7 Common Misconceptions About Online Casino Gambling
Are you worried that online casinos deal with money laundering, underage gambling, scams and theft of personal data? No need to worry! These are all myths.
Online casino gambling has been around for a while, but people still have misconceptions about the industry. Many of these are a result of their own ignorance and eagerness to jump at conclusions, but illegal websites have also contributed to the bad reputation of internet casinos for several years.
Most states did not have clear laws for online casinos until a few years ago, and many of them still don’t, even at present. This is probably why people still have a hard time trusting internet operators. But now that several countries have regulated the industry and started handing out licenses, online gambling is at an all-time high and it’s becoming more and more popular.
The time has come to bust some myths and tear down some of the most popular misconceptions about the industry. Here we go:
1. Online gambling cannot be controlled
Ten years, ago, we might have believed people who tell us that casinos operating on the Internet cannot be controlled or properly regulated. However, times have changed, technology has evolved and most state authorities have successfully developed their own legal systems which allow them to tightly control the market.
Nowadays, most online operators are actually on a short leash. They have to abide by strict rules, pay taxes and offer consumer protection, if they want to keep their licenses. There’s also some heavy competition going on between internet casinos, so the best ones can’t really afford to break the rules. If you
2. Online casinos are for money laundering
Who hasn’t heard this one before? The Internet is the place where all criminals set up shop to launder their dirty money and casinos are the first business idea that pops into their head, right? Well we believe people who think like this are simply a bit paranoid.
There is absolutely no evidence to sustain this idea that online casinos are more prone to be used for money laundering than traditional gambling venues. If anything, websites have much stricter requirements for their players, because they require you to set up an account and provide contact and banking information.
3. Online casino games are more addictive
You can certainly lose track of time when playing online blackjack in the comfort of your own home, but becoming addicted to gambling has little to do with where and when you play casino games. There are many ways in which you can efficiently limit or control the time and amount of money spent online.
Sorry, we simply see no rational reason why virtual casinos would be considered more addictive than land-based ones.
4. There is more underage gambling going on online
This is simply false. Online casinos use complicated security measures to determine the age of people who register. Beating these systems is very tricky. It’s definitely no child’s play. These websites only accept players over 18 and they check your personal details before they let you gamble.
Casinos also have an age limit, but they don’t always ask you how old you are at the door. And let’s not forget that several betting shops managers have been caught allowing minors to use their gambling machines, so if we look at it this way, online casinos are much safer.
5. If you play online casinos, your computer will get viruses
Let’s be serious! What respectable online company would risk having a virus on their website, infecting all of their clients’ computers? Viruses would not only damage gamblers’ systems, but they would also harm the company’s own servers, so it’s in their best interest to offer the safest platforms possible.
Besides, let’s remember that gamblers have to do their part when it comes to protecting their computers, which means using licensed and updated software.
6. Online casinos will scam you
Sure, the Internet is full of websites that you simply cannot trust, but doesn’t it make sense to do a little research before signing up for a service and providing all your personal information and bank account details? Avoiding scams is easy! All you have to do is check the company’s licensing information and make sure you can contact it, in case you need assistance.
If the website offers no details on their license, if it doesn’t provide decent customer service or if it charges you for any extra services, then it’s a scam. It’s as simple as that.
7. Giving out your personal information will harm you
Most people are okay with providing their home and email addresses and phone number on their public Facebook profile, but they’ll give you a whole lecture on how dangerous online casinos are. The truth is you can’t avoid having to give out some personal details, including your bank account, when you register with an internet gambling service. But how else would you be able to have access to your winnings?
This is probably the most legitimate concern you can have about accessing online casinos, but there is still no reason for you to worry, if you go with a licensed operator. They all use fancy technology to protect your data.
So don’t believe the hype. Today’s online casinos are well-regulated, safe and fun. There are plenty of trusted companies out there, offering quality services and countless gambling options. Online gambling sites are easy to use and offer great bonuses that you won’t find in land-based casinos, all at your fingertips. So what’s not to like about them?