Contact eCOGRA
Most people would agree that honesty and fair play are essential to the success of casino gambling of all types and that’s where eCOGRA comes in.
Bluffing and enticing your opponents to make a bad decision is all part of poker. Casino players are willing to take their chances against the odds. But being dishonest and providing false information is a different issue altogether.
eCOGRA Against Dishonesty and False Information
The eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance clearly states its mission: To protect players by addressing the need fair gaming and responsible operator conduct. The organization keeps a close watch on player rights and responsibilities, and reports this information at www.eCOGRA.org. Some key elements of the eCOGRA mission:
- Resolve player/site disputes
- Set standards for online gaming
- Inspect, review and monitor online gaming operations
- Help to improve gaming standards
In addition to working behind the scenes, so to speak, the organization performs a valuable service by alerting players “to the safest casino and poker sites on the internet with the Fair and Safe seal, proudly displayed on the homepage of each certified site.” Players in Web-based poker rooms and casinos can relax a bit more knowing that groups such as this are working with player interests in mind.
eCOGRA: Who Gets In?
This organization has independent directors who are “solely responsible for determining which software developers are admitted as eCOGRA members.” This designation has become a standard in the online-gambling industry, as almost every site now seeks eCOGRA approval and displays the group’s logo.
“The Independent Directors' decision to award the Safe and Fair seal to qualifying casino and poker room operators is based on careful consideration of the findings of the eCOGRA Compliance and Advisory Services’ assessment of the operator's compliance with eCOGRA's Generally Accepted Practices.”
Key to the organization’s success is its focus on complementing the efforts of federal, state and local governments. In fact, the organization makes a point of not trying to affect or change the “rights and operations” of these jurisdictions.
The eCOGRA Web site offers an easy-to-use menu that will take players to a list of “approved” sites and directions for starting the mediation process. Interesting visitors may also see information on the “Reputable Portal” designation. This should help online gamblers find the “compilation” sites and portals that offer reliable casino reviews and other essential information. The site also makes an effort to keep up with news of the growing online-gambling industry.
