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Gambling watchdogs
In this section we will give you an overview of gambling watchdog
organizations that are designed to self-regulate the online gambling
industry. These watchdog organizations generally proclaim a set of
good practices its casino and/or player members have to adhere to,
and provide some means to ensure its members do actually live up to
these practices.
We have classified these gambling watchdog organizations into two
categories. The first category 'main gambling watchdog organizations'
represents those gambling watchdog organizations that have a good
track record and are well respected and widely used as housekeeping
seals throughout the online gambling industry. The second category
contains all gambling watchdog organizations which impartiality is
not clear to us at present.
Main gambling watchdogs
Interactive Gaming Council
 The
Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) is a Canadian based nonprofit
organization that targets to enhance customer confidence in
the global interactive gaming industry in general, and in its
members in particular. The IGC was founded in 1999. Its members
pay annual dues ranging from $500 to $10000, depending on their
member status (affiliate, associate, full). Among its members
you will find casinos, software vendors and casino portals.
Online Players Association
 The
Online Players
Association (OPA), founded in 2000, is a player initiated
association consisting of both players and (approved) casino's.
Its goal is to provide its members with a safe and enjoyable
online gambling experience. The OPA has been voted 'Watchdog
Of The Year' for 2001 by readers of Gambling Online Magazine.
Players can join the OPA for free, but must accept the Players
Code of Ethics. The Players Code of Ethics includes, amongst
others, the rules not to open multiple accounts at a casino,
only to use your own registered credit cards, and to refrain
from spamming a casino. |
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Gambling Commission
 The
Gambling Commission
is an independent organization with the sole purpose of regulating
and discouraging corrupt on-line gaming organizations and daily
business operations. Founded in 1999, The Gambling Commission
was organized to assure gamblers of a closely monitored, safe
on-line gaming environment.
eCOGRA
 eCOGRA,
E-commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, is an
independent non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom.
eCOGRA is committed to provide a high level of player protection
by ensuring it's members comply to eGAP, which stands for eCOGRA
Generally Accepted Practices. |
Other gambling watchdog organizations
Internet Gaming Commission
 The
Internet
Gaming Commission is an independent watchdog organization
that offers a directory of casinos categorized by license category.
At least that is what it says on their site. It appears they
license any casino that pays them, even rogue ones like CasinoBar,
Windows casino and Grand Banks casino.
SafeBet
 The
independent Internet casino testing laboratory. SafeBet was
organized in 1998 to monitor online casinos and help protect
gamblers from unscrupulous casino operators In order for an
online casino to be certified by SafeBet, it must pass certain
tests in both technology and policy depending upon it's level
of membership. For Gold and Platinum memberships, both Policy
and Technology apply. For Silver memberships, only Policy Adherement
apply. Because SafeBet is owned by the gambling software company
RealTimeGaming, its impartiality is questionable.
Fidelity Trust Gaming Association (FTGA)
Fidelity Trust Gaming Association was formed in an effort to
set a standard for online gaming operations. We believe that,
by conducting business with only reputable companies, we can
form an alliance of the most fair and professional gaming operations
worldwide. To be sure that the companies we support are reputable
we do comprehensive background checks on not only the company
but the individuals behind the company. We form a close relationship
with our members and monitor their business practices frequently.
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Ethical Online Gaming Association (EOGA)
 The
Ethical Online Gaming Association is an independent organization
dedicated to the establishment of responsible business practices
within the Internet gambling community. In addition to heaping
praise upon the online gaming websites that deserve it, EOGA
also offers its mediation services at no charge whatsoever to
any individual experiencing ongoing difficulties with an online
gaming website.
Online Gaming Association (OGA)
 The
Online Gaming Association (OGA) has been created with two goals
in mind: to assist online gamblers with their gaming options
and to improve the integrity of the online gambling industry,
as a whole. As more and more online casinos are launched in
this unregulated market and more and more players become part
of it, our goals are more compelling than ever.
Off Shore Gaming Association (OSGA)
The Off Shore Gaming Association (OSGA) is a watchdog group
that monitors the off shore sports gaming industry. The OSGA
lists reputable online sportsbooks and online casinos. The OSGA
also has a variety of other sports related tools to help the
average bettor.
The Chance Group (TCG)
Established in March 2001, The Chance Group (TCG) is an industry
leader located on The Isle of Man. TCG was established as an
assurance organization upholding solid security measures, reliable
fair play and openness in the online gaming industry. |
For a players' view on casino watchdogs visit
the player
advocates page on Gam
Blog.co.uk
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