Online casino security
Finding a safe online casino can be a bit tricky, especially if you're not exactly sure what it is to look out for. We know how important player security is and believe that it's something that every Canadian casino should prioritize. So, whether you're concerned about the personal details you enter when you first sign up to an online casino site, or the banking and financial information linked to your online casino account, you can rest assured knowing that all your personal details are safe, after reading our full online casino guide below.
Why casino safety & security matters
One of the reasons why Canadian players enjoy playing free casino games online is that with no deposit required, there's literally zero financial risk, but in the age of digital technology, data protection, in our opinion is just as important. Playing games at real money casinos, however, come with real financial risk, and if you're not careful about where you play, you could fall victim to rogue casinos and potentially lose everything – which is why where you play matters.
Top casino security measures
To determine whether an online casino is safe, there are a few things we recommend every casino player look out for:
Secure Sockets Layers (SSL): All trusted online casinos will use SSL encryption software to prevent unauthorized parties from stealing casino player details. This type of encryption is used around in banks, stores and digital companies around the world and is the most trusted technology for protecting customers' payment details. In fact, researchers found that your details are just as safe when you use sites with 128-bit SSL encryption as they are when you shop in-store.
Random Number Generators (RNG): RNGs, commonly associated with slot machine games, poker and roulette, are used to minimize the risk of tampering and ensure that the numbers generated are completely random. Reputable sites will have their RNGs independently verified by an internationally recognized organization like eCOGRA, ensuring that games are fair.
Reputable gaming licenses: One of the most important ways to check if the casino you're playing at is safe is to ensure that it has a reputable gaming license. The best online casinos will be licenced and regulated by a reputable government agency, such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada.
Independently audited: All trusted casinos should be independently audited by a reputable authority, ensuring that the casino games they offer are regulated and safe. Always look out for the eCOGRA stamp of approval – an internationally-recognized testing agency established to keep online casino players safe.
Data protection & personal security: The best online casinos will provide an extensive privacy policy for transparency but also ensure their site adheres to legal gambling laws. ID and age verification are something most legitimate sites require and support the notion that casinos who request it are taking their responsibilities seriously. Strict passwords and logins should also be a given. And the safest online casinos will go a step further and offer two-factor authentication to ensure their players' details are kept as safe as possible.
How to find secure online casinos
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Always do your research first, and choose a recommended online casino.
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Ensure that the casino is reputable, eCOGRA verified and licensed.
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Look for the SSL logo to ensure that your data is encrypted.
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Make sure the site you play on provides a list of terms and conditions
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Check the privacy policy before you sign up.
How to make safe casino deposits
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Always ensure that your connection is secure. Look for the padlock in corner of your browser.
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Choose your payment method wisely, picking reputable brands such as Visa or MasterCard.
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Avoid making casino deposits on public networks.
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Never save your password.
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Read the terms and conditions.
How to avoid rogue casinos
Unfortunately, not every online casino has its players' interests at heart. To find out which casinos don't, we've listed the most common ways to identify a rogue casino:
1. No security measures
All online transactions carry data. To ensure that casino players are safe, the best online casinos will use, at the minimum, SSL encryption software. Rogue casinos will avoid providing any security measures for players, and there'll be no mention of SSL encryption on their site.
2. Poor licensing
All the casinos we recommend are eCOGRA verified. This means that they pass the casino industry standards required to operate legitimately. If a casino doesn't display a trusted logo on its website, it's best to avoid.
3. Bad player reviews
Bad casinos aren't too difficult to find as the online gaming community are very vocal about their bad experiences. A quick look at our blacklist and casino player forums will reveal the worst of the worst, with complaints of everything from bad customer service to the confiscation of casino funds.
Online casino security FAQs
It's completely safe to play at all reputable online casinos, but it's important to ensure that the casino's you play on are licensed and certified. The best recommended online casinos will offer fair games, great terms and conditions, be eCOGRA certified and use SSL encryption software to guarantee player safety.
Making online casino deposits are perfectly safe, provided the banking method you choose is legitimate, and the casino you choose uses SSL encryption software. All online casinos we recommend are secured by SSL encryption, and protect customer data from third-party sites.
The safest online casinos will be eCOGRA certified, carry a legitimate gaming license, and offer extensive terms and conditions, FAQs and a full privacy policy. SSL encryption software will be used to guarantee safe casino deposits, and their RNGs will be regularly audited.
eCOGRA is a leading internationally approved independent testing agency who specialises in the certification of online gaming software and systems. eCOGRA's main job is to look into how secure a casino is, and to monitor what methods casinos use to ensure that their games are fair and keep players' transactions safe. Accredited operators will receive the eCOGRA seal of approval, and it's what all players should look out for to ensure that the online casino they're playing is safe and secure.
Technical Systems Testing (TST) is an internationally recognised, accredited testing agency for gaming. If an online casino is TST verified, it means that they meet the regulatory standards within the region they operate from. TST evaluates Random Number Generators (RNGs), poker systems, live dealers, perform security audits and more.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it's the most commonly used way to encrypt data being sent online. By encrypting data being sent, it ensures that even if someone manages to hijack that data, they simply won't be able to decipher it - meaning that your details always remain private.
We'd always recommend players use a secure, private network when playing online casino games. Whilst our recommended sites will always prioritise player security, using a public network doesn't provide the same security measures that a private network would. It's better to be safe than sorry.