Like everything on the internet that requires you to put your card details in, there are some online casino sites out there that simply aren’t trustworthy. When joining a gaming site, the objective is to win money- not lose it- so it’s important that you make sure that you’re using a reliable site. If you put your card details into an untrustworthy site, then you’re at risk of your card being used for purchases you didn’t authorize or even identity theft. Even if you manage to cancel your card, the damage may already be done if your credit score has been negatively impacted.
Gambling should be a fun, stress-free experience, so here are some things to look out for to feel confident that you’re using a trustworthy site.
You’ve Heard Of The Site Before
While this isn’t a sure-fire way to know that the online casino is trustworthy, if the site you’re playing on is widely advertised and known as one of the most popular gambling sites, then you can be confident that a company of such high status aren’t likely to steal your card details.
With that being said, it’s still worth checking for some of the other information presented below.
You’ll See A Valid License
A genuine online casino will proudly display their license clearly on their webpage for everyone to see. Look for licenses from respected regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, which are often displayed in the footer of the website.
Reviews Will Be Positive
If your online casino has plenty of positive reviews on a legitimate review site, then it’s likely to be safe. You will often find out pretty quickly if a gambling site is untrustworthy, since you’ll find only negative reviews. Some untrustworthy sits don’t seem to have any reviews at all- it’s best to avoid sites like these as well, since they may have deleted all the negative reviews.
Some review sites will clearly tell you which online casinos are blacklisted. If yours is on the blacklist, then make sure you quickly delete your account, and maybe consider getting in touch with your bank.
Gambling review sites like Online Casinos will help you find the best licensed gambling sites that you can put your full trust into. They provide reliable, independent reviews of all the major online casinos available in the UK, and will always let you know if an online casino is illegitimate or might put you at risk. You can browse around here to discover their most recommended online gambling sites.
There Will Be Security Measures In Place
The padlock sign on a website is a sure sign that your personal information is going to be kept safe. The padlock is proof that the gambling site uses SSL encryption to protect your data, so it’s essential that you only share your details with a site that has a padlock.
If you want to feel even more safe, you could consider using a site that allows you to create a security question, or use Two-Factor Authentication so that only you can log in.
The Games Come From A Reliable Software Provider
No matter what casino game is your favourite, you should make sure the game uses a reliable software provider. Just like casino sites, software providers also have to be licensed and secure, so you should never give your details to a provider that seems suspicious. You’ll probably recognise providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming and Big Time Gaming, since they’re used by the majority of popular online casino sites. They have hundreds of well-known games and are fully licensed, so you can trust that they will take care of your details.
Test Bonuses
You’ve probably noticed that almost every online casino is happy to give you a bonus as a welcome offer, but by testing whether they’ll actually pay out, you can see if they’re legitimate or not. Welcome offers may be something along the lines of free spins, no deposit, or first deposit bonuses, and it’s always best to read the terms and conditions to see what you’re getting yourself into.
If you win, in a trustworthy online casino you should be allowed to withdraw your winnings immediately. A fraudulent company, on the other hand, will probably try to make things as difficult as possible for you. They could reveal more requirements that weren’t previously disclosed, and use every trick in the book to try and encourage you to keep on playing.
When it comes to bonuses, your gut is probably telling you everything you need to know. If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Don’t risk your personal details in the hopes that your gut feeling is wrong.
Take A Look At Their Contact Details
If something goes wrong and you need to get in touch with customer service, the last thing you want is to be dealing with inadequate or non-existent replies. Pretty much every trustworthy online casino has an email address or phone number you can use to contact them, with some even offering an online chat service. If your phone calls or emails go ignored, or if you end up receiving somequestionable customer service, then it’s probably a good idea to seek out a different gambling site instead.
You Can Find Help Available For Addicted Gamers
A legitimate online casino will only want to take your money from you fairly. There should be clear help available on any casino website for those with a gambling addiction, as well as tools you can use to limit or manage your gaming budget.
These sites should be able to practice what they preach. If you reach out to them asking for gambling help, will they give it to you? A trustworthy gambling site will be able to provide you with lots of help, as well as giving you the option to close or suspend your account.