The pandemic accelerated the growth of online betting; long before the physical restrictions were imposed, millions of bettors had already made the switch from land-based betting houses to online gambling sites.
The convenience and privacy it offered and the multiple bonuses were just too good to resist. Sadly, there’s one major concern people have with betting online, and it is safe. You’ll often hear people ask, “Is online betting safe?” Can I get scammed? Unfortunately, the answer to both questions is Yes. There are risks involved when betting online, and you could lose your money or personal information.
The good news is that there are ways you can protect yourself from getting scammed. Online betting is and can be safe if you have the right information. So, whether you’re wagering on soccer games or trying your luck with some NFL bets, this article will arm you with tips on protecting yourself when betting online.
Only Bet on Reputable and Legal Gambling Sites
Like land-based betting houses, online betting sites have rules and regulations they abide by. These rules are dictated mainly by the licensing organization they’re under.
So, before you wager or even register on any site, you must first confirm if they’re licensed. To do this, go to the bottom of the site’s homepage. The licensor’s logo should be displayed there. If you don’t find it, go to the site’s ‘About Us’ page and search for any license logo.
However, you must know that a license logo or a mention of one isn’t a guarantee that the site is legit. Some shady sites fake these licenses. To be sure, you can visit the licensor’s official website and search for the betting site. If you don’t find it, avoid that site at all costs.
Furthermore, conduct extensive research on any site you plan to wager on. For example, check forums like Reddit read online reviews about the site, and see what other bettors say. Once again, you must be careful because some shady sites pay review sites to give them good ratings. So if a site only has excellent reviews across all platforms, you should be wary of them.
Ultimately, the safest option when choosing a betting site is to go for already established sites. Most shady sites don’t last; they’re usually closed within months. So, if a site has managed to stay up for years, it might be safer to use them.
Don’t Joke With Your Passwords
Before you can wager on any betting site, you must create an account that will require a username and a password. We don’t need to tell you the importance of keeping your password private. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 81% of hacking-related breaches people face result from weak passwords.
Some sites force new users to create strong passwords; others don’t. So it’s up to you to use a password that no one can guess. Go for passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mixture of cases, alphanumerics, and symbols. Avoid using average dictionary words; a good hacker will bypass that.
Also, make a habit of changing your password once every three months. No matter how strong you think that password is, change it once in a while; it’s safer that way. Lastly, we don’t think we need to say this but never share your password. Not to your spouse, sibling, or friend. It’s personal, and only you should know it.
Avoid Downloading or Clicking on Sketchy Links
You know what they say, “If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.” Yes, some betting sites offer mouthwatering offers and bonuses but don’t go around clicking or downloading anything you see.
Some of these links or files contain malware that can put your personal information at risk. That’s why it’s important to only bet on reputable sites. The chances of being cyber-attacked are usually low or non-existent on such sites.
Ensure that any device you plan to bet on has strong anti-malware and anti-virus software. This software can help detect potential breaches and stop them. Also, ensure to keep them updated and active at all times.
Avoid Betting on Multiple Devices
It’s advisable to only bet on your device. Your online betting information is sensitive, and inputting them on multiple devices can lead to a breach of information. For starters, the device you might want to log into might not have anti-virus software, or you might forget to log out and risk someone else having your information.
Before you embark on your online casino journey:
- Choose a particular device.
- If possible, avoid taking this device out of your home unless you’re going somewhere you plan to stay long.
- Avoid using betting sites on public computers in libraries or cafés; some hackers target these computers because of their low security.
Always activate two-factor authentication for your online betting accounts to ensure you’re safe. This will request the site to send a code to your registered email or mobile number before you successfully log in to the account.
Be Careful About Payment
Before depositing money on any betting site, ensure that it is SSL encrypted. To confirm this, check the address bar of your browser. You should see a lock sign beside the site’s address, and if you don’t see one, don’t input any of your financial details, or they might be used to scam you.
Furthermore, never share your banking details outside the betting site. If you’re prompted to send them as a text or an email, it’s probably a scam. No legit betting site will ask for your banking details outside SSL protection.
Also, always choose payment methods with a solid history. If your bank or credit card company is poor at handling fraud or misplaced funds, it’s better to use e-wallets. Cryptocurrency is another safe option but only use that if you understand how the market works. Volatility is real, and you can end up with less than your actual winnings if you’re not careful.
The Bottom Line
Online betting has made it easier for bettors to wager on their favorite games from the comfort of their homes. However, it also comes with the risks of online theft and cyber-attacks.
Bettors have to be careful, so they don’t fall for scams. Some ways bettors can protect themselves include betting only on reputable sites, having good password ethics, avoiding clicking on sketchy links, only betting on personal devices, and choosing good payment methods.
