Online casinos have always been tested on various standards to prove themselves as safe and secure gaming interfaces. Since the gaming process involves the transaction of real money, such standards and certifications are indeed relevant. eCOGRA is one such certification authority that protects online casinos by designating a standard for them. These standards need to be adhered to by online casinos in order to be provided with the eCOGRA seal. The seal signifies that the practices undertaken by the operator have been approved by the institution. 154 online casinos have been awarded the seal so far. It uses a GAP or a General Accepted Practices system that helps in providing guidelines on the basis of which gambling sites can be chosen for awarding the seal.
General Accepted Practices Outline
In keeping with the relentless efforts displayed by online casinos to promote themselves as epitomes of integrity, eCOGRA has upgraded its General Accepted Practices with the aim of enhancing the safety quotient of the online gambling space.
In a recently-issued press release, the chief executive officer of eCOGRA, T. Andrew Beveridge, has stated that the upgradations are aimed towards improving and standardizing the online gaming experience. It has been brought forth to keep up with the fresh guidelines issued by the CEN or the Responsible Remote Gambling Measures and the European Committee for Standardization.
The changes have been brought forth so that eCOGRA can find itself on the same page as the other online gambling regulatory authorities of the globe.
The upgrades are in complete conformation with the single standard that has been developed for the European online gambling markets. Beveridge also stated that the fresh changes that have been introduced would also act as a commitment reference point that would help operators to meet their requirements. The whole idea behind this upgradation is to bring all regulatory norms under a single comprehensive platform. Post this, online casinos would definitely become a safer place for gambling escapades.
The Preamble for New Changes
The preamble to the change was the formulation of the CEN or the Responsible Remote Gambling Measures, which was carried out at the CEN workshop agreement held a few months ago. These changes have come in line due to the fact that the European gambling markets have become increasingly competitive. Therefore, strict regulatory guidelines have become mandatory for fair functioning of these platforms. The Responsible Remote Gambling Measures will act as guidelines for the same.
Upgradation Areas
The eCOGRA press release has specified nine individual areas in which these upgradations have taken place. These areas pertain to online gambling practices governed by the General Accepted Practices propounded by eCOGRA. They include protection of vulnerable customers, fighting fraud, the prevention of underage gambling, privacy protection, accurate customer payments, fair gaming, responsible marketing, creating a safe operating environment, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
The new set of General Accepted Practices comprises a list of 134 fresh requirements under all the above nine headings. These were jointly decided upon by representatives from the industry, criminology and addiction academics, stakeholders, experts, and players. There were extended deliberations amongst these diverse groups. Subsequently, their individual perspectives were taken into reckoning before arriving at this set of freshly drafted norms. A best possible balance was arrived upon. All these efforts are bound to bear fruit in terms of enriching the online gambling experience manifold. eCOGRA guidelines ensure that gambling at online casinos is transparent and above board and has set in place elaborate regulations on how the business should be conducted.