Are you looking for the best online casino in Belgium for you to play at? You have plenty of choice, as our country has nine legal online casinos. However, you may also come across a less reliable or even illegal gambling site. How can you avoid this and choose an online casino where you can play safely? Read about the most important requirements here.
Is the online casino you want to play at legal?
One of the first things that makes a casino reliable is having an official licence. In Belgium, the Gaming Commission oversees the gambling market. Online casinos may only operate legally if they meet the legal requirements.
A licence means that a casino must comply with certain rules. The Gaming Commission checks a casino when it applies for a licence. Even after the licence has been granted, the casino must continue to meet the requirements.
You can therefore check the casino’s website to see which licence it holds and which company operates it. In Belgium, you can also check whether the operator appears on the Gaming Commission’s list of licensed gambling operators, which you can find online.
Are the games fair?
The outcomes of slots and other digital casino games are generated using a Random Number Generator (RNG). This software determines the outcome of, for example, a slot, roulette wheel or other digital casino game at random.
Each round stands on its own. Since the numbers are generated completely at random and are each linked to a different type of outcome, you can never predict what will happen in the next round. You can check whether a casino uses an RNG by looking at the game information or rules. You can also check whether the games have been tested and certified by an independent organisation.
Are the games tested?
Reliable online casinos have their games and RNG systems tested by independent testing laboratories. Examples include eCOGRA, iTech Labs and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).
These laboratories check, among other things, whether game outcomes are determined randomly and whether the game works according to the stated rules and payouts.
They may also check the Return to Player percentage, or RTP. The RTP indicates how much of the money wagered a game pays back on average over the long term. It is therefore not a guarantee that you will get a certain amount back as an individual player.
Are provably fair casinos more reliable?
Provably fair casinos have become increasingly popular in recent years. At a provably fair casino, you can check for yourself whether a game’s outcome was generated fairly. You do need a little technical know-how to do this.
At a provably fair casino, you can check for yourself whether a game’s outcome was generated fairly. This does require a certain level of technical know-how. If you have the technical expertise, you can compare the code of the predetermined data with the final game outcome. This allows you to verify that the result was fixed in advance and that the casino did not alter it during the round.
This transparency does not necessarily mean that a provably fair casino is more reliable than a casino with an official licence. A licence covers much more than just game outcomes, including player protection, payments and compliance with the law.
How safe are my personal details?
When you use an online casino, you provide personal information. This includes your name, date of birth and address, as well as documents to verify your identity in some cases.
That is why data security is an important part of a reliable casino. Websites use technologies such as TLS encryption to protect data while it is being transmitted. This means that data is encrypted when it is sent between your device and the casino’s servers.
A casino must also comply with the applicable privacy laws. In Europe, the processing of personal data is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The casino’s privacy policy will usually explain which data is collected, why it is collected and how long it is stored.
Can I safely deposit and withdraw money?
A reliable casino clearly explains which payment methods are available and which conditions apply to deposits and withdrawals.
In Belgium, you may come across payment methods such as Bancontact and Payconiq. Before depositing money, always check the minimum and maximum amounts and see whether any transaction fees apply.
There are often conditions for withdrawing your winnings as well. For example, a casino may require you to verify your identity before processing a withdrawal.
Does the casino offer tools to prevent problem gambling?
A legal online casino must take measures to protect players. An important example is deposit limits. These allow you to set a maximum amount that you can deposit in advance. There may also be options to limit your playing time or temporarily close your account.
In Belgium, the Gaming Commission can exclude a person from participating in gambling. Such a player is then placed on a list called EPIS. Licensed operators must check whether you are registered in this system before allowing you to access a casino.
A casino may also provide information about responsible gambling and ways to seek help if gambling no longer feels like a form of entertainment.
Frequently asked questions about the reliability of online casinos
How do I know if an online casino game is fair?
Check whether the game uses a reliable RNG and has been independently tested. The RTP and game rules should also be clearly stated.
What should I look out for in an online casino’s terms and conditions?
Check the wagering requirements, deposit and withdrawal limits, bonus terms and rules for closing your account, among other things.
Why do I need to verify my identity?
A casino needs to know who its players are. A KYC check helps prevent identity fraud, money laundering and participation by minors, among other things.
Do some online casinos pay out more than others?
Not when it comes to the casino itself. The payout mainly depends on the game and its RTP. Sometimes, a casino may offer a different version of a particular game with a higher or lower RTP than the version offered at another casino. You can check this in advance.
Does a high RTP give me a better chance of winning?
No. The RTP is a long-term average and does not indicate how much you will win or lose during an individual playing session. Each game round has its own outcome.