Review: InstaDebit or iDebit for Online Casino Deposits?
If you intend to play online casino games for real money, there are
a lot of questions that should be going through your mind. “Which
game(s) should I play?” is a common one, but there are some much
more important questions to be answered first – namely, which
casinos are safe, and how do I securely transfer money in and out of
my account?
We’ve covered the first section at length, detailing how to find
legitimate
online casinos that accept Canadian players. Today, we’re
going to talk about two long-time favorites in the Canadian iGaming
payments market, how they compare and contrast, and which one works
best for financing an internet gambling account – iDebit or
InstaDebit?
“Wait… aren’t iGaming payments iDebit and InstaDebit the same thing?”
No, they are not the same thing. Don’t feel bad if you were thought
they were. It’s a very common misconception. A lot of people have
just assumed over the years that iDebit is an abridged nickname for
InstaDebit. They are, in fact, two very different banking methods,
with two distinct logos, and three antithetical properties worthy of
note.
#1 Supported Banks: InstaDebit works with any and all
Canadian banks, whereas iDebit only serves the nation’s seven
largest banks (see complete list of iDebit
supported banks).
#2 Cost to Deposit: iDebit charges a smaller, flat fee of
$1.50 to transfer funds from a bank account to a merchant site
(i.e. online casino), whereas iDebit charges a $1.95 fee per
bank-to-merchant transaction.
#3 Accepted Currencies: iDebit will facilitate payments in any
major currency, giving iGamers a wider variety of international
online casinos to choose from. InstaDebit facilitates transfers in
CAD and USD only; thus CAD/USD deposits and withdrawals must
be supported. Either way, players will be subject to the same-day
currency exchange rate.
Otherwise, these two payment methods are virtually mirrors of one
another.
Similarities: Both require the user to register a free account
and link it to their bank account. Both are available only in Canada,
drawing funds directly from the linked bank account for the purpose
of making a purchase/deposit. All withdrawals/refunds are sent to the
user’s iDebit/InstaDebit account. When this account has funds in it,
any purchases up to the available amount will automatically be drawn
from this account. Any purchases exceeded the available amount will
come entirely from the bank account; split payments are not
permitted. Funds in the user’s iDebit or InstaDebit account can be
transferred back to the user’s bank for a flat fee of $2.00.
iDebit for Online Casino Deposits
Making an iDebit deposit at online casinos is a simple process. You
must first register an iDebit account, link your bank account to it,
then verify that the account is yours. This can take anywhere from a
minute to a full business day, depending on the speed and efficiency
of your bank, but once it’s done, you’ll have instant access
24/7/365.
To make a deposit, visit any reputable online casino that accepts
Canadian players and lists iDebit as an eligible payment option.
Register an account if you don’t already have one. Next, head to the
banking section, select Deposit, choose iDebit, and enter the amount
you wish to transfer.
You’ll be directed to the iDebit website to log in and confirm the
purchase. Assuming you have sufficient funds in your iDebit or bank
account (+$1.50 to cover cost of transfer from bank, if applicable),
the funds will appear in your online casino account within moments.
Making a withdrawal is just as easy, but takes up to 3-5 days (after
the casino’s 24-48 hour pending period) to appear in your iDebit.
InstaDebit for Online Gambling Payments
The instructions for making an InstaDebit deposit at online casinos
are almost exactly the same. First, you’ll need an InstaDebit
account; registration is free. Link that to your bank account and
verify that it’s yours by following the instructions on the screen.
Choose any distinguished online casino where Canadian players and
InstaDebit payments are accepted. Sign up an account if needed, then
head over to the Cashier page and choose to Deposit with InstaDebit.
Enter the amount you wish to deposit and press continue.
You’ll be directed to the InstaDebit website. Login and confirm the
transfer. If enough funds are in your InstaDebit account, they will
immediately be moved to your casino account, free of charge.
Otherwise, a $1.95 fee will be applied to transfer the funds directly
from your bank account (if sufficient), and credited to your online
casino balance within moments.
CWS launches original casino games with
cryptocurrency gambling theme.
CasinoWebScripts (CWS) isn’t what I
would call a prominent name in the iGaming industry. It hasn’t gained
the universal recognition of major players like Microgaming,
NetEnt or Playtech. But for the last nine years, the
company has been developing innovative digital gaming content,
optionally available as a complete package – a turnkey backend
solution that can have a brand new online casino up and running in 24
hours.
