Online Casino Spotlight

In order to ensure fairness, all reputable internet casino operators have their games audited by independent third-party organizations.  Not only is this a requirement enforced by the licensing authority in the operator’s jurisdiction, it also done to show players that they are running a fair and reliable business.  When it comes to the auditing of online casino games, eCOGRA is one of the most trusted names in the industry, a respected agency that makes its reports publicly available.  Anyone player who is new to the realm of online gaming should consider viewing these audit reports and understanding what they mean.

The Big Three

eCOGRA provides online casinos that have demonstrated fairness and responsible gaming with three different sets of certificates.  The first set proves that the agency asserts that the operator’s games are fair, and that the company runs a safe and responsible business.  The second set is related to the RNG (random number generator) found in most casino games.  These certificates are generally issued individually to prove the fairness of the RNGs of games such as blackjack, video poker and roulette.  They are provided based on analysis conducted by eCOGRA over a six month period, showing that every number is indeed randomly generated and that the outcomes of all tested games are unbiased.

The Bigger Picture

The Percent Payout Review just may be the most useful and important eCOGRA audit report of all.  By viewing this report, you can learn the average payout percentages for a variety of different casino game categories.  These categories include “all games,” “poker games,” “slots games,” and “table games.”  Conducted on a monthly basis, the figures in this particular report display the percentage of total player winnings vs. the amount wagered in a given month.  It should be noted that these numbers represent an average of the payouts and do not determine whether a player will win or lose money.  We will provide some real life examples to show you how these percentages work.

In September of 2009, slots games at Platinum Play Casino paid out at an average percentage of 95.60%.  This basically means that players were paid out $95.60 for every $100 wagered on those games, with the house keeping $4.40.  In the same month, the report indicated that poker games payout at an average of 99.51%.  Why such a big difference?  Well, because slot games are based more on pure luck while poker requires strategy and optimum decisions.  Skilled players who make sound decisions may notice that the payout percentage is either around or above this average.  Bad players are more likely to find that the average is significantly below the reported number.  The point here is that new players should not automatically assume that the return on online poker games is 99.5% as anything could happen.

Conclusion

Checking out the audit reports published by eCOGRA is something that both new and experienced players should consider doing on regular basis.  At the very least, they should review the Percentage Payout Review and base their play on those trends.  If you obtain nothing else from these reports, they will give you the assurance that the games you play at a given casino are safe and fair.

Online gambling has emerged to become a huge business that sees billions of dollars in revenue each year.  And while it offers numerous advantages to players all around the world, there are some downsides to the industry.  For the most part, online gambling is unregulated and this very factor has attracted some shady operators.  Because there are many potential dangers to gambling online, we have provided five tips to help keep you safe and secure.

Check for Licensing

Any reputable online casino site or poker room has a valid gaming license to show they are serious about the business.  The license is generally issued by an organization in the jurisdiction in which the operator is based, or through internet gaming authorities such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.  If want to make sure you are wagering with a reliable company, checking for a valid license is imperative.  Most of the reputable operators will publish information regarding licensing on their website.

Affiliation with Responsible Gaming Parties

There are quite a few non-profit organizations that exist to help ensure fair and responsible gaming in the online gambling industry.  Some of the most well know entities that fall into this category are eCOGRA, GamCare and IGC.  Gambling operators undergo routine audits of their gaming software platforms to prove that they are fair and safe based on the standards set by these non-biased independent third-parties.  Similar to licensing information, reputable gambling operators will proudly publish these certifications on their website.

Reputation of the Operator

Even if you have verified that a particular online gambling site has the proper licensing and certification, you still need to be cautious.  Some casinos in the industry have established a questionable track record during their tenor in the business.  Therefore, before making a wager at any online casino or poker room, it is advisable to conduct the necessary research to assure you are dealing with a company that is good standards in the industry.  You can start by checking out the online gambling forums to read feedback provided by existing players within the community.   Conducting this research is crucial because even some of the most well known casinos and poker rooms have been connected to scandals.

