How to know if a betting site is secure

Online gaming websites covers a range of casino games, poker, sports betting, skills based games, social gaming, lotteries, bingo etc. While these sites provide entertainment to millions of people, they could also pose a real security risk to unassuming players.
Since the first online casino offering real money in 1996, several attempts have been made to create industry standards. However, while there has been some progress, there are many sites which are not secure and do not currently meet such industry standards. In 2006, out of an estimated 2,500 online gaming websites, only about 100 were certified by the E-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA.org) The organisation “certifies online sites as having prompt payments, safe storage of information, random games, honest advertising, and responsible gambling practices”.
So how do you protect yourself when betting online? Two important security features to look out for when you are betting online are: 1) the website URL; and, 2) the “lock” icon. These features should provide a good indication about the security of the website, in this case online betting sites.
You could also use website security checking sites, which enables you to see how secure a betting website is. Some tools such as Qualys SSL Labs apply a grade from A to F to enable you to compare the security offered by different websites. A website graded C and lower should raise concern about their ability to protect your cash and your information.

Apart from security concerns also be sure to find out more about the legality of a site as this could vary from country to country.
The following tips will help you to avoid the pitfalls of unsafe betting practises:

• Find safe and trustworthy sites by checking the web page URL. The address of a secure website usually starts with https – which indicates that the site has a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) installed

• Check for the "Lock" icon - Click (or double-click) on it to see details of the site's security.
• See betting as entertainment not as a way to make money.
• Bet on reputable websites, an example being bettingtop10.com
• Be disciplined when betting - have clear rules for when and how much you’re spending. It is wise to bet only small amounts especially if you are playing at a new website.
• Do not bet on impulse or when you are in a bad mood, and only use money you don’t need.
• Do not bet on sports you don’t understand.
• Use e-wallets for payments – e.g. Paypal.com

Online gambling is an ever expanding and lucrative industry. However, while research is attempting to fill the many knowledge gaps relating to the complex regulatory and legislative aspects of this phenomenon, the millions of players who are enjoying this form of entertainment should remember to always follow basic /general security practises. If they do not, this wise saying - a fool and his money are soon parted - could easily apply.