One of the best and most important things you can do for yourself as a player is to play only at safe online Poker sites. Doing so ensures you will always enjoy gaming that is fair, the best quality software, and a level of support and protection in the rare occasion that a dispute arises.
Playing your favourite card game should be primarily about having fun. Of course, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the thrill of knowing that a winning hand could win you a real-money payout. This is the sort of experience that licensed and regulated sites offer. Keep reading, and learn how to identify sites you can trust.
The importance of valid Poker online licensing cannot be over-emphasised. If a site does not have a license issued by a competent authority, it is operating illegally, so there is no assurance of fair play, quality, or security.
If you play at an unlicensed site, you are putting yourself at risk of being defrauded, of your personal data being stolen, and of unfair game results. Conversely, sites licensed by authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the government of Curacao, and others can be trusted. When you play at them, you know that the software used is of the highest quality, that any Random Number Generators (RNGs) used to determine game results are tested for fairness, and that your personal details, as well as any deposits or withdrawals you make, are encrypted.
Licensed online Poker sites are regulated by the licensing authority, and, in many cases, are also checked by independent regulatory bodies such as eCOGRA. Regulation is important for several reasons.
One of those reasons is the regular testing of any RNGs used by the software providers. It ensures that the results produced, such as the dealing of virtual cards, is fair and accurate. Another reason regulation is important is because it ensures that the site has the funds to not only cover its operating costs, but also to honour all payouts won by players. Regulators also check that a site has stringent security measures in place, and that customer service is readily available.
Most Poker online is played for real money, which means you will need to sign up for an account, and make deposits and withdrawals. You can use different banking methods to do this, some of which require you to submit sensitive personal details, such as your credit card number.
The last thing you want is for criminals to gain access to your personal or your banking details, which is why you should ensure that the site you choose protects your data. The best way to do this is to check that your preferred site uses the latest 128-bit SSL encryption technology.
Another hallmark of a trustworthy online Poker brand is readily-available customer service. Even though the sites we recommend use top-quality software, glitches can and do happen from time to time.
It may also happen that you have a query regarding your account, made a mistake when using the banking service, or have a question about a bonus or another promotional offer. In such cases, you need to be able to contact support staff quickly and easily. Before signing up at a site, check that customer service is available 24/7, and that you can contact an agent using live chat or email.
Rest assured, the brands recommended by PokerTime.eu are licensed, regulated, encrypted, and powered by some of the finest software providers active in the gaming industry. Use our reviews to find the best Poker online!