eCOGRA stands for eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. Launched in early 2003, eCOGRA was formed out of a pressing need for the online gambling industry to systemize strict, universal online casino regulation standards and to bring more overall transparency to the online gambling industry as a whole. We are pleased to report that not only has eCOGRA achieved this goal, they continue to help steer the online gambling industry on a expansive path that now includes UK governmental regulation.

Having come a long way since its early beginnings, non-profit eCOGRA is now manned by a board of of four Independent Director's, two Non-executive Directors and a Chief Executive Officer - all of whom have considerable experience in the terrestrial and online gambling sectors. eCOGRA also provides mediation services on behalf of players who have a resolution-pending dispute with an eCOGRA approved online casino. This makes sense considering that eCOGRA's primary mission is to protect players and inform them of their rights and responsibilities.

Awarding the eCOGRA "Play it Safe" Seal of Approval to online casinos is the means by which eCOGRA sets and enforces standards of online gambling regulation. In order to receive the eCOGRA seal, online casinos must meet eCOGRA's Generally Accepted Practices, known as eGAP. All online casinos must first receive a fairness verification, which is essentially contingent on the software platform being used. This is why most online casinos with the eCOGRA seal are powered by Microgaming, which is undoubtedly one of the leading software developers in the areas of security and fairness. However, this does not mean that other software providers are no less safe or fair. All online casinos, no matter the software provider, can apply for an eCOGRA Seal of Approval.

The other primary factors needed to meet the eGAP are in providing player protection and acting as a responsible gaming operation committed to preventing problem gambling. Ongoing compliance must be met on all fronts, including a submission to mandatory monthly payout verifications, which must be published on the website of every eCOGRA approved online casino. Reports are made by performing balance checks and in-depth reviews of bet and payout transaction data that is recorded on dedicated servers. Trend analysis, bet volumes and player account balance movements are analyzed and compared with closing casino balances as part of the independent financial reconciliation which ultimately determines payout percentages.

If all this sounds too complicated to digest, that's probably because it is! Most of us know all too well that we don't have the wherewithal to do these certifications ourselves. That's why there is nothing more reassuring than having a non-profit player advocate such as eCOGRA on your side. Look for the eCOGRA Play it Safe Seal of Approval.

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eCOGRA News and Updates

May 4, 2008 - Growing Interest for Online Gambling Code of Conduct

March 30, 2008 - eCOGRA, GamCare Host Successful Intensive

February 27, 2008 - eCOGRA Releases Online Casino Disputes Report

February 19, 2008 - eCOGRA to Host Responsible Gambling Training