Online casinos that carry the eCogra seal of approval have to comply with strict regulations, which benefit you, the player, with one important benefit: FAIR GAMING! They do this by testing the online casinos' gambling software and systems, ensuring they offer complete fairness and player protection.
Player Protection: Ensures gambling companies follow strict standards to safeguard players.
Global Approval: Recognized in 40 jurisdictions across 4 continents.
Industry Innovation: Sets industry benchmarks, including the first mobile gambling product accreditation.
Playing at an eCOGRA-certified casino offers several benefits:
Fair Games
Fairness is key when playing at online casinos with eCOGRA certifications. These casinos are required to deliver an honest gaming experience, ensuring games are as fair as those in reputable brick-and-mortar venues.
Secure Transactions
At eCOGRA-certified casinos, depositing and withdrawing money is safe. Regular assessments ensure secure transactions, giving you peace of mind when playing at trustworthy sites.
Responsible Practices
Online casinos with eCOGRA certification operate responsibly, adhering to rules and providing a safe environment. Their games are tested to meet specific criteria and reflect accurate descriptions.
Free Dispute Service
eCOGRA offers a free, impartial dispute mediation service to certified casinos, handling over 10,000 disputes. Their industry knowledge makes them a credible entity for resolving issues.
What Exactly Does eCOGRA Do?
eCOGRA performs testing and inspection for remote gambling sites, software, and systems. Its operations cover:
Games
Information systems and technical security
Automated Regulator Reporting (SAFE)
Return to Player
Random Number Generators
Live dealer studios
Platforms
The organization’s processes differ depending on the task involved. Let’s examine each area more closely.
Games
When testing games available at online casinos, eCOGRA evaluates functionality, integration, performance, and other critical elements. The goal is to ensure that games meet the required technical standards and provide players with the experience they expect based on the game description.
Information Systems and Technical Security
eCOGRA conducts extensive information system security audits to ensure compliance with regulations across various jurisdictions. This includes testing and certifying systems, as well as performing tailored penetration and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses in the system.
Automated Regulator Reporting (SAFE)
eCOGRA assists operators in complying with regulatory requirements by assessing the automated processes involved in regulatory reporting.
Return to Player (RTP)
Ensuring fairness is a priority for eCOGRA. They measure the RTP of all games by analyzing game data and logs. Their models identify any unfair prize distributions, helping providers and operators meet regulatory standards.
Random Number Generators (RNG)
Random Number Generators (RNGs) ensure the fairness and randomness of online gambling. eCOGRA utilizes an advanced RNG testing method, approved by major regulators, to ensure that the randomness of online games matches that of physical casino games.
Live Dealer Studios
eCOGRA is a pioneer in testing live dealer games. Their testing process covers physical security, training resources, game results, logs, and the technologies involved in delivering live games. This ensures a fair and high-quality live gaming experience.
Gambling Platforms
eCOGRA customizes its testing approach for different clients, auditing gambling platforms to identify compliance risks and performance issues, ensuring that platforms operate smoothly and securely.
How Do Casinos Receive the eCOGRA Seal of Approval?
Casinos must meet specific criteria to receive eCOGRA’s seal of approval:
Encourage Responsible Gambling
Casinos must promote responsible gambling and collaborate with players, employees, and stakeholders to address problem gambling issues.
Prevent Underage Gambling
Casinos are required to implement measures to prevent underage gambling, ensuring that only legally eligible individuals participate in gaming activities.
Take Security Seriously
Rigorous security measures and supervision must be in place to prevent fraudulent activities and protect the integrity of the casino's operations.
Protect Player Privacy
eCOGRA-certified casinos must safeguard player privacy, ensuring that personal information remains confidential and secure.
Reliable Payment Processing
Casinos must provide quick and secure payment processing for deposits and withdrawals, ensuring smooth and reliable financial transactions.
Ensure Independent Testing
All gambling products should be independently tested regularly to verify fair operation, ensuring that games adhere to strict standards of fairness.
Responsible Marketing
Casino marketing must be balanced and adhere to advertising regulations, ensuring that promotions and offers are clear and not misleading.
Strong Player Experience and Support
For eCOGRA certification, a casino must provide an enjoyable gambling experience along with 24/7 player support through various channels such as email and live chat.