Level of Security

Security is arguably the most important aspect of online gambling. There is a lot of money that goes through this industry so naturally, it is a target for hackers and criminals.  It should be comforting to know that reputable gambling operators take various measures to make sure the players are protected.  This includes utilizing military grade encryption technology such as SSL, and relying on trusted third-party organizations for payment processing.   Because accessing the level of security can be difficult from the outside looking in, it pays to do your research to find out about the track record of company you plan to deal with.

Play Your Part

In the end, is up to you as the player to make sure you are protected when gambling online.  Not only must you take the time to find a site that ensures security, but also apply smart passwords to your casino account and keep your anti-virus software up to date.  What you think is gaming software could be a malicious program intent on ruining your life.

If you are new to the world of internet gambling, you are probably wondering just how safe and secure wagering online is.  At least we hope you are.  Whether this has crossed your mind or not, it is important to know where the online gambling industry stands it regard to safety.

In the Beginning

Gambling websites first emerged on the internet in the mid to late 1990s.  Around this time, there were only a few organizations that existed to police the industry and keep it protected against scams and shady operators.  This is around the same time that the industry was associated with money laundering and other illegal practices.  Back in these days, making a wager on a gambling site was a very risky business.  Unfortunately, an alarming number of players lost money gambling online.  This wasn’t necessarily due to Lady Luck not being on their side, but because the industry itself was littered with flaws.

The Current State of Online Gambling Security

Online gambling security has come a long way since the advent of the industry.  Significant advancements have been made in internet security in general and the gambling business has been one of the beneficiaries.  There are now a number of security measures available to beef up the security and safety of the industry.  In fact, reputable online casinos, poker rooms and sportsbooks employ a wide range of technologies to ensure their gaming platforms and customers are protected.  These days, operators cannot afford to slack off in the security department as it could result in the loss of many customers, and thus, the loss of significant profits.   In addition to this, the competition amongst gambling operators looking to establish themselves has become fierce.  With so many options available, players can easily switch to a new site if they feel another is not providing adequate security.

Responsibility and Fair Play

In spite of all the security enhancements that have been made in the online gambling industry, players must still commit themselves to wagering on safe and reputable sites.  Therefore, you should strongly consider only wagering your money with operators that have the appropriate gaming licenses.  Trustworthy gaming operators will make this information easily accessible on their website.  In regard to validity, it would also be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the licenses and certifications issued by governments and authorities located in the jurisdictions in which the gambling site operates.  Likewise, it would behoove to wager on gambling sites that bare the seal from a trusted third-party organization.  eCOGRA is one of the most well known organizations in the industry, an agency that conducts regular audits to assure safety and fairness in online gaming.

Protect Yourself

When it comes down to it, it is up to you to ensure your safety while gambling on the internet.  Aside from only wagering at trusted sites, you must also closely monitor your playing and betting habits.  All the security and safety mechanisms in the world can’t protect you if you do not have the discipline to bet your money wisely.  To put it simple, if you want to be safe when gambling online, you must establish limits within yourself and play it smart.

Founded in 1996, Net Entertainment is a leading gaming software provider and one of the pioneers in the online casino business.  Based in Scandinavia, the company made the decision to create its own internet casinos and games after determining that nothing else on the market would do.  The first Net Entertainment casino went live in 2000 and another four were quickly launched that same year.  As the online casino industry continued to soar into popularity, its software platform continued to evolve. In 2005, the firm decided to sell all of its casinos and focus on building state of the art software.  Today, Net Entertainment has more than 50 licenses, many of which are renown brands in Europe. It has also established a successful niche market  targeting non-US sportsbooks.

Features and Games

Net Entertainment offers casino games that are user-friendly and very realistic from a graphical aspect.  The company specializes in slots and traditional casino games, offering options such as blackjack, craps, roulette, keno and a wide range of poker.  It also has some more unique options such as a variety of scratch and lottery type games.  Net Entertainment casinos are known for regularly hosting slots tournaments where huge purses are often up for grabs.