CWS is unlike many of its competitors because
its primary focus lies within a niche market, as a cryptocurrency
gambling solution. Over those nine years, the group has built an
impressive portfolio of nearly 200 games. This month, their lab
published three new titles, two of which revolve around the same
company-centric cryptocurrency theme.
Three Original Casino Games from CWS
Originality was the key for CWS when developing
its latest games. Two of them, Crypto Persian Prince
and Crypto Dice O Meter, both feature digital currency
as their thematic model. The third, Rock Paper Scissors,
is a tile game with a progressive payout for consecutive winning
picks. Let’s take a closer look.
Crypto Dice O Meter
This is a simple game wherein 5 dice are
rolled. The minimum and maximum sum of all dice ranges from 5 to 30.
The player will use a sliding scale to wager on a range of up to 16
numbers. For example, you could bet on 9 to 24, and if the result of
the dice falls anywhere in that range, you would win a very small
amount of money – 10% of your total bet. Or, you can make the scale
smaller, choosing as few as just 1 number for a huge payout if
correct.
To make it a little easier to choose your
range, the game will show you your probability of winning based on
your selection. For instance, choosing just 1 number has a very low
2.63% chance of winning, while betting on 15-20 (6 numbers) has a
55.7% chance.
Crypto Persian Prince – Tiles Adventure
Another simple game in which the player makes a bet, then selects one of three tiles on a 10-high ladder diagram. Each rung of tiles includes two golden lamps and one bearded villain.
Choosing a lamp awards the prize shown on the current row of tiles, while picking a villain steals your bet and all current winnings.
The payouts for climbing the prize ladder are progressive. The first win pays 1.4 for 1. So if you bet $1, the first win awards your $1 bet back, plus $0.40. You can either collect the winnings, or choose a tile from the second rung, worth 2.2 for 1 ($2.20 on a $1 bet). The prizes grow exponentially larger, up to 55 for 1 on a 10-win streak.
Rock Paper Scissors Tiles
This game was a bit confusing at first, but
once you get going, it makes more sense. My advice – play in Demo
until you get the hang of it.
In the middle is your betting diagram. Tap on a
tile to the right – rock, paper or scissors – then choose your
bet size at the bottom and press start. You’ll need to pick one of
three tiles at the bottom of the prize ladder.
If the tile is beaten by your original
selection (i.e. rock beats scissors), you win. You can collect your
winnings or continue by selecting a tile from the next rung. If the
chosen tile beats your selection, you lose. If it’s a tie, nothing
happens, and the game continues.
By climbing the ladder and winning consecutive
bets, rather than collecting, you can win progressively larger
amounts of money. Don’t get too greedy though, or you could lose it
all!
Are jurisdiction-free sports betting sites the future of online bookies?
Every year, we ask the same question. What’s the next big thing in iGaming technology? What does the future hold for this exponentially growing industry? The answer this year is mundanely similar to previous years. More virtual reality and blockchain technologies to come…
But wait – there’s another item on the agenda, and it could blow the lid right off two decades worth of regulatory structuring. Now, there’s talk of jurisdiction-free online betting. Technology is finally advanced enough that, via satellite and the enigmatic “Cloud”, bookmakers will no longer need to base their operations upon terrestrial ground.
It’s being hailed by some as the best thing since sliced bread, giving bookies more freedom and punters better deals. No laws, no wagering restrictions, no taxes, no costly overhead. What could possibly go wrong?
Jurisdiction-Free Sports Betting Sites – How it Would Work
If a ship were to set sail for the open waters, it would no longer be subject to land-based laws. Even if betting on sports were illegal in the jurisdiction in which the vessel was previously harbored, once that ship sails into the open ocean, such laws no longer apply. Passengers aboard could legally place all the bets they wish, collecting winnings without a care, or drowning the sorrow of their losses in whatever beverage they deem appropriate.
The exact same rules—or lack thereof—apply to “The Cloud”. The Cloud does not exist on terrestrial land. It does not even exist in the air above us. It’s an impalpable, intangible, unsubstantial thing. It exists, and yet it has no location. Therefore it cannot be regulated by any jurisdiction on the planet.
