Technological innovations have played a major role in the success the iGaming sector enjoys today. If it weren’t for the strides technology made, live casino games, bonuses, and digital payments would not be possible. Even the performance of gaming websites today would not be possible if not for the increasing computing power available. Looking back two, or even a decade, ago, the contributions of technology to online gambling are evident. One area that enjoys these benefits is security.
Safety is critical in online gaming. It separates the reputable operators from the mediocre ones. As a player, one of the first elements of a casino you consider before spending money is security. You want to know if your information is protected; if you can deposit funds or access a casino site safely. Gambling operators leverage the latest technology to make all this possible. Online casinos face a surge in security threats because they are attractive targets. Besides the insane amount of money passing through them, gambling platforms also collect a lot of information. Therefore, it’s not surprising cybercriminals are always looking out for vulnerabilities to exploit. As bad actors get more sophisticated by the day, operators have to find ways to bolster security. So, which are some of the approaches that have been effective in protecting players?
Better Banking Security
When digital payments first became a reality, most consumers were cautious because they worried about losing their banking details. The situation is different now, though. The number of online transactions happening daily has increased dramatically, and online casinos are some of the biggest beneficiaries. Internet gambling is only possible if players can deposit and withdraw when necessary. Thus, it was imperative for the industry to adapt payment methods that gamblers could trust. Technological advances made safe transactions possible. Improved encryption allowed banks to facilitate internet payments securely. Players confidently use their credit and debit cards to deposit and withdraw at online casinos.
Technology also advanced the payment ecosystem by providing more solutions for consumers. It drove the creation of digital transactions systems like online banking, virtual wallets and e-vouchers. These payment alternatives meant that gamblers didn’t have to use their cards if they didn’t want to. They also provided safer payments than cards. Digital wallets, for example, only require an email address to process payments at gambling websites. Thus, players don’t have to expose their information.
Blockchain Gaming
In the last few years, blockchain technology has proven its usefulness in many sectors. By supporting cryptocurrencies, the blockchain provided new, some would say, better ways to deposit and withdraw at gaming sites. Digital coins have several benefits over fiat payments. One is improved security. Online Crypto casinos run on smart contracts, where virtual currencies are recorded on an immutable, distributed network that is the blockchain. Hence, transactions are tamper-proof.
Once you send a Bitcoin payment, it cannot be altered or reversed. The nature of crypto coins doesn’t only suit players but operators too. Casinos don’t have to worry about the risks of an intermediary getting compromised. For gamblers, paying with crypto eliminates the need to provide sensitive personal or financial details. So, you decrease the risk of bad actors intercepting your data during transactions.
Website Security
Data encryption is a basic website security measure in this age. Website owners have to ensure users are safe when visiting their platforms, and that means protecting the information transmitted. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the most used encryption system. It’s the first thing to watch out for when using any site, not just gambling platforms. SSL encrypts the data coming in, then decrypts it when it reaches its destination. So, two keys are used for encryption and decryption. It means only authorised parties can access user information. For this reason, an encrypted website deters criminals from stealing data.
Over the years, encryption solutions have advanced to fight increasing threats. A typical gambling platform will have 128- or 256-bit SSL encryption. You can tell if a casino is encrypted by checking for a padlock icon on the address bar. Alternatively, look at the URL. A protected platform registers as HTTPS, instead of HTTP. Most gambling sites also show an SSL certificate at the bottom of a page. Online casinos also boost security by verifying customer logins. Two-step authentication is one way websites ensure users are who they say they are. This protocol requires an account holder to use a password and unique code to log in.
How Players Can Improve Security
Online safety is not solely the responsibility of operators. Gamblers must also do their share to improve security. When gambling on a PC, make certain your machine has standards protections. Install anti-virus and anti-malware to safeguard your computer from attacks. Active firewalls also ensure you can visit gambling websites safely. Updating browsers reduces your vulnerabilities, as well. Be careful about the websites you visit. Watch out for fake casinos, especially those that duplicate the URLs of popular sites. Another way to improve your security at online casinos is to activate two-factor verification. Having the best safety features doesn’t mean much if users don’t take advantage of them. You have to be careful too when gambling on mobile. The beauty of smartphones is they have robust in-built security systems. A majority of devices don’t require third-party products to improve safety. Nonetheless, apply the necessary caution when visiting online casinos. For starters, make sure you only play at licensed gambling platforms.
Online gambling is a billion-dollar industry, which explains why it makes for a great cybercrime target. Internet casinos deal with various security threats that necessitate investment in the latest security solutions. Thankfully, technological advances have made it possible for gambling operators to offer adequate protection to players. However, no system is foolproof, and the industry must keep finding the best ways to keep customers safe on online casinos.