About Internet Gaming

Internet gaming is a relatively young industry with a global reach. Internet gaming includes Internet casinos, Internet betting, Internet lottery and Internet multi-player systems. Internet gaming services are offered by an ever increasing number of service providers based all over the world.

Independent testing and certification

Independent testing and audit mechanisms are increasingly introduced in Internet Gaming systems. Independent testing and certification guarantee the following:

• Reliable and resilient gaming system
• Guaranteed minimum Return To Player (RTP)
• Game outcome solely depends on the certified Random Number Generator (RNG)
• Clear and consistent game rules with detailed information on game behaviour, how to play, pay tables, special features etc.
• Game screen and game artwork do not confuse players
• Game screens give sufficient information about player's current account balance, bet amount, win amount, progress of the game and game outcome
• The gaming system logs all gaming events so that queries from players can be answered correctly and promptly.
• There is effective collusion and fraud prevention mechanisms in multi-player systems
• Certified casino software is monitored for unauthorised changes

Player protection mechanisms

In order to provide Internet entertainment in a sustainable way, a number of player protection mechanisms are increasingly made available in Internet gambling systems. Some of the important player protection mechanisms are:

• Player registration and identity check: This prevents under age gambling and gambling from restricted jurisdictions.
• Deposit limits: Players can set their deposit limit for a week, month etc. Any increase in the preset deposit limit will take effect only after a cooling off period
• Bet limits: Players can set their bet limit for a week, month etc. Any increase in the preset bet limit will take effect only after a cooling off period
• Time limits and breaks: Player can specify total time they want to spend on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Player can also specify a break after a specific duration for a session. Any attempt to relax these limits will take effect only after a cooling off period.
• Player exclusions: Players can exclude from a gaming system for a specific period or permanently. Any reduction of the exclusion period takes effect only after a cooling off period.

Advantages of Internet Gaming

• Players can play from the comfort of their homes.
• Players can play with peace of mind that independently tested and certified Internet gaming systems offer fair games that are player friendly and always strive to protect player's interests.
• Complete history of all recently played games is available in all certified Internet systems.
• Complete history of all recent account transactions are available in all certified Internet systems.
• Player protection mechanisms are available in an increasing number of systems.
• Online help is available for problem gamblers.

Disadvantages of Internet Gaming

• There are many Internet gaming sites without any independent control or audit. This can result in fixed games, confusing game rules, non-payment of winnings etc. Independently tested and audited sites eliminate this problem.
• Unless player protection mechanisms are employed or a strict spending regimen is followed, the ease of access from homes makes it more vulnerable to problem gambling issues.
• If electronic payment methods are not used by the Internet gaming operator, players may have to wait longer to get their money.