2021 is shaping up to be a busy year for the Malta Gaming Authority. Online gambling is growing rapidly throughout Europe and a significant percentage of the newcomers will acquire their licenses in Malta.
The MGA is arguably the most respected iGaming regulator outside of the UK according to experts, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise most people expect MGA casinos to hold high safety standards. But just how safe are casinos licensed in Malta? How do they take care of users’ data and funds? Take a look below.
Secured with SSL and Login Scripts
Website security through Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is no longer a choice for online casinos in Malta. It’s a compulsory requirement to acquire a licensed from the MGA. SSL encrypts your data to protect it from hackers or anyone else who could intercept it.
If you’re ever in doubt, you can verify whether a casino uses SSL encryption by checking its website address bar. A secure website features a locked padlock sign and its address starts with “HTTPS” and not “HTTP.” Some browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox alert you before visiting an unsecure site. So, you don’t have to worry about visiting an unsafe casino by mistake.
That said, securing a casino takes more than encrypting user data. This is why every casino in Malta provides new customers with login details. The best casinos support 2-factor authentication, a security feature that involves using an authentication code plus your password to access your account.
Centered on Transparency
Transparency is a major selling-point for MGA casinos. Far too many casinos deny players their right to transparency during data collection, game fairness, bonuses and payouts. In many cases, operators with little transparency tend to provide quality services.
The best Malta casinos provide as much information about how they operate as possible. For example, not only do they give out generous bonuses, but they also reveal their data policies beforehand. The same applies to data collection.
By law, MGA casinos must ask for your consent and inform you on how they plan to use your data. It doesn’t matter where you live: Maltese casinos work transparently in every country where they operate. Of course, the degree of transparency varies by operator, which is why it’s still essential to perform due diligence before joining a casino.
Safe, Fast Banking
Stress-free banking is one of the true measures of a safe casino according to experts. Everyone wants to add funds to their accounts quickly. They want to enjoy their favorite games and withdraw any profits they make without taking too much time.
Every MGA casino is allowed to decide on supported payment methods, currencies, limits and fees. The banking choices must be safe and trustworthy, though. This way, players aren’t exposed to rogue e-wallets or crypto payment providers out to defraud them.
A huge portion of gamblers choose casinos based on their supported payment methods, currencies and limits, after all. This makes a lot of sense. To compete to be the best Finnish online casino has to support the Euro and popular banking choices like Trustly, Visa and MasterCard. By comparison, the best casino in Canada features the Canadian currencies and local banking choices like iDebit.
Still on payments, a fast withdrawal process is another crucial determine of safe casinos. For some reason, not every operator is quick to process payouts. They take days or weeks dilly-dallying to the point where players give up and gamble away or the money in their accounts.
Fair Games and Software Providers
Like every other trusted gambling regulator, the Malta Gaming Authority plays a role in determining where its licensed casinos acquire their games. Not every software provider is welcome to offer games to MGA casinos, especially if the company has a history of rigging games.
Instead, the MGA encourages casinos to work with the most renowned developers: NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft and Evolution, to name a few. The developers create dozens of games every year. What’s more, they have extensive catalogs of high-quality fair games.
To expound more, the best developers don’t just create fair games. They also provide players with a decent chance of winning. This means they have games with high payouts. On the flip side, they create enjoyable games, whether this means 3D graphics, bonus features or progressive jackpots.
Mobile Security
With the mobile gaming increasing in popularity by the day, the best MGA casinos have already invested in mobile security. Cyberattacks targeting mobile device owners have been growing rapidly since last year according to the Guardian.
As a response, mobile casinos in Malta now use the same security techniques used to secure desktop-based casinos. This means SSL encryption, 2-FA, anti DDoS and anti-malware protection. For native apps, operators hire professionals to design high-quality, secure apps.
Crucially, these apps and websites are managed round the clock. The best casinos don’t secure their sites once and abandon them. They are ever on the lookout for security trends, all the same fixing vulnerabilities before an attack happens.
Vitally, the best MGA casinos provide security whether you use an android or iOS device. And it doesn’t matter whether you select a native app or mobile website.
Reliable Customer Service
Although underrated as a safety measure, customer service is one of the most important mark of a safe online casino. Reliable customer service provides assurance to customers. It also helps them resolve common issues, some which could lead to the loss of their data and money.
In Malta, many casinos provide customer service through multiple channels. There’s live chatting. Then there’s email support. You can also find answers to troubling questions in a webpage dedicated to answering Frequently Asked Questions.
Most casinos provide support through live chatbots. They are the most preferred contact channels by players. That’s because live chatting provides immediate feedback. By comparison, all other alternatives involve delays of up to a week.
Not every casino provides reliable customer service, though. Only the best providers invest in good customer service. In many cases, these operators also lead in security and are generally top-rated.