Gambling Authorities and How They Improve Online Gambling

When it comes to online gambling, what separates the good casinos from the bad ones, is whether or not they are licensed online casinos. Gambling authorities regulate online gaming portals, making them safer and more trustworthy. These gambling authorities adhere to specific laws regarding casinos, foreign lotteries, and wagering. These aspects are highly regulated and complex by nature, but they play a vital part in the success of online casinos. In this article, we take a deeper look into how these gambling authorities improve online gambling and who they are.

The Various Gambling Authorities

There are many regulatory specialists, each one operating under the laws of the country assigned to the approval of operation of online casinos in the country. Therefore, players will find that international or local online casinos have various licenses. Though all licensing bodies strive to regulate online casinos in a compliant manner, some are stricter than others, while others are more common to the avid online casino enthusiast. Here are a few of the dominant gambling authorities and how they enhance the experience of players.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

The UKGC is one of the most recognized regulatory bodies, renowned for approving valid licenses to legitimate online casinos. This particular gambling authority regulates all kinds of betting, some of which includes top online slots wagering, lottery operators, gaming providers, mobile gambling, and all other contributors that create the casino and opportunities for players to enjoy the benefits of land-based casino gaming, just online.

It is the responsibility of the UKGC to regulate services provided by businesses in Great Britain. This also includes the National Lottery. Furthermore, the UKGC works in affiliation with licensing authorities to enforce compliance in an effort to promote secure and safe online gambling.

What The UKGC Regulates to Improve Online Gambling

Verification – The UKGC allows players to verify online casinos by adding in the licensing number, almost always available on the site of the casino). This gives you the advantage to check for fraudulent casinos and verify that the one you have chosen is indeed legitimate.

Authentication – Another feature the UKGC enforces is that online casino players will need to provide documentation proving their age for legal online gambling. This is for:

• To ensure players are of age to gamble online
• To ensure that you have not opted for the ‘self-exclusion’ function at casinos
• For identification purposes
• To avoid fraudulent activity

Complaints – The UKGC encourages players to make a direct complaint to the casino in the event that they cannot withdraw winnings. The UKGC verifies that there are proper communication platforms available and if the casino doesn’t comply, the player can lay a complaint with the UKCG about the casino.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Established in 2001, the MGA was one of the first regulators to monitor and control the activity of both land-based and online casinos in order to create a safer entertainment environment. The MGA licenses and regulates hundreds of online casinos to ensure that the casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to formulate wins at random. This proves that payouts are unique and that MGA casinos are legitimate. This is just one example of how gambling authorities improve online gambling. Lotteries, slot machines such as Warlords: Crystals of Power slot, and even virtual sports are all audited and controlled. When playing at an MGA licensed casino, players will enjoy legitimate payouts, trusted payment solutions, quality-controlled lobbies, and responsible gaming opportunities.

To apply for an MGA license, a casino must be assessed and needs to meet the following criteria:

• Is authentic to conduct gambling business
• Has prepared a business strategy for the MGA
• Obtains the operational requirements to meet obligations approved by the law and its policies
• Has tested all operational, technical, and otherwise stated features, and done so correctly.

The Application Process

Once the MGA has determined that the above-mentioned has been approved, the application process begins and the MGA tests the following:

• That the casino is fit and proper
• The business planning of the casino
• Operational and legal requirements are met
• The operational system is reviewed
• Compliance review

The compliance review involves several compliance audits after the casino has gone live. The MGA requires that the service provider completes these audits within 90 days from the MGA’s notice date. Failure to do so may lead to termination of the license or a suspension.

The Curacao eGaming (CEG)

When you gamble online, you will begin to notice that there are different licenses applied to various casinos, depending on the country’s regulations and gambling laws. Not all countries allow online gambling and therefore obtaining a license from the casino’s home soil is not possible. When this happens, online casino owners generally obtain ‘off-shore’ licenses. Curacao eGaming is one of these regulatory bodies, and many online casinos are licensed through this gambling authority.

Casinos and sportsbooks are more secure, the odds tested for fair play gaming and to see how quickly and efficiently they payout. Curacao eGaming licensing is especially popular amongst sportsbooks and casinos alike.