Notable Qualities

Net Entertainment is the proud vendor of award-winning, browser-based casino software.  CasinoModule, its premiere product, is a fully loaded gaming platform that offers a large number of games that can be played right from your browser.  The company has what is one of the most robust and extensive management systems in the industry, enabling true real-time management and operational control.  Casino operators are provided with online gaming solutions that are not only tailored to their specific needs, but also easily integrate with their existing websites.  Even more impressing is that Net Entertainment offers a complete portfolio of services, including system hosting and operations monitoring, system administration, and dedicated technical support in 21 languages.  The company also provides its clients with access to new complementary software releases on a regular basis.  NetEntertainment hosting is available in Costa Rica and Malta.

The CasinoModule gaming platform has been tested and verified for its randomness by two independent third-party firms, which has garnered the software a seal of credibility that speaks highly to the quality of Net Entertainment licenses.  CasinoModule is also accredited by eCOGRA and G4.  The platform offers built-in security for added player protection and is already the gaming software of choice for some of the top operators in the online gambling space.  Bet-at-home, BetClick, Betsson, Goldbet, PokerRoom and Unibet are just a few of the operators licensed by Net Entertainment, benefitting from its royalty-revenue system.

Conclusion

Net Entertainment has an excellent history in the online gambling industry and its software is therefore, highly recommended.  The games are visually appealing, easy to use, and incredibly fun to play.  Its sophisticated gaming platform acts a multi-language system capable of incorporating supporting players from a range of locations.  It also doesn’t hurt that company has G4 accreditation and established a reputation for responsible gaming.

Microgaming has been one of the industry leaders in casino software over the last 15 years. The company lays claim to launching the first online casino in 1994. In 2002, Microgaming introduced their Viper software into the market. Microgaming is based in the Isle of Man in Europe. It is not a publicly-traded company. Because of this, Microgaming casinos have the option of signing up players based in the United States.

Portfolio

Microgaming services over 120 casinos and 40 poker rooms on the internet. Their software is used extensively for some of the biggest poker and progressive jackpot networks. The company has developed some unique technology to support the player and casino operator. Microgaming’s PlayCheck is a tool that tracks a player’s gaming activity in a format that is easy to comprehend. The company’s CashCheck feature enables players to see their balance and activity in a simple click. Microgaming also offers payout percentage reports for their participating casinos.

Microgaming was involved in the development of eCOGRA, which stands for e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. The non-profit organization is a standards authority for the online gaming industry. This has enabled Microgaming to gain a solid reputation as a reliable operator in the online casino marketplace.

Games

Microgaming is constantly introducing new games into the online casino marketplace. The company has developed over 400 games. Roulette, video poker, slots and blackjack are among the game categories that Microgaming has been involved in. The company is able to cater to a large clientele by offering their games in the English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, German and Spanish languages. The games are available in a download or Flash version. Each month, Microgaming introduces at least four new online casino games.

For October, three video slot games and a Texas Hold’em casino poker game have been launched. The slot games are Kung Fu Monkey, Pure Platinum and Wooly World. The new poker game has some unique features. Unlike the traditional Texas poker game, Microgaming’s new game allows side bets. It is played with a single deck of 52 cards. In another rule adjustment, the new game does not allow any bets after the river.

Last month, Microgaming unveiled nine unique bingo side games. The games include a range of scratchcard and video slots while also featuring casual and pub-style titles.

The bingo side games are beginning to play a bigger role in the gaming industry.

Microgaming teams up with Ladbrokes

Microgaming has been actively involved in the growth of poker over the past several years. The Microgaming Poker Network software has been used extensively by online casinos. The technology allows multiple players to play a variety of poker games in real time.

Earlier this year, Microgaming Poker Network launched a major partnership with Ladbrokes Poker. The British gambling company has one of the most prominent brand names in the industry. In a promotional element to the deal, the companies are offering a monthly $1 million payout to 3,000 leading players.

