Online casinos are always going to be popular. Let’s face it, they’re fun, they’re exciting… and, of course, there’s the potential for real-world wins. However, they involve spending money… so you need to be smart about both where and how you play. Although it’s largely positive that the online gambling scene is more accessible than ever, it does also mean that there are more risks… which means that your money and personal details are a lot more exposed if you’re not careful.
Luckily, there are ways you can help yourself. If you approach things right and take all the right precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy all the fun and win potential they offer while keeping both your money and personal details secure.
Here, we’re going to look at all the best ways you can protect your money when playing casino games online… whether you’re spinning the reels of the latest slot, going all-in on poker, or playing a few hands of blackjack on games.boylesports.com. So, let’s get started…
Only Play at a Licensed Casino
The first rule of iGaming club (or should we say secure online gambling) is this: never enter your personal details or spend any money on an unlicensed platform. You have absolutely no protection. That’s not to say it’s definitely a scam site – but if it does turn out to be one, you’ve absolutely no recourse. That’s why you need to stick to reputable online casinos that are licensed and regulated by official authorities such as:
- The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Ontario iGaming (iGO) for Canadian players
If you are a UK player, you will need to make sure it has a UKGC license. However, if you live outside the UK, you just need to make sure it has at least one reputable license. Essentially, a license ensures that the casino operates fairly, transparently, and under the strictest rules. These regulators regularly audit their licensees to make sure they’re acting fairly, using verified and tested RNGs (that are independently tested), and keeping your data safe.
If a casino doesn’t have its license clearly displayed at the bottom of its homepage or in the terms and conditions, it seems fake, or you’re just not convinced it’s properly licensed, then steer clear.
Use a Secure Payment Method
Online casinos generally accept a huge range of payment options… but not all are equally secure. You should opt for a trusted and encrypted payment option such as:
- Credit and debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard (although many jurisdictions, such as the UKGC, won’t allow for credit card payments)
- PayPal
- Apple Pay / Google Pay
- Interac (for Canadians)
- Trustly
- Prepaid cards (like Paysafecard)
- Cryptocurrencies (only on licensed crypto-friendly platforms)
Also, check that your payment is being processed through SSL encryption (check for a padlock icon near the browser URL bar).
Only go ahead and enter your payment information on a site when you’re fully satisfied it’s safe and secure.
Set Deposit and Loss Limits
One of the best ways to protect your money is by making sure you set responsible gambling limits. The good news is that lots of the top casinos offer a variety of responsible gaming tools, including:
- The ability to set yourself daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits.
- Letting you limit how much you can bet or lose in a set period of time.
- Self-exclude from the casino for a cooldown period.
By setting boundaries, it will help to protect both your money and your mental well-being. Because casino games can be such fun, it’s all too easy to get carried away – and these tools make it easier to stick to your budget.
Bonuses That Look Too Good to Be True Usually Are…
Bonuses can be great… but not all of them are honest. If you come across a deal that offers a massive match bonus with no (or super low) wagering requirements, you need to be careful and suspicious.
Things you should look out for:
- Wagering requirements (how many times you need to wager the bonus before you can withdraw any winnings)
- Time limits – make sure you have the time to use it before you lose it
- Game restrictions – make sure you can use it on games you like
- Maximum cashout limits – you don’t want to win thousands and realise you can only withdraw $100.
If you can’t understand the terms or they’re not clearly displayed, be wary. And if the casino isn’t licensed, there’s a chance it won’t honour the bonus payouts anyway.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
You should make sure your online casino account is as protected as your online banking account:
- Use a strong, unique password
- Never share your login details with anyone
- Use 2FA where possible – so even if someone does get your password, they won’t be able to open your account without access to your mobile or email.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals will often pretend to be casino support staff. They might send you emails, pop-ups, or even call you, telling you you’ve won a prize or there’s a problem with your account. To protect yourself…
- Don’t click on a suspicious link or download a file from any unknown sources.
- Verify emails by contacting the casino through the official support channels.
- Never give out any of your personal or payment information unless you’re 100% sure it’s legit.
Check The Casino Reviews and Reputation
A quick Google search can tell you a lot about a casino. Read reviews and look for things like:
- Delays when withdrawing
- Not paying out winnings
- Hidden, unclear or unfair T&Cs
- Bad customer service
If you end up finding more complaints than compliments, give it a swerve.
Keep Your Personal and Gambling Accounts Separate
To stay in complete control, we’d recommend you either create a dedicated bank account, open an e-wallet account or use a prepaid card for your online casino action. This will make it a lot easier for you to track what you’re spending, avoid using money you need for more important things (like heating and eating) and to prevent anyone getting unauthorized access to your main account.
It also comes in pretty handy when you have to file your tax returns (if you live somewhere you need to declare your winnings).
Be Aware
Online gambling can be fun, enjoyable… and totally safe, as long as you stay aware, stay in control and play at the right site. Play at a regulated casino, keep your account secure – and only gamble what you can afford to lose.
Remember, the house will always have the edge – but you can still be in complete control of how, when, and where you play.
