Gambling regulation for online casinos

Online gambling regulation is what separates the best real money casinos from those you should avoid. Let us explain why our trusted operators rank among the safest and most reputable gaming sites on the World Wide Web.

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What is online gambling regulation?

Regulation is all about requiring operators to conform with certain industry standards. In the case of online casinos, this is essential for ensuring that players aren’t swindled by dodgy vendors who skimp on basic security and run unfair games. If a gaming site isn’t properly licensed and regulated, it isn’t worth the potential grief it may cause you down the track.

There are some essential minimums a Web casino must meet in order to gain an eGaming license from a trusted regulatory body. These include:

• 128-bit SSL digital encryptions
  All reputable gaming websites run certified Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryptions of 128 bits or more. This is the same kind of technology online banking services use to safeguard their clients’ money and personal details. Without it, you run the risk of being mugged by Internet fraudsters and identity thieves.
• Licensed software providers
  Ultimately, an online casino is only ever as good as the games it provides. Our recommended gambling operators source their catalogues from top-shelf game developers who are fully licensed and regularly audited by independent third-party authorities.
• RNG testing and security
  The random number generator (RNG) is the most important part of a digital casino game. Inadequate RNGs result in corrupt outcomes and poor overall performance, thus compromising the integrity, authenticity and safety of the game. Trusted providers have their RNGs tested on a regular basis to ensure fair, random results that can’t be hacked or otherwise manipulated.
• Trusted banking methods
  There are hundreds of ways to make payments online these days, but not all are safe and secure. The best online casino sites support a number of instant banking options which are at once safe and convenient, such as Visa, MasterCard, EntroPay, Maestro, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard and Trustly.

eCOGRA Safe & Fair approval

The eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, better known as eCOGRA, is the most respected independent regulator in the online gambling business. Its primary focus is the testing of RNGs and online security systems – both essential facets of an Internet casino. If you see the ‘eCOGRA Safe & Fair’ seal of approval on a casino site’s homepage, you know you’re gambling with a secure and fully compliant operator.

Trusted regulatory jurisdictions for Internet gaming

Certain government departments (and extensions thereof) have come to specialise in the regulation and licensing of real money casino sites. Each of our top-ranked gaming operators holds a full license in at least one, but often several, of the recognised jurisdictions below, all of which boast well-earned reputations for honest, diligent regulatory practices.

• Alderney Gambling Control Commission
  Many of the Web’s best casino sites, bookmakers and software developers hold licenses in the humble British Crown dependency of Alderney, including NYX Gaming, Play’n Go, William Hill and Bet365. The AGCC is devoted to player safety and ensuring that its licensees’ activities are “conducted honestly and fairly and in compliance with good governance”.
• Curacao eGaming
  Based in the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao eGaming is among the most prominent Internet gambling regulators. It offers a single license type that covers all forms of interactive gaming, from sports betting to casino slots to live dealer games. Curacao’s licensees include G’Day, Guts and SlotsMillion – three of our most trusted real cash casinos for Australians.
• Government of Gibraltar
  The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is a major player in remote gambling regulation. Some of the world’s leading game software providers are registered here, including IGT, Net Entertainment, NYX Gaming Group and Yggdrasil, along with a number of leading casino operators.
• Malta Gaming Authority
  The MGA is considered by many as the gold standard in online casino regulation. Its mission is clear: “To regulate competently the various sectors of the gaming industry that fall under the Authority by ensuring gaming is fair and transparent to the players, preventing crime, corruption and money laundering and by protecting minor and vulnerable players.”
• UK Gambling Commission
  Responsible for the regulation for all gaming services offered to British residents, the Gambling Commission is a very sound indicator of which sites are safe and secure for online players. G’Day, Guts and Thrills are just a few of the respected names with full active gaming licenses from the UKGC.

Is it legal to play at online casinos?

Many people are confused by online gambling law and how the legislations applies to Web casinos. The online gambling laws differ in every country, and the laws are constantly changing to keep up to date with expanding technologies offered by the Internet and gaming devices. It is up to you to be aware of the online gambling laws that apply to your country – you can find further information about the international online gambling laws across our site.