The security behind online gambling sites

Some Statistics

Gambling has long been one of the most popular pastimes in the US and it is now one of the most successful industries in the world. The American Gaming Association estimates that the gambling industry in the US alone is worth $240bn.

Across 40 different states in America, over 1.7 million people are employed by the gambling industry in both land-based casinos and bookmakers and those which operate online.

In fact, in the second quarter of this year, the gambling industry in the US reached revenue of $13.6bn, which is a new record. If that rate continues, the US industry will generate $44bn in 2021, more than any other year in history.

Over the past decade or so, online gambling has become an integral part of the industry and is predicted to see annual growth of roughly 18% over the next five years.Ā 

Itā€™s easy to see why this would be the case; technology has developed to a point wherein suppliers can offer an immersive and rewarding gambling experience online. This can be enjoyed from the bettorā€™s home or anywhere on the go, provided theyā€™ve got a suitable device, like a smartphone.

So, millions of Americans are signing up to online gambling sites all of the time, for a variety of sports and games. Itā€™s not only they most popular sports which are attracting gamblers. Niche sports like MMA are gaining increased interest due to the number of markets available. For example, UFC betting with DraftKings is an increasingly popular choice, just a few years ago, bettors would have had to settle with backing the outright winner, now they have the choice of method of victory, what round the fight will end and so on.

Security is the most important factorĀ 

Security is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether to gamble online and which provider to do so with. Not only will you be providing the website with personal details, youā€™ll be depositing money into it as well.

So, itā€™s vital that gambling websites have robust security systems to prevent customersā€™ details and money being accessed by malicious third parties, such as hackers.

Encryption

One of the most effective ways gambling sites keep this data safe is through encryption. This is a process that banks use, highlighting how secure it is.

The site will use either 128 or 256-bit encryption, and what this does is turn your personal information and bank details into a string of unrecognisable code that is also uncrackable.Ā 

You can recognize a site that is using such encryption through its URL. If it begins with https:// and has a padlock symbol, then encryption is being used and any data you enter will be safe.

Licensing authority

Casinos and gambling sites have to be legally licensed in order to operate in the US, and to achieve this they have to meet certain parameters set out by the licensing authority.

One such parameter is having adequate security measures and systems in place for their customers. So, at the very least, all licensed gambling sites in the US have a base level of security that is officially approved by a national governing body.

Most sites will make it clear somewhere which authority they obtained their licence from, so itā€™s relatively easy to check. These authorities also do check-ins with these websites to ensure they are still up to code.

Privacy policy

Linked to this are privacy policies, and this is something all legitimate and responsible gambling websites will have.Ā 

Youā€™ve almost certainly come across a privacy policy before; itā€™s usually a fairly lengthy document that you need to acknowledge youā€™ve read and agreed to before you can sign up for a website.Ā 

A privacy policy holds the gambling website accountable for the data and information you give them, plus it clearly outlines what they will do with that information. If youā€™re uncomfortable with any aspect of the policy, you can use a different provider.

Alongside the privacy policy will usually be the terms and conditions of the website. This is typically an even longer document that goes into detail about how the site operates and covers as many different scenarios as possible, outlining what will happen in each.

Again, this enforces websites to be upfront from the get-go about how they work, ensuring that they are as fair and safe as possible.Ā 

As a consumer, you should always make sure to read the privacy policy and terms and conditions.

RNGs ā€“ random number generators

Gambling websites and online casinos also use random number generators (RNGs) for their games (not their sportsbooks, though, as this doesnā€™t apply for those).Ā 

When dealing cards in games or spinning on virtual slot machines, for example, RNGs are used to create the outcomes. This means there is no chance of the site cheating, plus these algorithms can run on their own; they donā€™t require input from staff on the back-end.

Given its nature, an RNG is almost impossible to hack as well, meaning these games canā€™t be rigged by third-parties. This creates a level playing field for everybody.

Bottom line

Lastly, gambling websites also employ support teams and customer service representatives to handle any issues that arise. If a customer has any concerns, questions or complaints, they have a way of contacting the supplier to deal with it.

Gambling sites and online casinos take great measures to ensure they are as secure as possible and that their customersā€™ information and data is as safe as can be. From encryption software to comprehensive policies, these companies do whatever they can to mitigate the risk of breaches.

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