The IGC's Code of Conduct for Legitimate Internet Casinos
Just like the regular business industry, Internet casinos have an organization that ensures fairness and responsible gambling online. The organization is called the Interactive Gaming Council or IGC. This is a non-profit trade organization that functions as an advocate for the industry of interactive gaming.
All legitimate online casinos are members of the Interactive Gaming Council. Membership in this organization is a necessity for the integrity of online gambling. Aside from subjecting the software games of online casinos to be tested by the gaming regulation board of the government, these casinos must also abide and operate their business basing on the Code of Conduct decided by the Interactive Gaming Council.
The Interactive Gaming Council's Code of Conduct include the following: (1) Compliance (2) Integrity and Accountability (3) Consumer Privacy and Data Protection (4) Truth in Advertising (5) Audit Trails (6) Dispute Resolution (7) Limiting Access by Minors (8) Controlling Compulsive/Problem Gambling (9) Banking and Transaction Processing (10) Prize Payouts (11) Corporate Citizenship (12) Member Information
By abiding by the Code of Conduct, an Internet casino will receive the seal of approval from the Interactive Gaming Council that certifies the casino as fair and responsible with regards to online gambling. In instances that a casino is not able to comply with any of the items in the Code of Conduct, the seal of approval given by the Interactive Gaming Council will be removed.
For beginners in online gambling, the Interactive Gaming Council has some suggestions to make sure that the online casino you are interested in is legitimate. Before disclosing your personal information and bank or credit card accounts, please check the casino web site carefully for the following essential information:
(1) Is the casino a registered member of the Interactive Gaming Council? (2) Does the casino have customer service assistance available 24 hours a day where you can ask questions and acquire important information before playing? (3) What is the name of the casino's software provider? (4) What is the name of the casino's e-cash provider? (5) Where does the license of the web site come from? (6) What is the name of the casino's payouts' auditor as well as the name of the company verifying the casino's random number generator? (7) Before betting for big amounts, do a test run first involving small amounts, once or twice.
Knowing that an Internet casino is a legitimate member of the Interactive Gaming Council will assure an online player of a fair environment and responsible gambling. And a player's comments and inquiries will be absolutely attended to for needed immediate action.
