eCOGRA - The Online Casinos Watchdog

Introduction

eCOGRA is an independent online casino watchdog body that was set up with the aim of protecting players at online casinos and to ensure that online casinos are both properly and transparently monitored.

eCOGRA is a non-profit, non-partisan body with a full time staff in London, England. Founded by major online software and casino operator groups in 2002, the organization spent some time researching the concept of regulation with experts throughout the world before formulating a practical set of requirements essential to fair and efficient gambling operations, together with an independent inspection and monitoring system for enforcement.

Their Mission Statement

The objective of eCOGRA is to be an independent entity that provides important player protections to consumers, including that operators are honest, games are fair, monetary deposits are safe and winning bets are paid in a timely manner.

eCOGRA is open for application for membership by online gaming software suppliers who share the vision of fair and responsible online gaming. The eCOGRA Board will limit membership to those suppliers that are accepted by the Board as having the highest level of integrity, are able to comply with eCOGRA's Generally Accepted Practices and whom the Audit Panel approves.

The Players Seal of Approval

Approved casinos are identified by a Seal, and commit to a set of professional operational practices which are independently enforced through inspection and monitoring by major international business groups.

The eCOGRA Seal is essentially a guide to players that here is a casino site that is prepared to go the extra mile for their protection and enjoyment in a largely unregulated industry, regardless of geographical location or licensing.

The Primary Objective

The primary objective of eCOGRA is to provide player protection, by providing comfort to the player that the games are fair, the player will be paid timeously and treated fairly, and that the operators will behave responsibly. Players will be assured of this when they transact with online gaming sites displaying the eCOGRA Seal of Approval.

Dispute Mediation

eCOGRA is happy to offer their assistance to players that have a grievance with an eCOGRA approved casino. In order to enlist their help you must agree to a number of basic conditions before they can act. These are straightforward and you can read about them at the eCOGRA Dispute Mediation page

What does it mean for you?

In essence eCOGRA offers you industry recognized safeguards when you play at an online casino which has been approved by them and which carries the eCOGRA Players Seal of Approval.

In addition they constantly monitor the industry for signs of unfair practice.

In Summary

If you're new to playing at online casinos and want to begin by playing at one you know will be safe, then look for ones that are accredited by eCOGRA and you won't go wrong. Just look for the logo in our list of all our top online casinos.

You can visit the eCOGRA website here: www.eCOGRA.org
where you'll find us listed by them in their Reputable Portals page.