2020 has been an extremely busy year for online casinos. Google searches have been at an all-time high. On the flip side, more countries legalized the industry, opening up new markets for operates everywhere.

While casinos are focused on scoring new customers, players are focused on their safety. They are concerned about their data and money. And they want to know how operators will protect them.

This article explains how the best online casinos guarantee your safety and how to identify these operators. Sounds good? Let’s begin.

Data Encryption and Secure Login Tools

Nearly all online casinos provide standard security for customers. That means they have login details to help secure your account. And they use encryption techniques to hide your data from unauthorized people.

If you’re doubtful, check your favourite’ casino site’s address bar. If there’s a padlock sign before its domain name, then your data is protected. Where there’s none, hit the exit sign immediately and find a different website.

In many countries, having standard data encryption tools is necessary for licensing. For that reason, you won’t find an online casino licensed in Malta, the UK or the US without SSL encryption.

Trusted Regulatory Authorities

Data protection aside, online casinos in 2020 are safe because they regulated. In Britain, the Gambling Commission authorizing remote gaming businesses. In Europe, most operators acquire a license from the Malta Gaming Authority.

In the US, online casinos acquire permits from state gaming regulatory bodies. New Jersey has the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) while Philadelphia has the Gaming Control Board (GCB).

Online casino regulatory bodies not only license new operators; they also oversee their operations. Additionally, they act as intermediaries when players feel mistreated by casinos and need assistance.

Against that backdrop, licensed casinos provide better safety than unlicensed companies. However, you must join a website licensed to operate in your country to get the safety you need.

That’s because UGKC only has powers in the UK. New Jersey’s DGE only handles complaints from players in Garden State while the GCB regulates gaming companies based in Pennsylvania.

Well-Known Software Providers

Software providers create the slot machines, roulette wheels and blackjack cards you love so much. That means they hold the power to rig games and to create low-paying games. Fortunately, regulators also hold them accountable.

The UKGC, MGA, DGE and GCB vet software providers intensively before they permit them to supply games to the casinos they regulate. As such, the best licensed online casinos have games from fair, and safe developers.

Some of these developers are Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, BTG and Play’nGO. Click here to view the best online casinos with games from these providers. Not only will you play safe and fair games; you’ll also play some of the best-rated slots and card games online.

Transparent Bonus Policies

One of the measures of a safe online casino is its bonus policies. In many cases, fraudulent operators provide extremely attractive bonuses. But they also feature exploitive policies they don’t talk about until they get hold of your money.

On the flip side, safe online casinos—and they are in plenty these days—are straightforward with their bonus policies. In fact, they feature a snippet of vital terms and conditions beneath their welcome packages.

As a result, you accept bonuses fully aware of their terms and conditions. That’s how it should be, whether you’re after no deposit bonuses or VIP rewards. It makes it easier to identify good offers, anyway.

When we say good bonuses, we mean offers that are easy to claim and easy to turn into cash. It also helps if they come in generous amounts—say £100 to £1000. Ideally, you want a reward with wagering requirements that don’t exceed 35x. They are easier to turn into cash than those with higher playthrough.

Reliable Payment Providers

Unlike a decade ago, numerous payment providers support online casinos in 2020. From credit and debit cards to bank transfers and e-wallets, there’s no shortage of ways to fund your account.

Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are the most accepted credit and debit cards. In contrast, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafe, Qiwi, Trustly and Sofort are the most common e-wallets. You could also use wire transfer although it’s mostly supported for withdrawals.

Can you use Bitcoin for casino payments? Yes, cryptocurrencies are also allowed at some online casinos. In fact, you could receive pretty generous bonuses when you fund your account through Bitcoin, Ethereum or other altcoins.

Like bonuses, however, it’s essential to know the terms and conditions of a casino. For starters, what’s the maximum you can deposit? How long does it take to withdraw money? The best operators have flexible limits and fast payouts—look for these features.

Dependable Customer Service

Customer service is one of the best marks of a safe online casino. If it’s missing, then you’re at a potentially unreliable gaming website. By default, gaming operators provide customer assistance through chatbots, phone and email contact.

Some companies are also active on social media and have pretty helpful FAQ pages. But in many cases, support comes through email and chatbots. With that in mind, use these channels to gauge the quality of service you should expect.

Send a message asking for random questions. If you receive fast and helpful replies, there’s a chance that’s an amazing company. Alternatively, read online reviews to discover what people say about the casino.

Online casino reviews tend to be honest. And they are also detailed when describing their experiences with specific operators. That means not only do they share truthful opinions about customer servicebut they also talk about bonuses, payments and games.

Conclusion

Online casinos in 2020 are safer than ever before. That’s because they’ve become more professional out of fierce competition and increased government scrutiny. They know the only way to thrive is to provide what people want: safe and fair games.

As mentioned, though, today’s online casinos don’t have much of a choice. They have to be secure or risk getting suspended by regulators.