How to stay safe when using online casinos
Gambling online can be an incredibly fun and surprisingly relaxing way to spend your downtime. Whether it’s catching a few games of online bingo at the weekend, playing a couple of hands of blackjack in bed or spinning slots in the bath (yes, it’s as decadent as it sounds), the always-on nature of our smartphones has brought gambling kicking and screaming out of the casinos.
But if you’re not used to sharing your data online, it’s vital that you know how to keep yourself safe as not all sites are as secure as they might appear. You’ll find hundreds of horror stories online of gamblers who found their accounts hacked into and their funds being drained, or their user profiles being duplicated. And once it’s happened to you, it can be a nightmare to sort it all out and claim your money back.
So, if you want to gamble in peace and safety, here are a few things you might want to consider.
Do your research
First, make sure you are choosing a licensed casino. You’d be surprised how professional scam sites can be so read some forums, look on social media and see what sites and apps other reputable gamblers are using. If the one you’re considering isn’t mentioned anyway, chances are it’s a scam site. Also, if a site is offering you an introductory offer that seems too good to be true, it probably s too good to be true. And note is they have asked you to provide ID. All reputable casinos will as this helps them to deter fraudsters.
Use the right payment methods
Use major cards such as Visa and Mastercard and respected online payment gateways like PayPal as these systems will have more verification protocols and safety measures in place.
Use a strong password
We know it can be tempting to use the same password for everything but there are many workarounds the consider if you have a bad memory. Google Chrome, for example, stores all your passwords for you or you could keep your passwords written down and hidden somewhere in your home. Either way, always keep this private and change it if you have an inkling it might have been compromised.
Use a VPN
A VPN is a service that effectively disguises your IP address so hackers can’t see where you’re based or gain access to your network. You are being routed through a network that could be based anywhere in the world, the whole point is keeping you safe and anonymous. Many of the best VPN providers also offer free trial periods, so it’s worth at least investigating.
Set a deposit limit
Not only will setting a deposit limit help you from getting carried away and overspending but it will also protect you from credit card fraud, where nefarious actors might use your details to spend hundreds or even thousands!
