eCOGRA Is A Gift To The Industry

eCOGRA is exactly what the online casino industry needs to give it an extra level of trustworthiness.

The Online Casino industry is a little more than a decade old and has already developed an entire sub-culture of its own. Despite the immense popularity of online gambling and the fact that new sites are appearing all the time, the industry is not yet regulated, even though the movers and shakers in the industry would love this to be the case. Until this wish comes to fruition, the online casino industry has to adjust accordingly and to take matters into their own hands. The watchdog organization known as eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is a brainchild of the industry's need for self sufficiency.

As stated in the organization's website, eCOGRA "is the independent standards authority of the online gaming industry, specifically overseeing fair gaming, player protection and responsible operator conduct."

eCOGRA provides online casinos with a certificate of approval known as the "Play it Safe" seal for those sites that have met the organization's strict criteria. By nature, bettors are wary of online casinos because they know that it is not yet a regulated industry. eCOGRA comes to the casinos' rescue by providing that extra bit of assurance when needed most.

This watchdog organisation not only provides the seal of approval but it is also determined to get as many sites as possible to follow responsible gambling practices. As part of the requirements to receive their "Play it Safe" seal, the online casinos have to employ someone to ensure that the site upholds these responsible gambling practices. These requirements include having sufficient monitoring to pick up potential problem gamblers and thorough deterrents for under age gamblers.

Another gift that eCOGRA grants the online casino industry is the possibility of arbitration in the case of disagreements between players and the websites. The watchdog organization will provide this service for free and will approach the online casino on the player's behalf in the hope of finding a mutually accepted settlement.

Until as such time as official government bodies and international laws will govern the online casino industry, independent organizations like eCOGRA are trying to bring levels of trustworthiness and reputability to the industry. There is much to do but slowly and surely the industry will get rid of its suspicious stigma and be fully accepted into all realms of society.