Gaming is a huge sector within global entertainment and has grown to connect with people in every corner of the planet. This is naturally true for video gaming, where the latest releases (like EA FC 2024) and consoles like the PS5 continue to wow players. The contemporary gaming sector is about much more than video games, though and includes things such as mobile play or eSports.
Online casino gaming is also a major part of the industry now and this sees lots of keen video gamers trying out classics like blackjack or slots online. One thing to bear in mind if you plan to do this is how essential playing at a fully regulated iGaming platform is.
But why is this so key and how can you find out if an online casino site is regulated before signing up?
Why Is Playing At Licensed Online Casinos A Must?
By making sure the casino online you spend time at is legitimate, you’ll stay away from scam sites and those that may not have the best intentions. In addition, it means you’ll only play at casinos that use the latest online security measures to keep players safe and treat their customers well.
iGaming regulatory authorities check various aspects of a casino (such as the banking options it offers, how fair games are, and payout percentages) and only issue licenses to ones who meet their high standards. This means playing at regulated casinos offers a guarantee that you’ll be gaming on a platform that has been independently verified for excellence.
Top licensing bodies to look out for include the Malta Gaming Authority and the Gaming Board of Curacao. But just how can you check to see if a casino online is regulated?
Look At Online Assessment Sites
As this list of top online casinos shows, using trusted online casino review sites is one way to find out if an iGaming site is licensed to operate. This is because these kinds of review sites look into every aspect of the casinos they recommend and take time to dig into whether they are regulated by a reputable body within the sector.
They also delve into whether the license is current as part of their overall review. Due to this, these kinds of sites make it quick and easy to find out if an Internet casino is regulated to operate. They also contain information that you can rely on and that you can be sure is accurate.
Check The Online Casino Itself
If you have one particular casino you fancy gaming at online, you could also take some time to check its credentials yourself before signing up. This can be done by simply heading to the casino homepage and having a look around for details of the license it holds.
Any reputable gaming site online should have this information prominently displayed and make it easy to find. Many will have it somewhere towards the bottom of the homepage, next to the payment options and any other certifications they have (such as eCOGRA approval).
Check Any Third Party It Claims To Hold A License From
One truth in life that still remains is that not everything is always as it seems. You only have to look at the infamous case of hoax soccer player Ali Dia for proof of this! This is something to bear in mind when looking at the casino website itself, as some scam sites may well falsely claim to hold a valid license. It is, therefore, a good idea to check with the regulatory body in question to verify whether the information given by the casino is true.
This is pretty easy and involves finding the license number on the casino website and then entering this into the website of the regulatory authority to check it is legitimate. You could also phone or e-mail the regulatory body if you prefer for them to check their database for you.
Look At Online Feedbacks From Other Players
In the same way, as the Internet can be a great place for the latest video gaming news and console reviews, it is also a good place for checking if an online casino is regulated. This is most easily done by looking at reviews other players leave online for a specific casino or via iGaming forums.
Although any information from these sources should always be taken with a pinch of salt, looking at the reputation an online casino has with other players in terms of regulation can be a useful step. It should be easy to find reviews from other players online who confirm the site is properly licensed for example. This process will also make it easy to pick up on a casino online that seems to have lots of questions about its regulatory status raised by other players.
Online Casino Regulation: A Key Part Of The Industry
There is no doubt that online casino play has grown to become a major part of the overall gaming sector. Although there are many reasons for this, the ability to play digital casino games in a safe and secure fashion is a major factor.
The regulation of casino platforms by respected, independent iGaming bodies is key in this regard and something all online casino fans should focus on. If you need a hand when it comes to finding out if an Internet casino site is licensed to sign up with, the above tips should help.