It’s not enough for a casino to comply with these requirements and then take a more lax approach once they receive their eCOGRA certification. They must take the organization’s seal of approval seriously to maintain it. eCOGRA conducts rigorous monitoring and annual assessments to ensure continuous compliance.
What is eCOGRA?
eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) is a leading testing agency based in the UK that specializes in online gambling software and systems. It was founded in 2003.
eCOGRA's aim has always been to monitor remote gambling companies and protect players. It arose from a general industry requirement for a best practice framework to ensure that remote gambling businesses had clear operating standards to follow. The organization provides independent testing, inspection, and certification services.
eCOGRA received jurisdictional approval in various territories, including Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, during its first few years. Today, that list has expanded considerably—eCOGRA now holds 40 jurisdictions across four continents.
eCOGRA has innovated in various ways, such as awarding the industry’s first accreditation to a provider of mobile gambling products (Spin3). As a result of its continued expansion and industry recognition, eCOGRA’s eGAP requirements consistently adjust to industry changes (e.g. advancing technology and new trends).
In 2017, eCOGRA became the first independent testing agency for online gambling to receive ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 certification from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). That allows the organization to provide operators with ISO/IEC 27001 certifications.
As eCOGRA proudly states on its website, independence and integrity are crucial to its operations. It has implemented strict internal policies to maintain impartiality and prevent external factors affecting the organization’s transparency. For eCOGRA, maintaining the trust of companies, players, and regulatory bodies (e.g. the UK Gambling Commission) is critical.
Types of eCOGRA Certifications
eCOGRA provides the following certification types:
eGAP Safe and Fair Seal
eGAP Safe and Fair Seal
Online casinos can display eCOGRA’s Generally Accepted Practice (eGAP) Safe and Fair seal to earn trust and credibility with players. The seal indicates that a casino operates safely, that money transactions are secure, and that its games provide a fair player experience. It also shows that continuous monitoring is in place to maintain a high standard of service.
Casinos that are eGAP certified can expect several benefits. These include an optional Return to Player (RTP) percentage report across on-site games each month and bi-annual reports on Random Number Generators (RNGs).
Additionally, complimentary access is always available to players visiting casinos bearing the eGAP seal to eCOGRA’s dispute mediation service.
Affiliate Trust Seal
The Affiliate Trust Seal demonstrates that an organization's affiliate programs allow responsible treatment of all members.
Certified Live Dealer Seal
The Certified Live Dealer seal shows that a live game operates by the eGAP requirements and provides a safer, fair experience.
eCOGRA Certification for Online Gambling Games (eCOGRA Certified Software Seal)
eCOGRA Certified Software Seal
eCOGRA provides inspecting and testing of online casino games to ensure they comply with all jurisdictional requirements. The following standards perform testing:
ISO/IEC 17025:2017
ISO/IEC 17020:2012
ISO/IEC 17065:2012
eCOGRA tests and inspects slots, table games, and other games commonly found at online casinos. It also tests other remote gambling products, such as Random Number Generators, reporting systems, ISMS platforms, etc.
The eCOGRA Certified Software seal demonstrates that the products created by a company are fair and secure. Yearly assessments are required to ensure a software provider continues to abide by the relevant regulations. Failure to pass these assessments can lead to the certificate’s withdrawal.
ISO 27001 Accreditation
ISO 27001 Accreditation
ISO/IEC 27001 is a key standard for information security management worldwide, enabling companies to identify and address risks. eCOGRA is the first testing agency specializing in remote gambling to receive ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 accreditation. As a result, it can perform ISO/IEC 27001 audits for organizations and provide certifications for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
When online casinos have this eCOGRA certification, their players can feel reassured that all sensitive data is safe and processed according to the official standard. Organizations also have better protection against information security threats that could disrupt their operations, lose player trust, and lead to costly downtime.
What Does eCOGRA Not Test?
eCOGRA does essential work within the iGaming industry, helping companies and players with its dedicated services. But while it promotes fair, honest, safe online gambling, eCOGRA can’t test every element of an online casino.
Specific components of a gambling site and the quality of experience it delivers may not be addressed. These include:
Appearance: A casino’s general design may not be aesthetically pleasing, which can negatively impact a player’s experience.
Navigation: A high-quality casino should be easy to navigate on a desktop and mobile device. If it’s not, it can be clunky and frustrating to use.
