eCOGRA aims at maintaining reputable standards in all aspects of online gaming. Along with online casino quality certification, eCOGRA also offers advisory, data analysis and mediation services. The dispute resolution service offered by the company aims to help players and casinos resolve disputes. The player is entitled to use this service at no additional cost. It is in the interest of eCOGRA to offer this service,becauseits reputation as a casino-regulating body is on the line. The company has even launched an educational campaign aimed at promoting responsible gambling, and highlighting the advantages of playing on eCOGRA-certified sites. Please visit which slot machines pay the best.
So, what are the various models of eCOGRA certification, and what do they mean?
• ‘Safe and Fair Seal’:this one is aimed at casinos. It’s awarded for compliance with Generally Accepted practice (eGAP) standards. It covers player protection, responsible operator behaviour, and fair gaming. There is an annual assessment of applicants by auditors following which applicant s have to be approved by eCOGRA’s independent directors.
• ‘Certified Software Seal’: awarded to casino software suppliers who are able to demonstrate compliance with the applicable eGAPstandards . The assessment focuses on internal controls governing the development environment, ensuring that the software is written, operated and maintained fairly.
• ‘Affiliate Trust Seal’: This seal was introduced for affiliate programmes and awarded to programs that have been reviewed for compliance with business-oriented eGAP standards.
The company had even launched an intensive PR campaign aimed at increasing their direct communication with online gamblers.
Andrew Beveridge, eCOGRA CEO, neatly summarises the desired outcomes of this campaign:“Not only can they play safe in the knowledge that the games are fair, but in the rare case that a dispute might arise, players have a powerful independent intermediary to swiftly resolve their concerns.”