Is Online Gambling Safe?
Online gambling is safe, but only when you take the appropriate precautions. Undoubtedly, gambling online involves some risks, mainly because there exist multiple online casinos, some legit while others are scam oriented.
To tackle this question, you need to look at the context in which you ask the quiz. For example, losing money on the wagering requirement is inescapable. But, the risk of getting in legal trouble, cheated or ripped off is a significant concern.
Worrying about the risk involved in online gambling is natural. It means you’re aware of the possible risks and want to prevent yourself from falling into a trap.
Let’s look at the context in which online gambling is safe or not safe.
Getting Ripped Off
Getting cheated is the biggest concern of online gamblers. You’re worried about losing your money to a new casino. It’s understandable since, in the past, some casinos have been accused of;
- Failing to honor winning wagers
- Failing to pay players and only paying very late after the player exposes the casino
- Going into bankruptcy or closing a casino before paying players their dues.
The fact that these things happen is a big concern for the safety of the online casino industry. Unfortunately, it’s possible to fall into this trap, and the internet has made it easier for such scammers to get away with the crime.
This, however, does not mean you should be overly concerned to the point of not enjoying your online casino game. To be safe, avoid shady casino sites by checking whether they meet the following criteria;
- Positive reviews from users and third-party reviewers
- Having the appropriate license and confirmation that they are regulated.
A licensed and regulated casino displays the number/code of license on the home page of their website. If, for example, a casino is UK based, it should be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. The same applies to the casino in your country. Check the bodies that regulate casinos in your area and confirm whether they’ve stamped the casino you have in mind.
- Check the amount of time the casino has ran.
- Lacks negative reviews and complaints
Could You Be Breaking the Law?
Another reason you might wonder whether online gambling is safe or not is when you think you’re breaking the law. Some countries have illegalized online betting or have set strict rules you might not understand. If, for example, you come from the United Arab Emirates ad participate in online gambling, you’re prosecuted and charged with up to two years in jail as per the Penal Code’s Article 414.
Still on breaking the law, the focus is mainly on the casino and not players. If, for example, a casino is licensed to work within the UK and you try to bet while in another country, the first thing that appears on the home page of the casino is “betting on this site prohibits people from your country.”
Although you’re not 100% safe from getting into legal trouble, chances are incredibly little.
Personal Details Getting Exposed
When you open an online casino account, you share with them your details, including address, email, and some financial information. A malicious casino might sell your email to other people who’ll forever spam your inbox with irrelevant things. Your details leaking to a malicious person is a considerable concern whether you’re a top government employee or not. Amazon, Microsoft, Sony, and yahoo are some of the companies that have been hacked, and their customers’ details stolen.
Legitimate online casino, however, uses several security measures to ensure no third party accesses your details, and therefore, you shouldn’t be extensively worried.
What if I become addicted?
Gambling can turn into an addiction, and it’s a real safety concern. You might deposit all your money with the hope of winning. With such addiction, you may get depressed with you continuously fail to win. To avoid this risk, set a budget, and manage your bankroll. Also, create casino accounts with those sites that advocate for responsible gambling. They have partnered with other associations such as Begamble Aware that offer free tips on how to gamble responsibly.
You can’t be 100% safe while online gambling. But, understanding the risks and knowing how to get around them can save you a great deal. Here is the secret: be careful when choosing an online casino, check its legitimacy. After this, you can focus on having fun, which is the primary goal of playing online casinos.