With today’s technology, it is no longer necessary to house any website operation on a physical, land-based server. It is possible to upload all amenities of an online sports betting website onto this enigmatic cloud, bouncing information and monetary bets and payments off satellites.
A website that resides wholly within the Cloud would be obligated to no terrestrial authority. It would be bound by no betting restrictions or limitations. It would be required to pay no taxes or licensing fees.
The benefits for players could be enormous. Their privacy could be 100% maintained. They would get the best deals, the best odds, the greatest promotions, because all of the operator’s savings could be passed on to the customers, creating a surreal gambling vertical in which no traditionally licensed and regulated online sportsbook, and certainly no land-based bookie, could possibly hope to compete.
Betting On the Cloud – Pure Genius or Devil’s Playground?
It all sounds so wonderful, but let’s consider the consequences for a moment. Think back about two decades ago when the internet first played host to online casinos, poker sites and sportsbooks. There were no terrestrial regulations to cover internet gambling. It was a free for all! Some websites were on the up and up, and some weren’t. Unfortunately, those that weren’t had no one to answer to, creating a dangerous game of trial and error for players.
Wouldn’t a lawless cloud-based gambling market be just as dangerous? Only the most reputable names in the iGaming industry could be trusted, and even then, there’s nothing to stop them from going rogue or spending players’ accounts. If jurisdiction-free sports betting sites are the future, who’s to keep the Cloud from becoming the Devil’s playground?
Malta developing framework for cryptocurrency online casinos.
Malta is one of the premier regulatory bodies for the online gambling industry, second only to the UK in terms of strictness. However, they’re jumping out ahead of their jurisdictional neighbors this month with the launch of a Sandbox Framework aimed at setting up regulatory guidelines for digital currency online casino licenses.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) published details for the Sandbox Framework in early October. The goal is to create regulations “for the acceptance of Virtual Financial Assets and Virtual Tokens and the use of Innovative Technology Arrangements (ITAs) within the gaming industry.”
Maltese Framework for Cryptocurrency Online Casinos
According to the press release, Malta’s new framework will be delivered in two phases. The first will begin in January 2019, when the MGA will begin accepting applications for the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for remote gambling payments. DLTs include Virtual Financial Assets (VFAs) and Virtual Tokens (VTs); all of which fall under the broader category of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.
The second phase will see the MGA accepting applications for the use of ITAs as technical equipment for remote gaming licensees. A time frame for phase two has not yet been decided, but will coincide with future developments to be launched by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA).
MGA Framework to Address Risks of Digital Currencies
In its initial report, the MGA notes various risks associated with the utilization of cryptocurrencies. The regulator is taking a “prudent approach” to the situation in hopes of addressing and eliminating those risks. Their goal is to ensure proper safeguards are in position to:
Protect players
Prevent crime, money laundering, and/or the funding of terrorist activities
Protect Malta’s reputation as a premier and upright regulator of online gambling
Heathcliff Farrugia, CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority, comments:
“By consolidating perspectives of fellow stakeholders, the gaming industry, financial services operators and key experts in these type of technologies, the MGA is issuing this sandbox regulatory framework for VFA adoption and the leveraging of innovative technology arrangements, such as DLT, within the gaming sector.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all stakeholders who helped us reach this important juncture. Innovation is at the forefront of our strategy, coupled with a regulatory ethos which is designed to ensure a gaming ecosystem that enables economic development and innovation but most importantly building the necessary safeguards to prevent societal and criminal risks.”
Preparing for the Future of Malta iGaming
Farrugia told attendees of the Delta Summit that his vision for MGA is to “be at the forefront of gaming regulation while embracing innovation”. The use of digital currencies at online casinos is an area of rapid growth, prompting the jurisdiction to initiate a Sandbox Framework that will allow such technology to exist in a “controlled regulatory environment”.
He notes that the framework is a “live document”, thus open to feedback and potential updating as technology and corresponding regulations develop. The MGA is predicting the framework to run for 12 full months, ending October 2019. However, an extension may be granted as the situation revolving around DLTs, VFAs, ITAs and cryptocurrency online casino payments continuously evolves.
Underage online casino cheat & parents face criminal charges.
