Online casinos are hot property in the United Kingdom, which currently tops the global charts for having the largest iGaming market in the world. And much of the success of the UK’s online gambling market is down to consumer confidence, which is largely thanks to the domestic UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) licensing authority. The authority regularly fines casinos for not following the stringent rules outlined in the Gambling Act 2005 and requires operators to jump through hoops to guarantee games are fair and players’ financials are secure.
In short, player protection is the primary focus of the UKGC authority and a major contributing factor to the industry’s success. Players in the country are confident they are getting a fair deal as well as a fun, safe, and enjoyable online casino gaming experience, which is essentially what we all want.
Below we look at the five most important points a casino regulator should include in its licensing framework.
The 5 Most Important Factors that Guarantee Online Casino Player Protection
The next time you read a casino review on a popular iGaming portal; you can research the licensing authority’s efforts to guarantee ‘player protection’. For instance, Playcasino.com reviews have a dedicated section informing readers exactly which licence the casino operates under. You can then check the licensing authority and use the points below to research how the licensing authority goes out of its way to ensure the casino will protect you.
- Fair Game Results
Licensing authorities require casinos to show its games produce fair results. In fact, the responsibility is mainly down to the software provider, which delivers the games to the casino. This system works well because you also know the games the casino hosts are the real deal. In order to fulfil this requirement, casinos must…
- …submit regular RTP reports (payout percentage reports)
- …submit third-party RNG algorithm testing certificates (iTech Labs/BMM Testlabs)
- …submit software and security tests carried out on the casino platform
- Player Support by the Casino
Supporting players via the rules outlined in a licensing framework is critical to consumer confidence. The main three components to player support are:
- T&Cs must be up to date (they are also legally binding)
- A customer services team must be put in place
- Casinos must resolve ‘all’ player disputes
- Player Support by the Licensing Authority
It is all very well enforcing rules for online casinos. However, it is also important how the licensing authority supports you as a player. A reputable licensing authority will support you by…
- …providing a casino complaints department
- …guaranteeing the licensing authority will review your complaint
- …offering free legal mediation services to resolve casino/player disputes
- Protecting Your Casino Balance
Online casinos are a business, and as such, they are susceptible to running into financial difficulties. In the early days of iGaming, a casino going bust usually meant player balances were lost. As a result, licensing authorities now implement the following rules to protect player balances:
- Players funds are kept in separate bank accounts to the casino’s day-to-day operations
- If a casino files for bankruptcy, player balances are not part of its balance sheet
- Guarantees players will have their casino balance returned if a casino is bankrupt
- If a casino loses its licence, players can still withdraw funds
- Responsible Gambling Tools & Help
One of the hottest topics across the entire iGaming spectrum. A licensing authority should ensure online casinos put in place mechanisms to prevent you from gambling more than you can afford as well as provide resources to help you understand and identify problem gambling.
- Deposit Limits – allows you to set daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits
- Self exclusion/Timeout – options to ban yourself from real money gambling for a set time limit
- Reality check pop ups – this tool shows you your win/loss amounts and session times
- Affordability checks – customer services will contact you if you are gambling heavily
- KYC checks – this procedure helps to prevent underage gambling
Player Protection is the Single Most Important Factor!
You might land a big win, but suddenly you find your account is no longer accessible and customer services are offering a lame excuse. Or when you try to withdraw, the casino continuously cancels your withdrawals, while there is no response when you open a casino dispute. Other issues that have occurred recently with fake games. The casino developers have copied slots from popular software providers, lowered the RTP and passed the game off as fair and trustworthy.
A reputable online casino licensing authority guarantees none of these issues will arise, thus giving you the player protection, you deserve.
Underage gambling is an offence. You must be over 18 years old to gamble in the UK.
Any form of gambling should always be fun, playing in a way that is right for you. It’s good to set limits, take time out or set up reminders.
Please gamble responsibly and in moderation.
For more information on the tools available to help to keep you safe or if you want advice or support you can call the National GamblingHelpline on 0808 8020 133 (England, Scotland and Wales or visit Gamblingtherapy.org).
