One example of how brazen these
site pirates can be involves the Interactive Gaming Council.
The Interactive Gaming Council, or the IGC, is a not-for-profit
corporation whose primary purpose is "…to provide
information and education regarding the interactive gaming industry."
Although legally impotent to intervene in matters of casino
operations, this group and their members are beyond reproach
and are recognized as a very influential organization - whose
membership costs $10,000 per year in dues. Thus, only sites
who are legitimate can sport (or even afford) their logo. Or
at least that's how it's supposed to be. More than one site
has simply made themselves members by either copying and pasting
their IGC's logo on their site, or stating that there software
has been endorsed by the Council, a function that is not even
performed by the IGC!
Considering the ease with which rogue casinos can steal the
appearance of a legitimate site, to protect themselves, players
must always take a cynical approach to any new site. Assume
that this wonderful looking site is out to scam you, and do
some basic checking before you play. Visit online discussion
groups that involve gambling and find out if anyone has ever
heard of them. Ask the important question: Did you have any
problems with the software? Was there an active support team
employed? Did you get paid? If you have trouble finding your
site in a forum, a quick method to see what, if anything, is
being said about a casino or sportsbook is to enter its name
into a search engine, joined with the word "review."
This will at least pull up any sites that offer at review of
the casino. Beware, however, that site reviews are NOT the final
step in determining if a site is any good. Many portals simply
write good reviews for their advertising sites, or, even more
incredulous, many casinos establish their own portals to promote
their own sites!Next
Good casinos lists
sites that may contain internet gambling related content and / or online
wagering. Sites that offer wagering declare that they are legally licensed
by the country in which their application server originates.Consult your
local authorities prior to registering with any online wagering service.U.S.
Citizens be advised: The use of information on this site in violation of
any federal,state or local laws is prohibited.