Generally speaking, today’s most reputable online gambling sites are extremely secure. They employ the same, strict safety protocols as government banks. Their financial systems are locked up tighter than a maximum-security prison.
Every once in a while, though, things go awry. A pin-hole sized glitch in a system upgrade that goes undetected by programmers can become a wide open door for a computer whiz with the right knowledge and keen skills of observation. Such was the case recently when one young man was caught successfully cheating online casinos out of a quarter of a million euros.
Online Casino Cheat in Hot Water in Finland
The hacker’s name has not been revealed, and for good reason. He was a minor at the time. To protect his identity, his parents’ names have not been revealed either. But all three of them are facing criminal charges following the boy’s duplicitous online activities.
According to last week’s report in Finland’s Yle News, the minor is being charged with aggravated fraud, while his parents face allegations of aggravated money laundering.
The young man, hailing from the southern municipality of Forssa, has admitted to scamming an online casino out of approximately €250k. He told Finnish authorities he signed up an account with the Maltese-registered gambling website using a false date of birth, thereby granting him legal-age access to the site. No identity checks are performed until a new player makes a deposit, thus his faulty ID was never investigated by the operator.
He was then able to identify a glitch in the operation’s banking system which allowed him to reverse other members’ withdraws back to the casino, and direct them into the bank account of his choice. He chose to send it to his own bank account, of course, as well as the bank accounts of his parents, who clearly failed to report anything amiss when miscellaneous funds came pouring into their accounts last year.
Documents show that the young man utilized the IT glitch to steal money from the online casino 417 times between April and May of 2017. All told, he took the online casino for about €252,000. In July 2017, an employ of the online casino discovered the discrepancy. That’s when an investigation into the matter, and the security glitch, got underway.
Parents Face Charges of Money Laundering
In the modern age of technology, not all parents realize what their children are doing online these days. According to prosecutors, the parents of the young hacker were by no means blind to his actions. They knew full well that an inappropriate sum of money was present, and apparently had no issue using it for their own purposes.
His father was in possession of more than €14,000 of the stolen money, held in his personal bank account. His mother had another €2,300 of it in her personal account, and had used approximately €5,000 more to purchase a motorcycle.
For all of their parts in the online casino cheating scandal, prosecutors are calling for a 20-month prison sentence for the young culprit (who is now 18 years of age), a 5-month suspended sentence for the boy’s father, and a more lenient suspended sentence for his mother.
The case went before the Central Häme District Court last Monday. A judgment is expected to be delivered on Monday, September 3.
Ultimate new user guide to online casino gambling in Canada.
Gambling is an extremely popular pastime in Canada. In 2000, right around the time internet casinos were starting to blossom, an international study revealed that 70% of Canadians participate in some form of gambling each year. With the rise of online and mobile gaming options, that number is sure to have increased.
Those of you seeking to venture into that realm surely have a lot of questions. Is it legal? Can I access offshore websites? Are there convenient banking methods, and are they secure? Today’s ultimate new user guide to Canada online casino gaming will answer these questions, and more.
Is Online Casino Gambling in Canada Legal?
Yes, it is. Gambling is legal in every province and territory of Canada. There are no specific laws that discriminate between land-based and online gambling. Therefore online casinos are perfectly legal, too.
There are two basic types of online casinos for Canadian players. There’s the provincially regulated variety, and the offshore variety. Only the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec host provincial casino sites (plus online lottery in the Atlantic regions), and you must live within the respective province to access them. Offshore casinos accept players from various countries, with Canada typically included.
Are Offshore Online Casinos Legal?
Yes, they are. Despite the efforts of provinces to change that fact, there is no law preventing Canadians from accessing internationally regulated gambling websites. It is equally legal for an international gaming operator to accept Canadians, so long as they follow one express rule.
The Criminal Code determines what types of gambling can be legal. The only way an online casino would be illegal is if it has a physical presence in Canada, but does not acquire a provincial licence. By remaining offshore, and opening no offices on Canadian soil, no laws are being broken.
How Do Deposits and Withdrawals Work?
Most online casinos offer a wide range of deposit methods. Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, online payment processors (EcoPayz, Neteller, Skrill, etc.), bank transfers, instant eChecks—these are all common options. The key is to pick the one that best suits your needs.
