Every gambler knows the feeling of getting into a game: Thrills in the air, sweaty palms, all senses activated, ready for action. Online gambling makes it possible to experience these feelings from the comfort of your own home. It’s no wonder that the iGaming industry is booming. But as the industry grows, so do the risks. Here are some tips to stay safe while gambling online.
Reputation is a tell-tale!
Choose platforms with good reputations. This might sound trivial, but it’s as simple as that. Reputation speaks for itself and casinos that get good customer feedback will proudly display it on their websites. Before you sign up, take time to check out customer reviews and carefully read what they have to say. Additionally, you can check out Google Reviews or other websites where gamblers rate casinos.
When checking reviews, also think about what you prioritise in a casino. Are you looking for one that accepts crypto for fast withdrawals? Or maybe you prefer the best payout online casinos, which offer high RTP games so you can get better value for money. Some users look for sites that offer the biggest bonuses to try out the games without spending more. Think about what matters to you and keep it in mind when comparing sites.
Reviews and recommendations also warn you if a particular online casino could be a fraud. Phishing scams are becoming increasingly popular. You may receive emails with offers for ‘special deals’ or you may be asked to ‘verify your account’. Stay in touch with the gambling community to keep up to date with what’s going on in the gambling world and to protect each other from scams.
Understand: Licensing, Terms and Conditions & Your Rights
An online casino is just as real as a physical casino. There are certain regulations and standards of security that casinos must adhere to in order to be allowed to operate. Therefore, casino owners have to obtain a license before they are allowed to run a casino. Every trustworthy online casino displays its license on its website. So make sure to keep an eye out for a license before you start your game. One of the most renowned licenses is the Malta gaming licence — any online casino with this license is a safe bet.
The most tedious part of the process of finding a suitable online casino is reading through pages and pages of terms and conditions. But do read the small print! To be safe and avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the payout limits, bonus terms, account verification rules, etc. If you are unsure about the casino’s terms and conditions, do not hesitate to contact their customer service. (Customer service is also a good way to judge the trustworthiness of a casino – if they aren’t responding, consider another casino). It’s better to be safe than sorry, because after all, you’re the one who loses if you don’t play it safe. The same applies to your rights. As an online gambler, you have legal rights that the platforms must respect. Find out about dispute resolution options. If you know where to turn if something goes wrong, you can save yourself time and frustration.
Set Limits For Your Budget
Although casinos have to have a licence, just like any trading or investing platform, regulations can’t do much. It is also up to you to keep a cool head in the heat of the game and remain disciplined. Before the game starts, set a limit on how much money you are allowed to spend during a session and stick to it. It is important that you set yourself a limit before the game starts, as this will make it easier for you to stay disciplined. Furthermore, you should not only budget your money, but also your time. Time flies when gambling — 5 hours can easily feel like 1. The human brain is not capable of functioning and staying focused for hours on end. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to make a mistake. So be smart and pre-empt a loss by taking a break.
Some online platforms help you to stay disciplined. For example, some of them offer tools that allow you to temporarily or permanently block access to your account or set a timer. If you know that you will throw all good intentions and discipline overboard in the heat of the moment, it may be worth consulting responsible gambling practices.
