Security Measures Commonly Used by Online Gambling Platforms

Web casinos are subject to a wide range of regulations regarding consumer security. Many of these are included in licence agreements. Authorities often change the requirements for obtaining permits. In the UK, for instance, the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) handles the sphere, which sets the standards for operating in the country.

In addition to rules aimed at preventing attempted fraud, gambling platforms must also comply with other regulations for enhancing:

• confidentiality of customer information;
• responsible gaming.

Protection Through Encryption

It is an SSL defence that is common among sites. Punters can be sure the platform is safe if they see a padlock at the beginning of the web address bar. The information sent to the casino is not encrypted if the pictogram is absent, so hackers would have less difficulty stealing data.

On a safe site, private details entered by the customer would be ciphered and could only be unlocked by the casino itself. Even if an attacker tries to steal the gamblers’ information, he would only get a confusing data set.

Encryption ensures that no users’ private records are made public, including such details:

• first and last name;
• account information;
• history and statistics of spending, etc.

The protection of personal data is of paramount importance and is a feature of reputable casinos.

Two-Step Access

To prevent criminals from hacking customers’ accounts, casinos set up a multifactor authentication procedure. For example, gamblers are asked to enter their username and password and input an access code sent to a mobile phone. Even if someone manages to get the consumers’ login data, they still need the SMS code to access the account.

Some casinos offer an even higher level of protection from attackers — fingerprint scanning. The consumer can choose how many authentication factors he wants to set. If the platform provides more protection methods for users, taking advantage of these possibilities is recommended.

If the online casino does not present the option of two-factor authentication, it probably tries to remedy this with other options, such as the presence of security questions. However, two-step access is always better and safer.

AI Protection

Gambling sites increasingly use artificial intelligence to analyse the player experience. Machine-learning algorithms are also employed. These are tools that help casino operators detect suspicious or harmful behaviour.

For instance, the instruments could indicate incorrect site usage and highlight consumers' gaming problems. Automated systems provide data to the platform staff for more profound investigation.

Tests Carried Out by Control Bodies

Independent agencies analyse games to determine whether the RTP and RNG reported by the manufacturer correspond to those in the content. Additionally, these bodies help platforms increase the level of consumers’ data protection.

Testing laboratories use automatic software to find weak points in the site's structure. Examining a platform ensures that the portal meets the standards of bodies such as the UKGC.

Various tests that can be carried out on the gaming portal include the following aspects:

• privacy;
• security of the registration process;
• protection of punters;
• connection safety, etc.

Tracking IPs

These are private addresses through which it becomes possible to track a client and send the platform's content to his browser.

IP tracing also ensures the gambler is in the same jurisdiction as the casino since some sites allow access only to punters residing in their territory. In this way, operators make players comply with the regulations of the local iGaming industry. IP is also used to learn more about customers' gambling habits and improve provided services.

Player Guides

Many sites try to increase safety by giving clients valuable tips on not falling victim to scams. On such platforms, participants can find detailed guides on how to stay safe online.

The texts mainly focus on how to:

• maintain a high level of security while playing;
• choose safe and long enough passwords;
• avoid phishing on gambling platforms;
• use various payment methods to avoid losing money, etc.

To inform consumers, sites post articles on their blogs and also provide instant communication via:

• chats;
• e-mails;
• pop-up windows.

In this way, gambling platform operators try to analyse players' behaviour so that the users do not perform dangerous actions.

The guides seek to educate punters on responsible gaming to increase the level of protection. They also inform players of trustworthy wagering control methods, including reality checks and setting budget limits. In addition, guides of this kind stimulate punters to analyse their behaviour and nullify the risk of developing addictions or sending personal data to third parties.

Using Secure Payment Gateways

Platforms set up these tools to prevent the risk of money being stolen during deposit or withdrawal processes. SSL firewalls are among the utilised methods.

Sites allow consumers to obtain earned money or make payments using various tools, including bank transactions or e-wallets. There is also an extra protection layer against fraud, whereby the user would be compensated even if a problem occurs.