They are incredibly secure, as well. So long as you choose reputable gaming websites, and keep your own computer or mobile device secure, you have nothing to worry about.
Are Online Casino Winnings Taxed?
Typically no, Canadians do not pay taxes on any gambling winnings. The Canada Revenue Agency states, “an individual may be subject to tax on income derived from gambling itself, if the gambling activities constitute carrying on the business of gambling”.
Therefore, the only players who pay taxes are those that gamble ‘professionally’. If you gamble regularly, and make consistent profits from it, then you may be subject to taxation. But as a casual player, no.
Yes, usually. If you play provincially regulated Canada online casino games, all wagers are in Canadian Dollars. If you choose to play at internationally regulated websites, some of them do offer CA$ deposits and withdrawals. Be sure to skim over the banking options and payment details to see if it’s available.
The major benefit to online casino gambling in Canada’s own currency is the avoidance of foreign exchange rates. Although relatively inexpensive, currency exchange fees do add up over time, taking away from cash that should be part of your bankroll.
If you’re wondering how long it takes to process online casino deposits, it’s safe to assume you’re new to the iGaming community. Don’t worry, we’ll answer all your depositing time frame questions, and maybe a few others along the way.
IMPORTANT: Before I go on, assuming you are new to real money online casino games, please heed this warning. Only register an account and deposit with reputable, well-established gambling sites that are licenced, regulated and in compliance with the highest security and player protection standards. Join a brand new or disreputable site that’s licenced in some lax jurisdiction like Costa Rica, and you’ll have no trouble depositing, but you may hit a brick wall when it comes time to cash out!
How Long do Online Casino Deposits Take?
The truth is, the time it takes to process a deposit depends on the payment method you use. Some can take a few minutes, others a few days. Fortunately, most are instant, appearing in your account within seconds of submitting the funds. We’ll briefly review the most common payment methods, and the time it takes to process online casino deposits.
Credit Card Deposits
Visa and MasterCard are accepted by almost every online casino on the market. Some also accept AmEx and Discover, though these sites are rare. The time it takes to complete a deposit depends entirely on the time it takes the credit card company to approve the purchase. Most often, it’s about a minute; up to 3 minutes at most.
Debit Card Deposits
Thanks to electric fund transfer (EFT) technology, debit card purchases are instant. As soon as you press the button, the payment info is sent to your bank, which immediately checks to see if the necessary funds are available, then responds with a yes or no. It’s all electronic, so we’re talking a matter of seconds here.
The funds won’t actually arrive in the casino’s bank for a few days. But the beauty of EFTs is, since the operator knows it’s coming, they grant player’s access to the money immediately.
Prepaid Gift Cards and Vouchers
Prepaid cards, gift cards and vouchers work the same as credit cards. It takes about 1-3 minutes at most to verify that the funds are available before the deposit is approved.
Instant eCheck / Instant Bank Transfer
Instant eChecks are an electronic version of paper checks. Instant Bank Transfers are essentially the same thing, but do not require the check number from a paper check. Both are sent via EFT, and require the player’s bank account number, along with the bank’s name and routing number. Being EFTs, they are both processed instantly.
Web Wallets
Web wallets (aka eWallets or online payment processors), include companies like ecoPayz, EntroPay, PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill. They create a link between the player and their personal bank account, allowing players to deposit funds to the eWallet, or transfer them to the casino direct from their bank. Web wallets are a very popular among online casino players. Not only are they an instant deposit option (using EFT technology), they are also eligible for withdraws. Most will even supply their members with an ATM card for instant access to their money following a cashout.
Bank Wire
Bank wires can be slow, and expensive. Unless you have no other option, this probably isn’t the best way to go. Wire transfers usually take 2-3 business days to arrive at the online casino’s bank. Some operators will go ahead and grant you access to the funds, so long as they are assured the money is on the way (similar to EFT). Check the details on the casino’s banking page before using this method.
Check by Mail
Virtually no one uses this method anymore; at least not for deposits. Withdraws yes, when time isn’t of the essence, but that’s about it. It is still an option at some gambling websites, though, so we’ll include it here. An international casino can take 2-3 weeks to receive this form of payment. So if your purpose of researching how long online casino deposits take is to find something quick, don’t choose this one!