For some time now, eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance or simply eCOGRA, has held the reputation as the number one independent accreditation organization for internet casino sites and online poker rooms.  Being that the body has considerably expanded its services over the past few years, it not only allows online casino licensees to apply for its coveted Safe and Fair Seal of Approval, but has also extended eligibility to various others sectors in the online gambling industry.  This includes sportsbooks, online gaming networks, bingo rooms, software providers and affiliates in addition to accredited eCOGRA casinos such as those powered by Microgaming.

Brightshare is the latest affiliate program to receive the quote on quote “green light” from eCOGRA.  This program represents the network of five traditional online casinos, two mobile casinos, a poker room and bingo room that compromise the popular casino group known as the Jackpot Factory.  Running on the powerful Viper software platform developed by Microgaming, the Jackpot Factory has one of the biggest collections of high quality casino games as well as a network of progressive jackpots renowned throughout the industry for creating a number of internet gambling millionaires.

All Jackpots and All Slots, both of which are Jackpot Factory casinos, have been on the scene for quite a while and received a lot of praise by some of the most prestigious portals in the realm of online gambling.  These two casinos are highly regarded as high ranking internet gambling destinations and make ideal places to open an account and try your luck.  Both give players the ability to play for real money and indulge in the experience of Microgaming’s innovative table games and realistic virtual slots.  The biggest downside to these sites or any online casino powered by Microgaming, is that they are not open to players residing in the United States, as the UIEGA led the company to turn its back on the American market.

Although it suffered a loss in business after abandoning the American market, the Jackpot Factory is recuperating nicely by racking up a great deal of traffic from other jurisdictions, particularly Europe, where the laws regarding internet gambling are far more lenient.  The BrighShare affiliate program has played a huge role in helping the Factory generate that traffic.  Affiliate programs have become essential drivers for many online industries as they help participants earn revenue from commissions and bring traffic to the business.  Lloyd Apter, Affiliate Manager at Brightshare, remarked that because of this, it is a must that online casino operators meet the defined standards in the affiliate management sector.

There are few organizations that are held in such high regard as eCOGRA.  Similar to how it consistently establishes transparent operative standards within online gambling, the body also helps to ensure that the best practices are enforced and maintained by affiliate programs throughout the industry.  Thanks to the eCOGRA, more affiliate programs are making a commitment to timely payments and accurate disbursement of affiliate revenues while assuring that reliable environments are in place to facilitate the efficient communications between the affiliate and player.

eCOGRA (e-Commerce and Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance) is a non-profit organization that exists to ensure reliability and fair play in the online gambling industry.  While the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Act) is a legislation that stands against the regulation of internet gambling in the United States, the purpose of the eCOGRA is to establish the basis for what it considers to be high quality standards in the industry as a whole.  Working as an independent contractor, this body services all legitimate online casino operators throughout the world.

Recognizing eCOGRA

eCOGRA is perhaps best recognized by its Seal of Approval, which signifies credibility and excellence in the online gaming industry.  When out hunting for a casino, you will likely observer a number of sites that bear this official seal.  This particular honor is given to casino operators that meet a wide variety of criteria, such as providing adequate security for players, ensuring fair gaming and ultimately running a responsible business.  These operators are approved because they not only meet criteria of eCOCRA, but player standards as well.  Honest promotional offers, unbiased RNG (random number generators) and efficient payment processing all goes into approval requirements.

Resolving Matters Through eCOGRA

Choosing to play at a casino site that displays the eCOGRA Seal of Approval is something you want to consider.  Why?  Well, it is this simple logo that ensures your questions or concerns will be addressed accordingly.  Of course you should try to get your matters resolved through the casino first, but if they do not cooperate for whatever reason, rest assured that eCOGRA is a trusted body that will stand in your corner.  The organization, does however, ask that you allow time to pass, generally two weeks from the original report to work out a resolution.  For better service, it is advisable to provide eCOGRA with copies of all documents and correspondence to support your claim.  While it does not support any players you have been involved in questionable online gaming practices, if you have truly been wronged, this is the best ally to have on your side.

