Cyber Security in Casino Games: How Are Player Interests Protected?

Here is a closer look at some of the cyber security measures commonly used to protect people who play online casinos on licensed and regulated website

05:06 03 August 2024

Before signing up to an online casino, I want to know if the personal details I provide during the sign-up process will be kept private and never shared with unscrupulous third parties. I also want to ensure that my preferred online payment method details and bankroll are in safe hands. 

In other words, the most important thing for me is security. 

I strongly feel that all players should be the same and consider how safe a site is above everything else instead of just signing up somewhere because of the generous welcome bonus they are currently offering. 

If you’ve ever wondered how operators protect their fully registered members’ sensitive data and keep them safe each time they visit their favourite website, you’ve come to the right place. 

In my years of playing on sites like this with thousands of live dealer and computer-generated online slots, blackjack, roulette, and other similar content, here are some of the most common cyber security measures I’ve noticed that the most trusted sites tend to use to protect members like me.

Their standard security measures ensure that hackers, scammers, fraudsters, cybercriminals, and other ‘bad actors’ never gain access to my account to harvest any sensitive data or steal the money I store on those sites. 

What do iGaming operators do to protect their registered members’ accounts?

On all of the fully licensed and regulated websites that I’ve joined over the years, where I regularly play a wide variety of casino games from several multi-award-winning software providers, the main cyber security measures I’ve noticed being used on those sites to ensure my account is never compromised in any way are the following:

• Firewalls are used to protect websites from DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks and other similar digital threats 
• Cryptographic security known as Secure Socket Layer encryption, typically 128-bit or higher, ensures that even if cyber criminals intercept my sensitive data or funds, they will find it impossible to decrypt
• A range of highly sophisticated AI-powered tools are often used, such as data gathering and analysis, ML (machine learning), and anti-fraud and data protection systems, which can monitor accounts looking for suspicious activity, detect threats, report, and prevent/protect from malicious attacks 
• Things like device fingerprinting technology is also used, which can prevent things like multiple accounts being opened on the same site by the same person, which also prevents various other fraudulent activities and bonus misuse
• The systems and day-to-day operations are monitored, tested, and audited regularly to ensure fairness by third-party, internationally accredited agencies/non-profit organisations
• The most trusted sites will fully comply and adhere to local and international data privacy, social responsibility, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies
• I’ve also come across things like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) login security measures, including voice/facial recognition or fingerprint identification, which adds an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorised access to my account

To learn more about which security measures are used on a website I am considering joining, I tend to look at the reviews on today’s most reputable sites. They often contain everything I need to know about how safe a site is because it’s sometimes difficult to find this information on my own. 

I’ve discovered that you can learn more about the security of a website by clicking or tapping on the padlock icon in the URL address bar or on a similar icon in the same area. Each web browser is different, but the basic website security information usually isn’t too hard to find. 

You can also run the URL through a reputable website safety checker site to see if that site is trustworthy. For example, check for simple things like the actual URL, which should always start with https://. 

Other ways to determine if a site is safe

The two most important tell-tale signs of how trustworthy a website is in 2024 are where it is licensed and who owns it. 

Over the years, I’ve learned that unlicensed and unregulated sites must be avoided at all costs because they will be controlled by untrustworthy operators who are just out to scam players. 

I live in the UK and will only ever play on UK-licensed sites. If an operator has obtained a license from the UK Gambling Commission, I know they will have been put through a rigorous vetting process and thorough background checks before being issued a license. 

The most trusted sites will only accept secure online payment providers to ensure safe, secure, and rapid deposits and withdrawals. 

They will provide 24/7 highly trained, responsive, and friendly customer support agents who demonstrate good customer service, and their bonuses will be generous with fair terms and conditions. 

Finally, they will only have online fruit machines and other classic favourites from well-established software providers, meaning I know I can count on the ones I prefer playing most to have high or above-average RTP% (return to player) payout rates. 

Also, the intuitively designed websites will be equally secure in all web browsers, and my account will be just as safe whether I log in to play from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. 

Final thoughts

The other way I know a site is safe after everything else I mentioned above checks out is that it will have positive reviews, high ratings/ranking scores, and excellent player feedback. 

Another sign of a safe and secure operator is that they will promote responsible gambling and have a range of safer gambling tools in place to prevent people like me from ever exceeding our budgets. 

When I join a trustworthy site with these tools, I know they have my back because I will be able to set things like win/loss limits, session time reminders, and deposit limits.

These crucial factors enhance my trust in a website. In other words, they aren’t out to drain me of every penny I earn and will always have my best interests in mind.