Betkiwi’s Guide to eCOGRA

The online gambling industry often suffers from privacy and fraud issues. eCOGRA is one of many regulatory bodies that aims to give players a safe and fair online gaming experience. Our guide will outline exactly what eCOGRA does and what its key benefits for both players and casinos are. We will also discuss finding New Zealand online casinos with eCOGRA certification. Let’s get right into it, shall we?

What Is eCOGRA and What Does It Do?

Operating for over 20 years, eCOGRA has certified more than 500 online casinos to date. eCOGRA reviews casino sites regularly to ensure that they remain compliant with its strict policies. This ensures that every eCOGRA-certified casino offers provenly fair games and a safe online gambling experience.

History and Background of eCOGRA

eCOGRA was established in London in 2003. The name stands for eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. It was the world’s first self-regulation scheme in the online gambling industry and is these days accredited in 39 jurisdictions worldwide.

Objectives and Mission of eCOGRA

eCOGRA is primarily known as a testing lab specialising in certifying online gaming software. It is also an inspection and certification body. eCOGRA’s chief aim is to protect players, so it’s also concerned with fair gambling practices at casinos and combating fraudulent operators.

Certification Process of eCOGRA

eCOGRA has two branches: Approved Testing Agency (ATA) and Self-Regulation Services (SRS). Agency testing helps certify iGaming software and systems. Operators must adhere to eCOGRA’s Generally Accepted Practices to receive one of three possible certifications.

ATA Services is a group that specializes in certifying online gambling software and systems through testing. SRS Services have a broader scope that includes a variety of objectives:

• Protecting vulnerable players;
• Preventing underage gambling;
• Ensuring accurate & swift player payments;
• Combating criminal or fraudulent behaviour by casinos;
• Safeguarding player information and protecting their privacy;
• Checking that casinos use responsible marketing tools;
• Customer service audits to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

Standards and Criteria Set by eCOGRA

eCOGRA gives its seal of approval in three areas. There is a Safe and Fair Seal, a Certified Software Seal and a Certified Live Dealer Seal. For Safe and Fair Seals, annual assessments are conducted through onsite reviews. Fair gaming, player protection and responsible gambling are the priorities. For software providers, security and internal control are looked at on a yearly basis. Live dealer Seals are given to operators after regular reviews.

Benefits of eCOGRA Certification

When signing up at an eCOGRA-compliant casino, you know you’re signing up with a reputable operator. You can also trust that games are fair and that personal information shared with the casino is secure. Other benefits are outlined below:

Player Rights – Casinos with an eCOGRA certification inform players of their rights before requiring membership.

Disputes – Should there be a dispute between the player and the casino, eCOGRA will mediate to help reach a fair resolution.

Responsible Gambling – eCOGRA casinos promote responsible gambling through self-exclusion, time-outs and other similar player tools.

Customer Support – eCOGRA offers customer service through live chat, email and telephone. Response times are quick and agents are highly knowledgeable about the gambling industry.

Personal Information – eCOGRA casinos use strict verification procedures. This helps to protect players’ identities and sensitive personal information.

How To Find NZ Casinos With eCOGRA Certification?

Many online casinos available to Kiwi players are certified by eCOGRA. Follow these steps to locate an eCOGRA-certified casino:

1. Read online casino reviews to learn which casinos are trustworthy and popular with players. You can also read our Betkiwi recommendations – not all of our casinos are eCOGRA-certified, but many are.
2. When visiting a casino site, scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the eCOGRA logo in the footer.
3. If you still have doubts about the legitimacy of the badge, look on the eCOGRA certification website to double-check if a casino has indeed been approved.

Alternative Licensing Bodies

While it is probably the most famous, eCOGRA is not the only testing house operating in the online gambling industry. Other well-known authorities operate similarly. These include:

Gaming Labs International

Known as GLI, this authority specialises in iGaming testing and certification. Established in 1989, GLI works in software, sports betting, online gambling and lotteries and has a long and illustrious reputation.

Gaming Associates

Gaming Associates provides testing, security, compliance and auditing services across four continents. It is another globally recognized body, and one of the industry pioneers, with decades of experience.

iTechLabs

Funded in 2004, iTech Labs is an internationally recognised testing and certification laboratory. Working in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe, iTech Labs carries out RNG testing, security audits and certification services.

BMM

Operating for 40+ years, BMM is a private independent gaming test lab based in Las Vegas. The agency’s services include testing, quality assurance and certification.

Conclusion

eCOGRA has set the gold standard for safety and fairness in online gambling. Its thorough testing and certification systems mean that when you see the eCOGRA seal, you know you’re dealing with a trustworthy site. Thanks to eCOGRA, players can enjoy their games with peace of mind, knowing they’re in good hands, and reputable operators get to show off their commitment to fair play and distinguish themselves from their peers. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, helping make the online gambling world a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone.

Further Reading

eCOGRA

BMM Testlabs

Gaming Labs International

iTech Labs