Last Updated on 16 April 2023 by Nicholas Lim
With new Singaporean online casinos popping up every year, you need to safeguard yourself from being ripped off or mislead along the way. Here we’ll discuss the various issues surrounding the safety of your money and identity when playing online. As well the measures being taken to protect vulnerable players and problem gamblers.
SAFETY OF ONLINE CASINOS
It’s a common question: “How do I know my money is safe when playing online?”. The fact is reputable online casinos today are monitored by a variety of agencies in their respective jurisdictions, to ensure that they operate in a fair and transparent manner.
The best-known regulator is Curacao, which stands for E-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. Curacao provides a set of standards and requirements that it enforces internationally, with a particular emphasis on fair and responsible gambling.
Regulators like eCOGRA audit the casino software and procedures to ensure they adhere to standards such as:
- Payout percentage
- Random number generator certification
- Timely withdrawals
- Information privacy
- Ethical marketing
When choosing an online casino, it is highly recommended that you choose a casino that has been endorsed by a reputable auditing authority. Like: AW8.
GAMING JURISDICTIONS
There are several jurisdictions where online casinos operate, each with its own set of regulations that protect the rights of players by ensuring the casinos operate in a fair and transparent manner.
All of our recommended casinos fall within the domain of either the Curacao Regulatory Authority or the Pagcor Gaming Commission – both of which are well known for their strict regulating of interactive gaming sites.
PROTECTING YOUR MONEY & PRIVACY
All reputable online casinos will have a clearly stated internet security policy in place. This policy should cover how your money and personal identification information is being stored, and kept safe from hackers, viruses and the likes.
AVOIDING ROGUE CASINOS
Rogue casinos are casinos that have had a complaint made against them for unfair treatment of customers. This includes withholding funds from players, closing of players’ accounts, or false and misleading advertising such as bait and switch techniques.
In order to avoid falling victim to these practices, be sure to investigate any casino you are thinking of playing at, and see our list of blacklisted casinos, and try out our top recommended casinos:
PROBLEM GAMBLING
Unfortunately, problem gambling is an issue affecting many Singaporean. Responsible gaming organisations make it a point to provide help to people who may have a gambling addiction.
Each of our recommended casinos is careful to monitor players’ behavior and check for signs that they may be problem gamblers. Intervening if they see evidence of a problem. There is also the option for players to self-exclude. If they are worried they may not be able to control their gambling. You should be able to find a section about problem gambling on any reputable online casino’s website.
Responsible gaming can be maintained by making sure to only play with what you can afford to lose. And if you feel as if your gambling is escalating beyond what you are able to afford, contact the national toll-free gambling hotline on 1800 858 858 or visit www.ncpg.org.sg.
GAMING RESPONSIBLY
Gaming operators are required to take every action within their means to ensure underage persons are not gambling. In Singapore, the minimum age for gambling is 18 years old. Reputable casinos will ensure that their registration clearly specifies the local age requirements. And has age verification procedures in place to exclude under-aged persons from being able to gamble.
Players also have a responsibility to ensure they play within their means. And do not break any local or international laws when gambling online.
BOTTOM LINE
It’s clear that responsible gaming is everyone’s responsibility – not just the gaming operators. By making sure you carry out adequate background research. And only play at online casinos that have been approved by an audit authority. You will be protecting yourself from identity theft or withdrawal abuse. At the same time, by playing within your means and managing your bankroll responsibly you will keep your gaming experience a positive one.