What separates eCOCRA from other independent regulatory bodies is the fact the it is not in the business for success or profits.  Instead, this organization is designed for longevity and to keep the industry fairly balanced.  Casino operators who earn its honorable seal agree to demonstrate their commitment to the both eCOCRA and the customer.  When choosing to play at a site approved by this reputable organization, you can relax a bit easier with the confidence of knowing your payments will be processed and distributed in a secure and efficient manner, and most importantly, that the site you are gambling on believes in fair play and will likely be around for some time to come.  If you are completely new to the online gaming experience, we highly recommend keeping your eyes peeled for the eCOGRA Seal of Approval.

You can find a list of approved online casinos on the eCOGRA website.

Every piece of software that powers online casino games is equipped with a component called the RNG or Random Number Generator.  This is the element that reveals how online gambling is all about chance and uncertainty.  Hence the name, the RNG is essentially a mathematical application with the ability to generate a completely random number.

How it Works

For example, in the game of European roulette, it randomly generates a number between 1 and 37.  Numbers 1 through 36 correspond to those same numbers on the wheel while number 37 corresponds to 0 on the wheel.  If the RNG generates number 21, the casino software would then stop on that number and bets would either be paid out accordingly or forfeited.

For a single deck card game such as poker, the RNG generates a number between 1 and 52, with each individual number corresponding to a single card in the deck.  Therefore, if number 2 corresponds to the 2 of spades, the number is generated and the virtual dealer will accordingly throw out the 2 of spades.  The RNG deals in complex mathematical processes because obviously, once a 2 of spades is dealt out, the same card cannot be distributed again.  Online casino games that involve multiple decks of cards generally are more complicated in their random procedures as well.

The RNG is also busy in the game of craps.  As you know, this game involves the rolling of two dice.  Because of the nature of craps, the RNG must simultaneously generate two numbers, each corresponding with the dice between 1 and 6.  If the RNG generates the numbers of 3 and 3, this is exactly what will be displayed on the two dice.

RNG Testing

In order to be considered as fair, the numbers the RNG generates must have these two crucial elements: unpredictability and unbiased.  As it relates to online gambling, bias describes a certain random number that is generated considerably more than others.  Should this random number be generated in a cycle that consistently repeats, the chance for predictability increases dramatically.  This becomes a problem because savvy players looking to cheat the system might be able to recognize the cycle and figure out the next number in a game of roulette, cards or craps.  Let’s be honest, if you notice the number three showing up on the dice more frequently than others, you would probably take note and modify your approach to increase you chances of winning.  While this could turn out to be a favorable in certain situations, it definitely isn’t good for the integrity of the online gambling industry.

To make sure that the numbers an RNG generates are truly unbiased and unpredictable, online casino gaming platforms are regularly tested by independent testing firms such as Technical Systems Testings and eCOGRA.  Once these trusted bodies are certain that a platform’s RNG meets industry standards, the software is then certified as fair.  Because of their outstanding reputations, you may want to specifically seek out online casinos that have their gaming platforms tested by these reputable organizations.

What keeps most players from partaking in online gambling is the never ending issue of security.  This is quite understandable when realizing that it combines two mediums that are still controversial in the eyes of many: the internet and casino gambling in general.  Despite its popularity, there remains a large number of consumers who still do not feel comfortable making purchases online.  All this weariness continues, even with the advanced payment systems and security mechanisms that have been deployed by online merchants and casino operators since the early days of the World Wide Web.

When it comes to the internet, security is something that can never been ensured.  On a good note, there are a few global licensing and trading standards that govern some of the most reputable online casino sites on the market.  The reliable companies use the latest in software technologies and security protocols to ensure the protection of the casinos and their customers.  In some cases, these casinos set up systems that are more secure than those utilized by online banks and other financial institutions.  When looking at things from this perspective, the bigger issue may not be the security of online casinos, but actually distinguishing which casinos are reliable from those that are not.

