Not everyone has in-depth knowledge of computers, smartphones, and the internet. Perhaps your child or grandchild bought you a laptop or phone, and now you want to have some fun over the internet. While there is no reason why you cannot discover all the perks of social media, video streaming, online games, and online gambling, you could be at risk if you do not take the proper precautions. Between hackers, scams, and other threats, your information and security can be at risk when using the internet for any purpose.
Below are some tips for minimizing your risk while online gambling, even if you are technologically illiterate.
Secure your Device
The first step towards how to play online games safely is to ensure that you are using a secure device. If you share a computer or phone with someone else, you are not using the most secure means to play online casino games. Make sure no one else can use the computer or mobile device you plan to use for online gambling. Then set up an account on that device with a password, ensuring that only you can log in and access all your sensitive information. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection to access the internet, ensure it is a private network that has a password. Anyone who is using a public Wi-Fi network, even at a place of business, coffee shop, hotel, or shared living facility could be at risk. One way of mitigating said risk is to install a virtual private network on top of your regular internet connection. Even if you know little about computers, you can download and install a VPN on your devices to stay safe.
You can install VPNs with a few clicks on any laptop or smartphone. When you install the program, log into the account you set up on the VPN website, and click on the connect button to enable the VPN. That ensures no one can access your internet data, even if they are logged into the same public Wi-Fi network as you.
Use Legitimate Websites
One of the most common mistakes made by people who are computer illiterate is to fall for scams. They see an ad on a search engine that makes a big promise, which lures them onto the disreputable website. They may create an account or add money to that site, which could put their bank account or credit card in jeopardy.
Avoid such a fate by only using legitimate websites for online gambling or sports betting. These sites are easily verifiable by using search engines. You can visit Google.com, search for the site name, and see what pops up.
There are ways you can tell if a website is legitimate, which is very helpful when trying to avoid scams. Authentic sites have reviews, locations, certificates, and other information that provides they are the real deal.
If you want to take an extra step, you can limit yourself to using online casinos that are legal to operate in your state. That means they have a proper license from that state to operate a gambling business.
Set Strong Passwords and Use Two-Factor
Setting strong passwords is a great way to ensure no one else has access to your account at an online casino. Do not use the name of your spouse, child, or pet, as those are very easy for anyone to guess.
Try to create an eight or nine digit password that has numbers, letters, symbols, and both upper and lower case. Such passwords are almost impossible to crack, as the possible combinations are too many, even for a hacking tool.
Aside from a strong password, you should also consider enabling two-factor authorization on your account. That is a method you can use to ensure you receive a notification each time someone tries to sign in to your account.
The authentication can come on your phone or email, depending on your preference. You get a text message, phone call, or email that asks whether you recently attempted to log in, while it also includes a numerical code that you must enter on the website when logging in.
Set Usage Limits
One aspect of online gambling that does not get enough discussion is excessive spending. Whether you are betting online or in-person, people who suffer from addiction may spend more than they can afford.
Take extra precautions if you have such an issue, such as only using a debit card that has a low balance to add money into your online betting accounts. Another option is to have a friend or family member check your bank transactions daily, ensuring you are not spending over your agreed limit at gambling websites.
Take gambling addiction seriously, and make sure you are only adding money to your online casino account that you can afford to lose. Think of betting money as entertainment spending, such as going to the movies or having drinks at a bar.
Stay Safe and Have Fun
Online gambling is one of the most wonderful ways to spend a few hours, especially if you are an avid player. Say you enjoy playing some poker or blackjack — now you can do that on your couch using a phone or laptop.
By following the above-listed precautions, you can enjoy your favorite online casinos games with no fear of your personal details or bank information being compromised.
We have outlined the steps above in a way that makes it easy for anyone to follow, even those who are new to computers and the internet.
