Keeping on Top of your Security when Playing Video Poker Online

Poker is one of the most popular casino games in the world. The fact that there are like ten versions of the game has something to do with it. You can play the game at home with friends or take a trip to Las Vegas for the ultimate fun. Alternatively, you can hop on the Internet and play online video poker like most people do.

Almost every version of video poker can be played online, some which don’t require money to play. The only problem is that online poker isn’t immune to the security problems that face every gamer. So, before you join a casino site to play the game, use these tips to stay secured.

Install a Good Antivirus Program

Having a good antivirus program is no longer an option. It’s a requirement and a golden rule if you play any kinds of online games. Both Windows and Apple’s Mac computers have internal security systems against the most popular kinds of security risks. But for better protection, find a paid antivirus program.

The best programs protect your devices both when playing online and when using your computer offline. They are not limited to offering one kind of protection. While playing video poker online, the programs protect you from spyware and adware that may attempt to lead you to fake websites.

Good anti viruses also protect you against hackers or any form of malware meant to hijack your poker account and demand ransom from you. They are also not expensive even when they offer licenses for more than one device. To get the best deal, try different programs if they have trial versions and subscribe to long-term plans. You’ll save more.

Choose your Poker Sites Wisely

Not every video poker app or website is worth joining. Some are after your financial details, money or both. Even worse, they could be malware sites used by hackers to help get access to your computer.

While it was difficult to differentiate safe from unsafe poker sites sometimes ago, it has never been easier. When playing on a website, check if it has SSL encryption. This is symbolized by the HTTPS label on its domain name. If the site begins with HTTP without an ‘S,’ it’s not secure. If you love apps, only download your apps on official play stores.

Another way to avoid security issues when playing poker games is to find the eCOGRA logo. If you visit any casino site, the bottom page usually lists the casino’s payment methods and partners. eCOGRA is an independent organization that investigates casinos to confirm whether they adhere to standard security protocols.

Fortunately, you don’t have to check the eCOGRA seal on every site. SafeCasinos.org.uk finds safe sites you can use to play video poker online and publishes them weekly. The records are updated regularly to ensure that every site published is legal and secure.

Check whether games are Provably Fair

Many casino sites with the eCOGRA seal also tend to use provably fair video poker games. The word ‘provably’ is important because any website could simply say their games are fair. eCOGRA and a few other companies test games from top casino sites independently to review their RNGs.

RNG refers to the random number generator algorithm that determines who wins each round of a game. Unfair RNG machines favor the house more than they should. While a fair video poker game should have a payout rate of above 97%, unfair games have much lower payout rates.

If you are not certain whether a website’s games are fair, check reviews of the company online. People who’ve played the game before have no reasons to lie about it. If winning is difficult and the game seems to be unfair, there will usually be all sorts of complaints from fans.

Another alternative is to use provably fair bitcoin casinos. If anything, the concept of playing on provably fair games started with bitcoin casinos. Using technologies like the blockchain and smart contracts, these casinos let computer programs that can’t be altered to determine winners. This makes them more secure and harder to manipulate.

Set Passwords and 2FA Protection

One of the biggest security vulnerabilities for online poker players isn’t caused by casino sites. It’s a result of players failing to secure their accounts with strong passwords. Some players even reveal their passwords to friends who could betray them.

When playing online, your passwords should be your secret. They should also be strong and hard to guess for everyone. On top of that, you should use security solutions that help prevent password attacks by key loggers.

Key loggers use special apps to record the letters and words you use to access casino sites. Hackers can then use these keystrokes to access your account. Some casino sites also support RSA protection to help avoid attacks on your accounts as you use them.

Use a VPN to play anonymously

Virtual Private Networks have been helping casino gamers play securely for years. So, your government doesn’t support online video poker? Let a VPN hide your IP address. You are tired of poker sites always targeting you with ads? A VPN will solve the problem.

Even better, VPNs act as security solutions against malware and other forms of online threats. They hide your computer’s address and encrypt your Internet traffic in a way that no one can tell. As such, no one except for the casino knows that you play on that site.

Although VPNs may not protect you from a rogue casino; they can protect you against hackers, malware and other vulnerabilities. If you love to keep your gaming habits as a secret, VPNs are your best solutions.  Like antiviruses, the best VPNs offer their services at a cost. A good VPN costs between $50 and $15 per month and may offer a lot more than online privacy.

To Conclude

Playing video poker online is great but it comes with the risk of security vulnerabilities. Someone can hack your account. Your country’s government could catch up with you if it has banned gaming or you could be bombarded with malware and adware whenever you play. To stay safe from all these things, use the tips recommended above.