Importance of Trusted Gaming Platforms
In recent years there has been a proliferation of online gaming platforms and modern day gamers have a vast variety of different digital entertainment choices that range from hyper casual to competitive experiences. Improved digital infrastructure worldwide means that gaming can now be accessed from anywhere as long as individuals have an internet connection.
It may come as a surprise, but the majority of online platforms (almost eighty percent) operate outside of the regulatory structure that licensed operators must adhere to. In order to ensure that gaming remains fun, taking the time to carefully research online gaming providers is key to ensure that entertainment providers are legitimate and safe.
Secure Payment Systems and Account Protection
Gamers that use illegal platforms are susceptible to being victimised by cyber criminals who operate under the pretence of offering entertainment whilst fraudulently harvesting their customers personal and financial details. Big Boost legal online casino is an example of a trustworthy platform that is fully licensed and regulated by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, one of several recognised iGaming regulators.
When choosing an online platform individuals need to look beyond the flashy layout design and gaming library. There are several important criteria that need to be met to ensure that the platform is operating legally and is a safe place to enjoy entertainment.
When users sign up with an online gaming platform they share sensitive user data such as personal details that prove they are of legal gambling age in their country of residence such as a passport, government issued ID, or a driving license, geographical location, and financial information. This information is needed for the KYC (know your player) process which is a requirement for all legally operating online gaming platforms.
Security systems are used to protect player accounts and trustworthy legitimate platforms will use systems such as SSL (single socket layer) or TLS (transport layer security) to ensure that details are safe from nefarious third parties during transit by encrypting sensitive data such as credit and debit card numbers, data passwords, and personal details. Some systems even use tokenization to reduce the risk of data breaches by replacing sensitive information with unique identifiers.
Online gaming platforms use reputable payment providers such as e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, and Paytm) which have an extra layer of security and privacy and are a buffer between the bank and casino. Cryptocurrencies (Ethereum and Bitcoin) are protected through blockchain technology and are anonymous. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) offer built in fraud protection, and prepaid cards help gamers to keep strict gaming budgets.
One simple way to check if a website or online platform is secure is by right clicking on the symbol in front of the web address. If the dropdown menu shows a padlock then it is secure. If it does not, then there is no guarantee on the safety of user details and these types of platforms should be avoided.
Fair play is guaranteed through the use of RNGâs (Random Number Generators) and independent third party audits. RNGâs are complex algorithms that ensure that every slot spin, dice roll, or card draw is entirely unpredictable and random. Reputable casinos will have these systems regularly audited by independent auditors such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance) or GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) and will display these auditors at the bottom of their homepage.
The Importance of Responsible Gaming Awareness
Reputable operators prioritise safe and ethical practices and are legally required to educate their customers about the importance of responsible gaming by increasing awareness and educating gamers of the potential risks that are with iGaming.
Responsible gaming is designed to ensure that online gaming remains safe and is solely enjoyed as a form of entertainment and creates a fragile balance of online gaming and protecting vulnerable individuals from potential harm.
KYC (know your players) are strict age verification measures to ensure that all players meet the age requirements of online gaming platforms. Identification of vulnerable players and protecting them by providing resources such as self-exclusion where gamers who feel that their gaming is becoming problematic can voluntarily stop gaming for a specified period of time to avoid compulsive behaviours associated with excessive online gaming.
Players can also set limits such as the length of gaming sessions, and the amount of money that they can spend by setting limits for wagering, deposits, and losses. Support systems are also available such as helplines and counselling to help gamers that are struggling with addiction or feel that they are developing problematic gaming behaviours.
Mobile Convenience and Accessibility
The majority of online gamers enjoy the convenience of smartphones and mobile devices. Technological advances have removed the need for specialised hardware. Now gamers can instantly access their favourite gaming titles and has opened up gaming to a whole new demographic of users such as older adults, individuals with limited financial resources, as well as users that suffer from disabilities.
Accessibility has been made easier by adapting to the needs of all user groups so that games can be adapted to particular needs such as high contrast modes, colourblind features, audio descriptions, visual cues, and many other features that can adapt to each individual user’s needs.
Features Users Value In Online Entertainment Sites
Modern gamers usually enjoy gaming in short bursts that can last between two and five minutes and they value online entertainment sites that are low friction and offer instant access, that offer smart personalisation, can be played cross devices, offer player support that is transparent and easy to access, clear terms of service, lag free performance, and features that adapt to their geographic region such as localised payment systems and languages.
Staying Safe Is A Shared Responsibility Between Online Gaming Platforms and Users
Security and account protection only works if online platforms and both parties do their part to keep online gaming environments safe. Licensed platforms will use robust security measures to protect their customers. Gamers should create strong passwords at least twelve characters in length and are a combination of numbers, lower and upper case letters, and unique characters.
Passwords should only be used once and should be unique. Always enable two factor authentication (2FA) if it is available as this makes it virtually impossible for anyone to log into an account unless they receive the authentication code that is sent to their phone.
Be wary of phishing and online scams and learn how to identify suspicious activities. Scammers are becoming increasingly clever and they have found countless ways to trick unsuspecting victims into giving out sensitive details such as their login passwords.
- Always check a websiteâs URL to ensure that it is correct and verify that it has a padlock.
- Never click on links in emails that appear to be suspicious come or from unknown senders.
- Avoid offers that seem too good to be true as they probably are. Never give out passwords or login details over the phone or email, any legitimate online gaming platform will never ask for these details.
- Game on secure networks, avoid using public wifi as it is notoriously unsecure and is easy for cybercriminals to access and obtain information. If public wifi is the only option available, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which encrypts internet traffic and creates secure tunnels even on public networks.