Introducing eCOGRA
e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance ("eCOGRA") aims
to protect and provide reassurance to online players by confirming that
gaming at eCOGRA-approved online casinos is fair, winners are paid promptly and
treated with honesty, and the operators are ethical. Gamblers can have
peace of mind knowing that they can trust any online gaming website displaying
the eCOGRA seal of approval. The eCOGRA service was introduced by
international accounting firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).
eCOGRA's Mission
eCOGRA is an independent body whose mission is to
"provide valuable player protection to consumers by confirming that gaming
operators are trustworthy, games are run fairly, players' deposits are safe and
winnings are paid promptly."
Supplier Membership
Membership of eCOGRA is by application. Suppliers of
online gaming software who share the ideal of fair and responsible online
gambling may be granted membership.
Operator Endorsement
There are a few requirements that an operator must fulfil to
qualify for the eCOGRA seal. Firstly, an online gaming operator must
hold a software license from an eCOGRA member. Secondly, the operator must
satisfy eCOGRA that the online casino operations have been and will continue to
be undertaken in a highly reputable way. And finally, the operator my
demonstrably comply with eCOGRA's Generally Accepted Practices ("eGap").
"eGAP" outlines an all-encompassing list of suggested practices and
minimum requirements in regard to player protection, responsible conduct by the
operato and fair gaming. That only the independent directors of eCOGRA may
decide if an operator meets the requirements for the seal is stipulated in the
eCOGRA constitution.
Only those online casinos whose operators have been approved
by eCOGRA, have the right to display the eCOGRA seal of approval.
eCOGRA's Seal Practices and Objectives
The integrity of the eCOGRA seal relies on two key
considerations:
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Firstly, the extent to which software suppliers and
operators live up to the eCOGRA requirements; and
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Secondly, the effectiveness of the Audit procedures
ensuring that these requirements are complied with.
The list below offers a few examples of online casinos that
carry the eCOGRA seal:
For more information visit http://www.ecogra.com.
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