What Rights Do Players Have in Online Gaming?
Knowing Your Player Rights When Gambling Online
Online gambling is a massive worldwide industry that many players enjoy from across the globe. But how do you know what your rights are as a player? Players have many rights, which they don’t always realize. It’s crucial to understand precisely what your rights are when gambling at online casinos to ensure a safe and fun experience.
We’ve done the research, and we’ll make sure you’ve got access to all the facts, in our clear, concise article. We’ve got experience playing at multiple sites and writing many reviews, so we understand how all this works. The information we share will help you choose suitable sites and to assist you in case you encounter any difficulties.
Licensing and Regulation
When choosing reputable sites, this is the most essential factor. Without an appropriate gambling license, you have little protection or recourse if things do go wrong. Selecting only reputable and regulated casinos is the only way to gamble online. If an online casino doesn’t have a license, we suggest you stay away, as unlicensed sites don’t follow the usual rules.
It is one of the first things we check, and we recommend you do, too. Many excellent regulatory bodies license online casinos. If playing from the USA, each state must have a license from the local gambling commissioner. In New Jersey, for example, it is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. In Europe and countries like Australia and Canada, the Malta Gaming Authority is the primary regulator; in the UK, it is the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
There are also offshore licensing regulators like Curaçao, which offer some player protection but it isn’t as easily enforced, and players don’t have as many rights. If you need to reach out to the licensing body, you want to trust that they will take the necessary steps to help. Licensed operators must also apply the KYC (Know Your Customer) process to every player, verifying their identity and preventing illegal online activities, such as money laundering and data breaches.
If you want to know how to verify and confirm the casino’s license, then your first point of call is the casino home page. It’s typically located right at the bottom, with the ownership and licensing details, including the number. If not there, it may be on the “About Us” page or under the Terms and Conditions section, or possibly on the FAQ page. Ask customer support if you have tried all that and still can’t find it.
Fair Play and Game Integrity
Another question players ask – especially those new to gaming – is how they know the games are fair. You want to know that when you take a spin on a slot, it is not rigged and that you have as much chance of winning as the next person.
Reputable online casinos will have games from software developers who have been in the industry for many years and follow all the fair gaming principles. We are talking about names like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Playtech, Play’n GO, or Red Tiger Gaming.
A licensed online casino will only choose to supply games from software developers who also have Random Number Generators (RNGs) on their games. This only applies to table and slot games, as live dealer games have different rules.
The RNG provides millions of results a second using an algorithm and delivers an entirely random result on each spin. So, the theory that once a slot has had a big payout there won’t be another big win, is a myth. The way the games get tested is by external regulators, and a few of the top names in the industry include:
- eCOGRA
- iTech Labs
- Gaming Labs International
Many online casinos will display the bodies that test their RNG casino games. They don’t just get tested on release either; they receive a certificate to confirm the slot provides fair play, but it is an ongoing process, and periodic tests and new certificates are produced.
Terms and Conditions
Reading the terms and conditions may seem a chore, but it doesn’t take long and it’s an essential part of your due diligence. It will contain all your rights as a player and what is expected of you. It will include information about bonuses, the terms attached, what wagering is required, and unallowed games.
When you register your account at an online casino, you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions as part of your registration. If you break any of the terms, the casino is within its rights to confiscate any winnings you make, and they may even close down your account. One reason is that there may be a maximum wager limit with bonus funds, say $5. You have broken the bonus terms if you took a spin at anything above, for example, $6.
Every site will have different terms even though they may have the same management company. Whenever you register, read through the terms and understand your rights and highlight any conditions you must be aware of to avoid losing your funds.
Privacy and Data Protection
As part of the terms and conditions, there will be a privacy and data protection section. When you sign up for an online casino, you must provide your financial details to make deposits. It is up to the casino to ensure these sensitive details do not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore they have to detail in the T&Cs how they keep it safe.
The casino will specify how they collect your data and the legal jurisdiction regulating it. The iGaming industry standard is SSL encryption software. It is the same software that financial institutions like banks use. To protect your personal and financial information, SSL encrypts communication between web servers, so even if someone gains access to the website’s server, they cannot access your data.
Deposits and Withdrawals
When you deposit and withdraw at online casinos, you also have rights. First, reputable online casinos must keep your funds separate from those they use to run the casino. It means that your money is always available to withdraw, and you won’t have to worry that they have used it for their expenses.
The way the casino keeps your funds separate is also detailed in the terms and conditions, as well as your rights regarding your money. Another factor to consider is the withdrawal and deposit policies. Again, these must be clearly stated: if there are any fees, the minimum and maximum deposits and withdrawals, and the time frame in which they will pay you.
Responsible Gambling Tools
Another critical factor for online casinos is providing various responsible gambling tools and resources for its players. Problem gambling can affect the player and those close to them, so having ways to manage it is vital. They have various ways you can do this with the following tools:
- Deposit limits
- Playing limits
- Time out
- Self exclusion
- Loss limits
Many casino operators will allow you to set gambling limits under your account dashboard. If not, you will find a responsible gambling link, which should be predominantly displayed on the home page. Clicking on it will let you know the casino’s policies and ways to set them up. It may require a quick live chat with customer support, who can also set them up for you.
Using these tools and practicing responsible gambling can ensure that your gambling remains fun and does not have a negative impact on your life.
Dispute Resolution and Support
As annoying as it is, there are times when, through no fault of your own, you may find yourself in a dispute with an online casino. There are many scenarios as to why this can occur, but the most common relate to not paying out winnings or shutting your account. If you’ve never experienced it before, it can seem daunting, but there are a few steps to take that can help you find a resolution as follows:
As your first point of call, reach out to the casino site’s customer support. They will advise you of your rights and why they are taking the action.
If you have had no luck with the casino and need to take it further, you want to contact the casino licensing body.
Ensure you document and take copies of any correspondence you have had with the casino support to submit as evidence.
If the casino licensee cannot help either, then your last step is to contact and involve a third-party mediation and resolution service.
Conclusion
There are millions of players worldwide who play online gambling and have no problems. However, as the industry has expanded, so has the number of dodgy operators. Therefore, understanding your rights as a gambler and what they entail is vital to registering and playing at online casinos.
Always look out for the casino licensee and regulator. If you have found a reputable site you’ve checked and decided to join, read through the T&Cs.
If you are unsure of any details, you can always contact customer support, who will do their best to assist you. The key to playing at a secure casino is following the rules and terms and understanding your rights as a player.
Resources:
https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/online-gambling-are-players-at-risk-for-prosecution-50112
https://www.ncpgambling.org/responsible-gambling/internet-standards/
About the Author
Nick Pappas 
