Legalizing sports betting has been the priority of many states since 2018, when the Supreme Court struck off PASPA. New Jersey, which sponsored the bill to end PASPA, was the first state to legalize sports betting.
Delaware soon followed and within one year, sports betting was legal in North Carolina. For clarity, the Old North permitted in-person betting in 2019. However, there are plans to legalize mobile betting in 2022.
Wait a minute. Is mobile betting safe? How can you protect your personal information and money while betting online?
Gambling Apps Encrypt your Data
By law, all legal gambling apps must encrypt your data through modern encryption techniques. Most of them use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, which is a Google-approved technique for securing data while it travels between servers.
If you install apps through Google and Apple Store, you’ve most probably used an SSL encrypted app. On browsers, the technology is confirmed by the presence of a locked padlock sign on the address bar.
SSL encryption aside, gambling apps must follow strict data-protection laws. What’s more, they must empower you with password protection tools to keep your account safe. The best apps use a lot more security tools, all of which safeguard your personal information.
Legit and Trustworthy
As mentioned, the country is moving towards legal sports betting. This means finding a legitimate and trustworthy gambling app is easier than ever before. This is particularly true if you live in a state where mobile betting is legal.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, Delaware and Oregon are some examples of states with legal mobile betting. In the Old North, you have two options for betting on sports online.
On the one hand, you can wait until later in 2022 for legislators to permit gambling apps or you can alternatively search for offshore gambling apps. According to sportslens.com, it is always possible to gamble at overseas-based apps before NC finally permits state-licensed apps.
Audited Games and Software Providers
If a gambling app is licensed, chances are it provides audited games from respected software providers. You see, gambling regulators don’t just vet the casinos and sportsbooks. They also audit software developers—the companies which create your favorite slots and table games.
Besides auditing, there’s reputation. Every gambler looks for fair, high-quality games. If a company fulfills these expectations, their games become popular. If it has an unfair game, its reputation suffers.
Presently, IGT and Scientific Games are the biggest software providers based in the US. However, there are a lot more developers in Europe and around the world. NetEnt, Evolution, Betsoft, Microgaming and Amaya Gaming are some of the biggest brands in this category.
To expound more, find apps with a variety of games. Look out for slots, video poker, blackjack, baccarat, bingo, roulette and progressive jackpots. If you love table games, ensure a gambling app offers live software: this will allow you to gamble against human opponents instead of bots.
Secure and Respected Payment Providers
Gone are the days when wire transfer was the only way you could deposit money at gambling sites. In this age of payment apps, you can transact using safe and trustworthy payment apps, credit cards and cryptocurrencies.
Digital wallets and credit cards are particularly beneficial when gambling through offshore apps. First, companies like PayPal, Visa and Google Pay work with legit merchants. Secondly, they have refund options.
If you deposit money to a casino which turns out to be a scam, you can ask PayPal or your credit card company for a refund. With PayPal, you can enable One Touch to entrust PayPal with your personal information. This also eliminates the need to reveal your financial data to every casino you join.
Best Tips for Gambling Securely in 2022
It’s true—you can now find a legit and safe gambling app in the US. But how do you protect yourself from scams and hackers while betting online?
- Pick a Top-rated App
You probably read reviews and check ratings before using online service providers. Follow the same principle for gambling online. Pick a top-rated app because it means people out there trust it. Besides trust, top-rated apps tend to provide satisfactory services, from payout speed to customer service.
- Secure your Account
After you identify a safe gambling app, create an account and secure it with a strong password. Also, add two-factor authentication. Securing your account is compulsory at most gambling apps, anyway.
But ensure you use strong passwords to keep your data and money safe. Two-Factor Authentication adds a layer of protection from hackers—they wouldn’t login your account even if they breached your password.
- Follow a Budget
When it comes to gambling, it’s recommended to follow a budget. Gambling can be enticing. But if you have a budget, you’ll know how much to spend every time you log into your account. Word to the wise: create your budget out of your miscellaneous expenses. In other words, it should come last after deducting money for bills and savings.
- Choose a Credit Card over a Debit Card
Some countries like the UK prohibit gamblers from using credit cards at casinos and betting sites. They say it prevents people from accumulating gambling debt. That’s alright. But using a credit card has its benefits—security wise.
In case you lose your credit card to a fraudster, they can only use the money in your credit card account. In many cases, you can also qualify for a refund from your creditor. Unfortunately, debit cards are linked to your bank account. If they get lost, someone could wipe out your account instantly.
- Beware of Bonus Scams
One of the best things about gambling online is that you can claim bonuses and free bets. These promotions can help you play your favorite casino games free of charge. Interestingly, you can cashout your bonus profits.
That being said, bonuses are the fodder of many gambling scams. Beware of these scams and avoid them. For example, don’t accept bonuses not from a recognized casino. Also, if the offer is too good, it’s probably a scam.