Your Rights as a Player
Online gambling is a popular pastime all over the world and user figures continue to increase daily. Millions of us have signed up to online casinos, and the industry is stacked with sites vying for our attention, offering big bonuses and perks. We hand over our personal data and put our trust in these platforms. But what happens if something goes wrong?
Knowing Your Rights
Unfortunately, not many players are aware of their rights. On this page, you will find all you need to know on this important topic. We have broken down specific information relating to the main gambling authorities and the laws surrounding them.
Provably Fair Games and Results
All licensed online casinos are required to ensure that the games which they host are powered by RNG’s(Random Number Generators). This makes sure that all results are completely random with no outside influence.
The gambling authorities test these RNG’s as part of their audit checks. This reassures players that the games meet the RTP percentages outlined by the gambling regulators.
Banking Protection
It’s a regulatory requirement that an online casino must display how they ensure payments are kept secure. Full information detailing a casino's security systems should be available within its terms and conditions. Some gambling regulators set a minimum requirement of security when it comes to certain licenses, which include Secure Sockets Layer encryption (SSL).
Fund Segregation
Many gambling regulators require online casinos to keep player funds separate from their own business day to day accounts. It might seem unusual but there's a good reason for this. Should a casino go bust, it should still be able to return unused deposits and withdrawals to players.
Country-Specific Laws
Gambling regulators will ensure the basic principles of fair gaming and ethical treatment of players. However, some authorities give players more rights than others and it's important to know how these can benefit you.
UKGC Player Rights
Players based in the UK are covered by the Consumer Rights Act as an extra level of protection. This ensures that the contract between the player and the online casino must be fair and clear. Online gambling advertisement in the UK is governed by strict controls set out by the UKGC and LCPP. This also includes the terms and conditions of bonus offers.
UKGC casino players must have access to a multitude of responsible gambling tools. The organisation is also now implementing automatic deposit limits on all players accounts.
MGA Player Rights
These are very similar to those set out by the UKGC. Players should not be subjected to misleading advertisements or promotional terms. In the event of an issue which cannot be resolved by the online casino, then MGA players can seek the help of the authority who can act as adjudicator.
The MGA also sets out that player funds must be kept separate from online casinos business accounts.
Spelinspektionen Player Rights
The Swedish gambling authority is a relatively new regulator which has made waves when it comes to player protection. These rights mostly focus on responsible gambling. The authority also currently implements a 5,000 SEK deposit limit on all players as well as a 3-second pause between slot spins.
All Spelinspekitonen casinos are registered with Spelpaus, a government self-inclusion organisation. Players may add themselves to this and have the right to be guaranteed an instant inclusion from all casinos they are registered with.
NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement Player Rights
The NJDGE gives players many rights which revolve around its basic principles of fairness. The organisation ensures that each of its casinos adheres to the local State laws relating to gambling too. Players can enjoy online casino games safe in the knowledge that each has been rigorously tested for fairness.
When it comes to responsible gambling, players in NJDGE casinos must have access to various tools. Players who have gambling problems are also added to a State register. This then closes all accounts at both online and land-based casinos.
iGaming Ontario Player Rights
iGaming Ontario (iGO) is a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and was launched in 2021. This organisation conducts regular checks on its casinos to ensure that they are adhering to the province's regulations.
According to Ontario's gambling laws, all players must have at least spend and time limit settings as well as to take a break for a short period of time or self-exclude for a longer period of time.
How can I raise a complaint with an online casino?
You should first approach the casinos’ customer support team with your issue.
How do I check if an online casino is licensed?
A casino's licensing information must always be displayed at the bottom of the homepage. You can also check a license status via the gambling regulators website.
How do I find out if an online casino segregates player funds?
This should be mentioned in the casino's terms and conditions.