Ensuring your safety and making informed decisions is paramount.
To explore how players can protect themselves while enjoying online casinos, we spoke with Christoffer Ødegården.
He is the Head of Marketing at Bojoko.com, an award-winning comparison platform that helps Brits find safe online casinos.
With extensive experience in the online gaming industry, Ødegården offers expert advice on choosing secure casinos, managing finances, and navigating the various features that online platforms offer. This interview delves into the key strategies players should adopt to gamble responsibly and securely.
“The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license is your first line of defence,” Ødegården explains.
“If the UKGC licenses a casino, you can be assured that it operates under strict rules designed to protect players. These rules cover everything from fair play and transparent operations to the security of your funds and personal information. It also means that you have a direct recourse in Britain if something goes wrong.”
He strongly advises players to avoid any casino that doesn’t prominently display its UKGC license number on its website.
“If you can’t find clear evidence of a UKGC license, walk away. Unlicensed casinos operate outside the law and are far more likely to scam players.”
“If a casino isn’t licensed, there’s no guarantee that it will play by the rules. You could be at risk of unfair games, losing your deposits, or even having your personal details compromised,” Ødegården warns.
Another potential pitfall Ødegården warns about is the lure of overly generous bonuses.
“Scam casinos often use too-good-to-be-true offers to attract players. While bonuses can be a great way to enhance your gaming experience, always read the terms and conditions carefully. If the wagering requirements are ridiculously high or the terms are unclear, it’s best to avoid that casino.”
Ødegården notes that UKGC-licensed brands must adhere to Britain’s advertising standards, which means that misleading advertising will often be punished with very hefty fines. According to him, this is another reason to choose licensed casinos, as even unlicensed casinos that don’t rig their games or directly scam you can still fool you with unclear terms and conditions.
Beyond licensing, Ødegården also stresses that a reliable casino should offer strong customer support. “Good customer support is a sign of a trustworthy casino. If something goes wrong, you want to know that there’s someone you can contact at any time,” Ødegården says. He recommends testing the support services before depositing any money to ensure they are responsive and helpful.
Ødegården also emphasises the importance of reading expert and user reviews before signing up.
“Expert reviews provide a detailed analysis based on our testing criteria, but user reviews offer real-life insights into the casino’s operations. By combining both, players can make an informed decision and choose the best possible UKGC-licensed casino that suits their needs.”
“At Bojoko, we don’t just list any casino—we meticulously test each one,” Ødegården explains.
“Our experts sign up, deposit, play, and withdraw funds to ensure the casino delivers on its promises. This process follows a strict, unbiased set of criteria to evaluate everything from security measures to customer service.”
Article written by Jennifer Carter.
