Security and Privacy in Online Casinos
Reputable online casinos respect and value the safety and privacy of their players. When comparing gambling websites, it is important to consider which ones offer the highest level of security.
Most licensed casinos follow the rules and regulations in their jurisdiction that dictate what security and privacy efforts must be taken to ensure that sensitive customer data does not get into the wrong hands.
Customer Account Safety Features
Most gaming websites require customers to go through the process of creating a secure account before they can play. While most players create an account without giving much thought to safety, the information that you provide during registration can play a vital role in the security of your gambling account.
One way to help keep your account safe is by choosing a unique password for each of your online casino accounts. Most security experts recommend having at least 15 characters in your password. Add blank spaces, capitals, and numbers to make your password even stronger.
Also, give some thought to your account authentication. Many online casinos require players to choose several security questions and answers, such as your first pet’s name. Be sure to give answers that are not obvious or could be easily found on your social media or other public online accounts. Each time you are finished playing online, take a moment to manually log out of your account.
Data Encryption Technology
When creating an online casino account, players are forced to enter personal information such as names, birthdays, and addresses. To make a deposit, private data like credit card or e-wallet account information must be entered. While most online casinos do an adequate job of keeping this information secure, there is always a risk that a third party could illegally hack the site and steal these details.
To keep a website safe from intruders, most licensed online casinos use either 128-bit or 256-bit encryption technology. While data encryption is complex, this technology basically turns whatever personal and financial data that you send through it into strings of unbreakable code. This helps ensure that even if a hacker manages to break through a firewall, they will not retrieve any useful data.
The two primary types of security encryption protocols commonly used by online casinos include Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS). These forms of encryption technology also work in combination with your browser, which uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) to maintain a secure connection.
Online Casino Privacy Policies
While most players look at the game selection and bonuses available at an online casino, many fail to review the privacy policy. A privacy policy is a legal document that discloses the ways that a party may gather, use, disclose, or manage a customer’s data. When you create an account at an online casino, you agree to the website’s privacy policy. Unfortunately, not all gambling websites are reputable.
When you read through an online casino’s privacy policy, you may find that the company may rent or sell your private information to a third party for profit. This can result in unwanted phone calls, emails, and regular mail to your home. It is important to always review the privacy policy of an online casino before signing up to ensure that they will not reveal your private information to a third party.
Gaming Website Cookies
A cookie is essentially a small text file that websites use to collect information about you. Cookies are often used to provide website visitors with a more streamlined experience. Cookies allow you to navigate between pages more efficiently and activate certain features. They are also used to remember your preferences, such as what games you prefer to play.
While you may think that cookies are dangerous to your online security and privacy, they are not. They are solely designed to give you a better gaming experience. However, if you are concerned about cookies after visiting an online casino, you can simply clear the cookies from your browser at the end of your session.
Gambling License from Reputable Authority
Choosing to play at an online casino that has received a genuine gambling license from a reputable gaming authority is very important for your security. It is crucial to understand that online gaming authorities, licensors, and commissions differ from their land-based counterparts. Some have laxer rules and regulations than others, so you want to be aware of what types of licenses to look for.
Gambling licensing authorities can be found worldwide. The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, UK Gambling Commission, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and the Malta Lotteries & Gaming Authority are some of the most recognized legitimate licensing authorities. It is best to steer clear of certain online gambling sites that are licensed by more careless licensing authorities, such as Curacao eGaming.
It is normal to be concerned about your security and privacy whenever you give a website private information. Playing at reputable, licensed online casinos can greatly reduce the likelihood of your sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.
