It seems as though there are a million ways to be scammed out of your hard-earned cash these days. Fraudsters are getting very smart and are constantly trying to find ways of conning people, so it is no surprise that many of us are getting wary of putting our bank details onto new sites that we are unfamiliar with. When it comes to online casinos for example, it is understandable for new customers to be a bit hesitant and to wonder if they are actually safe. How can you tell if an online casino is legitimate then? The good folk at UFA222 explain that it is important to do your research before you sign up.
Check the Website
It is a good idea to research the website before providing your details, particularly your bank details. Look for online reviews from reputable sources. Search out the name of the casino on any search engine and you are likely to see reviews and articles with information about the company’s operations. Forums are another place to discover information about an online casino. Joining a forum on online gaming and casinos means you can, among other things, ask other players for their experience using a particular site.
You should also look for information pertaining to the company’s gambling license. A legitimate online casino will have a gambling license and will be regularly checked by regulators to ensure it is providing a fair system for players.
How Secure is it?
Online casinos need to have sufficient security in place to protect the information of every player. SSL encryption is a must; this will be evident in the padlock sign in front of the URL. Websites that use SSL encryption make it difficult for your information to be accessed by hackers.
Two-step verification has become another popular way to protect the accounts of customers. It is used by various online companies as well as online casinos and other gambling sites. It usually involves the use of a code being sent to you via your email address or cell phone number to verify that it is you accessing your account. A safe and legitimate online casino is likely to use more than one type of security to keep your account information and your money safe.
What are Random Number Generators?
Legitimate online casinos will also use random number generators (RNGs). It is the RNG that decides the outcome of games, such as the spin of a slot reel or the turn of a card. The presence of the RNG ensures that every game is random so that it replicates what games are like in a brick-and-mortar casino. A legitimate online casino will have the RNGs on their site tested regularly to help ensure players are not being cheated.
How to Test a New Casino
If you have done your research and are happy to proceed with a new online casino, there are other ways that you can test the safety and security of it. For your own safety, it would make sense to deposit the minimum amount first before adding more funds. You are likely to have been promised a bonus on your first deposit as most of these sites entice new players in this way.
How quickly you receive your bonus will give you an indication of the legitimacy of the site. If you get your bonus quickly, it is easier to establish some trust. You should also check how quickly you can withdraw your funds. If a site is safe, they will probably have some requirements regarding withdrawing funds, but it should still be easy to get your money back should you want it.