The trials and tribulations of online casino multi-accounting.
Since the dawn of the internet, players have tried to find ways to cheat online casinos. One of the most common ways is to open multiple accounts. Doing so will, theoretically, give players access to more than one new player welcome bonus—historically the most generous bonus offer any online casino will present.
Offering to double, triple, even quadruple a new member’s first deposit is a very attractive promotion. Many player’s hope to hit a big win on that bonus, completing the wagering requirements and cashing out for a tidy sum. Unfortunately, the odds are rarely in the player’s favor. And when things don’t work out, some are tempted to sign up another account, and take another shot at it.
No ifs, ands, or buts about it—account cloning at online casinos is a bad idea!
Why Online Casino Multi-Accounting is a No-No
There’s one very simple answer… multi-accounting is illegal. There’s no real money casino site on the face of the planet that allows players to sign up more than one account. Those who are caught doing it could get in quite a bit of trouble, depending on how serious the operator takes it.
Within the terms and conditions of every online casino website is a clause that states a player may only have one account. In fact, in order to better detect and prevent multi-account violations, only one account per house-hold (physical address) may be opened. And, only one person is eligible to use the account.
So if your spouse or roommate wants to do some online gambling of their own, they’ll need to find some other casino website to do it at. If two people with the same address sign up to the same casino, the second account will probably be denied registration. If the registration succeeds, both accounts risk closure.
Consequences for Account Cloning at Online Casinos
The consequences for violating this rule can be anything from a slap on the wrist, to time behind bars. Yes, jail is an option, if the casino wants to pursue charges.
A slap on the wrist would be nothing more than immediate account closure, with the player’s funds returned to them. It’s up to the operator whether they want to return those funds, though. If they have any reason to believe you opened multiple account for the purpose of bonus abuse (claiming multiple welcome bonuses), they won’t likely return your balance. If they believe it was an innocent mistake (two people in the same house), you might get off easy.
Most gaming regulators provide operators with the right to press charges in serious cases. If a player is suspected of bonus abuse, the penalty could be a substantial fine and/or jail time.
So believe me when I tell you, online casino multi-accounting is not something you want to be accused of, or worse, convicted of. Online or on land, gambling is big business, and they take their services seriously. They won’t look kindly upon anyone attempting to cheat them out of money.
Online casino reviews are helpful, but due diligence is better.
Every single day, countless people rely on the information of online gambling review sites. Some of these websites are great, detailing every worthwhile aspect of an operator, its software, and its payment systems. Unfortunately, these types of sites fall into a very small minority.
Most online casino surveyors don’t go nearly that far. They will skim over the basic topics, hitting harder on the promotional aspect than anything else. These sites are managed by indifferent affiliates who are just looking to make a buck. So long as they can convince you to join a casino and make a deposit, they get paid. That’s the only thing they’re interested in.
Only Trust Thorough Online Casino Reviews
A thorough online casino review will cover a lot of topics. They’ll tell you the basics, like software supplier and game variety, welcome bonuses and other promotions, and what payment methods are available. But they go way beyond that.
The reviewer will note the operating company of the casino, its year of establishment and reputation during that time. You’ll learn about where that operator is licenced, and if the software supplier is certified for fairness. The reliability of customer support and modes of contact will be on display. In rare cases, the writer will detail actual communication between them and the online casino support team.
These are the best online casino review sites, and are the first place you’ll want to gather information when seeking out a new gaming site to play at. But once you’ve read enough to select a casino, don’t stop there.
Even the best online gambling site reviews rarely go far enough to deliver 100% peace of mind to their readers. For that, it takes extra due diligence on the player’s part.
Investigative Reviewing of Online Gambling Sites
There are three things you want to investigate for yourself.
Casino Licence: First, go to the casino website, scroll to the bottom and double-check on the licencing info. If they claim to be licenced in Malta, for example (MGA), click on that icon to make sure it goes to the regulator’s websites, and shows that the company is indeed licenced there. If the licencing info/image isn’t linked, chances are the licence either doesn’t exist, or is expired.
