different products may not be regulated in the same place. Often the name of the regulator will be displayed on the front page of the betting website (as the UK Gambling Commission requires licensed companies to do), along with the regulations, but you should also check where each particular betting product is regulated.
For example, sports betting may be regulated in the UK, while casino games are regulated in a different country. You may find that clicking on a link on a online casino’s website takes you to a different page. This page may be operating under a licence in another gaming jurisdiction and you may not realise that gaming is regulated elsewhere.
Find clear contact information for the online casino
Before betting, you must ensure that you know some basic information about the company. For example, where they are licensed and how to contact them? You will need this information if you have any questions about the gaming product before you play.
Understand the complaints procedure
You should be aware of how to complain about an online casino and how your complaint will be dealt with. If you have made a complaint and are not satisfied with the outcome, you should be aware of the next steps you can take. Online casinos authorised by the UK Gambling Commission are required to ensure that complaints are referred to an independent body if the customer is not satisfied with the handling of the complaint. The Commission monitors online casinos to ensure that complaints are dealt with appropriately and looks for any tendency that the licensed company may not be dealing with as required.
Comments from other players on the forum
There are many forums on the internet where players can discuss their experiences on certain betting sites. It is also helpful to know if other players appreciate a particular online casino. Please note that some sites may charge a fee to recommend certain betting sites.
What have I signed up for?
Are the online casino’s terms and conditions easy to find and are they clearly explained?
It is important to ensure that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of each of the online casino’s gaming products before you play. Often the terms and conditions attached to a new player’s first deposit bonus can be very complex, for example, bonuses are paid to the player or there is a minimum betting requirement before the player can withdraw the bonus.
Check if you can get your money back if the company goes bust
It is important that you understand the online casino’s explanation of the issue before making a deposit. Some betting sites protect players’ funds, while others do not. Online casinos authorised by the UK Gambling Commission are required to state clearly whether they protect their customers’ money and what they do.
Will the company ensure the security of your personal information?
You should look for the company’s privacy policy. It should explain what measures the company takes to protect your personal information. In addition, you should know whether the company is subject to its data protection requirements.
Are there measures in place to help you gamble responsibly?
Check if the gaming site allows you to set deposit or betting limits and review your gaming transaction history. This will allow you to keep track of your spending.
Check that the online casino provides a link to the responsible betting information site. This will give you information on what to do if you have a betting problem, including how to get kicked off the betting site.
How do I know if the games are fair?
Check that the game or betting rules are clearly explained
You should read the information on the site to understand how each game works, what the prizes are and your odds of winning. If after reading this information you still don’t understand, you shouldn’t bet on this site.
Does the software and game need to meet the minimum technical requirements set by the regulator? Is it independently tested?
This is a very complex area depending on where it is regulated and many overseas licensees meet different standards and testing requirements. Because they are regulated in different countries, individual products within a gaming site are often subject to different requirements.
In the UK, the Commission requires its licensees to meet technical standards and testing requirements. For example, the software used to determine the outcome of a game must be fair and receive independent testing prior to release. These companies are also required to have measures in place to protect the information and software on their systems from interference.
If you are unsure whether the technical standards and testing requirements for products regulated overseas meet the requirements, you should contact the gaming company or the relevant regulatory body.
Are betting sites protected from underage gambling?
It is important to check that the site has taken the appropriate steps to verify the age of its betting customers. Betting sites should support the use of filtering software to prevent underage betting.
Betting sites should make it clear that underage betting is not allowed and take proactive steps to verify that customers are of legal betting age. In order to verify that a customer is of legal gaming age and for other reasons, such as to combat fraud, the gaming operator will require certain information, including name, date of birth, address and payment information.