Game selection: eCOGRA does not concern itself with the variety and quality of games on offer. The organization tests to ensure games are fair, operate as technically required, and align with how they’re described to players. However, if a casino offers a small selection of slots that don’t match a player’s tastes, that could still affect their overall experience.
As a player, it’s essential to remember that eCOGRA focuses on an online casino's most critical core components. It aims to protect players and encourage companies to provide a fair, reliable experience.
Although casinos may not look as slick as others, they may still have the eCOGRA seal of approval because they meet their stringent requirements.
Alternatives to eCOGRA Casinos
eCOGRA isn’t the only testing agency working with companies in the iGaming industry. Several other organizations offer services to assess and certify casinos. If you see their seal of approval at a gambling site, that indicates that it has been audited and should provide a high-quality experience.
Alternatives to eCOGRA include:
iTechLabs
iTechLabs offers compliance and QA testing, covering games, RNGs, RTP, integration, and sports betting, as well as performance, security, and functionality testing.
BMM Testlabs
With over 40 years of experience, BMM Testlabs provides iGaming testing in two stages: pre-compliance before a casino goes live and ongoing audits during live operations.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
GLI, established in 1989, offers certification services in many areas, including RTP analysis, RNGs, sports betting, and live dealer gaming across hundreds of jurisdictions.
Quinel
Quinel provides testing services for online gambling, including platforms, games, RNGs, live dealer studios, and security assessments to ensure a safe gaming environment.
Trisigma
Launched in 2010, Trisigma offers diverse services, including statistical testing, RTP analysis, and penetration testing, covering online casinos, lotteries, and physical venues.
Gaming Associates
Gaming Associates provides testing and inspection services, including games certification, platform testing, integration testing, live gaming testing, and RNG testing for gambling companies.
Contact eCOGRA
eCOGRA has four locations:
London, England
Msida, Malta
Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
Dublin, Republic of Ireland
eCOGRA offers multiple contact methods for various needs. Players and casino operators can reach out to the organization via email: info@ecogra.org
However, if you want to contact eCOGRA about a dispute, you can use the eCOGRA Dispute Form on the organization’s website. This includes information on determining if you have a valid claim and the nature of the issue.
How to Use eCOGRA’s Services
Suppose you want to use eCORGA’s services, whether as a player or casino operator, you can contact the organization through its website. You may wish to file a dispute claim, verify a casino’s certification, or contact the team to discuss services.
Here’s a simple guide to achieving each goal.
Filing a Dispute Claim
To make use of eCOGRA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution service, go to either of the following pages on its website: Alternative Dispute Resolution and Contact Us
Scroll down to the eCOGRA Dispute Form section.
Please check the three statements under “Do I have a valid claim?” to ensure you’re eligible to use the service. If so, click on the relevant option, then “Next Step.”
You will be asked if you have completed the site’s internal complaints procedure. Select “No” or “Yes.”
If you answered “Yes,” you can move on to step 3. Under “Does my dispute relate to a transaction or misleading clause in the terms and conditions?”, choose the statement that applies to your case.
The final step in the Dispute Form is the contact form. Submit the details requested (e.g. “Title,” “First Name”), then check the box at the end to confirm that you agree to eCOGRA’s policies, procedures, and privacy policy. There is another box that confirms your agreement to let eCOGRA share your information with the operator in question as part of the investigation. If you agree to that, click “Submit”.
Verifying Certifications
If you want to verify an ISO 27001-certified client, you can do so on eCOGRA’s website. Here’s how:
Scroll down the Contact Us page to the “Verify an ISO 27001 Certified Client” section.
Enter the client name or certificate number in the search bar. It also accepts the first few letters or numbers of either search term.
If the client, certificate number, and certificate are available, it will be displayed for you.
Enquire About Professional Services
Companies ready to discuss eCOGRA’s services can use the contact form on the website's Services page. The form is short and straightforward to fill out:
Enter first and last name
Enter email
Enter company name
Include a message describing your needs and what help you need from eCOGRA
Gayle Mitchell is the leading female expert on casino gambling and has written extensively, presented seminars and was editor of four gaming newsletters. She is the author of seven books, 12 Ebooks, and five Tips booklets. Online since 1999, Mitchell has owned and operated 4 gaming websites. Her writing and teaching style is targeted at educating novice and passionate casino players.
