Internet betting can be a fun way to spend your leisure time and maybe even earn some extra cash, but you should never gamble unwisely. As the growth of online betting in India has skyrocketed, you ought to know how to keep yourself safe from malware and hacks.
Let's look at a couple of basic safeguards you can use to make your online gambling safe and enjoyable.
Choose Reputable Betting Platforms
Only bet on respected, established betting sites. Gambling sites are so numerous that it can be too easy to join a platform that gives a nice bonus. But here's the thing: not all online bet sites are created equal. Some are licensed, regulated and transparent, and others are just out to make a quick buck.
Seek out platforms with licenses from trusted gaming authorities. These licenses enforce regulations like fair play and safe transactions. A regulated site also has strict rules in place to ensure you don't lose your information or give someone access to your account. If a website doesn't explicitly show you the license information, don't even bother.
If you're still not convinced, read user reviews as well. You never know when a platform has a low payout percentage or other problems, if you are about to deposit money, you should know.
An easy way to find safe sites is to use a review platform like AskGamblers India. This platform specifically gives in-depth reviews for a wide range of casinos, including popular choices and more niche options. They go over various aspects like payment methods, game selection, and, most importantly, safety. This means you can skip most of the research and just dive right in.
Learn the Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
It is important to stay safe online, but online betting is also going to turn into an issue if your mindset isn't right. Gambling can be fun, but it should not be a burden on your soul and your wallet.
If you find yourself thinking you are too good to lose or chasing your losses to recover money, maybe you should take a break. Most of the decent betting platforms have options to monitor your betting, including, deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusions.
Never forget responsible gambling is no less important than protecting your data. A healthy balance is needed to allow your bets to be fun and not eat up your life.
Secure Your Personal Information
Whenever you are betting online, chances are you'll need to give them your name, email address and method of payment. That's pretty much how all betting sites work, but keeping this data safe is a must to keep your identity safe.
Never share your betting accounts with a weak and personal password. '123456' or "password" isn't going to cut it. Instead, use both upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to help your password be harder to crack. It is a small detail, but having a good password is your biggest protection against being hacked.
Don't divulge private data through email or social media. No reliable betting sites will request private data in these avenues. When you get an unusual request, double-check by calling the platform's support team directly.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is a great added security that can be a game changer. With 2FA enabled, it's not just a matter of your password, you need to be able to log in with a second authentication method, such as a code sent to your phone or email. That way, if someone steals your password, they can't get access to your account without that second verification.
2FA is available at a lot of good betting sites, so take the time to set it up. It's an extra step to go through, but it's worth the extra protection it offers.
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is handy for travelers but an exploitation laboratory for hackers. These networks are often not secure, so your data is easy for hackers to get a hold of while you're connected.
When you bet from public Wi-Fi, you're exposing yourself to a data breach. Avoid using betting sites or transacting via public Wi-Fi if you can help it. Always use a secure private network whenever possible.
If you have to use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect yourself. With a VPN, your data is less visible to third parties, so hackers cannot access it.
Keep Your Eyes Open For Scams and Phishing Attacks
Malicious online sportsbooks and casinos can be dangerous. It is not just emails and websites, it's scam promotions, phishing emails, etc. These are some of the methods that they employ to get your sensitive data or get you to pay.
A scam that often happens is a fake email sent from a bookmaker. They usually send you emails in which they request that you click on a link and submit your login/payment information. That link often redirects to a bogus website designed to get your information.
You should never succumb to these emails, so make sure you check the sender's email address and do not respond to any unsubscribe requests. Don't do anything unless you know it's safe.
Keep Track of Your Transactions
Last but not least, keep track of your betting account and transactions. Keep an eye on account activity so you aren't exposed to unauthorized transactions or your personal data being modified.
This can be tricky with crypto, as crypto can be volatile and difficult to track. However, crypto is an exception, and you may not need to track it since it is pretty much impervious to hacks or fraud. Still, it could be a good idea to keep an eye on it.
Do not be in a situation where you don't know what's going on with a platform, let the platform's support know immediately. The earlier you identify and solve security bugs, the better. There's a lot to be excited about and plenty to be done when it comes to online betting in India, but one must be careful. If you can ensure that the precautions we have mentioned today are taken, you will not get into harm's way, and you will have a safer and more enjoyable betting experience.