How iGaming companies keep you safe and secure

Photo by: Blue Coat Photos / CC BY-SA 2.0

The global iGaming industry has grown massively over the past few years and more people than ever are choosing online platforms to play real money games and place bets. Pulling in revenues exceeding $40 billion per year, iGaming is serious business with a huge customer base. Naturally, with so many platforms operating across the various different verticals each having hundreds to thousands of online members, the need for safe and secure systems is paramount.

So how are iGaming companies working to keep your personal and payment details safe and secure? Let’s take a look.

RSAs, RNGs and online casinos 

One of the ways in which iGaming platforms attempt to tackle online fraud is through the use of RSA Security Tokens. An external piece of hardware is used to implement two-factor authentication processes into customer actions, such as logging in to an account or making a withdrawal.

When a new customer joins a platform, the iGaming company will send out hardware (usually in the form of a key fob, USB or other portable device) that communicates with the RSA Authentication Manager software integrated into the site. The device itself will generate a one-use-only extra password for a limited time (between 10 and 20 seconds), that the new customer will need to input, along with their original account password, in order to carry out transactions.

Random Number Generators (RNGs) are the absolute minimum that online casino gaming platforms need to implement, so steer clear of any operator that doesn’t clearly state on its site that they are in use.

Photo by: Department of Defence / Public Domain

The concept behind them is simple enough, the goal is to make all the mathematical outcomes involved in a game like online slots, blackjack or roulette as random and unique as possible. RNGs are actually software algorithms that generate a completely random sequence of numbers or symbols when a roulette wheel is spun or a slots jackpot is hit. Since the outcomes of these events are wholly unique and untrackable, RNGs can seriously crack down on online fraud by nullifying any of the methods that cheats would use in a bricks and mortar casino.

Due to the important role that RNGs play in ensuring online security for both the iGaming platform and their customers, platforms need to have them regularly tested and verified by independent companies to ensure that their RNGs continue to distribute wins in a fair, safe and unbiased way.

Encryption software and sports betting 

Customers in regulated markets across the globe use online betting sites to place wagers on everything from Major League Baseball winners to who’ll win Strictly Come Dancing. With such high numbers of site visitors it’s crucial that customer details are protected, which is where things like encryption software comes in.

Encryption technology works by turning any customer data entered onto a site – whether that’s personal details or financial information – into unbreakable strings of code, which can only be “read” by the customer’s device or their account. As a minimum, platforms should use 128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layers), but the most common is 256-bit SSL. The use of encryption software isn’t just limited to bookmakers and sportsbooks; every reputable iGaming platform needs to integrate data encryption technology into its website.

Gaming licences and privacy policies 

Real money platforms across the board, whether they’re international brands or not, need to be in possession of a gaming licence from a recognised authority like the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. These licences should be clearly displayed on the company’s website, along with details like when and who the licence was issued by.

Privacy policies are designed to protect both the iGaming platform and the customer, but unfortunately not every new casino customer wants to read the small print. These policies actually set out how a particular operator will use the information that a customer provides. It’s especially important to be aware of this because some platforms can legally collect and sell player data onto third party companies, and if a customer signs-up they agree to that process.

In-site monitoring

Because the risk of online fraud is all too real in the digital era, most reputable iGaming platforms will use their own, in-site processes to monitor and detect potentially fraudulent activity. Gaming sites can implement simple systems to track and assess the behaviour of their customers, which will then build what’s known as their gaming profiles. That way, if there are any anomalies in a customer’s account that significantly differentiates from their regular profile, the systems can alert the platform and the customer that their account may be compromised.

Similarly, iGaming companies can work with independent monitoring platforms, who use bespoke technology to know in advance if customer data has been stolen or leaked and whether or not payment methods are legitimate.