Online casinos claim to be the safest sites around, but is this really the case? Can you really feel safe? Here's the lowdown.

It's true that online casinos don't have the best reputation when it comes to the security of their platforms. Indeed, it is not uncommon to hear about some scams that have taken place on this type of website. However, to combat this bad reputation, online gambling establishments are putting in place increasingly effective security systems.

Indeed, online casinos claim to be the safest sites around, but is this really the case? Can we really feel safe?

Security of player data

While the physical security of Internet users is rarely put at risk, the security of their data is often put at risk. Indeed, while the collection of personal data has been limited in the European Union by the RGPD* since May 2018, some platforms continue to exploit them.

In order to comply with these new directives and to protect players' personal and banking data, online casinos have started using specialised software. Often there is mention of 128-bit or 256-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) software. These actually encrypt the data collected on the platform to prevent hacking.

This type of software is regularly audited and has been described for some years as the most effective encryption system on the market. So that's a good point for online casinos!

RNG algorithm to ensure fairness of games

The second concern one might have when visiting an online gambling site is the fairness of the games. Indeed, some platforms have been known to use rigged algorithms that never allow players to win. It is this very concern that has led the French government and others around the world to say that online gambling is not reliable.

However, an objection can be made in that most online casinos have a random number generator (RNG) algorithm. The existence of this type of algorithm is a condition for obtaining most gambling licenses.

As with SSL software, RNG algorithms are regularly audited by independent companies. They are therefore reliable algorithms that allow players to be sure that the games are fair.

The security of transactions on an online casino

Of course, it is the protection of their banking data that most often worries Internet users. Since online casinos usually offer real money gaming, it is normal to wonder if the transactions are secure.

It is important to know that SSL software not only encrypts personal data, but also bank data. In addition, sensitive data is usually stored by the casino on a secure external server. Access is therefore restricted and the protections are more effective than on the classic site, avoiding potential hacking.

In some cases, casinos employ an external company to process transactions. Outsourcing these processes is an advantage as the companies are specialised in internet banking, so the risk of scams is minimal.

How can you protect yourself when using an online casino?

The security systems used in online casinos, when they are present, are quite effective against scams. However, relying completely on this type of system can sometimes prove insufficient. Some sites, such as Livegeek, offer a selection of reliable online casinos, but in parallel to this, several preventive behaviours can be adopted.

For example, instead of entering bank details directly on the casino website, it is preferable to use an electronic wallet. This avoids the need to enter sensitive data and allows you to deposit and withdraw money easily.

What's more, it is also possible to use a VPN which allows the user to browse the internet anonymously. Moreover, hacking on this type of network is almost non-existent since users must identify themselves before connecting to it. It is therefore impossible for hackers to connect to the protected network, allowing users to visit less secure sites.