eCOGRA casino

eCOGRA - Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance

eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is an internationally approved testing agency for the online gambling industry. The company was founded in 2003 as the first testing laboratory and self-regulatory body. It is also a certification body for the moderation of online gaming software and Information Security Management Systems audits. Information security management systems are the methods and policies companies use in handling their data. The practice used in the information security management systems of companies determines how secure their platform will be.

As certified information system auditors, eCOGRA. will utilise international auditing standards to ensure that audits and accredited certifications meet global levels. Testing and calibration laboratories must ensure that an information systems audit meets the law and required regulations of online gambling jurisdictions.

It is a third-party organisation that sets standards for the online gambling industry. Its main aim is to protect players and ensure online casino quality plus customer satisfaction. Over the years, it has established itself as the most respected guarantor of fairness and protection standards in the online gaming industry. Online gambling websites with eCOGRA approval can easily gain player trust because they have been vetted by the third-party assurance standards board.

What Does eCOGRA Do?

All online gambling operators and industry leaders who wish to receive the eCOGRA fair seal of approval have to apply for the organization's Play it Safe Seal. To receive this recommendation, the operator has to demonstrate that they are offering games that are fair and transparent. And that they are treating their customers correctly and that they are behaving responsibly as a business.

All online gaming websites that are awarded the Play it Safe Seal undergo continuous monitoring and testing. This is done to ensure ongoing compliance with its eCOGRA Generally Accepted Practices, also known as eGAP.

As the first testing laboratory, eCOGRA is one of the bodies performing inspections on gambling companies in the industry. They also provide product conformity certification, which is given after a conformity assessment by professional auditors. These assessments by bodies certifying products keep all gambling industry participants within accepted and considerable legal boundaries.

You can find the eCOGRA logo across the gambling industry, as it has become a symbol of trust and reliability. Carrying out third-party inspections and a conformity assessment on gambling companies was quite unreliable and scattered before the introduction of the eCOGRA. The agency is management-controlled with most of its staff being trained in legal, financial, and business administration. Finally, it is governed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

Self-Regulation Services

eCOGRA has self-regulatory services to meet policy objectives which include:

• To prevent and combat underage gambling.
• Fighting bad actors and criminals in the gambling industry.
• Promoting fast and accurate customer payments.
• Protection of vulnerable customers.
• Random Number Generators (RNGs) and Return to Player (RTP) evaluations that promote fairness.
• Responsible gambling marketing.
• Information safeguard and customer privacy.
• Safe, reliable, and reliable operating environment.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction and support.

Testing Agency Services

eCOGRA certifies the gaming software of gambling providers in its testing laboratory. It puts gambling systems through agency-approved testing methods that fit online gaming regulations. It has completed more than 500 compliance reviews for over 80 casino software providers and operators including 888, Betway, and 32Red. Software providers tested by the eCOGRA testing agency include Microgaming and NetEnt.

What is eGAP?

eGAP (eCOGRA Generally Accepted Practices) comprises several protocols, with which all eCOGRA casinos have to comply. These include ensuring that all player information is kept secure. Furthermore, financial transactions are handled properly, and the online gambling software is regularly reviewed and maintained. eCOGRA Generally Accepted Practices protocols also require online casinos to maintain standards of fair gaming across all of their games. And to advertise and market their site responsibly. This is while taking active measures to prevent illegal activity, including money laundering.

eCOGRA's Safe and Fair Seal

eCOGRA is the industry leader in carrying out third-party testing of operators and providers in the gambling industry. The safe and fair seal is given to gaming operatives that meet the eCOGRA generally accepted practices which include fair gaming. But also player protection, and responsible behavior. All applicants are accredited annually online by compliance specialists. It means that gambling companies need to keep up with best practices to get accredited certifications.

eCOGRA Certified Software Seal

This certification is awarded to software providers that meet the eGAP requirements. Software providers and developers are accessed every year against requirements that focus on the security environment and IT internal controls. This accreditation is a value that many gambling companies need because it allows their gambling partners to continue working with them.

eCOGRA Certification Services

eCOGRA has been awarded the United Kingdom Accreditation Service's ISO approvals. The certification services and ISO approvals include:

• ISO/IEC 17025:2017: General Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories for Denmark, Great Britain, Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland, and Bulgaria.
• ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification management systems.
• ISO/IEC17020:2012 Requirements for the operations of bodies performing inspection for Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, and Greece.
• ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Requirements for bodies certifying processes, services, and products.
• ISO/IEC 27001- eCOGRA is the premiere testing laboratory to be awarded the ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 which is a prerequisite for performing third-party ISO/IEC 27001 audits and accredited certifications. These third-party ISO/IEC 27001 audits are made for Information security management systems and they ensure that gambling companies meet the highest standards.

Fairness Verification

One of the most important factors for South African online casino players when choosing a casino is fairness. You need to know that the games you are playing produce fair and random results and are not rigged, deliberately or unintentionally. To earn a Play it Safe Seal, an online casino has to demonstrate to eCOGRA's expert panel (and other bodies performing inspection) that the games it offers are fair. eCOGRA also works with the companies that produce the original gaming software to ensure that the games are fair to begin with.

Using a kind of testing known as Total Gaming Transaction Review (TGTR), eCOGRA monitors inputs and outputs from a casino's software system. They are verifying payout percentages, checking all completed transactions, and conducting spot checks of transactions. In combination with a range of data summary analyses and regular testing of the software itself. By this eCOGRA can confirm the integrity of an online casino's Random Number Generator and its associated payout percentages to provide a guarantee of fairness for players.

Conclusion

As an online casino player, you want to be sure that the site you are using is legitimate. And that your personal and financial information is protected, that the games you are playing are fair, and that in the event of a problem. Then you will receive the correct level of customer service.

By choosing an eCOGRA online casino, you will be able to put your mind at rest on these issues. eCOGRA is not the only third-party approval organisation for online casinos. It is one of the most respected in the world, and by using an eCOGRA casino, you can be sure that you are in safe hands. When you are choosing a newer site, look out for the Play It Safe Seal. This indicates that the site is fully compliant with their practices, giving you peace of mind when you play.

Frequently asked questions about eCOGRA