The US has over 200 registered online casinos. And while Canada has no registered casinos, there are plenty you can play on from the US and abroad. One of the most popular is real money casinos, and we can understand why people would want to play them. As the name suggests, it means you’re putting down real money on some of the best games.
Casino.ca top-rated real money casinos see thousands of players each month, but how safe is a player’s sensitive data when they’re dealing with real money?
Read on to find out.
Encryption Technologies
Encryption technologies are one of the most basic features – what website doesn’t use encryption technology now?
All online casinos, as standard, should use technologies like SSL or even TLS. These encryption technologies encrypt all information sent to and from the player to the platform. Literally, all the sensitive data goes through SSL encryption that turns my details into a format that’s not readable. The only individual capable of comprehending the information is the secure server of the casino using a private key.
Players can identify secure websites by the padlock symbol in the address bar of that specific browser and the prefix “https” which appears before the URL.
Secure Payment and Withdrawals
Services like Skrill and Neteller are secure payment gateways that follow industry-standardized rules to protect players’ financial information.
Tokenization payment methods are also becoming more common. It’s where a string of random characters instead of sensitive information like credit card numbers, which means that even if a hacker accessed the casino’s servers, they would only be able to view worthless tokens instead of card information.
Hashing helps to encrypt data so it can’t be reconstructed, achieving the objective of security. Apart from this, several casinos also incorporate two-factor authentication (2FA) for transactions. 2FA asking you to authorize a transaction through your mobile banking or with a code sent to your phone or email is becoming the new norm.
Rigorous Regulatory Compliance
To maintain rough and effective market competition and enhance the safety of players, some of the most recognized and reputable online casinos have to adhere to a strict code of conduct and regulations set out and supervised by well-known licensing authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission.
Ignoring the rules = strict penalties for casinos.
Gambling establishments that are licensed and regulated are closely monitored. Information about their practices should be made available to the public, including measures for ensuring fair play, the safeguarding of funds held by players, and policies that promote responsible gambling. More often than not, licensing details can be found on the very bottom page of the casino’s homepage.
Firewall Protections to Block Unwanted Access
Firewalls are another staple.
A firewall is a bridge between a casino’s server and the gamer’s computer or device, restricting or allowing traffic to and from the server.
Using firewalls can secure casinos from Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) attacks, which are launched with the objective of rendering the server useless over a short time. So far, in 2024, there have been 8.5 million DDoS attacks detected (not that all of them were successful).
Firewalls also stop viruses or other dangerous software from entering the casino’s internal network. So far, in 2024, there has been a 30% increase year-over-year in software malware attacks.
When combined with encryption and safe payment methods, firewalls constitute a battery of protective mechanisms that deter virtual attackers from any probable attempt.
Anti-Fraud Systems and Device Fingerprinting
Identity theft is a massive threat in online gambling.
Some of the systems are now AI and machine-learning-based, which means they can learn the behavior of a player and differentiate between ordinary and rogue actions. For example, an account that receives several attempts to log in from a different device will be locked, and a login verification process will have to be initiated to regain access to the account.
Casinos also use device fingerprinting to screen and identify devices used to log into their platform. It then records specific information, including the IP address, operating system, browser settings, and more, every time a player logs in. If such logs are not present when a player tries to log in, then the device being used is detected as an abnormal activity.
Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments
Security audits and vulnerability assessments periodically are essential.
External auditors usually do this by engaging third-party cybersecurity specialists who examine the casino systems and processes, determine weaknesses, and recommend necessary changes. By constantly evaluating the security measures in place, casinos are better prepared for emerging threats, and the systems can withstand cyberattacks.
Several online gaming establishments also use bodies like eCOGRA, which audits them and certifies that they comply with fair gaming and safe gambling practices. The casinos must provide evidence that they carry out their operations lawfully and that there is a reasonable effort to ensure that high security and transparency requirements are met.
Do all casinos follow these protocols? Absolutely not – and it’s a red flag if they don’t. And for players looking for real money casinos, it’s even more essential to find casinos following every protocol possible to protect sensitive data.
