Imagine winning $4.2 million at a slot machine and winning another $21 million in the same jackpot years later. That is what Elmer Sherwin did in Las Vegas.
You can win big in a land casino. Nothing changes with an online casino.
Gambling over the internet offers unparalleled convenience, freedom, and choices for the discerning gambler. Unfortunately, it has also given rise to security concerns.
As fun as gambling is, it can expose you to some serious security risks if you are not keen. Here are some key safety tips for online gambling.
1. Assess Security Features of the Website
This should be among the first things you look at to determine a safe site.
Once you land on any gambling website, check whether it has an encrypted connection. Encrypted connections recognize site users using a padlock, placed next to the browser tab.
The padlock is next to the abbreviations ‘https’.
Aside from this, ensure you can locate information such as imprint, payment options, and general terms of use and privacy policy. This information should be easy to locate and should be placed visibly on the site.
Another thing to look for is the company’s license number and the licensor.
The licensor is important because not all countries have strict monitoring and regulation policies for its licensed parties.
The best providers assume responsibility unto themselves. They also inform about gambling risks on their websites, with most providing contact information for contact centers in case clients have any concerns.
2. Look at What Other Users Are Saying
To get a realistic assessment of a provider, reviews are the next best thing to personal experiences.
These can inform you of the ambiguities on the user information, the casino’s treatment of its clients, false promotions and bonuses, and so on.
You can start with reviews from the provider’s website. But then dig a little further.
Look at other independent review sites and gambling forums for more.
If the overriding premise of a particular site is negative portrayals, then its best to avoid them.
3. Test Customer Support
A lot can be said about a company that treats its customers well and that strives to iron out any arising issues.
A good establishment is customer focused and ensures its clientele receives adequate support when they need it.
This is where customer service and customer experience come in.
Customer experience ensures that clients have the best time when dealing with a company from start to finish. This means from the registration process right to payment of winnings.
Customer service, on the other hand, kicks in when a customer initiates contact.
Here are a few ways to assess the quality of service provided:
Accessibility
Look at the platforms provided for how you can reach the provider. You need a provider with multi-channeled options such as chat boxes, email, telephone, and even social media handles.
If they provide 24-hour coverage, even better.
Responsiveness
Providing several communication channels is one thing. The deciding factor should be how responsive the company is on these channels.
To be on the safer side, test these channels before registering. Send them an email or try calling them and see if you will get a response and after how long.
If it goes ignored, consider that this might be the case later on when you have an urgent matter that needs resolution.
Professionalism
When you do get a response, how do you gauge it?
Check whether they address your specific concerns or if they attempt to gloss over the issue.
If it is a phone call, pay attention to the receiver’s demeanor. You want a company that is friendly, patient, empathetic and that gives you the time of day when you need help.
4. Online Gambling Personal Safety
Some actions from your person can also safeguard your gambling activities as well.
The first rule of online gambling security is to only gamble that which you can afford to lose.
This means the months’ rent, student loan repayment money, mortgage or utilities cash is untouchable. A successful gambler is also a disciplined one.
Each month, try and set aside a reasonable bankroll under your entertainment kitty. If you lose this cash before the next budget, take a break until the next budget cycle.
When starting at a new site, refrain from making huge deposits until you are absolutely sure that it’s a trustworthy site. Failure to take this precaution can make you a target for hackers.
The other thing is to keep your computer/phone safe. If it falls on the wrong hands, they might access your account, resulting in huge losses.
Lastly, if you are using a site that allows social networking, be careful. These might be your gambling friends, but they are strangers. Not just that, they could be questionable characters.
Refrain from giving out your personal information. This includes your account status and information as well as your winnings and credit card information.
5. Read The Terms and Conditions Carefully
Gambling companies have long realized the value of bonuses in enticing clients to sign up and start playing. In this view, most have a bonus plan for clients who are just signing up.
As a consumer, however, look at these in detail. Instead of focusing on the bonuses promised, look at the offer in its entirety.
At times, there are certain conditions to be fulfilled before ‘unlocking’ the benefits. Look at these conditions in detail before taking the next step.
Unscrupulous dealers will have numerous stipulations that will be difficult to fulfill.
Others will have wordy or difficult- to -understand terms and conditions, all in a bid to deny you the bonus after signing up and crediting your account.
In summary, find a provider with a simple bonus plan and whose conditions are not only visibly displayed, but also, in clear, simple language. See more info on that here.
Ready to Try Your Luck?
Are you ready to set up an online gambling account and try your luck? If you are new, there are numerous online resources with great tips on how to start online gambling.
Armed with the starter tips, keep in mind these safety precautions and you could just win the next windfall.