Many online casinos have more than one license, proving to their audiences that they are legitimate and free from any corruption. The Gaming Control Board protects its players and works in unison with the casino owner to bring a safer experience to mobile and desktop players. If you are lucky enough to play at an online casino that holds more than one valid license, you can play with just the same amount of ease as you would when playing at other casinos. The only difference is, that players should simply take into consideration that the casino has undergone a series of testing, and auditing, and has been approved by professionals.

The Application Process

To apply for a CEG license, the casino will need to fill out a questionnaire and thereafter the CEG will make contact using the email address supplied by the casino. Once the CEG has made contact, there is an application fee and after this sum has cleared the process begins. What the casino is required to provide the CEG with:

• Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation
• Present a comprehensive business plan
• A scheduled compliance interview must be conducted with the CEG

Once all of the above has been completed, the casino will obtain an interactive verification seal for the integration of the casino’s website.

Gibraltar Regulatory Authority

This is a European regulatory body that was formed under the Gibraltar Regulatory Act. This particular authority monitors and regulates numerous electronic communications in and around Europe. Among its responsibilities, the RGA enhances the quality of online gaming by testing slots, table games, software providers, and the return to player (RTP) percentages of the games for accuracy.

How The GRA Protects Players

A GRA-licensed casino will have to pass the application process, just like any other gambling authority. Take a look at some of the highlights a GRA license entails at online casinos.

• Data protection – The Gibraltar GDPR and the DPA protects the privacy and sensitive data of players by governing how casinos process information about players. This is achieved by monitoring the collection of recordings, structuring, storage, use and disclosure or transfer of personal data to third parties.

• Cyber security compliance – The Cyber Security Compliances Division of the GRA is responsible for regulating, supervising and enforcing compliance. The unit also established a list of operations of indispensable services, offering selected digital service providers, investigating any breach, drawing up codes of practice, inspections and recording and reporting inspections. The Cyber Security Compliance Division also works with the HMGoG’s Information Technology and Logistics Department (ITLD) which has been appointed as the national computer security incident response team for Gibraltar (the “Gibraltar CSIRT”).

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission is another UK Gambling Control Commission, with one spectacular exception, it is the main gaming control authority for the Isle of man. What has added popularity for casinos to go through The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission is that it has tax-friendly regulations. This means that top online casinos and the best online mobile casinos approach this gambling authority for its seal of approval, showcasing the quality of the casino. Isle of Man not only issues licenses but also regulates, offers guidance to gaming operators, and offers outside testing for online casino games, the casino itself, and payment platforms. Other services include the testing of the casino’s payment turnaround times, the deposit methods and how quickly funds take to reach a player’s account. Essentially, this gambling authority has every feature of online casinos covered to approve it for licensing.

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission

This UK-based gambling control commission was founded in 2000 and has since been regulating and security controlling online gambling entities in the State of Alderney. To meet the requirements to achieve the Alderney Gambling Control Commission’s license and great name, online casinos will need to be verified by following strict laws.

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission is incredibly transparent and allows visitors n its site to view the licensing process, the list of recently licensed and approved AGCC brands and casinos, hosting providers, fees, and more! The AGCC has made it possible for its approved online casino members to set bet limits on their accounts, self-exclude themselves from gambling for 6 months or longer, gain perks as high rollers, and more.

These are only a few of the popular gambling authorities that are internationally recognized, but there are dozens of others.

What Do Gambling Authorities Test For?

The best gambling authorities test and asses, they evaluate documentation necessary to operate quality controlled online casinos, policies and procedures are tested to verify that the casino maintains safe and secure gaming, and they see if the terms and conditions are up to date. There are also other aspects that players won’t get to witness, more technical ones. These include software checks, gaming control systems, and software that is used in mobile gambling. In essence, every corner of an online casino needs to pass the criteria necessary to obtain a valid casino license from one of these gambling authorities.

What Impact Do Gambling Authorities Have On Online Casinos?

The answer is simple. They prove that the casino is safer and more secure than unwarranted and unlicensed casinos. If the license is visible and there are complaints or any form of disreputable behaviour, the license of the casino may fall away. Ultimately, players who sign up with licensed and regulated online casinos are promoting a safer and more pleasant online gambling experience.

Wrapping Up The Importance of Licensing

In conclusion, it is highly recommended that players choose online casinos with licenses issued by trusted gambling authorities. This will allow for guaranteed payouts, safe and secure gaming, better turnaround times for payments and withdrawals, and the best games that have been tried and approved by these gaming authorities.