Using Available Resources

Finding a reputable casino can be a difficult task but fortunately, there are a number of helpful resources at your disposal.  By performing the right search, you can find several well established governing bodies which can provide detailed information on the casinos that can be trusted.  There are casinos that have been validated with certifications and display special badges on their website.  These badges can be viewed as symbols of credibility that indicate the casino’s level of integrity and security.  Some of the most trusted symbols boasted by online casino sites are those obtained through well known internet security firms such as VeriSign and Thawte.  These trusted seals can found on the sites of big name organizations that range from The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to Merrill Lynch.  Other signs of reliability are displayed through badges that indicate affiliation with industry regulatory bodies such as GeoTrust, eCOGRA, RGP, and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Ensuring Fairplay

If you are a new player that has concerns about cheating, you should know that this is an entirely different issue than security.  Cheating can actually take several forms, but the most common are well known and immediately addressed by online casinos.  For example, collusion in poker rooms has been a major problem over the last few years.  Many casino operators have elected to deal with this by logging the IP address of every player to keep tabs on potential troublemakers.  They also verify email addresses and credit card information to make sure they know exactly which players are playing on which tables.

Online casinos are constantly emerging and the people behind them are doing all they can to reel in new traffic.  The good ones understand that the best way to keep the customers happy is to prove reliability and fair play in gaming environments.  When the players feel safe, it is much easier for casinos to build up their clientele while all the less trustworthy eventually fade in the wind.

The online gambling industry has been able to garner the attention of gamblers across the world.  No longer do players have to deal with the hustle and bustle of land-based casinos as they can bring the action right into their homes.  Thanks to the power of the internet, gambling fanatics now have an assortment of the most popular casino games at their fingertips.  While online gambling can be both exciting and prosperous, one of the most important factors a player must consider before making a wager is whether or not the casino is safe for playing.  It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or an expert, it is an absolute must that you put an emphasis on safety and security.

Schemes and Scandals are Abound

First and foremost, you should know that a large number of illegal gambling sites exist out in cyberspace.  The global reach of the internet and World Wide Web create a rather larger scope for fraudulent practices.  Because so many of these sites are created and run in other countries, the casino operators are often exempt from legal punishment by U.S. authorities, pretty much giving these fraudsters the green light to manipulate and compromise unknowing players.  With that said, it should at least be good to know that these illegal sites usually don’t last long.  If you do your research, you will find that several illicit online casinos have been exposed and shut down by the authorities in their respective jurisdictions.

Ensuring Security and Fair Play

There are a few solutions providers that have developed concepts to better assure integrity and security in the market of online casino gambling.   The OGA (Online Gambling Association) is one such body dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of players looking to gamble at online casinos.  This regulatory body performs regular checks to make sure internet casino sites are providing adequate levels of security to their customers and keeping them from engaging in illegal activities.  There are also organizations who have committed themselves to ensuring fairness.  Because this is such a major issue in the online gambling business, it is critical that you keep a casino’s payoff percentage in mind.  If the payout percentage is considerably low, it could be a sign that the online casino operator is not paying out its players the appropriate amount of winnings.  This is actually defeating the purpose of gambling and only adding to the casino’s wealth in the end. The eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is an organization leading the charge in making sure players are getting their fair share at the virtual jackpot.

Secure a Safe Environment

If you really want a chance to win and truly enjoy the online gaming experience, it is imperative that you seek out nothing less than a secure casino site.  Separating the contenders from pretenders can be difficult as a newbie, so it is advisable that you conduct extensive research to find yourself a reputable site.  In an industry that has been littered with so many scams and sharks, reputation is everything.  The researching process can prove to be a very tedious undertaking but when landing yourself that highly secure, dream casino, you will be glad that you put forth the effort.