Do lots of research, and stick to trusted sites such as pinkcasino.co.uk for a fun and safe experience. Read through this handy guide to get you started, and learn exactly what to look for in your online casino.

What are the main risks of online gambling?

Although the biggest internet casinos are usually independently backed and audited by official companies, there have been several security-based scandals that suggest these methods are not working. There have been several problems where users’ private information has been leaked due to the use of unencrypted systems, as well as rigged games and the misuse of player funds. The intake of both personal information and money means that the iGaming industry is an easy and profitable target for both cybercriminals as well as dishonest online casino operators.

There are several potential risks you should be aware of before giving any information over to an online gambling site. Don’t share any personal information in chat rooms, and be wary of phishing emails that can be used to trick you into sharing bank details or addresses.

Viruses and spyware can be used to steal your identity, giving hackers the chance to access your personal information and your accounts. These often pop up in the form of ‘cheats’ which will claim bonuses or easier wins but can contain malware. Be aware of fake and fraudulent websites, as well as being lured into making accounts for untrustworthy sites to receive bonuses.

Online gambling also comes with high risk stakes, so be wary of any sites that don’t offer safer gambling schemes.

So what should you look for in an online casino in terms of security?

The first thing you should do is research the history of the online casino. Even a simple Google search can be enough to provide you with some vital information, such as how long a casino has been running and whether it is blacklisted anywhere. It is also a good idea to check the reviews, particularly ones concerning customer service and any payment issues.

Look for regulation information. Legitimate online casinos must be regulated by government-based organizations, for example, the UK Gambling Commission. In addition to this, casinos must be audited by an external company to validate both game fairness and site security.

Online casinos should offer a variety of banking methods, such as Paypal and Visa, which come with strict security guidelines. These different methods payout withdrawals in different time frames, and a trusted site should adhere to these guidelines. It is also important that online casinos offer easy, accessible and responsive customer service. Ideally, there will be multiple methods of communication available, such as a live chat function, a telephone number or a responsive email address.

Casinos offer a variety of some of the best games. Check up on the quality of the games and software offered by the online casino. Look for trusted and licensed providers such as WMS and Novomatic. Make sure there are both free and real money versions of some games, and that none of the games are broken. Often, a good online casino will also offer mobile-friendly options.

What safety measures does a secure casino take?

To keep your data and money safe, online casinos should offer a variety of security measures, such as:

● Encryption software
● ID verification
● End-to-end encryption
● 2-step verification
● Transport Layer Security (TLS)