The working of the online casinos is a like well oiled machine. Every aspect of the casino is handled with precision and accuracy. The players will look out only for those casinos which are recognised and approved by the Online Gaming Associations. That should be the case, since you are dealing with the real money transactions. A single mistake could cost you; your reputation, legal, financial, social and political standing. Once your casino is blacklisted, there is very less chance of you coming back.
Understanding Online Gaming Associations
The Online Gaming Associations are those regulatory bodies who are qualified and experienced to certify an online casino based on certain criteria’s and guidelines. Being certified by these casino watchdogs will give the players a surety that it is a credible online casino. They are not being cheated out of their money and are given quick and prompt services, when required.
Certified by them, mean that it acts as a differentiator between the good and rogue casinos. The seal of approval will be their passport to gaining the trust of the players. It guarantees that the casino software is thoroughly tested for fairness and randomness.
The Online Gaming Associations act as a mediator between the players, online casinos and the members. It is charged with resolving the issues in an amicable manner, without involving expensive legal costs or the bad publicities.
Another important aspect of these online gaming associations is that their seal of approval can be displayed prominently on their websites.
Some of the most recognised, credible and established online gaming associations are the one that the players look out for. The more certificates, the more credible and authentic the casinos are. Some of them are:
eCOGRA
Established in 2003, the eCOGRA is the first approval seal which the player must look out for. The eCommerce and Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance, is a non profit organization run with the cooperation of casino owners, players and casino industry leaders. Based out of UK, it is an independent auditing firm.
This approval assures that the casino software and games are fair. The players are assured that the high standards are maintained across the casinos. They all comply with the eCOGRA’s Generally Accepted Practice (‘eGAP’) requirements. Regular auditing, reviewing and monitoring of the casinos infrastructure, software, games and other aspects are done before they give their approval.
Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission is an independent Online Casino Watchdog, established in 1999. It was set up to assure the players that the casinos are closely monitored for a safe online casino gaming experience. It was set up to regulate commercial gambling in the UK under the Gambling Act 2005. On 1st October 2013, it also took over the responsibilities of the National Lottery Commission to regulate the National Lottery under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. It ensures that the casinos are crime free, open and fair.
Interactive Gaming Council
The Canadian based Interactive Gaming Council is another independent organisation that is a member of the Online Gaming Associations. Established in 1999, it is also involved in player safe guard and protection. This also guarantees that the player’s safety, interests, fair gameplay are given top priority.
The game providers are the prominent members who frequently take advantage of the expertise of this gaming council.
Online Players Association
Founded in 2000, the Online Players Association (OPA) is collaboration between the players and the approved casinos. A common code of ethics and rules guide the casinos members to provide them a safe and secure environment for gaming. It ensures the players and casinos follow the guidelines and rules laid down.
Only after passing the approval process conducted by the OPA members and executives, will the casinos be allowed to publish the OPA approval logo.
Technical System Testing Certified (TST Certified)
Offering its testing and consulting services to the various casinos, the Technical System Testing certification adds value to the online casinos. Set up in 1993, this organisation tests and validates all the casino software and the features of the online casino to ensure fairness and randomness. It assures that all the requirements and specifications are met, to ensure a smooth gameplay.
There are some other online seals or certificates which the players should watch out for. Although they not directly involved with the online gambling associations; their approvals will assures extra authenticity to the online casinos.
VeriSign (Assures them the player personal information are protected by Distributed Denial of Service Protection and iDefense Security Intelligence Services)
PricewaterhouseCoopers (Assures the players that all the financial transactions conducted by the mobile/online casinos are legitimate and regularly monitored)
All these Online Gaming Associations or Casino Watchdogs are in place to provide the players an enjoyable casino experience. They can access their favourite casino games from their mobile devices, laptops, desktops or mobile devices while on the move.