Software Certification: Software certification is generally listed at the bottom of the online casino website, near the licencing info. Microgaming-powered casinos, for instance, will always display the Microgaming logo and the eCOGRA Safe & Fair logo, right next to each other. Microgaming is the software supplier, eCOGRA is the auditor that certifies it. Click on the certification link to ensure the software is actually certified by that third-party company. You can even go a step further, investigating the auditing firm to make sure it’s reliable, as well.
Payment Processor: Just knowing the payment methods available is helpful, but what about the company that the casino employs to process its payments? Sometimes, it’s not the casino’s fault for security flaws or slow withdrawals, but rather the payment processing firm that’s to blame. Online casinos that fall under group operation (i.e. Digimedia operates over a dozen brands) often host proprietary payment services, ensuring the payments are as reliable as the casino operator itself. For those that outsource processing companies, you’ll want to check on the reputation of that firm.
If all of these things check out, you can rest assured that you’ve done your homework. Combining the information of unbiased online casino reviews with a little elbow grease will provide ultimate peace of mind.
Online and mobile gaming companies headed to London for ICE 2018.
All eyes will be on London, UK next week as every offline, online and mobile gambling company worth talking about prepares for the 2018 ICE Totally Gaming expo. It is one of the largest, globally renowned summits for the land-based and internet gaming industry. ICE 2018 is schedule to run February 6-8 at the ExCel London.
The venue is touted as, “the only B2B gaming event that truly brings together the international online and offline gaming sectors.”
Not only does it give start-ups an opportunity to rub-shoulders with expert big-wigs, it gives online gamblers like myself a glimpse into the impending future of the industry. This year’s event will host 500+ exhibitors, and bring together over 400 gaming regulators from 65 jurisdictions, shaping the regulatory landscape in the months to come.
“We are delighted to host so many regulators from such a wide geographical reach which stretches from Argentina to Australia, Bulgaria to Brazil and Ukraine to the United States,” said Kate Chambers, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming and the lead organizer of the ICE Totally Gaming conference.
Highlighting Offline, Online and Mobile Gaming
One of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s event will be panel discussions revolving around the potential for live and online sports betting regulation in the United States. If the US decides to lift the 20+ year ban on sports betting (outside of Nevada), it could have a major impact on other jurisdictions. Canada, especially, may be encouraged to alter its current parlay-only betting style to better compete.
For the first time in ICE history, the event will dedicate 4000sm of space to Payment Solutions. Organizers believe this will be a ‘must see’ feature at this year’s conference. ICE says this area “will provide a focal point for international visitors wanting to meet and engage with key innovators and thought leaders in the sector”.
In another first for ICE London, Clarion Gaming is solidifying its commitment to social responsibility with an inaugural Consumer Protection Zone. This section will be devoted to promoting social responsibility; a crucial topic in modern regulatory regimes.
Other major seminars and areas of discussion will include:
Affiliate Marketing
Diversity and Inclusion in Gaming
IMGL Masterclass
International Legislators’ Agenda
Pitch ICE
Italy Briefing
Totally Gaming Academy
Casino Trends from Around the World
Research Exchange
World Regulatory Assembly
Tribal Gaming Exchange
ICE 2018, Bigger and Better than Ever
Last year’s ICE 2017 drew a record breaking attendance of 30,213 visitors. This year, they are expecting to record an all new high. Organizers say the show is going to be bigger and better than ever before.
ICE 2018 will occupy 18 of the ExCel London’s 22 capacious halls. More than 500 exhibitor booths will fill the 43,500sm of floor space. ICE says this represents the sixth straight year of expansion for the global offline, online and mobile gaming expo.
“This is great news for gaming organisations who we know want a stand out, flagship event that showcases the world’s leading innovators from every gaming vertical,” says Chambers. “By expanding our footprint in this way, I believe ICE London has underlined its status as the world’s capital for the for the international gaming industry.”
Every year, we ask the same question. What’s the next big thing in iGaming technology? What does the future hold for this exponentially growing industry? The answer this year is mundanely similar to previous years. More virtual reality and blockchain technologies to come…
Malta is one of the premier regulatory bodies for the online gambling industry, second only to the UK in terms of strictness. However, they’re jumping out ahead of their jurisdictional neighbors this month with the launch of a 
Generally speaking, today’s most reputable online gambling sites are extremely secure. They employ the same, strict safety protocols as government banks. Their financial systems are locked up tighter than a maximum-security prison.
