eCOGRA’s Main Objectives
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The eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance was founded in 2003, and it is based in London. Below you can find the agency’s policy objectives:
- Fair gaming (e.g. RNG and game evaluations)
- Great protection for vulnerable customers
- Combating fraudulent and criminal behavior
- Reliable, safe, and secure operating environment
- Accurate and prompt customer payments
- Prevention of underage gambling
- Protection when it comes to gamblers’ privacy and sensitive information
- Responsible marketing
- Ensure casinos pay out winnings on time
- Development of top testing standards and methodologies
In terms of gambling sites and their software developers, eCOGRA provides two main accreditations:
- Certified Software Seal - Betting software providers can get the eCOGRA Certified Software Seal. Those developers that have passed a series of in-depth software audits can get this seal. Plus, they must ensure they follow very strict security control measures for those who work within the organization.
- Safe and Fair Seal – Casinos that carry this eCOGRA seal are considered to provide fair gameplay, practice responsible behaviors, and offer services that highly protect gamblers.
eCOGRA casinos are the best choice a gambler can make. It means that the group has agreed to be independently audited for ensuring they are gambling by the rules. This is one of the best methods to make sure that you are gambling at a safe spot.
We recommend you select one of our best-rated online casinos for safe and secure gambling.
Learn About the eCOGRA’s Success Story
In 2003, when the eCOGRA was founded, there was little to no supervision of gambling sites. Many of the payments made back then had to be conducted via credit card. The security was less good than it is now, which is why payments were very susceptible to fraud.
Many of the gambling sites operated without a license. We could say that the online gambling industry was chaotic. Lots of casinos did not pay out the gamblers’ winnings and even had malicious business practices.
Moreover, the payout percentages of the games as well as the legitimacy of the RNG ( random number generators) were widely unknown. Also, listed game developers hardly existed at that time.
The software developer Microgaming realized that the casino industry would not be a success if gamblers could not rely on internet casinos. Therefore, eCOGRA was founded. Gambling sites that had the eCOGRA label were platforms where gamblers could gamble with peace of mind.
In 2005, the agency gained further official recognition, notably from the KGC (Kahnawake Gaming Commission). Two years later, the agency became the first mobile gambling provider accreditation service.
In 2009, The European Gaming and Betting Association appointed eCOGRA to perform annual reviews
Since 2011, a lot more jurisdictions approvals were obtained (Croatia, Italy, Denmark, Malta, Romania, etc).
In 2015, eCOGRA became the appointee for KGC license compliance testing, and the UKGC recognized it in 2015 as an ADR agency.
Today, eCOGRA has a strong presence, as a regulating and ADR authority in over four continents.
Why eCOGRA is Important in the Online Gambling Industry?
eCOGRA plays a very important role in the iGaming industry. Any gambling platform that displays this seal is one that has met high standards of operation. This is what all players want to have peace of mind while gambling.
The non-profit organization eCOGRA was founded with one important mission in mind. The mission was to establish uniform standards in the iGaming industry, certify gambling sites, and protect gamblers’ interests.
The purpose of this agency is to ensure necessary transparency exists in the iGaming industry. All eCOGRA accredited casinos must ensure they meet certain standards. When choosing a new online casino, you must not forget to check if the site has the eCOGRA seal or not.
eCOGRA Approved Casinos - Importance for Online Gamblers
eCOGRA is an essential service for online gamblers. There are many benefits related to playing at an eCOGRA regulated casino site. Check them out below:
- Reliable – You know that the gambling site can be held accountable. This makes it very easy to trust because it can be held accountable by the regulator.
- Peace of mind – You can confidently sign up and gamble at the casino site because you know your money is 100% safe.
- Fairness – The role of this agency is also meant to ensure that you are not robbed. The RNG is put into effect in this regard. eCOGRA fairness is extremely important to all gamblers.
- Quality – The casino games are of a certain standard approved by the regulatory body.
eCOGRA is made up of two divisions, the ATA (Approved Testing Agency Services) and SRS (Self-Regulation Services). These divisions ensure gamblers always get a fair deal and that the casino site they have chosen is acting in an unbiased manner.
ATA (Approved Testing Agency Services)
ATA specializes in the certification of online gambling software and systems. Over time, it has completed more than 500 compliance reviews for 80 leading casino operators and software developers such as Microgaming casino sites, Netent games, and Saucify casinos.
Some of the most important names in the industry have had their products scrutinized by the ATA. Many of the online casinos that offer free online slot games are ATA-approved.
SRS (Self-Regulation Services)
The SRS website offers a great list of divisions' objectives and incentives. This list includes:
- Prompt and accurate payouts
- Fair gaming
- Protection of vulnerable gamblers
- Prevention of underage gambling
- Reliable and secure operating environment
- Combating of fraudulent & criminal behavior
How Does eCOGRA Help Ensure Player Safety?
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The agency tests game based on some very important aspects such as encryptions’ that secure games from hacking and fraud. Plus, eCOGRA examines all software that the company uses in its games.
This will help the experts determine if these games are presented in an encrypted and safe environment or not. Also, RNGs that are used to determine casino game results are deeply verified.
The RTP gamblers are accurate and matched to industry standards. All game data and results must always be displayed to gamblers. Every player should always choose only eCOGRA certified online casinos.
Types of Certifications that eCOGRA offers
To find out whether or not the casino site you are playing has an eCOGRA certification, you need to go to the casino’s homepage and scroll to the bottom. There you will see a fine print along with some logos.
If the casino is certified by eCOGRA, then you will see an eCOGRA logo. Additionally, other seals can be found at casino sites from eCOGRA. These seals include:
- eCOGRA Safe and Fair Seal – Offered to online gambling sites, poker sites, bookmakers, and more.
- eCOGRA Certified Software – Given to casino sites that use software reviewed by eCOGRA and that meet their criteria.
- eCOGRA Percentage Payout Report – Found at all casino sites that have a Safe and Fair seal, with the purpose of detailing gamblers the potential payouts.
- eCOGRA Randomness Reviews – Allows gamblers to read a review of the RNGs that the gambling site provides and how it’s met eCOGRA’s criteria.
Enjoy Gambling at the Best eCOGRA Approved Casino Sites on CasinoFreak!
For gambling safely and securely, we highly recommend you choose an approved online casino from our eCOGRA casinos list.
If you have any type of issue with a casino operator, then note that you can reach out to eCOGRA. The agency also offers a mediation service for gamblers who have a problem when gambling at eCOGRA verified gambling sites.
In case a dispute arises, then you can contact eCOGRA via the contact form on the website. The agency will review the evidence presented to them, and then will take further action to help the player.
Also, don’t forget to use our filters for choosing the best casino for you.