3 Tips to Protect Yourself When Betting Online
Online betting has been a steadily rising sector in the gambling industry, especially during these times where remote lifestyle has become the norm.
As more bettors turn to their screens to scour betting tips and gamble on virtual matches, it has also become increasingly risky to put your information and money transfers online. After all, there is a subtle uneasiness when you can’t see who’s hosting your bets and where your money is actually going.
For a safer and more convenient online betting and money transactions, here are three simple, yet effective, ways that you can do to protect yourself online.
As with brick-and-mortar gambling sites, online sportsbooks are being regulated and should also adhere to the country’s governing gambling organisations. For example, the United Kingdom’s gambling industry is being regulated by the country’s Gambling Commission.
Reputable sportsbooks normally display proof of their license to operate, such as the logo of the country’s regulating gambling organisation. Some online betting sites also insert their license within the terms and conditions.
To spot illegitimate betting sites, common telltale signs are delayed payouts of over 30 business days, inconsistent or irresponsive customer service, and miscredited winning wagers.
Conversely, signs of reliable betting sites are quick payouts, quality customer service, a fully operational site or business, reasonable terms and conditions, and good reviews from other bettors online and offline.
Placing bets and receiving payouts will all be done online, so it is only necessary to ensure that your payment method allows for secure transactions.
Typical payment methods are bank or credit card providers, and e-wallet services. For bank or credit card holders, it’s best to choose this method if your provider has an established system or proven track record of dealing and resolving identity and financial theft cases. At least, in a worst-case scenario, you would be ensured that your bank or credit card provider can help you retrieve your money or information.
Otherwise, it may be best to transact via an e-wallet service. Having a dedicated e-wallet would also be a good way for bettors to track earnings and spendings when betting online.
Tip:
When entering financial information into a site, always make sure that the website uses SSL encryption. This is indicated by the lock icon beside the page URL. This extra layer of online protection allows for a secure connection for transferring sensitive or private information.
Unfortunately, no matter how protected a gambling site may be, hackers or scammers may still find a way to compromise your online account. The easiest and most simple way to prevent that from happening is to create ‘very strong’ passwords and regularly change it.
Of course, a strong password means that it contains alphanumeric and special characters and is, at least, a certain number of characters. Ideally, it should not be related to any personal information such as name, birthday, and address.
Tip:
If you’re betting on various websites, make sure to use different passwords for each. Though it may be a bit tedious and annoying, this will help protect your online accounts in case your email gets hacked, and vice versa.
While most online betting sites are up to date with their data encryption and security measures, it is always good practice on your part to follow these three simple steps, and more. As online sports betting continues to become popular, there’s no telling how others might use that chance to steal money and information online.