Information privacy in online casinos

How can online operators protect their customers’ private details from prying eyes? This area is connected to the need of keeping safe players’ private details from unauthorized access that may occur due to illegal online criminal attacks.

By introducing several strong policies to control access to important private data, starting with gamblers’ names, their addresses and phone numbers, operators make sure information privacy is respected and they are in line with most regulators’ requirements.

Providing personal information is often a requirement to access online gaming services. Usually in order to create an online account, gaming companies require a user’s name, mailing address, email address and date of birth. Companies will often collect some geographical information for the purpose of finding the nearest gamers online to play with and to find the closest gaming server.

For online gambling games, gamers are also asked to confirm that they are aged at least 18 or older in jurisdictions in which the minimum age for gambling is 18. However, in order for individuals to wager actual money, gamers need to make a deposit and provide financial information to arrange for payment.

When you register for an online gaming service or with a networked console for the first time, you will usually establish a profile of some kind. There is usually an online interface or form that will allow you to set some personal preferences for the particular game system you are about to use. Privacy settings are usually presented at this stage.

The privacy policy is generally provided for review on screen or as a hyperlink to follow. The other point at which you may decide to review the privacy policy is when you set-up features for a console or device to connect with a wireless network.

Privacy policy information can be very helpful for finding out what information is gathered through the game console, where that information goes, how it gets used and who to complain to if there is a problem or to ask if there is a question.

How can I safeguard my profile?

Given that personal information or financial details may be part of many gaming profiles, it is best to use:

strong passwords;
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), a web application option which will encrypt personal information and in-game communications (where the option is provided);
restrictive privacy settings, and
minimal personal information of a sensitive nature (for example, avoid sharing personal information like your home address, and school or work-related details).

If permitted in a game’s terms of service, you may also wish to adopt a pseudonym or nickname.

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